Authors: Sandra Brown
Tags: #Legal, #Suspense, #Fiction, #General, #Georgia, #Thrillers, #Rich people, #Atlanta (Ga.), #Trials (Murder), #Legal stories, #Rich People - Georgia
Smash Cut (27 page)
D
ODGE KNOCKED. DEREK OPENED THE DOOR. THE INVESTIGATOR stalked in. When he saw Julie, he bobbed his head. I figured.
Derek said, Julie Rutledge, Dodge Hanley.
Without acknowledging the introduction, Dodge said, The snooty desk clerk with the bad rug and a cob up his butt said you probably wouldnt welcome being disturbed this morning. He hinted that you hadnt spent the night alone. But I didnt want to think you could be this stupid.
Would you like some coffee?
The older man took in Dereks boxer shorts, then looked over at Julie, where she sat swaddled in the robe.
We only had one set of clothes, Derek explained. Theyre out being pressed.
Dodge grunted. Convenient.
Derek crossed his arms over his bare chest, realizing as he did so that he struck a ridiculous pose. Did you come here to cast aspersions, cast stones, or tell us whats going on?
Nothing good, the investigator muttered. He walked over to the table and looked down at Julies plate. Are you going to finish that?
Help yourself.
He scooped up the leftover blintz and ate it like a burrito, licking the ricotta and strawberry sauce off his fingers when he was done. Myself, I havent had time for breakfast this morning. Ive been fielding calls.
From whom? Derek asked.
From everybody I bribed last night. My expenses on this case are going to be out your ass, and I cant say Im sorry. He poured coffee from the carafe into Dereks cup and slurped it.
What have you heard?
They searched her house, starting with the attic rafters and working down.
Let me guess, Derek said. They found a blouse with a button missing. We knew they would. Doesnt prove the button found in Dukes motel came off Julies blouse. Its not one of a kind.
Were not in court, and Im not a juror, Dodge said. Save your shots, Counselor. He glanced at Julie. Youre gonna need them.
What else?
Dodge sat down at the small table across from Julie and addressed himself to her. They found a pistol under your mattress.
Paul gave it to me for protection.
Lucky for you its not the caliber of the one used to shoot him.
Derek said, If they lift prints from it, mine will be on there.
Dodge went whey-faced and looked up at his boss. Swell.
I told you about it. When I walked into her house, the lights were out, she had the weapon
Okay, okay. Turning back to Julie, Dodge said, Forget the firearm. Thats the good news. Your friend Wheeler wore a fancy watch.
A Patek Philippe. It was taken during the robbery.
Um-huh. So imagine how tickled Sanford and Kimball were when it turned up at your house with all the other loot that was stolen that day.
Derek watched the blood literally drain from her face. Thats impossible.
Fraid not, Ms. Rutledge. It was all in a little black velvet pouch as described by the victims of the robbery, yourself included. Found in a shoe box in your closet, sitting right on top of a pair of black satin shoes. By the way, Detective Kimball remarked on what great shoes youve got.
Julie was staring into near space. Derek doubted shed heard anything Dodge had said beyond the pouch being found. He had to speak her name twice before she came out of her daze. When she looked up at him, her eyes were wide with disbelief.
He must have planted it there. Billy Duke. He was coming out of my bedroom. That must have been what he was doing in there. He kept the jewelry and came to my house to leave it to be found.
She divided a wild, desperate look between him and Dodge. He wasnt sure what his expression revealed, but Dodges was patently skeptical.
She came out of her chair, a cornered animal making a defiant stand. If I had masterminded that holdup and murder, do you think Id be stupid enough to keep the jewelry? In a
shoe box
?
Dodge said nothing. Derek ran his fingers through his hair. Of course you wouldnt.
But a double-crossing partner might want it to be found on your property.
Julie rested her small fists on the edge of the table as she leaned toward Dodge. I didnt have a partner. I had never seen that man until he staggered out of my bedroom.
And threw himself against an eight-inch serrated butcher knife you just happened to be holding at gut level.
Okay, Dodge, Derek snapped. What else can you tell us?
Dodge released his stare at Julie and turned to Derek. They lifted a print out of that rathole motel and sent it through all the databases. Had a positive ID in no time flat. William Randall Duke.
