I wanted to be sick. I did not want to hear anymore of her nonsense. She had every choice. She was a terrible mother choosing Gritty over her own son. “It would seem Lexus that you made your choice a long time ago. Christ, this was your kid! You had to protect him. You guys were doing just fine until Gritty came in the picture again.”
“He was always in the picture. You know that he would come back and check in on Peter at least once a month, until the living in the box situation came up.”
“I’m curious. Have they done their evaluation and if so what did they come up with?”
“Peter suffers from a form of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). That is why he is so silent. He lives in a make believe world. It is an emotional defense strategy.”
“I am very familiar with DID. It is a tool used to protect yourself. Many abused children use it when they can’t escape their perpetrator. They physically are present but they emotionally escape to another place. They can at times seem completely normal. I had a very mild form of this while growing up. It was the only way that I dealt with my mother and her emotional abuse towards me. That would explain why Peter talks about a skiing accident that never was. It is only in his mind, but very real to him.”
“What in the hell happened to make him like that. Something definitely happened.”
“He was abused as a small child.”
“Fuck, by who?”
“He tried to tell me at the time but I refused to listen. I took him to live with me. That was the way I dealt with the problem.”
“It was Gritty, wasn’t it?”
“I never believed it to be true. I thought that Peter was lying because Bobby was perfectly okay. I questioned him and he said none of Peter’s accusations were true.”
“He was your son; Bobby wasn’t. Why the hell did you not believe him? Gritty saw a weakness in Peter, and not in Bobby. Peter was an easy target. I can’t believe that you let this happen. Where is Peter now?”
“They put him in a mental care facility. He started to come home on the weekends but that is when things got really crazy, two weeks ago.”
“How?”
“Gritty is not allowed there when Peter visits. Nothing is proven yet, only Peter’s word but until it goes to court, Gritty must stay somewhere else. I assumed he went back to rue Dalcourt. I enjoy my alone time with Peter. It is my responsibility, although late to be the mother that I wasn’t when he was growing up.
“When Monday mornings came, Gritty, I thought would return until the next weekend. We are still waiting for a court date. But two weeks ago, things were different.”
“What happened?”
“Gritty never returned. There is no trace of him anywhere, not even on Dalcourt.”
* * * *
“What do you mean he never returned?” asked Richard with disbelief.
“That’s what she said. Lexus has the feeling that with the impending court hearing he got spooked and left. He knows he is guilty and does not want to serve prison time.”
“Where do we stand now? Maybe I reacted too fast when I left Invor. You told me the case was over so it was needless for me to stick around. Maybe there is a whole lot of shit that we don’t know about. Thank god that I still kept it fair with Jessica. I always like to keep doors open. She thinks that I found something better, job wise. I keep putting her off but I know that she still has hopes for us.”
“Invor is out of the question right now. I would like to talk with Mr. Forth. He did have a history with Gritty. He might know something.”
“Are you saying the case is still on?”
“No, I am only trying to help Lexus… for old time sake, so to speak. I want to solve this and be done with them all, her included. But for now I feel that I can’t leave her hanging like this. Richard is there any way that you can make an appointment with Jessica for me to meet with Forth?”
“Anything is possible. I’ll give her a call. And don’t bullshit me; you know that you still care about Lexus.”
“No I don’t but I realize that it is the only possibility. Lexus deserves answers. I don’t always agree with her but I care deeply and want her to have a good life. I don’t know if we will ever be the same or have a future but that is not my concern now. We have to find Gritty, if for nothing else but for her and her son. I would not feel human if I left it like this, not with our history. We were close and life got in the way but there is still some connection.”
“Adam, I do understand. I will see to it that you get a meeting with Forth. He might know something. I’m tired. Let’s get some rest and tomorrow things might seem clearer. Remember I am taking the early morning flight to Toronto. The Sunlight realizes my value but I hope they don’t try to promote me. This is just a temporary job … one that can’t be over soon enough.” We turned out the lights but my head was spinning.
For the next couple of days I concentrated on closing some accounts. I missed Richard but thank goodness for Skype. We were able to talk at night.
* * * *
I’ll never forget that call from Marc or the news that I received. They had dragged the
Lachine Canal and found a body close to shore. I had the feeling it might be him. He was missing and no other body had been reported.
Marc asked me if I wanted to meet him at the crime scene and I did not hesitate to go. Once there I noticed certain things linking him to Gritty, like the cleft hand. Even though there was not much flesh left on the body the bone structure was evident. The forensic team was waiting for us to finish in order to remove him, and make a definite identification. I had been to many crime scenes but this one was personal. I, as crazy at it seemed liked Gritty. He had become part of my life.
I knew now without a doubt that I would take on this case again. I had to know what happened, not just for Lexus but for me too.
