Signal to Murder

by Rhone Sonnier

  “Devon told me any way you look at things, the extortionist forced CeCe to participate in the ambush. The blackmailer kidnapped their son, but as promised, after the ambush their son was left in his crib in CeCe’s apartment. I feel Devon may very well prove to be a great asset in our efforts to resolve the mystery behind the murder attempts on our lives. I agreed with Devon’s terms,” Francis tells Keith and Marguerite.

  Francis says, “Once I agreed to join forces, Devon revealed another possible line to follow in the murder attempts. Devon observed a woman leaving our apartment building by the side door at 1:45 a.m. this morning. He said she was carrying two duffle style bags and walked around the perimeter of the park to Birch Street. He decided to follow her and watched her get on a bus. Devon witnessed Homicide Detective Breau board the bus behind this lady; they did not appear to know one another.”

  “Devon said he followed the bus in his SUV for a while then U-turned his SUV to head in the opposite direction. Before he turned he was passed by an SUV that he recognized as the one he had stolen for El Sicko on the thirteenth. He chose to not follow the vehicle. The bus he was following was the one Breau was on and he did not want to attract undue attention. Later Devon saw the same vehicle parked in the nurse’s parking lot at this hospital. He does not know who was driving the SUV; he did say it could have been a small man or a woman. Devon believes it would behoove us to determine who was driving the SUV and who the woman was that exited our building at 1:45 this morning,” Francis ended speaking excitedly.

  Francis began to speak once more, “Devon assured me he will be back in touch with me. He said he would prefer to remain in hiding for now, he knows that he will have to speak with the Homicide Detectives soon, but not right now. Devon believes Breau was watching the park and apartment building for any suspicious activity, and he saw the woman. Maybe he found out something when he followed her, he hopes we find out. He thanked me for talking with him, and asked if we learn anything from Breau please consider keeping him in our information loop.”

  “Keith and Marguerite, I believe that we should be thankful that Devon Carter approached me and has given us additional information regarding the ambush,” Francis concludes relating his verbal exchanges with Devon. He and Marguerite hug Keith. Francis is going to rest prior to their meeting with Raj. Francis has faith that Devon’s visit will open doors that were previously closed and reveal important information.

  Chapter 47

  Breau ID’s Cleaning Lady

  Ten hours of deep sleep is what I need. I rationalize this fact as I reflect on having slept very little last night, or rather this morning (Wednesday, April fifteenth). “Anyone would be tired working the schedule that Hernandez and I do.” I say quietly to myself.

  I, Detective Breau, ponder these facts as I wait for my partner, Detective Hernandez, to join me for breakfast at a local café. I watch the early morning news while drinking my first cup of coffee and thinking about how hungry I am. The local news reporter says that a female pedestrian was killed early this morning when she was struck down by a truck. He reports that the police say the woman was killed sometime after 2:00 a.m. and before 3 a.m. this morning; the victim has not been identified.

  I think back, “Yesterday morning was the Edwards/Sorrell ambush and this morning not far from that scene a pedestrian is killed; so much tragedy.”

  The news I just heard flabbergasts me as a rather crude rendering of a female face is displayed on the screen. It is evident that an artist had to create the face. As bad as the picture is I recognize the victim as the young lady who exited Edwards’ building at 1:45 a.m. this morning. I watched her walk around the perimeter of Forest City Park and as she boarded the 2:00 a.m. bus; I boarded right behind her. I thought it odd that she should be out at that hour of the morning, but the fact that she was carrying two pieces of luggage told me she was planning to travel. I decided that I did not need to follow her when she exited the bus.

  A lead regarding a buttermilk container captivated my attention. When the woman entered the bus she was startled when she glanced past the bus driver into his waste receptacle. I noticed that she was looking at a buttermilk container that was lying in the can. I needed to follow-up on the carton, and I did not have a reason to follow the woman, she could possibly have accused me of stalking her.