He pulled a small notebook from the breast pocket of his wrinkled sport jacket and flipped back the glossy blue cover. Our boy had a couple of misdemeanors to his credit, but served no significant jail time. Graduated to felony when he was tried for extortion in Oregon three years ago. Had an affair with a woman who alleged he blackmailed her. He claimed he was paidten of thousands, by the wayfor services rendered. All the evidence was circumstantial, basically his word against hers. He was acquitted.
Popped up in Chicago a year later, charged with stalking. But, turns out the lady was lying to her husband about the nature of her relationship with Duke. He looked up, divided a glance between them. He liked the ladies, apparently. And they seemed to like him. The charge in Chicago was dropped.
Fast forward. A few months ago, he was tried in Nebraska on another extortion charge. This time he was accused of fleecing a middle-aged widow out of thousands in cash and goods. She and Duke were hot and heavy for several months, but hed got on her fighting side, and she was having the book thrown at him. The night before she was to give testimony in court, which in the DAs opinion would have cooked Dukes goose, the widow turned up dead.
Dead?
As a doornail, Counselor. Murdered on a supermarket parking lot. She went in for a gallon of milk. It and her body were discovered lying beside her car. The milk was cold, her body was warm. Killer got away clean as a whistle. Nobody saw nothing. Its like a freaking phantom strangled her. Thats a quote from the kid who found her body. Sack boy. Went out to gather up abandoned shopping carts.
Duke killed her?
Dodge smirked. He had a rock solid alibi. Hed been denied bail because he was considered a flight risk. He was a guest of the county.
He was in jail? Julie asked.
Locked up tighter than aLocked up tight, he amended. The DA pulled out all the stops, but his key witness was dead, and he didnt have much else. Jury was out less than two hours, including time to eat lunch. Duke was acquitted. The widows murder remains unsolved.
Neither Derek nor Julie spoke while they assimilated this information. Then Derek said, He came from Nebraska to here?
No one has been able to determine when he arrived in Atlanta. No record of employment. At least not with his authentic Social Security number. Between that business in Nebraska and three days before Wheeler was hit, when he appeared on the hotel security camera, he was under the radar. He closed the notebook and re placed it in his pocket. So ends the life and times of William Randall Duke.
Does he have family here?
Thats being researched, but he doesnt appear to. He was born in Washington State to a single mom. She committed suicide when he was in eighth grade, and he went through the foster care system. No known family ties anywhere.
He squeaked through two serious trials without being convicted.
Dodge said, Which begs the question why a slick operator like him pulled a dumb stunt like breaking into Ms. Rutledges house to plant stolen goods when he had thus far eluded capture.
Both men turned to Julie for an answer. She was hugging her elbows, her hands tucked into the wide sleeves of the robe. He was afraid of being caught with it.
Then why didnt he just toss it in the nearest ditch? Why was he hanging around Atlanta in the first place? Why hadnt he skipped town as soon as he popped Wheeler?
They were logical questions to which she had no answers.
The knock sounded unnaturally loud. Derek opened the door. A housekeeping maid wished him a good morning and passed him their clothes, neatly pressed and on hangers. Thanks. He took the hangers from her and automatically reached toward his pocket for a tip before he remembered he didnt have on any pants.
Ive got it. Dodge joined him at the door, gave the maid a five-dollar bill, then followed her out into the hallway.
Where are you going?
To smoke. Get your pants on, for crissake. And call the desk downstairs. Tell that tight-ass Im coming back up as soon as Ive had a cigarette. I dont want to go through that rigamarole again. He lumbered off down the hall.
Derek closed the door. Julie took one of the hangers from him, then without a word headed for the bedroom.
Julie?
She looked back at him. Your sidekick doesnt trust a word I say.
He doesnt trust anybody.
What about you? She looked at him for a moment, then said, Youve never asked me, Derek.
Asked what?
Whether or not Im guilty of having Paul killed.
I never ask.
Ask me.
He hesitated, realizing that she was testing his trust in her. Did you?
No.
When he didnt say anything in response, her expression became so remote it was difficult for him to believe that theyd experienced such rare and wonderful intimacy not an hour ago, when her face had gone soft with rapture even as her body strained to take more of him.
Her eyes, which last night had cried tears of passion, were now cool. And the lips still whisker-burned from his kisses were tinged with sarcasm and sadness. I bet you wish you had a nickel for every client whos said that, too.
ODGE KNOCKED. DEREK OPENED THE DOOR. THE INVESTIGATOR stalked in. When he saw Julie, he bobbed his head. I figured.