I met him in a box and it looked like he would be going back in a box. It was a very sad way to end a life, whether deserving or not of it. I couldn’t wait to say my goodbyes to Marc. I sat in my car and let the tears flow. This has got to stop! I have to find my inner male. That cold-hearted no emotions type of man.
I finished my cry and headed out to the airport to pick up Richard.
Chapter Fourteen
Richard was in his usual jovial mood as I picked him up at the airport. I did not want to get into details about Gritty just yet. I was relishing the idea of having alone time with my husband. I knew that if I told him what had happened, he would not stop questioning me and then feel a need to solve the situation immediately. I saw him approaching; I felt like we were in one of those romance movies, running towards each other like two lost lovers, with our feet barely touching the ground.
The moment Richard saw me he asked, “Okay, what’s up? Something happened… I can tell from the look in your eyes.”
“Nothing! I missed you terribly. That’s all.” It was getting harder and harder to keep things from Richard. He was very perceptive, seeing through people, especially when I was concerned. I guess it is called marriage, knowing your partner and having a keen sense as to when something was wrong. I decided to stop off for a drink at the airport lounge and come clean. It was not the way I wanted to tell him but I knew that he would eventually realize that I was hiding something. So, what better time than now!
“How about a drink? I could use one.”
“See I knew something was up. What is it?”
“Can we please sit down and order a drink first, then we can talk.”
“Okay,” replied Richard getting more exasperated by the moment. “I was wondering why you came to meet me. You usually let the limo drive me home.” Then he went from jovial to concerned. “Adam, are you alright? You’re not sick or anything, are you?”
The waitress brought our drinks and I began. “They found Gritty.”
“Great, where was the prick? Did
he change streets? Find a bigger box!” he said with a teasing hint to his voice.
“No, they found his body. He is dead. Although the forensic work has not come back yet… I know it is him.”
“Fuck, are you serious! Wow, I feel like shit for kidding around about him. What do you think happened?”
“From what I gather; he had a lot of enemies.”
“He always said that someone was after him. Maybe, we should have taken him more seriously.”
“Based on what? The ramblings of a lunatic. Richard we did our best on this one. I will not take any responsibility for lack of helping him. He lied continuously and I could not tell what was real or really living in his head. He was delusional half the time.”
“How is Lexus taking it?”
“I don’t know. I only found out yesterday and I have not had the chance to speak with her yet. Until the body is identified only Marc and I would have that information. Remember she never let on that Gritty was even in her life. There would be no trace to link her and the body, therefore no one would go knocking at her door.”
“That’s right! It was only a few that knew of their relationship. Wow, that’s deep!”
“If this goes to trial, and I am sure once the homicide department gets their hands on it, Lexus will have to testify. She will have no choice then.”
“She will be found out. Crap, they all will be found out! This could be the scandal of the year. She will have to produce names and personal information. Her clients will be exposed for what and who they are. Adam this could get really out of hand.”
We looked at each other and for some uncanny reason started to laugh. We relished in the idea of those pompous bastards getting their just dues. The only problem was Lexus and how she would survive when all hell broke loose. What could I do? No one deserved it more than her! She was a grown woman who knew what she was doing. I’m sure that I also would be incriminated with having a connection to her.
“You know Richard, this could be the end of my PI work.”
“How?”
“I used Lexus and most of my clients came from her little abode. I don’t think the courts would make an exception for me. My client list was pretty shady and I knew it.”
“Even great lawyers defend criminals who commit murder. Everyone, guilty or not is entitled to legal defence. You were hired by them and they cannot hold you responsible for doing your job. Besides, they will focus on the murder of Gritty and that’s all. You should know that. One case does not have a bearing on the other. That’s the way the courts see it. I am not saying some shit won’t be disturbed. You might have a few worried clients approach you. Be ready!”
“Yeah, I bet the hush money that I will be offered will keep me happy for many years.”
“You wouldn’t!”
“No, but I am sure there will be some offers. You can bet on that.”
“Oh well, time to go. Is the car close by?”
“It is just out the door. I was lucky someone was leaving.”
There was no traffic to speak of and we arrived home in less than an hour. Richard hurriedly unpacked and got into something comfortable. We decided to make a quick sandwich and go over the questions that we might be asked. Better to be prepared than not.
“I thought his last name was Haze.”
“It is.”
“Didn’t you say his mother was Arlette Baton? Where did the Haze come from?”
“Good question. I really don’t know. Gritty never mentioned his father. I guess his name was Haze. There must be some record at the courthouse of his birth. He had to be registered somewhere. I will check tomorrow.”
“Adam, didn’t you say he spoke with an English accent? Perhaps his father was English.”
“That is probable. We can’t presume anything until I get his birth certificate.”
“I am sure Lexus would know. Why don’t you ask her?”
“Right! Once she finds out that Gritty is dead, she will have a total breakdown. I am almost positive of that. I won’t tell her anything until the body is positively identified.”
