Billionaire's Retreat

by Eddie Johnson

  “She may have 12 months to live. Her doctor suggests she start chemotherapy as soon as possible.”

  “Bridget is so frail. How will she be able to stand taking chemo?”

  “She doesn’t have a choice.”

  “We were talking about going shopping the last time we met.”

  “Maybe you should drop by to give her some moral support.”

  “I’m presently caught up in a bribery court case. I know you have been keeping track of the day to day happenings of the case like everyone else in this city.”

  “It is constantly in the news. I hope everything works out for you in the end.”

  “I hope so too.”

  “Let me know if we can help you financially.”

  “Woodrow, I am not hurting for money. My company remains on a sound footing.”

  “I don’t know if you are bragging or simply turning down my offer.”

  “I’m doing both.” They laughed. After a brief silence, Sarah resumed speaking, “I feel kind of bad.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I allowed you to make love to me on several occasions and now your wife has been diagnosed with cancer.”

  “You wanted me as much as I wanted you. What does one thing have to do with the other?”

  “Woodrow, I was trying to be empathetic. As I mentioned earlier, I know you must be hurting.”

  “I am hurting, but I don’t have any regrets for our unwholesome relationship.”

  “You talk as if we should continue our wrongful involvement unbeknownst to your dying wife.”

  “I am still in love with my wife. But once she is gone I may need you.”

  “Well on that note, maybe we should say goodnight.”

  “Goodnight Sarah.”

  “Goodnight. Take care of Bridget.”

  Before retiring to bed, she had a nightcap to help her relax.

  On Sunday morning, Johnny was informed his wife condition had improved to stable.

  Sarah telephoned Mrs. Titanimum.

  “I am glad you decided to call the old lady.”

  “How are you, Mrs. Titanimum?”

  “Do you really want to know?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m quite sure Woodrow have told you about my misfortune. That’s why you are calling.”

  “Woodrow cares a lot about you.”

  “As you probably are aware, my days on earth are limited. I have cancer.”

  I’m sorry. I’m here for you. If you should need any help let me know.”

  “When are we going shopping? I promised to show you the shops where I purchase my fine clothing.”

  “Maybe, we can go shopping in a couple of weeks. My court case should be wrapped up by then.”

  “I hope everything works out. How in the world did you get involved in such mess?”

  “You shouldn’t worry about my dilemma. I am going to beat the charges.” She paused from speaking for a moment then asked, “Where is Woodrow?”

  “He left with a friend this morning. They are out fishing. I don’t expect he’ll be back until late this evening.”

  In the meantime, Johnny went back to the hospital. While he was there, Vera opened her eyes, starred at him murmuring, “Why are you here? You don’t love me.”

  Johnny answered, “You have got to be strong.”

  She managed to smile briefly before drifting back to sleep.

  Sarah’s mother in law received a call from Detective Burks. He informed her that he has new leads, which might unravel the murder of her son. “A few people appear to be holding all of the pieces of the puzzle. I need to find a way to fit them together.” She was pleased with his effort and wanted to have more information. However, he did not want to provide such details because of his ongoing investigation.

  She agreed, “It’s probably best not to release information prematurely.”

  Rachelle would have been livid to know that some of the suspects he spoke of were close friends of Sarah. For their sake, it was good he did not provide her with their identities.

  “Keep me posted. I would like to see justice served.”

  “I know. I have to go. We will talk later.”

  Rachelle disconnected the call.

  The next day court was back in session. The prosecution conjectured Sarah knew about the bribe. The defense squashed the notion by objecting to the allegation. The defense contented it was a contrived theory being used to prejudice the jury against Sarah.

  During the week, the prosecution presented damaging documents, testimony, and forensic evidence that the defense could not refute. They had copies of phone company records linking Harry Brisband to Johnny Davis. Harry had placed calls to Councilman Davis in his council chambers on several occasions leading up to the vote. Financial records were also presented for the jury to inspect. They were able to show a multi million dollar sum of funds had been withdrawn from Brisband’s business account the next morning after the construction bid was awarded. Prosecuting Attorney Woodard showed Brisband attempted unsuccessfully to tie the funds to a construction job that he was doing. A couple of months later Councilman Davis entered into a contract to purchase several local restaurant franchises. He had paid his partner Ms. Kim Chung with cash funds to secure his share of their new business entity. His partner knowing how the Councilman came across the funds made him a minority partner showing he contributed a substantial lesser amount. However, their agreement called for him to receive 35% percent of the profits based on his actual share contributed. The prosecution would eventually be able to show the trail of funds from Brisband’s business account funneled into the franchises were indeed the loot Brisband had provided to buy Councilman Johnny Davis’ vote. As the week progressed, more testimony was heard. Attorney Woodard said, “Your Honor, I would like to call Councilman Davis’ ex secretary, Constance Jennings to the stand.”

  “Ms. Jennings, please take the witness stand.” She was asked about the day she observed Councilman Davis with the alleged bribery funds.

