Scent of Gardenia (Scott Tucker Series)

by Dick Waters

  *.*.*

  She left Jules in his cab while she attempted to see inspector Hughes. It took an hour of waiting but the officers were polite. They brought her into a small conference room to wait for the inspector.

  The door opened and a distinguished gentleman entered the room. “Miss Compton, I’m Chief-Inspector Hughes. I understand you want to know something about the Elliot case. How can I help you?”

  “Chief-Inspector, thank you for seeing me without an appointment. I’m here doing an investigation on Mr. Nielsen’s disappearance for his family. One facet I’m interested in is the dive-cage in which they found Mr. Elliot. Do you have any details you can share?”

  “Well, we’re normally not accustomed to having additional simultaneous investigations, but these disappearances have come to the attention of the US authorities. I cannot see any harm in sharing the details of what you asked. Is there anything else you need from us?”

  “Would it be too much bother to get a description of the missing yachts and pictures of the missing men?”

  “That’s available through public records, but I can save you some time as I have those readily available. I’ll have one of my officers pull the information and have it brought in. It was nice meeting you. Should you find something that will help the official investigation, we would appreciate your sharing it. How long are you planning on being here, and where are you staying if I need to reach you?”

  “Thank you for meeting with me Inspector. I’m not sure how many days I’ll be here. It depends on how much progress I make. You can reach me by contacting Jules Bennett. He knows where I will be staying; he’s been hired as my guide.” She could tell the name was familiar to the inspector. She wanted to ask if he knew Jules personally.

  “Interesting.” He offered his hand and added, “Please enjoy your stay while you are on our beautiful island. We usually do not have any major problems, however I would suggest given your close proximity to these crimes, you be vigilant to your surroundings and those around you at all times.”

  Fifteen minutes later, a woman brought in pictures of the dive cage along with its description, the names of the yachts and the pictures of the missing men. She noticed how attractive the yachts were, but the men were even more attractive. She could understand why someone might want to kidnap them. One of them, Shawn Dustin, resembled Scott Tucker.

  *.*.*

  She joined Jules in his cab. “Jules thank you for waiting. I had no idea it would take me almost two hours to get some additional information. Here’s what I have.” She looked at the dive cage and its description, then handed it quickly to Jules. “What are your thoughts on this?”

  He studied the pictures and description, but didn’t immediately answer.

  “Jules, how well do you know Chief-Inspector Hughes?”

  He didn’t answer her question. “Holly, what else do you have?”

  She shared the yacht descriptions and pictures of the missing men. “Jules, did you hear my question?”

  He started the cab. “I heard it. Let me say…it’s a very small island. You get to know many of the people if you’re here long enough. Yes, our paths have crossed a few times.” The tires spun and kicked up some small rocks under the cab. “Now that I see the pictures, I know where to take you.”

  Chapter 40

  Despite taking out her hostility on the men, she was still upset about the different investigations going on. In her years on the island, authorities had not gotten any closer to her or her special hospitality suites. She spent all of Sunday and Monday with the men, catching all of them more than once with her hook. She told them she was ‘trolling’ and not to move or she would hook them. It didn’t matter, but it was more fun watching the fear in their eyes before she hooked them.

  At one point, her rage about the investigations got the best of her and she broke the hook off inside Shawn. Today he is running a high fever. She knows he’s fighting an infection. How could she do something so stupid? She faintly remembered pummeling him that day until he went unconscious. It certainly had made the other two more submissive hearing Shawn being beaten.

  *.*.*

  She wasn’t here for sex this time. Shawn was on his bed, not that he wouldn’t be, but he was white as a ghost. He was soaking wet and when she felt his forehead he was burning up. She looked at the area where the hook broke off and it was red, swollen and obviously infected. She lifted his head, giving him two Penicillin tablets with some water.

  “You have to help me,” Shawn mumbled, rolling his head from side to side.

  She knew she was wasting her time—she didn’t want to save him. Shawn, you served your purpose well, but it’s time for someone new. This is just prompting my decision. She wrung the cloth out and wiped his face and neck. She was trying to bring down his fever. It was hard for her not to pay some attention to his special parts, but she wasn’t in the mood and he was far from it too.

  He was moaning over and over again. It was having an impact on her. She felt something she hadn’t felt in years. Several minutes had passed when she opened her eyes to see the display in front of her. You damn fool, now look at what you’ve done. Looking at this helpless, naked man she knew what her ‘other’ had done, and wondered if it was too late to save this man. She was soon rocking back and forth, sobbing. She suddenly cried out, “Oh, you poor man. What has she done? What has she done to you?”

  Chapter 41

  Mike looked at his watch. Scott will definitely be bringing doughnuts tomorrow. He’s never been this late without calling. Maybe he’s visiting with Stephen again. He thought he should check with Colleen.

  On the way to Colleen’s reception area he checked Scott’s desk calendar. It didn’t show any appointments for the day. As he approached Colleen’s desk, she looked up. “Mike, if your question is whether I’ve heard from Scott…I haven’t. It’s not like him not to call. Would you like me to call his apartment to see if he’s not feeling well? I’m sorry, was that what you wanted?”

