Ghostly Visions: A Harper Harlow Mystery Books 10-12

by Lily Harper Hart

“It is,” Mel confirmed. “It’s about Carl Gibbons.”

  “I figured as much. His death has been all over the news.”

  “It must be a slow news cycle.”

  “That and the fact that Carl was a notorious figure in certain circles,” Elliot acknowledged. “He made a lot of enemies over the years … and he was proud of it. I’ve known him for twenty years and he loved bragging about the people he’d screwed over for the duration of that time.”

  “No one we’ve talked to has been especially fond of him,” Jared agreed.

  “I would like to say that he was misunderstood and very few people knew the real Carl, but with him, what you saw was what you got. He was a bad man and he didn’t care that people knew that about him. There is nothing that can explain away the horrible things he did.”

  “We understand that you’re handling his estate,” Mel noted, digging in the pocket of his coat. “We have a warrant and want to see Carl’s will.”

  “I have no problem with that.” Elliot didn’t even bother checking the warrant to make sure everything was in order. “The thing is, I don’t have his most current will. I only have the one he filed with me two years ago.”

  Jared was understandably confused. “What do you mean? Why wouldn’t you have the most recent will? Did he go through someone else?”

  “No. I gave him the paperwork. It’s basically a template. He said he wanted to fill it out himself and that he would get it back to me when he was finished.”

  “How do you know he finished?”

  “He called and said he had. He even had it signed by a notary. He was going to send me a copy, although I don’t know if he ever got it in the mail.”

  Jared rubbed the back of his neck, a myriad of possibilities going through his head. “Do you know what he was changing about the will?”

  “He didn’t say. He was adamant about it, though. He said the old one wouldn’t suffice and he needed to do it right away.”

  “And when was this?” Mel queried.

  “He told me he wanted to change the will two months ago. I sent him the template. About a month ago he said he was finished and had to get it notarized. About two weeks ago he sent an email and said he’d finished everything up and would be sending out the new paperwork any day.”

  “And you never got it.”

  “No.”

  “Well … that’s something of a coincidence, huh?” Mel looked to his partner. “What do you think?”

  “I guess we can’t know what the new will said unless we find it and I don’t remember seeing anything close to that when we searched the office.”

  “No. I guess that means we need to know about the first will,” Mel said. “What can you tell us about that?”

  “It was fairly standard … when you take into account the fact that Carl had more than a million dollars hidden in secret bank accounts.”

  Jared’s mouth dropped open. “A million dollars? I don’t understand. Did he make that serving as a divorce lawyer?”

  “If so, I definitely went into the wrong field,” Mel groused.

  “Carl wasn’t a normal divorce attorney,” Elliot explained. “He was a coveted attorney because he was willing to play loose and fast with the rules. He demanded twenty percent of every divorce decree he won. A normal divorce attorney takes ten percent. Carl, on the other hand, got bigger settlements for his clients and they were willing to pay him more.”

  “I guess so.” Mel let loose a low whistle. “A million bucks is probably a motive to kill someone.”

  “Perhaps, but I’m not sure most people realized that Carl had that much money,” Elliot noted. “He liked to play as if he was a big shot, but he also came across as a braggart. He knew that. He played into it. He wanted some people to think he was making up how much money he was worth because it benefitted him.”

  “I can’t believe he was worth a million bucks and he managed to get out of his marriage without giving his wife a dime,” Jared muttered, disgust washing over him.

  “That’s not entirely true,” Elliot cautioned. “He gave Fran fifty grand and the house. Granted, he hid all his assets and the house was underwater at the time so there was no way she could keep it, but he didn’t get off exactly scot-free in that divorce.”

  “That’s not the way Fran made it sound,” Mel argued.

  “She put all the money she got into Junior’s education,” Elliot explained. “She didn’t benefit in the least from being married to Carl. Junior, however, got an education out of it.”

  “That’s something Carl should’ve been willing to pay for no matter what,” Jared pointed out.

