Mystery on the Seine: A Jake Vincent Mystery

by Terry McGhee

  Barb turned around. “Enough of this. Let’s drive to the museum, park in a quiet spot and enjoy our lunch.”

  “Yeah, I’m getting a little depressed standing here. We deserve a little vino and cheese. Ya know, we have a small Veteran’s Memorial just outside our town limits. I’m a little ashamed to admit I have never been there, and I know that two of our senior hikers have relatives that grew up here and lost their lives in WWII right here at Omaha Beach. Why don’t we pledge here and now to visit, and lay some flowers on each Memorial Day?”

  “I’d say that’s a good plan Sherlock. I’m not sure I’m emotionally up for this museum visit. Just being here and looking at that vast beach area where such sacrifice took place, gives me chills. Let’s head back to the Grand Queen and call my Mom. You can do the dog talk to Murphee. Tomorrow should be interesting. We cruise to the small village of Les Andeleys where we can prowl the Chateau Gaillard castle built in 1196 by Richard the Lionheart.”

  “Oooooo, sounds like more excitement than I can stand.”

  “After breakfast tomorrow morning…are you ready?...I have us booked for a grand tour of the Palace of Versailles where Louie XIV lived. Such ostentatious beauty you have never seen. He reined for 72 years and chose the Sun as his Royal Emblem; hence he was known as Louie the Sun King.”

  “Sounds interesting. If this Louie worshipped the Sun, then I’ll bet there are a lot of windows and skylights. What did he die of…skin cancer?”

  Chapter 16

  After lunch on board the Grand Queen, Jake and Barb climbed the stairs to the Sky Deck. “Hi Mom, its Barb. Jake and I are standing on the roof of our river cruise ship enjoying a glass of wine. Yes the Sun will be setting soon. Sorry I didn’t call earlier. We’ve had a very exciting time, but we can fill you in when we get home. We have two more days before our flight home. Yes, one last night in Paris. Is everything OK? Yes Inspector Hannity is quite a nice policeman. Good, put Murph on for Jake.” Jake heard a whimper and a bark when Barb’s Mom said ‘Say hi to Daddy.’

  “OK Mrs. Jensen...she hung up.” Jake closed the mobile phone. “What’s this thing with Hannity?”

  “Mom says he comes by every day and evening to check on her.”

  “Did she say if he had any messages for us?”

  “No, but you know Hannity, he’s efficient sometimes to a fault. Jake I’m positive if something was up, he would call us.”

  “Well we haven’t heard from Sam, and we know they’re talking. I guess if it was serious they would get in touch. Ah what the heck. Would it bother you if I called Hannity? I’m just not sure I can stand not hearing the scuttlebutt about the status of the ‘Donnie-Watch.’”

  “You better talk to him, or you’ll be a wreck until you do.”

  “Hey big guy, its Jake; did I interrupt your dinner or maybe a cold one on your porch as you watch the Alpen Glow on the mountain?”

  “You guessed it. This is my favorite time of the day in summer. Just can’t beat the view. I hear you had a few exciting moments. Sam’s been filling me in after he swears me to secrecy. Guess your two targets had some bad luck. Sounds like an extremely professional hit job to me.”

  “Yeah it looks that way. Not certain if the FBI will stay involved. Sam tells me the whole investigation has been put on hold. The murders are now the Frenchie’s to solve. And I think we can say with accuracy that the lawyers will be swarming to follow the money representing the injured parties. My guess it’s been laundered and put into a dozen or more anonymous accounts in all four corners of the globe. How many corners can a sphere have anyway?”

  “Ok Deputy, enough with the small talk.” Jake moved to an empty spot on deck, and cupped his hands over the mouth piece. “Do you have any word from Sam on the whereabouts of these two asshole yo-yos?”

  “Sam says their Las Vegas office has a ‘Jerkovick spotter’ working the known motorcycle hangouts. Donnie and his buddy were seen at a small biker hangout near Lake Havasu. The bet is they are heading to Vegas or Reno. The Feds are trying to recruit a known biker who has dropped a dime on a few bad actors in the past. Not an easy task as newcomers are never really welcome. I don’t believe in coincidences. My guess would be a Reno destination as the police are a little more lenient on bikers than Vegas, which is more of a family attraction nowadays. If they leave Reno headed north-west, I give the odds at 80% there coming after us.”

