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

by Julie Ramson

  “Maggie! For God’s sake! You can’t put those back on!” Sean sounded outraged as he came back into the room.

  “Well, it’s better than walking out half naked, don’t you think?” I continued to pull them on. When I slid off the cart and tried to stand, however, the room started to spin. Sean grabbed me and sat me in the chair as Digs walked in.

  “I don’t think you should leave.” Digs looked at Sean for support.

  “Wrong. I am leaving. Soon.” I was firm. My leg throbbed and the room spun a bit.

  The doctor walked back in. “Shaky, huh?” He smiled. “That’s expected. A little shock. Here are some pain pills. Take one now,” he handed me a cup of water, “and another before bed with some food. Stay off the leg and don’t get the bandage wet. You need to change the dressing every night and see your doctor in about a week.” He handed me a bag filled with bottles of sterile water, gauze and tape.

  “Keep an eye on this and call your doctor if the area turns red, starts draining any fluid or you run a fever. We’re going to give this all to you in writing as well, so don’t think you have to remember all of it.” He looked at Sean and Digs. “Scary, but really just a flesh wound.” He smiled at me. “Get some sleep tonight.” He handed me a sheet of paper marked, “Discharge Instructions” and left the room.

  I got up carefully. Man, that hurt! Digs took the bag of supplies and one of my arms. Sean took the other. I let them support me as I stood. But I couldn't stay on my feet and reluctantly sat back in the wheelchair. Sean didn't say anything, just wheeled me out to the waiting room where Sam had gone with my coat and my purse. She still looked ghost white. I gritted my teeth and stood up to hug her hard. She started crying. So did I.

  “It’s okay, Sam. It’s just a flesh wound. I’m fine.” She gulped and for once in her life, had no sassy remark. I had to sit back down.

  “Maggie,” Sam said shakily, “what the hell happened?”

  “I was going to ask you that!” We laughed. A little weak, but a laugh.

  She took my arm and I stood, leaning on her as we limped toward the door. Digs came up behind me with a wheelchair and I sank into it gratefully. They wheeled me to the car. Digs helped me into the passenger side and got in on the driver’s side. Killer whined but stayed on the floor of the backseat. He stuck his head between the seats and licked my hand. “Oh, sweet baby, you must’ve been scared out of your mind! My poor Killer,” I crooned. Digs gave me a sideways glance but didn’t say anything.

  Sean and Sam were standing next to the car. “We’ll be right behind you.”

  Digs put the car in gear and slowly left the ER lot. He looked at me and said, “Maggie, what happened?”

  I didn’t look at him. “We went to Lily’s. We wanted to look around. When we got there, I got out of the car to let Killer do his thing and run off some energy while Sam walked up to the house. She came back to the car for something. I was just waiting for Killer and the next thing I knew I heard some bangs and then I was on the ground. I guess my leg gave out.” I spoke in an even tone.

  Digs listened without interrupting. He pulled into my apartment lot and turned to me. “What’s wrong? Besides your leg?”

  I still didn’t look at him. “We can talk later.” I wasn’t going to do the classic, “nothing” when there was something. That’s not fair. But I didn’t want to get into it in the car. “We should probably let Killer have one more run.” I opened the door and started to try and slide out.

  “Maggie! For God’s sake! Wait. I’ll take care of Killer and help you. Just wait!” He sounded exasperated.

  I stopped. I couldn’t put much weight on that leg anyway. Just then Sean and Sam drove up. They parked and Sam rushed to me. “Maggie, we’ll help you! Lean on us.” I did and between the two of them got to the door. I could feel Digs watching me.

  We got to the apartment and I sank down on the couch. Sam got me a pillow to put under my leg and Sean got me a bottle of water. I had to laugh. The pain pill was kicking in and I was starting to feel better. “Stop clucking, you two!”

  Digs and Killer came in. Killer licked my hand and Digs put his hands in his pockets and watched me. Sean came over and said, “I’ve got the uniforms coming here for your statement, Maggie. I want you to stay off that leg as much as possible.”

  Sounded good to me. “Thanks, Sean. I appreciate that. Now, one more favor. You get to tell Mary Grace about this.....and convince her I am fine! She'll want to do something – you know her! I don't want her to worry about me. Promise me!”