  “I happen to agree with you.” Elliot held up his hands in capitulation. “Like I said, I’m not pretending that he was a good guy. In fact, he was pretty much the worst guy I’ve ever known. All he did was talk about money and sex. Apparently he was a dynamo in the sack.”

  “Thanks to Viagra,” Jared countered, taking perverse satisfaction in outing Carl’s secret after the fact.

  “That wouldn’t surprise me in the least.” Elliot looked amused. “Fran wasn’t the only one who Carl screwed, though. The guy was notoriously cheap. He also screwed over his own mother.”

  “Seriously?” Jared knew he shouldn’t be surprised, but he couldn’t stop himself. “How did he do that?”

  “Well, she had a stroke about five years ago, and instead of putting her in a nice assisted living center while she recovered, he put her in a county home … which was essentially the Devil’s armpit, although not as nice.”

  Jared felt sick to his stomach. “Oh, geez. Is she still there?”

  “No. She got out when she recovered. She’s not completely living on her own, though. She has an apartment in that building over by the county seat in Mount Clemens. It’s assisted living but minimal oversight.”

  Mel furrowed his brow as he tried to picture the building in question. “That one that looks like it’s sagging on one side?”

  “That would be the one.”

  “Ugh. And she’s there?”

  “She is. If you want insight into Carl, I would start with her. She was in Carl’s will before he changed it. I have no idea if she still is.”

  “What about Junior?” Jared asked. “Was he in the will?”

  “He was,” Elliot confirmed. “He was getting the lion’s share of the inheritance, meaning he should’ve gotten about seven hundred thousand dollars. Carl’s mother was supposed to get another hundred grand.”

  “That doesn’t seem like much considering what he put her through,” Mel noted.

  “I honestly don’t think Carl cared about things like that,” Elliot explained. “When he first sat down and we were going through his options, I suggested it might be a nice gesture to leave something for Fran. I never knew her well. She always seemed nice, though. She was kind of timid and I felt bad for her. Carl was having none of it, though. He said she didn’t deserve anything.”

  “The guy had no loyalty,” Jared complained, remembering the way Harper warned him about Carl’s smug attitude. “Do you think it’s possible he took Junior out of his will?”

  “When dealing with Carl, anything is possible. The thing is … I don’t know what he would do if that’s the case. Carl was not the type of guy who wanted to donate to charities and he didn’t have a significant other that I’m aware of. The only two people he had to leave money to were his mother and Junior.”

  “Speaking of that, were you aware of his relationship with Gloria Harlow?” Mel queried.

  Jared managed to rein in his temper and keep a bland expression on his face … but just barely. He wanted to shake his partner even though he knew Mel was merely asking the questions that needed to be asked.

  “I’m aware of his relationship with Gloria,” Elliot confirmed. “I thought it was a weird pairing. Everyone in the county knows Gloria. She is … all kinds of wacky.” He remembered that Jared was going to be Gloria’s son-in-law at the same moment the younger detective shifte
d uncomfortably in his chair. “Oh … I’m sorry.”

  “It’s fine.” Jared heaved out a sigh. “I’ve met Gloria. I know she’s not exactly the easiest woman in the world to deal with.”

  “That’s putting it mildly,” Elliot said. “She’s got a certain reputation in lawyer circles. She likes to date them but not commit. In fact, anyone of a certain age who is looking for a good time is advised to go to her because everyone knows she’s not in it for the long haul.”

  “That is lovely,” Jared deadpanned.

  “I’m just telling you how people look at her.” Elliot was sympathetic. “I’m not saying Harper is like her. In fact, everyone I know happens to adore Harper. She’s the exact opposite of her mother.”

  Jared wasn’t sure if the statement was meant as a compliment, but he decided to take it that way. “Harper is an angel.”

  “Let’s not go overboard,” Mel countered. “As for Gloria, did Carl say anything about his relationship with her?”

  “They hadn’t been dating all that long.”

  “No, but they’d been together at least a month. You mentioned you talked to Carl two weeks ago. Did he say anything?”