  “If they’re heading for Reno, that puts them too close to us for comfort. Keep me posted because if there is the slightest chance they head for the mountains, I want to have Barb’s Mom and Murphee meet us at our regional airport and we can hole up in a rental until this gets sorted. I want to hear it from you if the FBI sends anyone anywhere close to town.”

  “Slow down Jake. Sam and I have been talking about this scenario. We didn’t want to bring you guys into it as it might be premature. If, and I say if, Donnie Jerkovick and his buddy head our way, we have to assume the odds are high that he is coming after us. Sam says the FBI has purchased a cabin-type house from the California Department of Forestry. The CDF no longer can afford to keep it staffed. It has secretly been used as a safe house once in the past for Witness Protection purposes. Sam’s suggestion is that at the first sign of possible trouble before you two get home, the FBI will escort Mrs. Jensen to the airport so she can fly home. If the FBI is called into action here, my Deputy Meadows can drive her to the airport. I can take care of Murph for a few days. Sam says if push comes to shove, and Donnie shows some aggression to get to us, you and Barb, with an armed agent, can use the safe house, if necessary, while we go after these pin heads. I’m not hiding from this jerk. I suggest you talk to Barb’s Mom and fill her in on this tentative plan then let me know.”

  “I’ll talk to Barbara. Lock and load my friend…gotta go, I’m being called to our gourmet dinner. It’s a tough job riding around in a five star luxury ship, being waited on hand and foot, but it has to be done.”

  “Take care you rat. Hi to Barb.”

  Chapter 17

  The talk on board the Grand Queen was all about the apparent murders of Patsy and Fred Johnson. Captain Favre had been authorized to hire a plain-clothed retired policeman to move among all guests to reassure all that everyone was safe. Jake had been asked to speak to the passengers to convince them that the Johnsons were the obvious target of the attacks, and the danger had passed. It still couldn’t eliminate the tension that was clearly present. How could someone sneak aboard and murder a passenger? Once every passenger had sworn that they did not know the Johnsons, a more relaxed atmosphere took over, and the last days of the cruise kept to the same schedule. The cruise line, through Captain Favre, did offer all a 35% discount on all future cruise bookings for them or any proven relative.

  This incentive was offered at dinner, and created a lot of buzz among passengers. Barb whispered to Jake, “Those folks that can afford this cruise won’t give a hoot about a 35% discount, but I bet a lot of relatives will suddenly emerge from the shadows. Good luck sorting them out.”

  Jake and Barb were seated for dinner at a table for two. Jake explained the plan that had been put forth if Donnie Jerkovick and his psycho friend decided to come after them intent on exacting what he believed was an ‘eye for an eye’ revenge attack. “The latest text message from Hannity is that the two by-passed Las Vegas and were headed north.”

  “Oh Jake, Mom has to leave right now…why wait? How soon could these two idiots get to our home patch? Hannity could have someone drive her to our airport, and he could keep watch on our house and Murph could ride in the patrol car. I don’t think we can gamble any more. Assuming the worse seems the best plan right now.”

  “Ok, its mid-morning at home. Let’s finish dinner and go up to the Sky Deck. We’ll call Hannity to tell him we’re planning on booking a flight tomorrow and will let him know the details. He can coordinate with Sam. I’m beginning to believe our worst fear is coming true. This is where I should say ‘It’s Deja vu all over again. And here w
e thought my retirement would be a challenge to find anything of interest to occupy our time. Well the good news is that we have a ‘heads-up’ on the situation, and Hannity says he Sam, and the FBI field agent will stay in touch as required. And our local ‘friendly policeman’ says he will not be without his stubby shotgun with the double aught load. If it can bring down Donnie’s murderous, psychopath father, it can do the same to the crazy son if needed. In a way I hope they do come and will be caught or killed. Knowing they could be out there plotting some evil action would drive me crazy with worry. He says for you not to worry, He has lookouts located all around town and near the remote campgrounds. His words: ‘We’ll get the bastards.’”

