"Any messages?"
"From girl. Nina the Greek is calling."
"The geek. She's a geek not a Greek."
"Nina, da. Is wanting to know if you are having laptop for her." Olga waved a pink message slip in the air. "One other calls and hangs up."
"I'll call Nina later. Right now, my sweetness, I have a chore for you."
"As if I am not having enough to do." Olga laughed, throaty and rich.
"I need some information on a Jared Beeton. Anything and everything you can find." I wrote down his name for her. "I'm guessing he lives in Philly."
"It will be done." She turned to her computer and went silent as she got caught up in the search. She was like that, focused like a bird on a worm. Wouldn't come up for air until she was done.
I took refuge in my office to sort things out. There weren't any leading suspects. Suspicious characters, sure. But no one looked like a murderer.
Clifford mentioned that Scanlan worked for Wren at the Archdiocese. Which meant another visit. I wanted to talk with Tony anyway, since I'd seen him with Jared at Bubbles.
I dialed Nina's number first.
"InfoMonkeys," said a voice that could only be Hallie's.
"Hey, Hallie. It's Marco." I waited but there was no reaction. "Nina around?"
"Yeah she's here. But she..."
"I'm returning her call. Can you get her for me?"
There was silence at the other end, then a rustling, and I heard someone mumbling as the phone was picked up again.
"Marco! Hey. Got that laptop? I kinda need it, if you want more results."
"Not yet Nina. But soon." I hoped.
"I did get another a name for you. Sort of a name anyway."
"Great!"
"I called in a few favors for you, jefe. You owe me big time."
"I'll make it up to you, chica."
"You're not my type. But if you had a sister..."
"Okay, I get it. So, what's the name?"
"It's not exactly a name, jefe. More like another code. The one who calls himself Ciliceguy, when you look deeper, he's got another name he uses: Serviam! With an exclamation point. I don't know what it means exactly but..."
"It's Latin."
"I know that. I meant I don't know what the significance is. That's your job, if I'm not mistaken. Don't forget the laptop. Gotta go."
***
The Archdiocesan building, like a stubby soldier, stood guard behind the Cathedral. I felt suffocated even before I went through the door. I'd called ahead to see if Wren and Tony were in but didn't leave my name. When they don't expect you is when they sometimes slip and talk.
Wren's office was quiet. His secretary sat at her desk, a ceramic pumpkin with a candle inside reminded everyone Halloween was coming. Other than that, the plush elegance of the place remained intact.
"May I help...," the secretary said looking up. "Oh... I know you. Don't I? You look familiar. Don't you?"
"Marco Fontana." I nodded and smiled. "I spoke to Mr. Wren last week."
"What can I do for you?"
"I have some information he'll be interested in hearing."
"Did you make an appointment?" She sounded wary. I'll bet Wren made her squirm for letting me in the first time.
"This just came up. It won't take a minute and I'll be on my way."
"I don't know..."
"I'm sure he won't mind."
"Can't I just give him the information?"
"He wasn't pleased about my last visit, was he?"
"I really can't discuss that. I'm sure you understand."
"All right, then. I can just as easily turn the information over to the police. They'll be even more interested than Mr. Wren."
The stricken look in her eyes was painful. I truly didn't want to make things difficult for her, Wren probably did that plenty. But I needed to talk to the man.
"H-hold on," she said and stood. She hesitated, turned back then forward. "I... I'll let him know you're here."
After a moment, she was back and waving me in.
Wren, a withered string bean, sat behind his massive desk which nearly overwhelmed him.
"What's all this about the police?" He glared at me, then glanced at his secretary who stood in shocked silence. "You can leave, Gladys. I'll deal with Mr. Fontana."
"Nice to see you again, too," I said.
"I distinctly remember asking you to make an appointment to see me again."
"That you did. But I'm forgetful. Especially when people give me orders. Always had trouble with orders."
"What is it you want this time?" He took his glasses off and cleaned them furiously.
"Seamus Scanlan. He works for your office."
"Who?"
"Don't let's start off on the wrong foot, Mr. Wren."
