Billionaire's Retreat

by Eddie Johnson

  “You would be wasting your time.” He provided his address. A few minutes later Detective Burks and Durden were on his doorstep.”

  They introduced themselves upon arrival. “Come in gentlemen take a seat.”

  “We would like to know if you have any knowledge of the cabin near the pond where your gun was found.”

  “Why are you concerned about the cabin? What does that have to do with my gun? It was stolen and I reported it to the police.”

  “Have you ever been to the cabin? Do you know who owns it?”

  “Okay Detectives, I feel any further questioning should be directed to my Attorney Alten Sparks.”

  “Thank you, for your hospitality. We’ll be leaving.”

  After the detectives arrived back at their office, they went through a brainstorming session. Durden said, “I believe David knows more than he is acknowledging.”

  Burks agreed, “I think he knows the owner of the cabin. He could be the guy that Ms. Givens saw, which helped a woman to load something suspiciously into the trunk of a car.”

  “We could have her come in again to see if she would be able to identify him.”

  “They tried to call Ms. Givens but received a voice message, “Hi, this is Nancy. I will be out of town until the end of the week. Please, try again.”

  The detectives resumed their conversation. “Maybe we should go ahead with our plans to question Ms. Myers regarding her cabin.”

  Durden stated, “She does have three siblings: two sisters and a brother. Maybe she can tell us if any of them visited the cabin and how often.”

  “I know Sarah stated she would never have killed her husband, however, I’m still not convinced she’s not connected with his death.”

  “I thought we had put that theory to rest.”

  The following week, Detective Burks and his sidekick took a ride over to Ms. Myers home in Houston. She lived in a nice upscale two story home on several acres of land. They had called ahead the day before to schedule their meeting. The timing was right since they already had business planned in Houston for that afternoon. When they arrived, the maid answered the door inviting them into a plush area in the home set aside for entertaining guest. “Have a seat gentlemen, Ms. Myers will be right out. You must be thirsty.”

  “I can you use a tall glass of water.”

  Durden then replied, “I’ll have the same.”

  “I’ll be right back with your drinks.”

  They observed Ms. Myers as she entered the room. They stood to their feet. After introducing themselves, they all sat.

  During their questioning, they were told that her sister Cheryl L. Myers middle name is Lucinda. “She doesn’t like her first name so everybody refers to her as Lucinda Stallings. She is married to a poor man. His name is David Stallings. They live in Dallas.”

  Durden said, “We understand you have a cabin on the outskirts of Dallas.”

  “It is a gift from my deceased father. Lucinda visits the cabin to get away from the pressures of her hectic life. She is often depressed due to her and David being financially challenged. Lucinda had a flat tire on her last drive to the cabin. She had to wait for an hour for roadside assistance. Sometimes I worry about her being at the cabin alone. My other three siblings have never visited the cabin. Maybe, I should have asked for more information about your private investigation before I started blabbing.”

  “We believe the murder we are investigating may have occurred near your cabin.”

  “I can assure you detectives that Lucinda would never have been involved in a murder.

  The next morning, Burks telephoned Ms. Givens. “How are you? How was your trip?”

  “I’m fine. It was good to get away for a few days.”

  “We need you to come in for further questioning.”

  “I can be there in an hour.”

  “We will be waiting. Thank you.”

  When she got into the office, Durden asked, “Was there anything unique about the suspected female on the day in question.”

  “When she first arrived, she was wearing a black head wrap.” However, I still recognized her as the lady I saw occasionally next door.”

  Burks stated, “We have a photo album of possible suspects. Look through the album and tell us if you recognize any of the people.”

  She looked through the album until she came across a picture of Lucinda Stallings.

  “That’s the woman.”

  “Are you sure that’s the woman.”

  “I’m sure beyond a reasonable doubt, she is the woman.”

  “Take another look at the photos. Do you see the man that may have assisted her in disposing of the body?”

  After another look through of the album, she still was not able to finger him. “I don’t recognize anyone else.” Although she could not identify him, David was still theorized as the triggerman.

  Chapter 34

  A forensic lab finally released a report on the murder weapon. It showed the bullets that were lodged in the skeletal torso of Jared were fired from the gun found in the pond. The finding still did not point to his best friend David since he had reported the gun stolen. Detective Burks used the evidence they had collected along with the forensic results to get a go ahead for the search of the cabin.

  Janet called her sister Lucinda after she heard her cabin was being looked into as the place where Jared was murdered. She also mentioned that she had been questioned by detectives. Lucinda denied any knowledge of a murder.

