After Dark: Chicago Fire (Science Fiction Anthalogies Book 2) (3 page)

Chapter
6

Jeremy had spent a long time the night
before planning his day. He knows what has to be investigated and decides that
he will waste no time setting about to unlock the mystery. He knows that there
is more to the great Chicago fire than what has come out, and commits himself to
unlocking the facts to help those like Julie Nancarrow who want answers.                         

C
arter Gibson has a number of commercial matters that
need property searches at the Cook County Recorder of Deeds. Normally Jeremy
would find the commercial side of law a little mundane but today he decides to
use his time wisely, and he wants to again look at the property transfers that
took place with respect to the Lincoln Square industrial estate.  He takes a
lot more notes than when he last visited the Cook County office, and notices
that there are a number of transfers in succession both before and after the
fire. Jeremy is curious and writes down the names of the private companies so
that he can do company searches when he is back in his office. Before he leaves
Jeremy decides to search the property ownership of John Mason. He is curious
and notes that the property was purchased for a sizeable sum of money.

No sooner back in the office and
Jeremy starts to go over the lengthy list of private companies that relate to
the transfer of owners of the Lincoln Square industrial estate. There are
transfers between several related companies, and the ownership of some
companies has a common thread, but there is one name that is detailed that Jeremy
knows. He ponders and believes that he is starting to slowly get a better
picture of what may have taken place. Jeremy also notices something that he had
previously overlooked. Stevens, Walker and Sunderland had leases for their
respective businesses, yet both Steven’s daughter Julie Nancarrow and
Sunderland’s wife Lauren Wilks clearly stated that the three businessmen owned
the land. A transfer of land is recorded and in exchange leases were raised in
their names which were later cancelled when the new development went up. Jeremy
sits back and stares at the ceiling in the small office he has locked himself
in. His notes and company searches are spread out on the large desk in the
office and he occasionally looks down at them, as he cups his chin in his hand,
smiles and ponders what he has discovered.   

Jeremy’s day has been a long and
successful one. But he is focused on the evening ahead and has plans to meet with
Superintendent Golding and also Lauren Wilks. There are still questions, but
Jeremy is starting to feel that he knows what took place and is keen to bring
things to a conclusion and those responsible to justice.  The evening comes
around after Jeremy prepares himself a light dinner and stays indoors. He goes
over what he has discovered and like a jigsaw his notes are spread over his
kitchen bench where he sits and sips on a glass of white wine. Jeremy is
excited.

He focusses on Superintendent Golding
and is soon walking down Emerald Parade. He looks at the street sign and turns
and enters the small wrought iron gate that leads up a path to number 27. He
knocks on the door and is greeted by the Superintendent who extends his hand
and warmly greets Jeremy. ‘Come in.’ he adds. ‘Thank you Superintendent, thank
you for meeting with me.’ Jeremy replies. ‘Call me Ryan,’ the Superintendent
adds as he smiles at Jeremy. ‘Ryan, I am here to discuss the great Chicago
fire. I am convinced that the truth never came out and I know that there are
people…..the families of Stevens, Walker and Sunderland, who want answers.’
Jeremy asserts. Ryan Golding is taken back but listens intently and as he asks
Jeremy, ‘Go on I am all ears, what do you know?’ ‘Well, I believe that Stevens,
Walker and Sunderland were murdered. I mean it doesn’t make sense that three
men would disappear without a trace. Ryan I have done some research which I
will leave with you, but there is one item that I am unable to check. And that
is who received the insurance monies or how those monies were spent?