  “Yes Colleen. It seems our detective skills are rubbing off on you. Yes, please give him a call and let me know what you find out. Bill called me when he couldn’t reach Scott this morning. He’s headed here to talk about the MIT development. If Bill comes in, please have him see me. Thanks.”

  Mike returned to his office. He was concerned about not hearing from Scott. He thought about calling Stephen’s office.

  Five minutes later Colleen stepped into his office. “Mike, there’s no answer at Scott’s apartment.” She had her arms wrapped around herself. “Is there anything else you want me to do?”

  “Colleen, don’t worry. I’m sure Scott’s okay. Something probably came up that demanded his attention. I’m sure he will come in, or we will hear something from him soon. You might give some thought to what kind of doughnuts you want him to bring tomorrow,” Mike said with a laugh.

  “Thanks Mike…I’m sure you’re right. He’s a ‘bad boy’ this morning.”

  *.*.*

  Bill Story arrived and headed into Mike’s office. “Colleen said to see you, Scott’s not here yet?” Bill said, with a puzzled look.

  “Yeah, we haven’t heard from Scott. I’m sure he will be here soon. Have a seat. Scott told me about the MIT situation. What’s your opinion?” Mike heard the front office door open and Scott’s voice. “Bill, hold that answer, that’s Scott now.”

  Mike watched as Scott appeared in his doorway. “Good morning Mike, Bill…sorry I’m late.”

  “Good afternoon Scott. I think you should buy doughnuts the rest of the week for not letting us know if you were okay or not. Colleen was very concerned.”

  “I’m sorry I didn’t call…something came up and I couldn’t get to a phone. It won’t happen again. I’ll get a coffee and join you both.”

  Scott came back in and pulled up a chair. “So Bill, what’s your take on what’s going on at MIT?” Mike asked.

  Bill took a deep breath. “Well here’s what I know. A new director was appointe
d a couple of weeks ago. On his tour of the computer laboratory, he saw me working there with a visitor badge. He later asked the lab manager, ‘Who is the guy with the visitor badge and what is he doing here?’ My contact at the lab told me that if they allowed one outside endeavor, they would have to allow others. When the manager met with me his words were; ‘At this time, it wasn’t in their best interest to allow my further use of their resources.’”

  Mike replied, “I guess I can see their point, but it is a development lab. So, that brings us to your suggestion Scott. Bill, have you heard what Scott is proposing?”

  “No.”

  “Scott, I talked with Paddy and he’s not opposed to your suggestion. Why don’t you share it?”

  “Well, before I get into that…Mike, I updated Stephen yesterday and he’s okay with what has happened. His point was that the Real Estate Board is going to need their own resources if the listing project went live anyway. So why not deal with that need now. He’s also offered to lease the old task force office building if we need him to. I guess that also covers what you didn’t know Bill. I suggested that old office to house the computer setup.”

  Bill’s smile was ear to ear. “So does this mean I will have my own setup?”

  Mike answered, “I guess that’s close to what it would be. Scott, if you don’t know what equipment Bill needs…Bill, can you give Scott a list of the minimum equipment you need?”

  Bill looked confused and asked, “I guess I missed something. Where’s the equipment coming from?”

  Scott replied before Mike could answer, “Wang offered a computer setup earlier, and I’m going to see if they’re serious about it. Our use of their setup does tie closer to what they’re trying to demonstrate to businesses versus the research MIT was doing in their lab.”

  Bill was rubbing his hands together. “I’ll make a list of the equipment and any special needs. I’ll also borrow some tape drives to move my stuff and the ‘listing demo’ material off the MIT equipment. It will take me an hour or so to make the equipment list. That old task force office puts it in walking distance of this office. I was worried about what was going to happen, but this is better than I expected.”

  “Okay then. Go ahead and make that list. Scott, can I talk with you for a few minutes?” Mike said, standing up.

  *.*.*

  Mike shut his office door and sat back down. “Scott, I talked with Paddy about your going to Bermuda to assist Holly. He doesn’t want you doing that. In addition, given everything you have going with Wang, the listing project and now the Wang equipment setup, you’re needed more here than there. Thanks for offering. Are you okay with that?” Mike asked.

  “I’m fine with that. I can understand the other needs we have. However, I’m somewhat concerned about Holly conducting an investigation all by herself in a foreign country…even though it’s Bermuda. Men are disappearing and now turning up dead. She could get too close to what’s going on.”

  Mike nodded. “I appreciate your concern, and I also share some of those same concerns. However, she’s not entirely alone. She has a guide assisting her, and I hear one of the reasons Paddy allowed her to extend her investigation is that she’s staying right on his boat. Holly is no dummy; she can take care of herself. She has a great sense when it comes to sizing up a situation. We’re lucky to have her.”

  “Scott, one other thing I need to share with you. As you know, I’m not your boss and we’re peers, but you need to let us know when you are tied up and can’t make it into the office,” Mike said, with a soft laugh.

  Mike was surprised at Scott’s laugh.

  “I’m sorry Mike. You’re right. I will call if that ever happens again.”

  Mike now understood what had kept Scott from coming in. “Mercedes got back in town yesterday, did you happen to see her?”

