Quandary: A Detective Series, page 16
A better view was in his rearview mirror. He had seen the car before on his way home the other day. As the car stayed a safe distance behind him, he remembered what the mayor had told them that night after the city commission meeting. He knew seeing this white sedan twice in the last few days was not a coincidence. Trying not to panic, he took several deep breaths keeping an eye on the car. Not taking any chances, he hit his hands-free button on the steering wheel. Barking out his command, he waited for Chief Evans to answer.
“Barry, what’s up?”
“A white sedan has been following me the last couple of blocks. The driver has a dark beard. I believe Lester mentioned this in his meeting with you the other day.”
“Are they still following you?”
After looking in the rearview mirror, the white sedan made a right turn onto Locust Street. Breathing a sigh of relief, he replied, “Not any longer. The car just turned onto Locust Street.”
“Okay, I will alert any units in the area to be on the lookout for it. Relax, and have a good day, okay?”
“Yeah, thanks.”
Barry ended the call, and NPR resumed talking about the current state of the economy. Continuing to his office downtown, he pulled into his dedicated parking spot behind his office building. Exiting his vehicle, he turned around, surveying the area. Relieved that everything looked normal, he entered the building, greeting employees on the way to his office.
Once inside his office, he took care of the usual morning housecleaning items. The first order was a cup of strong coffee from the firm’s small breakroom, where a full pot was always ready. Before he left his office, he opened his laptop and entered his password. Reaching the breakroom, he poured the steaming hot coffee into his UK mug. Smelling its robust aroma, he took a small sip. Returning to his office, he was ready for the day.
Sitting in his comfortable leather chair, he reviewed his schedule for the day. The most critical item on his agenda was this afternoon’s meeting with the new industrial firm. Otherwise, his day was mostly open. Quickly reviewing his email, nothing of importance caught his eye.
When he left his office earlier, his voicemail light was dark. Grabbing his coffee, he took several sips before putting it back down. Out of the corner of his eye, the voicemail light flashed. Placing the phone on the speaker, he pushed the voicemail button.
Immediately, the mayor’s distinctive voice filled the room. Lowering the volume, the mayor had left him a message he wanted to meet with him, Philip, and Rich as soon as possible. Since it was not about the city commission, they would meet at the mayor’s home. Ending the message, he immediately hit the mayor’s speed dial button and put it on the speaker.
“Barry, how’s your day going?”
“Great, what’s this meeting all about?”
“I’d rather not discuss it on the phone. Can you meet with us tomorrow evening at my house, say seven o’clock?”
“Yeah, I suppose so.
“Great, see you then.”
Before Barry could respond, the call ended, leaving the annoying dial tone filling the room. As Barry silenced the phone, he sat contemplating why Lester wanted to meet, and by the tone of his voice, something serious was worrying him. Knowing it did not involve city business, his mind began wondering.
The one thing that kept arising was the two men in the white sedan. They were present at McGruder’s just before Commissioner Walters died, and now, he, along with Lester, Philip, and Rich, had an unwanted encounter with them. The entire city commission belonged to the Diamond Brotherhood thirty-five years ago; thus, whatever it had to do with, it had to be something regarding their past.
Later that afternoon, Barry received a call from Chief Evans regarding the white sedan that followed him for a short while this morning. A police cruiser in the area spotted a white sedan parked on Locust Street. The patrolman ran the license plate, false alarm. It belonged to James Goodwin, a squeaky-clean citizen.
CHAPTER 38
Arriving at the police station, Beth was determined to get to the bottom of Bortel’s death and his relationship with Clarissa. In her mind, something wasn’t right with his death. It was eerie similar to Clarissa’s husband’s unfortunate death. Many things hadn’t made sense from the beginning. In her eyes, whoever killed Bortel wanted to make it look like Walters killed him in a fit of anger, or perhaps he did murder Bortel before someone killed him. At this point, both possibilities were on the table until otherwise proved differently.
