Where There's a Will ....There's Murder

by Julie Ramson

  I turned to walk back into the waiting area. Bam! I crashed into something hard and landed on my butt on the floor with my legs out. Pain radiated up from my rear end and down from my head.

  Digs spun around and then just stood there, arms crossed, glaring down at me. “So, she returns,” he said sarcastically through gritted teeth. “We’ve been looking for you. As usual.” He reached down and helped me up. I brushed off the seat of my pants.

  “Well, it’s your lucky day cuz here I am!” I gave him the full smile. Didn’t work.

  “I would use a different word than ‘lucky’ - for me and for you.” he replied. There was no hint of laughter or dimples right now. None. Just laser blue eyes glaring at me. Yeah, this was not going to be good.

  Sean came pounding down the stairs. I didn’t think he was going to be any happier to see me than Digs had been. I was right.

  “Get over here!” he snarled at me. “Where in the hell have you been?” The young cop at the desk just stared, eyes wide.

  I looked at Emily. She was frozen in place and even more pale than she had been before. Her eyes were huge and she looked like she wanted to run.

  I turned back to the guys and put my hands on my hips with a grim smile. “Sean, Digs,” I said way too sweetly, “I would like you to meet Emily Hastings, Lily Hastings’ niece. Try not to scare her to death, if you can, since she’s already had a bad couple of days.” I pulled Emily toward them.

  Immediately I could see them regroup. Emily looked at them apprehensively. She just stood there and her big down coat made her look even smaller than she was.

  I have to tell you, I really hate cute, small women who can melt big men with one glance. Under other circumstances, I might even hate Emily. But unfortunately I already liked her and even more important, she was my buffer between those same big men and me. I knew they really wanted to be yelling and waving their arms and possibly throttling me. I’ll use any defense available when I am desperate - and I was definitely desperate. I have no pride. I will hide behind a smaller woman every time.

  Sean gave me one last dirty look and turned to Emily. He gentled both his expression and his tone of voice. “Miss Hastings, I am very glad to see you. We’ve been trying to reach you for several days. Please come this way. Can I get you anything? A coke? Coffee?” He put his hand at her back and gently led her into a conference room. At least this one was clean and did not smell of old cigarettes. He helped her with her coat and let her settle herself at the table.

  I had turned to follow Sean but Digs grabbed me by the arm. “This is not over, Maggie. Not by a long shot.” he growled in my ear. He dropped my arm and followed me into the conference room. I wondered if Sean could get me into a safe house too. I had a feeling my apartment was going to be anything but safe tonight.

  Sean picked up the station phone and called Jimmy. Then he and Digs sat down across from Emily. Sean looked at both of us for a moment, then sighed. “Miss Hastings, I’m afraid I have some bad news.”

  Emily tensed. “What?” Her eyes got even larger and her face paler.

  Sean looked at Jimmy, who had just come in and then me. “We sent an officer over to your apartment this morning to see if you were there. It’s been ransacked. I am so sorry!”

  Digs reached over and covered her hand. “We need to know where you have been and when the last time you were at your apartment was.”

  Emily looked at them uncertainly. “Why? And please, call me Emily.”

  “Well then, Emily.” Both Sean and Digs smiled gently at her and Jimmy pulled up a chair and moved it closer to hers. “We can get into that in a few minutes. Why don’t you tell us about your last few days? Maggie says you’ve had a rough time.” Jimmy's voice was low and soothing.

  I was glad that all of them were being so nice to Emily but it really ticked me off too. They were gentle with her and growling at me. Yeah, she was the niece of the murdered woman and she was clearly terrified. But what about me? I was Sean's sister, for God's sake! Jimmy's friend! Digs' – whatever.

  I watched Jimmy with Emily. Interesting that she brought out all the protective instincts in him. And, wow, did she ever. I looked up at Digs was sitting across from me. He had leaned back again and his arms were crossed. He was looking at me with a strange, neutral expression. Uh oh. I hadn’t seen this expression before but something said it wasn’t hiding warm, happy thoughts about me.

