He gets home in time to lose his tie, gun, badge, extra magazine, and handcuffs before Lindsay rings his doorbell. He gives her a hug and kiss at the door as he’s letting her into his apartment.
After she drops her things in the bedroom, Steve explains he wanted to take her to dinner tonight because he has to cancel their date for next Friday.
“Why? We have those comedy show tickets,” Lindsay says, disappointed.
“I know, and I’m sorry. Maybe you can get a girlfriend from work to go with you.”
“What’s so important you have to bail on a show we both have been looking forward to seeing for months? You’re even the one who bought the tickets.”
“I hate missing it, but I have to go out of town for work on Friday.”
She sighs. “Okay, I understand. Where are you going? Can you tell me that at least?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, this time I can. I’m flying to Boise to meet with Jay Mather, and we have an interview scheduled for seven thirty Friday evening at his office.”
“Who’s the interview with and why so late?”
“Wendy Stevens, and it’s the only time she had available.”
Lindsay’s eyes light up. “Really? You think I may be onto something with her? Wait, what did you discover that I don’t know about yet?”
“Nothing definitive, but did you know the guy who jumped off the Auburn Bridge was Wendy’s office assistant’s ex-husband?”
“No I didn’t. How did you find that out so quickly?”
“It’s in the police report you’ll be receiving in a couple of days as a result of your FOIA request from Placer County.”
“What else is there?” she asks eagerly.
“Well, you’ll also be receiving the police report from the San Diego Police Department on Jim Bush’s death. Did you know Jim and Wendy had a brief intimate relationship that broke up, and the dinner they were having the night he died was to see if they wanted to try dating again?”
“Holy shit. I had no idea. So do you think revenge could be a motive for killing Tyler and Jim?”
“Whoa, slow down, that was a huge leap you just took from normal explainable deaths to murder. There is no concrete evidence that any of these deaths are anything except what they have been determined to be by very competent law enforcement agencies.”
“If you really believe that, then why are you flying to Boise to speak with Wendy?”
“I think there is probably ‘something rotten in Denmark,’ as Shakespeare would say, but we don’t have anything to stake a claim to that suspicion on, so Jay and I are going to try and rattle her cage and see what falls out.”
“I think she’s too smart to fall for something like that, so I hope you have more than you’re telling me, or you’re going to miss a great comedy show for a very frustrating, unproductive conversation with Wendy Stevens.”
“We don’t at this point, but don’t forget it’s unnerving for people to be questioned by the FBI even if they have nothing to hide. If they do have something to hide, most of the time they’ll eventually slip up in their story.”
“So you’re just going on a fishing excursion hoping she’ll make a mistake? Is that what you’re really telling me?”
“Pretty much, but it’s worth a try.”
She rolls her eyes. “It didn’t work for me, and people view the press in a similar way. While we can’t arrest them and put them in jail, we can run a story with a lot less factual basis and wreak havoc in their lives. My word of caution is just to make sure you don’t push so hard you piss her off, because if you do, I don’t think she’ll ever speak with you again voluntarily.”
“I understand your concern. Jay and I are planning to be very careful,” Steve assures her. “Now that we have covered everything we needed to with regard to that, can we go to dinner and have a nice relaxing and romantic dinner for two?”
“I’d like that very much.”
As they head out to dinner, Lindsay takes Steve’s hand.
“Thank you. I appreciate the fact that you actually listened to my theory and did a little investigating on your own. I promise if you tell me nothing is there after you interview her, that I’ll stop bugging you about her and my instincts.”
Steve gives her hand a squeeze while driving to the restaurant and says, “If you hadn’t pulled all the reports together I doubt anyone else would have, so by doing that you’ll at least get everything looked at as a whole and will be able to be confident in any outcome of this type of comprehensive investigative procedure. We’re looking at it all at once this time.”
When they arrive, Steve is lucky enough to find a parking space in front of the restaurant, and they spend the rest of the evening enjoying a quiet, romantic dinner for two, just like they wanted.
CHAPTER 24
parma ridge winery
Friday morning, Wendy gets a telephone call from Connie Jackson about the escalating circumstances at home.
“I’m sorry, Connie,” Wendy explains, “I’m heading to the airport right now, but I can see you first thing Monday morning. Talk to Mona and schedule an appointment. If things get really bad over the weekend, go to your safe house, call the police, and alert Pegge Peterson. She has already agreed to help you.”
“Okay, I’ll try to hold out for the weekend,” Connie says, and Wendy hurriedly transfers her to Mona and rushes out the door.
She meets Sean and Jessica at the airport and thanks them both for picking her up in San Diego before heading to Boise.
Once they’re on board, Jessica asks, “Why are you making this urgent trip to Boise, anyway?”
“I have an interview with the FBI after buying your dinners at Parma Ridge,” Wendy replies nonchalantly.
“Why on earth does the FBI want to interview you?” asks Jessica.
“Well, I don’t really know. They were very vague about the purpose of this interview, but if I were a gambling woman, I would bet it has to do with how many of my clients’ spouses have had unfortunate things happen over the past year. Perhaps they also want to talk about Mark and my inheritance. Who knows how many conclusions they have jumped to?”