  “Yes, that’s one of the reasons I couldn’t call this morning. I was with her, and she wouldn’t let me…well, I couldn’t get to a phone.”

  “Very interesting.”

  Chapter 42

  Jules was driving without saying anything. Holly studied him, but he didn’t give the impression anything was wrong. She knew better. “Jules, where are we going?”

  “You’ll see when we get there.”

  Holly still couldn’t get used to driving on the left side of the road, especially when they exited off the traffic circle. If she was driving they would have made at least one mistake. The ocean was on their right and she was enjoying the turquoise water and white sand beaches. Jules turned left and exited the shore road. Shortly, fewer homes dotted the road and more commercial buildings were evident. Jules slammed on the brakes. She had to brace herself with her hand on the dash. He quickly backed up and turned into a small parking lot. The small sign read ‘Bermuda’s Past and Future Treasures.’

  She knew if she were trying to find this place by herself she would have had significant difficulty. He pulled up to the metal Quonset hut and turned the cab off. “This is hopefully what you are looking for m’lady.”

  They had been so quiet, she offered, “You’re incredible.”

  He started to get out, but turned and smiled. “You said that last night.” He hesitated getting out, asking, “Did you want me to go with you?”

  “Yes please. This place gives me the creeps.” They both got out. She followed Jules as he headed around the side of the hut. The door had a sign on it that read ‘Open’ and another that read ‘Ring Bell.’ Jules rang the large bell, which was brass—once upon a time. No one responded, and he rang it continually for about ten seconds.

  “Dang, I heard it the first time. That bell has had better days…you’re going to break the poor thing ringing it like that.” The heavy set man approached them, patting the bell. If she had been alone she would have felt very uncomfortable.

  The man must have weighed 300 pounds, standing well over six feet. His long-gray whiskers contrasted with his bald head. He had long dirty fingernails and hands. His outfit was a mechanics coverall with muddy combat boots. He looked at Jules, but stared at her. She took a step back, because he was too close and smelled like fish.

  “Well I ain’t goin’ to bite ya missy,” he said, with a throaty, toothless laugh, holding up his hands mimicking a cat with claws. “Boy, I don’t get visitors lik you very often, you be a real looker and look at that red hair.” He reached out to touch it and she jumped back. “You be real jumpy aren’t ya?” He slowly turned to look at Jules who stood eyeball to eyeball with him. “I’m not sure I can’t hep you, but what ya lookin for?”

  Holly was glad his focus was on Jules. “Do you ever have dive cages?” Jules asked.

  “Yep, you’ve come to the right spot…we had em. We’re about the only place that do. We be out right now though.”

  Holly didn’t necessarily want to go anywhere, even with Jules going with them. “Mister…?”

  “Missy, there’s no mister ere, it’s just Willie…my friends call me Wee Willie.” He laughed at himself.

  “Okay Willie, my name is Holly and this is Jules. We’re not in the market for dive cages, but would like to know if anyone has bought one or more of them from you that look like this,” Holly said, showing him the picture.

  He stared at Holly without answering. “I had a bird once that sounded sweet like you.” He continued to stare at her. “Oh yeah, let me think. We ave had some sold. In fact the woman wasn’t jumpy like ya are. She was beautiful too…an she had red hair.”

  Holly raised her eyebrows, looking over at Jules. Do you know her name or how to get in touch with her?”

  “Heh, heh…only in my dreams. Nah I don’t ave a name. She paid in cash, too.”

  “Did you deliver them anywhere?”

  “Nah, she picked them up. I loaded two of them at a time into her pickup. She ad to make three trips ta get em.”

  “What did the pickup look like?”

  “Jus lik all the others on the island.”

  ‘Would you recognize her if you saw her ag
ain?”

  His smile got larger and larger. “I see er every nit, I sur would know er.” He looked her up and down. “Now I goin to ave two of ya. What do they call that new radio…oh ya, stereo…stereo redheads?” He started laughing, until it turned to coughing.

  Holly was undressed once today and this made twice. She waited until his coughing subsided. “Thank you for your time Willie. We may come back with a picture at some point.”

  “If ya do, bring one I can keep.”

  *.*.*

  They were back in the cab, but Jules had not started it yet. “Jules, he gives me the creeps. Can you get us away from here please?”

  Jules pulled away, and shortly was back on the shore road. He pulled off and parked in one of the scenic overlooks. Holly was glad Jules had been with her. Willie gave the impression he could be someone holding the men. Why did I think that?

  She got out and sat on the bench. Jules joined her. “Are you okay Holly?” Jules asked.

  She blew out a long breath then answered, “He was a strange duck. I’m so glad you were with me. He looked like he could be in a horror show. What do you make of what he said?”

  Jules stared at the surf breaking off a reef far in the distance. Finally, he answered, “I think Willie needs a woman in his life…that would straighten him out. I think he’s harmless. He just doesn’t get much company like you. However, I think you might have found a clue to who might be behind the missing men. If we could take the dive cage by Willie, I’m sure he would know if it was one of his or not. However, I don’t think the inspector will let us borrow it, and I don’t want him to know what we learned.”