Dick waved and walked away. Lucy watched as he turn the corner before reaching for her cell phone. She quickly thumbed a single button then said, “I would like an appointment."
Chapter 13
After getting dressed in coveralls and rubber boots, I stood in the exact location Jack Wellington was killed. The morning was heating up as the summer sun shone in a cloudless sky. Sweat rolled down my back.
In my mind, as I looked down the hill I could see Jack Wellington at the bottom, bloodied and twisted. Stepping over the short retaining wall, I followed the most likely route that Jack may have taken to the bottom of the hill. More sweat rolled down my back. I felt as if I was cooking inside the coveralls.
I hacked away the thicket with a machete as I nimbly walked over rocks down the hill. Biting flies buzzed noisily around my head. Then God smiled on me. There on the ground between two rocks was a shiny necklace with a heart shaped locket.
“Thank you, God,” I said as I looked skyward. Putting on a latex glove, I carefully inspected the locket. Flipping it over, I found the inscription, “JD –N- JJ”. Inside the locket was a picture of a young man with his middle fingers up in the air. Opening another latex glove, I dropped the necklace inside.
I continued down Jack’s potential path hoping for more luck. There was nothing, but heat and biting flies. From the bottom of the hill, I could barely see the retaining wall. I think they were counting on Jack's body not being found. Then the female had a change of heart and called the police. There was no doubt the necklace belonged to her. Maybe I should stake out the place for a couple of days in case she decides to come back for it.
As I made my way back up the hill via the footpath, my cell phone rang. It was Dick. Thumbing the green phone button, I asked, “What’s up?”
“Emperor is such an asshole,” said Dick. “The fat fucker destroyed all the evidence.”
“Un-fucking-believable,” I said.
“Lucy Locket pointed Emperor in these guys direction because they came highly recommended by a French designer named Savoy,” said Dick. “I’m going to run his name to see if we got anything on him. What about you?”
I smiled and said, “God has smiled on me today.”
“How so?” Dick asked.
“I found a locket with an inscription on the back and a picture on the inside,” I responded. “I’m sure this belonged the female suspect Simon spoke about.”
“Congrats,” said Dick. “Where are you now?”
“On my way up the hill and back to the office to see forensics and the medical examiner,” I said. “I’ll see you when I get there.”
After getting to my car, I secured the evidence. I quickly peeled out of the coveralls and rubber boots. I was soaked with sweat and covered with bites from the flies.
Looking at the Well, I saw the silhouette of a figure in a second-floor window. It had to be Simon. There was no need to ask him anything. If he had something to say, he would find me.
After waving to Simon, I peeled out of the Well’s parking lot and headed back to the office.
******
The Golden Boy, Bobby's Shaftoe's large silver yacht slowly moved down the Serenade River. Shirtless, he sat at a table with Elsie Marley and Nancy Dawson. Sweat rolled down his back as the morning sun burned his skin.
Fully concentrative he carefully poured small green flakes from a vial into a silver pipe. Putting the pipe in his mouth, he lit it and inhaled deeply. He exhaled blue smoke in Elsie Marley's direction. He laugh uncontrollably then passed the pipe to a naked Nancy Dawson. Taking the pipe she inhaled just as deep as Bobby.
She also exhaled blue smoke in Elsie's direction. "Take this," said Nancy as she placed the pipe in front of an unresponsive Elsie. “That’s right, you don’t smoke anymore.”
Nancy giggled again. Bobby snatched the pipe from her and inhaled once more. Exhaling blue smoke in Elsie's direction, he said, "Party pooper."
“She was always such a party pooper,” said Nancy with a frown.
Suddenly Bobby’s cell phone rang. Picking up the cell phone, he said, “You’ve reached the Golden Boy, how can help you?”
The voice on the other end said, “Yes, Mr. Shaftoe, this is Tom Tucker, an associate of your father. I’m just calling to see if you’ve seen or heard from him recently.”
“No,” said Bobby. “I’m not his keeper. The last I heard, he and my mom were going to Italy for an extended amount of time. Have you tried his cell?”
“Yes, we’ve tried," replied Tom Tucker, "however it appears to be turned off."
“Well I guess he doesn’t want to talk to you,” said Bobby as he smiled. “I wouldn’t worry about him.”
“Well sir, we have important business matters which need tending,” said Tom Tucker.
“Well, I’m sure you are competent enough to tend to these matters Tom Tucker,” said Bobby mockingly. “I have to take out some trash now.” Bobby ended the call and tossed his phone into the river.
Standing, he walked around the table and lifted Elsie out of her chair. Dragging her to the railing, he lifted her and tossed her overboard. She hit the water with a sickening splash that caused Nancy to giggle. “I sure hope she can swim.” Nancy filled the pipe again and lit it. She inhaled deeply and passed it to Bobby. He inhaled and gave the pipe back to Nancy. “As I was going up Pippen Hill, Pippen Hill was dirty…”
Chapter 14
After making it back to the office, I quickly made my way downstairs to forensics with my new found evidence. On duty was my favorite tech, Polly Harrow. She was my favorite because she was a damn good forensic tech. She was also a damn good musician that often played with Ol King Cole under her aliases Butterfly.