  I feel terrible that I have no clue as to the victim’s identity. Someone in Edwards’ building should be able to identify her. Ms. Seemore might know who she is. I will wait until I discuss this matter with Hernandez; I am sure we can arrange to go visit Ms. Seemore sometime today. I will take a copy of the artist rendering of the accident victim; if the victim lived in Ms. Seemore’s building she will know who she is.

  Reflecting more as I drink my coffee, I remember that a SWAT officer saw Keith Edwards leave his apartment to run down the hall. The same SWAT officer said Francis exited the apartment behind Keith and the Swat officer was just behind Francis Sorrel. The officer said that he followed both men and witnessed Edwards get knocked down by a cleaning lady’s cart. The cart was in the hallway just down from his apartment.

  The SWAT officer said he saw Edwards push the cleaning lady and her cart aside as he was getting up from the floor. Edwards headed for the stairs as the forward progress of Francis was slowed by the same cleaning lady blocking the hall. Francis Sorrell got past the cart and continued his pursuit of his Grandson finally catching up with him on the curb in front of the apartment building.

  As I continue to reflect back over details I remember that the SWAT officer gave me a good description of that cleaning lady and that description is similar to, if not the same as the female on the bus and the hit and run victim; too much coincidence to be accidental.

  Hernandez joins me for breakfast and I update him with all recent findings regarding the Elm Street ambush assault case and the accident victim. Hernandez says, “Thanks Breau for carrying the load overnight. I was able to spend some time with my family last evening, and I got some much needed rest.”

  A revitalized Hernandez tells me he is reasonably sure that I am onto something. Hernandez and I revisit everything I have already covered. We do this to assure total agreement before proceeding further with our investigations.

  Hernandez says, “I agree that we need firm evidence that the accident victim is the cleaning lady that the SWAT officer saw knock Keith Edwards down in the hallway.”

  Hernandez and I finish our breakfast and head for the office. We need to catch up on a few details. As we are each working at our desks, I receive a call from Ms. Seemore. She tells me that her part-time cleaning lady/resident, Tabatha Sis Taylor, has suddenly disappeared. Ms. Seemore says that she has not seen her since they were both standing in the apartment building entrance watching the aftermath of the ambush.

  Ms. Seemore also told me that when she went up to the tenant’s apartment, which is located next door to Keith’s apartment, earlier this morning to ask her if she would walk and feed Dillon for her, she discovered that the person had totally vacated the apartment and her job, without notice. Ms. Seemore says that she is very concerned for the safety of the person, in light of the recent problems in and around her building.

  I tell Ms. Seemore that Detective Hernandez and I will be at her residence in about fifteen minutes if that time schedule is all right with her. She says it is.

  Hernandez and I arrive at Ms. Seemore’s apartment and politely accept some fresh coffee that she has just perked. I show her the picture of the artist rendering of the accident victim. After studying the picture for a time, Ms. Seemore says that it looks somewhat like Tabatha Sis Taylor.

  Ms. Seemore is very concerned. I tell her about seeing the female leave her building by the side entrance and give her the description of the female I saw on the bus; I then ask if she knows anyone that fits that description. She immediately responds with an affirmative that her missing tenant fits that description. She says, “Detective Breau, that sounds very much like Tabatha Sis Taylor my ab
sent tenant cleaning lady, and this picture looks somewhat like her.”

  I ask Ms. Seemore if she would mind visiting the morgue to take a look at the victim. I remind her that the victim was in a very bad accident and that she should prepare herself to view a badly damaged corpse. Ms. Seemore says that after she is dressed she will go over to the morgue. She tells me that she worked in a funeral home at one time so she should be all right. Before Detective Hernandez and I leave, I tell her that I will call the morgue and make arrangements for the viewing.

  This is possibly a good break and will lead to answering some of our questions with regards to the attempted murder yesterday morning.

