Scent of Gardenia (Scott Tucker Series)

by Dick Waters

  “Jules, I think you’re right about Willie and his ability to identify the cage. I’m sorry about this morning…I’m not sure what got into me.” She reached for his hand and held it. “I think we have to ask around about a beautiful redhead. What do you think?”

  He turned, putting his arm around her. “First, I think you’re right about looking for a beautiful redhead, but I’ve found mine. Secondly, I think you’re still thinking about how the inspector and I know each other.

  She was thinking about the fact the redhead got six dive cages. Could she be planning that many kidnappings and murders? As far as what Jules said…he was right…so right.

  Chapter 43

  As she walked back from Shawn’s cell, she was contemplating what she was going to do with him. As she opened the door from the basement, the phone started ringing.

  “Hello.” Margaret said.

  “Margaret, it’s me. You asked me to keep my ears open relative to the missing men. Can I expect the normal reward for this?”

  “As a matter of fact…I said I would double it. What do you have?”

  “Remember the ‘Holly’ woman I mentioned to you earlier. Well she’s checking out some things including the dive cages. I thought you should know about it. She’s also with Jules Bennett, the tall good-looking cab driver.”

  “I’ve seen him about town. Do you have any idea where she’s staying?”

  “No, but I think Jules might know though.”

  “I’ll leave double the amount in the usual spot. Thanks, and keep your eyes open and let me know. Bye.”

  *.*.*

  She went to the boat yard, taking her boat to the dock at the back of her property. There wasn’t much of a moon tonight, which made it perfect.

  She rolled one of the dive cages out of her back shed and down across the dock. Thank God these things can roll, or I would never be able to get it onto the boat. The boat winch helped her lift and aided her rolling the cage onto the boat. The cage smelled, but she tolerated it long enough to tie the chain to it along with the heavy cement filled tire. Once she had the cage and the tire on the back of the boat she could roll each one right off the back of the boat. She was out of breath, but still had to get Shawn.

  *.*.*

  She studied Shawn’s lifeless body. You were good while you lasted. Sorry about the infection, but it was time for a change. I’m sure you were pretty tired of me by now anyway. An hour later she was doing a ‘fireman’s carry’ to get him from the basement to her boat.

  She was soaking wet. She dropped his body onto the dock. She quickly dragged him by the ankles over to the side and then onto the boat. There was a loud thump as his body fell onto the deck of the boat and a crack when his head hit off the side rail of the boat. She quickly rolled his body into the cage.

  She stripped off all her clothes. Grabbing the bucket of fish oil, she applied it all over his body. The oil will help the sea creatures devour your body. She thought how funny it was how his body used to excite her, but now it repulsed her. She rolled him over and coated that side. She tied the short chain to the cage and wired the cage shut. That seems so stupid. Where’s he going?

  Margaret checked to make sure everything was ready for her to leave. Then she went inside the cabin to put on her wet suit. As she suited up, she remembered several of the men in her class were paying particular attention to the instructor that day, not necessarily the instruction. She smiled knowing there were two young men waiting for her return. They hadn’t eaten since breakfast; they’ll be ravenous…and hungry too.

  Soon, all she heard was the lapping of the waves against the boat and the low rumble of the diesel engine. She paid particular attention to her compass setting, speed and the length of time to her destination. She picked this location because it was rarely explored, there being much better dive sites than this one. However, she knew the body would be found eventually. Hopefully it would be just the skeletal remains, like the last one.

  She double checked her sightings. This looked like the right spot. She lowered the bow anchor, letting the boat drift until the anchor caught. She rolled the tire off the stern and then the cage. The large cage hit the water with an explosive splash. She put the rest of her scuba equipment on, took the light and dove down to the cage to make sure it was hidden as much as possible.

  She used her light to find the cage. When she was close enough, her light focused on Shawn’s body. His eyes reflected the light. It looked like he was a demon. She checked the positioning, determined she needed to move the cage closer to the coral formation nearby. It wasn’t that hard to move. She was finally satisfied with its location. Margaret studied Shawn’s lifeless body, remembering the many hours they spent together. Then she started to feel sorry about what she had done.

  The feeling was getting weirder and weirder. She began to realize what was happening.

  Chapter 44

  Holly was trying to forget about Willie. Fortunately, she had Jules to make her more comfortable. She gave some thought to the redhead who Willie said picked up the dive cages. If she was the one who was holding these men and then disposing of them, then she must know how to dive.

  “Jules, I’m thinking about that woman picking up these dive cages. Let’s assume she’s involved and has already disposed of one man’s body in one of the cages. That would mean that she knows how to dive.”

  He looked over, smiling at where her thoughts were leading.

  She contemplated, “Let’s assume she didn’t want to take the chance of anyone knowing what she was doing and was working alone. Are there many dive shops or dive charters on the island?”

  “There are quite a few…too many to check each one out. However, if Willie was correct about a beautiful redhead—that should reduce the number considerably. I have an idea.” Jules started his cab.

