by Denise Irwin
Sam walked to the car and told Leona to grab the mongrel’s leash. “Sam, did the nurse say it was okay?”
“I didn’t ask.”
“Before we go in, how does Cassie look?”
“She looks a hell of a lot better than this morning. She’d sitting in the chair next to the bed.”
When a nurse saw Bailey come through the hospital’s main entrance, she stopped Sam in his tracks. “You may not bring a dog into the hospital. You can just turn yourself around and take him out the door.”
“Ah, come on, can’t you make a tiny exception? He’s here to cheer up Agent Henson. Hold on for just a moment.” Leona spied the gift shop across the hall. She quickly bought a bundle of fresh cut flowers and handed them to Sam. He told Bailey to take the flowers. “He’s bringing Agent Henson flowers.”
The nurse knew in her heart that while she was breaking a hospital rule, she had to let in her patient’s flower delivery. “Go on, I can’t say no to that dog of yours standing there with a mouthful of flowers.”
Leona and Sam waited outside the door. Sam unclipped his leash, “Bailey, go give Cassie those flowers.”
Leona chuckled when she heard Cassie squeal with laughter.
“Well sir, thank you very much. You must be Bailey.”
To show her that he was, he sat in front of her chair and handed her his paw. After Bailey had delivered Cassie’s flowers, he sat beside her chair. When Sam and Leona entered the room, Leona’s jaw dropped. “Cassie, you look great. Are you feeling as well as you look?”
“I am, so I’m working on the doctor who just doesn’t seem to think the way I want him to. I’m bored and hungry for real food, so I want out of this jail for good behavior. Please come sit on the bed, I want to hear every detail on today’s dip.”
As Leona sat on the bed, she told Cassie, “Sam wouldn’t say a word until he could tell us at the same time.”
“Cassie, before I start, can I get you something to drink?”
“Yes, I would love a glass of red wine.” She chortled, and then told him that she was fine.
“So, start this story. I’m starting to feel like I’m reading a detective novel.”
“First, the police had Brutus in the crime lab, Detective Bradley has already instructed the lab to provide him with Brutus’ ashes. Apparently the lab had a crematorium on site.”
“You found him? Oh my God, I figured he was long gone.” Tears began running down her face. “Thank you; I just don’t know what to say. My IV tube isn’t very long, so get your butt over here so I can give you a hug.”
When he reached her chair, she stood, “I can’t quite lift my arms just yet, so give me a hug. I can at least kiss you. You just made my day.” Sam helped her sit down in her chair before he went on to tell her about the rest of the story. She listened while Sam finished his story, scratching Bailey behind his ear.
“It turns out that Grossman can’t be an agent, since he’s a member of the mob. My guess is that his assignment was to kill you. We fingerprinted him and had the Bureau run the prints.”
Cassie’s jaw dropped, “Are you saying Grossman was a hired hit man sent to kill me?”
Sam waited quietly for Cassie to grasp that idea.
“Have you talked to Joe? Grossman felt all wrong from the moment I met him, but Joe told me to take the job.”
“I talked to him yesterday and I told Joe I thought he was an asshole to even entertain the fact that Grossman didn’t want a communication room. I know you like Shuman, but he never checked to make sure this guy was legit. That alone, smells like rotting fish.”
“Please don’t tell me that you think that Schuman’s in on this.”
“I don’t know, and I won’t know until I do a little research. I don’t want to burst any bubbles you may have created in adulation for him, but remember he asked you to take this case. Personally, I don’t want to see you go back to Boston until we know what the hell is going on.”
“I think you’ve forgotten my house and family are there. Where would I go?”
Leona spoke up, “Cassie, you know Sam’s right. Come to Baltimore where you can stay with us; at least until we know what’s going on.”
“That’s a generous offer but I don’t want to invade your home.” She turned to look at Sam, “Do you honestly believe my life is in danger?”
“I honestly do. Cassie, if Grossman sings like a canary, whatever mob he’s was working for, will put in a new assassin to get the job done right. If Schuman is involved, and we don’t know that he is, but if he is, going back to Boston could be deadly as well.”