Derek said, Julie Rutledge, Dodge Hanley.
Without acknowledging the introduction, Dodge said, The snooty desk clerk with the bad rug and a cob up his butt said you probably wouldnt welcome being disturbed this morning. He hinted that you hadnt spent the night alone. But I didnt want to think you could be this stupid.
Would you like some coffee?
The older man took in Dereks boxer shorts, then looked over at Julie, where she sat swaddled in the robe.
We only had one set of clothes, Derek explained. Theyre out being pressed.
Dodge grunted. Convenient.
Derek crossed his arms over his bare chest, realizing as he did so that he struck a ridiculous pose. Did you come here to cast aspersions, cast stones, or tell us whats going on?
Nothing good, the investigator muttered. He walked over to the table and looked down at Julies plate. Are you going to finish that?
Help yourself.
He scooped up the leftover blintz and ate it like a burrito, licking the ricotta and strawberry sauce off his fingers when he was done. Myself, I havent had time for breakfast this morning. Ive been fielding calls.
From whom? Derek asked.
From everybody I bribed last night. My expenses on this case are going to be out your ass, and I cant say Im sorry. He poured coffee from the carafe into Dereks cup and slurped it.
What have you heard?
They searched her house, starting with the attic rafters and working down.
Let me guess, Derek said. They found a blouse with a button missing. We knew they would. Doesnt prove the button found in Dukes motel came off Julies blouse. Its not one of a kind.
Were not in court, and Im not a juror, Dodge said. Save your shots, Counselor. He glanced at Julie. Youre gonna need them.
What else?
Dodge sat down at the small table across from Julie and addressed himself to her. They found a pistol under your mattress.
Paul gave it to me for protection.
Lucky for you its not the caliber of the one used to shoot him.
Derek said, If they lift prints from it, mine will be on there.
Dodge went whey-faced and looked up at his boss. Swell.
I told you about it. When I walked into her house, the lights were out, she had the weapon
Okay, okay. Turning back to Julie, Dodge said, Forget the firearm. Thats the good news. Your friend Wheeler wore a fancy watch.
A Patek Philippe. It was taken during the robbery.
Um-huh. So imagine how tickled Sanford and Kimball were when it turned up at your house with all the other loot that was stolen that day.
Derek watched the blood literally drain from her face. Thats impossible.
Fraid not, Ms. Rutledge. It was all in a little black velvet pouch as described by the victims of the robbery, yourself included. Found in a shoe box in your closet, sitting right on top of a pair of black satin shoes. By the way, Detective Kimball remarked on what great shoes youve got.
Julie was staring into near space. Derek doubted shed heard anything Dodge had said beyond the pouch being found. He had to speak her name twice before she came out of her daze. When she looked up at him, her eyes were wide with disbelief.
He must have planted it there. Billy Duke. He was coming out of my bedroom. That must have been what he was doing in there. He kept the jewelry and came to my house to leave it to be found.
She divided a wild, desperate look between him and Dodge. He wasnt sure what his expression revealed, but Dodges was patently skeptical.
She came out of her chair, a cornered animal making a defiant stand. If I had masterminded that holdup and murder, do you think Id be stupid enough to keep the jewelry? In a
shoe box
?
Dodge said nothing. Derek ran his fingers through his hair. Of course you wouldnt.
But a double-crossing partner might want it to be found on your property.
Julie rested her small fists on the edge of the table as she leaned toward Dodge. I didnt have a partner. I had never seen that man until he staggered out of my bedroom.
And threw himself against an eight-inch serrated butcher knife you just happened to be holding at gut level.
Okay, Dodge, Derek snapped. What else can you tell us?
Dodge released his stare at Julie and turned to Derek. They lifted a print out of that rathole motel and sent it through all the databases. Had a positive ID in no time flat. William Randall Duke.
He pulled a small notebook from the breast pocket of his wrinkled sport jacket and flipped back the glossy blue cover. Our boy had a couple of misdemeanors to his credit, but served no significant jail time. Graduated to felony when he was tried for extortion in Oregon three years ago. Had an affair with a woman who alleged he blackmailed her. He claimed he was paidten of thousands, by the wayfor services rendered. All the evidence was circumstantial, basically his word against hers. He was acquitted.
Popped up in Chicago a year later, charged with stalking. But, turns out the lady was lying to her husband about the nature of her relationship with Duke. He looked up, divided a glance between them. He liked the ladies, apparently. And they seemed to like him. The charge in Chicago was dropped.
