“You have to remember that Forth had every opportunity to get rid of Grenville before now. He is too old and it is too late. He is a rich man and I really feel he was still in love with Gritty. I think it never stopped.”
“So, you are saying that the relationship was still going on. They were sneaking around and not letting on to anyone.”
“Exactly!”
“Maybe then Bobby walked in on them and was fumed with jealousy and decided to get rid of his competition. But what about Lexus? Why would he murder her?”
“Perhaps Bobby went to her with the information knowing that she was in love with Grenville and an argument erupted and one thing led to another.”
“Brilliant! And Peter just happened to be around and with his Dissociative Identity Disorder blanked it out of his mind completely. He did have her pendant. We must remember that.”
“Richard, the only thing that baffles me here is Bobby is a wimp. I cannot see him pulling this off. He had access to Gritty’s bank account… we know that personally. He could have paid someone off to do this.”
“Like a hired hitman!”
“Also he tried to get money out of the account after Gritty’s murder. It was probably a final payment to this hitman.”
“That’s it then. The case is solved. It fits in place perfectly. Bobby is our man. Are you going to tell Marc?”
“No. I feel that the cops also feel he is the murderer. I could tell from Marc’s voice that he was holding back. He knows something. I will report my findings to Donald Haze, at least tell him my suspicions. Don’t forget, I work for him.”
“Won’t that upset him?”
“No. Seeing as he will be getting a visit from Peter and obviously Peter was at the crime scene, it is better that he knows. He can work with us and gain Pete’s trust and it might just come out. He might reveal what he knows if he feels really comfortable with his grandfather.”
“Smart move. I’m tired… time for bed.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
I stopped off at the Manoir on my way to work. Donald Haze was in an unusually happy mood. He greeted me with such warmth and generosity that I felt the Christmas spirit was surrounding him in abundance.
“Come and have a seat. What can I get you? I guess it is too early for a hot cider but if you want one I can have it ordered up.”
“You are in an exceptional mood today. You look wonderful!”
“I feel wonderful. Miss Prior and Jennifer Quaid are making it happen as we speak. I will be getting a visit from my grandson later on today. Adam, I screwed up terribly with Grenville and now I truly believe it is my turn to make up for being a horrible father. I can at least be a wonderful grandfather. I never thought that I would get a second chance at making it right.”
“Are you sure you know what you are getting into? Peter is not your average grandson. He has a lot of mental issues. It will take time and patience on your side. Do you feel up to it? And don’t be disappointed if he does not join the dots.”
“What else do I have to do? Jennifer explained to me all the circumstances of his mental state. With the correct therapy and understanding, cases like Peter’s have been reversed. I have the money to pay for the best care necessary. In fact, I was thinking that maybe he could live with me.”
“Wait a minute. You are going much too fast with this. If I were you, I would let Peter visit a couple of times and get him acquainted with the surroundings and of course your presence.”
“For God’s sake Adam, I’m his grandfather. Who better to look after him? I will get live-in help if need be.” I did not want to mention the delicate subject of death. Donald Haze was getting on in years and the thought of Peter getting settled and only being uprooted again by his grandfather’s death would be traumatizing. It would be an emotional setback that Peter would probably not heal from.
He looked at me as if he knew what I was thinking. “I know. What if I die? Well there is also what if I don’t? I could live to be a hundred and the benefits that this lad could get from being with me are life-changing. No one knows the future.”
“That is just what I was thinking.”
“Look Adam, what will he have if I don’t take him in? A life of institutions and brick walls. No human touch! Even if I do pass; I will make sure that there is a trust fund set up for Peter. He can be looked after with private care in the best facilities. It’s a win/win situation for him. And for me as well. We need each other.”
“You are talking about thousands of dollars for that kind of care,” I said looking at him questioningly.
“I think you have figured out by now that I have it. Oh, on a lighter note, Jacque told me that you signed the papers for your condo. I couldn’t be more pleased. It is the least that I could do for all that you have done for me.”
“I have not solved the case yet.”
“No, but you have given me my grandson. Even if nothing else transpires… I have the best gift possible. You are the one responsible for that. You will never fully comprehend the gratitude that I have for you.”
“You have given me back my life as well. Richard was ecstatic with the news. We are going home again. Thank you.”
“Well you still haven’t told me the reason for your visit.”
“I know that you have a lot on your mind right now but I need your help.”
“Anything!”
“Well, from the information that I have, it is very apparent the Peter was at the crime scene. We have proof to put him there.”
Donald looked stunned and he seemed to be struggling for words. “You mean that he witnessed the murder!”
“Yes. When his mother’s body was found, her necklace was hanging from her. It had only the necklace part and the pendant was missing. They searched and could not find it around the scene of the crime. It was later discovered in Peter’s possession.”
“You think that my grandson is the murderer? That is ludicrous! I will provide the best defense lawyers that money can buy.”
