CRIME OF RETRIBUTION: A Gripping Crime Mystery Full of Twists

by Rayna Morgan

  “Not for a minute. It’s a fact you don’t own up to.”

  She turned back to the board. “Kindly indulge me in the method that works for me. Let’s proceed.”

  Her first entry was Rancho Hidalgo, under which she listed two suspects.

  Owner - Richard Wolf

  Manager - Carl Jensen

  “Who did your buddy Johnson come up with?”

  Dan remunerated his conversation with Woody. She continued writing as he spoke.

  Drug cartel in Texas with links to West Coast

  Munson case - victim’s husband

  Pilot in Special Forces

  “What about anyone you’ve met socially?”

  He grinned. “My social skills aren’t so terrible that people want to kill me.”

  “What makes you think that? Hardly a day goes by I don’t feel like strangling you. But I’m referring to anyone with whom you’ve had run-ins.”

  He raked his fingers through his hair. “There was a guy at the Whale’s Tail hassling Stacy. He and I had a few words before the bartender threw him out.”

  “Stacy?”

  “The singer. She finished her last set and was leaving the stage when he stood in her way and wouldn’t let her pass.”

  “Why did you interfere?”

  “The table she was coming to was mine.”

  Lea raised an eyebrow. “Are you two on friendly terms?”

  “I was merely pursuing my love of jazz,” he replied smugly. “She’s talented. I was interested in hearing where she got her start.”

  “The guy who was thrown out. Was he drunk or did he know her?”

  “She thinks her ex-husband may have sent him.”

  “Did you see or hear from him again?”

  “Nope.” The smug smile lingered on his face. “The rest of the night was smooth sailing.”

  She ignored his comment and returned her attention to the list. “Let me know if you think of anyone else. Or if the mysterious assailant takes another shot at you.”

  When he didn’t respond, she turned to look at him. His head was tipped forward with his chin resting on his chest.

  She dropped a file on the floor. It landed with a bang.

  “Sorry, did I wake you?” she asked when he jerked upright.

  He gave her a dirty look and ran his fingers through his hair.

  “Must be the late hours you keep,” she commented.

  She picked up her markers and left the room.

  • • •

  On the way to his office, Dan’s cell phone buzzed with a call from Pedro. “I’m glad to hear from you. Mr. Miller wants another meeting. We’ve set up an appointment.”

  “I appreciate his interest, but—”

  “From the sound of your voice, that’s not your reason for calling.”

  “I need your help with a more urgent matter.”

  “What’s happened?”

  “The people trying to frame me have taken Adriana. They intend to put her to work at the Sterling Club.”

  Dan’s eyes narrowed to slits. “We’ll see about that.”

  After promising to find Pedro’s girlfriend, he summoned his partners and repeated the conversation. “I promised we would help.”

  A light bulb went off in Lea’s head. “Adriana told me the dead girl worked at the Sterling Club.”

  “All the more reason to check it out,” Dan suggested.

  “Can your friend at the UFW intervene, Dad?” Lea asked.

  Warren called to report the latest development. “They’re threatening to send the woman back to Mexico unless she consents to do as they say.”

  “We’re familiar with cases where female laborers are recruited into the sex trade based on fear of deportation,” Ralph responded. “Their immigration status is weaponized against them. They don’t speak freely because of this type of retaliation. The damage inflicted affects not only the women involved but others working under the same conditions. Such actions send a message that if they stand up for their rights, this is a possible consequence.”

  “What can we do?”

  “The victim must lodge a complaint through official channels.”

  “Even if I could persuade her, you know how slowly justice works in these cases.”

  “I’d like to help, but my hands are tied without a grievance being filed.”

  Warren ended the call feeling discouraged. But a moment later, he broke into a smile.

  “What are you thinking, Dad? You’ve got that look in your eyes.”

  “What look?” he asked innocently.

  “The expression that says we tried going by the book. Now we’ll do things our way.”

  He smiled cunningly. “A little deception may be needed to discover what’s taking place at the Sterling Club. Is that something you and your friend Woody might be up to, Dan?”

  “What about me?” Lea demanded.

  “You’ll have to pass this time,” her father replied. “In this particular setting, you won’t be welcome.”

  After Warren explained his plan, Dan dialed the number for the major crimes division.

  “You busy tonight?” he asked when the lieutenant answered.

  “No special plans. What’s cooking?”

  “How would you like to go to the Sterling Club with Woody and me?”

  Tom choked. “Dude, do you know what kind of place that is? I’m a happily married man.”

  “Yeah, it’s a strip club labeled as an upscale gentleman’s club. One that should be put out of business.”

  “Does your request have anything to do with the recent call I received from Lea?”

  “Why did she contact you?” Dan asked, surprised.

  “To lambaste the police department for not protecting women being forced into prostitution. She nearly took my head off. I couldn’t make heads or tails of what she was talking about. She ended by saying law enforcement should be ashamed and hung up.”

  Lea turned red as Dan chuckled. “That sounds like her. At least she got it off her chest. Hopefully, that stops her from taking more drastic action.”