  Sean groaned. “Yeah, I will. But you know she's going to worry her head off about you anyway!” He sobered. “She cares,” he said softly.

  I nodded. I knew she did. And Michael and the kids. And I loved them for it.

  “And you will owe me big for this!” He laughed.

  There was a knock on the door and Sean went to answer it. Two uniformed cops came in. “Sorry, Ms. Flaherty, but we do need to get a statement.” The young officer, Stokes, looked about eighteen and had the smooth face of a ten year old. His blond hair and big blue eyes were countered by a large gun at his belt. The second cop, Officer Milgram, was older, African American and obviously training the younger one, who kept watching Sean as if looking for approval. They were both very nice and once they got going, very competent.

  I told them about going to Lily’s and getting out to let Killer run off some energy. “I was standing next to the front of the car on the passenger side. Sam had started for the house then came back to the car for her purse. I had bent over to pick up some papers and heard a ‘bang’ and then another. I felt a very sharp pain in my left leg, just above the knee and I went down. I crawled around the car and let Killer in the back, then climbed into the driver’s side and peeled out. I think I was kind of in shock because the next thing I remember is the ambulance and getting to the hospital.”

  Sean let them ask all the questions. Officer Milgram pressed me to remember more and I was surprised that under his questioning, I found I did actually remember more. Unfortunately, nothing of great help. I didn’t remember seeing anyone at the time. I don’t know where the shots came from but it seemed like they had come from somewhere in or near the house. No, I don’t know of anyone who would want to shoot me. Finally, they ran out of questions.

  Sean walked them to the door. I heard him say, “Nice job, men. You covered all the necessary questions. Good report.” They thanked him and left.

  I closed my eyes and put my head back on the couch. My leg felt better but I felt drained. Digs was still leaning against the wall, arms crossed, watching me. Sean brought me a sandwich and more water. Sam wanted to know if she could go get me anything but I couldn’t think of anything I wanted.

  Suddenly, I sat up. “I forgot! We are all having dinner with John and Emily tomorrow night!” Sean and Digs exchanged looks. “Don’t start that, you two! I am going! I have to eat and I promise not to do it standing up on this leg....and I won’t even dance on the tables!” Sean laughed.

  “Let’s see how you feel tomorrow, Mag.” Sean said. With that there was another knock on the door. Jimmy came bursting in.

  “Maggie! What happened? I heard you were shot in the leg! Are you okay?” I shook my head and laughed.

  “Slow down, Jimmy! I’m fine. Yes, I got shot but it’s just a flesh wound and I’ll be fine. Not even any stitches!”

  Jimmy sat down next to me and hugged me. “Whoa. You scared us!” He just rocked me and hugged me over and over.

  I pulled back. “Have you seen Emily? Did she tell you about dinner tomorrow night?” Jimmy nodded.

  “Yeah, I don’t think she’s really looking forward to it but we’ll be there. Ernie’s at 7. Sam, you’re coming too, aren’t you?”

  Sam nodded. “You bet. I wouldn’t miss it.”

  Sean looked at my face then turned to Digs. “I’m hoping you are planning to stay here tonight. If not, I can.” He looked back and forth between me and Digs. Clearly there was some tension
. Sam bit her lip and looked down.

  Digs pushed back from the wall and came over to the couch. He sat down next to me and put his arm around me. “I’ll be here.” He gave a thin smile. “Whether Maggie wants me or not.”

  Sean and Jimmy looked confused. Sam just looked away. “Ookayaaay,” Sean drawled. He looked back and forth from Digs to me. I said nothing.

  Sean stood. “I think we need to let Maggie rest. I’ll call first thing in the morning, Mag.” He gave me a hug and then held on for a few extra seconds. I held on to him, too.

  “Sleep well.” I smiled and kissed his cheek.

  Sam also hugged and then held on. “Maggie, don’t start this thing with Digs tonight. Just wait.”

  “Sam, you’re the best! Thanks for everything!” I didn’t answer her remark, just hugged her back, hard. Jimmy hugged me again and kissed my cheek.