  “Well, while Emily starts telling you that, I think I will just run to the ladies’ room.” And then out the door, in the car, to my apartment with door locks, bolts and ear plugs. Or maybe I would just keep driving. I hear San Diego is nice.

  “Don’t move, Maggie.” Digs sounded calm but his eyes were sparking. I had the feeling he had read my thoughts. “We’ll get to you.”

  Yeah. That’s what I was afraid of. Sean also looked over at me. “Yeah, you’re not going anywhere, Sis.”

  Emily looked at me, even more uncertain. I didn’t want to frighten her any more than she already was, so I stayed seated. “Okay,” I said, smiling. I’d be damned if I was going to let Digs or Sean know they were scaring the hell out of me. But San Diego was looking better and better.

  Sean continued talking to Emily but I couldn’t stop thinking about someone breaking into Emily's apartment. Did he – they – get the address from the note on my dining room table the other night? And if so, what did she have - or what did someone think she had?

  I looked up see Digs still staring at me, reminding me of my more immediate problem and the trouble I was in. If I could just divert them before they all started with the arm waving and yelling. The longer I could keep Emily talking, the better chance I had.

  Okay, I know I had screwed up. Yeah, I found Emily, but it had probably not been the best idea in the world to go back to Lily’s house and break in. Again. And it was definitely not a good idea to have stolen - borrowed - the photo but I needed to check it against the one in the picture of Louie’s dead body! I would explain all this to them - if I ever had the chance to talk, that is. I had the feeling that once Emily was safe, I was going to be doing a lot of listening and very little talking.

  What really annoyed me was that they were right. I had already been attacked in that very house. I mentally slapped my forehead. It looked like I may have to admit that I shouldn’t have gone back. Again. But shouldn’t they be glad I had found Emily?

  I looked over at Emily as she started explaining. Sean kept his hand covering hers, gentling her into a comfort level I was nowhere near. He nodded, he smiled, he patted her hand. He was the essence of charm and warmth. And he wouldn’t even look at me.

  She told them about how she couldn’t find the will - if there was one. She needed to live in that house, both financially and emotionally. She got soft tears in her eyes when she talked about Lily. She looked down at her hands as she told them about the man’s call to her apartment Monday night. Her voice shook when she repeated the conversation, especially the part of it where he asked if she was afraid of knives. She said that very early Tuesday morning she had gone to Lily’s house because she thought it was safer. It was under police protection, she thought, and she had been afraid.

  Sean’s hand tightened over hers. He leaned forward.

  “Emily, we will take care of you. I promise. He won’t get to you. Look at me,” he said gently.

  Emily looked up. She searched his face and then smiled. “Thank you.” Her voice was so low she almost whispered.

  Digs had also gone into full charm node. “Detective Flaherty - Sean - is right, Emily. Please, don’t be afraid. You’ll be fine, really.” He spoke quietly, lulling her with his easy tone.

  Emily continued. She said that the man on the phone had said he wanted “it” but she had no idea what “it” was. She had racked her brain but had no clue what he meant.

  Sean was nodding, his eyes sympathetic and understanding. He kept murmuring things like, “Of course. I understand.” Not a word to her about breaking and entering and
illegally being there! Not a word about arresting her!

  Digs even went out and brought Emily a cup of tea and some sugar packets! He patted her shoulder as he put the cup in front of her. “Emily, please drink this. You’ve had a rough time. This will help.” His voice was easy. Emily wrapped her hands around the cup as though seeking its warmth.

  “Thank you.” She looked up at Digs, then Sean and Jimmy. She had big tears trembling on her dark lashes. She looked so sad. “Thank you, all of you, for being so kind to me. I just.....I just.....” She swallowed.

  “Emily,” Sean said soothingly. “Why don’t we all just take a short break and let you drink some tea. Maggie, can you step out into the hall for a minute?”

  Uh, no. I did not think I could do that. Bad idea. Digs took my arm above the elbow and got me to my feet. “We’ll be right back. Jimmy, can you stay with Emily in case she needs anything?”