Jeremy talks for ages relaying
everything that he has uncovered as the Superintendent continues to listen on
intently. Jeremy can’t hide his excitement although he is unable to explain
anything other than a hunch that Stevens, Walker and Sunderland are deceased.
The two talk for ages and well into the late evening before Jeremy announces
that it is getting late and he has to move on. Ryan gets up from the
comfortable lounge room suite and as the pair head towards the door Jeremy
removes a large parcel from under his coat and places it neatly on the coffee
table in the lounge. It is marked clearly – Information for Ryan Golding -Dawson
Parade, Lincoln Square 3.00pm. The Superintendent doesn’t notice as Jeremy
places the parcel on the table as he shows Jeremy out. Ryan waves to Jeremy as
he slowly disappears down the quiet street. Once he is out of sight of Ryan,
Jeremy focusses on Lauren Wilks. There are still some pieces to the jigsaw that
don’t quite add up and he is determined to meet with her.                   

He focusses and is soon at her
doorstep. He knocks and Lauren greets him with a big smile and polite kiss on
the cheek. She seems delighted to see Jeremy and adds, ‘Lovely to see you
Jeremy. I suppose I lead a quiet life, look over my shoulder a lot and keep to
myself, so it’s nice to have company occasionally, ‘She explains. ‘Who do you
think would harm you Lauren and why?’ Jeremy asks. ‘I have always thought that
those that pursued and murdered my husband may believe that I know something.
Tony often would speak about the pressure that he was under and how he was continually
being pushed to sell his land holding. So when Tony went into the factory that
night I think he may have disturbed whoever was about to burn the place down.’
She adds in a softly spoken and emotional voice.

‘Lauren, do you know who would be
responsible?’ Jeremy asks. ‘No, No. I have no idea. Tony was a very intense
person. He would keep things bottled up. All I know is that someone, someone
that is powerful enough had got to Tony, because he was a strong person and
wouldn’t normally let things….people get to him. So whoever is out there….still
out there, is a powerful individual.’ She replies. ‘Lauren you told me that
Tony and you had gone through some rough times. If you don’t mind me asking
what did you mean by that?’ Jeremy begs. Lauren looks sullen, becomes teary and
looks at Jeremy with tears slowly running down her cheeks. She doesn’t try to
hide her feelings and in a very soft voice adds, ‘We were estranged for a
while. We separated and I had an affair, a brief affair.’ Tony was furious when
he found out and whilst some people that know us, think that it was the reason
that Tony decided to leave Chicago with the other two, I know that he was
pressured. I am convinced that the night he went to the factory and didn’t come
back he was murdered.’ She sighs pauses and tearing up adds, ‘But I just don’t
know by who!’  

Jeremy thinks as Lauren collects
herself, and then adds, ‘Lauren, do I know the person you had an affair with?’
Lauren then breaks down crying and mumbles, ‘Scott Dawson…….it was Scott Dawson
the Property Developer.’ Jeremy can’t believe what he is hearing. ‘Wow’, he
adds. ‘Lauren, do you still see Scott, I mean are you still romantically
linked?’ Lauren fights back tears and then looks up at Jeremy. Her mascara and
tears are running down her face but she looks at Jeremy and then replies, ‘No.
I still see Scott and he has been tremendous support but we are nothing more
than friends and he hasn’t sought anything different. His wife left him several
years ago and that was a bitter separation. He is a really nice man actually,’
she quips.

He sits with Lauren after she offers
to make them both a coffee and he waits until she recovers. In between sniffles
she slowly gathers herself and then Jeremy announces that he is heading off for
the evening. As Lauren escorts Jeremy to the front door he turns, removes a
small note from his trousers that reads 113 Dawson Parade  3.00pm and neatly
places it on the kitchen bench next to his empty coffee cup. Jeremy has learnt
that if he leaves a note, a gift or something similar those that he leaves it
with will recollect events the following morning like many people recall their
dreams. He says goodnight to Lauren and is soon walking the street and pondering
the events of the evening.                