“They know you didn’t kill Mark because they know who did, and the United States Government granted him immunity for his testimony. How many of your clients’ spouses are you talking about here?”
Wendy pauses for a moment, acting like she’s trying to remember when really she knows the exact number by heart. “I think it’s about ten. The suicides have all been closed, but it could probably be about Mona’s husband, Tyler, jumping off the Auburn Bridge, and Jim’s death, both of which I was present for. I’m sure it all looks terribly suspicious. This is why I need a vacation.”
“Shouldn’t you have an attorney present with you?” Sean asks carefully.
“Why? I’ve nothing to hide. As awful as all these deaths are, I’m not responsible for the choices the delusional spouses of my clients make, among other things. I also suspect Lindsay Parker may have something to do with getting this process started, since her boyfriend, Agent Davis, will be assisting Agent Mather during the interview.”
Sean nods knowingly, and Wendy proceeds to explain to Jessica about Lindsay being on her ass about her clients’ spouses.
They are all quiet for a moment as they ponder the fact that a personal relationship may be interfering with an FBI investigation.
Jessica finally says what they’re all thinking. “It bothers me that the boyfriend of a reporter may have a prescribed agenda. It feels like you’re walking into a trap. I think you should have an attorney present with you, and until you do, I’d cancel the interview.”
“I appreciate your concern, I really do. But this is my realm of expertise, and if I show up with an attorney everyone becomes guarded. My experience is that if one has nothing to hide one should cooperate with the authorities. If I get any type of indication this is something more than an inquiry, I’ll invoke my right to counsel immediately, but until then, it’s best
to cooperate.”
“I know you’re a very intelligent woman and you know what you’re doing, but last time I talked to these people I felt more insulted and implicated then I have ever felt in my life,” Sean says.
“I know, and so was Bonnie, but that’s how the game is played. Things people do in marketing piss me off, and to you it’s no big deal. It’s just the way things work. That’s how it works with investigations as well. I’m in my element, so let me handle things the way I deem best, okay?”
“I hope you know what you’re doing, because I just don’t trust those bastards,” Sean says, and Jessica places her hand on his arm.
“Oh, believe me when I tell you I don’t trust them either, but I do know what I’m doing. Now let’s talk about something more pleasant, shall we? Jess, why are you looking at Idaho for expansion possibilities instead of other more metropolitan locations?”
“Well, it has the right demographics for my niche market and it’s one of the fastest growing areas in the country. The only issue Sean and I have is the depth of the niche market and concern about whether or not it can sustain the demand in a manner worthy of the investment. There are really only two areas in Idaho for our consideration, those being Boise and Twin Falls. We have already made a trip to Twin Falls and Pocatello, and they offer some possibility, but there is a saying in Idaho: ‘the way Ada County goes is the way Idaho goes’ and that’s the Boise area. Twin Falls has the most educated population because of the nuclear power laboratory, but isn’t growing as quickly as Ada County, and Pocatello could be serviced through Salt Lake City if we were to expand into Utah.”
“How serious are you about expanding into Idaho? Is this trip still a preliminary fact finding mission or…?”
Sean chimes in. “It’s preliminary at this point, and we both feel it’s probably too soon to expect the types of return on investment we want, but there is also something to be said for being the innovative market leader in new markets. If you’re asking what the real possibility is that we will open a store in Idaho, it’s probably even odds. This is going to be one of the tougher calls we’ve had to make in quite a while.”
Jessica nods and asks, “What are your plans for tomorrow morning?”
“I was just going to relax until you guys are ready to fly back to San Diego. Why?”
“Sean wants to look at a couple of houses in the Idaho City area and if you want to join us you’re certainly welcome to.”
“Thank you, but house hunting isn’t my cup of tea, so I’ll just wait at the hotel or airport. Whatever is easier for you.”
“We have a late check out at the hotel for all of us, so you can stay there until we come and get you. I’m guessing we’ll pick you up by two o’clock,” Sean says.
“Perfect. Maybe I’ll catch up on some of the reading I’ve wanted to get to,” Wendy replies, and then the flight attendant tells them to prepare to land.
They land in Boise, grab the rental car, and head to the Parma Ridge Winery for their meeting with the property management company and commercial realtor.
When they arrive at the winery everyone is taken aback slightly, expecting to see something equivalent to wineries in California. In comparison, this winery appears to be very small. The realtor and property manager find them in the driveway and they all walk together into the winery.
Despite the rustic appearance, when they are greeted by Stephanie they are amazed at the quality of the wines they sample and the charming service. Sean orders a bottle of the Private Reserve Merlot while Jessica and Wendy decide to share a bottle of the Winery’s LaRea Dolce Sweet Reisling.
As they enjoy the wine and conversation, the smells emanating from the kitchen are alluring, and no one is disappointed when their food arrives at the table. Wendy’s braised pulled pork sliders with black cherry barbeque sauce and garlic truffle fries are met with moans of satisfaction from her after her first bite.
Jessica is amazed at her grilled romaine salad presentation with blue cheese, bacon, Roma tomatoes, and candied pecans and is equally as pleased with the flavors.