Fast forward. A few months ago, he was tried in Nebraska on another extortion charge. This time he was accused of fleecing a middle-aged widow out of thousands in cash and goods. She and Duke were hot and heavy for several months, but hed got on her fighting side, and she was having the book thrown at him. The night before she was to give testimony in court, which in the DAs opinion would have cooked Dukes goose, the widow turned up dead.
Dead?
As a doornail, Counselor. Murdered on a supermarket parking lot. She went in for a gallon of milk. It and her body were discovered lying beside her car. The milk was cold, her body was warm. Killer got away clean as a whistle. Nobody saw nothing. Its like a freaking phantom strangled her. Thats a quote from the kid who found her body. Sack boy. Went out to gather up abandoned shopping carts.
Duke killed her?
Dodge smirked. He had a rock solid alibi. Hed been denied bail because he was considered a flight risk. He was a guest of the county.
He was in jail? Julie asked.
Locked up tighter than aLocked up tight, he amended. The DA pulled out all the stops, but his key witness was dead, and he didnt have much else. Jury was out less than two hours, including time to eat lunch. Duke was acquitted. The widows murder remains unsolved.
Neither Derek nor Julie spoke while they assimilated this information. Then Derek said, He came from Nebraska to here?
No one has been able to determine when he arrived in Atlanta. No record of employment. At least not with his authentic Social Security number. Between that business in Nebraska and three days before Wheeler was hit, when he appeared on the hotel security camera, he was under the radar. He closed the notebook and re placed it in his pocket. So ends the life and times of William Randall Duke.
Does he have family here?
Thats being researched, but he doesnt appear to. He was born in Washington State to a single mom. She committed suicide when he was in eighth grade, and he went through the foster care system. No known family ties anywhere.
He squeaked through two serious trials without being convicted.
Dodge said, Which begs the question why a slick operator like him pulled a dumb stunt like breaking into Ms. Rutledges house to plant stolen goods when he had thus far eluded capture.
Both men turned to Julie for an answer. She was hugging her elbows, her hands tucked into the wide sleeves of the robe. He was afraid of being caught with it.
Then why didnt he just toss it in the nearest ditch? Why was he hanging around Atlanta in the first place? Why hadnt he skipped town as soon as he popped Wheeler?
They were logical questions to which she had no answers.
The knock sounded unnaturally loud. Derek opened the door. A housekeeping maid wished him a good morning and passed him their clothes, neatly pressed and on hangers. Thanks. He took the hangers from her and automatically reached toward his pocket for a tip before he remembered he didnt have on any pants.
Ive got it. Dodge joined him at the door, gave the maid a five-dollar bill, then followed her out into the hallway.
Where are you going?
To smoke. Get your pants on, for crissake. And call the desk downstairs. Tell that tight-ass Im coming back up as soon as Ive had a cigarette. I dont want to go through that rigamarole again. He lumbered off down the hall.
Derek closed the door. Julie took one of the hangers from him, then without a word headed for the bedroom.
Julie?
She looked back at him. Your sidekick doesnt trust a word I say.
He doesnt trust anybody.
What about you? She looked at him for a moment, then said, Youve never asked me, Derek.
Asked what?
Whether or not Im guilty of having Paul killed.
I never ask.
Ask me.
He hesitated, realizing that she was testing his trust in her. Did you?
No.
When he didnt say anything in response, her expression became so remote it was difficult for him to believe that theyd experienced such rare and wonderful intimacy not an hour ago, when her face had gone soft with rapture even as her body strained to take more of him.
Her eyes, which last night had cried tears of passion, were now cool. And the lips still whisker-burned from his kisses were tinged with sarcasm and sadness. I bet you wish you had a nickel for every client whos said that, too.
It took her longer than usual to dress because her hands were shaking and she couldnt concentrate on even the simplest task. By the time she returned to the sitting room, the room service table had been taken away, and Dodge was back. He was sitting on the sofa, notebook in hand.
Derek was pacing, taking occasional glances out the window where hed opened the louvers of the shutters. The patterned carpet was striped with buttery sunlight. She realized that, to most people, it was a beautiful day.
Derek stopped pacing when she came in and got straight to the point. They located an abandoned car a few blocks from your house. It had a duffel bag packed with clothes and toiletries, some magazines, personal stuff. Theyve lifted prints from the car, and should verify soon that it was the one used by Duke. He left it there and walked to your house. One of the windows in your bedroom had been jimmied. He came in that way.