  *.*.*

  Jules had been driving for about twenty-five minutes which gave her some time to admire the scenery including Jules. She still couldn’t ignore that the inspector and Jules knew each other. However, she had come to know Jules well enough to know the man could not be a criminal. She had to ask him, or it would drive her crazy.

  “Jules you know in my short time here on the island how much I’ve fallen for you. But…”

  He interrupted her, “But you need to know how the chief-inspector knows me…is that what is bothering you?”

  She felt guilty, but he was sensitive enough to know it was bothering her. “Yes. I guess it’s my inquisitive mind that won’t let me drop it. If you don’t want to tell me, I can appreciate that.”

  As he drove, he found the next scenic overview to pull off the shore road and park. Jules opened his door and came around to open hers. They were seated on the bench. Jules was staring out at the turquoise water.

  He was quiet for several minutes then broke the silence. “About three years ago there was an investigation into the theft of US Navy supplies. The Navy, along with the local police, conducted a lengthy investigation. I was one of the people questioned in the disappearance of the supplies.”

  As Holly studied Jules, he didn’t seem upset to be telling the story.

  “I was questioned along with several other cabbies about this because we had access to the Navy base here and often had fares into town. I believe the police and the Navy have not dropped their investigation. I periodically get wind of things still being questioned. In fact, I have been questioned more than once by the investigators including the chief inspector. In the process, I learned enough about the details of what was stolen and when. I didn’t like the attitude especially of Inspector Hughes. I felt he was too pushy, looking for someone to dump this on.”

  He looked at her, continuing, “I knew I hadn’t done anything. I knew some of the other cabbies well enough to know they wouldn’t have done anything either. Without telling anyone, I started my own investigation into the missing supplies.”

  Holly was listening to Jules’ every word, turning to pay attention to only him a
nd not the ocean view.

  “I learned enough about the theft to consider the chief-inspector to be personally involved. I could never get enough proof to go to the Navy with what I learned, but I’m sure based on what I knew…that his nephew, the inspector and one other man at the Navy yard pulled off this theft.”

  “I’m still trying to put the pieces together. I have the odd feeling the inspector knows I suspect him. Consequently, I watch my back, and when I’m around the inspector, I’m especially vigilant. The bottom line is I don’t trust him. Since men have disappeared and now one has been found killed, I can’t put my finger on it, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he wasn’t somehow involved.”

  Holly put both her hands around one of Jules’. “Jules, thanks for sharing that with me.” She watched him stretch his neck. She moved both her hands and rubbed his neck to help relieve his tension. “What was stolen?”

  He stretched his neck and looked at her. “Military SCUBA equipment including complete wet suits, breathing apparatus, tanks, and spear guns.”

  Her mind was already racing on what Jules had just shared.

  They both stood up. “I’m a little surprised. Holly, you haven’t asked me something I would have expected.”

  She was relieved he shared those details and not something more devastating. “What’s that?”

  “Don’t you want to know how Mike Miller got my name as your guide?” he asked. “I’ll let you think about that one, but let’s get to where I was taking you.”

  *.*.*

  Ten minutes later, Jules pulled his cab into the parking lot of Bermuda Air Gas Supply Company. Jules and Holly found the manager inside the building. Holly did the introductions followed by a question about whether they knew an attractive redhead who runs dive excursions.

  Paul Dermot indicated that the delivery men would almost fight over who was going to deliver her air tank order. Holly asked, “Can you tell us anything else about her and give us her name and address?”

  Paul asked Jules to come with him for a minute. “I didn’t want to talk about this in front of the lady.” Jules nodded, and the manager continued. “I had a personal experience with Ms. Margaret Orion. She is indeed the redhead you’re asking about. She’s the only one who matches the description…she’s extremely well built and very attractive.”

  He took a deep breath and continued. “She called one Saturday and needed a rush delivery of some air tanks. She indicated that something happened. The tanks were thought to be ordered, but I checked and they were not. She asked me to make a special delivery and she would pay extra for the special Saturday delivery.”

  Jules waited for him to continue, but the man hesitated. “So, did you make the special delivery?”

  Paul looked over toward Holly to make sure she was still out of earshot. “Yes I did. Not only did I make the delivery, but once I delivered the tanks she asked me if I wouldn’t mind bringing four of the tanks down to her dive boat. I honestly thought she could do it, but it wasn’t that much of an extra effort. It took me a few trips to bring them down and load them on the boat. When I brought the last tank down, I went into the cabin to have her sign the paperwork. Well she was standing at the table holding her sundress in front of her and she just smiled and let it drop…she was stark naked. She said she wanted to reward my special delivery with special thanks of her own.”

  “Well I’m happily married. My wife would kill me if she ever found out. I asked her to sign the delivery slip and I would be on my way. She was incredibly beautiful. She took her time signing the paperwork. I came very close to giving in. She knew she was having an effect on me…if you know what I’m saying. Maybe that’s why my guys almost fight over making the delivery. All that aside…there was something about her that gave me an uncomfortable feeling.”

  Jules responded, “Thanks Paul for sharing that story. I think we’ve found the person we want to talk to. Can you give me her address?”

