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

by Julie Ramson

  Chris’ mother and father were sitting in one corner, with Chris’ brother. The cops were supportive and kept them well supplied with coffee and donuts. They made sure that someone was sitting with them at all times. Mrs. McCann was a small, plump woman with graying hair. She was clutching her purse and her eyes went constantly to the doors to the surgery rooms. Her husband was not much taller and had very little hair left. He would get up, walk a bit, then sit back down. He too watched the doors to the surgery constantly as if he could will the doors to open. Her brother, Terry, sat with his hands between his legs. I had met him a couple of times since he was a cop in another Chicago precinct.

  I went up to Chris’ family and sat down across from her mother. I took her hand. “Mrs. McCann, I am so sorry about this. I wish I could say or do something to help.” I looked at her husband and Terry as well.

  Mrs. McCann raised her eyes. “I’m sorry. I know I’ve met you but I can’t remember your name.”

  “Maggie,” I said gently. “I’m Sean Flaherty’s sister.”

  “Yes, of course.” She looked over at the surgical doors. “When do you think they will come out?”

  “I don’t know. Soon, I hope. Is there anything I can get you?” My heart ached for her and this was coupled with guilt. I really, really hoped that Chris had not been shot because she looked like me. I really hoped that this was random but I knew it probably wasn’t. Mr. McCann nodded at me and Terry tried to smile. I gave Terry a quick hug with one arm and whispered, “Terry, please let me know if I can do anything.” He nodded. I took Mrs. McCann’s hand and said, “We are all praying for her, Mrs. McCann.” She nodded and I moved on as others came to give support.

  Suddenly the doors to the surgery rooms opened and two doctors in scrubs walked out. They had blood on their scrubs and surgical masks hanging around their necks. The first doctor was older, maybe around 60. His hair was gray and he looked tired. The second doctor was younger and African American. He, too, looked very tired.

  The McCanns sat frozen for a moment. Then Terry stood and walked over. “I’m her brother, Doctor. How is she?”

  The two doctors looked at him, then around the room at all the people. The room was totally silent. The older doctor spoke.

  “We think that she is out of the woods. We found another bleeder and got it. Fortunately, the bullet missed her lungs and any vital organs but hit a major vein in the neck. We think that she’ll be fine now, but don’t stop the prayers yet. She’s unconscious right now and still in the recovery room but her family members can see her for a moment. Come with us.” The younger doctor walked over to Chris' parents and sat down with them.

  A huge collective sigh blew through the room. She was still alive! We watched the younger African American doctor walk the family toward the surgical rooms. I realized I was clutching Jimmy’s hand with the grip of a vice. He turned to me and grinned. “Thank God,” he said.

  Many of us sat down as if we were balloons and the air had just been let out of us. Cops were smiling and a few started to leave. Jimmy and I remained seated. After a few minutes, the family came back out. Terry stopped and spoke to the room in general. “She’s looking bad.....but bad good! She’ll make it!” He smiled. “Thank you all for being her with us. We really appreciate it. Dad is going to take Mom home now, but I will be staying. I can only go in for five minutes every hour but I’ll keep her station updated on her condition.”

  Everyone gave a cheer. I pulled my cell phone out and dialed Digs. “Maggie! How’s Chris?

  “She’s out of surgery and the doctors said they’ll think she will be alright! I was laughing and crying, all at once. “The bullet missed the vital organs and they stopped all the bleeding! Thank God!”

  “That’s great, Mag!” Digs turned from the phone. “Guys, Maggie says that Chris is out of surgery and will make it! She said the doctors told them that the bullet missed everything important and she’ll be fine!” I heard some cheers and laughter in the background. “Mag, I have to go. I’ll be there as soon as I can - don’t leave!”

  “Wait, Digs, what have you found there? Digs!”

  “Gotta go, Mag. Talk to you soon.” He disconnected.

  I turned to Jimmy. “I have to stay. I promised Sean and Digs I wouldn’t leave until they got here. But you don’t need to stay with me. Go on home. You look beat.”

  Jimmy looked away. “Maggie, who is this Digs? I know he’s a hotshot in the government, but how long have you known him? What is he to you?” He sounded miserable. This was the closest he had ever come to showing if he cared for me. I felt terrible.