  Digs got up and walked everyone to the door. “We’ll talk tomorrow,” he said to Sean. “We’ll see about Maggie coming to dinner.” He closed the door.

  I had gotten up while Digs went to the door and settled myself in the chair across from the couch. Digs raised his eyebrows when he came back and saw I had moved.

  “Maggie, what is wrong?” He came over and knelt next to me.

  I looked down. “Digs, could you get my coat, please?” He gave me a puzzled look but got it for me. I fumbled with it for a minute and said, “I ran into Olivia today. Before the shooting. She gave me this and asked me to give it back to you.” I handed him the watch. “She said you left it at her house when you were there last week.”

  Digs closed his eyes and sighed. “Ah.”

  I struggled to my feet. “I am beat. I’m going to bed now.”

  Digs stood and put his hand on my shoulder. “Maggie, let me explain,” he started.

  I put up my hand. “No need, Digs. There’s nothing to explain. You said you hadn’t seen her for a long time. I guess a week can be a long time. This last week sure has been.” I turned away.

  “No!” Digs yelled. “Just stop! Damn her! I said I hadn’t been with her for a long time and I meant that! I haven’t and I wasn’t last week either! This watch.....I left this watch with her two years ago, not last week! I didn’t forget it - I didn’t want it and she knows that! I didn’t even see her last week!”

  I still had my back to him. I turned around. No easy trick with a bad knee. I was suddenly furious! “Don’t explain! You don’t have to! We’ve known each other - what? One week? Two? Big deal! Do what you want! I never asked for you in my life anyway! You don’t need to stay tonight! You don’t need to stay ever!” I started to limp toward the bathroom. My leg throbbed and my eyes burned.

  Digs came up behind me, fast. He grabbed my shoulders and picked me up. Even in my pain and anger, I was impressed. Picking me up is no small task. He carried me to the couch and set me down.

  “You’re not just going to walk away right now, Maggie!” He was furious, too, but I don’t know if he was furious with me or Olivia or both.

  I tightened my lips. “Look, Digs. Whatever you and Olivia are - or were - I don’t know. It doesn’t matter. We don’t know each other. Not really. We’ll get this case solved and move on. That’s life. I appreciate your staying and your help and even your protection. You make me feel safer. But that’s all. ”

  “God, Maggie, you could drive a saint to drink! I started this as a favor for Sean. He’s a great guy. But now...... I’m here for you! You! And you know that - or you should by now! I like .....” He clipped off the words.

  I made a face and waved my hand. “Oh, please, Digs! Stop. Just stop. I’ve seen Olivia. She’s stunning and far more your type than I am! Don’t try to twist this into more than it is!”

  “My type? My type? What the hell do you know about what “my type” is?” He was shouting. “You don’t even know Olivia! She might be stunning at first glance but let me tell you she has more ambition and less heart than anyone else you know! Believe me, babe, I do know!”

  I took a deep breath and sat up. “Fine. That doesn’t change the fact that you and I have known each other for a little over a week. That’s it. So.....okay. I believe you. Now, can I please just go to the bathroom and then to bed. This has been one shitty day all the way around.” I didn’t look at him.

  He blew out an exasperated sigh. “Yeah. Of course. I’ll help you.”

  “No need. I can manage....just more slowly than usual.” I smiled at him but it was a thin smile.

  He watched while I got to my feet and limped into the bathroom. He didn’t even make a crack when I came out in a nightshirt. I walked back into the living room and picked up the sheet and blanket lying on the floor next to the bed. “You have full bed rights tonight, Digs. I want to sleep on the couch with my leg up.” I sat on the couch and put one of the sofa pillows under my leg. Digs got up and adjusted it. He went into the kitchen and brought me a glass of water and a pain pill.

  “Take this. It will help.” He watched while I took it and put the glass on the table with another pill next to it. “Just in case you wake up and need one,” he said. I nodded.

  “Thanks.”

  He started for the bathroom, stopped, then went on. After a few minutes he came back out. He came over to the couch and looked down at me. “My type is really smart mouthed women with purple and green faces, who like anchovy pizzas and cowardly dogs.” He sighed. “Even though they can really piss me off.”