Carla and Bernie had arrived earlier and were meeting with Chief Evans about Walters’ death. Beth knew the only person of interest was Angela Clark. However, Beth’s concern was investigating Bortel’s death. After getting settled at her workstation, her illuminated voicemail button grabbed her attention. Picking up the receiver, she pushed the button, and Jason Everett’s voice from American Life and Annuity sent a smile across her face. Taking a few minutes to gather her notes, she moved to the conference room for privacy. After placing the phone on speaker, she dialed the number and waited. Within seconds, his voice lit up her face.
“Mr. Everett, this is Beth Pendergast. Thank you for calling me back.”
“Of course, your message said you have a few questions regarding our death benefit paid to Clarissa Morgan, wife of Thaddeus Morgan. What kind of questions?”
“We’re investigating the suspicious death of Wilson Bortel. He and Clarissa had a history when they both lived in Columbus, and he worked for her husband. Anyway, in my research of Mr. Morgan’s death, the story mentioned that his death was suspicious, and American Life and Annuity investigated the accident. Can you tell me why? What was suspicious?”
“With any large policy like this one, we investigate and inspect the accident site. Our initial inspection and investigation revealed some issues with their second-floor railing. Let’s just say it appeared loose, perhaps intentionally. When Mr. Morgan crashed into it, the force of his weight broke it from the wall.”
“So, the entire railing landed on the floor below with him, right?”
“No, it just gave way enough for him to tumble over or around it. Then the carpet he tripped on looked brand new, and the wood underneath was the same shade as the rest of the flooring in the balcony. Usually, wood flooring covered by a rug will not fade over time. That was a red flag to us.”
“I see, so why pay out the settlement?”
“Well, the evidence just wasn’t definitive, and she had the best lawyer money could buy. The coroner ruled it an unfortunate accident. When local law enforcement chose not to pursue any charges, we had no choice but to pay her the full value of the policy.”
“I sense you think something else might have happened, am I right?”
“Uh, the toxicology reports indicated an extremely high level of a sedative. I don’t recall the name, but that spelled disaster along with an extremely high alcohol level. Mr. Morgan was a smart and successful man. He wouldn’t combine a strong sedative with excessive drinking. It just didn’t make sense.”
“I see. Would it be possible to get a copy of the toxicology report and any other information regarding your investigation, fingerprints, DNA sample, that kind of thing?”
“I guess. Why?”
“Well, in our death investigation here, we have a similar situation. It might benefit us both to compare them. I’m sure if you could prove it wasn’t an accident, you would try and recover the money, or what is left of it, right?”
“Well, of course. Give me your email address, and I’ll send everything we have.”
After giving him her email address, Beth ended the call. She returned to her workstation, where Carla and Bernie were involved in a meaningless but entertaining bantering. It was part of their love-hate relationship, which made them the formidable team they had become.
Catching Beth’s beaming smile, Carla asked, “Uh, you look like you have good news, do you?”
“I think so. I’ll know more after getting the toxicology reports and other information from the Thaddeus Morgan death investigation. It seems he had a powerful sedative in his blood, along with an extremely high alcohol reading, sound familiar?”
“Yeah, so you think Clarissa caused Bortel’s death?”
“Right, Carla, and maybe even her husband’s death. I’ve got some more digging to do before I can be certain. What about you two?”
“Okay, unless something else happens, and I hope it doesn’t, Carla and I have Angela as our only person of interest. We don’t have enough to arrest her, but we’re going to bring her back in for more questioning, probably this evening. She knows more, I’m sure of it.”
“Well, good luck. I’ve got to see Sherry about getting Bortel’s bank records, and if she has the DNA results from the clipboard, pen, and business card. That could help us at least solve Bortel’s death.”
At that moment, Beth’s phone rang. Answering it, she kept nodding her head, then ended the call. Smiling at them, she gave them a thumbs-up gesture. With eyes glued on her, Bernie said, “You going to keep us in suspense?”