  As Hernandez and I drive back to the office, I try to clear my mind as I acknowledge that the two descriptions match; the resident/cleaning lady and the accident victim are one and the same. At the morgue if Ms. Seemore identifies the victim as Tabatha Sis Taylor, I believe that we will move a step forward in both the gassing attempt and ambush. Furthermore, if the SWAT officer and Francis agree that she is in fact the same cleaning lady that accidentally knocked Keith Edwards down and helped him up, then important facts are surfacing. Breau asks himself, “Did the cleaning lady have a reason to detain Keith Edwards?”

  Back at the office as Hernandez and I discuss our case, Hernandez says, “We need to get the SWAT officer to corroborate that the victim is the same cleaning lady he witnessed tripping Keith Edwards. Also, the same officer witnessed Francis Sorrell take the stairs down to the first floor and the cleaning lady, along with her cart, immediately went down in the elevator to the first floor. The SWAT officer used the stairs to reach the entrance. If Sis Taylor is identified as one and the same, then Breau I think that we are onto something. If the truck accident victim and the cleaning lady are identified as the same person, I will ask for all video surveillance film from cameras at the ambush scene and the truck accident. When the film is reviewed, we along with video technicians will focus on Tabatha Sis Taylor’s presence at either or both scenes.”

  Hernandez continues, “It is my hope that traffic cameras were working at the scene of the accident; sometimes they malfunction and the crews are slow in getting them operational again. We also need to do a background check of the truck driver involved in the accident.”

  Hernandez and I spend some time discussing the fact that we believe this cleaning lady moved from place to place rather conveniently and quickly during the ambush. We agree that her possible participation in the planned assault and her witnessing most of the early morning events, along with her actions, may have led to her death.

  Hernandez says, “Considering all we know thus far, pending firm identification from Ms. Seemore and the SWAT officer, I agree with you that this is more than sufficient probable cause to seek a warrant for the surveillance security videos. We must check Tabatha Sis Taylor’s movements very closely.” Breau responds, “I am sure we will find there were not just two women, but numerous co-conspirators in the ambush on the Sorrell’s. Extensive knowledge about Tabatha Sis Taylor, as well as, her family and friends may be the key to unraveling a sinister plot.”

  Breau ponders, “Miss Taylor was not a person of interest or even questioned in connection with the gassing of Keith Edwards. Why is that? Hernandez pointed out that we must revisit the Keith Edwards case files, look for possible leads that were overlooked, and close that case. I agree with him. Not talking with Edwards’s next door neighbor that was also his cleaning lady was a monumental oversight.”

  Chapter 48

  Sorrell’s Cold Cases

  Current events: Marguerite, Francis, and Keith are talking and planning Keith’s continued rehabilitation. Although Keith has begun to recover his memory, his doctor’s feel that Francis’ and now Marguerite’s efforts to get Keith involved in his investigative business is paramount to Keith’s full recovery from the first attempt on his life.

  At present, the Sorrell’s, as well as the detectives at Sorrell’s Investigations, are planning to pursue the three cold cases. Keith does not need money from solving these cases, but if they should be successful in solving them or others in the future, he plans to write articles about them and wants to eventually publish a true crime book about solved/closed cold cases.

  Pending Keith’s doctor’s approval, they would like to leave Rockford for Charlotte, North Carolina the latter part of April. They plan to visit The Charlotte Observer Newspaper offices and public libraries around the area to take a look at their archives. They are not finding complete information on the internet and feel that searching the actual newspaper archives in the different locations will help them and Keith’s detectives compile more complete files. They plan to investigate along with the detective agency to add an additional level to the case investigations.

  As mentioned previously, all research will be shared between the Sorrell’s and Sorrell Investigation’s detectives. Keith’s attorney will provide critical legal advice as part of the team. Raj Arakkal’s first assignment is providing the advanced approval required for interstate carry permits of any and all weapons for Keith’s entire team. A technical person will be on-call twenty-four seven to expedite any legal issues such as posting of bail, if this should become necessary.

