Otter Under Fire

by Dakota Rose Royce

  The house was in a newer subdivision and sat on a quiet street. Halloween decorations were up on a few of the neighborhood windows and doors.

  “That’s right Halloween is almost here,” Otter said. “I want to make sure I go to a Dia de los Muertos celebration before the end of the month.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I find the rituals interesting,”

  “Ah, ok,”

  “And I like to collect the little figures. One of my quirks, I guess.”

  “They are not quirks, they are special features.” Joel said as he parked in front of the house she pointed out.

  Greg’s jaw dropped when he opened his front door.

  “Holy shit, Otter look at you.”

  “It looked worse a few days ago.”

  “I’m sure it did, but I had no idea how bad it was.”

  “Can we come in?” Otter asked.

  “Sure, come right on in. My wife is out shopping for Halloween costumes with the kids. I’m home by myself. Can I offer you a soda or tea or something?”

  “I’ll take a soda,” Otter said. “I find I’m thirsty a lot lately.”

  “Part of the healing process,” Joel said.

  “Oh yes, Greg, this is my friend Joel. He’s driving me around town today.”

  Greg shook hands with Joel and shut the door behind them. He disappeared into the kitchen for a moment and brought out a couple of canned sodas and a glass of ice.

  “Can I get something for you?” He asked Joel.

  “No, I’m good.”

  They settled in the homey living room. Lots of family pictures were on the fireplace mantle and on nearly every table around the room.

  “I wanted to thank you for all your help on this investigation,” Otter said, opening her soda and pouring it over the ice.

  “You’re welcome,” Greg said, “I was happy to help.”

  “So how much did Clark pay you to set me up? Or did he just blackmail you into it?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Greg said, meeting her gaze.

  “Sure you do,” Otter said. “This is me you’re talking to.”

  Greg shook his head and looked away. “You know I didn’t like him at all, don’t you Otter?”

  “He got under people’s skin.”

  “He certainly had that skill. He was such a jerk.”

  “I think Clark knew he was dying and he knew he had very little time left. He also knew his disease was a terrible way to go.”

  “He once told me it would be painful and suffocating,” Greg said. “It’s a horrible way to die.”

  “So what did he give you?”

  “Me? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.” He shook his head and stared at the can of soda in his hand.

  Otter stared at Greg’s profile for a moment. “How are you related to Jeremy Redding?”

  “Who says that I am?”

  “It’s the only thing that makes sense, you had some of the clues and Jeremy had the rest--I think you were in this together.”

  “He’s my nephew,” Greg sighed, “My older brother was friends with Clark when they were in the army.”

  “And Clark promised to take care of Jeremy and see that he got into college.”

  “He promised my brother before he died. Jeremy has nothing else right now. I’m helping mom the best I can, but I have my own family now.”

  “So this begs the question why didn’t you two just solve the puzzle yourselves and leave me out of it?”

  “I don’t know anything about the periodic table,” Greg said in surprise, “All the clues that Clark put together were custom made for you.”

  “And you didn’t tell me any of this because…”

  “Because that’s the way it had to be.”

  Otter felt Joel tense beside her and she patted his hand. “Don’t kill him yet; let him tell us the story.”

  Greg’s eyes rounded in surprise and he simply stared at them for a few minutes.

  “C’mon Greg, tell us the whole thing.” Otter pointed to her black eye, “I think I deserve to know everything after what I’ve been through.”

  “Yeah, I suppose you do,” Greg conceded. “First of all, I’d like to say I didn’t like the idea. I figured we’d be found out and it would all be against the law. I didn’t know how it would be illegal, but anything that Clark dreamed up was usually more trouble than it was worth.”

  “So this was all Clark’s plan?”

  “Yeah, it was. See, Clark’s best friend was my brother Bill. They were in the army together. Actually I think Bill was Clark’s only friend. Clark had a lot of associates but he just had that way about him that made him hard to like, you know?”

  “Yes, I know.”

  “Anyway, Bill’s wife died when Jeremy was a little guy and Bill never remarried. He tried to raise Jeremy the best he could, but he was sick all the time, so my mom took care of Jeremy a lot.”

  “You and Jeremy don’t have the same last name.”

  “Bill and I had different fathers; anyway Clark was a good friend. He took Bill to appointments, took Jeremy on trips with his family and was great to my brother.”

  “But your brother was sick.”

  “Yeah, and one day Clark called us all together about four years ago and promised all of us—Mom, Bill, Jeremy and me—that he would make sure that Jeremy got the chance to go to college. He would take on the financial arrangements to see he got a good start in life.”

  “You had a problem with that?”

  “I didn’t believe him. I figured he was just saying that to make Bill worry less. It was obvious to all of us that once Clark made his promise, Bill was a lot happier. I didn’t want to say anything because I didn’t want him to suffer any more than he was.”

  “That’s a tough situation to be in.”

  “As a show of good faith, Clark told me about a job opening at AzTech when I was in between jobs. I wasn’t crazy about working with him, but it was a great opportunity and it worked out well.”

  “I suppose that’s true.”