How did he avoid the alarm? Every window has a contact.
The phone line had been cut.
Thats why the first 911 didnt go through. The phone was dead. Looking at Dodge, she said, Ive been meaning to upgrade my security system to a radio signal.
I recommend it, he said caustically.
What else? she asked.
Derek motioned for Dodge to take it from there. The lab guys will go over that car the same way theyre going over the room at the motel.
They wont find any evidence of me in either, Julie said.
The two men exchanged a look. Sensing the significance of it, Julie sank onto the arm of the chair that Derek had looked so comfortable sitting in the night before. They already have, havent they?
Dodge said, A strand of hair that looks like yours was found on the cars headrest, passenger side, caught in the nap of the upholstery. I say looks like yours because itll be sent to the lab for a match.
I was never in any car driven by Billy Duke. Creighton must have taken a strand of hair from my brush. Something. I dont know! All I know, and know absolutely, is that hes responsible for this. All of it. We should check to see if he was in Nebraska at the time of Billy Dukes trial.
I dont follow, Dodge said.
He could have killed that widow for Billy.
That train movie scenario?
Dodges tone suggested derision, which she ignored. Exactly like that. He killed that woman to prevent her from testifying against Billy, which obligated Billy to kill Paul for him.
How would a playboy in Atlanta learn about a case of extortion in Omaha?
I dont know.
The widow and her larcenous lover might have been big news in Nebraska, but
I dont know how he did it! she shouted, cutting him off. I just know he did. She turned, appealing to Derek, and said, Dont you see? Hes a genius. Hes bold. He doesnt have any fear because he doesnt have a conscience. Hes probably watched a hun dred movies where someone is framed for murder. He would know what to do to make me look guilty. It would be a game to him. He would delight Realizing that she was beginning to sound desperate and hysterical, she rolled her lips inward to avoid saying anything more.
After a time, Dodge coughed, hawked, swallowed. Derek told me that Creighton paid a visit to the gallery yesterday.
He terrorized me. Although Im sure you dont believe that, or you think Im exaggerating.
Look, Ms. Rutledge, what I think is that the world would be a better place without this guy in it. If hes the one who killed Maggie, hes a motherfucking sadist. But his pictures been shown to the Korean woman who runs the motel, to the other residents there, to the staff at the Moultrie, where you and Paul Wheeler were cozied up. Nobody recognized him. Or that fancy car of his, either, and its bound to have attracted attention.
He has another car. An SUV of some kind. I think he has several vehicles.
Dodge jotted that down and said, Ill check it out, but Julie didnt think it was a top priority with him.
He keeps his private life very private. What I mean is, you called him a playboy, but thats a misnomer. Playboys are seen with beautiful women. They host lavish parties. They have coteries of hangers-on. They crave and cultivate attention. Creighton does none of that. Conceited as he is, dont you think its odd that he keeps so to himself and avoids the public eye?
Lots of rich people shun publicity.
But Creightons shunning it contradicts his personality. There must be a reason for it. Have you checked to see if he has a police record?
Ive been kinda busy today, Dodge replied testily.
Derek, speaking for the first time in several minutes, said, Tell her about the phone.
She glanced at him where he stood at the window, his back to the room. His back to her.
Billy Duke had a cell phone on him when he died. Dodge reached into his breast pocket again and withdrew a sheet of paper. Lady friend of mine, policewoman, confiscated this for me in exchange for a fancy dinner at the restaurant of her choice. Its a record of all the calls made from that phone. First one was made night before last, indicating it was a new phone.
None of Creightons numbers are on there, Derek said.
He would have insisted that Billy Duke not call him.
Dodge passed her the sheet. On the other hand
Julie scanned the number that had been underlined each time it appeared on the list. The gallery.
Called five times yesterday.
He did call. I mean, I guess it was him.
Derek came around and gave her a hard look.
There was no reason to mention it, she said defensively. I answered the gallery phone three times yesterday when the caller didnt speak. You dont have to take my word for it. You can ask Kate.
She was on an extension?
No. But she said it had happened to her, too. Look how short these calls are. A minute or less.
A lot can be said in sixty seconds.
She shook the paper at Dodge. This only proves he placed the call. It doesnt prove anyone talked to him.
