by Maria Milot
“This happens every year, Mother. I will be fine.”
His mother waved a dismissive hand and continued with her speech, “Yes, well here is what you need to know. Chef has stocked the freezer with ready-made meals. The staff is coming with us but I’ve hired a cleaning crew to come on Mondays. Here’s their number. Also, the grounds people are here on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Their phone number is here too. The cleaners and the groundskeepers are the only people with the entry code to the front gate. The cleaners have a key to the house. They are very trustworthy. Still, I’ve locked up the silver and my jewelry and I would appreciate if you could be present in the house when they are here on Mondays. If your schedule allows, of course, darling.”
Winston simply smiled at his mother and asked, “What time are you and Father leaving?”
“The transport is picking us all up in an hour. Now give me kiss. I must go supervise Sally moving my bags. We will phone you when we arrive.”
Winston bent toward his mother’s cheek. “Travel safe.”
FORTY-FIVE
Jack McCarthy, Officer Sanders, and Captain Todd all stood in front of a full wall-sized whiteboard speckled with photos, notes and a timeline.
Captain Todd gestured at a photo of Ken. “Talk to me. I want to know who Ken Tate was.”
Jack began his narrative. “Ken Tate. Thirty years old. He grew up in Newton, MA, and Florence, Italy; which is where his mother and father live now. He’s an only child. Ken went to private boarding school here in New England, Deerfield Academy, and graduated from Tufts University with a degree in Business Administration. His dad was a wine importer and mom stayed home. Ken borrowed money from a small Rhode Island bank, that’s long since been acquired by bigger banks, to start up his venture capital business Spinnaker Ventures. He was also the primary investor in starting up a computer application business, Diamond Enterprises, with his college buddy Jared Diamond. No girlfriend, hard to find any friends that knew him socially. Most people knew him through business, and he has no family around here.”
Officer Sanders jumped in. “In fact, a representative of the family contacted us just after the news of his death went public. They want to know when they can send someone in to clean out his place and take the body back to Italy for funeral and burial.”
Captain Todd glanced between the two men then asked, “Have we completed a search of Mr. Tate’s home?”
Officer Sanders answered, “We finished up with Ken Tate’s condo but didn’t turn up anything.”
“Okay, tell the family they can have access to the condominium.” Captain Todd looked back to the whiteboard. “Autopsy is complete. We can go ahead and release the body.” Both officers nodded as Captain Todd continued. “McCarthy, your friend, Maddie Marcelle, says she saw Ken using a cell phone at the party. But no phone was found on the victim.”
Jack McCarthy stepped to the whiteboard. He pointed to a cluster of pages hanging on the board with a magnet. The word ‘phone’ with a question mark was written in red marker above the pages. “Right. There was no cell phone recovered from his body, his office, his car, or his condominium. We pulled all his phone records. We got one number which reoccurs on his office line and cell phone pretty frequently.” Jack tapped the pages for emphasis on his next piece of information. “Most importantly he got a call from that same phone number on the night he died. That number was the last phone call to come through. The call lasted one minute and thirty-four seconds and the timing for that call was just before the established time of death.”
“Okay. So who’s number is it?’’ Captain Todd asked.
Jack McCarthy’s frustration was exposed as he twisted his lips. “That’s the problem. It goes to a disconnected line with a ‘number no longer in service’ message. We tried tracking it but it’s a dead end. The number goes back to a pre-paid burner phone with no registered user.”
Captain Todd crossed his arms over his chest, “Anything else? Give me something.”
Officer Sanders offered, “Okay, according to phone records, a final text message was received on Ken Tate’s cell phone from none other than Jared Diamond, also close to the time of death, demanding that he and Ken Tate needed to talk.”
Jack let out a sigh. “Well, we know that Jared and Ken had a connection, we know they had a fight, a text message doesn’t really help us out. But we do know he was keeping secrets if he had a burner phone.”
Captain Todd pointed back to the whiteboard, “Let’s dig deeper into Spinnaker Ventures. It might give us a lead. Maybe he had a business enemy at the gala?”
FORTY-SIX
Jack shook out a dish towel as Maddie handed him a final pan to dry. Kelly leaned on the counter opposite them in her kitchen. The dinner conversation between the trio had mainly focused on the murder investigation.
“Coffee’s ready,” Kelly announced. “Let’s go have it in the living room.”
Kelly and Jack took up seats on their couch with Maddie in a soft armchair opposite them.
“I keep coming back to a few things,” Maddie said. “Bob was asking me about Ken during the party then I saw him follow Ken outside.”
“Yeah, but he explained he went outside to smoke and he was interested in Ken as a business contact,” Jack interjected. “We don’t have information to contradict his story at this point.”
“Okay. I also come back to something Ken said. He implied he was dating or seeing someone in secret and the person is a public figure.” Maddie heard a voice she had not heard in a long time, not Kelly’s voice, not Joe’s, but her own. “Listen, Jack, I can use my connections with Bob and Jared to find out if there is more information.” Jack opened his mouth to speak but Maddie quickly continued. “I promise not to do anything stupid or dangerous. If I hear information or see anything questionable I will pass it on to you.”
