“Thanks for staying,” said Mother Hubbard as she sat across from me.
“No problem,” I said before shoving eggs into my mouth. “If they come don’t hesitate to call me.”
"I know you have a job to do,” said Mother Hubbard, "but, you need to be careful."
“I promise I'll be careful,” I said. “I had one helluva teacher.”
“I'm serious, Jackson,” said Mother Hubbard. "The rich aren't governed by the same laws as you and me."
"I didn't know there were separate laws," I said before eating a slice of bacon.
"Well there are," said my mother from behind her oversized coffee mug. "You of all people should know that."
She was right. It wasn't too long ago that I put away two rich people. I put away Tom Piper and his father Sir James Connor Piper. My partner Connie Sparrow put away Tom for killing an entire family while driving intoxicated. I put away Sir James for hiring a hitman named Ivan "Big Bad" Wolf to kill the judge, district attorney, and the arresting officer, Connie. In an act of vengeance, I killed the Big Bad Wolf.
"Well, I only know the law I am sworn to uphold," I said.
"Then you have already lost your crusade," said my mother as she sighed.
She never told me the complete story of how Dame Trot got her demoted and Chief Tittlemouse fired. In her face, I could see it still troubled her. We ate the remainder of breakfast in silence.
Looking at my mother's clock of a cow jumping over the moon, I said, “I have a job to do.”
Walking me to the door, my mother said, "These people will do whatever it take to preserve their way of life."
"I will do whatever it take to uphold the law," I said before giving my mother another peck on the cheek.
She waved me off and said, “Watch your back.”
I made my way to my car and found it in one piece. As I pulled away from the curb, my cellphone went off. Fishing it out of my pocket, I said, “Talk.”
It was Dick. “Are you ready for another case?”
I sighed. “What is it?”
“A double homicide at the EPH Inn,” said Dick. "It's Little Fred Smyth and Dick Redcap. It appears as if someone got to them before we could."
"I’m on my way,” I said as I turned my car around.
After fifteen minutes of navigating the morning traffic, I made my way to the EPH Inn near the defunct Goose City amusement park and beach. I remember spending a weekend here with Mother Hubbard and Peter. It was one my fondest childhood memories.
I don’t know how this place managed to stay open especially after the beach and amusement park closed. Now instead of providing childhood memories it provided a place for pimps, prostitutes, drug dealers and junkies, and people who wanted to keep their lifestyle a secret.
The front parking lot was littered with GCPD vehicles and the news media led by Margery Daw. I'm sure this would make headline news. I breathed a sigh of relief that she hadn't spotted me. I quickly made my way to the tape and into the main courtyard which used to be so much nicer. Now it was a real shithole.
Upon arriving at the room, Dick was grilling the night manager, a fat man in a dirty A-shirt.
“I didn’t see anything and we don’t have no video cameras,” said the night manager. “All I know is when I came to bring fresh towels to dese boys, I found then sprawled out wit’ bullet holes in ‘em. I mean who’s gonna pay fer the damage?”
I peeked into the room and saw Little Fred and Dick Redcap with “bullet holes in ‘em”.
Polly Harrow, GCPD best forensic tech was on the case. “How goes it, Polly?” I asked.
“Well, the little guy other there has three perfectly placed shots in the chest,” said Polly as she pointed at the dead Dick Redcap. “He was shot second.”
From the looks of things, it appeared as if Dick Redcap didn’t have a chance to defend himself. “How do you know this?”
“Because this big guy took two to the chest and manage to get up,” said Polly as she pointed to the dead Little Fred. “He fought whoever came here to kill them.”
“How do you know that?” I asked.
“There’s blood on the bathroom floor and toilet. Neither one of these guys made it to the bathroom after they got shot,” said Polly. "Also, there are blood droplets that lead to the rear parking lot. Not to mention the dead body between the dumpsters with the same shot grouping."
"Do you think it could be the same shooter?" I asked.
"I won't be able to tell until I do ballistics," said Polly.
I smiled at Polly and rejoined Dick outside. “So what do you think?”
“This was done by a professional," said Dick. "I think someone wanted to silence these boys to keep them from talking.”
"That would be my guess,” I said with a smile. "What about the body between the dumpsters?"
"I would say it's the same shooter," said Dick. "Maybe she saw him so he had to silence her too."
"What's the next step?" I asked.
“I think it's time to pay Lucy Locket another visit,” said Dick.
“Let’s go,” I said.
Chapter 23
“We would like to see Ms. Locket,” said Dick, leaning on the receptionist's desk.
Undisturbed by Dick, the receptionist named Ms. Brooks, continued typing and said, “Ms. Lockett is not seeing anyone.”
“Tell her it’s Detective Dick Whittington of the--,” started Dick before he was stopped by the receptionist.
“I am aware of who you are sir, but Ms. Locket is unable to take visitors because she isn't in her office," said Ms. Brooks. "She has joined Mr. Emperor at his retreat.”
“Where is his retreat?” I asked.