Jeremy is satisfied that things are
falling into place. He walks slowly and cannot help but think of Julie
Nancarrow. Julie was the start of the saga and he had promised himself that he
would meet with her again. He feels that he needs to ease her pain and whilst
arguably premature Jeremy nonetheless, just wants to tell her that everything
is on track. What exactly would he tell her he thought? Jeremy unwittingly has
focused upon Julie Nancarrow and is walking down Chancery Lane where his
adventure had started and is facing the red front door of number 23. He knocks.
‘Hello Jeremy,’ a beaming and bright Julie greets him. ‘Hello’ Jeremy replies
unable not to match Julie’s broad smile.

‘Julie, since we last met there has
been some developments. A lot of investigation and I know that you seek
answers. It is fair to say that you have been on my mind and I simply want to
help you understand what happened, what happened to your father. Julie, the
answers are within reach.’ She is puzzled, but nods and sighs at the same time.
Jeremy knows that there is an element of resignation in her eyes, an element of
confirmation of her fears and she clasps Jeremy’s arm and rubs it as she
murmurs, ‘Thank you, thank you.’ Jeremy looks into Julie’s eyes and as he
shakes her hand and gives her a soft kiss on the cheek he turns to head out the
door. As Julie turns to escort him out he leaves a small note on the coffee
table ………Superintendent Ryan Golding, Chicago Police Department. He knows that she
will contact Ryan and get the answers to the mystery that has been haunting her
and her family for so long.

Jeremy decides to call it a night.

Chapter
7

Jeremy walks into the Old Coffee Stop
and is pleased to sit down and have a coffee with Tara. It seems likes ages
since the pair has seen each other and Jeremy is keen to hear how Tara and Mrs.
Dooley had got on visiting Tara’s real father at the local prison. Tara is her
normal vibrant self and today is no exception.  ‘Jeremy, I have so much news to
talk about, I am not sure we will have time enough this morning,’ she laughs as
she shares her excitement. ‘So the visit was good then?’ Jeremy asks. ‘Yes, I
think both grandma and I were pleased and we walked away happy. So I think
that’s a sign. Tony…..I mean Dad seemed very excited to see us Jeremy, so it’s
a start and I am happy to keep in touch.’ Jeremy smiles and hugs Tara sharing
her excitement.

‘Perhaps we can catch up tonight Tara
and you can tell me more?’ He asks as Tara quickly replies, ‘Yes, Yes, of
course. I want to Jeremy and can’t wait to share everything. What say we meet
at D’Angelo’s Café at 6.00 and I will tell you everything,’ Tara almost shouts
with excitement. Jeremy nods, gives Tara a quick kiss and slowly heads out of
the Old Coffee Stop on his way to Carter Gibson.

Jeremy sits at his workstation and
ponders how the day will unfold. He goes over in his mind the steps that he has
put in place and genuinely believes that justice will prevail. The mystery, the
facts, he thinks have got to come out. Jeremy has a busy day ahead but cannot
help thinking of what will hopefully unfold in the early afternoon. He even
thinks to himself that if he is right and things fall into place he will sit
back with Tara and celebrate with a quiet drink, although Tara is unaware of
what he has been working on after dark…….and in any event how could she be
aware?      

Jeremy sits and watches the clock move
closer towards 3.00pm. As he watches on Superintendent Ryan Golding walks out
of his plush office in the CBD and walks down to the ground floor to see
Sergeant Ron McIntyre. Ron sees the Superintendent coming and with a warm smile
greets his superior and adds, ‘Good afternoon Superintendent.’ ‘Good afternoon Ron.
Ron, I need your help. I have a very warm lead that hopefully will see the two
of us solve a long standing crime in this city,’ Ryan Golding replies. Ron
McIntyre grabs his hat and quickly bounds out of his chair to join with the
Superintendent. ‘Let’s go! It will be a pleasure. I look forward to you filling
me in on the way. Is it far?’ he asks.