“Sherry will meet with us in the conference room in about fifteen minutes. She has a surprise for us. Maybe we’ll get a real break, now.”
“Yeah, we could use one, right, Carla?”
Nodding at Bernie, Carla called Angela and arranged up a meeting for around seven that evening. The big clock on the wall indicated it was time to meet with Sherry. Seeing her enter the conference room, each gathered up their file folders and joined her. As usual, Sherry was in her “queen bee” seat at the head of the table. After all, she loved being in charge, especially when it involved Carla.
“Okay, guys, here’s what we’ve got. From what Beth gave me, DNA from clipboard number one matches the DNA found in the upstairs bedroom. It belongs to Barbara Tierney.”
“Carla, I told you she looked like she was hot-to-trot.” Bernie’s eyes felt the wrath of Carla’s scowl. “So, Sherry, what else did we learn about Mrs. Tierney?”
“That’s it, she had sex with Walters sometime before he died, maybe even before he met Angela.”
Sherry enjoyed seeing Carla and Bernie’s wide-open eyes wandering around the room, knowing their thoughts were in motion.
“Now, for the DNA off clipboard number two, which was Clarissa Morgan. Well, we did find semen on a throw rug on the upstairs landing. That belonged to Bortel. We also found several hairs. Hmm, drumroll, please.”
“Shit, Sherry, just get to it, right, Bernie?” While nodding, Bernie’s scowl met Sherry’s wandering eyes.
“Okay, sourpusses, you’re no fun. Anyway, they belong to Clarissa Morgan.”
All around the table, awe-and-shock expressions glared back at her. Sherry loved every minute of it. Her smile expressed her superiority, which Carla hated.
In her most sarcastic tone, Sherry continued, “See, Beth, I told you I had a surprise, didn’t expect that, did you?”
“No, I didn’t. So, it appears Clarissa and Bortel had sex on that balcony rug. That’s what you are indicating, right?”
“Yeah, it’s the only plausible explanation.”
“Hmm, Clarissa, I’m about to get you. Sherry, I need you to dig into Bortel’s financial footprint, everything, okay?”
“On it, Beth.”
With the meeting over, Sherry left to secure Bortel’s financial life. Carla and Bernie returned to their workstation with even more questions than answers. Beth left with a hunch, and if it panned out, it could return up to five million dollars to American Life and Annuity.
CHAPTER 39
Angela and Preston arrived right on time. Meeting them at the receptionist’s desk, Carla led them to the conference room where Bernie and Chief Evans were waiting. As usual, Chief Evans manned the head of the table. With Bernie already sitting to the chief's left, Angela and Preston took their seats to the chief’s right, while Carla sat beside Bernie.
The inquisition of Angela was solely Carla’s responsibility. While observing, Bernie would take notes. Chief Evans attended because of his relationship with Mayor James and the city commissioners. But specifically, the mayor because he sometimes was difficult to deal with because of the recent violent crime spree.
Not sure how long this interview would last, Carla had already made sure water, coffee, or sodas were plentiful should they need a break. Carla and Bernie needed more information to break this case wide open, or more lives may be in jeopardy. At least they assumed the mayor and the remaining city commissioners were in danger.
“Okay, Angela, let’s begin.” Placing her smartphone on the table, she pushed the record button. “As you can see, I’m recording this interview. You know, at any time you can leave. You are here of your own volition. You do know that, right?”
“Yes, of course, I have nothing to hide.”
“Great. Now for the record, please state your name.”
“Angela Clark.”
“Have you ever seen or know of Clarissa Morgan pictured on my phone?”
Showing her the picture, she studied it closely and handed it back to Carla.
“I’ve only seen this lady once, and I didn’t know her name. She was at Bortel’s victory party. Why is this important? Does she have something to do with Bryan’s death?”
“We’re not sure.” Pulling up Barbara Tierney’s picture, she continued. “Do you know, or have you ever seen this lady before?”