“How are you doing Polly?” I asked as I strode into the lab.
“Same as yesterday,” she happily replied. “Are you here about Jack Wellington who felled down?”
I smiled and said, “Yeah, and I have one other item I need you to take a look at for me.”
“Okay,” said Polly as she sat at her table and opened a file. "The blood droplets found at the scene belonged to Mr. Wellington. The cigarette butt work hasn't come back yet."
Reaching into my pocket, I removed the latex glove with the necklace and locket.
"What's this?" asked Polly.
"It's evidence," I replied. "Don't worry. I was careful in retrieving it."
Taking the latex glove, Polly dumped the necklace and locket into a glass Petri dish.
Using tweezers and a scalpel she carefully inspected the locket. Opening it, Polly said, “This person must be a fan of Jack Jingle.”
“Who’s Jack Jingle?” I asked as I looked over her shoulder.
“He’s the lead singer and guitarist for the Young Rats.” Making a few quick keystrokes on her computer, she brought up multiple images of Jack Jingle. Scrolling through the images, I came upon one of Jack Jingle and a girl. They both were as Simon described them.
“She must be J.D.,” I said as I pointed at the girl in the photo. “Do you know her?”
“That’s for you to find out Detective Horner,” said Polly as she continued inspecting the necklace and locket. “This is very high end, not something you’d find in Pippen Hill or Babylon. I don’t think you would even find this in Gloucester.”
“So this is from one of those high-end shops from B.C. or St. Ives,” I said.
“Yep,” said Polly. “This has to be in the range of $3500 to $4500.”
“What kind of girl from B.C. or St. Ives would hang with a Jack Jingle?” I asked aloud.
"A Wannabe," responded Polly.
"What's a wannabe?" I asked confusingly.
"The rich kids from BC and St. Ives who wannabe a kid from the Hill or Babylon," said Polly. "I guess being rich isn't enough for them."
This must be what Simon meant by her being a fake.
Then Polly got excited. "Bingo! I found it!"
“Found what?” I asked.
“The designer's signature,
” said Polly excitedly. “This is the work of A. Merchant.” Making a few keystroke on her computer, she brought up the designer of the locket. The designer was Anthony Merchant of Merchants of London in Banbury Cross.
“Could you print out the picture of Jack Jingle and his girlfriend?” I asked as I jotted down Merchants of London address.
Polly handed me the printout then said, “I got a gig at the Cushy Cow this weekend, you should stop by.”
“Do I have to wear a suit and tie,” I asked.
“Casual dress will be enough. Just sit in on a couple of songs,” said Polly.
I thanked her for her help and promised I would stop by for a song or two.
After visiting with Polly, I made my way to the office of Dr. Jack Sprat, the city's medical examiner. It was convenient he was in the same building.
Sprat reminded me of the ghoulish mad scientist from the late night horror show.
"Come in Detective Horner," said Sprat as he motioned me into his office with a long thin finger. "Please have a seat."
I took a seat across from Sprat and looked around his office. The man had body parts floating in greenish liquid in jars sitting on shelves. The creepiest thing he had sitting on a shelf was a stuffed black bird eating a woman's nose off her face. Who keeps stuff like that at their place of work?
"Are you here concerning the deceased, Mr. Wellington," said Dr. Sprat slowly. He flipped through a file on his desk.
"Yes. What can you tell me about his death?" I asked.
“Young Mr. Wellington, before the fall, suffered a blunt force trauma to the back of the head. It’s what killed him,” said Dr. Sprat as he glowered at me with deep-seated dark eyes.
“What was used?” I asked.
“A very large jagged rock,” said Dr. Sprat with a smile. “His wound contained pieces of rock fragments.”
“Anything else you can tell me,” I said as I looked at a jar containing human eyes.
"He suffered multiple cuts, abrasion, contusions, and fractures on his way down the hill," said Dr. Sprat.
“Was he high on Mist?” I asked.
“No,” said Dr. Sprat. “His toxicology report came back negative. Why do you ask?”
“We found vials of Mist on his persons,” I said.
“Mr. Wellington was the perfect picture of health before his demise,” said Dr. Sprat.
“The girl distracted him while the guy bashed him over the head,” I said aloud.
"Have you apprehended them yet?" asked Dr. Sprat as he closed the file.
"No," I said.
"Should I expect more of their handiwork?" asked Dr. Sprat.
"Not if I have anything to do with it," I said.
"The Wellingtons identified the remains this morning," said Dr. Sprat. "Mrs. Wellington's reaction was the worst I've seen in months. I have a feeling that before the summer is over, I'll see worse."
I thanked Dr. Sprat and quickly made my way back upstairs to my cubicle. Dick had returned and was hard at work.
