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

by Julie Ramson

  I thought for a minute. Lily had been born in 1938 and would have been 31 years old in 1969. Mrs. O’Brien had said they lived in the house about 40 years. “Sam, these were probably Lily’s and Herbert’s things. If they lived here 40 years, they moved in here in 1968. I wonder when she packed them away. I’m going to ask Emily if she knows.”

  Sam moved on to another box. It looked like a large file box. She opened it and found two stacks of notebooks. They looked like ledgers. She opened one and started flipping through it. The handwriting was small, neat and precise. Much of it was almost printing. The first page contained the name, “Herbert Hastings.” They looked like household entries. The bill of sale for the house, the gas bill, that kind of thing.

  Sam and I read the figures. They had paid $2000 for the house, new at the time. They had also bought a car for $400. By the standards of the time, the Hastings had money.

  We put the ledgers aside to go through later. I wanted to look at them more closely, hoping they would give me a clue as to what Herbert had done for a living.

  After several hours, the light was getting dim. Sean called us down. Sam and I each grabbed several of the ledgers and slowly went down the narrow stairs to the second, then the first floor.

  “What treasures are you two clutching?” Digs grinned when we came into the kitchen.

  “Some old ledgers. I want to take them home and see if we can get some idea of what Herbert did for a living.” I put the ledgers on the table. They were dusty and Sam and I were as well.

  “Toots, you just get better and better. First you look like a multicolored train wreck and now you look like a filthy multicolored train wreck. Makes a man’s heart pound.” He grinned at me.

  “And your heart can pound sand for all I care,” I purred sweetly. He laughed.

  Emily entered the kitchen, Jimmy behind her. She rolled her neck and rubbed it. She looked exhausted.

  “How did your search go, Emily?” Sean asked. He was looking tired and dirty too.

  “I found a box with a bunch of stuff - including a gun! I don’t

  know anything about guns so I don’t know what kind it is.”

  Sean perked up. “Do you have it there? Let’s see!” He leaned forward. Emily had put the box on the table and Sean lifted the top off. It was about the size of a shoe box. “Emily, did you touch the gun?”

  Emily grimaced. “No, I hate guns. I saw it in the box and just left it there and came right down to show you.”

  “Good. We’ll take it in and have it examined.” Digs and I both leaned over and looked at the gun in the box. I don’t know anything about guns either so I couldn’t tell what kind it was.

  Digs pulled out a pen and lifted the gun a small way by the trigger hole. “Old. No gunpowder visible. Heavy. I think it’s loaded. We’ll have to wait and see if it has any prints.”

  Sean was also studying the gun. “Loaded? Hmm.” He and Digs and Jimmy all exchanged looks.

  “Did you find anything else, Emily?” Sean was watching her intently.

  “There were a couple of other boxes with papers and stuff. There was this one small box with the jewelry - a pair of Uncle Herbert’s cufflinks and some studs, a watch and an old ring. I think I remember him seeing him wear the watch and the ring but not the cufflinks. Nothing else. His old wallet. Some papers.”

  “Where were these boxes?” Digs asked. He and Sean were piling the paintings and photos on the other side of the kitchen table.

  Emily rolled her neck and yawned. “The boxes with the gun and jewelry were on the top shelf of one of the smaller bedrooms and the box with the papers was buried under some old coats and blankets way in the back of the closet. There was another box with old books but I couldn’t carry it down.”

  Jimmy was still looking at the gun. “I can go get that one, Emily. Were there any other boxes?”

  “I don’t think so but I haven’t checked all the closets. Maybe tomorrow?” She sounded tired. “What is it you're all looking for, anyway?”

  “We don't know, Emily. That's the problem.” Digs sounded frustrated too. “It could be something very small, like a key, or a note with a bank account written on it, or – whatever.”

  “Something small?” Emily looked surprised. “You really do think that my aunt and uncle hid something of value here?”

  “It's very possible, Em.” Jimmy said softly.

  Sean spoke. “Enough for now, though. Tomorrow will be fine. It’s getting late for any more searching.” He was distracted by one of the photos he had brought in from the dining room floor. “Was this your uncle?” He asked. He pointed to a picture of two men, the older one with his hand on the younger man’s shoulder. The younger man had dark slacks and a light colored sweater on, with the sleeves pushed up on his arms.

