by Neal Davies
Samuel squints his eyes and his face fills with inquisitiveness. “The victim wasn’t Michael Cohen, was it?”
Sebastian’s eyes light up and he leans forward again to pick up his teacup, “As a matter of a fact it was; how did you know?”
This time Samuel’s eyes light up. “Oh, my goodness! Oh, my goodness! Surely not? No, it can’t be!” Samuel begins fanning his hand up and down in front of his face and Sebastian gives him time to collect himself.
Sebastian’s forehead wrinkles, “What is it, what do you know?”
“When I first met Jamie, we would talk for hours about what had happened to get him into trouble, the people he had met inside the prison. At first I think I was more interested in him for the information that I could get for my books but when he confided in me that he was gay, I realised there was more to our relationship than I initially thought. The more we saw each the closer we become; eventually I realised something had to give, so I left my position as a parole officer and Jamie came and lived with me here. Anyway, one day he came home and he was absolutely beside himself, he told me that he had an altercation with one of the clients at the gym and his manager called him into his office and hauled him over the coals about it…”
Sebastian interrupts, “Yes, we know about that. Go on!”
“Well, his exact words were, ‘if that had happened in prison, Michael Cohen would be laid out on a slab by now. He wouldn’t be standing over the guys that live on the inside’.” I told Jamie he needed to ignore people like that, which made him even angrier, and he told me I was too passive and that’s why people like Michael get away with shit. One thing led to another and he picked up my beautiful Royal Dalton figurine and threw it into the wall, smashing it to pieces. That’s when I ordered him out of my house and I told him I didn’t want anything more to do with him, so he left. You don’t think he did it, do you? Because I would blame myself for getting him the job there in the first place.”
Sebastian looks at him through narrow eyes as he considers his next question. “It’s still early in our investigations. But tell me, when you used to frequent the gym, can you remember anyone who had unusual characteristics?”
“There was one guy but he was only a delivery boy. He was always talking to Kate who owns the juice shop. I don’t know why but the hairs on the back of my neck would stand up whenever he came near.”
Sebastian pushes down on his cane and rises to his feet, “Well, I really have to be going so thank you very much for your help and for the wonderful cup of tea and cake.”
“Wait! I have something for you” Sebastian stops in his tracks as Samuel heads into another room and returns with three books in his hands, “This one was my favourite books of yours; would you mind signing it?” Samuel hands him a pen.
“Thank you so much, Sebastian. Now, this is my new book that won’t be on the shelves until next week. There’s one for you and one for your lovely wife. Now would you like me to sign them?”
Sebastian’s eyes light up like a little boy at Christmas, “Oh yes please! That would be wonderful!” After the books are signed and dated, Sebastian leaves the apartment smiling from ear to ear; he knows Cynthia will be over the moon with her special gift.
Out on the street, the wind is quite fresh and Sebastian inhales the aroma of freshly made doughnuts from the café next door. “I wonder how the boys and girls down the station would feel about a doughnut.” He pays for two extra-large boxes filled to the brim. He places them on a nearby hydrant and holds them steady with one hand, as he frantically waves down cabs with his cane in the other. It’s not long before one pulls up across the road but, to his dismay, a familiar gruff voice yells, “Well, FROSTY, do you want a cab or NOT!”
Sebastian looks through the blur of traffic hoping it’s not who he thinks it is but it is and he is quick to reply, “JUST GO AWAY, WILL YOU!” He tries to hail other cabs but they just speed on by.
“You won’t GET one, you KNOW” the driver persists from the other side of the road.
“AND WHY WOULD THAT BE SIR?” Sebastian replies with venom.
The cabby smiles and hangs one elbow out the window. “BECAUSE I RADIOED IN THAT YOU’RE MY FAIR; SO CAN YOU HURRY UP, I…”
Sebastian smirks in frustration, “I KNOW, I KNOW; YOU HAVEN’T GOT TIME TO MESS ABOUT WITH ME, BECAUSE YOU HAVE REGULAR CUSTOMERS TO TAKE CARE OF!”
