“There we go. Lights are on, and I think someone is actually home,” Donnie said stepping forward and taking the empty cup out of Scot’s hand. His mouth formed an O shape like he had just consumed a hot curry and was trying to cool his mouth down.
“Pretty good, eh?” Donnie asked.
“What the hell is in that?”
“I would tell you but it might make you throw up.”
“I think I’m going to have to anyway,” he said rushing forward and disappearing into the bathroom to throw up.
“My work is done!” Donnie turned and winked at Skylar then scowled at Harvey on his way out.
“Thanks, Donnie.”
“Anytime.”
“What is his deal?” Harvey asked.
“He knows you’re rubbing shoulders with the enemy.”
“The enemy?”
“Barb.”
“Oh you can’t be serious?”
“I’m afraid you’re caught in the middle of it.”
“But you drink at the Carrabelle Junction as well.”
“Not by choice. He knows that. I’m a loyal customer.”
“And I’m not? I’ve drunk some of his coffee.”
“Two cups.”
“That’s two more than I used to drink,” he said before a smile formed and he peered down the cramped corridor to where Scot’s feet were sticking out of the bathroom. “You think he’s going to be fit for this evening?”
“Physically, yes. Mentally, um, that’s debatable.”
“What’s going on this evening?” Scot asked.
“A little hustle and bustle, just what the doctor ordered,” Skylar replied. It’s what they used to say when they were about to bust in a door and bring the hammer down on a fugitive. As she stood there listening to him chuck up, her smile vanished. It pained her to see Scot so broken up over Audrey. She was a good woman, and he was right, she didn’t deserve to deal with his crap but that was the life he chose. Being a Marshal wasn’t a job, it was a lifestyle, much like modern-day policing, except on a more extreme and dangerous level.
Scot continued to hug the white throne for another twenty minutes before he came out wiping the acid slop from his lips. He slumped down on the bench and eyed both of them.
“So? Either of you going to fill me in?”
She cleared her throat. It wasn’t going to be as easy as she thought but he was her plan B.
“How would you like to cozy up to a few females tonight?”
“How many?” he asked before a grin formed on his face. Now some might have been inclined to think that he bounced back from bad news a little too fast but that wasn’t the case. Like Skylar, Scot was very good at pushing it all down when the occasion required. It was like flipping a switch. Then of course there was the fact that most of his tears were the result of guilt more than love for Audrey. The truth was he was a bit of a womanizer and a workaholic and the two made one helluva cocktail.
She began to bring him up to speed on the murder investigation and those involved and what they’d uncovered to date.
“So you basically want me to entrap them?”
“I told you it bordered on that,” Harvey said.
“Is that right?” Scot asked.
Skylar pursed her lips and cocked her head.
“Well, why didn’t you say that in the first place? I’m game.”
“What?” Harvey sputtered, not expecting him to agree. But he didn’t know Scot like she did. The more insane the operation was, and the more it meant sticking it to the man and bending rules, the more excited he got. “Hold on a minute, you do understand what you’re being asked to do here, right?”
“Of course. Cozy up to a few honeys, drink like a fish, play some poker and then seal the deal.”
“Except sealing the deal doesn’t involve unzipping your pants,” Skylar was quick to add.
“Skylar, you really do take all the fun out of it.” He broke into laughter then rubbed his stomach. “But first things first, I’m going to need food. I’m famished.”
Chapter 16
Scot stared at himself in the full-length mirror. He grimaced as he pulled at his collar. He was dressed in a black tux and bow tie. “I don’t know about this, Skylar.” He rolled his shoulders. “It’s so uncomfortable. I’d prefer to wear jeans, a vest and…”
“You’ve got to dress to impress,” she said, brushing some lint off his jacket. They’d rented it from a local store in town. “We want them to think you’re a high roller.”
“I feel like a penguin.”
“I think you look like Bond.”
“Bond? Are you sure?”
She knew that would change his tune. He tilted his head from side to side. “Um. Now you say that, yeah, I think I can see the resemblance. More Connery than Roger Moore though.”
She stifled a laugh as she went down the back of his pants with the roller.
“So you’re clear about what you’ve got to do?”
“I’m clear, I’m just not sure it’s going to work.”
“It will work. Trust me. Money talks,” she said straightening up. “Now that you mention money.” He rubbed his two fingers together. She pursed her lips and headed over to the door that led up to the deck. “Harvey, you got those funds?”
“I can’t believe we’re doing this,” he said leaning down and handing her a small package. She unwrapped it. Inside was over forty thousand in cash. It was just a fraction of the money that had been seized in drug busts over the past two years. With the drug trade still thriving, Franklin County had been involved in a number of arrests and with that came a large collection of drugs and cash that were seized. The drugs were usually destroyed but any cash or property ultimately ended up being used by law enforcement. Under any normal situation, as long as they had the go-ahead to use it, funds could be used in sting operations, mainly because they knew they would get it back but even if they didn’t it wasn’t coming out of the department’s pocket. However, this wasn’t a normal situation. They were bypassing the red tape and placing both of their careers in jeopardy.
