Quandary: A Detective Series, page 18
After peering over the side of the boat, a syringe floating next to the hull seized their attention. Bernie walked back to his car, getting the large Styrofoam cup Karen gave them the other day. Returning to the houseboat, he scooped the syringe out of the water. Placing it in a plastic bag, he put it in the Styrofoam cup to avoid sticking himself.
A half-hour later, they were in forensics, logging in these items. They knew the items could yield nothing or might be the thing needed to identify Commissioner Walters’ killer. Based on the interviews of Angela and Bobbi, both had plausible motives. The question is which one, or it could be the two men in the white sedan. When Carla and Bernie returned to the common area, a beaming smile emanated from Beth’s beautiful complexion. Seeing them approach her, that beaming smile could cheer anyone up.
“Beth, what’s that shit-eating grin about?”
“Oh, nothing, Carla. Have you guys had lunch?”
“No, we were just about to head to McGruder’s.”
“Sounds great. Let’s go, and when we get there, I’ll share my news.”
“What news?”
“Sorry, let’s go, I’m hungry, and Bernie’s buying today.”
With the lunch crowd nearly gone, McGruder’s provided the right atmosphere to discuss each other’s new developments. Like most times, their favorite booth was open, and they quickly grabbed it. Within a minute, Sam greeted them. After taking the usual lunch orders, she left and placed them. As muted chatter filled the pub, Sam returned with their iced teas with lemon. After each had quenched their thirst, Bernie broke their mundane bantering.
“Beth, you go first.”
“Yeah, I was right. I called the hotel Bortel stayed at, and immediately, the day manager recognized the name. Said the hotel seemed like a second home to Bortel. I asked if he ever saw him with a lady friend. He indicated he had, so I sent him a picture of Clarissa Morgan. He immediately responded, identifying her as Bradley Compton. Anyway, I did a little recon on Clarissa. Her maiden name is Bradley. Bingo, as you would say. Now, I just need to tie everything together. I’m visiting with John Vickers this afternoon at the bank to see if I can find out more about those transfers. How about you guys, any good news or developments?”
“Well, sort of, Carla and I visited Commissioner Walters’ houseboat and brought back some new evidence, we hope. Now we just wait to see if it is helpful or whether it was just a waste of time.”
Their conversation was interrupted by the smell of Reubens, fries, and fish and chips. Sam refilled their glasses and left them to enjoy a well-deserved lunch.
CHAPTER 43
While standing in his office, Mayor James viewed Main Street, watching people moving about. Two men leaving Parsons’ Coffee Emporium caught his eye. As he watched them, he could only wonder what their motives were. He asked himself why they were intentionally stalking him, Barry, Philip, and Rich. Watching them continue toward Third Street, they turned right, heading toward Water Street. He called Chief Evans, and the conversation was short and sweet.
Mayor James wasn’t one to consume alcohol on city property, however, seeing those two men in his city, he poured himself a shot of Wild Turkey Bourbon. Neat, or straight up, was how he liked to savor its amber elegance. While tasting its nuances, he watched a white sedan travel north on Main Street. Although he couldn’t make out the license plate, he knew it wasn’t a Kentucky plate. Watching it disappear out of his sight, he glanced down at the street, seeing someone else from his past. Angela and Geronimo were entering Parsons’ Coffee Emporium.
Seeing her took him back to his high school years. Although he and Angela were not good friends in high school, he could only wonder why she decided to return to Oakmont after thirty-five years. Sitting in a chair by the windows, he enjoyed Wild Turkey, savoring its nuances before experiencing its smoothness as it went down.
He began reminiscing about growing up when life was simple and carefree. In high school, he was a good baseball player and outfielder that hit with power. Of course, back then, he aspired to give the big leagues a try. However, he just wasn’t good enough. As he sipped on Wild Turkey, more of his past flashed in his subconscious.
His father, Eugene, was a member of the Diamond Brotherhood in his high school years. He had been a three-term mayor of Oakmont before being elected to the state legislature. Mayor James thought how ironic it was that Bryan, Rich, Barry, and Philip’s fathers were also members of the Diamond Brotherhood at the same time as his father, Eugene.