  Sorrell Investigation’s involvement in the cold cases has been coordinated and travel plans to fly to Charlotte, North Carolina are complete. Francis has talked with Ms. Seemore and she will take care of Keith’s apartment while he is out of town.

  Dillon will be traveling with the Sorrell’s. He is a vital part of their family and investigative team. Keith told Dillon their plans and his part, he woofed happily.

  At this point in time, Keith is aware that he has contractors renovating a loft in Chicago. He made these plans before the first attempt on his life with the objective of moving to Chicago to be near his investigation business. Raj has been overseeing the loft renovation, furnishings, computers, security and skeleton staff. Raj has informed Keith that it is almost complete. Keith is not sure how much longer he will keep the Rockford apartment and will hold off on any decisions pending family input.

  Keith telephones Kate with the good news about his beginning to work with his detectives and his grandparents. He also tells her how much he loves their company and the common interest they have in investigations and writing. Keith says, “Kate, are you aware of the fact that Francis and Nana have written murder mysteries? They are published authors and have researched crimes for their novels. It is great to have them in my life.”

  Chapter 49

  Kate, Confused and Conflicted

  A confused and conflicted Kate Miller once more reflects upon the fact that she has never been invited to Keith Edwards’ apartment. The only time she was in his home was after the ambush; she went by to check on Dillon, he did not welcome her, and she never told the Sorrell’s that she was there, however they found out from Ms. Seemore. Keith Edwards has never committed himself to a personal relationship with Katherine Kate Miller. They grew up next door to each other; he considers her the younger sister he never had, but in contrast she worships him.

  Kate is jealous of anyone who comes between herself and Keith Edwards; her attraction and love for Keith is one sided, an obsession. Keith has never indicated that he loved her in any way other than as a cherished friend, a sister. Kate Miller knows that she no longer loves Keith; his rejection of her love has killed her love for him. Because of his blatant rejection of her affections, she has begun to hate him with a passion. The hate she now harbors toward Keith Edwards is growing every minute, every hour, every day.

  Kate says quietly to no one in particular, “I know that Dillon recognizes my current feelings, because he growled when I entered Keith’s apartment the other day. I cannot afford to be around him and the family because they will question his behavior towards me. My hatred for Keith has become so deep and strong that it is difficult to hide even from Dillon, but more especially from Marguerite. Dillon is very protective of Keith and Marguerite is even more pr
otective.”

  Kate thinks and plans, “Perhaps Dillon senses that I am a threat to Keith and his Grandparents. I must play it safe and visit with Keith when I am certain Dillon and or Marguerite will not be around. To cover myself, I am going to tell Keith in light of recent occurrences I am going to remain at a distance from him. I am going to tell Keith that I am terrified that I might be killed. He will understand my feelings.”

  I become furious as I think about what has happened between Keith and me. I think, “If only there had not been an attempt on Keith’s life, if only Francis had not discovered his Grandson, if only Keith had not developed amnesia from the hit on the head, if only my blackmailer had not found me out and threatened me, if only, if only, if only. I feel as though I am going mad!”

  Chapter 50

  Keith, More Awakening

  I, Keith Edwards Sevan Sorrell, was released from the hospital on the morning of April 17, 2009 with doctor’s instructions to take it easy for a couple of days. I have bandages on my left leg, but my pain has subsided and I am able to move about fairly well.

  On the morning of the eighteenth I awake in my bed in my apartment. There are periodic soft thumps coming from the living room. I think, “Grandfather must be practicing his cane throwing.”

  I am confident that Ms. Seemore has not received any complaints about the thumping sounds because Francis’s practice mattress hangs next to an outside wall of the apartment. Besides, if Ms. Seemore mentioned anything to Francis he would have stopped his cane practicing. Grandfather is very courteous of me, Nana, Dillon, and all people.