  Elliot swallowed hard and darted a look in Jared’s direction. He was clearly uncomfortable. “Just that he was having a good time, that Gloria liked fine dining and never argued about going to bed with him.”

  Jared pressed his lips together and raised his eyes to the ceiling as he tamped down his frustration.

  “Anything else?” Mel asked.

  “Just that. I very much doubt he was going to add Gloria into his will. There would be no reason. He knew the relationship with Gloria wasn’t going to last over the long haul. He was simply enjoying the time they had together and then had every intention of moving on.”

  “That also seems to be the general consensus regarding Gloria’s relationship intentions,” Mel noted. “If that will shows up, I would appreciate knowing what’s in it. As it is, we’re going to have to go over his computer and do another search. A will change is definitely a motive.”

  “I wish I had more information to give you,” Elliot offered. “The thing is, Carl talked big, but he shared very little about himself. I have no idea who would hate him enough to kill him.”

  “That’s what we have to find out. Thank you so much for your time.”

  Fifteen

  Agatha Gibbons was a formidable woman, which was quite impressive because she didn’t clear the five-foot mark and if she weighed a hundred pounds, Jared would’ve been surprised. That didn’t mean she was the sort of woman who could be taken advantage of ... and she recognized Mel and Jared for what they were the second they appeared at her door.

  “I guess I should’ve realized you would get to me eventually,” she said, shoving open the door and gesturing for the detectives to enter her small assisted living apartment. “Come on. We might as well get this over with.”

  Jared and Mel exchanged quick looks but did as she asked.

  Agatha pointed them toward the living room and sat in a well-worn chair — one that looked to be her favorite — and inclined her chin at the couch. “Sit. I know you’re here about Carl. I figured you would get to me eventually.”

  “We weren’t even aware you were alive, ma’am,” Mel admitted. “You weren’t listed on Carl’s ‘in case of emergency’ information. You don’t live in Whisper Cove. I’m sorry for getting our wires crossed.”

  “I don’t care about that.” Agatha slid a sidelong look toward Jared before focusing on Mel. “You’re clearly in charge,” she said. “What can you tell me about my heathen son’s passing?”

  It took everything Jared had not to dissolve into laughter. The woman was funny. He had to give her that. She was also resigned. She clearly had a strained relationship with her son, but he was still the child of her body ... however badly things had gone between them.

  “He was stabbed, ma’am,” Mel answered. There was no reason to lie. The truth was out there and she would stumble across it eventually. “Someone went into his home and ended his life.”

  “I see.” Agatha worked her bottom jaw. “Do you know who did this dastardly deed?”

  Jared had the distinct impression she was playing with them. That was the reason she picked the words she did. “No, ma’am. We’re trying to figure that out. That’s why we’re here.”

  “You came to see me because you think I killed him?” Agatha arched a drawn-on eyebrow. “I’ll admit that I’ve considered it a time or two over the years, but I’m not sure I have the strength to pull something like that off.”

  “You could’ve hired someone,” he pointed out, seeing no reason to placate her. Agatha seemed like a straight shooter and Jared figured approaching her on an even level was the smartest way to go. “You might’ve hated him enough to hire a professional, figuring you would get something in his will to pay off the shooter.”

  Agatha snorted. “Oh, please. There’s no way my son is leaving me a dime. If I paid someone to kill him that would be money out of my own pocket ... and as you can see, that’s money I don’t have. Do you really think a professional killer is going to meet me here, agree to kill my son for a future payout, and then just take me at my word that I’m good for it? I very much doubt it.”

  She had a point. Jared was loath to admit it because he was desperate for another legitimate suspect, but the odds of Agatha taking out her son seemed slim. “I guess that leaves us open to discuss other things.” Jared gave her a small wink in the hope that she would relax. Instead, she continued to glare at him ... which made him uncomfortable.