“Slow down. I did not say that he is being charged for anything. He might have walked by the crime scene and picked it up. We don’t know. He suffers from Dissociative Identity Disorder, and it is very much in keeping with this disorder to avoid pleasantries. He, I am sure, has forgotten what he saw if anything. That is his sickness.”
“Adam, what do you want me to do? How can I help?”
“For one thing, you cannot jump to conclusions. You can have all the money in the world but facts are what will solve the murders. Peter is not considered a suspect, as of now that is. Because you are willing to have him come here on supervised visits, you might be able to win over his trust and find out something from him. I have already talked with Miss Prior and Jennifer Quaid and they are willing to go along with it. Peter’s well-being is what they are most concerned with, so we have to tread lightly. I believe in blood ties and I truly feel he will grow to trust you. I know this is asking a lot but we really need your help.”
“Of course I will help. I want answers as well to my son’s death. Peter is all that I have now and I don’t want to mess that up. I can be very diplomatic if I have to be. I’ll do anything that you want and listen to any advice on how to handle his delicate condition. When do we start?”
“Not today. I want you to enjoy getting to know one another and bond. He will most likely have the pendant in his hands. He apparently had not let go of it since the murder. Don’t ask him about it. It is much too soon. After a few visits, maybe then.”
“Not a problem! One question though, are you leaning toward any one person in particular that you might think committed the murders?”
“Yes. I’m not at liberty to disclose that information but I am sure that I know who did it. I just have to find proof.”
“I understand.”
“Okay, I’ve got to go. I wish you luck with Peter a
nd please call me with any news.”
“Thanks Adam.”
“You’re very welcome.”
I felt that I was finally getting somewhere with the case. Now all I had to do was prove Bobby Forth was our murderer.
* * * *
I returned to the office only to find a frantic Heather waiting for me. “She’s here.”
“Who’s here?”
“I’m sorry Adam. I let her in. She is waiting at the top landing for you. I brought a seat up to make her comfortable. She is very old and it is cold outside. I hope you don’t mind.”
I started to climb the stairs when I saw her. She was a pitiful sight. She must have been in her early 80s. She jumped as I approached.
“I am sorry I startled you. Please come in.”
She sighed as she got out of the chair with a troubling effort. She was small, not quite five foot and that was being generous. Her clothes were worn displaying a mixture of patterns and colours. Nothing matched as it was probably all that she had. I could not help but notice how clean and well pressed they were. As she entered my office I could smell Pond’s cream. I had many aging clients who seemed to be loyal to the product. Taking their Pond’s away from them was like cutting off an arm. Silly that I would notice things like that but I was paid to take note of all things and for what it was worth senior ladies wore their Pond’s.
She sat down in front of me and through her dark skin I could see the bruises under her eyes. Someone was beating up on her. I sat there looking at her, not wanting to alarm her in anyway. I would let her talk and she did.
“My son mentioned you a few times. He had your card and I was able to find your place from that.”
“Who is your son?”
“None of your business. I want information on how it is done around here. If you promise to not say nothin, then I might tell ya.”
I did not know what to do but I wanted information. I had a feeling that she had something important to say. “I give you my word.”
“Can you rit somethin down? I no trust anyone.”
“You have my word. Are you hiring me and if so then perhaps we can draw up a contract to that nature.”
“I made a mistak: I ain’t got no time for this.” She started to get up but I was able to steady her as she almost fell to the floor. “Mister, don’t you dare go touchin me!”
She was a feisty little thing and now I had to assure her that she could trust me. But I think from the look in my eyes she somehow felt that she could. She sat down. “Alright then boy, I will tell you. I have no any money. I want information.”
I realized that I would have to go along with her so I answered, “Please continue. I will help you as much as I can.”
“My boy, he come home bloody. He get mad when I asks him how. I’m really frettin over this. I clean his pants and find your card. Mister I need your help.”
“Who is your boy? How can I help you without knowing this?”
“I no want to get him trouble. He my baby boy.”
My mind was reeling. I did not know how to get the necessary information from her. I had her here and did not want to frighten her away. She was shaking and fear consumed her. I knew the only way was to win her trust but also knew that was almost impossible. I could not sign a paper stating confidentiality for fear that it might have something to do with a case. I could only hope that she would tell me. All of a sudden, I heard footsteps and a pounding at my door. Crap not now!
And as I expected, she got up and left. I knew there was no way of stopping her. The impending interruption scared the shit out of her. I let her go but I knew that she’d be back. She had something to tell me and she had been here before and she would return. I looked up and Marc was standing before me.
“Who the hell was that?”
“Not too sure but I think she had some pertinent information and I feel it was related to the case. You never come to see me in daylight. What’s so urgent?”
“We have him!”
“Who?”
“The murderer!”
I felt a cold sweat come upon me. My heart was racing in anticipation of what Marc was about to say. It couldn’t be over. It couldn’t be that easy.
