Bad Medicine

by Jude Pittman

  "I have an idea," Jesse said, fastening his seatbelt and turning in his seat to face Martine.

  "What's that?"

  "Didn't you say you'd like to visit Vancouver Island?" Jesse fixed an innocent grin on his face.

  "It's at the top of my 'must do' list."

  "Since Shannon's foster parents live in Victoria, I figured we might take a kind of busman's holiday."

  Martine fixed her eyes directly on Jesse's. "Separate rooms?"

  "Unless you decide otherwise." Jesse lifted his eyebrows in a lecherous twist and Martine smothered a laugh.

  "You know the rules."

  Jesse nodded. "Subject to negotiation."

  "We go Dutch?"

  "No." He lifted his hand to stave off her objection.

  "Working on this investigation is part of my job. For that matter, as the family response worker, it's part of your job as well. If the killer turns out to be Native the backlash over this is going to hit our people hard."

  "I hadn't thought of that."

  "We each pay for our personal stuff, but the trip and the accommodations go on the expense account."

  "Okay. I'd love to go. Thanks for inviting me."

  "I'm looking forward to the trip myself. It's been a few years since I've visited the Island. Now, how about letting me drive to the Fish House? Traffic gets a little dodgy around the Park this time of day and I know a short cut or two."

  "Please do. I don't want to complain, but if you'd taken much longer, that century old pack of crackers you have on the dash might have been history."

  Jesse jumped out of the cab and headed for the driver's door while Martine slid into the passenger seat.

  "Let's get this show on the road," he said. "Starving women scare me to death."

  * * *

  Entering the Park and on the English Bay side, Jesse drove slowly along Stanley Park Drive giving Martine an opportunity to ogle the spectacular gardens.

  "I've heard so much about this park, but actually driving through gives you a whole different perspective."

  "That's the Fish House." Jesse pointed to a genteel old mansion perched in the center of an enormous plantation style garden.

  "Wow."

  "It's a huge tourist attraction. Fortunately it's late for lunch so we should be able to find parking. It gets dicey around dinnertime. How about that, front row." Jesse swung the Jeep into a spot near the front steps and turned off the ignition.

  "Do you have the photos Alex gave us earlier?"

  "Yes, right here." Martine took one of the pictures of Alex and Shannon out of her purse. "According to Alex this one is the most recent."

  "Good. We'll order and then I'll do some asking around."

  After a short wait, the hostess led them to a table for two overlooking the gardens. "You wouldn't happen to recognize this couple?" Jesse asked holding the picture up for the girl to see.

  "Sorry. Neither one of them looks familiar." She shook her head and motioned to a gangly young man in his late twenties who trotted over with menus.

  "The special today is cedar planked salmon," he said, as he filled their water glasses.

  "Sounds good." Jesse looked at Martine and she nodded agreement.

  "I'll have the same," she said.

  "Excellent," the youth jotted their orders in his book and retrieved the menus. "Are you visiting our city?"

  "No we're locals," Jesse replied. "As a matter of fact, we're hoping you might recognize someone." He held up the picture of Shannon and Alex. "Do you remember seeing the girl anytime within the past two weeks?"

  The youth looked at the picture and frowned. "She looks familiar, but our clientele is mainly tourist. We don't usually see the same people more than once or twice, so it's hard to remember any particular person."

  "Yes, I kind of figured that. It's a long shot, but if you'd take a good look, we'd appreciate your help. The girl was murdered this past week. The man in the picture is her brother. Of course the police are looking into everything but Alex, that's her brother, asked us to try and retrace her steps last week."

  "That's pretty rotten. The more I look at the picture, the more she looks like a girl that came in here last week with a well-dressed native man. I was off on Sunday, so if it's the right couple they were here Monday night. They had a reservation for six and he paid with a government credit card."

  "Any chance I could take a look at your reservation book?"

  "Gosh, I don't think I can do that. We're not supposed to give out personal information on customers." The young man looked over his shoulder and then back at Jesse. "I'd like to help, but I could lose my job."