The pair head out of the city towards
Lincoln Square. It doesn’t take long and they are soon heading down Dawson
Parade. Ron McIntyre looks over at his boss and is curious when they pull up at
113 Dawson Parade. It’s a familiar address and one that Ron knows well. They
park their unmarked car and the pair proceed to number 113 in the relatively
well known landmark address. A Rottweiler barks and barks and snarls at the
Superintendent. Ryan laughs as he adds, ‘Bloody dogs, I have never really been
a fan.’ As he finishes his words he notices that the dog licks Ron McIntyre’s
hand and his tail wags madly. Ryan Golding looks on, before a familiar face in
Scott Dawson opens the large gate and invites the two in.

‘This is an unexpected pleasure
Superintendent and Sergeant.’ He adds with a warm smile. Ryan adds sharply,
‘Unexpected maybe. Pleasure….well NO.’ Scott Dawson is taken back and as he
escorts the Police Officers inside Lauren Wilks is seated and looking up and
with a surprised look on her face, simply offers, ‘hello.’ ‘Hello, madam,’
Superintendent Ryan Golding adds politely before introducing himself. ‘I am
Superintendent Ryan Golding and this is Sergeant Ron McIntyre.’ Ron McIntyre
looks at Lauren with a surprised look on his face as Lauren looks back smiles
and nods politely.        

The Superintendent sits around a table
with Scott Dawson, Lauren Wilks and Sergeant Ron McIntyre. ‘Do you know what
this is all about Scott? Do you know why I am here?’ the Superintendent asks.
‘Well, no not really,’ Scott adds in a quietly spoken voice. ‘The great Chicago
fire Scott. You did pretty well out of that.’ Ryan adds. As he speaks the group
look up and three police officers walk in and stand at the doorway. The
Superintendent looks over at them and continues. ‘It appears that you had
another partner in the Lincoln Square development Scott. Sometimes I feel you
need to pick your development partners more wisely,’ he adds. Scott hangs off
the Superintendents words and looks over towards Sergeant Ron McIntyre, who is
similarly staring Scott in the eyes.

The Superintendent continues. ‘I have
investigated what happened with the cheques from the insurance claims. The bank
has confirmed that they were never negotiated by Stevens, Walker and
Sunderland. Oh, don’t get me wrong even the bank until now thought that
everything was above board, but upon closer investigation the cheques went in
and out, and ended up being deposited into an account that was a partner to the
Lincoln Square development.’ Scott Dawson again looks up at Sergeant Ron
McIntyre who is looking squarely back at him. ‘We also know that there was a
number of property transfers that mask the ownership of Stevens, Walker and
Sunderland,’ Ryan adds. Scott Dawson adds, ‘I am unaware of those transactions
Superintendent. I have no idea what you are saying or implying.’

The Superintendent then turns towards
Sergeant Ron McIntyre and bluntly asks, ‘Ron we know where the money went,
don’t we? We know who did the property transfers and we know that you own a
significant portion of Lincoln Square shopping, retirement and housing. And Ron
I also know that you locked Thomas Stevens and Richard Walker in the factory
before you torched it. And when Tony Sunderland accidentally turned up and
tried to stop you, you murdered him.’ Ron McIntyre is sweating profusely looks
around the table at the Superintendent, Lauren Wilks and Scott Dawson and then
bleats out, ‘Who told you that?‘ The Superintendent pauses, looks at Ron
McIntyre and adds, ‘Well you did……..you just confirmed it.’

Scott Dawson and Lauren Wilks are
aghast. They are both in disbelief at what they have just witnessed. What they
have both heard. Scott leans over and gently places his arm around Lauren. He
slowly pulls her towards him and hugs her as they stare at Ron McIntyre in
complete shock.

Sergeant Ron McIntyre lowers his head
as tears start to run down his face. He looks up, looks at Lauren Wilks, then
Scott Dawson and then turns very deliberately towards Superintendent Ryan
Golding before slowly adding, ‘Yes, yes I did it.’ Superintendent Ryan Golding
turns to the three police officers standing in the doorway and simply adds,
‘take him away men.’