  “Regarding the club, we’ve tried to bust the place on previous occasions. With no substantial grounds for prosecution, our efforts proved futile.”

  “Criminal coercion and kidnapping. Are those grounds sufficient enough for you?”

  Tom whistled. “Should do the trick. How are you going to pull that off?”

  “One of the Rancho Hidalgo workers has been abducted. If the source who informed me is correct, she’s been taken to work at the Sterling Club. Woody and I aim to look for her under the pretense of hiring an escort. If we find her, we’ll call you in to make an arrest.

  “Sounds like a plan. But I’ll need time to set things up and obtain a warrant.”

  “Time is of the essence. This young woman could be in danger.”

  “What makes you think that?”

  “We received information the girl found dead at Rancho Hidalgo worked at the Sterling Club. There may be a connection.”

  “Don’t go off on a tangent,” Tom warned. “We know who’s responsible for that murder. As soon as we collect enough evidence, we’ll bring charges.”

  “Are you still working on the theory that Pedro is guilty?”

  “It’s more than a theory. His alibi of being in the barracks at the time of death isn't holding up. His roommates aren't willing to back up his story.”

  “They were probably bought off or threatened themselves in some manner.”

  “Lea’s imagination is rubbing off on you. If you don’t mind, I’ll stick to the facts of the case.”

  “Can you at least alert us before taking our client into custody?”

  “I can see my way clear to do that. In return, I don't want you raising questions about the dead girl at the Sterling Club.”

  “But, Tom—”

  The lieutenant stopped Dan’s objection. “I know you’re helping Pedro with other matters but the murder case is off limits to you. If yo
u want my help with the girl you claim has been abducted, you’ll have to do things my way. Are you agreeable?”

  “I have no choice considering my unofficial capacity in this jurisdiction.”

  “Smart man. I’ll call when I’ve made the necessary arrangements.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  That night, Lea talked Paul into taking her to the Whale’s Tail.

  “Is there a purpose we’re here other than enjoying a far too infrequent night out?” he asked after they were seated.

  “Truth be told, I’m here to take pictures of the singer.”

  “I could guess endlessly and not come up with your reason to do that. What are you up to?”

  “When I asked Dan for names of people with reason to kill him, he omitted one obvious possibility.”

  “You can’t imagine the singer has it out for him,” Paul exclaimed. “Are they involved in any way?”

  “Stacy. The singer’s name is Stacy. If they’re romantically linked, passion is always a motive for murder.”

  “Did Dan inform you of their involvement?”

  “According to him, they’re only friends.”

  “I hear skepticism in your voice. The same tone you use when I tell you something you don’t believe. Why do you doubt him?”

  “He doesn’t look me in the eye when he speaks of her.”

  Paul scoffed. “That’s a dead giveaway if I ever heard one.”

  The waitress took their order for a fish platter and two glasses of wine. After she left, he continued. “Besides, what would Dan see in her other than the fact she’s intelligent, ravishing, and talented?”

  Lea ignored her husband’s sarcasm. “Even if he views them as only friends, she may have stronger feelings for him.”

  “If what you suspect is true, shouldn’t you warn him?”

  “If he sees her through rose-colored glasses, my suggestion will make him angry.”

  “It’s easy to see why men don’t get away with anything with women interpreting their every move. Or misinterpreting, as the case may be,” he added.

  She smiled and reached her arm across the table. “I’m happy to be married to a man with nothing to hide.”

  “What do you intend to do about your suspicions?” Paul asked after the waitress delivered their food.

  “I’ll arrange for someone to follow them. We’ll find out soon enough if she’s out to get him.”

  “Who do you have in mind?”

  “I can’t do it myself for fear of being discovered. Dan would never forgive me if he found me spying on him.”

  Paul voiced his disapproval. “If you need to lie or go behind a person’s back, it’s an indication you’re not doing the right thing.”

  She gave him a dirty look without responding.

  “You can’t justify actions based solely on believing you’re right,” he continued between bites of calamari. “Not everyone will concur with the results or the means you used to obtain them.”

  “In most cases, I would agree with you. But that’s not true in my business.”

  “The only business you’re up to now is monkey business.”

  She ignored his rebuke. “Aren’t you curious about who I’ll use to follow Dan?”

  “My guess would be your sister.”

  “I’ll call her when we get home and—”

  He silenced her. “Don’t tell me. I don’t want to hear your ludicrous scheme of my best friend’s wife spying on your partner. I want to be able to deny any knowledge of such a contemptible act in the event you’re caught.”

  “There’s no need to worry about Tom because Maddy won’t be caught. If Dan finds out, he’ll understand I acted in his best interest.”

  “Who’s seeing things through rose-colored glasses now?”

  She ignored him and turned toward the piano. “Stacy is ready to begin.”

  Posing as a tourist, she snapped pictures of the singer.

  • • •

  When they got home, Lea called her sister. She started the conversation by complaining. “Thanks for getting me in trouble with Dad over the incident in San Verde.”

  “He wouldn’t have heard it from me if you told him yourself as you should have.”

  “I had reasons for not telling.”

  “Which you justified in your own mind, I’m sure. Why are you harping on this, anyway?”