“I have no idea," responded Ms. Brooks as she continued typing. "Only employees at the executive level are privy to that information.”
“This is convenient," said Dick, looking at me. "Our two suspects are killed then Lucy Locket leaves town.”
"She isn't expected to return until next week," said Ms. Brooks without looking at either of us.
Annoyed by Ms. Brooks, Dick turned off her monitor. "If I don't hear from her today, I'm going to get you on obstruction of justice."
Turning her monitor back on, Ms. Brooks continued to type. "Have you tried Ms. Locket's cellphone?"
"It's turned off," said Dick. "I'm giving you until four."
“Let’s go,” I said to Dick. Still annoyed by Ms. Brooks, Dick snatched a pen off her desk and stuffed into his jacket pocket.
As we walked out of the suite, Dick asked, “Are you thinking the same thing I'm thinking?"
“Emperor found Smyth and Redcap then had them killed,” I said as we got on the elevator. “I wouldn’t put it past him. He has the motive and the money to pull it off."
The Three Little Pigs case replayed in my mind. It was another rich person doing as they pleased.
After getting back to the office I did as I promised my mother. First, I called the number on the bottom of the Bombay Group card but only reached an answering service. I didn't leave a message. I then searched online for information concerning the mysterious group. I couldn’t believe there was no information online about the Bombay Group. In this day and age, everything and everyone is online.
After not finding one iota of information on the Bombay Group, I turned my attention to Jill Dobb. Opening my bottom desk drawer, I removed the file I got from Bandy Legs.
Opening the file, I carefully scanned it since it was the only information I had on her.
She was now twenty-one. Her father was Sir Winston Dobb, owner of the biggest banking network in Goose City. Her mother was Dame Elizabeth, a lady high on the social ladder. She was the youngest of the Dobbs’ three children. She had a couple of misdemeanors. At the age of 15, she ran away from home twice. She was suspended from St. Ives High for indecency and dropped out of high school. Her parents entered her into Old MacDonald’s program for at-risk kids at the age of seventeen. That was four years ago. It was as if they we
re hiding her. I guess the things she did put a black eye on the Dobb name. “Hey, I’m riding out to the country,” I said to Dick. “You want to ride?”
"I'm still waiting for Lucy Locket to call," Dick said. "If she doesn't, I'm arresting Ms. Brooks. Why don't you take the new guy?"
The new guy was Detective Jack Nimble. He was tall, clean-cut and equally smart as Bookworm. So far he had been assigned to desk work.
"Hey Detective Nimble, you want to ride with me to the country?" I asked.
Looking up from some paperwork, he said, "Yeah. What’s in the country?”
"Just following up on some case work," I responded.
Then Jenny and Bookworm entered the bullpen. They both looked tired and disgusted.
“Where have you guys been?” I asked them.
“Down by the Serenade,” said Jenny. “A lady walking her dog found a body on the rocks.”
“I wish I could have been there,” said Nimble excitedly.
"Don't worry Detective Nimble, you time will come and for your sake, I hope you are prepared," said Bookworm before going into the cubicle he shared with Jenny. "It's not the same as in the movies."
Before leaving, Chief Fitzwarren called me into his office. Smiling, he handed me a folder.
"What's this?" I asked before opening the folder. On the cover of the folder in big bold red letters was the word Affluent.
"The Dobbs are claiming Affluent status," replied Chief Fitzwarren. "You do know what that means Detective Horner?"
I sure as hell did know what that meant. Sir James first claimed Affluent status when his son Tom was being sentenced. According to this antiquated law, a man could not be sentenced to jail if he had a high social standing due to his wealth.
The judge, the district attorney and my partner all paid the ultimate price for fighting against such a stupid law.
"This is bullshit and you know it," I said, tossing the file back to the Fatman. "This is a loophole created by a lawyer to keep rich people out of jail."
The Fatman interlocked his hands across his belly and sternly said, "You are not to speak to any members of the Dobb family or associates. If you do, you will be suspended without pay and demoted. Is that understood?"
Keeping my composure, I said, "Sure thing." I wanted to punch Fitzwarren in his fat face. However, I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of suspending me, yet.
"When are you going to get onboard with the program?" asked Fitzwarren. "Your mother didn't get onboard and look how her career ended."
Clenching my fist, I turned and quickly exited Fitzwarren's office. It was the only way I could keep myself from punching him.
I made a beeline for my car. I wasn't going to let a piece of paper stop me from bringing a criminal to justice. Detective Nimble was hot on my heels. Getting in my car, I revved the engine.
"Nice car," said Detective Nimble as he sat in the passenger seat. Looking at him, I peeled out of the parking lot. I figured it would take me thirty minutes to get to Old MacDonald's Organic Farm.
******
Mr. Redbreast stood on his balcony overlooking the Serenade River in Banbury Cross. He loved the feel of the morning sun on his face. For him each new sunrise was an opportunity to make more money. He had learned long ago that money was everything in Goose City. The more you had, the more you were respected. It didn’t matter how you made your money, it just mattered that you had it.