  We got out into the hall. “I could wring your goddamn neck,” Digs started in a low tone at the same time that Sean said, “And you wonder why I wanted someone to watch you? You have the common sense of a flea! No brains!” At the same time, Digs joined in. “I specifically told you not to go in that house again! What in the hell goes through that cement brain of yours?”

  They were yelling in chorus. I just rolled my eyes and stood there, arms crossed across my chest. I let them rant for a few minutes, then said, “I actually have some very interesting stuff for you two, but since neither of you is going to let me talk, maybe I’ll just take it to someone else.” I clipped off the words.

  They both stopped talking and just stood there, glaring at me. “Okay, what Maggie. This had better be good.” Sean said.

  “I found the connection between Lily and Louie Bacci. It’s the mob. They’re probably the ones who broke into her apartment too!” I gave them the defiant, in-your-face- look.

  They both stared at me. “We’ve already suspected the mob, Maggie. What evidence do you have?” Sean sounded marginally calmer.

  “Fellas, this is going to take some time. Finish getting Emily’s story. She’s the source, only I don’t think she realizes it yet. After that, I can sit down and fill you in on what I have found out.” I tried to sound reasonable.

  Sean and Digs did the eye communication thing for a few seconds. “All right. But you stay right here with us. Got that?” Digs was still furious.

  “Yes,” I said meekly. I went back into the conference room. Jimmy had moved his chair even closer to Emily and had his arm around her shoulders. What was it with this woman? Everyone was furious with me - but Emily? They couldn’t do enough.....charm, tea and now Jimmy too!

  I bit my lip. I had to decide if I was going to share the photo with the guys or not. Problem: My having the photo was going to really, really make them mad. Big time. Rationalization: I could just tell them, let them yell at me and get it all over with at once rather than wait and then go through it all again. Problem: They would probably kill me when they found out I had borrowed the photo. They might even call it stealing. From a crime scene. Rationalization: Hmmm..........I didn’t have one. None. But the photo was the key. I really thought that I was on to something. Why would both Louie and Lily have the same photo? I had confirmed that there was a connection just not what the connection was. I knew it had something to do with the mob and Lefty Three Fingers. But how? I also figured the wooden box with the money and the skeleton fit in, but again - how?

  Emily had finished explaining that she had been sleeping in one of the guest bedrooms on the second floor of Lily’s house since Tuesday. Sean and Digs exchanged looks. They realized she'd been there when they were there both for the finding of Mr. Castelett's body and also the fire.

  “Emily, you may not be safe there. Maggie was in there the other day - not quite legally - ”Digs stopped to glare at me, “and was attacked. Can you think of any reason someone would want something in that house? Did your aunt have anything of value there?”

  “No,” Emily said slowly. “Maggie asked me this too. I can’t think of anything. I know Uncle Herbert gave her very nice things toward the end, before his car accident. She had some nice pieces of jewelry and some paintings, but I can’t think of anything else. Besides, the jewelry wasn’t taken when she was murdered.”

  “Well,” Sean stood. “Right now, we have to think of your safety. I’m going to get one of our female cops. She can take you to a hotel and we’ll have 24 hour security for you. Can you get away from your job?”

  Emily smiled. “I’m already on leave. And I am so grateful! A safe hotel room sounds like heaven right now.”

  Digs also stood. “Good. It’s nice to know that someone appreciates our efforts to keep her safe....out of harm’s way. Out of the reach of a killer. It’s a pleasure helping you, Emily.” Digs spoke gently to Emily but kept those lasers on me. I just rolled my eyes.

  Sean made a call and within a few minutes Millie Cox appeared. I had known Millie for several years. She was in her 50's, slightly chunky and motherly in a warm, no nonsense way. She was a good natured woman and a very competent cop. If anyone could put Emily at ease, it would be Millie. She and Sean talked for a few minutes in the hall. She came back in and went over to Emily.

  “Come along, dear. I know just the place for you. We’ll make sure you are snug and safe. We can have someone stay with you if you want that.” She put her arm around Emily. “If someone does, I hope you like to play cards and games. But I do suggest that you keep it to bridge or gin rummy and not poker. No money. Of course, gambling is illegal. I have to tell you, though, while you can trust our Chicago’s Finest with your life, you can’t trust them in a poker game......” She led Emily off, chatting and chuckling as they went.