  Before nightfall, the crime scene unit converged on the unoccupied dwelling in hopes of solving the case. Blood was found on the wall of the bedroom in the cabin. There had been an attempt to clean the wall to keep it from being detected. In addition, an attempt was made to clean a larger pool of blood in the middle of the front room. The assailants had covered the area with a large throw rug. Their analysis of the crime scene suggested that a scuffle occurred in the bedroom with perhaps a knife. The scuffle then moved to the front room of the dwelling where blood and microscopic hair follicles were found. This evidence suggested that three individuals were involved in the altercation, which included them wallowing on the floor. This all ended when one of them was shot. Forensic test were ordered on the blood and hair follicles found at the crime scene.

  The next afternoon, Lucinda called David to inform him about the cabin being rumored as the placed where Jared was probably killed. She realized that their phone lines may be tapped so she had to be discreet in getting permission to meet with him.

  “Hello, David speaking.”

  “Hi David this is Lucinda. I know you were not expecting me to call. I need to sort some things out about our past. I’m not going to be able to talk right now.” She paused from speaking until he responded.

  “I understand. I’ll come over to pick you up in thirty minutes. We’ll go for a ride.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you then.”

  “While cruising around the neighborhood Lucinda said, “The authorities talked with my sister yesterday. They know the cabin belongs to her. I think they are trying to link your weapon that was found in someway with the cabin.”

  “I think you are right.”

  “Janet told them that I visited the cabin occasionally. We are becoming their prime suspects.”

  Eventually, Lucinda changed the subject. “I could have easily met with you at your house.”

  “I don’t want you there. That’s why you still don’t know where I reside.”

  “It’s probably because you already have another woman.”

  “Yes, I do. She drops in unexpectedly sometimes.”

  “Okay, we’re back, our little ride is through. Thanks for the information.”

  Lucinda turned her head to look at David prior to exiting the vehicle. David noticed a few tears in her eyes.

  A quarter after midnight; a 911 call came in from Ms. Givens that the cabin was on fire. When the firefighters arrived, the structure was completely engulfed in flames. Not only did the fire
prevent further investigation of the premises, it would also preclude jurors from being able to inspect the crime scene. The authorities theorized that whoever burned down the cabin wasn’t aware that it had already been combed for evidence.”

  One morning, six weeks later, police were provided warrants for the arrest of Lucinda and David Stallings. Crime scene analysis results were in which showed blood found at the cabin belonged to David Stallings and the deceased Jared Jones. Hair follicles evidence mixed in and around the blood found at the scene pointed to Lucinda. The hair evidence backed up the next door neighbor’s statement that Lucinda was present when Jared died. Police were now poised to carry out the arrest of David and Lucinda.

  Earlier in the morning, Sarah met the Titanimums at the Marina for their planned yachting outing. Sarah was wearing an extremely short colorfully bright sundress exposing over two thirds of her breast. Except for the spaghetti straps holding the micro mini dress, she was bareback down to her waist. In addition, she wore three-inch clogs on her feet. After noticing Sarah’s outfit, Bridget held her heart as she took a few deep breaths. She turned looking at her husband. He stated, “Are you okay, Bridget?”

  “Yes dear, I’m fine.”

  They boarded the yacht. They seemed to be having fun although Bridget kept dozing off. After lunch, Bridget decided to take a nap. “Wake me up in an hour.”

  “She sure sleeps a lot.”

  “I’m quite sure you are aware that is due to her health.”

  “Woody, I understand. I’m going to lie down for awhile too.” She went to her guest cabin, started to disrobe, then she heard a faint knock. She continued to undress. The door opened slightly. “Who’s there?”

  “It’s me.” Woodrow entered the room.”

  “It sure took you long enough. I was wondering if you had gotten my hint.”

  “What’s the hurry? She is going to be sleep for awhile.”

  The old man stood as if in a trace with his eyes fixated on Sarah’s well toned naked youthful physique. She walked over, without hesitation, commenced to providing Woodrow with oral sexual stimulation.

  Bridget had become suspicious of Sarah’s actions every since they left the marina. Her mind was working over time. She sensed that Sarah was trying to win the attention of Woodrow. Bridget could not fall asleep so she went back up to the deck looking for her friend and husband. After, noticing they were no longer there she went to the galley. She asked the chef had he seen them. “I last saw them at lunchtime.” She went back to her cabin briefly before going to Sarah’s cabin. She twisted the doorknob then flung opened the door to find Sarah servicing her husband. Bridget’s heartbeat began to race. “Sarah I trusted you. How could you betray me?” Bridget braced herself then pointed a gun at Sarah. “Get off your knees! Stand to your feet!” As her finger touched the trigger, Woodrow moved in between the two women.

  “Shoot me. She doesn’t deserve to die.” Bridget’s knees buckled, her body became limp before collapsing. Sarah proceeded to radio for help as Woodrow checked her vital signs.

  “911. What’s your emergency?”

  “We are out on a yacht. My elderly female friend has collapsed. Her husband states she still has a pulse and heartbeat. We are turning around to go back to the marina. She provided the marina’s name and the slip number where the yacht would pull in for anchor.