“You want to ride with me?” I asked.
“I can’t,” said Dick. “I’m waiting for Inquest to call.”
“Okay," I said. "But I’m about to break the Wellington case wide open,” I said with a smile.
“Really,” said Dick as he grabbed his jacket. “By the way, I didn’t apologize to Emperor.”
"Why not?" I asked.
"He's at his getaway," said Dick. "He's incommunicado."
"Fill me in on the way," I said.
"Where are we going?" Dick asked.
"Merchants of London," I said.
Chapter 15
Lucy Lockett sat in a dark corner of the March Winds restaurant far away from the entrance. Patrons entering or exiting the restaurant couldn't see her. Soft jazz music played in the background as she enjoyed her Melancholy Song, a mix of gin, vodka, absinth, and lemon juice.
The music played in tune to the plan that danced in her head. Phase one of her plans had succeeded with flying colors. She had made Henry Emperor look like a fool to his peers. Phase two of her plan was to tie up loose ends. Phase three of her plans was to bring the house that Henry Emperor built to the ground.
“Hello,” said a well-dressed dark hair man wearing dark shades. “I'm the Blacksmith.”
Lucy motioned for him to have a seat. Sitting across from Lucy, he asked, "How can I be of service?"
She quickly gave him the once over. He was well built. The suit he wore was an Emperor design from last year. The light scent of his cologne tickled her nose. He kept on his expensive shades and leather gloves.
"Would you mind removing your shades and gloves?" asked Lucy.
"I would mind very much," replied the Blacksmith. "We're not here about my shades or gloves. Let's just do business."
Lucy placed a small black flash drive on the table. The Blacksmith quickly pocketed the flash drive. “Once you go down this path, there is no turning back. Are you sure about this? ”
She nodded and asked, “Would you care for a drink?”
“No thanks,” said the Blacksmith as he placed a slip of paper with numbers in front of Lucy. “Our business is concluded.”
Lucy picked up the paper and looked at the numbers. After removing an electronic tablet from a case, she quickly tapped the screen several times then showed it to the Blacksmith who nodded his approval.
The Blacksmith stood, turned and quickly exited the March Winds.
Lucy smiled as she hummed to the tune of the music. She stopped a passing waiter and said, “I'll have another Melancholy Song.”
******
The beater quickly pulled into the parking lot of the Well. An infuriated Jack Jingle got out, screaming at Jill Dobb. He chugged the remaining of his beer and tossed the bottle on the ground with the others.
"I can't believe you lost that fuckin' necklace! Do you know what will happen if the cops find it? They'll put two and two together!"
Jill Dobb sat quietly in the beater. "Get the fuck out and look for it, you dumb broad!" yelled Jack Jingle as he pushed the hair out of his narrow face. "I'm not doin' time because you're stupid."
Jill slowly got out of the car and walked to the spot where she may have lost her necklace. She looked down the hill where Jack Wellington's body lay several hours ago.
"We were standing here..," started Jill.
"...then I bashed him over the head," said Jack as he searched on the ground. "We both know what happened."
Inside the Well, a lone figure stood in the shadows of a second-floor window watching the two people move about like chickens searching for food in a barnyard. The figure peered a little closer.
"I'm just trying to replay the incident," said Jill.
"Just find the damn necklace," said Jack as his eyes fell upon specks of blood on the retaining wall.
"When he fell, Jack reached out and...," said Jill as her voice trailed off.
"And what?" asked Jack Jingle.
"He grabbed the necklace," said Jill as she looked over the retaining wall. "The necklace must have been in his hand."
"Just when things were goin' right for me," said Jack Jingle. "I can't go to prison."
"We'll get the money then go to Italy or France," said Jill.
"When is he going to give us the money?" asked Jack. "I thought we were getting paid after we finished the job."
"He's a very busy man," said Jill. "I'll ask him for it tonight."
"Alright," said Jack. "Get your ass in the van. I got to get ready for my gigs."
Jack and Jill got into the van and quickly left.
The figure in the window said, "Free they are, but they won't get far."
Chapter 16
Banbury Cross located in the southwest part of Goose City featured some of the most upscale shops and boutiques in Goose City. In the center of the neighborhood stood the majestic Emperor tower. Standing right next to the Serenade River was the famous Banbury Yacht Club. Banbury Cross also featured the famous Lincoln Bridge which cro
ssed the Serenade River into Grimm City.
"I still can't believe how different it is in this area," said Dick. "It's like we landed on another planet."
"We did land on another planet," I said. "It's called planet 'Have a lot'."
We slowly drove down Eden Prairie Boulevard taking in the sights before we were stopped by the police. The police in Banbury Cross and St. Ives were all white. They only worked in BC or St. Ives, therefore, they never had to cope with homicide or some kid tweaking from taking too much mist. I pulled to the curb and waited.
While we waited, two more cruisers pull up across the street from us. "This is going to get interesting," said Dick with a smile.
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