Private Detective: BENNINGTON P.I.: A thrilling four-novel political murder mystery private detective series...

by D. W. Ulsterman

  “A body.”

  36.

  Two days later inside the conference room of Congressman Latner’s office…

  Frank Bennington sat watching Philip Zimmerman’s movements closely. Zimmerman had been with the Washington Post for several years, and had always appeared supportive of Congressman Latner, and Democrats in general. Still, the stakes of the joint interview with Congresswoman Mears were undeniably high, as the Mendez camp awaited its results. Failure to perform at a high enough level could stall the congressman’s chances of joining the Mendez presidential ticket.

  Congresswoman Mears sat to Congressman Latner’s left, both politicians looking back at the reporter. While Congressman Latner was dressed in a newly tailored, dark brown suit, the congresswoman had appeared at the interview in decidedly more casual attire than her legislative counterpart – grey slacks, an off white sweater, and black tennis shoes. And unlike Congressman Latner, who came with Bennington in tow, the congresswoman arrived at the interview alone.

  Bennington noted Latner’s jaw clenching multiple times as he took in the congresswoman’s appearance. He already considered her beneath him. Certainly her choice of clothing during an interview that held such high stakes for the congressman would not help improve his opinion of her.

  “Nice to see you again Phil. How are the kids?”

  She knows Zimmerman?

  Bennington wasn’t aware the congresswoman was on such friendly terms with the Washington Post reporter, a publication notorious for its less than fair treatment toward conservative politicians.

  “They’re doing great congresswoman, thanks for asking. And thank you for this opportunity to interview you on this pending legislation. Nice to see some actual bi-partisanship going on.”

  The congressman shifted in his seat, his eyes glancing at Bennington and then glaring back at the reporter.

  “It was my office that initiated the effort. It’s a worthy cause, and as someone with a long history of supporting the safety and welfare of women home and abroad, I am happy to be a part of it.”

  A pained expression flashed across Bennington’s face. The congressman had started the interview already, and with an adversarial tone that had to be evident to everyone involved – the reporter included.

  “Having the congressman’s participation and support of my Helping Our Heroes legislation is very much appreciated. I do believe that it’s the kind of issue both Democrats and Republicans can find common ground with.”

  Congressman Latner sat silently, a faint smile tracing across his face. Philip Zimmerman, realizing the interview had already begun without any official beginning, forged ahead with his first formal question.

  “Congressman Latner, you helped lead an effort two years ago to slash the military budget by ten percent. Might that effort hinder others in Congress from taking your participation in a mortgage deferment bill for combat duty military personnel seriously? That perhaps your participation is nothing more than an empty political stunt to further your own career?”

  What the hell is going on here?

  Bennington held his breath, a knot of concern growing in his stomach. Neither him nor the congressman were expecting that kind of mine field question from Zimmerman. This was supposed to be a softball, easy does it public relations interview. Zimmerman was treating the congressman like…

  Like he could be a candidate for national office! Son-of-a-bitch somebody tipped Zimmerman off. He knows we’re trying to hook up to the Mendez team.

  Congressman Latner cleared his throat as he stared back at the reporter.

  “I’m not sure why anyone would think that, but if they do, then I would call it, and them, part of the problem around here. Maybe they don’t like the idea of me working with a woman. That’s a too common theme from some in the Republican Party, and any effort by someone like me, who has long championed a woman’s right to success and free choice, may not be met with complete appreciation. Thankfully, Congresswoman Mears here doesn’t appear to suffer from that kind of misconception. And together, we’re gonna get this Helping Our Heroes bill into law. You can count on that.”

  Bennington smiled, relief washing over him. The congressman deflected beautifully, while also managing to go on the attack. He was on his game.

  “Are you currently considering running for another office Congressman?”

  The question hung in the air unanswered, the knot in Bennington’s stomach returning with a vengeance.

  Finally, after several seconds of silence, Congresswoman Mears was the one let the congressman off the hook.

  “As I said Phil, my office is very grateful to have someone of Congressman Latner’s experience and influence willing to co-sponsor this legislation. It will provide much needed financial relief to those service men and women and their families. If husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, are risking their lives in combat for this nation, then at the very least, they should not have to worry over paying their mortgage during that time. I have already received off the record assurances from prominent leaders within the financial industry indicating their support of the idea. We can do this, it can be done now, and begin helping our military tomorrow.”

  Frank Bennington couldn’t help but be impressed by the ease at which the congresswoman controlled the interview. She may be new to Washington D.C., but she was talented.

  “Thank you Congresswoman Mears, but I want to get back to my earlier question. Congressman, there are rumors you are hoping to run for national office. Can you please confirm or deny those rumors?”

