by Julie Ramson
Emily looked up. She leaned against Jimmy. “I got back to the safe house and my cell phone rang. I answered it and this low, whispered, guttural voice said, “I know where you are. And I still want it. You have 3 days to give it to me. I’ll call back with instructions. Do it or you’re dead. Just like Auntie.” She stopped. “I think those are the exact words. I don’t know what he wants! I don’t know!” Her voice started to rise. Jimmy reached over and took her hand.
“We know, Em, we know.” He tried to calm her.
“How long had you been at the safe house, Emily?” Digs asked quietly.
She thought. “I had been there about 20 minutes, half hour. Not long.”
“He called on your cell phone?” Olivia asked.
“Yes.”
“Who has your cell phone number? Can you give us a list of everyone who has it?” Olivia leaned forward.
“Sure,” Emily nodded.
“Does John Reilly have it?” Olivia pressed.
“I don’t think – wait, yes, he does. He called me on it before.”
Brice spoke up. “We'll get the cell phone records. Trace where the call came from.”
“How long were you at Lily’s tonight, Emily?” Sean asked.
She shrugged. “Couple of hours, I guess.”
Brice nodded. “When did you try to call Jimmy or Sean? What time?”
She shook her head and shrugged. “I don’t know. Just after I got the call.”
Brice nodded again. “Emily, someone followed you. And we need to find out who it is. He says he’s going to call back with instructions.” He looked at her. “You'll need to give us permission to put a tap on your cell line.”
Emily looked up at him. “Absolutely! I would like that - maybe we can end this!” She nodded.
“Good, then.” Brice stood. “I suggest that you get some rest. Jimmy, can you bring her to my office at the FBI building around 10 am tomorrow?” Jimmy nodded.
“Of course. We’ll be there.”
Olivia rose along with Brice. So did Jimmy and Emily. Jimmy looked at Sean. “I’ve arranged for another safe house, Sean. I’ll take Emily there now.” Sean nodded.
“Good. Call me in the morning, Jimmy. Emily, try to sleep. You look exhausted.”
She tried weak smile. “I will. Thanks. I’m so sorry I made such a mess of this and scared you all.”
Sean smiled. “You didn’t. We just didn’t get your calls. It’s fine. We’re just glad that you’re here and not hurt.” He patted her shoulder.
They left and Sean turned to Digs and me. “Who do you suppose did this?”
I shook my head and sighed. “I don’t know. Do you think Whip did?”
“I don’t know.” Sean rubbed his hands over his face. He looked exhausted.
Digs looked at Sean. “Call me in the morning, Sean, after she’s made her formal statement. Or maybe I’ll go to hear it myself.” Sean nodded.
I went over and gave Sean a hug. “Now you go get some sleep too - it’s way after 1 am! Morning is going to come early.”
He smiled and ruffled my hair. “I’m gone. Good night, Maggie, Digs. See you tomorrow.”
Digs closed the door and leaned against it. “Whew. What a night.” He eyed me.
“Don’t even go there, Digs. Your dinner was wonderful and I loved everything - the flowers, the dinner, the wine. But I think you would like to have me awake if you and I are going to go back to the prior positions......” I yawned.
He laughed. “Believe it or not, I’m beat too. I could wake up....? He leered at me.
“Good. I don’t think I can.” I headed for the bathroom. He followed me and I got my nightshirt. He checked the bandage and changed it. “It looks better each day now.”
“Yeah, it feels better each day too.” I did the bare minimum for
bed and tumbled in. I heard Digs enter the bedroom and felt the bed move when he got in. He pulled me to him, spoon style and we were both asleep in seconds.
CHAPTER TWENTY - NINE
SATURDAY, JANUARY 19
I opened one eye. I was awake first. I looked at Digs sleeping. He didn’t look dangerous. He looked peaceful, benign. I knew better.
I slid out of bed and beckoned Killer to follow me. I picked up jeans and underwear and a fresh sweater and crept quietly into the bathroom. I dressed, did the minimal makeup and blush stuff and padded into the kitchen.