  “And then a couple of years ago, Billy passed away.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “He was very sick. So Jeremy went to live with Mom. It was about the time that they found out that Clark had cancer.”

  “Your brother never knew how sick Clark was?”

  Greg shook his head. “No, and you know what’s weird, Mom would get a check once a month from Clark for Jeremy. He was so ill and fighting for his life, yet he still sent a check. I had no idea how he could afford it.”

  “I think I do,” Otter said.

  “Yeah, we know now, but I didn’t know then.”

  “And eventually Clark went into remission,” Otter said, “and wanted to go back to work.”

  “Yes, so I told him that there were positions open at AzTech so he went in to talk to Michael.”

  “And the rest is history. So when did you get embroiled in the plan?”

  “I think it was around May. Clark was told he had maybe three months to live, he wasn’t in remission anymore.”

  “He didn’t tell many people.”

  “No, he decided to use his disease to catch a killer—that’s the way he looked at it. He met with Jeremy and me both--separately and together and laid out the whole scheme. At first neither of us wanted any part of it, but he made it clear that if we didn’t participate, Jeremy’s college fund was forfeit.”

  “Once an asshole, always an asshole,” Otter said.

  “Jeremy didn’t know a lot of it. All he knew was that he had to help you with some clues and give you the box. He didn’t know anything else.”

  “Protected him,” Otter said, “Sure.”

  “So once he made the decision to involve me, Clark told me that he had found an imposter in the shop who might be very dangerous. He was working to get evidence, but he wasn’t sure he would live long enough. He told me that either the cancer would kill him or this traitor would.”

  “Th
at didn’t worry you?”

  “Hell, yes it did, but Clark was sure nobody was in immediate danger but him.”

  “And we all know that Clark was totally clueless about people.”

  “No shit, he had decided that either you or Michael were the only two people who could figure out his clues. He put together a whole mystery for you to solve—custom made for you alone.”

  “And why me particularly?” Otter asked, but she already knew the answer. “It’s because Clark figured I would be next on Mitch’s list once he was dead. Mitch would start worrying that Clark had told people.”

  “Yeah, and neither Jeremy nor I were supposed to tell you anything about the story. We didn’t know who he suspected; we didn’t know the answer to the clues. Clark didn’t think you’d believe us and once you found out he had directed all of this you wouldn’t pursue it any more. We just had to help you out when we could and hope that you were as smart as Clark thought you were.” He paused a moment. “I didn’t have any doubt.”

  “And explains why he had you as mercury on the table. Mercury was the messenger god in mythology.”

  “I didn’t know that.” Greg said.

  “I also think that Clark baited them to murder him.” Otter said.

  “Why would you think that?” Joel asked.

  “Because first of all his death would have been hard and painful,” Otter said, “and secondly I wouldn’t have necessarily gone looking for his traitor if he died of natural causes.” She paused, “He didn’t know they’d stage it like a suicide, he was thinking murder. If he was murdered, then I would know that the mystery was serious and be motivated to figure it out.”

  “He put you in serious danger and left you a game?” Joel said in outrage.

  “I was in serious danger already,” Otter said. “Clark signed my death warrant when he started poking into Mitch’s past. He provoked Mitch on the day he was killed by telling him everything he knew.”

  “Mitch told you that?” Joel asked.

  “Yes, he did. He says he called Victoria to take care of it, but honestly it could have been either one of them.”

  “Clark assured me that you would solve everything quickly and you would be in no danger.” Greg said. “I had to believe him.”

  “Because Jeremy’s future was at stake,” Otter said.

  “Then why didn’t Clark just go to the police with what he knew?” Joel asked.

  “Because it was important that they kill him first,” Otter said. “He was probably already feeling sick, and knew he didn’t have much longer.”

  “He took some serious chances,” Joel said. “Anything could have happened.”

  “But that was Clark,” Otter and Greg said together.

  “He didn’t care about cause and effect. If he had a plan, he would implement it—practical or not.” Otter said.

  “This is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard of.” Joel said.

  “You know, I’ve said that about Clark’s schemes before,” Otter said, “So tell me Greg, was he really blackmailing you for passwords?”

  “Absolutely, but I didn’t give them to him, just like I told you.”

  “In case you’re wondering, I’m seriously pissed about the whole thing,” Otter said as she and Joel got back into the car.

  “You don’t act like it.”

  “I was manipulated by an idiot and my life was nearly forfeit,” Otter said. “Yes, I’m pissed off.”

  “So what are you going to do about it?”

  “As much as I can do legally, and after that we’ll see. I’ll have to testify if there’s a trial, I’m sure.”

  “Yes you will, but what would you like to do right now?”

  “There are probably a bunch of people at my house,” Otter said dreamily, “I’m going to go home and immerse myself in their goodwill.”

  “Sounds nice, am I invited?”

  “If you want to come, of course you are.”

  They all rode by horseback to the top of South Mountain and watched the lunar eclipse as Phoenix glittered at their feet. As the “blood moon” evolved Uncle Leonard passed around high powered binoculars for everyone to get a chance to see it up close, while he took picture after picture.