  Jake connected with Barb’s mother’s mobile phone. He quickly handed the phone to Barb. “Hi Mom, it’s me again. Something’s come up involving a crazy relative of that murderer Darrell Jerkovick. Yes the one Jake, Hannity and that FBI agent Sam Jenkins were involved with. No…Darrell is dead Mom…killed in prison. We can talk about it later. The FBI found out he had a son that may intend to do us harm. The FBI and Hannity are on top of the situation, but we think you need to book a flight to San Francisco right now. It’s OK Mom, Murph will be fine. Hannity will drive you to the airport so you can catch a flight to San Fran. The FBI can pick you up at SFO and drive you home. Yes Inspector Hannity will take care of Murphee. The Murph will get to ride around in a patrol car until we can get there…lucky dog. We’ll catch a flight tomorrow. Try not to worry about all the details. You will be in good hands. Now call your travel agent and get the first flight you can…and stop worrying. Yes, someone with a weapon will be watching our house. Mom, no one is going to burn down our house. The FBI has a spotter on this Donnie Jerkovick. They know his every move, but so far he hasn’t made any threats or broken any laws. Everything will be fine, just please book the flight and follow Hannity’s lead. We love you and will talk to you later.”

  “I just sent a text message to Hannity. He answered and is already driving to the house to help your Mom.”

  ***

  Inspector Hannity drove down the Vincent’s long driveway and parked the SUV in front of the breezeway leading to the rear of the house and the large deck where Jake, Barb, and The Murph spent so much time. He was surprised not to see Old Yellar trotting out to greet him as usual. Instead Mrs. Jensen hurried out from the back clearly upset. “Oh inspector I can’t find Murphee. He wandered out into the forest for his usual poke around and potty stop. I’ve called and called, but there is no sign of him. Oh dear…Jake will be so upset that I have lost sight of his best friend right when the plan is to get us away from the house. Please promise me you won’t say anything when he calls again.”

  “Try not to fret so much, we’ll find Murphee.”

  “Where are those bad men who want to harm you and Jake?”

  “We don’t yet know what their intentions are Mrs. Jensen. I expect to hear from the FBI agent who was tracking their travel route. Let’s don’t borrow trouble. In the mean time we need to get your things into my vehicle, and down to the station. Based on the schedule for your flight back to San Francisco, we need to be on the road within the next two hours.”

  “Oh I could never just leave before we find Murphee.”

  “Ma’am I will get two officers looking for Murph right away, and we’ll let you know the latest news. This is Murph’s back yard, so he knows it pretty well. Maybe he met a new canine neighbor and they are romping through the forest right now. Your welfare now is of most concern. I promised Jake and Barb.”

  Hannity helped Barb’s Mom into his unmarked SUV, and loaded two suitcases into the back. “It’s just a precaution ma’am. No one is in danger at this time, so don’t worry about anything. My deputy will drive you to our airport and stay with you until your flight departure. I will be here to watch the house, and I should hear from the FBI agent who has been assigned to keep tabs on these two bozos. For all we know right now, these guys may be just traveling to our Northwest states, or maybe into Canada. My two officers will start a search for Murphee immediately.”

  Chapter 18

  The United 747 flight from de Gaulle began descending as it entered Northern California air space. “Look down Babe; you can just barely see our town west of the mountain. I hope all is how we left it, and I feel better about telling Sam we’d book our own flight home. Your Mom should be on her way back to San Francisco, and Murph is under Hannity’s care.

  “I’ve also been thinking that we should rent a car at SFO and stop to see your Mom. Right now, until we talk to Hannity, all seems to be quiet at our house.’

  “Jake, let’s wait until we get the latest news before we decide. Anyway Mom would want us to take care of business at home since she now, most likely, is worried sick about this possible threat to us.”

  “Yeah you’re right.” Jake settled back in his seat for the fifty minutes remaining in their flight. His mind was spinning with thoughts of all the possible scenarios existing with the two crazy freaks on the loose. He thought that all would be OK with the FBI keeping watch on their whereabouts…wouldn’t it?