“THAT’S RIGHT FROSTY And HERE’S a little tip for YOU… Look BOTH WAYS before you cross this VERY BUSY road,” he breaks into laughter. Sebastian knows he hasn’t got a choice, so he weaves in and out of traffic until he finally arrives on the other side. It’s all a little much déjà vu for him. “Okay, you win. Now can we head back to the station?”
“Hang on a minute FROSTY; what’s in the BOXES?”
“Doughnuts. Why?”
The cabby waves his head from side to side. “Sorry BUDDY, NO FOOD allowed in my cab.”
Sebastian rolls his eyes. “You are jesting, surely?”
The cabby smiles, “Come ON, Frosty, do you think I would joke about something like THAT. Rules are RULES, you know? Well, MY rules anyway.”
Sebastian is about to slam the door.
“Hang on a MOMENT, buddy, I do have one EXCEPTION to that rule.”
Sebastian closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. “I hate to think what that would be but go ahead, surprise me!”
“When my REGULAR customers need to bring food in my cab I give them a twenty dollar surcharge. How does that sound to you?”
Sebastian’s eyes nearly pop out of his head. “It sounds like bloody extortion, that’s how it sounds to me!”
“Yes, I guess it is, now do you want the ride or not?”
Sebastian slides into the back seat. “What other choice do I have?”
“Good for you!” the cabby says as he turns to face the road ahead and starts the motor.
The trip is as quiet as the first one, apart from Sebastian’s scribbling into a small notepad. On arrival Sebastian goes to open the door but the cabby quickly reaches around and grabs Sebastian’s arm. “Not so fast, FROSTY! That will be ten bucks for the ride and twenty for carrying the food.”
Sebastian grabs his cane and raps the driver over the knuckles with it. “I suggest you keep your hands to yourself and allow me to alight from your vehicle.”
The cabby’s eye’s fire up and his grasp tightens. “You’re not going anywhere, PAL, until you pay me my MONEY!”
Sebastian looks down at knuckles steadfastly holding his wrist and then glares with disgust. “I will give you one opportunity to remove your hand from my wrist before I take aggressive action.”
“That’s not going to happen, PAL, so give it your best SHOT!”
Sebastian grins evilly and reaches inside his jacket with his free hand. “Do you know what this is?”
The driver sneers “What, do I look STUPID? It’s a PHONE! So what?”
“No sir, this is evidence. Evidence to prove what sort of rogue you really are.” Sebastian pushes the play button and cabby eases his grip on his arm as he listens to a recording of the whole conversation. “Now, my good man, I would like you to observe where we are parked. It shouldn’t take long, even with your limited intellect, to realise you are sitting outside a Police Station. A Police Station, where I just happen to work as a consultant for the Chief of Police.” Sebastian gives the cabby a conquering smile. “As it has been a day of exchanging tips here is my tip for you, get your bloody hand off me and let me alight from this cab without having to pay a fee of any kind and I will reconsider my initial thoughts of taking this tape to my good friend and employer.” The cab driver releases his grip and Sebastian grabs his belongings, steps out onto the curb and peers back in. “Remember this… I am giving you the opportunity to correct the flaws in your attitude but I have taken your registration number just in case. Now my name is Sebastian Cork and I’m sure it will pop up from time to time in your travels.”
“Oh, by the way, the doughnuts w
ere bought for the hard working detectives within and I will let them know you have contributed to paying for them. I noticed on your registration your name is Mark Kramer; well, Mark, it’s been not so pleasurable meeting you.” Sebastian slams the taxi door and steps back from the curb as the driver burns rubber. He stands there waving his head from side to side; “I’m sure we will meet again,” he says under his breath as he makes his way up the concrete steps.
