Blind Retribution

by K. T. Roberts

  “Sorry, but I don’t have a good answer for you,” she replied.

  “All right, one last question. Are you saying Dr. Barrett was in charge of the Stansbury child’s heart transplant, and he more than suggested your assistance in the scheduling?”

  “That’s exactly what I’m saying. May I go home now?”

  “I’m afraid not, Mrs. Chambers. You’ve just admitted your involvement in an illegal transplant. Just because you work for the man doesn’t mean doing something illegal gets you the employee-of-the-year award. It makes you just as guilty.” Max buzzed for a uniformed officer. “Please cuff Mrs. Chambers, and kindly refrain from making those cuffs too tight.”

  Max gave Riley the go-ahead, and he began, “Mrs. Chambers, you are being charged with falsifying medical records, and aiding and abetting an illegal transplant.”

  Melanie was sobbing again as she was escorted out of the room.

  “I feel for the woman,” Max said as she watched her taken away.

  “Are you crazy, Max? Why would you feel sorry for a woman who knowingly committed a crime? Plus, you know she’s lying.”

  “Because she’s a poor, lost soul who feels she was forced into committing a crime, that’s why. It’s obvious to me that she needed the money and wound up losing the two things that mattered most to her.”

  Riley started laughing. “For chrissake, you must be in love. I’ve never seen you act like such a marshmallow.” She crinkled her nose at him. “How about we let this fun continue and get the good old doctor up here so we can charge him too?”

  “Sounds like a plan. I’ll get the coffee, you get the doctor,” she said and left the room.

  When she returned to the room, Dr. Barrett and his attorney were sitting at the table. Having been in custody overnight, Barrett’s normally clean-shaven face was now covered in dark stubble. Regardless of his rumpled and unkempt appearance, the man still had great sex appeal, and it was easy to see why he was able to seduce and manipulate two women, although it was clear that Helen was having the last laugh on him.

  You’ve wasted enough of our time,” McGuire snapped. “If you haven’t come up with any charges against my client, then kindly let us get on with our lives.”

  Max opened her file. “Not so fast, counselor. Dr. Barrett, please stand.” She nodded for Riley to cuff him. “Dr. Jeffrey Barrett, you are under arrest and charged with the first-degree murder of your wife, Helen Barrett, conspiracy to commit fraud, fraud, criminal facilitation of an illegal heart transplant, and medical malpractice.”

  “You’re out of your mind,” McGuire said.

  “You think so, Mr. McGuire? Well, now it’s up to you to prove me wrong. With the evidence we have, your client is going away for a very long time. You probably ought to get busy trying to win your case,” she snapped at him. “Oh, and just so you know, I’m sure we’re going to have a lot more to add to his list of charges.”

  “Oh, don’t you worry about that, Detective.”

  “I did not kill my wife,” Barrett growled. “I swear to you, I didn’t. I really wanted it to work between us.”

  “Sorry, Doc, no one is buying your sad tale of woe, because the evidence speaks for itself. Like I told you before, Helen’s been talking to us from the grave. You must know, the one who laughs last laughs longest.” Barrett’s body tensed, his fists tightening at his sides. “I’m surprised you didn’t hear her in your cell, Doc.” His eyes narrowed into a glare. “The note Mrs. Barrett left in Maddie’s job binder stated she had something on you and the senator. The key we found in the house safe sent us to a safe deposit box. It provided us with all kinds of evidence. Inside the box, we found three letters to the authorities stating that you and the senator colluded and gave an illegal heart transplant to the senator’s daughter.”

  Barrett’s lips thinned in anger, and she thought he might explode. McGuire kept his hand on his client’s arm, and Max noticed that every once in a while, he’d squeeze it as an apparent attempt to keep Barrett’s temper in check.

  “What we want to know are the names of your staff members who you convinced to break the law with you, and the name of the child you bypassed because of your selfishness.”

  “Jeffrey,” McGuire said, “you will do no such thing. I’m the one who’ll get you off.”

  “I have nothing to say,” Barrett said. “Besides, they must have been old letters.”