“We better get that back. If Davenport finds out, I’ll be playing golf on Monday and you’ll be searching for a new job.”
“Is he always this paranoid?” Scot asked.
She nodded and smiled. Harvey didn’t find it amusing, not one iota.
“You don’t have anything to worry about, Harvey. Ben Walker already established that they provide a refund to new VIP members if they are in any way dissatisfied on their first night. And believe me they are going to have a lot of dissatisfied VIPs tonight.”
“Yeah that’s what you say.”
Skylar adjusted the micro camera that on the surface looked like an ordinary button. She checked to make sure it was all operating before she patted him on the chest and stepped back. “You’re going to knock ’em dead.”
Scot cleared his throat. “So what can’t I do?”
“Scot,” she said.
“Just asking. I mean, if there is going to be a lot of good-looking women.”
“Listen, go and mingle, ask to speak to either LaSalle or Ricardo about alternative services. They’ll give the going rate for VIP membership and the same speech they gave Ben. Pay them the money and head onto the boat. Play a few games of poker. We don’t want them to have any doubts about you. Then take your date back to one of the rooms and well you know how it works from there. Oh, and if you get a chance, check out a few of the other rooms. You got it?”
“And you’ll be hitting the place at?”
“Around ten. If Tom Reynolds was telling the truth that’s when things should start heating up. It should also give them enough time to get everyone settled in.”
Harvey appeared in the doorway again. “And what about the leak?”
“Look, we’ll get the warrant from Davenport and tell him that we’re going to hit the place tomorrow, then at the last minute we’ll change it to this evening. If there is someone in the department that is tipping
him off, hopefully it won’t give them enough time to make the call.”
Harvey leaned back against the wall. “Elizabeth is going to kill me for this.”
“Is that your old lady?” Scot asked.
“Yeah and she doesn’t take too kindly to anything that jeopardizes my life or my salary.”
“You’ve got the easy job,” he said.
Skylar stepped back and observed him looking for any flaws. “Okay, we’re good to go. Let’s move out.”
That evening there wasn’t a star in the sky. Thick, dark clouds hung heavy over Florida. After dropping Scot in Apalachicola, Harvey and Skylar returned to Franklin County Sheriff Department to finish up some paperwork and make preparations. Close to six o’clock that evening, Davenport handed her a copy of the warrant and she let him know that they weren’t planning on using it until the next day because they had to follow up on a few leads and they didn’t think there would be time to roll out tonight. He didn’t seem too concerned as he walked away mumbling something under his breath about the state attorney. They were going against the grain but with Callum Jackson operating behind the scenes, they were going to have to bend the rules, whether the department liked it or not.
She turned in her chair to observe her stressed-out partner.
“Are you sure?” Harvey said. “Okay, we’ll look into it.” He hung up and sat there for a second tapping his pen against the table.
“What is it?”
“Hanson just got a call from a lady who runs the Red Pirate Family Grill and Oyster Bar in Eastpoint. She saw the news about Nancy Prescott and phoned in to say that she saw Tyron with her on the night she was murdered.”
“But he was here, wasn’t he? We brought him in.”
“For a while then he was released when Alvaro didn’t press charges.”
“But I thought he said he didn’t know anyone from her agency except Teresa?”
“Obviously not.”
“So he lied.”
“Seems so,” he said continuing to tap his pen.
“Isn’t Reznik keeping an eye on him?”
“Well that’s the thing. It seems he got called away to a domestic because he was the closest. When he returned, Tyron was gone. No one has seen him since.”
Skylar got up and scooped up her bag. “Well, I was getting hungry anyway. Fancy oysters?”
“I hate them.”
“But you’re from Florida.”
“And?”
She shook her head as they made their way out.
“Baker, Reid. Be sure to inform me about the time you’re going to hit the boat tomorrow, okay?” Davenport called out. He was standing by the door to his office holding a cup of coffee. Skylar gave him a thumbs-up as they pushed out into the parking lot.
“How long have you known Davenport?” Skylar asked as they made their way over to an unmarked cruiser. Harvey was getting a little finicky about the use of his truck and he still showed a clear disdain for traveling anywhere in her heap of crap.
“He’s been here as long as I have, maybe longer.”
“No, I mean. Know him.”
“Elizabeth and I have had dinner at his home. We’ve met his wife. I’ve played a few rounds of golf with him. Why?”
“You don’t think…”
He narrowed his eyes then his brow arched. “No!” he said vehemently. “There is no way in hell he would work for Callum Jackson.”
“Like there was no way the former medical examiner wasn’t involved in money laundering?”
He snorted. “That’s different.”
“Was it? You told me you played a few rounds of golf with him. You didn’t think he would do that.”
“Yeah but…” He trailed off and got this faraway look in his eyes. “That’s him. Not Davenport. He’s a different kind of man.”
“You sure about that?”
“Positive. Davenport might be a little high-strung at times but he’s not the kind of man that would ride both sides of the fence. Now Hanson and Reznik. Those are two individuals I wouldn’t put it past.”