"I won't discuss office matters with you. This is a private organization and as such we don't have to bow to your demands or subject ourselves to your questions. Now, please show yourself out."
"Sure, sure. I'll go. But, uh... in case you happen to know anyone who works with this Seamus Scanlan character, maybe they should know something."
I waited but the guy refused to let on he wanted to take the bait. I could tell that his antennae were tuned in though. So, I let him hang for a few before I continued.
"People should know this guy Scanlan is an author of some note. He's written some really threatening e-mails to someone who later ended up on a slab at the morgue."
Wren flinched. He dropped his glasses on the desk but continued pretending he was deaf.
"That's not all. I've been told, by people who know, that Scanlan's poison pen e-mails can be traced to a specific computer in a specific building. Let's say this one, and this office. You know, we're just doin' a hypothetical. We're supposing Scanlan works here. He takes time from his work to threaten somebody. Using one of your computers. You have computers here, right?"
The blood drained from Wren's face faster than water through a sieve.
"Just doing my civic duty, Mr. Wren. If you know anybody who knows Scanlan or maybe works with him, you should pass on the information. I know the police will be hot for the info."
Wren was silent a few moments but I watched his façade crumble. His eyes darted back and forth so quickly it was almost unnoticeable. But I noticed.
"What is it you want?"
"Anything you can tell me about Scanlan. And I wanna talk with him. Now."
"You can't." Wren seemed pained.
"Well, I'll be leaving. I may have to turn off my cell phone when I get to Police Headquarters, so you won't be able to reach me." I made as if to leave.
"You can't talk to him because he isn't in. He didn't show up for work today. Didn't call. I don't know where he is or I'd make him talk to you. Right now." Wren was kind of pathetic once his bluff was called. Weak and thin, bent over his desk like a man with unimaginable burdens.
"Address? Phone numbers? Put 'em on a paper. I'll find him. It's what I do."
"I'll do what I can." Wren pulled a piece of paper from a pad and wrote.
***
I remembered the way to Marlon's office where Tony worked. The corridors were quiet and the elevator empty. The doors opened and I walked down the lonely hall.
Tony sat hunched over his computer screen like a large dark bird examining prey.
"Hey!" I said.
Tony reluctantly tore himself away from the screen, when he did, he blinked a few times before he recognized me. He was sensual, no doubt. But the sultry look was trampled by surprise. His dark eyes went wide, his lips moved but no sound came out.
"Saw you at Bubbles the other night but you were too fast for me. By the time I got to the door you and Jared were gone." I figured I'd unload both barrels, Bubbles and the fact he'd been with Jared, and watch his reaction. It didn't take long.
Tony's eyes searched the air obviously trying to figure out what he should say. His eyes narrowed.
I raised my voice. "I wanted to talk but you ran out of the bar wit
h Jared so quickly." Guaranteed to make him uncomfortable. I'm sure he didn't want everyone knowing his business.
"Look, I don't know what you're talking about but this isn't the place. I'm working. Fr. Marlon doesn't like me conducting personal business here.
"I understand," I said. "When's your next break? We can meet in the hall and maybe you can help me clear up some things. How about it?"
Tony glanced around as if Marlon would pop out of the wall to scold him. I knew the look, I even knew the feeling. Not being out on the job took its toll especially on someone as young and vital as Tony.
"Ten minutes is all I get. I'll take a break now." He fiddled with his keyboard. "Let me set the phone to voice-mail. There isn't anyone to sub for me."
I waited patiently, partly glad he'd agreed, partly sympathetic to what he was going through. But I had to keep Brandt in mind. Tony was just feeling uncomfortable, but Brandt was dead. Big difference there.
When he was ready, we walked into the corridor. Marlon's office was at a dead end around the corner from the main hallway. It was private and quiet.
"Why'd you hurry off when you saw me at Bubbles?"
"I wasn't at..."
"Tony, let's not waste time. First off, I read you the first time I saw you, there was no doubt in my mind that I'd eventually run into you at Bubbles or Woody's or Bump, or somewhere. Why'd you run when I spotted you?"
"I... Jared... Jared didn't wanna talk to you. He's afraid." Tony licked his lips, his gaze slipped off to the side. I knew he was lying. But I wanted to hear what he had to say. The best liars sow a little truth here and there. Makes a more convincing story.