Sebastian strolls through the building with a cheeky grin on his face, until he enters the room where most detectives type their reports and make calls. He places the boxes of goodies on a long table and stands on a wooden chair. “Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen!” Sebastian says as he waves his hands above his head. “I have brought you back some afternoon tea but before you partake, I need you to know I met this wonderful cab driver by the name of Mark Kramer who insisted that he contribute towards these delectable gems in gratitude for your hard work. He also asked me to inform you that, if you need a Cab anytime, you should ask for Mark, registration number four hundred and fifty-three, and he would be only too pleased to give you wonderful people a discount if you mention my name. Thank you for your patience. I hope you enjoy your doughnuts.”
Gratitude fills the air and Sebastian heads towards the Dust Pit with a couple of doughnuts he has held back for Paul and himself.
++++
Paul is on Sebastian’s side of the desk, working on notes after his meeting with Kate.
“Ahem, I brought you some afternoon tea.”
Paul jumps up from Sebastian’s seat and begins pushing his notes together. “Sorry, Seb! Hey they look great! Can I get you a coffee to have with them?”
Sebastian smiles. “I’d love one Paul, and while you’re gone, it will give me an opportunity to type out some notes for you regarding Samuel James.”
The phone peals. It’s Cynthia.
“Hello, my dear! How has your day been so far?”
“Not too bad, Seb, but you probably only said that to be polite…”
Sebastian rears back like a bee has just stung him. “Hold on a minute! Before you go any further, my love, you are constantly reminding me that I’m not thoughtful enough and when I try to be, you act as though I really don’t care.”
Cynthia remains silent for a split second. “You are right, Seb. That was totally uncalled for.”
“That’s alright, my darling. Apology accepted. Now, what do you have for me?”
“It seems that you think I only ring when it has something to do with the case. Perhaps I rang just to say hello or had some important news of my own.”
Sebastian can hear a wistful tone in Cynthia’s voice and begins to worry, “Please, my love, what’s wrong? You seem out of sorts.”
I’m sorry, Seb. It’s just been a day of ups and downs. I’ll talk to you about it when you get home. In the meantime I researched Kate Kensington for you and here is what I have found out so far: Kate worked two jobs to pay her way through university and eventually became a qualified pharmacist. A few years ago she developed a new sports energy drink, ‘KateEnergy’ which she not only sells at her shop but distributes locally and nationally. Kate likes to attend seminars overseas especially ones related to sports drinks or foods. But the interesting thing is, her trips away coincide with each of the murders.”
“Yes, that’s very interesting! But let’s put the case aside for now and talk about you…”
Before he can say anymore Cynthia cuts in, “Seriously. Seb, everything is okay and this isn’t the time or place to discuss it. I will talk to you when you get home!”
Sebastian can hear the determination in her voice and decides not to push the issue any further.
“Alright, my love. I have about another hour left here then I will be on my way home.”
Paul walks in with coffee just as Sebastian hangs up and sees the concerned look on his face. “Anything to do with the case, Seb?”
Sebastian, still looking perplexed at the phone, shakes his head. “Sorry Paul?”
Paul takes a seat, “The call; did it have anything to do with the case?”
Sebastian puts his phone back in his jacket, “Yes and no Paul; Now, tell me about your meeting with Kate.”
Paul slumps back into his seat and begins to relate his morning meeting, as Sebastian listens and watches intently. “Well Seb, I did what you asked and observed her body movements, eased off when I felt things may be getting uncomfortable for her and listened to her words for any contradictions or hesitancies but I didn’t find a lot of issues with how she addressed my questions.
“So are you saying there was nothing at all out of the ordinary?”
Paul inhales deeply, “Well I guess we all see things that don’t fit in with other’s thinking.”
Sebastian peers through slit eyes, “Okay, so if we were to look at it from that perspective, what instances during the interview, made you feel things weren’t quite, what they should be?”
Paul crosses his arms, tightens his lips and sinks his chin into his chest. “She did say something about elite sports people aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.”
“What did you deduct from that comment? Remember you were acting as my eyes and ears and not your own.”
“I felt it was said in a disrespectful manner rather than a passing comment.”
Sebastian smiles with tight lips while maintaining a serious persona. “Excellent! Anything else?”