  “On the day in question, my car was in the shop, so I was given a ride into work early by one of the girls from another department. As I entered my work area, I noticed the Councilman through the large glass window of his office. His room is sound proof so he didn’t hear me when I arrived. He had a black briefcase open on his desk as he counted a mountain of money. I found the activity suspicious. I used the video capability of my smart phone to capture him counting the money, before placing it all in the briefcase prior to locking it away in the safe behind his desk. I started thinking about the potential danger of what I had witnessed. I grabbed my purse from my desk hurrying off to the ladies restroom. As I was leaving, I saw him turning in my direction. He may have caught a glimpse of me. A few days after witnessing this ordeal, I no longer worked for him. Councilman Davis had accepted my resignation letter two weeks earlier. I came forth with the video after hearing of the arrest of Harry Brisband and Councilman Davis on bribery charges. The police department obtained a search warrant which they used to retrieve the black briefcase with the funds from his office.” After Ms. Jennings stepped down, the prosecution obtained permission from the Judge to show the video of the Councilman counting and then storing the money in the safe. He dropped his head once they started showing the footage. Next, a forensic expert testified and provided evidence. They explained how they dusted the confiscated newly circulated currency to reveal Brisband and the Councilman’s fingerprints. The only prints of interest found on the black briefcase were of the Councilman. Forensics did not find Sarah’s prints because she never touched the money. The blue briefcase used to pickup and deliver the funds From Brisband had been discarded.

  On Friday, the Defense and Prosecution rested their cases and gave their closing statements. After deliberating, the jury came back with a verdict finding Harry Brisband and Councilman Johnny Davis guilty as charged. However, Sarah was found innocent. They could not connect her to the bribery.

  Sarah reflected back on ho
w she used fake identification to open an out of state bank safe deposit box. It was used to hide her share of the payoff.

  Brisband and Johnny Davis were held in the local jail until it was time for them to be transported to the state penitentiary. Brisband was convicted of bribery while the Councilman was convicted of accepting a bribe and money laundering.

  Chapter 28

  The weekend after Sarah returned to Los Angeles, she followed through on her promise to go shopping with Mrs. Titanimum. While shopping Bridget stated, “Woodrow said you would like to open a satellite office at our retreat.”

  “Yes, however, I don’t want to burden you with work. We should be relaxing.”

  “You are right. Woodrow will work out the details with you.”

  Sarah kept up with news in Dallas via the internet. Vera now faced vehicular homicide charges after being released from the hospital. Sarah blamed herself for the accident. She knew the elderly guy would still be alive if it had not been for her affair with Vera’s husband. Sarah got the victim’s wife to drop the charges after she paid her a hefty sum. The cash settlement came with the stipulation Sarah’s identity would remain anonymous. Vera would never have approved of Sarah providing funds to have her charges go away.

  Meanwhile back in Dallas, Detective Burks received a phone call from a middle age woman who lived in a secluded wooded area outside of town.

  “This is Private Detective Burks speaking. How may I help you?”

  “Hi Detective, my name is Nancy Givens. I may be able to help with one of your investigations.” She paused from speaking.

  “Which investigation are you referring to Ms. Givens?”

  “I may have information to help you solve the murder of Jared Jones.”

  “How long have you known this information?”

  “Every since it occurred. However, I wasn’t quite sure of what I saw when it took place.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I remember a woman occasionally frequenting the log cabin next to my house. I can’t remember her name. The reason she gave for visiting the cabin was to be alone. Her cabin is visible through the weeping willow trees separating our properties. On the day in question, she arrived at the cabin in a car driven by a nice looking man. About an hour later, I heard what sounded like gun shots. I looked out my window in the direction of where the gun fire appeared to have originated but did not see anyone. Several minutes went by before I returned to the window to see her with another man. They lifted something tied up in a wrap into the trunk of the car in which the woman came in. The person she was now with walked to the end of the pier situated across the road then threw something into the water. The man she came with fits the description of Jared Jones. The woman drove away in the car with what could have been the victim’s body in the trunk. The car matched the description of a vehicle that the authorities said was registered to Jared.”

  “Why didn’t you report this to the police?”

  “I kept telling myself it wasn’t what it seems.”

  “So why have you now come to this conclusion? Also answer this second question. What prompted you to come to me instead of the police?”

  “I was having a casual conversation with a friend, who happened to mention that the murder of Jared Jones had been brought up during a recent court case. This friend knows someone working for the local Police Department that is knowledgeable of your ongoing investigation into his death. She also said that Jared’s disappearance occurred around the same time as the incident, which I described.”

  “Do you remember the ethnicity of the people that you witnessed during this ordeal?”

  “They were all African Americans.”

  “Would you be willing to give a taped account as to what you saw? You may also be subpoenaed to testify to your findings in court.”

  “I know. I’m willing to do what ever is necessary.”

  “I would like to take your taped statement this afternoon.” They disconnected after she agreed to come in to give her recorded statement.

  Sarah signed a lease with Woodrow for a remote office/staging area within the retreat to facilitate tours to showcase her interior designing.

  She was at her new satellite office when she heard a knock on the door. “Woodrow, I didn’t expect to see you this morning. Come in. I’m almost done.”