“I think I know who that lady might have been.”
“What are you talking about? Tell me.”
“I feel that might have been a Mrs. Louis. In fact after seeing her again; I know it is.”
“Stop this shit and tell me. How do you know her?”
“We knocked on every door around Lexus’ place. We have been talking with the neighbors trying to find out if any of them saw anything going on in the alley the night that Lexus was murdered. You could tell that no one wanted to incriminate themselves. It is a rough area and the people living there are very closed-mouthed. Frightened I guess.”
“Marc who is Mrs. Louis?”
“Hold on I’m coming to that. Finally yesterday, a homeless man was in the same alley that Lexus was murdered. Right outside her door. We felt that we had nothing to lose so we talked with him! He saw everything and we were able to apprehend our suspect last night. He confessed willingly. He was Mrs. Louis’ son.”
“What? Obviously she was not aware of this or else she would have told me.”
“I think she was very aware of this and that is why the early visit. She did not know where to turn. She was there when we arrested him.”
“Did he confess to both the murders?”
“Yes.”
“We are going to interrogate him later on today and I would like you to be sitting behind the glass. I know how important it is to you. I’ve already cleared it.”
“Marc, what do you know about this guy? How did he know Gritty and Lexus? I’m dumbfounded with all of this. I want answers.”
“Come with me and you will get all the answers that you need.”
“What’s this guy’s name? Do we know him?”
“Yes, you know him. His name is Stewart Louis. He was a resident at Lexus’ boarding house.”
“The big black guy, Stewart!”
“That’s right.”
“I guess then that we have found our murderer!”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Six months later Stewart Louis was convicted of first degree murder on two counts. The first for Gritty’s death and the second for Lexus’. He was sentenced to life in prison with review for parole in 30 years. I still had a hard time putting the pieces together. I was searching for a suspect in all the wrong places trying to make it a difficult procedure when in fact it was pretty straight forward. It was staring me right in the face.
I should have known that Stewart was more than an employee. He was always hovering around Lex. They were lovers. Oh Lex, what were you thinking? I had repeatedly warned her about the strays that she took in. I had a run-in with Stewart the first night I brought Gritty there. Now I realize, hindsight is everything. He was violent but I had pushed it aside. Lexus stood up for him constantly and now I understand why. She was bedding him and he was her go-between, delivering food and other items to Gritty’s apartment. Bobby remembered this big black guy always being there but he thought it was of a sexual nature. He was there for Lexus. She refused to step out of her place of business so he was the one that she sent. I can only assume that it was in relationship to the joint parenting over Peter. She was sending food and clothing to them.
On the stand Stewart testified that as long as Grenville remained at his own apartment, there was no need for concern. But when he moved in to Lexus’, Stewart could not stand to watch the affection between his lover and Grenville. It was an easy murder. He killed him and disposed of his body in the Lachine canal. He had the white van and the strength to lift the body. Now it all made sense. Stewart thought that once he was out of the picture he had a chance with Lexus and she would be his and only his. He also
testified that while comforting Lexus after Grenville’s death he mentioned that he killed him in order for them to be together. He thought that she was in love with him. Lexus lost it and threatened to turn him in. He had no choice but to kill her as well. He wanted it to look like a robbery so he killed her in the alley.
I had all the suspects lined up but even though they had reason for murder, the real murderer was very present. I felt that I had let Lexus down. I should have protected her more and would have to live with this knowledge the rest of my life.
Richard and I have moved into our beautiful condo and are enjoying life. He is driving me crazy with decorating but I relish in this easy lifestyle compared to the events at the beginning of the year. Richard is running the second office downtown and has a list of very distinguished clients. I must admit he is good at what he does. We are building up a very lucrative business.
* * * *
As for the others … Donald Haze is now the legal guardian of Peter. The boy is starting to trust and confide in him. He never mentions the pendant or why he constantly has it with him and Mr. Haze is happy to have a second chance at parenting Peter but the healing process will take some time for both of them. Whether or not he will remember seeing his mother in the alley is not of pertinence to the psychologists or Haze. Peter’s cure is the only concern of all.
Bobby Forth and his father Gerald have been able to start anew. Although Bobby was charged with forgery and fined heavily, because it was his first offense he was let off with only the fine. He is living in another condo far away from the one that he shared with Gritty and Peter. Another thing that is rather funny is in the newspaper I have learned that Jessica, yes Richard’s Jessica, is engaged to be married. Her future husband is none other than Bobby Forth. Who would have thought?
Marc has come out. He is even dating openly. He met a wonderful younger man that Richard and I adore. We often double date and are loving it.
The sad news is that I have learned the old Mrs. Louis passed away. She must have died of a broken heart. I visited her after the trial and she looked thinner, if possible. She refused all help. I gave her my personal cell number if she wanted anything but she never called.
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