“Schuman knows where you live. Moving in with the two of you could put your lives at risk. I’ll go home.”
Leona asked, “Sam, could she stay with Sue Sampson?”
“That’s an excellent idea.”
“Cassie, is there a chance we can talk the doc into letting you out today?”
“Nope, he was adamant that I stay another day. Tomorrow is the earliest he’s going to release me.”
Leona asked, “Cassie, did the doc get the lab results for the rabies test?”
“He did. The rats were clean, but he still insisted that I stay for another day.”
“In that case, I’ll ask Bradley to post someone outside your door until you’re released.”
“Inspector Marksman, I think I’m safe enough in the hospital without a guard posted outside my door.”
“At this point Agent Henson, I don’t think you are, so don’t give me a hard time about it. We’re gonna run for now. I have a ton of phone calls I intend to make today.”
Sam leaned over her and kissed the top of her head before he left. Leona took Cassie’s hand, “Please consider coming to Maryland, at least for a while.”
“I don’t think that man of yours will give me a choice.”
Leona kissed her new friend on her forehead and followed Sam to the car.
“Leona, since I want to make some phone calls, why don’t you drive.”
“Not a problem, boss.”
Sam’s first call was to Bradley to ask if he could post an officer outside the door. “Marshal, I seriously believe that someone took out a contract to kill Agent Henson. If I’m right, then she’s still in danger. Is there a possibility that you can post someone outside her hospital door?”
Bradley couldn’t deny that he also believed what Sam had just said. “I think you might be right, so I’ll send someone over as soon as we hang up.”
“Thanks. I have to warn you that Cassie doesn’t believe she needs any protection.”
Bradley chortled, “I’ll make sure my guys are discrete.”
“Let me ask, while I have you on the phone, has the FBI made any progress with him?”
“No. Grossman wouldn’t talk to any of the agents. He demanded that he have his attorney brought in. As soon as his attorney arrived, he told the Agents to either charge him or let him go.”
“Did they charge him?”
“Yes sir, they did. They put together a list of charges that they sent to the US Attorney’s Office. An Assistant US Attorney is in questioning Grossman and his attorney as we speak. He’s appearing in the Federal Court Tuesday morning at 9:00 am for arraignment. His state arraignment follows the federal case at 11:00 am. Until he’s arraigned, he stays put in our jail.”
“Good, today is Sunday; so, he stays in jail until after Columbus Day. I’ll be there for both hearings.”
“Okay, I’ll let them know.”
“Did someone get Cassie’s cell phone and get the photos off Rudy’s phone?”
“Sure did. Everything’s at the lab.”
“Marshal before you go, if Cassie gets released from the hospital tomorrow, I’m going to send her to Maryland with Leona. We’ll find a safehouse for her to stay in. I don’t know what you think, but I can’t impress on you enough that someone put a hit on her and the assassin fucked it up. If I’m right, whoever ordered the hit will find someone new to finish the job.”
“Sam, we’re on it. We came to the same conclusion after you left. So, she must be doing okay if the docs are releasing her tomorrow.”
“She’s bouncing back physically; however, she’s not taking this seriously enough to suit me, so staying in the hospital might be safer. Cassie’s head is harder than a steel beam, which means I’ll have my hands full trying to convince her that she really is in a dangerous situation.”
His next call was to the Baltimore Bureau Office. Jane wouldn’t be in since it was Sunday, but someone would be there to answer phones.
When the Agent answered the phone, Sam announced himself to the Agent. “My name’s Sam Marksman. I was an agent in the Baltimore Office. I need Larry Black’s cell phone number.”
Sam wrote the number down in his notebook. “Thanks, Agent Morin.”
Sam’s next call was to Black’s cell phone. Leona listened to Sam’s side of the conversation.
“I know, she said I was a dog the last time I spoke to her. Larry, is Jane’s health okay? The last time we spoke, I was in Texas and she was on her way to the doctor.”