Killer waited patiently - sort of - while I measured coffee and water. I needed coffee when I took him out. I filled my cup, got the leash, my coat and scarf and opened the front door. I put the newspaper inside and headed for the stairs. We got outside and I blinked at the cold. The temp had really dropped and tiny flurries were starting. I stayed in the building with the door locked while Killer ran outside.
“Move, Killer! This is not the day to stop and smell the garbage.” Killer did a little running around after the flurries but then headed for the bushes behind the dumpster. He was back in a few minutes, full of pep and ready to play.
“You’ve got to be kidding,” I told him. “Do you know how cold it is?” He wagged his tail harder and put his head down on his paws, ready to jump when I threw something. Anything. I sighed, reached out and grabbed a stick to throw. He lunged after it like it was king’s gold. We did the stick thing a few times, then I petted his head. “Okay, Killer, enough! It’s bitter out there! Try me again in July.” He came in reluctantly but at least he came in.
We crept into the kitchen where Digs was sitting with the newspaper. He cocked an eyebrow. “You did the Killer duty? So much for not going out alone.”
I shrugged. “No self-respecting murderer would hang out in the parking lot on the off chance that I would take Killer out first thing. It’s too damn cold!” I poured myself some coffee. “What’s on your agenda today?”
He looked up and put the paper down. “That depends. Are you staying in or do you need to go somewhere?”
I frowned. “Digs, you just can’t stay with me every minute. I’m planning to stay in this morning but I don’t know about this afternoon. I’m going to wait and see what comes up.” I shook my head.
“I’m not trying to, Maggie. Just please be careful and stay with others. Don’t be alone.”
“That’s fair, Digs. And I won’t be alone.” We took a moment to just smile at each other. “What do you want to do today?”
He rubbed his chin. “I need to go down to police headquarters and I’d like to go the FBI building and listen to Emily’s statement.” He looked at me.
“I thought about seeing if I could go to that, too,” I said, “but I really think I heard all of it last night. I’d like to keep going on this timeline.”
Digs nodded. “Sure. I can fill you in, anyway, if there’s anything new. I’m going to call Sean and catch up with him before Emily gives her statement.”
I eyed him curiously. “I thought you were angry with Emily last night?” I made it a question.
“I was. She sure has a tendency to disappear. But maybe I was just frustrated about other things......” He grinned at me.
I wiggled eyebrows at him. “I was annoyed too but I don’t think we fully realize how hard she’s had it. Finding your only aunt murdered would be a shock for anyone, not to mention the threatening phone calls, the trashing of her apartment - all of it.” I looked at him over the coffee cup rim.
He looked a little sheepish. “Yeah, I know.” He picked up his cell phone and dialed Jimmy. “What’s the plan?” He listened for a few minutes and nodded. “Fine. See you then.”
“We’re going to the FBI building around 10 am and then this afternoon, Sean and Jimmy and I are going back through Lily’s house and her papers. They have to reopen the house again soon whether this case is solved or not.” He stood and stretched.
“Call me later this morning and let me know if your plans change.” He gently yanked my hair, then leaned in and kissed me. “I’ll call too if anything changes for us.”
I smiled and said
would. After he left, I locked the door and got a plate of cookies and more coffee. I pulled out the timeline and studied it. I knew I couldn’t put any mob guys in but I tried adding some others. John Reilly was also a problem. I didn’t really have any idea of his schedule or where he was when Lily was murdered, or when Emily was threatened or either time when I was attacked. I was more suspicious of the mob though. I just couldn’t see John involved in murder. I liked him better after meeting with him.
It was frustrating trying to put the names on the timeline but I did the best I could. About 1 pm I stood and stretched. I decided to take Killer out for a walk and get some air. I got his leash and headed out the door. I still stayed in the locked building, but I did let Killer run more, throwing the stick for him to chase over and over. I thought about the timeline while I did. Obviously the two biggest holes I had were the mob and John Reilly.
Killer finally finished his exercise and we trudged back upstairs. I got him some fresh water and myself a diet Pepsi. Back at the dining room table, I glared at the timeline. I tried putting people in with different colors. I added information and then moved it around. As I did so, a pattern started to emerge. I re-arranged the events and played with the facts I had.