  "That's okay," Jesse smiled and held out his hand. "There's no need for you to risk your job. I'll tell the detective in charge of the case that Shannon might have been here on Monday night. He'll come in officially and look at the reservation book. He will question you, along with the rest of the staff, and you can tell him what you've told me, but he won't single you out."

  "Thanks. I appreciate that. I hope they find the creep that killed her. I've got a sister too and I know how I'd feel."

  "I'll let Mark know," Jesse made a quick call on his cell phone, then settled down to enjoy the excellent salmon.

  "Mark's got a car on its way over here," he said, after he'd paid the bill and they headed back to the Jeep. "They'll check out the reservation book and by the time we're back at the Friendship Center he'll probably know all about the mysterious Native guy who took Shannon out to dinner the night before she died."

  "I guess the cops could be right about the killer being Native."

  "Maybe, depends on what this guy has to say for himself."

  "I'm just worried about how Alex will feel if his sister was murdered by one of her own people."

  "I guess we've done all we can for today. Did you want to go home or were you going back to work?"

  "Work please. I've been letting things pile up the last couple days. I'll need to burn some midnight oil tonight."

  Jesse dropped Martine at the entrance to the Friendship Center and headed for Vancouver Homicide. He wanted to clear his trip to Victoria with Mark, and then he planned to head home to make reservations. Just the thought of an entire weekend with Martine sharing the same suite, if not the same bed posed some intriguing possibilities.

  Chapter Five

  "All set?" Jesse asked when Martine answered his knock the next morning.

  "I'm just about finished. I worked until after midnight last night, so I'm moving kind of slow. Would you like some coffee?

  "Thanks. I brought my own." Jesse held up a portable Starbucks cup. "It looks like we're going to have a great day for crossing the Strait of Georgia. We might even spot some killer whales."

  "That would be fantastic." Martine spoke from the open door of her bedroom where she had bent over to add a few more items to her suitcase.

  "On another note," Jesse said to her back. "I just got off the phone with Hanson. He had some interesting news."

  "About Shannon's killer?"

  "Her escort. I'm not convinced he's our killer. The guy's name is Lyle Miller. He's a statistician for Indian Affairs in Ottawa. He's been in town working on a federal aid program the government is set to roll out to the Bands. Miller is married, and he is not anxious for his wife to find out about his dinner with Shannon."

  "He should be more concerned about the fact that Shannon was only sixteen than whether or not his wife finds out that he's been playing around."

  "He swears Shannon told him she was nineteen and Hanson is inclined to believe his story. According to Hanson, Miller didn't even try to dodge questions. He came clean immediately."

  "That's in his favor."

  "Yes. Miller met Shannon at the downtown library on Monday afternoon. She told him she was a student at UBC doing research for a term paper on Native culture."

  "That sounds credible. Shannon skipped my Monday afternoon circle. If this Miller is telling the truth that would explain why she didn
't show up."

  "Miller claims they talked for a couple of hours and he invited her to dinner."

  "So how did Amy see him outside of Evergreen house?"

  "Shannon told Miller she had to tutor a student at Evergreen House. He dropped her off in a cab, then kept an appointment of his own and picked her up two hours later on corner of Hastings and Commercial."

  "So how did all this play for Hanson?"

  "I don't know. He's under a lot of pressure to make an arrest."

  "If I were Lyle I'd get in touch with a good lawyer."

  "Apparently that's already been done. I know Mark isn't sold on Miller because he actually sounded excited when I told him about our trip to Vancouver Island."

  * * *

  "This is awesome," Martine leaned over the ferry's rail and watched the Spirit of Vancouver Island pull away from the pier.

  "Have you ever ridden a ferry?"

  "No. I've wanted to, but I never seemed to find the time."

  "I'm glad to be along for your first." Jesse brushed a strand of hair out of her face and let his hand linger on her shoulder.

  Martine met his eyes, then, as if disinclined to spoil the day, turned back to the water. "How long before we have to go below deck?"