“Excuse me Mr. Redbreast,” said his personal assistant Hector.
“What is it Hector?” asked Mr. Redbreast without turning around.
“They did belong to Lavender Blue,” said Hector. “My insider called me this morning.”
“I want you to find that butcher and bring him to me,” said Mr. Redbreast angrily.
“That may be a problem sir,” said Hector.
“How so?” asked Mr. Redbreast turning around.
“The information we had on the customer was fake sir,” said Hector as he looked down at his green shoes. “The only thing real was the compensation plus a little extra.”
“I don’t care about the compensation,” said Mr. Redbreast angrily. “I do care that someone damaged my merchandise. And when you damage my merchandise, you fuck with my money.”
Chapter 24
The Blacksmith sat on the side of the bed looking at the bandages that covered his gunshot wound. It wasn't the first time he had been shot in his line of work and most likely wouldn't be the last time.
Usually, when he shot someone, they stayed down. However, Little Fred Smyth took two slugs to the chest, got up and proceeded to shoot him with his own gun.
Instead of returning to the St. Ives inn he called Johnny Stout, a doctor who lost his licenses to legally practice medicine.
Johnny Stout assisted anyone who didn't want to be seen at the hospital due to their circumstances. He specialized in patching up gang members and performing abortions on prostitutes.
A tall brown haired handsome man with piercing green eyes, he was loved by everyone he met. A product of Banbury Cross, he was excused from military duty. He studied at Leeds University to become a surgeon. After graduating at the top of his class, he opened a practice in Grimm with the help of his parents. After two years in Grimm, he returned to Goose City to start a practice in Babylon to help the poor. He lost his practice and license when a patient paid by doctors Fell and Foster alerted the medical board, that Johnny Stout had inappropriately touched her.
"Good morning," said Johnny Stout as he walked into the room with two cups of coffee.
"Did you take care of the car?" asked the Blacksmith, taking a cup of coffee.
"Yeah," responded Johnny Stout.
"Any questions?" asked the Blacksmith.
"Money has a way of making questions go away," said Johnny Stout. "Your computer, carrying case and suit is there."
"Thanks a lot, Doc," said the Blacksmith after taking a sip of coffee.
"I'm not a doctor anymore," said Johnny before taking a sip of coffee. "Fell and Foster saw to that. Now I'm just a man here to help the people."
"Especially, if they can afford your prices," retorted Robert.
"I have expenses," said Johnny. "Getting medicine from South America and China isn't cheap. Let me take a look at my handiwork."
Lifting up the bandages, he carefully inspected the over and under sutures. "Don't do any strenuous activities for a while."
Reaching into his white lab jacket, he removed a bottle and handed it to the Blacksmith.
"What's this?" asked the Blacksmith.
"A little something to help with the pain," said Johnny. "Take it as needed."
"Hey, if you want, I could take care of Fell and Foster for you," said the Blacksmith.
"As good as that sounds, I'm going to decline it," said Johnny. "I'm a healer. Besides, I bang their trophy wives every Tuesday and Thursday."
The two men laughed. Before leaving the room, Johnny said, "A car will be here in the next ten minutes. The driver already knows your destination."
"Can the driver be trusted not to talk?" ask the Blacksmith as he started to get dress.
"She works for me," said Johnny. "You know the way out."
After getting dressed, the Blacksmith waited in the foyer for the car. As promised a black luxury sedan pulled up to the curb.
Getting out of the limo a female chauffeur quickly made her way to the house. Opening the door, she picked up the silver carrying case and laptop. She quickly placed them in the trunk and waited for the Blacksmith.
The Blacksmith, with a noticeable limp, slowly made his way to the car.
Pulling from the curb, the black luxury sedan headed towards St. Ives.
Sitting in the back, the Blacksmith closed his eyes. Suddenly his cell phone vibrated. Removing it he read a text from Lucy Locket: Good job!
He immediately replied: The second job will have to wait.
Lucy responded: Why?
The Blacksmith replied: I got a little banged up.
After twenty minutes, the black sedan pulled under the awning of the St. Ives Inn. The rear door was opened by the female chauffeur.
"Thank you," said the Blacksmith as she helped him get to his feet. She didn't respond. She retrieved the silver carrying case and laptop from the trunk. She handed them off to a bellhop. Without saying a word, she returned to the limo and sped off.
Robert Barnes made his way to the concierge desk. At the concierge desk, he was greeted by Yves the concierge. "Good morning Mr. Barnes."
Smiling, Robert Barnes said, "Hello Yves, is there a package for me?"
Going into a rear room, Yves retrieved a neatly wrapped package and placed it on the desk.
On the package was Henry Emperor's golden seal. Finding everything in order, he said, "Thanks, Yves."
As he limped away, Yves asked, "Are you, okay sir?"
Stopping he said, "I was accosted by some hoodlums and injured my ankle as I attempted to flee."
"Where were you?" asked Yves.
"Believe it or not, I was in Pippen Hill on business," said Robert with a smile. "I was checking on a redevelopment project."
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