My cell phone rang. “Hi, Maggie, it’s Emily. I wanted to thank you and Digs again for being so great last night! I really appreciate everything!” She sounded rested and more in control.
I paused. “Hi, Emily. You’re welcome. We’re just glad that you were okay.” I guess I sounded a bit distracted.
“What’s wrong, Maggie? Did I interrupt something?” Emily sounded surprised.
“Huh? No, I’m fine. I’m just working on the timeline. Actually, now that you have called, I do have a few questions for you, if you have a minute.”
“What about, Maggie?” She sounded weary.
“I’m trying to place everyone for the times of all the attacks but I can’t get everyone located. I don’t have any idea where John was for those times, much less the mobster Whip. I can't seem to clear anyone of all of them!” I was looking at the colored facts and names. “I was hoping you could help me with John's whereabouts.”
“Oh. Maggie, does this have to be done right now? I spent all morning at the police station and then the FBI office answering questions. I need to get some things done and run some errands! Can I call you back a little later?”
“Sure. There’s no rush.” I really didn’t want to wait but I could hardly force her to stay on the phone.
“Also, Maggie, is Digs there? I called because I wanted to invite you both out for dinner tonight, my treat, for being so great.”
I’d rather you just pay for some of my hours, I thought, but answered, “No, he’s not here. I can call him later and check with him, though and call you back.” I wasn’t sure I wanted to spend another evening with Emily and I was even less sure that Digs would. We were both getting a bit desperate for some time alone for us – no one else, no matter how nice or how needy.
“Great! I’ll talk to you later then,” Emily said and hung up. I sat there holding the cell phone, then put it down. I’d call Digs later. I got up and paced. I focused on each person. Did it mean anything that I couldn’t put anyone completely clear of the dates of the attacks?
I was so distraught I ate an apple. An apple? Who bought apples? It had to be Digs. I personally think the only good fruit is the coca bean and then only when it is mixed with refined sugar and made into a chocolate bar. With nuts.
I studied the timeline again. There. On my God. I got a sick feeling in my stomach and my blood chilled. I sat back down at the table. Killer came over and sat at my feet. I rewrote some of the timeline. I stared at it. How - ?
My cell rang.
“Hi, it’s me.”
“Digs! How did your morning go with Emily?”
Digs blew out a huge sigh. “I guess fine. She’s just....needy.” He sounded tired and frustrated.
I hesitated. “Digs, she called just a few minutes ago. She wants to take us out for dinner tonight to thank us for all we have done.” I stopped.
“No! I mean, I’ve spent all morning with her. Enough! I know she’s been through a rough time but I was hoping tonight would be us. Just us.”
“Good. Me, too.” I paused. “Digs, I need to bounce something off you. I've been working on the timeline and I found something.”
I heard something at the front door. “Digs, hold on a minute. Someone’s at the door.” I put the phone down on the chair next to mine as I got up. I started toward the door but it opened. Emily walked in.
“Emily! What are you doing here? ” I turned back to the table to get the phone to tell Digs, but then I saw the gun. My heart stopped. “Emily! Is that a gun?”
“I have to kill you. It’s really nothing personal.” The words were said without expression.
I looked down the barrel of the gun then back up to the eyes above it. They were flat, empty. The eyes of a shark. Or a psychopath.
I believed the words. Every one of them. She meant to kill me.
“Emily, what do you mean, kill me?” Even though I could barely get the words out, I tried to speak loudly. I sat down heavily. Killer looked up, alarmed.
“Don’t play stupid, Maggie. It doesn’t work on you.” She stood across the table from me. “You’re one step away from figuring this out. I knew it when we talked on the phone today.”
“How...how d-did you get in?” I stammered. I couldn’t believe this.
“Your keys, of course. The day I put the check into your purse? I took your keys. You are smart but much too trusting, Maggie. Your old lock? When I left the heart? A child could pick that. When you changed your locks, I just stole the keys both times to your new bolt.” She said this mockingly. “You need to be more cautious. Well, you should have been, anyway.”