  Emily nodded. “Yes, that’s Uncle Herbert and John. I think they had just started working together when Uncle Herbert was killed in the car accident.”

  Sean stopped. “I forgot! Emily, there was a message on your answering machine at your apartment. A call from someone named John Reilly. He said he wanted to see you. Is that your Aunt Lily’s friend?”

  Emily looked surprised. “Yeah, it is. He came for Aunt Lily’s funeral but I haven’t heard from him since.” She made a face. “Did he leave a phone number?”

  “Yeah, he did. I wrote it down.” Sean opened his wallet and pulled out a slip of paper. “Here it is.” He handed Emily the paper.

  “I’ll call him tomorrow. Not tonight.” She stuffed the paper in her jeans pocket just as Jimmy walked in carrying the box of books.

  I walked over and looked more closely at the picture. The man Emily said was John had his head cocked at an angle. He was smiling but it was a cocky, tough, smart ass smile. He had dark hair but I couldn’t tell the color of his eyes on the black and white photo. He was in his early twenties, I guessed and didn’t look like someone I would like much. I thought for a few minutes. Herbert worked for the mob, or at least worked for Lefty Three Fingers. What would John have done for Herbert? Something also related to the mob? Why did he quit – if he had quit?

  “Emily, didn’t you say John is north of the city? Evanston?” Something about him seemed familiar somehow.

  “Yes. He teaches at Northwestern.” She stretched and yawned again. So did I.

  “Guys, let’s call it a night. We are all beat.” I looked at Digs, then Jimmy. Jimmy was looking at Emily with concern and something else. I thought it looked like he was falling for Emily. Digs had a small smile on his face. He and Sean and Jimmy started packing up boxes and bags for us to take home. The gun would go to the police station for further examination but I wanted to take the other boxes as well as the ledgers and papers home with me.

  “Sean, can Sam and I take all the boxes home? I’d like to start going through the ledgers tonight - Sam, is that okay with you?” She had been sitting quietly, paging through one of the notebooks.

  “Sure, great idea. These looked like ledgers for the house but I have only glanced at one or two of them.” She was still holding the notebook.

  “You think there's something in these?” Emily peered over Sam's shoulder.

  “Yeah, maybe. An old bank account number, maybe, something like that.” Sam was paging through one of them.

  “I never even thought of that.”

  Sean barely glanced at them. “Yeah, that’s fine. Digs, are you going home with Maggie and Sam?”

  “Yes. Jimmy, can you take Emily home?” Digs sounded casual but he had a gleam in his eye and a slight smile on his face.

  “Emily? Maybe we can grab some dinner first.” Jimmy sounded hopeful.

  She smiled shyly at Jimmy. “I’d like that. Thanks.”

  Just then, Sean said, “Wait! Emily, you said you remember this ring! Where do you remember it from?” Sean had opened the box with the jewelry and had frown on his face. He held the ring up. It was a gold ring, with black enamel and a serpent with a ruby eye on it. The same ring that was found on the
skeleton in the box found last summer. The same ring I thought Louie had on.

  Emily looked him, surprised. “I was a kid but I remember my uncle wearing it before he died.”

  “Do you know where he got it?” Sean was watching her closely.”

  “No,” she said slowly, “but I think he wore it for a long time. I really don’t remember, though. I didn’t pay that much attention. Why? Is it important?” She frowned, a puzzled look on her face.

  Sean chewed his lip. “Yeah. It is.” Both Jimmy and Digs were also watching Emily with concern.

  “Did you ever see anyone else with this ring?” Digs’ brow was furrowed and he took the ring from Sean. He leaned forward to see the ring more closely under the kitchen light. He turned it over in his fingers and then looked at Sean and Jimmy.

  “No, not that I remember.” Emily also leaned forward and looked at the ring. “I was a teenager, though. I didn’t know anyone that Uncle Herbert worked with.”

  Sam looked at me, then Sean. “What is it, Sean?” She also leaned forward.

  I took the ring and turned it over to see what Digs had been looking at. There was an inscription, “HH” on the inside of the ring. I looked at Digs questioningly. He just smiled.