  Congressman Latner leaned toward the reporter and smiled, though his eyes clearly communicated just how furious he was over the question.

  “I tell you what Phil, if I hear anything on that, you’ll be the first to know. Now how about we get back to discussion of the merits of my Helping Our Heroes bill?”

  Philip Zimmerman appeared unfazed by the congressman’s attempts at intimidation as he glanced at Congresswoman Mears.

  “I thought this was YOUR legislation Congresswoman?”

  Congresswoman Mears gave a warm smile and shrugged.

  “I’m not in this for the credit. I just want to see it happen, and with the congressman’s help, I think we are very close to getting there.”

  “What the hell is this?”

  Both Philip Zimmerman and Congresswoman Mears looked at Congressman Latner, their faces openly expressing their shock over his statement. The reporter was the first to reply.

  “I’m sorry, Congressman, what do you mean?”

  “What I mean is this interview was supposed to be about the legislation, not about ME. And yet here you are, repeating the same question about my political future. So I’d like to know who put you up to it? Was it her?”

  The congressman turned slightly to look at Congresswoman Mears, who in turn shook her head.

  “Congressman Latner, I have nothing to do with this interview. This was your idea, remember?”

  Frank Bennington moved further into the room, hoping to diffuse what was quickly forming into an explosive and potentially very politically damaging situation.

  “Just a little misunderstanding maybe – let’s try and start this over. Remember, we’re here for the troops, right?”

  Congresswoman Mears nodded, offering Bennington a brief smile.

  “That’s right. I’m willing to start this over.”

  “Oh shut up you sanctimonious little bitch. You clearly had something to do with this. And YOU, you sniveling little shit-sack reporter. This will be the last time you ever get any comment on anything from me.”

  Even Bennington, who had witnessed the more private and volatile side of Congressman Joseph Latner, was stunned at the vitriolic display being put on by the congressman.

  “Joe – relax.”

  Congressman Latner stood up from his seat and again shouted down into the face of his longtime chief of staff, and most trusted political operative.

  “Screw you too, Frank. You shouldn’
t have let this shit happen in the first place. I don’t need this aggravation. I don’t need the sloppy seconds of some political never been like her.”

  It was the congresswoman’s turn to stand, her face openly revealing her disgust at Congressman Latner’s behavior.

  “Well, I’m sorry this went as badly as it did. Congressman, there are plenty of others who have expressed willingness to be a part of this legislation. Your involvement is no longer a consideration. Thank you.”

  Frank Bennington saw the congressman’s right hand clench into a fist as he gave every indication of wanting to strike the congresswoman. Fearing that very thing, the political operative quickly moved between the two politicians as Congresswoman Mears made her way quickly out of the conference room. The Washington Post reporter was the next to go, not saying a word as he too made his way past Bennington and the congressman, and then disappeared down the hallway.

  Bennington whirled around to face the congressman, trying hard to contain his own mounting rage and frustration over what he just witnessed.

  “Sit your ass down at that table or I swear, I’m gonna kick the shit out of you.”

  Congressman Latner scoffed at the threat.

  “Really Frank – you? Not likely. I don’t care if you’re pissed. Who gives a shit? We can find something else…some other legislation to co-sponsor. That crap is a dime a dozen up here and you know it. That woman…she actually thinks she’s my better! Can you believe it? HER! Some woman with her god and guns bullshit!”

  Bennington felt the mother of all headaches coming on. He didn’t recognize the congressman anymore – Latner had become some hate filled psychotic always on the verge of another emotional outburst.

  “What the hell is going on Joe? Do you need help? Is it something at home? Something is very wrong with you, and unless you tell me what that is, I can’t do anything about it. I know I haven’t always been the most reliable guy around here, but when it was time to get it done, that’s what I did. That’s what we did together – always. And now…you have a shot at being part of a national campaign, and you’re just messing it all up, and I don’t know why. I’ve never seen you act like this before Joe. Never. So what the hell is it?”

  For a moment, the congressman’s expression softened while looking down at Bennington as a glimpse of the pain and fear and unhappiness that was overcoming him flashed within his eyes. And then the moment passed, the congressman’s demeanor returning to its earlier indifference, his voice a distant whisper indicating his mind was already elsewhere.

  “It’s nothing, whatever. I’m heading home. Don’t call me. I’ll be back in tomorrow. We can talk then.”

  Frank Bennington reached out to grab the congressman’s left forearm.

  “Wait, Joe, we should talk. I think it would be best if we discussed this right now.”

  Congressman Latner pulled his arm away and shook his head.