  He turned out the lights and went into the bedroom. I buried my face in the sofa and cried myself to sleep. It really had been a terrible, awful, horrible, rotten day.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  TUESDAY, JANUARY 15

  I smelled coffee and it was right under my nose. I looked up and Digs was holding a cup in front of my lips chanting, “Maggie, Maggie, Maggie.....” I couldn’t look at him. I was embarrassed, hurt and......had other emotions I couldn’t even identify.

  He sat down on the couch beside me and put the coffee on the table. He picked up a glass of milk in one hand and a pain pill in the other. “You might want this before you try getting up,” he said. “Trust me, that leg is going to hurt like a son of a bitch the minute you step on it.”

  “Yeah, maybe,” I sighed, “but not as much as a ruptured bladder if I don’t get to the bathroom soon.” I sat up and took the pill. He was right. My leg throbbed. “It’ll feel better when I stand on it a bit and move around.” Digs raised his eyebrows and shook his head.

  I struggled to my feet and stood for a minute to get my balance. Digs picked me up and carried me to the bathroom door. “Call if you need help, Mag.” Impersonal. He brought my coffee cup, put it on the vanity and closed the door.

  It just made me feel worse. I wished he had never come into my life. Time to put this back on a light, bantering basis. No involvement, just work the case and say good bye. I didn’t know how to deal with this. I liked him. He would leave. Hurt now or later? Better to just minimize the involvement - and the pain later.

  Plus, I had a much bigger problem. Who the hell had tried to shoot me?

  I stepped out and limped into the kitchen. I had my coffee and Digs had put eggs and toast out. Smelled great. “That looks good. Thanks.” I looked at the table, the coffee, anywhere but at Digs.

  “Good,” he said. His cell phone rang. “Hi Sean. Yeah, she’s up. Here.” He handed the phone to me.

  “Hi Sean. My leg feels better this morning. Sore, but I think that as I walk on it a bit it’ll feel better. What’s up for the day?”

  “Maggie, for you - rest.” Sean sounded firm.

  “Nope. No rest. I rested all night. My leg is sore but I’m fine. And I have places to go, people to see and things to do.” Digs leaned against the wall, watching me. “We have dinner tonight and I still think we should go back to Lily’s. Sam and I talked yesterday, trying to figure out where we would hide $250,000 or $500,000 in his house. A safe deposit key? Bonds? Cash? In cash, that would be a considerable bulk of hundred dollar bills but bon
ds could be a lot less bulky and a key would be even easier to hide. What do you think?”

  “Maggie, please don’t go back there! You’ve been hit on the head and shot at when you’ve gone there!”

  He was right. I knew that. “True, but you’ll be there, Digs, Sam, Jimmy. This is your chance to live the motto of the police, “Serve and Protect!” I laughed. “ Now, what time do you want to meet there?”

  Sean sighed. “Dammit! You are so damn stubborn!”

  I laughed. “Yep. And you should already know that!”

  Sean blew out a breath. “Like I don’t.” He stopped. “All right, but you have got to let us protect you! Promise or it’s no deal!”

  “That’s fair. I will.” I smiled.

  “I mean it. You'll do exactly what we tell you to do!” He sighed. “Brice called. He wanted a Task Force meeting today about your shooting, but I’ve convinced him to wait until tomorrow morning. By then, we will have met John and have some kind of take on him.”

  “Good move. I’m really fine and my leg will feel much better once I start using it again. So, meet at Lily’s?”

  “Only if you bring Digs and Sam. I mean that, Mag. I don’t want you coming there alone. Please.” Sean was really worried if he said ‘please’ rather just ordering me to do it.

  I wasn’t crazy about the idea of being alone either. Easy to give in. “Deal.” We agreed to meet at 10 and hung up. I kept my back to Digs and said, “They wanted a Task Force meeting later today but Sean has convinced them to wait until tomorrow, after we have met John. I’m really curious about him. In the meantime, I kind of promised you and Sam would come with me and meet Sean and Jimmy - and probably Emily - at Lily’s at 10. Is that okay?”

  Digs nodded. “Sure. First, I’m going to take Killer out. We were waiting for you to wake up.”

  I nodded. “Those pain pills knocked me for a real loop. But I’m up and moving now, so go!”