I stared at her. “You killed Lily.” I said it over the thudding of my heart. It was all coming together. “Why?”
She scowled. “Do you know what that old bitch was going to do? She was going to leave all of her money - everything - all to John! She told me that the day after Thanksgiving! She was leaving me only $10,000! After all I’ve done! And do you know why?” Her voice rose, louder and louder.
I shook my head numbly. I felt Killer shaking next to my feet. He had buried his head in his paws when she started yelling. He was too scared to even run to the bathroom.
“Because he’s her illegitimate son, that’s why! That old bat had him “out of wedlock” and gave him to her friend, Rose, that’s why! That bitch! She pretended for years that she had no children! She let me bring her food, take care of her!” Emily was shouting.
She paced, never taking the gun off me. “I want that house.” She was almost screaming. “I heard my dear uncle on the phone when I was a kid. I heard him talking to Tony! They had robbed Lefty Three Fingers and Herbert was going to hide the money in the house!”
She was raging, her voice shrill. Crazy. “When Tony disappeared, I wondered if he had run away or if my wonderful uncle had killed him - but Tony’s body never surfaced. I thought maybe he had run away with his half – that I was wrong about Uncle Herbert killing him. All these years, I believed that. I used to search the house for Herbert's half. But I couldn’t find it! Nothing! Then, those kids found the skeleton with the mob ring last summer. And some money. I knew. I knew then. My dear uncle had killed Tony! He had hidden the money somewhere in that old house!”
I found my voice. I prayed that my phone was still on and Digs could hear this. I didn’t dare look down at it. My eyes were fixed on the gun. “Emily, why Castelletti? Why Louie?”
She laughed sarcastically. “When sweet old Aunt Lily told me about John she also told me that she had found out Uncle Herbert may have stolen some money. She said that a mobster named Louie Bacco had come to see her just before Thanksgiving about the skeleton found last summer. He told her Herbert had stolen money from Lefty and hidden it somewhere in their house. He wanted the two of them
to search for it together. She showed me a paper with his address and phone number on it. I couldn’t let that happen. So I shot her in the forehead, to make it look like a mob hit. Then I drove to Louie’s apartment and killed him the same way. I’d be damned if I’d let those two old bastards find the money! It’s mine!”
She waved the gun at me. “Then that son of a bitch, Castelletti saw me in the house after I killed Lily! He came over, so I killed him, too. I left him in his basement and then stayed at his place. But you ruined it all! You came to Aunt Lily's the very day I saw you! In a sleet storm for God's sake! And then you went to Castaletti's, looking for him and asking about him. I had fingerprints there so I had to torch his house and then pretend I had been staying at Lily’s. It was all your fault!”
“Why did you hire me?” My mind was racing, my eyes watching the gun. Emily shook her head.
“It was stupid. You were a spur of the moment thing. I was passing your office and saw the sign. I thought you would be some bimbo, a storefront woman lawyer who was too dumb to get hired by a law firm, easy to manipulate.” She rolled her eyes. “How could I have known you’d be so damn tenacious - and have a cop for a brother? Shit!” She leveled the gun at me.
“Emily, was there ever will?”
“Yes! I told you that!” she screamed. “That old bitch had handwritten a will, left it all to John! She showed it to me. After I killed her, I tore it up! I burned it! But I didn't know if she'd made a copy! I searched that damn house and couldn't find one!” Her eyes were wild.
“I wanted you to file her estate for me! Intestate! No will! But no! You had to search the damn house!”
I was frozen to my chair. Killer still had his head buried in his paws, shaking.
“So you saw me go into Lily’s the day you hired me. You attacked me and hit me on the head.”
“Of course! I was staying in her cellar and heard you. I didn’t want you snooping around in her house and knew you were a mistake. I wanted to stop you and I thought attacking you would do it. But no. You dumb bitch! I even left the large raccoon’s heart thinking I could scare you off. You just wouldn’t quit! I even shot that cop - what was her name?”