“Yeah that’s what she told me. How’s your family?”
“Good, glad to hear that. No, this isn’t a social call. I’m in the middle of a fucking mess and could use help from someone I trust.”
“I know that it’s Sunday, the day of rest, but have you ever heard of an agent resting when duty calls?”
Sam chuckled, “Well then resting agent, I hate to lie this on a man out in the yard mowing his lawn.”
“Yes that’s right, this is ugly. Let me brief you and if you want me to take this somewhere else I will.”
Sam spent the remainder of the drive briefing Black on the situation at hand. When he told Black everything he knew along with what he thought about Shuman, he listened to the voice in his ear.
“Is that right? No, she’s coming home with us. I’m planning to set up a safehouse. No, I’m not telling you where, not just yet anyway. Grossman’s arraignment is Tuesday for both the fed and state boys.” Sam laughed. “Not on your life. Tell your bride I said hello and tell Jane I’m getting married.”
Larry shouted so loud that Leona heard him, “You’re what? Mr. ‘I’ll never get married’ is getting married?” Sam pulled the phone away from his ear.
“Yes and my bride heard you scream into the phone. She’s sitting next to me in the car. No can do, she’s driving.”
“Yes, she came with me. Her name is Leona and that’s all I’m telling you. Larry thanks for the info you gave me. It really solidifies this case for me.”
“Yes, I promise to bring her to the office to meet all you goons. Well, that’s a bit complicated. We were to be married today, but when the call came in that Cassie was in trouble, my soon to be bride called everyone to tell them we’d have to postpone the celebration.”
“Yeah it was tough, but you know this business. I will you old goat.”
“Leona, I have two more calls to make then I’m all yours.”
“Sam Marksman, you’re being rather silly. Honey, you have always been all mine.”
Before he made his next call, he leaned over and gently squeezed her breast setting off squeals of laughter from her, “Stop it or I’ll end up driving us off the road. Make your calls before you get us killed, and I can collect your insurance.”
“Sue, how is my favorite kennel owner?”
“Yes, I know, we said we would get together, but a lot has happened since we saw you last.”
Sam shook his finger at Leona.
“No, I don’t need you to kennel my mutt.”
He laughed aloud as he listened to Sue. “Yes, she’s sitting next to me.”
“No, you can’t, she’s driving the car.”
As Sam spoke to Sue on the phone, he thought, damn, Sam and Leona hadn’t included Sue and Neal in their guest list.
“What I need is to have a friend stay with you for a few days.”
“Yes, that’s right, she probably only needs to stay for a few days. She’s the FBI Agent I worked with in Las Vegas. The mob has taken a contract out on her life, so I need a safe place for her to stay.”
“If Cassie’s released from the hospital tomorrow, we’ll bring her down when we drive home.”
“See it only took you about two years to get that. Yes, Leona and I were in England to visit the queen.” Sam leaned over and squeezed his fiancée’s breast again. Leona batted his hand away.
“No, you and Neal will not be in danger. No one other than the five us will know where she is.”
“Yes, I’m telling you the truth. Tell you what, if after you meet her, you don’t want her to stay, I’ll find another safehouse.”
“Thank you love, but before I hang up, I gotta tell you she’s a dog girl. She just lost her dog, so she’ll love your kennel.”
“I’m hoping that we’ll see you some time tomorrow. Thank you again.”
Sam turned to Leona, “One last call.”
He dialed the number for Glen Englar’s cell phone. “Glen, can we take you up on that rain check for dinner tonight?”
“Yes sir everything’s coming up roses. I’ll fill you in over dinner.”
“That sounds perfect. Leona and I will see you at 8:00 in your apartment.”
“Mr. Marksman, I’m going to assume I don’t get to hear anything until dinner tonight.”
“That’s an accurate assumption. Leona, let’s go back to the hospital. Cassie isn’t getting it, so you’ll hear a sneak preview.”
Leona laughed at him while she looked for a place to pull a u-turn.
When she and Sam walked towards Cassie’s hospital room, a police officer stopped them.