Staring at his empty glass, he rose and absorbed the appealing streetscape. The city’s vintage streetlights cast their amber glow on the historical buildings, making Oakmont the charming town it was. Walking over to the credenza, he blessed his glass with another shot of Wild Turkey. After returning to his chair, the darkness consumed Main Street. Even though Oakmont was thriving, it had a black cloud hanging over it because of the recent violent murders. And now, he and the remaining city commissioners were presumably being stalked for something from their past.
Swallowing the remainder of the bourbon, a knock on the door startled him, causing him to choke on the bourbon. Coughing restored his labored respiration as his face grew warm. Walking to the door, he opened it. Facing him, his lovely wife, Lynn, leaned in, laying a friendly kiss on his cheek. She was his college sweetheart, and they married in their senior year.
“Honey, are you okay?”
“Yeah, uh, why do you ask?”
“You going to let me in?
After the door swung open, she sat in one of the chairs at the window. He walked to the credenza and poured her a shot of bourbon. Opening the dorm-size fridge, he put a few ice cubes in it. Joining her by the window, after a light-hearted toast, silence surrounded them.
“I asked if you were okay, your face is flushed, and you are sweating.”
“Oh, bourbon went down the wrong way. What are you doing here?”
“Geez, what a question to ask your wife. Don’t you remember our dinner date with Barry and Adele tonight at the country club?”
“Oh yeah, guess I forgot. What time is our reservation?”
“Uh, now. Remember, you reserved the Sunroom.”
“Right, then, we better go.”
A ten-minute drive away, Avondale Country Club was the place for the movers and shakers in town. Arriving right on time, Lester could see that Barry and Adele were already seated. A bottle of wine and four glasses graced the table. After being seated by Carrie, the Stewarts were already enjoying the Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve.
“Mayor James, may I pour you and Lynn a glass of this elegant wine?”
“Absolutely. Carrie, how are you tonight?”
“Great, I’ll leave you all alone to enjoy the wine while catching up with each other, then I’ll be back to take your orders.”
Everyone nodded, and she left. As they glanced at each other, silence grabbed their souls. Within minutes, muted chatter filled the Sunroom as the last ounces of the wine replenished their glasses. Carrie returned, taking their orders. After placing them, she returned with salads and another bottle of cabernet.
As they enjoyed each other’s company in the Sunroom, time flew by. Since all of them were native to Oakmont, reminiscing about old times was fun. Laughing and even a few tears reminded them of simpler times. Their entrées arrived, and more wine was flowing. Life was good for all of them, or at least tonight it was.
Lynn and Adele were cheerleaders back in the day. They each worked hard to keep their cheerleading bodies in mint condition. Lynn and Adele were having a separate conversation about running into Angela Clark at Parsons’ Coffee Emporium. Lester, who had been eavesdropping, heard Angela’s name mentioned.
Lynn broke the men’s silence. “Guys, do you remember Angela Clark?” Lester decided to use his selective hearing skill, ignoring Lynn’s question. Barry, on the other hand, didn’t want to be rude and nodded. “Well, Adele and I ran into her earlier today at the coffee shop. You know, at first, we didn’t recognize her. She’s changed from her high school days, and she looks a lot like Cynthia Walters.”
Lester replied, “Really, like how?”
Adele responded, “Well, let’s just say, uh, we’re glad we snagged you a long time ago. She’s, well, hot, never would’ve imagined that. Anyway, she sent her regards.”
Barry and Lester nodded and remained silent as their wives continued their monotonous chatter. Barry and Lester showed signs of anxiety as they both took a long drink of water. Dinner and wine finished, a night of friendliness gave Barry and Lester a break from the demons trying to steal their souls. As they all walked out of the country club, the coolness of the night felt good on Barry and Lester’s flushed faces. Saying their goodbyes, Barry and Adele walked to their car. Lester and Lynn remained on the side porch as they drove away.