  “How is my new tenant fairing?”

  “All the office equipment is operating properly. I am stocking the shelves. It’s nice of you to drop by.”

  Just as Sarah stocked the last item, Woodrow walked up behind her and then planted a kiss delicately on her neck. She smiled and then stated, “You should not start something if you don’t plan on finishing it.”

  “I plan to finish it.”

  Sarah said, “Excuse me for a moment.” After locking the door, she turned to face Woodrow. She removed her wrap around skirt. He lifted her up onto the glass counter top desk in the center of the room. Sounds of sexual gratification exuded through the walls. The two receptionists in the lobby outside of the door turned to each other laughing. Sheila the older of the two said, “Our boss is a stud.”

  Her Assistant Jamila said, “Isn’t he married?”

  “Yes. He is married. He is a dirty dog. His wife is sick. She has a fatal illness.”

  “We should not have laughed. He ought to be castrated. Men like that are despicable.”

  When Woodrow and Sarah left they kept straight faces. Sarah spoke to the young ladies, “Are you having fun girls?”

  They tactfully ignored her sarcasm.

  Chapter 29

  Sarah dropped in on Lucinda unexpectedly. “I didn’t know you were in town.”

  Sarah said, “I flew in to help close a deal for work on a mansion and to checkout my new Dallas Satellite office. Two weeks ago I opened another Satellite office at the Titanimum’s resort in Los Angeles.”

  “I need someone to talk with. I’m glad you are here.”

  “What’s wrong, Lucinda.”

  “My marriage is ruined. I’m pregnant.”

  “Congratulations. Does David know about the baby?”

  “I haven’t told him yet.”

  “Why haven’t you told him? Are you waiting for the right time?”

  “I am waiting for the right time. But I’m not looking forward to doing so.”

  “He will make a good dad.”

  “Stop it! You hear me! Stop it!”

  “Okay. What’s wrong?”

  “David is infertile; he can not have children.”

  “No Lucinda. Let me guess. You are pregnant by Vincent James.”

  “I am weighing my options.”

  “There should only be one option.”

  “I’m not going to have an abortion. I could divorce David and raise the baby on my own with support from Vincent.”

  “Your life would be a mess. You should get an abortion.”

  “Maybe I’ll reconsider, however, right now, I’m lending towards keeping the baby.”

  “Does Vincent like the idea of being a dad?”

  I haven’t told him either.”

  “You should tell him as soon as possible. He will help you make the right decision.”

  “You are not the best person to be asking for advice.”

  “Okay, I know where you are going with this analogy. You are referring to the affair I had with Johnny. Everything was going right. The sex was great. When his wife found out about us, we drew even closer. However, tragedy struck, his wife became stressed, which resulted in a traffic accident that killed an elderly man. I paid to have the vehicular homicide charge against his wife dropped. To make matters worse, Johnny is now serving time in prison for accepting a bribe and money laundering.”

  “We both should be a shame of ourselves.”

  “I still wake up at night crying wishing my husband hadn’t died.”

  “I miss him as much as you. Jared was a good man. I know he was your husband. However, I wish he could have been mine. Would
you like to join me for a drink?”

  “Yes.”

  “Sometimes at night, I get lonely waiting on David to come home. Life is not easy if you are married to someone working a night shift. So tonight, I was going to curl up with a pillow and my booze while watching a movie. By the time they finished the movie, Sarah was completely smashed. Lucinda covered her with a blanket. She spent the night on the sofa.

  The next morning when David got home, he observed Sarah asleep in the living room. He walked straight to his bedroom. Lucinda awoke and could tell that he was disturbed. “What’s wrong dear?”

  “Why is that whore in my house? I worked all night long to come home to find that home wrecker lying on my sofa! I want that bitch out of my house! I want you to get up and put her out! Do you hear me! Tell her to get out!”

  “What is wrong with you? You need to calm down.”

  “If you don’t put her out, then I will throw her out. “Lower your voice. Sarah is going to hear you. She drank too much. She couldn’t have driven home safely.”

  “I don’t want you hanging out with that woman.”

  “David, you have over stepped your boundary.

  “No! You over stepped your boundary by inviting her into our house!”

  “You are my husband but that doesn’t give you the right to give me an ultimatum to end my friendship with Sarah!”

  Sarah knocked on their bedroom door. “I am going to be leaving. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble. Please forgive me, David. I am sorry, Lucinda. You guys should make up; I should not have stopped by your house. I’m sorry.”

  While she was apologizing, they remained quiet. A few seconds later, her quick steps could be heard on the wooden hallway floor as she walked away.

  Lucinda said, “I hope she is not traumatized by your harsh words. She didn’t deserve to be treated so badly. Sarah has been through a lot recently. She needed someone to show her compassion and understanding.”

  “Are you done with your rhetoric? I need to get some sleep. I have nothing else to say.”

  “Go ahead get your sleep! You don’t care about my feelings anyway!”

  Grabbing a robe, she stormed out of the bedroom. Lucinda broke down in tears knowing she would eventually have to tell her husband that she is caring another man’s baby.