  “No, no, no, Dr. Barrett. Mrs. Barrett dated them the morning of October 18, the day of your vow renewal, and the bank records show she’d signed in around that time.” Max waited for Barrett to say something, but he ignored her. “Okay, so it looks like you’re not going to tell me. Not to worry, Dr. Barrett, we will find out.”

  “Detective,” Barrett said, “I loved my wife. That’s all I’m going to say.”

  “Yeah, that’s why you gave her the keys to your car, the auto she wasn’t ever allowed to drive. It’s pretty clear you killed her. Money does bad things to people when they’re as greedy as you, Doc. You thought having her blow up in a car was quick and dirty. You even collected on her insurance policy—triple indemnity.” Jeffrey remained straight-faced. “And then you ran out on your girlfriend and let her take the rap. What a guy! Now she’s going to be in prison until her daughter’s too old to remember her. And just so you’ll know, we now have two women who spilled their guts and told us this was your idea. I guess your plan backfired, Doc, and we caught you. So tonight, when you’re sleeping on that thin mattress in your cell, I want you to think about what Helen was feeling, knowing you’d pulled another ruse on her by giving her the keys to your car. But then, that was the whole idea, wasn’t it?” Max snickered. “And you know what else I think, Doc?”

  “No, but I’m sure you’re going to tell me.”

  “I think it’s interesting that out of all the charges against you, the only one you’re challenging is Helen’s death.”

  “Good luck trying to get these charges to stick, Detective Turner,” McGuire said. “I poked holes in your last case with me, and I’ll do it again.”

  “Not this time, Mr. McGuire.” She turned to Riley. “Get this piece of crap the hell out of here. He makes me sick to my stomach.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  Cory sat at a table in The Alibi and kept his eyes glued to the door, anxiously awaiting Max’s arrival, anxious to be alone again. Seeing all the customers, he couldn’t really say alone with a bar full of people, but he’d block that out the minute she stepped through the door. Cory fiddled with his glass of beer, wiping the condensation off the sides with his fingers. He knew she’d enjoy the glass of red wine he had waiting for her after the hectic day she’d had.

  He wanted to get started on a long-term relationship with her if Max would have him. But maybe she wasn’t one of those long-term-relationship types of women. Actually, she was different from most of the women he’d ever dated. The fact that she was no shrinking violet kept him on his toes. He’d never dated anyone in law enforcement before. He chuckled as he thought back to their first two meetings. Man, she’d really given him a mouthful, and then when he’d told her he wasn’t there for her, the speed with which her face flushed made him want to laugh. Fortunately, he’d maintained his composure, but that didn’t stop him from howling inside. Thank God he’d shown good judgment.

  Cory rubbed the end of his nose with his fingers. He could smell his citrusy cologne, and it made him smile because she’d told him it drove her wild. Perhaps it wasn’t fair for him to tease her like this, but she was a big girl. The truth was he hoped the smell would drive her over the edge and they’d make love again. He remembered automatically reaching for the bottle while he was getting dressed and thinking about her, so maybe his subconscious was ruling him after all. He sure as hell didn’t mind a bit. He wanted to show Max how much he cared for her and to convince her that, at their age, holding back from such pleasure was silly. The sooner she saw they were a perfect match, the sooner they could get this show on the road. T
hey had so many things in common: they had similar personalities that complemented one another; they saw through those trying to bullshit them; they had similar vocations; and besides, they were cute together, something he knew his mother would say when he showed her off at the family dinners, but he wasn’t sure she was ready to take that next step. Cory couldn’t believe he’d fallen this hard for her. What was it about Max Turner that had him making these long-term plans?

  Just thinking about her made his trousers tighten. He tried to calm down, telling himself it wasn’t a good idea to get aroused in a public place. Just then, she walked through the door. He raised his hand in the air so she’d see him, because there was no way he could stand to greet her in his condition. He tried acting nonchalant, hoping his lack of manners would go unnoticed, and it might have, except she caught his gaze traveling over her entire body, which made her smile. Her jeans and tight red sweater outlining her full breasts and trim waistline had his mind racing, and he ached to be touched by her soft hands. He cleared his throat and pulled a napkin down onto his lap to shield the evidence of his desire.