Sean savors the aromas of his grilled flatbread with prosciutto, arugula, and a balsamic reduction. Both Wendy and Jessica enjoy the satisfaction on his face with each bite he takes.
Sean turns to the realtor and property manager and says, “I have to admit, I was quite skeptical when we arrived. I was concerned about what we’d gotten ourselves into here in Idaho, but obviously, first impressions can be deceiving. The food and wine here are fantastic. What an absolutely delightful find.”
“We’re glad you enjoy it. Do you ladies agree with Mr. Green?”
“Absolutely!” Jessica says.
Wendy simply nods her approval because she has just taken quite a large bite of her slider.
Everyone enjoys the weather, cuisine, and ambience, and is pleased with the friendly hospitality of the owners, Stephanie and Storm.
After they have concluded their feast and business discussions, Sean and Jessica drop Wendy off at the FBI office.
“Do you want us to stay until you’re done?” Sean asks.
“Of course not. Go get settled at the hotel, and please just drop my bag off at my room. I’ll call a taxi to get back to the hotel,” Wendy says and waves them off.
Security notifies Agent Mather that Ms. Stevens is there.
“Perfect. I’m on my way down to the lobby to get her,” he tells them.
When Jay arrives in the lobby he greets Wendy warmly, shakes her hand, and thanks her once again for her cooperation.
They make their way back upstairs in companionable silence. Once there, Jay walks her into an interview room, where Steve Davis is already seated.
Wendy asks for a bottle of water before they get started and raves about the dining experience she just enjoyed, telling both Agent Mather and Agent Davis they missed out by not joining her at the winery.
Agent Davis clears his throat and begins their conversation. “Ms. Stevens, do you understand that this is just an informal, fact finding interview and that you aren’t being accused of anything?”
“Yes, I understand,” Wendy replies.
“Okay. That being said, your cooperation is greatly appreciated here today. Let’s get started, shall we?”
Wendy smiles. “Steve – can I call you by your first name? Aren’t you Lindsay Parker’s boyfriend?”
Surprised, he stutters, “Y-yes, you can call me by my first name. And, uh, yes I’m Lindsay’s boyfriend. Why do you ask?”
“Because she paid for an hour of my time awhile back and started our conversation in much the same way you did just now, so I’m wondering how much of this conversation is designed to please her and satisfy several points she has obviously raised through pillow talk with you. Do you care to put my concerns to rest?”
Recovering from shock, Jay begins to jump into the conversation and is interrupted by Wendy, whose eyes never leave Steve’s face. “Jay, please, let Steve answer my question. After all, it was directed to him.”
Steve clears his throat, a small amount of sweat forming at his temples. “I have to admit, most of the reason we are looking into the issues that will be raised here is because Lindsay piqued my curiosity. I began to look at how many people you are associated with who have died or committed suicide in the last year. Do you know how many that is?”
“No, that’s not a statistic I keep in mind, but I can think of three suicides.”
“What about deaths?”
“Again, I couldn’t say for sure, but two or three I suppose.”
“In the last year, there have been ten people associated with you who have died or committed suicide,” Steve says flatly.
“Well, now I know you’re nuts. Name them, because that’s a ridiculous number.”
“Mark Stevens, Ricardo Montes, Jack Taylor, Arnold Davis, Harder Gould, Gayle Baxter, Zach Rawlins, Kenneth Quan, Tyler Crookshank, and Jim Bush.”
Wendy bursts into laughter. “Are you serious? Hell, why do
n’t you check all the death records for San Diego County? I’m sure there is someone out there I met at a grocery store who had a relative die at some point in the last year that you missed. I meet hundreds of people on an annual basis that I don’t know on a personal level, and if you’re saying anyone I meet during the year becomes associated with me then you need to get some counseling for your delusional fantasies.”
“Are you denying you knew the people I mentioned above?”
“No, not at all. I knew of them, but I’m quite sure I had barely associated with most of them.”
“Can you elaborate, please?”
She stares at him for a moment, incredulous. “Really? Okay, Mark Stevens was my brother, whom I hadn’t spoken to in years, and you guys know who killed him so why is his name even on your list? Unless you’re accusing me of somehow being involved in his murder? Don’t answer that. Ricardo Montes I met once, and both of you have already questioned me about him. I did not know, nor was I associated with Jack Taylor, and I hadn’t counseled his wife in almost two years since their divorce. I don’t remember if I’ve ever met Arnold Davis. To my knowledge, I only knew of him through his wife, who was a client of mine. Harder Gould I spoke to once at the request of his wife, my client. I have never met Gayle Baxter because she was dead when I found her. Zach Rawlins and Kenneth Quan I never had the pleasure of meeting personally. I knew Tyler Crookshank because he’s the ex-husband of my office manager, but I didn’t know him well. Jim Bush and I were associated through SERF, and we dated briefly. So of all the individuals you mentioned, I knew Mark Stevens and Jim Bush on a very shallow level. Everyone else, at best, I only met briefly. Young man, at my age, I’m saddened to say two people that I know dying in one year is not out of the statistical norm.”
Unrestrained Behavior: The Pleasure and Risk of Choice (The 'Un'missable Series Book 3) Page 23