Again, studying the picture, she replied. “I don’t know the name, and I have never seen that lady before. Does she have anything to do with Bryan’s death?” After pausing, curious looks bounced around the table. “Well, does she?”
“We’re not sure.”
“Are you sure of anything, Detective McBride?”
As anger exploded in Carla’s eyes, Angela’s disposition felt the wrath of her Irish heritage. “Yeah, we do know one thing for sure, Barbara Tierney was in his upstairs bedroom at some point. Not sure when, but before your sexual interlude with Bryan.”
Showing no reaction to that, Angela replied, “We weren’t lovers or a couple. He could screw anyone, and it wouldn’t bother me. What do either of those questions have to do with me or Bryan’s death?” Silence pounded the room. “That’s it. Umm, you all don’t have a clue, do you?”
“We’re not showing all of our cards.”
“Umm, so, this is a game. Okay, I can play games. Detective McBride, is that what you want? You know, I took some acting classes in college, even starred in a few plays, so I’m pretty good at playing games, you know, fooling and deceiving people.”
“No games, Angela. Anyway, I assume you know your uncle, George Ballard, died a couple of months ago.”
“Yeah, what’s that got to do with me?”
“We’re not sure. How did you know about George’s passing?”
“Karen called me, but I was unable to attend the funeral. I plan to visit her soon.”
“Well, you better hurry. When we visited her, a for-sale sign was in the yard.”
“She never mentioned it. Probably too embarrassed. She’s a proud woman. Did she say why?”
Pausing for a moment, Carla grabbed her water, taking a thirst-quenching swig. As her eyes bored into Angela’s soul, she showed signs of anxiety.
“Yeah, I’m glad you asked that question. Karen told us George had received a monthly check ever since they moved from Oakmont thirty-five years ago. They moved because Joni became pregnant. Do you have any idea who was sending this money or why? I can only assume it was hush money.”
As anxiety seized Angela, she glanced around the room, wondering how to answer or whether to answer at all. Whispering something in Geronimo’s ear, she found Carla’s intenseness glaring down on her.
“May we take a five-minute break, then I’ll tell you what I know, okay?”
Nodding and stopping the recording, everyone left. Five minutes later, everyone reconvened in the conference room. Pushing the record button on her smartphone, Carla resumed the interview.
“Angela, tell us what you know about this hush money.”
While letting out a big sigh, a few tears surfaced from the corner of her eye. She wiped them away. Taking a deep breath, she sighed and met eye contact with Carla.
“I guess after my father died in an auto accident, my mom began to open up about her past. It wasn’t long after my dad died she was diagnosed with stage-four pancreatic cancer. She didn’t have long to live, and I guess, umm, she wanted to cleanse her soul of past sins and guilt. That was over two years ago. After she passed, I had no reason to stay in California and moved back here. Not sure why. It just felt right.”
Pausing, Angela took several deep breaths before wiping away the tears streaming down her cheeks. Taking a drink of water, she put the bottle down and continued.
“While I was growing up in Oakmont, my mom took a job in Alex Walters’ campaign headquarters. That’s Bryan’s dad. At that time, Alex, a state senator, was running for re-election. My mom was always enamored with politics, and when he came calling, she grabbed it with all her might. My mom spent a lot of time with him. Working late nights were the norm. My dad didn’t mind. He didn’t make much money. Although he was a proud man, what she made, uh, made it easier on him.”
Pausing, she took another drink of water. Wiping a few more tears away, she met Carla’s probing gaze.
“Angela, I know this is not easy, so if you need another break, please let me know, okay?”
“Thank you, but I’m fine. It wasn’t soon after my mom turned up pregnant, she abruptly quit. She said she didn’t want to work while carrying her son, Lenny.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to take a break?”
Nodding, Angela finished her bottle of water, then opened another one. Taking a drink, she put it down.
“After graduating from high school, we moved to California. Anyway, life went on. We were one happy family, or so I thought. After Joni passed, my mom traveled back home for the funeral. I had to stay home and take care of Lenny.”