  “Jimmy, he’s a friend of Sean’s. Sean sicced him on me after I was attacked in Lily Hastings’ house. I don’t know much about him.”

  “I just wondered. I saw him looking at you and I thought.....” his voice trailed off. “Well, guess I had better get going. I’m going on duty in a few hours.” He leaned over and kissed my cheek. “Take care, Mag. I’ll probably see you tomorrow.”

  My head ached and my neck ached. I put my head back against the wall and closed my eyes, just for a moment. The next thing I knew the room was almost empty and Digs was shaking my shoulder. “Maggie. Maggie, wake up. We’re here and it’s time to go.”

  I shook my head, trying to clear it. “Digs, how’s Chris?”

  “Her brother just told me that her vital signs are good and she’s still sleeping, but they’re hopeful she’ll be fine. Now, come on, time to go.” He put his arm around me and lifted me up.

  “Okay,” I yawned. “But I want to hear about what you found at Emily’s. I’m not sleepy.” I yawned again.

  Digs grinned. “Yeah, well, I am. I’m beat. I’ll tell you all about it in the morning - which is about 3 hours from now.”

  I groaned. “Ugh. I may sleep until noon.” Digs just smiled. I dozed off again on the way home. We entered my apartment and Killer met us at the door with a reproachful look and a jig that indicated he needed a quick trip downstairs.

  Digs left with him and I stumbled to the bathroom. I did the quick step - wash face, brush teeth, take aspirin and to hell with the rest.

  I was sound asleep in seconds and never even heard Digs and Killer return.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  FRIDAY, JANUARY 11

  The next morning I was still feeling sore, but not nearly as bad as the day before. I glanced at the clock - it was almost 10 am! Good Lord! I could smell coffee again......and sighed. I wanted the coffee – and how was Chris? I swung my legs out of bed. It was much easier today. Better, I thought.

  I grabbed some old jeans and a faded navy sweatshirt and headed for the bathroom. I looked in the mirror - damn. Not that much better. The lump on my forehead had gone down some but I was still a multi- colored purple and green mess. I got into the shower and carefully washed my hair, avoiding the back of my head. The hot water helped everything else. I tried the makeup thing again with marginal success. I brushed my hair and decided to just let it curl. Who cares? I took a deep breath and walked out.

  Sean and Digs and Jimmy were all sitting at my dining room table eating coffee cake. Sean and Jimmy looked pristine in khaki slacks and turtlenecks under sports coats. Digs looked disheveled in old jeans and a royal blue sweater. That sweater really lit up his eyes, I thought. Damn.

  “Well, she finally gets up!” Sean grinned around his cake. Good thing I had hidden the cookies. The coffee drew me and I filled a cup and put in some creamer. Definitely a creamer day.

  “So what brings you here? How is Chris?

  Jimmy answered. “I stopped in at the hospital earlier this morning. She’s awake and doing much better,” he said. “Her brother is still there with her.”

  Looking right at Digs, I smiled sweetly. “Good morning, Digs. Cat got your tongue today?” I sat down. The guys all looked at each other again.

  Sean cleared his throat. “Maggie, I wanted to tell you what we found last night. Someone had gone through Emily’s apartment. It was totally trashed. Whoever it
was, they really were looking for something there. We want to go see Emily, tell her this and talk to her. We thought you should come along.” They all looked at me.

  “Of course! You know I will.....but why are you suddenly including me?” Suspicious, I looked from face to face. Something was up. They all exchanged glances again.

  Digs spoke. “There was a message on her answering machine. From someone named John Reilly who claims to be her friend. Said he’s been trying to reach her. He wants to see Emily.” This was all said in a neutral tone.

  “But.....” I stopped.

  “Don’t you think it’s odd that he just leaves a message that he wants to see her?” Now Sean sounded suspicious.

  I thought for a minute. “I know that name. I think he’s the son of a good friend of Lily’s. Mrs. O’Brien told me about him. He was there for Thanksgiving and she said that she thinks he’d been sniffing around Lily’s house eying things he wanted after she died.”

  “Well, we can all go see Emily and find out more.” Sean started to rise. He grabbed his black leather jacket off the couch and shrugged into it.