While walking arm-in-arm to the car, Lynn’s left breast teased his hormones. Opening the door for her, she settled in the passenger seat. As Lester walked around the car, he scanned the parking lot, then sighed. Opening the door, Lynn’s tantalizing legs and curves grabbed his lustful soul. After settling behind the wheel, he placed his right hand on her thigh. Lynn smiled and leaned toward him. As their lips met, she tasted his alcohol-induced lust for her. Wanting to get home and finish this prelude of things to come, he backed off and immediately hit the start button. Driving out to the country club’s main entrance, he turned right and headed for a night of passion and heat.
Although his hormones were burning inside his soul, he kept glancing at the rearview mirror. As the darkness of the night met his gaze, he sighed once more. After passing Westover Drive, a car pulled out onto Main Street. The reflection in the rearview mirror inched up closer to him. Reaching the next traffic light, it was red. The car behind him pulled to a stop imposing itself on his psyche.
The street lighting illuminated the car casting its light on the two men inside. He had seen them before. Turning right onto Avery Boulevard, the white sedan also turned, following a safe distance behind him. Silence in the car was eerie as he kept glancing in the rearview mirror. While merging into the turning lane, the white sedan sped past them. Sitting there for a moment, trying to remain calm and not alarming Lynn, he finally turned left into Oakmont Commons, breathing a big sigh of relief. He quickly pulled into the garage and lowered the door. After entering the house, anxiety and paranoia replaced his lustful hormones. As Lynn went to fix the nightcaps, he entered the master bedroom. Moments later, she entered with two glasses of wine, ready to quench her raging hormones. Disgusted by Lester’s alcohol-induced snoring, she left to cool her disappointment.
CHAPTER 44
Beth was determined to nail Clarissa to the wall. In her mind, she was somehow responsible for Bortel’s death. All the evidence pointed to a showdown with her. After meeting with John Vickers of Freedom National Bank, she found out Bortel was embezzling from Clarissa’s account over the past four years.
After researching Clarissa’s social world, two ladies who worked with her on several charity events stood out. Using the department’s resources, she tracked them down. Conversations with them revealed a whole new side to Clarissa. She was a vindictive person, and she and Thaddeus were having big marital problems. Although he never served her with divorce papers, he was on the verge of following through with that threat when he died.
Beth also found out that she had been active in Habitat for Humanity in the Columbus area. She was handy with tools and knew her way around the construction of houses. Meeting with Chief Evans, Carla, and Bernie, she presented all the evidence collected along with these new revelations regarding a possible divorce. After a lengthy discussion, Beth wanted to bring Clarissa in for further questioning.
Beth informed her new evidence surfaced in Bortel’s death investigation. She convinced her to come in that afternoon. Also, she explained that Freedom National Bank’s interim CEO, John Vickers, would be present to explain a few irregularities with her account. Before ending the call, Beth informed her she might want her lawyer present. With everything set, Beth hoped she would cooperate.
At half-past two in the afternoon, Clarissa entered the police station with a man at her side. Meeting them at the receptionist’s desk, Clarissa introduced her lawyer, Dale Edmundson. After exchanging pleasantries, Beth escorted them to an interrogation room. She left them alone while she gathered her files and let them stew for a few minutes. Five minutes had passed before the door swung open, and Beth entered with a folder. Chief Evans, Carla, and Bernie would watch from behind the mirrored window. Sitting across from Clarissa, Beth’s lioness glare met Clarissa’s tenuous demeanor.
“Clarissa, thank you for coming in. As always, I'm recording this interview. Let the record show you have brought Dale Edmundson, your lawyer. For the record, please state your full legal name.”
“Clarissa Antoinette Morgan.”
“Clarissa, you did come of your own volition today, is that correct?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, John Vickers had to cancel unexpectedly. Are you okay with that?” Clarissa glanced at Dale, then nodded. “Great. After corporate completed an internal audit of the bank, he came to us. Anyway, uh, the audit discovered internal deposits to Bortel’s checking account. Following the paper trail, the deposits came from your savings account. But you already know that don’t you?”