Kelly could tell from Jack’s expression he was considering her point and piped up. “We can’t stop her from dating Jack.”
“True. I’m not investigating. I’m just dating,” Maddie added to reinforce her point. “Besides I want to help out. It makes me feel stronger.”
Kelly tipped her head. “What are you talking about, stronger?”
Maddie set her coffee cup down on the table in front of her. She leaned forward as she rested her forearms on her knees. She felt compelled to dig her fingernails together but resisted the urge. “Until now, I haven’t felt comfortable sharing this with you both. My relationship with Joe really undermined my confidence in myself. I came to depend on him too much. I allowed him to control me. It’s been a process but I am learning to trust my own decisions again. Honestly, spending time with you both has helped a great deal. Even dating has shown me I don’t need to be afraid to make connections with people. I’m adjusting to everything I have. I’m giving myself permission to learn from my mistakes and not shut down and hide from the world.”
Kelly dropped to her knees next to Maddie’s chair and engulfed her in an embrace. “You are not alone Maddie. You’re stronger than you know and when you doubt that, Jack and I will be here to remind you.” Maddie watched as Jack nodded his head in agreement.
“Are you okay?” Kelly asked.
“I am actually feeling so much better,” Maddie said.
Kelly returned to her spot on the couch next to Jack. “Good. Let’s make a plan.” Kelly stated.
Both women fixed their gaze on Jack.
“Okay let’s be clear. You two are not cops. But I have to admit it might be helpful, Maddie, if you were to host a little couples dinner for me, Kelly and Jared at your house. So you can be dating, and I can be investigating.”
“Oh no! I can’t think of anything more awkward,” Maddie exclaimed.
Jack surrendered his hands to the air. “I won’t be overtly interviewing the guy. As a matter of fact, I promise to play the part of good friend, not bad cop.”
Kelly gave them both an eager smile.
Maddie couldn’t hide her energy either. “Let’s do it!�
� she exclaimed.
FORTY-SEVEN
Maddie pulled away from Jared’s embrace as she heard her mudroom door close. Jared laced his fingers through hers and clasped her hand tighter as Jack and Kelly appeared in the kitchen.
Kelly waved a bottle of wine toward Jared and Maddie. “Jared, we have you to thank for introducing us to our new favorite wine, Pinot Gris.”
The tension of Jared’s grip let up only slightly as he spoke. “Glad I could be of service.”
“I’m just going to address the elephant in the room.” All eyes went to Jack as he spoke. “This is obviously an unusual situation. Jared the most you and I have ever talked has been at the police station. We all know you and Ken were close friends and this is a terrible loss for you. I am not here tonight as a detective. I’m here as Kelly’s fiancé, Maddie’s friend, and a guy that wants to get along with you. I can separate my job from my personal life.” Jack’s hand jutted forward and hung in the air waiting for a response from Jared.
Jared separated from Maddie and took up the handshake. In a relieved tone he stated, “I would like to give it a try. Honestly, I want answers just as much as you do, Jack.”
◆◆◆
Two bottles of wine down, the dinner talk had covered many subjects, but not the murder. Still it was clear to Jack, Maddie, and Kelly that Ken’s death had a deep impact on Jared.
The conversation halted as Jack looked down at his ringing phone. “It’s the station, I gotta get this.” Jack stood up and walked toward the kitchen. The cottage’s open floor plan allowed the others to keep eyes and ears on Jack.
“Something Diamond’s auditors found? ... A lead through Spinnaker Ventures to an account –hold on let me write it down.” Jack looked back to the dining table and signaled Maddie for paper and pen. She quickly delivered him what he needed. “Yeah go ahead. Royal Cayman Bank. Okay, I’ll do some checking on my end.” Jack clicked off the call and looked at Jared. “We need to talk.”
FORTY-EIGHT
“Please come in Mr. Lackey. Mr. D is ready for you.” Mikey stood at the open door like a bull waiting to charge a matador; forcing Bob to turn sideways as he passed into the office on Federal Hill.
“Nice to see you again, Mikey,” Bob commented as he squeezed by. Bob was a pretty good poker player but this meeting would require every bit of bluffing skill he had. Game face. This is the break I need to get in good with Cosimo. I got this.
Cosimo DeCastelleri was back behind his desk. He pointed to the opposite chair, indicating Bob should sit down. “What’s this about Ken Tate?”
Down to business, Bob thought. “Okay. So you know I got connections down in Newport. Well, I got invited to one of those fancy society parties at one of the mansions down there. I happened to meet up with Ken Tate. Who’s working on one of your projects.” Bob paused to see if he had pushed a button with Cosimo. Wow, he thought, Cosimo really should’ve been a poker player.
Cosimo continued to stare at Bob. “Go on,” was all he said.