  “I will do that. When I first saw your friend here I thought it was her. There’s a slight resemblance especially with her red hair, however she’s much taller than your friend.” He looked up her address, writing it down for Jules. “Can I ask why you need to find her?”

  Jules answered quickly, “We heard about some of the dives she does and wanted to talk with her about one of our own.” Paul nodded his head, and they headed over to where Holly was standing.

  Jules had a big smile as they approached. She was still trying to think about the possible connection between Jules and Mike.

  *.*.*

  They were headed in the cab in the direction of Hamilton. Holly couldn’t hold her tongue any longer. “You look like you just won something…care to share?”

  He looked over at Holly and smiled. “I think we may have found someone who might just be capable of these crimes. This Margaret Orion has a dive service, is also a tall-gorgeous redhead, likes to show off her body…and I imagine shares it as well, based on what the manager indicated.”

  Holly immediately responded, “We need to go over there and check her out.”

  Jules shook his head. “Actually Holly, we’re headed back to Hamilton to pick up your personal effects…remember you’re checking out of your hotel and checking into mine. Besides, it’s getting dark and I think we need to check her out in the daytime. I doubt she would be at her business this late. Not only that, but it is in the opposite direction.”

  Holly was processing all of that. “Jules, I can’t wait to be with you again, but would you please do me a favor and take me to see her operation—now?”

  He pulled into the next scenic parking area. “Holly, it’s getting dark already. What do you expect to discover?”

  “Jules, I’ll make a deal with you if you take me there now. I’ll make us breakfast in the morning and I’ll bring it to you in bed. She reached over, running her fingernail up his thigh.

  He smiled, started the cab, and checked traffic before heading in the opposite direction from Hamilton.

  Chapter 45

  She realized what her ‘other’ had done, but it was too late. She couldn’t do anything about the man in the cage. However, she could go to the authorities and turn herself in. It would be difficult to explain the situation, but she was sure they would be happy to find the other two men alive. She pulled up anchor and quickly headed back to ‘their’ dive operation. On the way she remembered why she had suddenly taken over from her counterpart. It was seeing the murdered man in the cage…she felt so sorry for him.

  *.*.*

  Close to forty-five minutes later she had docked the boat and was checking the stern for any evidence of the man, or the cage being onboard. There was nothing except the trace of fish oil, which she decided not to clean up so she could explain to the authorities what her ‘other’ had done.

  She went inside the cabin and stripped off the wet suit. She hadn’t realized she didn’t have a bathing suit on underneath. The shock caused her to look back up towards her business office and she spotted a tall man and a woman walking near the office. She couldn’t risk standing up in the cabin to put her clothes back on. The two figures were headed down towards the boat dock. She decided when they arrived she would just explain to them what happened and they could all go to the authorities.

  The only lights on in the area were the spotlights on the office which flooded the parking area and some of the gangplank and dock. There was some light hitting the stern of the boat, but not much. Her knees hurt from kneeling in the cabin area trying to stay out of sight. She heard the two people talking, but couldn’t understand what they were saying. The boat rocked as someone climbed on board. She heard a sliding sound and then a very large thump. Peeking out, she saw the tall man lying on his back on the deck. The woman quickly climbed on board the boat and was kneeling at his side.

  Margaret’s heart was beating a mile a minute. She could hear her heart beating in her ears. The man must have knocked himself out when he stepped on the fish oil substance. She watched the red
headed woman cradling the man’s head, trying to see if he was okay. Margaret’s breathing was out of control and her vision was starting to blur. She tried to blink away the fuzzy sight of the two people…she knew what was happening, but it was too late. She couldn’t scream and she started to black out.

  *.*.*

  When her focus resumed she saw the large black man on his back, and the redheaded woman kneeling over him. She saw her own reflection in the cabin door mirror, noticing she was naked. Her heart was pounding. She didn’t know who these people were, but she had just been delivered ‘replacements.’ She picked up the resonator assembly beside her and slowly headed toward them.

  One quick swing of the assembly and she caught the woman totally by surprise, knocking her across the side of the head. The redhead crashed down across the man. Standing up now she realized she had taken over from her ‘other.’ The rush of seeing the two people coming must have had an effect on her. She contemplated hitting the woman again and the man. No, they both can be my new guests.

  *.*.*

  It had taken her about two hours to move them from her boat to the pickup and then to her basement ‘guest house.’ She was sweating profusely, but had left her clothes off. Margaret stood in Roger’s old cell looking at the redheaded woman. As they say, ‘clothes are optional,’ but not here. This is come the way you were born. She had never had a woman guest and this could be an interesting experience for her. The woman she learned was Holly and the black man was Jules. Nice names…better bodies.

  Holly was still out, not by the blow on the head, but by the Chloroform. She left the cell, waved as she passed Nils and Paul’s cells and entered Jules’ cell. Given the size of him she wondered if the shackles would be strong enough to hold him. He stretched from the headboard to the foot of the bed. She put his wrists and his ankles into shackles. She wasn’t taking any chances he could pull the wrists ones right out of the wall. He was also still out. She went over and touched his body.