“Don’t answer that.”
“Isn’t it true your deceased husband was close to serving you with divorce papers?”
“Don’t answer that.”
“Isn’t it true you and Bortel were having an affair for a very long time? His bank records indicated he stayed in the same Cincinnati hotel just about every weekend. I called and talked to the day manager. I sent him a picture of you, and he identified you as the lady meeting him there. He said you used the name Bradley Compton. Bradley is your maiden name, correct?”
“Clarissa, don’t…”
“Dale, it’s okay. I’ll answer the question. Yes, that is my maiden name. I was having an affair with Bortel, and we met in Cincinnati. That’s not a crime, is it?”
“Of course not, but murder is.”
“Listen, I didn’t murder him. I loved him.”
“Did you murder your husband?”
“Don’t answer that.”
“Clarissa, Thaddeus was going to divorce you, and that would mean no inheritance. He knew about your affair, didn’t he? I’m surprised he didn’t fire Bortel.”
“Don’t answer that.”
“Miss Pendergast, Thaddeus tried to fire him. I convinced him not to do that. I promised him I would end the affair, and I did. That’s the truth.”
“Okay, back to the money Bortel illegally transferred from your account to his. You eventually found out, didn’t you? And you confronted him, isn’t that right?”
“Don’t answer that.”
“Okay, isn’t it true you have a key to Commissioner Walters’ house?”
“You already know that. Yes, he gave me one to check on his ill wife when she got worse.”
“Right. Where was his wife when you always checked on her?”
“In the master bedroom. She was too weak to be anywhere else in the house.”
“Okay, did you ever go upstairs anytime you looked in on her?”
“Of course not. I’m not a snooper.”
“Right. In collecting evidence at the crime scene, forensics discovered female DNA on the upstairs landing. A national database identified that DNA as yours.”
Dale Edmundson exclaimed, “Don’t answer that. How did you get her DNA?”
“The authorities in Columbus sent it to us. Your client submitted her DNA and fingerprints to them during the death investigation of her husband.”
“Okay, okay. What if I did go up there a few times to get his wife some things? Yeah, that’s likely how it got there.”
“Okay, when did Cynthia die?”
“About two years ago, you know that.”
“Yeah, but did you know Commissioner Walters was a stickler about cleanliness and had cleaning service come in weekly?”
“Don’t answer that. Clarissa, I’m advising you to end this interrogation.” Nodding at Dale, tears surfaced on Clarissa’s cheeks. “Okay, either arrest her, or we’re leaving.” Questionable eyes flew at the mirrored window briefly and returned to the seriousness in Dale’s eyes. “That’s what I thought. Let’s go, Clarissa. This ambush is over.”
Beth got up, opened the door, and Clarissa and Dale immediately left. Grabbing her file, she slammed it on the table as frustration exploded in her soul. While facing the mirrored window, dejection glared back. A minute later, Carla, Bernie, and Chief Evans joined her in the room.
“Dammit, chief, she’s guilty as hell. I can feel it.”
“Hold on, sister. Slow down and get ahold of yourself, okay?”
After sighing, she continued, “Sorry, chief. She pushed Bortel over that railing just like she did her husband. We’ve got her DNA on the balcony, and she…”
“Beth, please…slow…down. We get it.”
“Uh, sorry, chief. Here’s what I think. Somehow, Bortel knew Clarissa was responsible for Thaddeus’ death. He started embezzling money from her, like blackmail. When she confronted him, he told her he would turn her in. We have enough to get an arrest warrant for her. The sooner, the better, before she bolts with all of her money.”
Stepping out of the room, Chief Evans called the district attorney. Inside the room, anticipation painted Beth’s face. Ten minutes seemed like twenty. Suddenly, the door swung open as Chief Evans appeared. He was not one to show a great deal of emotion unless he had a burr up his ass, or Carla and Bernie had pissed him off.
Giddy with anticipation, Beth met the chief’s stoic expression. “Well, do we?”
“Your arrest warrant will be ready in a few hours, and then you guys can go pick her up. I hope you’re right.”