  “Hi,” she said, sitting down across from him. “Good to see you.” She released a heavy sigh. “Boy, it’s been a long couple of weeks.”

  “You’re telling me. So what’s the good word?”

  “The senator’s been charged, the doctor’s been charged, Melanie Chambers has been charged, and—”

  He interrupted, “What about killing Helen?”

  “I can’t answer that yet, Cory. The senator swears she had nothing to do with it, but I’m not so sure about the doctor. There’s no question he’s trying to hide something, but why don’t we wait to discuss everything when Riley’s present. The team is working as we speak, and to tell you the truth, I’m exhausted from everything to do with this case. Can we just have a good time tonight without mentioning it?”

  “Absolutely, but why did you suggest meeting at a place with all your peers?”

  “It was a weak moment.” She shrugged, then she slipped out of her shoe and slid her warm foot under his pant leg, rubbing it up and down. At first Cory was startled, but after she’d stripped for him last week, he shouldn’t have been surprised. He loved her spontaneity, but he didn’t want to take their relationship for granted just yet. She hadn’t given him any indication she wasn’t in agreement after all the times they’d spent together making love, but—he stopped himself. What the hell was he doing? Why was he looking for problems that didn’t exist? Go with the flow, man, he told himself. Max’s voice interrupted his thoughts.

  “How about we go somewhere else?” she asked.

  “That works for me. Where would you like to eat dinner?” he asked.

  “You know what I would really enjoy more than anything? Going somewhere for takeout and relaxing in front of a fireplace. The only problem is I don’t have one of those.”

  “But I do. Want to go to my apartment?”

  “If you’re inviting me, the answer is yes.”

  “Terrific.” They both slid to the end of the booth, and just as she was about to stand, he held out his hand and pulled her up the rest of the way.

  Max waved to a few of her peers when they walked past the bar on their way to the door.

  Outside, the brisk air filled her chest, and she pulled her jacket tighter. “I hate the cold. Have I told you that?”

  “Actually, no, you haven’t, but . . .” Cory pulled her close in a tight embrace and lifted her chin, his lips devouring her mouth with eagerness that filled her with fiery warmth. He felt her relax and melt into him. His muscular arms felt like a warm blanket. “Did that heat you up?”

  “Oh, yeah.” They shared a laugh at her reaction. “Now, I’m all toasty inside, like a cup of hot chocolate covered with whipped cream.”

  “Don’t tease me now,” he warned and reached for her hand, giving it a tight squeeze as they walked toward his vehicle.

  When she saw his car again, she broke out into a fit of laughter when he opened the passenger door and it creaked.

  “Hey! Why the laughter? It’s not like you haven’t seen or ridden in this clunker before. You knew it was my work car.” He laughed with her and immediately began to point things out as he opened the door. “Listen, you see all these dings? I got these fair and square.” He walked around to his side of the car, got inside, and patted the steering wheel. “This little beauty was my grandfather’s car, and I’d advise you not to look a gift horse in the mouth because the heater in this old buggy will have you begging me to turn it down in a few minutes.” He inserted the key into the ignition and started the car. He turned toward her and scrunched up his face. “Ah, please tell me you haven’t turned into a prima donna now that you’ve solved the case.”

  She laughed. “Hardly. I’m just busting your chops.”

  “So are you saying this is the real you after all?”

  She reached for his hand and kissed it. “Yes, I guess it is. What you see is what you get. I just want a peaceful evening snuggled up next to you.”

  “I really like this Max tonight. You’re very different.”

  “Actually, I’ve thought a great deal about you, and I want us to get to know one another a lot better. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this comfortable with anyone, and I’ve decided I’m being silly. We’re not teenagers anymore, and I’ve really missed you, so there’s no reason not to take advantage of how we feel. So what do you think?”