  “Where is Emily? Did you put her up in a hotel?” I got up too, along with Digs.

  “No, we have a few small apartments scattered in the district. She’s in one of them.” He pulled out a pen and tore off a piece of the morning newspaper. He wrote the address down and handed it to me.

  Jimmy still sat, fiddling with his coffee cup. “Uh, guys, I should tell you that I stopped to see Emily this morning.” He wouldn’t look up. “I just wanted to check on how she was doing,” he said defensively. Sean and Digs hooted.

  “Yeah, right, Jimmy!” Sean was laughing. He clapped Jimmy on the back and Jimmy blushed. “You go, man! She’s a fox, that’s for sure!”

  “Lay off, guys. She’s just a sweet girl who’s had a rough time. That’s all!” Jimmy was now brick red.

  Digs and Sean grinned. “Yeah, that’s why yesterday you were all over her when we left the room.” Digs put on a serious face. “Just a little Chicago Police PR, right?”

  “That’s our Jimmy! Always putting the Department first,” Sean added. “No sacrifice too great.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Jimmy, you’re a good guy! Emily has had a rough time and I - for one - am glad that you are being so nice to her.” I glared at the other two in mock anger. “You two stop! Jimmy may be just what Emily needs right now - a friend.”

  “Oh, yeah, a friend!” Digs chuckled. “That a new name for this, Sean?”

  “Oh, yeah. New name,” Sean laughed. “Beats some of the other names.....” He broke off laughing more.

  I gave both of them an exasperated look and went over to Jimmy. I put my hand on his shoulder and leaned down. “Ignore those Neanderthals, Jimmy. Emily’s vulnerable right now and you are a sweetie.” I gave him a one armed hug.

  Sean just cuffed him.

  “Stop it, you two clowns. Let’s go! And lay off Jimmy!” I went to get in my own car. Sean followed and got into the unmarked police car. Digs climbed in the passenger side of my CRV and put on his seatbelt.

  “Maggie, I need to talk to you about Emily. We have to go through all the boxes that she took from Lily’s and we need her to come with us to Lily’s house and help us go through everything.” He turned to me and had his cop face on. “We’re missing something.”

  I didn’t start the car. I looked away, then back at Digs. “I agree. I want to find the will, too, but I don’t think that’s what whoever it is wants. But what else could it be?”

  Digs shook his head. I started the car and pulled out.

  “So? Where am I going?”

  “Oh,” Digs looked down at the slip of paper Sean had given him. “To Nagatock Street. Further west.”

  “I can’t get the pieces to all fit, Maggie. Mrs. Hastings, Louie, your attack, Emily, all of it! I just can’t figure it out.”

  I nodded, my eyes on the road and Sean’s car ahead of me. He was moving fast, leaving me in his wake. I glanced at Digs and rolled my eyes. “Hotdog.” Digs laughed. I narrowed my eyes, sped up and clipped a corner.

  “Easy!” Digs grabbed the dashboard. “You and Sean are sure related! Speed freaks!”

  I gave him a sideways look. “You haven’t seen the half of it.” I sped up again.

  “Maggie!” he clutched the dashboard. “So, can you get Emily to help us? To go through everything with us? Use that attorney client privilege stuff.....and if that fails, try charm.” He gave me a sideways look. “Scratch that. Just do the attorney stuff.” He grinned as I socked him in the shoulder.

  When we got the address, Sean was standing next to his car with Jimmy, elaborately looking at his watch with raised eyebrows. Digs just looked relieved. Sean would pay for this. I was seeing the future possibility of pepper in his food.

  We went up to the elevators and Sean pushed the button for the 3rd floor. We got out and went to room 312. When Sean knocked, a cop answered. A woman. I recognized her but I couldn’t think of her name.

  “Officer Harris, this is my sister, Maggie and a friend, Digs. Maggie, Digs, this is Nancy Harris.”

  “Hi.” She smiled. “Come on in. I just got here too. Emily’s in the shower. I’ll get her.”

  “No need,” Emily said coming around the corner. The apartment was one large main room with a large king size bed, a small sitting area with two comfortable chairs, a table and a TV. There was also a small kitchenette. The bath was off to the left.