  “I don’t think so, Frank. I’m tired. I’m going home.”

  Bennington watched the congressman’s departure, wondering why the man was acting so unhinged of late. A door down the hall opened, revealing the face of Tracy as he poked his head out from the staff work room.

  “Everything ok, Frank?”

  Bennington rolled his eyes and shrugged.

  “Just another shitty deal in a life full of them, Tracy. Hey, can you tell Colin to come see me in my office?”

  Tracy moved out into the hall as he shook his head.

  “He left after the interview started. Said he had to take care of some things.”

  The knot once again gripped Bennington’s stomach.

  “Did he say where he was going?”

  Again Tracy shook his head as he moved down the hallway closer to Bennington.

  “No, just took off. Whatever it was, he looked pretty serious about it.”

  Bennington knew Colin was still frustrated over not having spoken to or seen the Russian prostitute since she had been taken from the front of the night club earlier in the week. No word from Ivanka had yet arrived either to indicate where the young woman was. Now, as he considered Colin’s swift departure from the office, and the congressman’s increasingly erratic and near violent behavior, Frank Bennington worried something very wrong was about to happen.

  A cold foreboding shivered through his body as Bennington considered the very real possibility that whatever he feared might happen…already had.

  37.

  Colin O’Shea attempted to peer into the large front window adjacent to the entrance into Congressman Latner’s home. The interior appeared dark, with no sign of movement from inside. Colin pushed the doorbell several times and then waited.

  The door was locked.

  The neighborhood was quiet, with most of the homeowners likely at work in and around the Capitol Hill area. As for the congressman, Colin figured he shouldn’t be returning home from his interview for at least another hour.

  A narrow, stone cobble path led to the back area of the home where a single car garage was found, and just behind that, an alley that ran behind all of the homes on the street. Colin looked down both ends of the alley and found no indication of anyone else nearby.

  The garage door, like the front entrance door, was locked as well. Colin looked at a small window that was on the far right side of the garage wall. It was low enough for him to easily pull himself up and into the garage – though that would require he break the glass, which is exactly what Colin O’Shea proceeded to do.

  Carefully picking out any of the remaining glass from the window frame to prevent him from getting cut as he pulled himself up into the garage, Colin managed to squeeze through the newly made opening with minimal effort and noise, landing softly onto the cold, paved interior floor of the congressman’s garage. The room was a murky dark, the only light coming from the now broken window opening. The garage was nearly empty. There was no car inside, and only the soft hum of a large chest freezer that sat against the right wall gave any indication that anyone actually used the space.

  Something about the freezer sitting there alone against the wall, quietly humming away, stirred a warning from within Colin’s mind. The humming noise took on a siren like quality, beckoning him to approach, open the lid, and look inside.

  Get a grip O’Shea and just find out if Kat’s inside. Stop freaking yourself out.

  The freezer’s hum persisted though, until it filled Colin’s ears, demanding he pay it the attention the freezer seemed to demand of him.

  Just take a quick look. Get it over with and then get inside the house and back out again before the congressman returns home.

  Colin stood over the freezer, staring down at the faint glow of its silver-metallic handle. His right hand hovered near the handle, and he was embarrassed to see that hand slightly shaking. The freezer’s hum took on a mocking tone, whispering to Colin of his cowardice. Warning him not to look, while at the same time, knowing Colin couldn’t resist, wouldn’t resist, even as his subconscious now screamed that he should walk away, and leave the freezer alone.

  Just open the damn thing!

  With the freezer’s door lifted up and then back, Colin’s eyes strained to make out the form inside the bowels of the appliance. There was something large there, a dark form, twisted and bent to allow it to fit inside.

  “Jesus!”

  Colin fell backward, the freezer’s cover slamming back down as he did so, like a demonic mouth snapping shut.

  At the same moment Colin O’Shea cried out the Lord’s name from within the near darkness of Congressman Joseph Latner’s garage, Ivanka Vetrov glared into the eyes of her younger brother Arman.

  “So you took money from this congressman to assist him in controlling our Katalina?”

  Arman shook his head.

  “No, to watch her. To report back to him. Just…just a little side work Ivanka.”

  The corner of Ivanka’s upper lip twitched.

  “Oh, is that what you’re calling it Arman – side work? If so,
why did you keep this information from me? When I told you to check in on Katalina, did you actually see her there at the congressman’s?”

  Arman paused before slowly shaking his head. The big Russian enforcer feared few things in this world, but his sister Ivanka was one of them. There was a strength within her that surpassed anything merely physical. He had always seen her as a force of nature, an object immovable and unbending, with a sometimes frightening strength of will that had faced a myriad of challenges, and won every time.