"Why would he be afraid? Other than the fact his boyfriend wrote threatening letters to a man who was later murdered. Did he have something to do with that?"
"No!" Tony's eyes widened and he looked pained. "No. Never. Jared's great. He'd never hurt anyone. That's why he's leaving Seamus. That's why he has to get away. Seamus is violent and possessive."
"You and Jared involved? Is that why he's afraid? You must be scared, too."
"No. You've got it all wrong. I've got a boyfriend, Niko. He's the best. Jared and I are good friends. He and Niko go back a long way, too. We asked him to stay with us until he figures out what to do. But he won't."
"Why would Scanlan be jealous?"
"Jared was in love. With Helmut. He couldn't think straight when it came to Helmut. Jared claimed they'd move in together as soon as Helmut could work it out."
So, Jared and Brandt were an item but moving in together, that wasn't in the rules according to Hollister. I'd have to confront Hollister with it. This threw a different light on things. Hollister himself could be on my list. Jealousy makes people do crazy things.
"And Scanlan? What'd he do when he heard?"
"He threatened Jared. Gave him a black eye and nearly broke his arm. Weeks and weeks ago. Then Scanlan turned his attention on Helmut. Jared said Seamus sent e-mails every day. He even saw a lawyer. Jared was worried what Seamus might do."
"What was Jared's reaction when Helmut was killed?"
"It nearly destroyed him. He could hardly talk."
"Yet there he was in Bubbles several times."
"Grief hits people in different ways. Jared may have seemed okay but inside he was crying. I know. We've been friends since we were kids."
Tony wasn't that far from having been a kid. Our perspectives on time and our own lives are strange. I wasn't a whole hell of a lot older than Tony yet I felt old as the hills when I talked to him.
"So you and Niko want Jared to stay with you for a while?"
"Niko and Jared are tight, best of friends. He wants to keep Jared away from Scanlan. I'm handling it." Tony nodded curtly, the swarthy beauty of his Italian features was strong yet refined. "Niko's got a lot to do. Working two jobs and taking courses."
"I understand. What kind of work does Niko do?"
"Works at a gym and his uncle's place. But Scanlan's the one you wanna talk to."
"There were others in this building who weren't too thrilled about Brandt either. Am I right?"
"That's true." Tony glommed onto this line. "There was a lot of anger around here when Helmut made his latest splash."
"Who for instance?"
"My boss, Marlon, wasn't happy. Ranted for days. Monsignor Kusek had to tell him to cool it. He told Marlon that the whole Brandt thing would peter out and making a fuss would only bring more publicity."
"Smart man."
"Kusek is more than smart. He's on top of everything and knows how to handle people. He made Marlon see how he was making things worse."
"Anybody besides Marlon blow up over Brandt?"
"Well, yeah. Everybody in the building. That guy Wren really went ballistic. Sent out a mailing to everyone about Brandt's book and how we should handle questions from the public. Felt like he had some personal thing with Brandt. People like Clifford and Scanlan got bent out of shape, too. But the Cardinal ordered everyone to cool it and not create more publicity for Brandt. He sent around a memo saying the more we fight these things, the more they stay in the public mind."
"But somebody decided Brandt had to be silenced."
"Don't look at me. I don't think anybody here... maybe Scanlan because he's so violent. But nobody else. I know these people." Tony looked as if he were searching his memory for possibilities. "Helmut was a nice guy. Jared really loved him and he was good to Jared. Poor kid hasn't had it easy in the love department."
"Tell him I'd like to talk to him, will ya?"
"I can ask. But whether he'll do it is another story."
"Think your boss has time for a question?"
"Break's over. I'll let him know you're here."
I marched into Marlon's office when Tony signaled me.
"Fr. Marlon, good to see you again."
"Mr. Fontana, a pleasure." He smiled so broadly I thought his face would split. "How can I help you?"
"Got a question. I came across a Latin word. I know what it means. I went to Catholic school and did my homework like a good boy. But I don't know the significance of the word in terms of what bearing it might have in the Church."