  “I think it’s music to my ears,” he said with a cheeky grin. “What kind of food shall we order for our first official date as a couple?”

  “Chinese takeout?”

  “Sure. I love Chinese. Okay, why don’t you order before we get to the house and ask them to deliver it?”

  “I believe you told me you live in the East Village on St. Marks Place. Is that correct?” she asked.

  “Wow,” Cory said. “I’m really impressed with your memory.”

  Max’s mouth skewed to the side. “Seriously? I’m a homicide detective. It’s my business to remember these things.”

  “Now, why didn’t I think of that?” he smirked.

  In a jovial mood, Max continued to razz him. “So seriously, you mean your neighbors actually allow you to drive down that street with this car without stoning you? Or is that where the dings came from?” Despite the straight face, she did everything she could not to laugh, but when his eyes narrowed on her in a fixed stare, she could no longer hold it inside.

  Cory gave her a raspberry. “And as a reminder of what I told you before, my brownstone was left to me by my grandparents. I didn’t earn the money to afford it. I was left the townhouse and this car by my grandparents, so there’s a lot of sentimental meaning to what I have. Every time I walk into my home, I feel the warmth of their love.” He glanced over at her. “Now, say you’re sorry for teasing me.”

  “Do I have to?” she teased.

  “Yes.”

  “All right,” she said, dragging out the sounds. “I’m sorry.”

  “Thank you. You will be rewarded for such behavior,” he said with a faint glint of humor in his eyes. He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Now, let’s focus on food.”

  She saluted, pulled out her pad, and looked to him with anticipation. “Yes, sir. I’m ready.”

  “I love your carefree persona tonight. Let’s do this more often when we’re together.”

  “I’ll take note of that. I guess an occasional devil-may-care attitude is good for the soul.” She leaned over and kissed him.

  “Then that should work out just fine.”

  “So where am I ordering from?”

  “There are a lot of restaurants in the Village, but the one I like best for Chinese food is RedFarm over on Hudson Street.”

  “Do you have a preference about what you want to eat?” Max keyed in the name and waited for the phone number to appear, then clicked on the screen to place the call.

  “No. Surprise me.”

  “Okay. What is your a
ddress and apartment number?”

  “Two-ten.”

  “No apartment number?”

  “It’s a single-family residence.”

  “That’s a big house.”

  “Yeah, and one day I’ll have a house full of kids.” He winked at Max who smiled as she keyed in the number to order their dinner just as Cory was pulling into a vacant space in a two-car garage. “A garage too, huh?”

  “Yes,” he said, pointing to a Mercedes sedan parked in the other bay, “to keep my other car nice.” He cut the engine and walked to her side to open the door. As he helped her out, she chuckled.

  “Honestly, Cory, I told you before, I really don’t care about any of that stuff. What you drive or where you live does not define who you are, nor does it change the way I feel about you. I’m just happy to be in your company. Besides, riding in clunkers is my specialty.” She winked at him when he looked her way, and she noticed a glimmer of moonlight in his eyes.

  “Growing up, before my mother married the monster, our entertainment was strolling through the Village,” she said. “We always enjoyed watching the crowds, and one of my absolute favorite streets was St. Marks Place.”

  “Oh, you’re just saying that.”

  “No, I’m not.” She held up her hand to swear. “There was a beautiful townhouse on that street that got me every time. It was covered with ivy and reminded me of a fairytale. I’d rush ahead of my mother and stand in front of that house and pretend I lived there.” She sighed. “Do you know which house I’m talking about?”

  “I do. I’ve stood in front of it many times myself. I might have been too young to enjoy it as much as you, but I always fantasized that I would someday live there,” he said, and locked the garage door before latching onto her arm to walk the three blocks to the ivy-covered townhouse.

  “Oh wow,” Max said standing in front of the house, mesmerized that it was still as beautiful as she’d remembered. Inside, the house was lit up. Porch lights and the glow from the streetlights showed only a little of its beauty in the darkness, but her memory served to fill in the blanks. “Do you know the people who live here?” she asked.