“I’m glad to see that Bradley’s good on his word to post someone outside Cassie’s room so quickly. My name is Sam Marksman. I should be on the approved list.”
“Yes sir, you are.”
When they entered Cassie’s room, she picked up a pillow to throw at Sam. He ducked in time and the pillow whacked Leona in the face.
“Oh my God, Leona that was not intended for you. I’m off my mark; I intended that to hit that jerk you refer to as your fiancée. Sam, I told you that I did not want an officer posted outside my hospital door.”
“Well Agent Henson, you’re gonna need to re-adjust your thinking. He’s staying until you’re released.”
“Yes dad. Since I just saw you something’s come up, hasn’t it.”
“Yes it has. Cassie, I called the Baltimore office after I left the hospital. An agent who was my partner when I was with the Bureau said Schuman’s under investigation. He knew exactly who Grossman is. He asked if you were going back to Boston when the hospital releases you. I told him I was moving you to a safehouse. I didn’t tell him where. You’re going to stay with a couple I’d trust with my own life. If you’re doc releases you tomorrow, I’ve arranged that the FBI Agents here in Atlantic will transport you Philadelphia, where a car will be waiting for Leona to drive. I’ll drop her off at the courthouse and take a different route to the courthouse in Wilmington, Delaware. From Wilmington, the two of you will ride to the safehouse in my car. I intend to be in court for this asshole’s arraignments on Tuesday. That in a nutshell is the plan so far. Don’t even try to talk me out of it.”
Cassie was so disappointed to hear that her boss, a man that she trusted, could be a crooked cop. “Sam, I trusted Schuman with my life. Greed’s a funny thing isn’t it? You think you know someone and find out your boss is a dirty cop. If that’s the case, I’m going to demand that I’m released tomorrow.”
“I said he’s under investigation. Don’t convict him in your mind until we know what the investigation turns up.”
“You’ve already done the same thing in your head, haven’t you? You told me that you called him down on not having the communication room. I’ve done a great deal undercover work and I always had a communication room set up, so I have to admit that I was surprised there wasn’t one.”
“Please do
not over think this until we know more. Leona and I will see you tomorrow morning.” Sam kissed her on the top of her head.
As they pulled the car into the casino’s parking garage, Sam checked the time. “Hey babe, wanna stop for a drink and some snacks before we go up to the room. It’s only 5:00, so we have plenty of time.”
“Yep, sounds good. Let me run Bailey up to the room, brush my teeth and I’ll be back before you miss me.”
When Leona returned to the bar, there was a glass of Cabernet waiting for her. “Thanks Sam.”
“I also ordered some oysters and mussels.”
“Oysters? Do you have plans for later this evening?”
“You bet I do, Ms. Parker.”
“Leona, we didn’t tell Sue we were getting married.”
“I know. I don’t know how we left Sue and Neal off the list. Since we didn’t get married, we can invite them when we get to her house tomorrow.”
He sighed, “The Cream has limited space, but when we reschedule this thing, we have to include them. I can’t imagine how I forgot them.”
“Sam, it’s not a ‘thing’, it’s a wedding, and I don’t know how you forgot them.”
“Are you saying it’s my fault?”
“No, the omission of good friends lies with both of us. We started this list with family. Then I included Shelly and Randy. I couldn’t leave out John and Abby, so that means we really blew it by forgetting Sue and Neal. Sam, Cassie’s gonna be there, what do we tell everyone?”
“Since she’s staying with Sue, let’s talk to her and see if she can come up with a reason why Cassie’s at the wedding.”
Leona and Sam arrived at precisely 8:00 pm for dinner with the Glen and his wife.
“Come in. Please come in. I’m so glad the two of you can make it. This is my wife, Liz. Liz, let me introduce you to Leona Parker and Sam Marksman.”
Liz asked them what they’d like to drink and told them to make themselves comfortable. “I’d like to tell you that I’ve been slaving in the kitchen all day, but that would be a lie. Our chef is preparing dinner and will have it delivered to our apartment.”