  Nancy went to start coffee. She didn’t ask any questions and it seemed as though she knew why we were there. Emily went up to Jimmy and smiled. “Two visits in one day? How’d I get so lucky?” She grinned at him. Her dark hair was damp and feathered around her face. She looked like Audrey Hepburn.

  “Emily, we need to talk.” Jimmy put an arm around her shoulders. “We went over to your apartment last night. Come, sit down.”

  Emily tensed. “What, Jimmy, what?” She looked concerned. “What happened?” She sat on the chair in the sitting room.

  Sean drew a breath and then said gently, “Emily, you know that your whole apartment was trashed. Everything was gone through. Do you have any idea who would do that?”

  Emily’s face drained. She turned to Jimmy. “You said yesterday that someone was there but not that everything had been gone through. You knew this earlier when you were here! You never told me!” Her hands were trembling and her lip quivered.

  Jimmy knelt down beside her and took her hand. “Emily, I couldn’t. We had to talk, to decide how to handle this.”

  She looked at him, disbelieving. Jimmy took her other hand. “I wanted to see you this morning. I just wanted to know you were okay.” He looked miserable. The rest of us sat silent in the small kitchenette area.

  Emily looked away and bit her lip. For a tense minute she didn’t move. Then she turned back to Jimmy. “I guess I understand. Thank you.” She tried to smile. Jimmy’s eyes lit up and he leaned over and kissed her cheek.

  Sean and Digs exchanged glances then Digs looked pointedly at me. Oh yeah, right. I spoke up.

  “Emily, I, that is, we need to work with you. We don’t know why someone went through your things, why someone has been looking through Lily’s house. I know I have asked you this before, but what could Lily have had that someone else would want?”

  “I don’t know!” Emily ran her fingers through her hair distractedly. “She was alright financially, but not rich! She lived simply.” She sounded tired.

  “We also need to ask you more about your old boyfriend, Ben Freeman,” I pressed gently.

  “I told you I don't think he has anything to do with this!” Emily's voice had sharpened.

  “We have to explore everything,” Jimmy said soothingly. “I know this is hard.”

  Emily deflated. “Ben and I were getting serious,” she started. “But it just wasn't working. For either of us.” She moved her hands helplessly. “He wasn't mad and he didn't have any reason to hurt Aunt Lily! She was always so nice to
him!”

  Jimmy and Sean exchanged glances.

  “Good. But, Emily, we do need you to go back to the apartment and go through everything to see if anything is missing. And we'd like you to look through the boxes you took from Lily’s again. “

  She nodded. “Sure.”

  Sean joined in. “Emily, we'll also have to go through Lily's house again, too.” He looked at Jimmy. “It's hard, we know, but we need your permission and if possible, for you to help us. See if there's anything you can tell us. Can you?”

  Emily stared at him blankly for a moment. “Of course. Sure.”

  She grabbed Jimmy's hand. “I just want this to end! When can we start?” She took a deep breath. “I just want this over with,” she said again, more quietly.

  Jimmy looked at the rest of us, then Emily. “How about today? After lunch? Why don’t you and I go to lunch and then go to your apartment and check the boxes?” Sean nodded at him. “We can then get to Lily’s and look around while it’s still light. We can meet the others at the house.”

  Well, that was pointed. We obviously weren’t included in the lunch invitation! Digs and Sean exchanged small smiles. I had a different reaction. This was Jimmy - my buddy, Jimmy! I liked Emily, but.....

  Sean stood, then Digs. “Jimmy, good plan. We'll meet you at Lily’s after lunch.” Jimmy nodded.

  Sean turned to Officer Harris. “Nancy, we’ll call the station and let them know when Emily needs another person here. Thanks for all you’ve done.” Nancy nodded.

  Digs turned to me and said, “We have to go back to your place. We’ll meet up with all of them at 1 o' clock.”

  Seems I didn’t have much say in anything! If it hadn’t been such a serious thing - and if I hadn’t wanted to find out what Emily had taken from Lily’s, and get back into Lily’s house, I would have kicked up a fuss. Not, I thought wryly, that it would have done me much good.

  We left Jimmy and Emily and Officer Harris. Sean turned to us in the parking lot and said, “See you at one.” He got into his sedan and pulled out his phone.