  As the yacht raced toward shore, in Dallas another revelation was unfolding. The police tried to serve a warrant to arrest David. However, he had broken his lease and was believed to have had fled out of state. An all points bulletin was put out for David. A description of him and his vehicle was publicized by the news media. Police were now en route to the Sarah’s Dallas Satellite office to take Lucinda into custody. She sat at her desk reflecting back on the day that Jared was murdered. The scene was now playing out in her head of when David walked in on her and his best friend Jared fucking. David asked, “What the hell is going on?” At that moment, Jared turned his head toward the door realizing that David had caught them. He further asked, “How could you fuck my wife?” As Jared crawled off Lucinda, he attempted to steady himself on the floor. David lurched at him pushing him backward. He shouted, “I ought to kill you!” After showing his disgust with the situation he turned walking away. Jared retrieved a pocketknife from his pants that was lying nearby. He rushed David with the pocketknife making a gash in his upper left arm knocking him against the wall. David was a huge muscular male. Jared in comparison was physically fit but still no match. Though wounded, David was still able to throw Jared to the floor before delivering several hard blows to his chest and head.

  Lucinda uttered, “Enough David, let him go.” David retreated to the front room where he stood staring into space, still bleeding from his arm. Jared put on his pants and then went after David again. He took David by surprise and tackled him to the floor. Lucinda tried to pull them apart as they tussled.” Soon David got the best of his friend again delivering more punches until his face was covered in blood. Lucinda stood up, turned away from them, holding her head in the palms of her hands, screaming and sobbing. Jared pleaded for his life, “No! Don’t shoot me! Please! Please don’t shoot me!” Lucinda turned back around to see David standing over Jared with a handgun. She rushed over and tried to knock it out of his hands. After grabbing her by the hair, David yanked her to the floor. He then pumped three bullets into Jared. Her painful reminiscing was interrupted when a customer walked into the office. She composed herself as she greeted and then seated the customer. A few moments passed, the cops arrived to take her into custody. “Lucinda Stallings, you are under arrest as an accomplice in the murder of Jared Jones.” She was given her Miranda Rights.

  Lucinda handed the customer a business card to her main office, “Call this number to reschedule.”

  After everyone exited, Lucinda locked up the office. She was then handcuffed before being hauled off to the local slammer.

  In Los Angles, Woodrow’s yacht pulled up to the dock where they were met by paramedics. After unsuccessfully trying to bring Bridget out of a coma, they took her to the nearest hospital. The next morning she was still comatose. Woodrow and Sarah had stayed at the hospital overnight. The doctor informed them that she could be in the coma for an indefinite period. Upon leaving the hospital, Sarah checked her cell phone for messages. Deloris had left her a voice message stating that Lucinda was now in police custody. Sarah returned the call. “Deloris. Why is Lucinda in jail?”

  “She’s charged as an accomplice in the murder of Jared.”

  “Are you are telling me that my best friend, whom I have known for so long, may have been connected to the murder of my husband?”

  “Yes. Her husband is believed to be on the run. He is being sought as the man that fired the fatal shots.”

  That afternoon, Sarah received word of Bridget’s passing. Her actions had hastened the death of Woodrow’s wife. Unlike Lucinda who has been charged for her part in Jared’s death, Sarah knew she would never serve time for Bridget’s death.

  Six months later, Woodrow and Sarah were vacationing in London when he popped the big question. He placed an engagement ring on her finger and then proposed, “Sarah Giltry, will you marry me?”

  “Yes Woodrow, I will marry you.”

  “The next book in the romance series ‘Love’s Wicked Game’ will be more brazen and provocative.”

  Chasity’s Revenge

  Book two of the series

  “Chasity is determined to get payback for the demise of her fallen friend Helen Dougherty. She has blamed herself long enough and now seeks revenge.”

  Billionaire’s Retreat: Book 2

  The series will continue with more fresh romantic episodes involving Sarah Giltry. Find out how she does in her new role as the wife of billionaire Woodrow Titanimum.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Eddie Johnson is a Florida native that continues to evolve as an author constantly refining his writing. At an early age he discovered this unique gift. W
ith the urging of his spouse, he decided to share the results of his literary prowess with the world. His debut as an author was with his novel Love’s Wicked Game. Its eBook format continues to be well received in the digital reading arena. For now and in the foreseeable future he’ll continue to transform life experiences into interesting storylines. His second book Reaching For Celestial Heights is a collection of poems, some of which are religious and inspirational. The focus of this African American fiction writer will be on urban romance, murder suspense, and dramatic street related topics. For over a decade he worked as a Public Assistance Specialist for the State of Florida. Since then he has worked in private sector customer relations and billing related positions in telecommunications and banking. He has a Degree in Business Data Processing. Eddie relishes in being a devoted husband and father that believe in good family values.