“Does Marc have anything in his files? When Gritty was arrested, there had to be some sort of identification. And that is where there might be a birth certificate of some sort. Why don’t you give Marc a call? It is still early in the evening.”
There did not seem to be even time for the phone to ring before he picked up. “Hey Marc. You were? What a coincidence, I was just calling you as well. Oh, I figured that; it is him. Why don’t you come over for a drink and we can talk more about it. Okay, see you in ten.”
* * * *
“Marc, that didn’t take long. Usually it is at least 48 hours or longer to identify the corpse.”
“Yes, but because he had a record and a recent one, all the lab work was done immediately. I must admit I asked for a rush on this one and he was identified within a couple of hours.”
“I always thought it was Gritty but now with it being validated it kind of sucks. I’m not looking forward to giving this news to Lexus. She will be devastated.”
“I am a firm believer that goodness prevails. I know, in my line of work it is hard to incorporate that kind of thought pattern but I personally try to live by that,” said Marc.
“How did you identify him? There was not much meat left on the body.”
“The forensic team took some hair molecules and with DNA it did not take long. And like I said, Mr. Haze was in our custody before. Everything matched and the body was tagged and sent to the morgue. Actually it was a pretty easy process.”
“What will happen now? Does he have some kind of funeral?”
“Only if someone claims the body. Right now it seems the city will look after all those details. What about Lexus? Do you think that she might want a proper burial for him? He is the father of her son! I could delay the procedures if you want more time.”
“I will talk to her today. What do you mean by time? How long do we have?” I asked.
“Well, seeing as it is a questionable homicide; until the case is closed Gritty will remain on ice. It could be a week or even as long as a year. Who knows at this point?”
Richard had remained silent throughout Marc’s visit but as he was about to leave he said, “Who was his father? When he was arrested before, was there any record of his parents?”
“Yeah I have that information. We just recently received it.”
“Marc, why didn’t you tell me?’
“I don’t remember reporting to you and you didn’t ask. His father was a Donald Haze. He was a prominent employee at the Montreal Stock Exchange. Arlette Baton and he never got married. They had an affair which produced Grenville and we all know her fate; she killed herself, and I can only imagine why from Donald’s lack of commitment. That is where Grenville must have inherited his money; a wealthy father and a successful actress. He lived in foster care but he was very well provided for. Most of that was public knowledge back in the 60s.”
“Amazing! Probably out of boredom he started to act out. That is also probably when he developed HPD. He wanted and needed attention. I bet you that he did not even have to work,” I said.
“No he didn’t. We were able to release his bank statements and he was a very wealthy man.”
“What are you talking, a couple of thousands?”
“No, a couple of million to be exact!”
I couldn’t believe that this millionaire was living in a box. It reminded me how you see cases of very rich people shoplifting. They are bored and need entertainment. That is the same in Gritty’s case; his Histronic Personality Disorder was him acting out and pretending to be someone else. It was all a game to him; a very sick game. I did not know whether to feel sorry for him or not. He was sicker than I thought. And there was Lexus, struggling for every penny she earned, raising this man’s son. I wonder just ho
w much she knew.
“Marc, once this goes to court that would mean that Peter being his son, is a very rich young man!”
Richard suddenly jumped to attention. “Wow, I never thought about that! But this is only if Lexus comes clean with everything.”
“Unfortunately she will be subpoenaed,” said Marc with a defiant glare.
“No one knows about her! How can she be?” I questioned.
“I know and that is as far as it goes. I will not cover for her a moment longer. You are expecting a lot from me Adam. This is a murder case and I have to find out who killed Grenville. Just think, it might be Lexus at the bottom of it all. She was livid with him and the way he treated Peter and her. Don’t let that damsel in distress cloud your reasoning. She could well be the offender here. I will not cover for her or you anymore. This has gone too far now. I made an oath to see that justice prevails and my friendship with you guys will not stop me from fulfilling that oath. Sorry!”
Richard looked at me waiting for the roof to cave in. I knew that Marc was right. The game was over. Lexus would be told about Grenville and also be questioned by the law. What else was I to do? I was starting to think that Marc was right. Maybe Lexus did kill Gritty. She had the money and the means to do it. She could get inside help from the bums in the area to dispose of the body. Why didn’t I think of this before? I would meet with her and prepare her for the consequences. I would give her a heads up and let her deal with what was coming her way. This was her problem now and I could not cover anymore.
“Thank you Marc. I fully respect your decision. I would never want you to jeopardize your situation. Helping me the occasional time with information is one thing but covering up a murder case is a totally different ball game. Do what you have to do and if you need me to testify or pull up any information on my side, feel free to ask?”
“I am happy that you feel that way. We will be in touch.”
“Are you serious? You are going to turn on Lexus?” asked Richard.
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