“Me and Ken, ya know we really hit it off. We got to talking about stuff and figured out we both have a connection with you.” So far, so good. Mostly the truth. Here we go. “He told me was gonna set up a meeting to bring me in on the project with you. He thought cause of the people I know down in Newport I could be a big help.” Poker face, sell it.
“So what did Ken tell you about our project?”
Cosimo’s face gave nothing away but the inflection in his voice as he said the word ‘project’ let Bob know this was something worth pursuing.
“Not too much, cause he went and got himself killed. But I know his friend, Jared Diamond, and since Ken’s out of the picture I figured I would be the perfect person to take over the job.”
“What do you know about Diamond?”
“Well, I know that Diamond doesn’t know Tate was working for you. Ken and I talked about keeping his association with you just between us.”
Cosimo listened, his face expressionless except for his eyes which gleamed like the point of a dagger.
Bob felt Cosimo’s eyes boring through his skull to read his mind. God, I hope he believes this bullshit. Bob tried to clear his head, terrified that Cosimo could actually read his thoughts.
Cosimo slowly turned his chair and gazed out the window. Custom made. The glass was bullet proof but the style was correct for the architectural history of the building. He abruptly snapped his head around to face Bob. His sudden movement caused Bob to sit back a bit further in his chair.
“Sure Lackey, you can take over. Let me set some things up. I want you to call the new number I gave ya in one week. Then I’ll give you instructions.” Cosimo stretched his arm across the desk and held his hand out to Bob. “Prego. Welcome.”
Bob stood. A grin spread across his face as he shook Mr. D’s hand. “Great, this is great. I can take care of business. You’ll see.”
◆◆◆
Bob was practically skipping down Atwells Avenue. He still had no idea what Ken was doing for Cosimo but he was about to pay his friend Moe a visit to find out. I can’t believe Mr. D is bringing me in on a real freakin’ job! Jared Diamond’s the key to this project. The best way to get to Diamond is through my little princess, Miss Maddie.
FORTY-NINE
A bell tingled on a door announcing Bob’s entrance into Moe’s Electronics store in Cranston. He gave Moe a friendly nod and they headed behind a heavy black curtain strung up behind a display counter.
Bob loved visiting the back room of Moe’s shop. It always reminded him of the last few pages of a comic book; filled with ads for gadgets that promised to enhance your spy powers and strength, so you too could be like your cartoon heroes.
“Hey Moe, are these x-ray glasses?” Bob held up a pair of thick-rimmed eyeglasses.
“No. They’re binocular glasses.”
Bob settled the spectacles on his nose.
Moe chuckled. “Now push the logo on the side of the frame. See, it lets you zoom in and out.”
“This is so cool!” Bob exclaimed. He inspected a pen. “What’s this one do?”
“That’s a good one.” Moe plucked the pen from Bob so he could demonstrate. “Not only does it write, it’s got a camera in it so you can record.”
Moe inspected a tall metal shelf with labeled plastic drawers. A near-by workbench was cluttered with household items, sculptures, and stuffed animals. All were in various states of disarray waiting to receive hidden recording cameras. “I assume you want something small?” Moe called out.
“Yeah smaller the better and I’m on a budget.” Bob continued to fiddle around with a teddy bear.
“Ok, this one.” Moe held up what looked like an iPod with earbuds in one hand and something small, shiny and round in the other.
Bob came in for a closer look. “What is that, a quarter?”
“Exactly. But this coin’s superpower is it can transmit to this iPod. It’s got decent range, so you won’t need to be right on top of whatever you’re trying to hear. But it doesn’t record, it just lets you listen.”
“Perfect,” said Bob with a grin.
◆◆◆
“He’s a friggin’ liar, Mikey!” Cosimo hissed.
“So why not just take care of him now, Mr. D?
“Because, Mikey, I want to know how much he really knows about our project and if he’s said anything to Diamond. I know he’s involved with Ken’s death. So I’m gonna give him a little rope, so he can hang himself. Have him tailed. I wanna know every move he makes.”
FIFTY
Bob stood up as Maddie approached his table at an outdoor café just off Bellevue Avenue in Newport. Maddie set her cup and saucer down next to his and allowed him to give her a warm hug. Bob always liked to start a conversation with a lady with an obligatory compliment, in Maddie’s case he actually meant it.
“You look beautiful, as always, Miss Maddie.” Now for the set-up. “Thanks for meeting me here, Maddie. I know I haven’t had time to take you out on ano
ther proper date but my schedule’s been a bit crazy lately. I also know I need to make time for what’s important and you’re important to me, Maddie.”
Unlike Bob, Maddie was not at all sure about how important Bob was to her. Her inner voice was speaking up. She had become more confident listening to it. It was telling her Bob was a lot like Joe. His lines seemed smooth and practiced and he was all too confident about the effect he could have over her. Bob’s glance down at his phone to check the time cemented her suspicions she was being played. “Bob, I have to be honest with you. I’m not really sure about your definition of making time for me because I literally have not heard from you, not a phone call, not a text, from the time I saw you at the gala until you asked me here today. It’s been weeks!”