“Yes, there was one other thing; she spoke about travelling overseas but began tapping her fingers on the table and when I looked down at them, she seemed to become uncomfortable. In all honesty Seb, she doesn’t take me as the serial killer type.”
Sebastian braces his hands on the edge of the desk. “It’s not for you to believe or disbelieve whether or not she is guilty and I can’t make this any clearer than saying, a crime is a jigsaw puzzle and until all the pieces fit together in order to give us the bigger picture, we have nothing. Try not to put the puzzle together without all the pieces or it may lead you to having to cut the pieces to fit.”
“You asked me earlier about my phone call and now I will tell you what Cynthia discovered; every time Kate has been away overseas, one of these horrific murders was committed.”
Paul’s eyes widen. “Then that proves she didn’t do it?”
“No, Paul! It proves she has an alibi for each murder… but it is an amazing coincidence.”
Anger shrouds Paul’s face. “Seriously, Seb, I think you are brilliant at what you do but there are such things as coincidences, as you know and seriously, you really should back off Kate!”
Sebastian glares fire. “I suppose it’s a coincidence that Kate is a chemist and the victim was given a drug. In a drink that most likely came from her shop? I suggest that sometime soon you get on your computer and type in ‘countertransference’. That’s all I have to say on this matter!” Sebastian begins collecting his papers together and putting them away in the drawer.
Paul unfolds his arms and screws up one side of his mouth, “So that’s it, is it? End of the meeting because you have had enough?”
Sebastian rises to his feet and grabs his cane. “That, my friend, is the wisest deduction you have made thus far. I bid you good evening.”
With that Sebastian rises to his feet, walks around his desk and out the door, leaving Paul wondering what the heck just happened.
++++
It has been an exceptionally long day and Sebastian’s mind is racing like a hamster on a treadmill. Filled with thoughts about Paul’s attitude and wondering what could be wrong with his precious wife; he can’t help but sigh with relief when he passes through the gates that welcome him home. He sits in the car for a moment to clear his head of negative thoughts and then works his way along the tiled veranda where his beautiful brunette wife greets him with tears flowing down her cheeks; before he has a chance to console her, she throws her arms around him and sobs, “Oh Sebastian, I’m so glad you’re home. I have so much to tell you!
” He pulls her tight to him and kisses her on the forehead. “Come on, my love let’s go in the kitchen and I will make you a chamomile tea and you can tell me all about it.”
Sebastian gives his wife a solicitous glance while drawing a brown paper bag from his coat pocket. He haphazardly places his coat and cane on the hallstand and without further delay they make their way to the kitchen.
It’s all very quiet except for the kettle as Cynthia collects herself and Sebastian waits impatiently for the water to boil. He pours them both a comforting brew. “There you are my love,” he says as he places the steaming cup on the table in front of her. Sebastian takes a seat and gazes deep into her glazed eyes, “Now my love, what has caused this upset?” Cynthia begins to tear up again but takes a deep breath and exhales forcefully to settle herself down.
Her eyes narrow as she considers her answer and then all the concerns she has been carrying around internally come gushing out. “I know I should have told you, Seb, but I was frightened you may overreact. Anyway, here goes: four weeks ago, I felt a small lump in my breast so I went to my doctor and he decided to send me down to the hospital for a mammogram.”
Sebastian begins to turn white and his eyes well with tears.
“Anyway, they found a small solid mass and Doctor Savage booked me for a day surgery to remove it; that’s why I have been so sore around the chest area and not because I strained myself. Anyway, the results came back today…” Trying to be strong for his wife, Sebastian draws a handkerchief from his pocket and gently wipes his eyes, while she is staring down at her Tea.
“So tell me… what were the results, my love?”
She looks up into his eyes and sighs heavily, “Doctor Savage told me I had a benign tumour.”
Sebastian can’t hold back his tears anymore and they flow like raindrops down a window. “Thank God! Oh my love, don’t ever hold things like this back from me again! No matter what the circumstances, I don’t want you facing it alone. Come here!”