  The horses belonged to Susan’s dad, Jay; he had a stable at the base of the mountain. The night rides were something Otter liked to do every few months and she took along a bunch of her friends when she could. On that particular night she had Joel, her aunt and uncle, Susan and her husband, Tempest and last but not least the soda delivery guy. He had been changing the tanks when everyone decided to go, and it never hurt to be extra nice to the soda delivery guy.

  When they got back to Otter’s house, Uncle Leonard served up dinner while Aunt Carole fussed over Otter.

  “I never heard of anything so careless!” She fumed as Otter told the story.

  “I knew those spiders would come in handy,” Leonard said proudly.

  “I’m just glad it’s over,” Otter said. “I can go back to not looking over my shoulder every day.”

  “Does that mean you don’t want to solve any more mysteries?” Joel asked innocently.

  “Not like this one. I could go the rest of my life not having to do this again.”

  “But Otter, if you’re involved with me, you’ll probably get involved in mysteries from time to time.”

  They smiled at each other and there was much humming speculation in the room.

  Epilogue

  A black Mercedes sedan pulled up alongside a green plot of land under a mesquite tree. A small gun metal colored sports car parked behind it. A tall figure dressed in a suit and holding flowers got out of the driver’s side of the Mercedes and a smaller figure in a dress, also carrying flowers got out of the passenger side of the sports car. As one, they walked together to a simple marker in the ground.

  “They’re going to dig him up tomorrow,” Michael said. He put his flowers on the marker. “His family is going to give him a proper funeral and a burial in consecrated ground.”

  “Tonya was kind enough to call me yesterday and tell me. She said the family wants to thank us for finding out what really happened.”

  “You still think he provoked them into killing him?”

  “Yes, but we can’t prove it and Mitch will never tell. It doesn’t matter anyway, in the eyes of the law he was murdered.”

  “And in the eyes of his family, he belongs in the family plot.”

  “Schemer to the end,” Otter said.

  “He will always and forever try to get involved where he shouldn’t.”

  “We got them Clark,” Otter addressed the marker. “We figured out your clues and we caught the assholes that killed you.”

  “Rest easy, Clark,” Michael said, he bowed his head in a small silent prayer and made the sign of the cross.

  “I wish you were alive right now, so I could kick your ass, Clark McCartney.” Otter said.

  “Mackenzie,” Michael said in shock, “what are you doing?”

  “Before he goes on to his eternal rest, he needs to know what a pain in the ass he’s been. He almost got me killed and could have ruined your business.”

  Michael sighed, “True enough, but your bruises are healing quite nicely.”

  “If he had gone to you or told one of us, or even gone to the police with what he had suspected, his arrogant superior ass would probably still be alive. I wouldn’t have had to get the bejesus knocked out of me. It’s even possible they would have kept him alive longer than he thought, but instead…”

  “But that was Clark,” Michael said, “And he paid with his life for his arrogance.”

  “Yeah, I know,” Otter said, “But I wanted him to know that I didn’t care for the crap he sent my way. Jerk.”

  “Just think how amused he would be over what happened to Ron Defray,” Michael said with an uncharacteristic twinkle in his eye.

  Otter had to laugh. She put the flowers on his headstone.

  “Rest in peace, Clark,” O
tter said softly, “And don’t overwhelm the Almighty with too many forms.” This got a snort from Michael.

  Jeremy walked up to join them, also carrying a bouquet of flowers. Michael and Otter stood silently as Jeremy put his flowers on the grave and bowed his head.

  “I’m starting college for winter term,” Jeremy said as they walked back to their vehicles. “I’ll be able to go to school on the proceeds from my software.”

  “That’s great news,” Michael said, “I’m glad to know that Clark kept his word to you.”

  “I knew he would,” Jeremy said simply, “And I appreciate everything you did to see it was made right,” he said to Otter. He shook their hands, got into his car and left.

  “I think you’ve convalesced enough,” Michael said, putting on his sun glasses. Behind the darkened windows of the Mercedes, Mackenzie waved to her. “I expect you back at work on Monday. Before he was arrested and his sister tried to kill you, Mitch hired you an assistant.”

  “I’ll bet you don’t get to say that very often.”

  Michael grinned. “I’ll see you on Monday.” He opened his car door, “You did notice that I made your job a management position.”

  “Yeah, I noticed that.” Otter held her breath.

  “But I think I’m going to change that around a bit. I’d like the idea of your position and schedule to be a lot more flexible so you can do special projects as needed. I still want you to be on the management team and continue to coordinate all the departments on the floor.”

  “I hope that solving murders won’t be an official part of my job description.”

  “I’d like to have you doing the scheduling and overseeing the floor the way you were, but you definitely can be quite creative. Hopefully solving a murder won’t come up again, but it’s nice knowing I have someone who can.” He smiled at her again. “You’ll have the authority, but not the terrible hours you had before.” He glanced over at the silver sports car and grinned. “And you deserve a social life.”

  “And Ron Defray will be production manager for a second time?”

  “Yes, and he really will have to work with you. It should be interesting.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Least I could do.” Michael got into his car. “See you Monday.”