  The 747 made the final turn at the south end of San Francisco Bay to land into the prevailing wind out of the North West. In a few minutes the familiar clunk of the landing gear being deployed, and whirr of wing flaps being extended to increase drag and kill lift for landing, alerted all passengers of their arrival.

  ***

  Jake’s mobile phone began to vibrate in his shirt front pocket. He recognized the special number of the FBI agent who had been tracking Donnie Jerkovick and his motorcycle companion. “Hey Bill…got any news for us?”

  “Our two targets drove into Reno yesterday and parked their bikes in the underground garage of one of the casinos. A lucky break I thought as there was only one entrance and exit…easier for me and my associate to monitor. About an hour ago we went into the parking garage, and after a thorough search, we couldn’t find their bikes. We have been watching every vehicle leaving the garage, including trucks and autos. No sign of our two characters, but we know it wouldn’t be all that hard to split up, or hide. Their bikes may have been loaded in a truck and hidden somehow. In any case we are guessing that these guys may have switched to other means of transportation. Maybe a small sedan or pickup truck of some kind.”

  “Well no one said this job would be easy. Why don’t you head up here and buzz me when you are close.”

  “I already cleared it with Sam. I’m on my way. Any sign of the Vincent’s dog?”

  “No but we’re looking, and the dog has one of those I.D. microchips. I’m waiting to talk to Jake to get him on it. I expect a call from him any minute now. They’ve landed in San Francisco, and are scheduled on the next commuter flight up, or knowing Jake, if they can’t get a flight immediately, they’ll drive up.”

  Hannity hung up and headed again to Jake & Barb’s house. He keyed his radio to call Sarah, his patrol officer. “Hey Sarah, any sign of Murphee?”

  “No Sir, but I did find his collar and tags not all that far from the house.”

  “I don’t like that news, but Jake told me he kept the collar extra loose. With all the brush in the forest, he wanted Murph to be able to slip out of the collar if it got snagged. It still doesn’t figure why the dog did not come home. I’ll be hearing from Jake soon, and I’m not happy at having to deliver this news.”

  “Hey boss, the dog has one of those microchips in his ear. The collar has a metal tag that tells you. Just ask Jake to call where ever and have them send a signal for a location…or we can do it.”

  “The Microchip is not a GPS locator Sarah. If someone were to find Murphee, and took him to a vet, they can scan the chip and pull up all Jake’s contact information so he would know where the dog was. Anyway that’s what Jake told me. Ok Sarah why don’t you come in for now. The bad news is if Murph was snatched the thief might have removed the collar thinking there might be some sort of tracking device in it.”

  “Well sir the I.D
. collar is some good news at least. I hate to think that anyone would steal someone’s loved pet. You don’t think these two crazies might have made it up here without being spotted, and grabbed Murphee?”

  “Let’s don’t go there just yet Sarah. If that’s the case, that microchip won’t do us any good. That Federal agent Bill thinks they may have ditched their bikes, and switched to a car or truck to throw us off. It’s a big, wide open country up here. It wouldn’t be too hard to hide if you know someone is watching you. We’ve got to be smarter than they are.”

  Chapter 19

  Jake and Barbara were driving up the interstate as fast as they dared. “I know it was hard for your mother to tell us about Murph, but she must know she is not responsible? We told her Murphee was free to wander, but he never went far; was very wary of cars, and he always came back, the latest at his dinner time.”

  “She’ll be just fine. She’s sad for Murph, and that his disappearance happened on her watch. I told her Hannity will have someone call all the vets in the county, and let us know if anyone has brought in a Yellow Lab. Murph would go with any person that spoke kindly to him, especially if they produced some dog cookies.”

  “Well let’s call the inspector to hear the latest.”

  “Hey Jake…yeah she was upset, but I figure she’s a tough lady and understands that stuff happens. Listen, that FBI agent Bill thinks they might have ditched their bikes, and switched to a car or truck. They drove into a Reno Casino underground parking garage, and neither he nor his partner saw them coming out. It doesn’t mean they didn’t. The bad news is that they would have had time to get here…if that’s where they’re headed.