  "The trip takes an hour and twenty minutes. They'll signal a return to vehicles about 15 minutes before landing."

  "Let's go up top."

  "It's pretty windy."

  "I don't care. You don't get many chances to look for whales. A minute ago, a lady told me she saw a whole pod of them her last trip. They haven't seen anything today, but there are dolphins following the ship."

  "Well then, let's get up there. Maybe we'll have better luck."

  Unfortunately, the whales failed to make an appearance, but the breathtaking coastline, intricate waterways, small islands and numerous attractive bays and coves kept them so enthralled they nearly missed the call to return to the boat deck.

  A short shuttle ride brought them to downtown Victoria. They entered a picturesque harbor teaming with sailboats that glided in and out of the docks. Martine's first sight of the Empress Hotel and the Parliament Buildings had her pressing her nose against the window.

  "Look, over there." Martine drew Jesse's attention to a horse drawn carriage crossing the intersection "and over there," she continued, grabbing his sleeve and pointing toward a double-decker bus. "I'd love to ride one of them sometime."

  "Maybe we can take a tour. I think that one's headed over to the House of Parliament."

  "It's beautiful, and the Empress Hotel. I can't wait to see the inside. I've heard it's practically a palace."

  "Then you'll be happy to know that's where we're staying."

  "Isn't it terribly expensive?"

  "Worth it. Besides, we get a government rate. I've booked a suite—with two bedrooms. Will you be okay with that?"

  "Of course. I'm not that touchy." Martine tossed her long black mane over her shoulders. "And like you say, it's work-related."

  * * *

  "What an absolutely perfect night." Martine's eyes sparkled as she stood in the living room of their decidedly Victorian suite. "This hotel is gorgeous, and the food at the Blue Crab was out of this world. How did you manage to find that place?"

  "The Director suggested it. I'll have to thank her."

  "I'm so full I can hardly move, and exhausted too. What do you have planned for morning?"

  "I'm hoping to see the Parkers first thing. You're welcome to come along, but if you'd like to do a bit of sight-seeing, please go ahead."

  "Thank you. I would like to see a bit of the city. If you're sure you don't need my help, I'll probably take one of the tours they have listed down in the lobby."

  "Sound great. How about if we meet back here for high tea? From what I've heard it's a 'not to be missed' experience."

  "High tea sounds wonderful."

  "It's a date."

  "I'll say good night then." Martine patted Jesse arm, and before he could catch his wits and venture an alternate suggestion, she had crossed to the adjoining bedroom and slipped inside, closing the door firmly behind her.

  Chapter Six

  Saturday morning Jesse climbed the steps of the two-bedroom ranch at 911 Lotus Street and knocked. Moments later, a mousy little woman with dishwater blond hair opened the door an inch and peered through the crack.

  "Can I help you?"

  "I'm looking for Mr. and Mrs. Ed Parker." Jesse smiled to allay her unease. "It's in regard to their foster children Shannon and Alex."

  She opened the door and looked quizzically up at Jesse. "I'm Mrs. Parker. What about the children?"

  Jesse smiled again. Mention of the two young people had given curiosity the upper hand. Mrs. Parker still thought of them as children. Her motherly instincts overrode any fears she might have about talking to a stranger.

  "My name is Jesse Dancer. I'm assisting Alex with some inquiries regarding Shannon's death. I know it must be hard for you to talk about the death of your foster daughter, but I'd appreciate any help you can give me."

  "Please come inside." She stepped back and allowed him to pass through the open doorway. "Would you like some coffee?"

  "That would be great." Jesse followed her into a neat and tidy kitchen. She motioned him to a seat in one of the straight back chairs pulled up to a small table covered with a bright yellow cloth.

  "I'm afraid we haven't heard from Shannon since she left here last year. Alex has probably told you that things were strained between us." She set two cups on the table, picked up a pot from the stove and filled them both.

  "Alex suggested his foster dad might have visited Shannon on one of his trips to the mainland."