  “It makes me wonder if I can trust you enough.”

  “Trust me enough for what?”

  “To let you in on something else I’m hiding from Father.”

  “Of course you can trust me. Tell me your secret.”

  Maddy’s eagerness assured Lea she had piqued her sister’s interest. “I’ll do more than share my secret with you. If you’re game, I’ll let you take part in my escapade.”

  “I’m always up for an adventure.”

  “Then you agree to help?”

  “Why not? I miss the excitement of risking my neck with you. Tell me what you want me to do.”

  “I need you to tail Dan.”

  Maddy’s eagerness quickly dimmed. “Hold on a minute. Are you asking me to spy on him?”

  “Don’t be silly. I would never ask you to snoop on my partner. Spying is a harsh term with negative connotations. I’m asking you to learn the identity of anyone tailing him.”

  “What reason does anybody have to follow Dan?”

  “I think someone is trying to kill him.”

  “That’s a comforting thought. If I uncover the person who wants Dan dead, they might want me dead, too.”

  Lea ignored her sister’s apprehension. “Since moving to town, he met a woman he claims is a friend. But if they’re romantically involved, she could have a motive. There’s also the possibility she knows the identity of Dan’s assailant. I need to determine whether she’s a victim like Dan or if she’s involved in a plot to kill him.”

  “I don’t know,” Maddy said apprehensively. “Besides asking me to spy on Dan, you may land me smack in the middle of a budding romance.”

  “There’s no other way. If this woman is involved in attempts to harm Dan, I need proof or he won’t believe me. Look at the bright side. If you find out she’s innocent, I’ll cross her off my list of suspects. Now, check your email. I sent her picture to you.”

  A moment later, Maddy resumed the conversation. “She looks familiar.”

  “Stacy Myers, the singer at the Whale’s Tail. You and Tom have probably seen her perform.”

  “I recognize her now but I think you’re off track.”

  “If she views the relationship in stronger terms than being friends, it could be a matter of unrequited love.”

  “If you believe that’s true, you should tell him.”

  “Paul said the same thing but it’s not that easy. I need proof before making accusations so my partner won’t think I’m crazy or accuse me of ruining his chances with Stacy. That’s why I need your help in shadowing Dan to see if Stacy follows him.”

  “What happens if she catches me? I can’t say I’m following her to find out if she follows Dan. Conversely, what if Dan catches me? How do I explain I’m tailing him to see if Stacy is tailing him?”

  “Stop, Maddy. You’re making my head spin. Quit worrying so much. You won’t be caught.”

  “That’s what you told me the last time I tailed someone during one of our cases. Not only did I get spotted but I was nearly killed.”

  “Have you lost your nerve? I guess I shouldn’t have asked.”

  “That’s not fair. You know I can’t resist a challenge, especially coming from you.”

  “Admit it. You love being back in the game.”

  “It is rather exciting being up to our old tricks. Speaking of which, don’t tell Tom.”

  “Ditto regarding Paul. And this time, don’t tell Father.”

  Before Lea went to bed, Maddy called to confirm their plans. “I found someone to fill in for me at the store.”

  “Who?”

  “I asked Mom
but I didn’t explain why. I knew she’d never be able to keep from telling Dad.”

  “Getting Mom’s help is a great idea. It makes this a family affair.”

  “Except we’re excluding the most important member of the tribe.”

  • • •

  Lea called Dan on the pretext of confirming plans for the next day.

  “Will you be showing Woody the nightspots after work?” she asked innocently.

  “I already tried my hand at that. I took him to a country western bar I thought he’d enjoy. We met Jack and Pat there.”

  “Did you have a good time?”

  “We found it entertaining but we didn’t stay long.”

  “Wasn’t the music good?”

  “The music was fine. We didn’t want to wear out our welcome, that’s all.” Dan continued without offering further details. “Woody was there long enough to hit on the woman he danced with. He’s taking her out to dinner tomorrow night.”

  “Leaving you stranded, huh?”

  “It’s all right. On my way home, I’ll stop for a drink at my usual watering hole. You never know. I might get lucky like Woody.”

  Lea sighed. “Ah, to be single again.”

  “Don’t even go there. You’d hate every minute.”

  As soon as he hung up, she called her sister. “Tomorrow night is your chance to follow Dan.”

  “You sure know how to ruin a girl’s plans,” Maddy grumbled.

  “Quit complaining. I happen to know your husband is working late this week. I’d hate to see you stuck at home with nothing to do.”

  Her sister sighed. “Give me the details of when and where.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  The next night, Dan went straight to the Whale’s Tail after work and took a seat at the bar. He didn’t plan to stay for more than one drink but he wanted an excuse to see Stacy.

  She appeared shortly after the dinner crowd arrived.

  “Hey, cowboy,” she said, trailing her fingers across his shoulders as she walked past.

  He grabbed her hand and pulled her closer. “Don’t suppose I could entice you to my place for a nightcap after your set?”

  She laughed and shook her head. “Going to your boat has a detrimental effect on my rule about drinking tea.”

  He smiled. “I had a hangover myself. This time I promise to serve coffee.”