  “And what do you want to discuss with an old lady, hot shot?” she challenged, causing Mel’s lips to quirk. “Just for the record, you’re wasting your charm on me. You’re way too young and dumb for me to waste my time on. I don’t want a guy I have to teach the ropes to.”

  Jared was almost certain an insult was buried in there, but he managed to refrain from calling her on her attitude. “I’ll keep that in mind, ma’am.”

  “We’re more interested in your relationship with your son,” Mel explained. “We just spent some time with his estate lawyer and were informed that things weren’t always pleasant between you and Carl.”

  “That’s putting it mildly. Carl was ... pretty much the worst son anyone could ever want. I’m not kidding ...and I’m not exaggerating. He was a jerk and a half.”

  “That doesn’t mean he deserved to be murdered.”

  “No?” Agatha didn’t look so sure. “I’ll have to let God be the judge of that. I didn’t kill him. If you really think that and aren’t just marking off a box on your list, I feel sorry for you. You’re wasting your time with me. Even if I wanted to kill him — and there were times, don’t get me wrong — I don’t have the strength to do it physically. I also don’t have the money to do it remotely. That’s on top of the fact that I don’t have the will to do it.

  “Carl was essentially a butt plug in the game of life,” she continued, ignoring Jared’s reaction when he uncontrollably started coughing to cover his laughter. “I’m not an idiot. I know what my son was. He wasn’t a good person and he’s going to be on the receiving end of some hard judgment. I have no doubt about that.”

  “When was the last time you saw your son?” Mel asked.

  “I think it’s been about two years.”

  “Two years?” Jared sobered. “He never came to visit you?”

  “He hated coming here. Said it was for old people. That’s why I pointed out I should be living in a different sort of home. He said I was old and to suck it up, claimed he couldn’t afford to put me anyplace else. He said he didn’t have a choice ... and I definitely didn’t have a choice.”

  “Your son managed to squirrel away about a million dollars,” Mel offered, choosing his words carefully. “A few months ago, he approached his estate lawyer about changing his will. Up until that point, his son was the main beneficiary and you were set to receive one hundred thousand dollars.�
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  Agatha made a face so exaggerated she looked like a cartoon character. “Are you messing with me?”

  “No. The thing is, we’ve yet to track down the new will and have reason to believe he might’ve done something ... odd ... with it.” Mel wasn’t sure how else to phrase it. “He didn’t mention anything to you, did he?”

  “I haven’t seen him in almost two years. He didn’t even mention the first will to me. I figured everything would go to Junior. That’s the way it should be.”

  “Even though you’re living in a home you hate?” Jared queried.

  She bobbed her head without hesitation. “Even though. I don’t belong here, but Junior has been through so much in his life that if his father can give him a little bit of peace, he definitely deserves it.”

  “Are you close with your grandson?” Jared asked.

  “I don’t know if ‘close’ is the word I would use,” Agatha hedged. “Fran stops by to see me once a week. She brings me a casserole. I’ve never been one for casseroles, but it’s the thought that counts, right?”

  “Fran visits you every week?” If Jared wasn’t already in awe of the soft-spoken woman this would’ve put her over the top.

  “She does.”

  “For how long?”

  “Since I’ve been in here,” Agatha replied. “Actually, when I was in the hospital, she stopped by twice a week to cheer me on during my physical therapy. She also volunteered her time to help me with my speech therapy.”

  “That’s pretty generous of her considering how your son screwed her over,” Mel noted.

  “I always said that Carl didn’t deserve her,” Agatha noted. “No, I’m being serious. He didn’t deserve her even a little. She was too good for him.

  “What Carl did when he divorced her was ... unconscionable,” she continued. “I knew that marriage wouldn’t last, don’t get me wrong. Fran is a sweet woman, but Carl is the sort of man who is attracted to evil.

  “Still, I thought Fran was better off without him despite the terrible financial state he left her in,” she said. “I thought maybe she would find someone who treated her right ... but that never happened. She seems fine taking care of herself, and Junior is an adult now. She did right raising my grandson. I’ll always appreciate her for that.”