  Mrs. Parker lifted her cup and drank. After a moment of silence, she shook her head. "I don't think so. Ed was very angry when Shannon left."

  "So I understand. I was wondering though. Is it possible your husband decided to try reconciliation without telling anyone in case it didn't come off?"

  She tilted her head and stared at a spot over Jesse's shoulder. "It's possible I suppose. Ed wouldn't like being rebuffed. Even so, once he's gotten down on someone, I've never known him to change his mind."

  "Would it be possible for me to speak with Mr. Parker?"

  "He's at a pool tournament today. He'll be out until late."

  "Maybe I could stop by the tournament?"

  The woman frowned and twisted the dishtowel in her hand. Her subservient relationship to her husband was evident in her demeanor.

  "Alex is devastated over Shannon's death." Jesse appealed to those motherly instincts again. "Perhaps Alex would know the spot where your husband is attending this tournament?"

  "Ed's been going there for years." The frown creasing her brow cleared and Jesse saw that she'd figured out his meaning.

  "Why don't I just drop by there and wait for an opportunity to question your husband. I'll make it a point to mention that Alex suggested I might find him there."

  "He'll be at Diego's over on Douglas Street." She had no hesitation about revealing Ed Parker's whereabouts once she knew Jesse would name Alex as his source of information.

  "I'll tell Alex how much you've helped." Jesse smiled and pushed back his chair. "I doubt your husband will have any helpful information, but it'll make Alex feel better to know I've checked with everyone who might know something."

  Located next door to the Red Lion Inn, Diego's had all the trappings of a popular sports bar with a number of strategically placed television sets and a large crowd clustered around three regulation pool tables.

  Jesse chose a spot at the bar that afforded a view of the pool tables. When a bartender finally strolled over Jesse ordered a beer.

  "Looks like you have a tournament going on," Jesse said when the man returned with his beer.

  "Yep. Just a local affair, but we get a nice crowd."

  "A friend asked me to look up his foster dad. He gave me a description, but I didn't anticipate a crowd like this."
<
br />   "Anyone I might know?"

  "Fellow by the name of Ed Parker."

  "Oh sure. Everyone knows Ed. He's in the tournament. That's him next to the shooter, wearing the Budweiser T-shirt. They'll break in about half an hour. I can steer him your way if you like."

  "That would be great. I'll get a table and grab a sandwich while I'm waiting."

  Fifteen minutes later, after Jesse had polished off a fairly decent club sandwich, an average sized balding guy with a bit of a pot belly, pulled out a chair across from Jesse and settled into the seat. "I hear you've been looking for me."

  "You must be Ed Parker," Jesse stuck out his hand. "I'm Jesse Dancer. I got your name from Alex."

  "So I hear." Parker said, giving Jesse's hand a brief shake. "Something I can do for you?"

  "It's about Shannon."

  "What about her? She ran away to the City. Got in over her head. Now she's dead. End of story." Parker scowled at a point over Jesse's left shoulder.

  "Sounds like you still have some issues."

  Parker's face flushed. "What's it to you?" He shoved his chair back and fixed Jesse with a belligerent glare.

  "Take it easy," Jesse said, reaching in his pocket and pulling out the $500.00 check he'd found in Shannon's room. "Alex asked me to go through Shannon's room looking for clues to her killer. I found this check and we decided I should come talk to you before turning it over to the police."

  "Since when do the cops care about me giving one of my kids money?"

  Jesse shifted in his chair, stretched his legs and took a drink from his beer. Then he set the mug down and glanced across at Parker. There were beads of sweat standing out on the older man's bald head and his color didn't look healthy. "It's common knowledge that the two of you have been estranged for more than a year. I'd think that would call for some kind of explanation."

  "Yeah. Well maybe I'm not as hard-hearted as some people would like to think. Shannon called a couple of weeks ago. Said she was having a hard time, so I sent her a check." Parker stuck his chin in the air and scowled at Jesse.

  "Any idea why she never cashed it?"

  "No. I don't know a damn thing more than what I've just told you."