  “What else was in that box, Sean?” Digs started to get up. He took the ring from me and placed it back in the box. He stood and reached over. He pulled out the cufflinks. They were heavy gold squares with “HH” inscribed on them. The studs were large diamonds - or at least clear stones that looked like diamonds. The watch was gold, maybe even real gold and also had “HH” inscribed on the back. “Was there any other jewelry of Herbert’s?” he asked Emily.

  “Yeah, there were some other pieces that I took the night Aunt Lily .....the night I found her. Some more cufflinks and another watch. Not an expensive one though. Uncle Herbert’s wallet.” She added, “I’ll check that box again. Mainly, there was Aunt Lily’s jewelry.”

  “We’ll need to go through all that, too.” Sean spoke up. He looked at Jimmy. “Are the boxes you brought back today still in your car?” Jimmy nodded. They glanced at each other and there seemed to be some additional communication but I wasn’t sure what.

  “Emily, can I take them over to Maggie's?” When she nodded, he added, “Thanks. We can go through some of this tonight. Then I suggest that we all meet at Maggie’s at 9 am and finish them. How does that sound?” Sean looked at all of us.

  “Fine. I’ll pick up Emily and meet you at Maggie’s at 9 am.” Jimmy smiled at Emily. “I think you should stay in the police apartment again tonight, Emily. All right?”

  She nodded. “Yeah, I don’t really want to go back to my own apartment yet.” She grimaced. “I’ll be ready to go about 8:30. I’ll even have some coffee ready for you!” She smiled.

  We all stood to leave. Digs picked up the boxes with the notebooks and ledgers. “Maggie, take the boxes with the jewelry. We can look at those tonight, too. If you don't mind, Emily?” He smiled at her.

  “Fine. I’m just ready for dinner and a good night’s sleep. Maybe I can even talk Jimmy into a glass of wine?” She smiled again at him.

  “I can probably do that.” Jimmy was really beginning to look besotted with her. He helped her into her coat and then took her arm as they left.

  I turned to Digs. He was staring at them walking to Jimmy’s car with a pensive look on his face. He looked again at Sean. It wasn’t a happy look. “Sean, why don’t you come back to Maggie’s for a while. We can order something in.” He turned to Sam. “You too, Sam. I think we all need to talk.” He sounded very somber.

  “Digs, what is it? What’s wrong?” I was missing something here. That always ticks me off. Sam looked at Digs, then me.

  “I agree, Digs. Something is off.” She glanced at me. “Why don’t Sean and I stop and pick something up for dinner, though? That’ll be easier.”

  At that point, Killer perked up. Dinner? Now we were talking! He ambled over to me and nudged my hand for some petting. I leaned over and hugged him. “Such a good boy, Killer. We’ll feed you soon.” I gave him a hug.

  “And me, Maggie? Don’t I get a hug and some dinner too?” Digs gave me his grin.

  “Nope. You’re holding back on me and I never pat or feed anyone who holds back on me. Sorry. Too bad.” I lifted my chin and took my coat. Digs just grinned.

  Sam poked Sean. “Let’s go, Detective. Our work is done here - at least for tonight.” Sean just grinned and handed Sam her coat.

  Digs and I followed them out to the cars. “See you in a few. And Sam,” I called. “Something good. I’m not in the mood for healthy tonight. Grease. Fries. Dessert!”

  “Maggie, Maggie. How long have you known me?” She gave me a mock look of reproach. “Have I ever forgotten dessert?” We laughed and got into our cars.

  “Spill, Digs. What is it that has that tiny little mind of yours churning?” I turned in the seat as I started my car. “You saw something. Talk.”

  Digs stretched his arm along the back of my seat. “You’re right. That ring of Herbert’s matches the ring found on the skeleton, except for the initials. The skeleton’s are “AC.”

  I frowned and nodded. “Anthony Corelli. I knew about a distinctive ring with the skeleton from Sean, but he never told me there were initials. And it wasn’t in the police report. Why not?”

  Digs glanced at me. “I don’t think Sean found the initials until the ring was cleaned after photos and all were taken. The original police report wouldn’t have included that because they couldn’t be seen through all the dirt.”