Derek looked at Dodge, who frowned and said, Still doesnt look good. Especially since he went to the gallery that time asking for you.
I never met the man.
Then why would he come to see you, Ms. Rutledge?
I have no idea.
You dont?
No.
Huh. Dodge studied her for a moment, then looked aside and began patting his pockets.
Apparently it was a nervous habit that signified something to Derek. What, Dodge?
The older man stopped fidgeting. He looked at Derek, then at her. When he looked back at Derek, his expression was sympathetic. One last thing theyve dug up, and, Counselor, its the mother lode.
Tell us.
Dodge tilted his head toward Julie but didnt take his eyes off Derek. She knows. Ask her.
Everything inside her began to crumble. Molecule by molecule she felt herself collapsing on the inside. It had been inevitable that they would find out, but she had hoped that, before they did, Creighton and his crony Billy Duke would be exposed as Pauls assassins.
What? Derek demanded, and when neither she nor Dodge said anything, he repeated it angrily. Goddammit,
what?
Julie tried to speak, but her tongue was stuck to the roof of her mouth. She managed only to stammer his name imploringly.
Dodge heaved himself up and walked to the door. He even took hold of the doorknob before he turned back into the room. That Tuesday wasnt one of their ordinary afternoon rendezvous. She and Wheeler were celebrating something that day. Right, Ms. Rutledge?
Still unable to speak, she nodded.
Sanford and Kimball had to go to their supervisor and ask for his clout. He came down hard on Wheelers lawyer, and even then, the pertinent file had to be subpoenaed before the lawyer would give it up.
File on what? Derek asked.
Paul Wheelers will. Hed had it changed. It hasnt been probated yet, but Ms. Rutledge is due to inherit his entire fortune. His share of the business, his property. Every last cent.
The words reverberated like the tolling of a death knell, then were followed by a dense silence.
Derek stared at Julie with a mix of incredulity and barely suppressed rage.
Slowly she shook her head from side to side, knowing that if she said anything at that moment, it was sure to be the wrong thing.
Dodge said, Ill be outside.
Derek was pacing, taking occasional glances out the window where hed opened the louvers of the shutters. The patterned carpet was striped with buttery sunlight. She realized that, to most people, it was a beautiful day.
Derek stopped pacing when she came in and got straight to the point. They located an abandoned car a few blocks from your house. It had a duffel bag packed with clothes and toiletries, some magazines, personal stuff. Theyve lifted prints from the car, and should verify soon that it was the one used by Duke. He left it there and walked to your house. One of the windows in your bedroom had been jimmied. He came in that way.
How did he avoid the alarm? Every window has a contact.
The phone line had been cut.
Thats why the first 911 didnt go through. The phone was dead. Looking at Dodge, she said, Ive been meaning to upgrade my security system to a radio signal.
I recommend it, he said caustically.
What else? she asked.
Derek motioned for Dodge to take it from there. The lab guys will go over that car the same way theyre going over the room at the motel.
They wont find any evidence of me in either, Julie said.
The two men exchanged a look. Sensing the significance of it, Julie sank onto the arm of the chair that Derek had looked so comfortable sitting in the night before. They already have, havent they?
Dodge said, A strand of hair that looks like yours was found on the cars headrest, passenger side, caught in the nap of the upholstery. I say looks like yours because itll be sent to the lab for a match.
I was never in any car driven by Billy Duke. Creighton must have taken a strand of hair from my brush. Something. I dont know! All I know, and know absolutely, is that hes responsible for this. All of it. We should check to see if he was in Nebraska at the time of Billy Dukes trial.
I dont follow, Dodge said.
He could have killed that widow for Billy.
That train movie scenario?
Dodges tone suggested derision, which she ignored. Exactly like that. He killed that woman to prevent her from testifying against Billy, which obligated Billy to kill Paul for him.
How would a playboy in Atlanta learn about a case of extortion in Omaha?
I dont know.
The widow and her larcenous lover might have been big news in Nebraska, but
I dont know how he did it! she shouted, cutting him off. I just know he did. She turned, appealing to Derek, and said, Dont you see? Hes a genius. Hes bold. He doesnt have any fear because he doesnt have a conscience. Hes probably watched a hun dred movies where someone is framed for murder. He would know what to do to make me look guilty. It would be a game to him. He would delight Realizing that she was beginning to sound desperate and hysterical, she rolled her lips inward to avoid saying anything more.