They hopped in the cruiser and she fired it up and they tore out of there.
“You sure that’s not bitterness speaking.”
“Skylar. It has nothing to do with my sister, and everything to do with their background. Reznik lies all the time. Exaggerates his war injury, and he’s always complaining about the pay. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s taking money under the table. And as for Hanson, well, you can’t trust an ex-hairdresser.”
She laughed. “Why?”
“Because they gossip. Hell, they’re worse than a gabble of old ladies.” He tapped his fingers against the door frame. “If you want to know what’s going on in a town, go speak with a hairdresser. They know it all.”
“I’ll bear that in mind the next time I go get a blue rinse.” She laughed.
He nodded, looking real certain about his opinions. The truth was it could have been anyone in the department. It’s not like they told each other information on a need to know basis. What was shared in the privacy of an office, soon found its way into the changing rooms and showers. Then again, there was the chance that there was no leak at all and Harvey was just looking for someone to blame. Of course, Skylar wasn’t going to say that to him. He was already on edge about his sister’s death.
They drove the remainder of the five-mile trip in silence. She wasn’t sure what was on Harvey’s mind but she had a good idea. There was a lot at stake with the raid. While she was used to getting screamed at by her superiors and dragged repeatedly in front of a board to discuss her decisions and actions, Harvey wasn’t.
***
The Red Pirate Family Grill and Oyster Bar was located just off US 98. It was like many of the family friendly bars that offered good food, live music and a relaxing atmosphere. It was framed in by numerous palm trees, and it had a mini golf course out the back.
Harvey led the way upon arrival. Inside the smell of seafood and beer dominated while a light funky music played in the background. Waitresses wearing black tops with the skull and crossbones logo on the breast threaded between tables bringing pitchers of beer and trays of food.
“Table for two?” a pretty young girl asked as she approached them juggling menus.
“Actually we were hoping to speak with…” He pulled out his notepad. “Opal Parker.”
“She’s over at the bar,” the girl said, thumbing over her shoulder.
Harvey nodded.
“You’re showing your age,” Skylar muttered.
“I know. I think I need to take something for my memory.”
Opal Parker was a petite woman with a large chest. Six guys sat on stools around the bar watching a ballgame on TV while every now and again eying her. She was in her early fifties and her skin was dark from having been in the sun too long, or having seen one too many tanning booths. As soon as she saw them, Harvey pulled his badge, and she excused herself.
“Melissa, can you take over for a few minutes?” she said to one of the waitresses.
She led them over to a booth in the far corner and slipped in.
“Thanks for calling,” Harvey said.
“Not a problem. Someone has to speak out. I just hope they find justice for that girl. Terrible to think of what she went through.”
Skylar piped up. “So you said you saw Tyron O’Brien with Nancy yesterday?”
She nodded. “That’s right.” Opal pointed to a booth on the far side of the room near the window. “They sat right over there. She looked a bit weepy.”
“Did they come in together?”
“Yep. We were a little short-staffed yesterday, so I served a few customers. He ordered a Budweiser and a bowl of fries, and she just wanted water and lemon.”
“And you say that she looked upset?”
“From the moment she walked in here. We get a lot of customers in a day and most come in looking upbeat. She didn’t, and that’s what caught my eye. Her head was down but when I took the
order I got a good look at her. That’s the woman from the news. I remember her piercing blue eyes. Pretty little thing she was. Small frame, had a few bruises on her. I wondered if he’d done that. I figured he was her boyfriend.”
Harvey cleared his throat. “Hanson, I mean, the officer you spoke to, said that you referred to the man by name. Did you know Tyron O’Brien?”
“Of course. He used to come in here every day for lunch. He tipped well. For the most part he was polite, but you never know about these types.”
“Types?”
“Well he was quiet. It’s usually the quiet ones you have to watch out for. So did he kill her?”
Skylar breathed in deeply and flashed Harvey a sideways glance. “We’re still investigating. So what else can you tell us? Did you hear any of the conversation they were having? Was it heated? Did he grab her in a forceful manner? Have you ever seen him in here with her before?”
“No, I’d never seen her before. I mean, I have seen him with different women but not her. And as for their conversation. I only caught a few snippets. Nothing that I’d be able to make sense of.”
“Anything would be helpful,” Skylar said probing her to think.
“Not sure if it’s of any use but I heard him saying something about St. Catherines?”
Harvey nodded and Skylar knew he was speaking about the boat, the question was why?
“So what about his manner? Was he chatty? Did he look angry? I mean if you’ve seen him daily you would probably have a good eye for what mood he might have been in.”
She shrugged. “Not really. Um. Like I said, she was a little teary eyed but beyond that I didn’t see anything that was out of character. They stayed for about an hour, he paid his bill, left his usual tip and they left together.”
“And what time was that?”
“Um. Sometime around nine. I know they were here right up until we closed.”
“Does your bar have surveillance inside or out?”
She figured that maybe if they at least had her on video they could use that as evidence if it came to light that Tyron had killed Nancy.
Death Match Page 13