  I thought about that. “Do you know of any other rings like this? And how did you know about the initials on the skeleton’s ring?” I got sharper. “How are you involved in this, Digs?” More sharply. “And why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I told you I was here on a mob investigation. There wasn’t any reason to tell you. We haven’t confirmed who the skeleton is.” He sounded neutral. “And, yes, there are other rings like this.”

  “Yeah? Well, what else haven’t you told me?” I was clearly annoyed and very curious. I stopped at a light and turned to him.

  Digs gave me a long, level look. “There was a bullet found in the box with the skeleton. The shot that probably killed him went in the forehead and out the back of the skull before he was put into the carton but there was another bullet found in the chest cavity. It probably hadn't exited the body so we have that one. It’s being analyzed.”

  I just stared at him. The car behind me honked impatiently and I pulled away from the light. “So that’s why all the interest in the gun found at Lily’s. Wow. Do you think that gun will match the skeleton’s bullet?” My mind was racing.

  “It occurred to me.” Digs tone was still neutral. “We’re also investigating the money. Several hundred dollar bills were found in the box, too. Remember the gang war I mentioned? Lefty Three Fingers was robbed - or had money skimmed - something. We never knew exactly what happened except that there were allegations that someone took his money. A lot of his money. We heard different amounts over the years but we think it was at least around $500,000. Maybe more.”

  “Digs, who is this “we” you keep talking about? FBI? CIA? No, it wouldn’t be the CIA, they’re foreign. FBI? And all of this would have been when you were still a kid. How are you involved in this now?”

  He ruffled my hair. “So many questions, Mag! Let’s wait until we get home and I’ll explain it to you and Sam at the same time.”

  No, that wasn't good enough but since we were practically home anyway, I just shrugged. We pulled into my apartment parking lot. Killer started the frantic, NOW wiggling and Digs laughed and let him out. He raced to his favorite spot behind the dumpsters. I got out more slowly and leaned on the car. Digs joined me and placed his arms on either side of me. He leaned in. Didn’t say a word. Just kissed me. Slowly. “Ah, Maggie.” He rested his forehead against mine. He leaned down again and was just about to kiss me again when BAM! The Killer dog raced up and jumped
on him, tongue hanging out, hind legs dancing.

  Digs gave him a mock glare. “Killer, your timing sucks. Maggie’s going to have to teach you some manners. I hear she’s an amazing teacher.......” He cupped my cheek and leaned in again. Just as he was about to kiss me a car horn blared and lights flashed. Digs and I jumped a foot.

  I rolled my eyes. This was Sean’s idea of fun. The man is warped. He and Sam got out, bags in hand laughing. Digs went over and gave a fake punch to his arm.

  “How do you ever expect Maggie to teach me about women if you honk car horns and flash lights at us?” he grumbled. He and Sean gathered the boxes we had brought from Lily’s. Sam handed me the food bags while she carried the beer.

  “Maggie is so good at teaching she can do it anywhere!” she laughed. “And she’s fast. Unless you’re a slow learner......and somehow I don’t think you’re a slow learner.”

  Digs wiggled his eyebrows at her. “Can be. Depends on how much homework she gives me.”

  Sean threw his arm around my shoulders. “Sorry, Mag.” he yanked my hair. “Next time we won’t honk and flash. We’ll watch, right Sam?”

  “Ouch!” It really hadn’t hurt but enough was enough. “There’s nothing to watch.” Killer was doing his jump and dance routine around Sean and Sam. She handed him something I guessed was food because he immediately settled down and started chomping.

  “It’s a wonder that dog doesn’t weigh 300 pounds,” I said to Sam. She called Killer and he came running. He knows the hand that has most recently fed him.

  We all got to the apartment door. Digs and Sean put down the boxes and pulled out their guns. They motioned us to wait. They - and Killer - went in first. Killer headed for the bathtub and Sean and Digs did a walk through.

  I gave the exasperated looked at Sam. “Every time. They now do this every time.”

  Sam frowned. “Maggie, let them.” I looked at her and she was very serious.

  I bit my lip. “I do, Sam. I’ll tell you - I am a bit scared.” She gave my arm a squeeze.