"What's the word?"
"Serviam. That's it. Just serviam. Any ideas."
"Well, let me think. Serviam. Meaning 'I serve'or 'I will serve.' Where have I heard that before? Seems to me I heard it... oh yes. I remember. Opus Dei. That's where. Members often say the word aloud when they get up in the morning. 'Serviam!' They make themselves ready to serve the Lord another day. They say it aloud so they and God and anyone else knows they're ready to do the Lord's work."
"Thank you, Father. Thank you very much."
I thought about it in the elevator. It made a lot of sense and now I knew I'd have to visit Clifford's house in South Philly to interview his boarder, the Opus Dei member. Why did that organization make the hairs at the back of my neck stand up and scream?
Chapter 14
On my way to Anton's place I reviewed what I'd ask Navarro, Clifford's boarder, when I met him. It'd have to be a surprise visit. Alerting Clifford might cause problems I didn't need.
But I still needed to identify that damned key and find the laptop.
Anton was at home when I'd called to say I'd be dropping by. He was someone I could always count on. He never seemed too busy for me despite finishing up a degree, working as a trainer, and helping to manage StripGuyz. Anton was my right arm at Bubbles but he was also part of my heart and I didn't quite know how to handle that.
His jobs afforded him an apartment in a decent building almost next door to Woody's. The front desk people knew me on sight and always buzzed me in without hesitation. Dahlia was on the desk and I smiled. An older black woman, she could fix you with a stare and make sure you did as you were told. She was also great at spotting liars and we often traded tips.
"Marco, you're a sight for sore eyes. Been a real freak show here the last couple days." Her voice was like a big bell.
&n
bsp; "Welcome to my life," I said. "You wouldn't believe what it's been like."
"Honey, sittin' on this desk and seein' what I see, I'd believe anything you told me." She laughed again. "Anton is in, least as far as I know. Didn't see him go out."
The elevator rattled me up to his floor and I knocked my usual number so he knew it was me.
"Well, if it isn't my boss." Anton swept open the door. "I've got pictures of the new guys and I've rated them on the back so as not to influence you."
"Good morning to you, too." I hung my jacket over the back of one of his dining room chairs. The Italian-made, wooden dining room suite fit perfectly in his compact one bedroom apartment. The fragrance of fresh-baked cookies wafted through the air and my stomach rumbled.
"It's afternoon," he said. "In case you haven't noticed."
"Feels like morning." I sprawled onto his couch.
"Sexy pose, but you're not here to seduce me. Or, are you?" Anton stared at me intently. "It won't work, you know."
"I know the rules and I've sworn to uphold them." I placed a hand over my heart.
"Good. I'll be here if you're ever ready." Anton smiled sadly.
I stood, took him into my arms, and hugged him. He nuzzled my neck which sent a shock through me. I kissed him, gently at first. His pink lips offered little resistance as we sank onto the couch locked in an embrace. I wanted to meld with him, lose myself and float. His forceful, emotional response took me by surprise. We'd done this hundreds of times but this was different. It left me breathless.
"Wh-what was that all about?"
"Just how I feel." Anton hugged me and looked into my eyes. His were so blue and hypnotic that I felt myself falling. But there was a sadness in those eyes. "I'm never going to have you all to myself, am I?" His voice was a raspy whisper.
"Anton," I started.
"Don't say a thing. I'd like to believe there's still a possibility. I know there's still a possibility." He sighed. "Don't say anything." He placed two fingers on my lips to quiet me. They were soft and warm and he was sweetly gentle.
How do you talk business after that? It was my fault. I pulled him into an embrace, I kissed him. Was I leading him on? A guy might see it that way. But I did have feelings for him and they were deep. I've known him a long time and over the years those feelings have grown. You could say we'd become comfortable. But I couldn't get myself to make that final leap. And why did I think of it as a 'final' leap anyway? Why not think of it as the first step on a different path? Why couldn't I give myself to him entirely? He was gorgeous, intelligent, thoughtful. Kind and considerate. What was not to like? Why was I hesitating? Was it Luke or the idea there might be someone else? Or was it just me?
Murder on Camac Page 14