After a time, Dodge coughed, hawked, swallowed. Derek told me that Creighton paid a visit to the gallery yesterday.
He terrorized me. Although Im sure you dont believe that, or you think Im exaggerating.
Look, Ms. Rutledge, what I think is that the world would be a better place without this guy in it. If hes the one who killed Maggie, hes a motherfucking sadist. But his pictures been shown to the Korean woman who runs the motel, to the other residents there, to the staff at the Moultrie, where you and Paul Wheeler were cozied up. Nobody recognized him. Or that fancy car of his, either, and its bound to have attracted attention.
He has another car. An SUV of some kind. I think he has several vehicles.
Dodge jotted that down and said, Ill check it out, but Julie didnt think it was a top priority with him.
He keeps his private life very private. What I mean is, you called him a playboy, but thats a misnomer. Playboys are seen with beautiful women. They host lavish parties. They have coteries of hangers-on. They crave and cultivate attention. Creighton does none of that. Conceited as he is, dont you think its odd that he keeps so to himself and avoids the public eye?
Lots of rich people shun publicity.
But Creightons shunning it contradicts his personality. There must be a reason for it. Have you checked to see if he has a police record?
Ive been kinda busy today, Dodge replied testily.
Derek, speaking for the first time in several minutes, said, Tell her about the phone.
She glanced at him where he stood at the window, his back to the room. His back to her.
Billy Duke had a cell phone on him when he died. Dodge reached into his breast pocket again and withdrew a sheet of paper. Lady friend of mine, policewoman, confiscated this for me in exchange for a fancy dinner at the restaurant of her choice. Its a record of all the calls made from that phone. First one was made night before last, indicating it was a new phone.
None of Creightons numbers are on there, Derek said.
He would have insisted that Billy Duke not call him.
Dodge passed her the sheet. On the other hand
Julie scanned the number that had been underlined each time it appeared on the list. The gallery.
Called five times yesterday.
He did call. I mean, I guess it was him.
Derek came around and gave her a hard look.
There was no reason to mention it, she said defensively. I answered the gallery phone three times yesterday when the caller didnt speak. You dont have to take my word for it. You can ask Kate.
She was on an extension?
No. But she said it had happened to her, too. Look how short these calls are. A minute or less.
A lot can be said in sixty seconds.
She shook the paper at Dodge. This only proves he placed the call. It doesnt prove anyone talked to him.
Derek looked at Dodge, who frowned and said, Still doesnt look good. Especially since he went to the gallery that time asking for you.
I never met the man.
Then why would he come to see you, Ms. Rutledge?
I have no idea.
You dont?
No.
Huh. Dodge studied her for a moment, then looked aside and began patting his pockets.
Apparently it was a nervous habit that signified something to Derek. What, Dodge?
The older man stopped fidgeting. He looked at Derek, then at her. When he looked back at Derek, his expression was sympathetic. One last thing theyve dug up, and, Counselor, its the mother lode.
Tell us.
Dodge tilted his head toward Julie but didnt take his eyes off Derek. She knows. Ask her.
Everything inside her began to crumble. Molecule by molecule she felt herself collapsing on the inside. It had been inevitable that they would find out, but she had hoped that, before they did, Creighton and his crony Billy Duke would be exposed as Pauls assassins.
What? Derek demanded, and when neither she nor Dodge said anything, he repeated it angrily. Goddammit,
what?
Julie tried to speak, but her tongue was stuck to the roof of her mouth. She managed only to stammer his name imploringly.
Dodge heaved himself up and walked to the door. He even took hold of the doorknob before he turned back into the room. That Tuesday wasnt one of their ordinary afternoon rendezvous. She and Wheeler were celebrating something that day. Right, Ms. Rutledge?
Still unable to speak, she nodded.
Sanford and Kimball had to go to their supervisor and ask for his clout. He came down hard on Wheelers lawyer, and even then, the pertinent file had to be subpoenaed before the lawyer would give it up.
File on what? Derek asked.
Paul Wheelers will. Hed had it changed. It hasnt been probated yet, but Ms. Rutledge is due to inherit his entire fortune. His share of the business, his property. Every last cent.
The words reverberated like the tolling of a death knell, then were followed by a dense silence.
Derek stared at Julie with a mix of incredulity and barely suppressed rage.
Slowly she shook her head from side to side, knowing that if she said anything at that moment, it was sure to be the wrong thing.
Dodge said, Ill be outside.
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