  Emily smiled. “Just being in a safe place will be enough! I don’t need to bother anyone to stay with me! But thank you.......” Her voice trailed off as they walked down the hall.

  Sean turned to me. “Maggie, there’s more. The female officer we sent over to Emily Hastings’ apartment this morning was shot and left for dead. She’s at Infant of Prague Hospital.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  I couldn’t speak for a moment. Finally, I stammered, “No! Who?” My mind was reeling.

  “Chris McCann.” Jimmy sounded grim.

  “Oh, God. I know Chris! What happened?”

  Sean shrugged. “I’ll tell you after we talk. And I’m tempted to make you remain here for that discussion. But you look beat. Let’s go to your apartment and get you some dinner. But then, Maggie, we are going to have a long, serious talk.” He leaned forward and scowled at me.

  Digs hadn’t said a word. He just looked at me with that neutral face again. Yeah. He had to be some kind of cop with that face.

  I sighed and rotated my neck, rubbing the back of it with my hand. It was beginning to ache. “Oh Sean. I would appreciate that.” Going home, not the talk. Plus, I still hadn’t decided about the photo. Come clean with all of it at once?

  “Digs and I will follow you to your house. We’ll order dinner there. But don’t even think about trying to get away.”

  “I won’t, Sean. I promise.” I meant it. I couldn’t put this off forever. Tempting, though.

  “You drive, Sean. I’m going with Maggie. I’ve heard that meek tone, those sweet as sugar promises before. I’m riding with her.” Digs spoke calmly but he still hadn’t taken his eyes off me. And it wasn’t a warm, fuzzy look. “I’ll make sure she goes straight home.”

  Gee, that sounded like fun. Couldn’t wait to get in the car for that ride. I made a face at his back when he turned to get his jacket. “Don’t give me that look, Maggie. Won’t change a thing.” I rolled my eyes again. Did the man have eyes in the back of his head? On his butt?

  I shrugged into my jacket. I really was feeling the strain, both of the day behind me and the discussion ahead. I shouldn’t have gone back to Lily’s but I had found Emily and hopefully brought her to a safe place. That was a huge relief. I'd been so worried about her.

&n
bsp; I knew that Lily’s murder and Louie’s murder were connected through the mob, but I didn’t know why. And I didn’t know what the man who attacked me had wanted. Was he afraid I knew something? Or was it that he was afraid I would find something?

  Sean went on ahead of us. Digs stood leaning against the wall inside the station, just watching me. I sighed.

  “Digs, just stop! What do you want me to say? I’m sorry I went back to Lily’s? All right. I’ll say that. But I’m not sorry I found Emily and I’m tired of your watching me with those damn critical eyes!” I started toward the door to brush past him.

  Digs hooked his arm around my waist and pulled me into him. “Maggie, I’m not trying to hurt you. I’m scared for you. I agree that it is great you found Emily and I am glad. But you risked you. And that shakes me. I can’t believe that it does after just a few days, but there it is.” He sounded both somber and upset.

  I was speechless. I raised my head and looked at him. He had that unreadable look on his face again, but I reached my fingers up and touched his cheek. I couldn’t think of what to say. I stood taller and brushed his lips with mine. He let go of me and we walked silently to the car.

  The ride home was quiet, each of us in our own thoughts. Who was Digs? What was he really doing here? And me - what was I doing?

  We got to the apartment. Sean’s car wasn’t in the lot yet. Digs turned to me and said, “Let’s go up. I’ll get Killer and take him out for a stroll. Want to come along?”

  “I would.” I was not anxious to go into the apartment alone. We

  went up and Killer greeted us at the door, dancing. I suspected it was not from joy at seeing us as much as saying, “Get a move on! I have to go out - now!” We took him back down and let him race to his favorite spot.

  Digs took my hand, still quiet. I curled my fingers into him, glad for the warmth, glad for the connection. “I’m still pissed at you though.” I could hear a smile in his voice.