The Return of the Fallen Angels Book Club (A Hollis Morgan Mystery 3) (13 page)

It was only a bit after one o’clock. Everyone in the firm was in a staff meeting, but she didn’t want to disrupt it by coming in late. She would have to rely on George to bring her up to date.

Shelby and her family had drained her thinking resources. On one hand, Hollis was sorry for the young girl trying to pay for an education. On the other hand, Shelby Patterson, like many of her teenage peers, sent mixed signals of passive compliance coupled with self-interest. She couldn’t wait to file this case away.

It was time to leave for her meeting with Mosley.

As usual, Mosley was waiting for her. Hollis was waved through security, and three minutes later he was handing her a cup of green tea.

“You remembered. I’m touched.” Hollis smiled.

“I discovered we have tea drinkers here.” Mosley took a seat across from her. “So, what have you got for me, Ms. Morgan?”

Hollis frowned. “Do you ever think you could call me Hollis? You make me feel like we’ve never talked before.”

He gave her a mirthless smile. “Old habits die hard.”

“Yeah, I guess so.” She pulled out her notepad. “You probably already know this, but Jeffrey Wallace has a son in prison. I don’t know what kind of relationship they had, but he didn’t come to the funeral. A lot of favors can be arranged in prison if you want something done on the outside.” Hollis noticed Mosley taking a note. “I know it was likely Brian’s gun that killed Wallace, which is what led to his arrest. But you need to look deeper into Frances’ motivations. She pushed Jeffrey into getting the trust, then three months later filed for a divorce. She has gambling connections and wants to move to Nevada as soon as possible. Brian did not kill his father, but I bet the real killer is glad you think he did.”

Mosley didn’t look up. “Todd Wallace is out on parole, and he has an alibi for the night his father died.”

“What?” Hollis said, startled.

“You wanted to meet to share and compare what you discovered with what we know … and what I can tell you.” Mosley leaned back in his chair. “Todd Wallace was released on parole two months ago. He’s living in the East Bay, and according to his parole officer, has held to all his restrictions. On the night of the murder, he was peer coaching at an AA meeting.”

Hollis tossed her pen on the table. “Well, that doesn’t mean he couldn’t have had someone else—”

“Todd was not Jeffrey Wallace’s natural son. He and his first wife adopted him as a child. It appears they had a close father-son relationship. It was Jeffrey who worked to get Todd out on early parole and find a place for him to live. Todd asked Jeffrey to keep his efforts secret from Brian and Frances. Now he says he’s still dealing with a lot of regret and guilt. He wanted to have a chance to prove himself to his father.”

Yeah, I bet.

“So, you don’t think Todd has a motive?”

“Do you?”

Hollis ran her fingers through her hair. She knew she sounded more confident than she felt.

“Detective, you didn’t know Jeffrey like I did. He was a good man. Brian’s motives don’t rise to murder. And the real killer is getting away. There must be more viable suspects than Brian Wallace.”

“Ms. Morgan, I’m not going to get engaged in a guessing game with you. In fact, you assured me that you were not planning to interfere with police business and were only pursuing probate issues surrounding the descendant’s estate.” Mosley cleared his throat. “Right now, it’s beginning to sound like you’re playing shadow detective—and I don’t need a shadow.”

Hollis paused. “I came here in good faith to tell you what we’ve discovered.”

“You came here to pump me for what we have on Brian Wallace.”

“I’m just trying to be an effective co-executor.” She put her notepad away. “Is there anything else?”

He chuckled. “I’ve gotta hand it to you: you don’t give up.” His face was instantly sober again. “Brian Wallace is our man. It was his gun and he had opportunity. We found GSR—that’s gunshot residue—on his shoes, which proves he had recently fired a weapon. He and his father had been at odds for some time. Where the trust does come into play is that Brian thought he should have gotten an inheritance outside of the trust—and that’s his motive. Finally, Frances and Todd have solid alibis and no motives. One more thing: Brian has a few debts of his own, so I hope his fiancée did a credit check.”

Hollis didn’t comment but she did barely suppress a groan. They hadn’t run credit checks on their suspects.

Mosley tossed his pen on the table. “Now that’s everything else.”

H
ollis had two messages, and she steeled herself before playing them back. The first was from Kevin Gregg, the real estate broker. He would be holding a broker open house on the following Tuesday. Knowing the Pattersons, that ought to be fun.

The next message was from John.

“Hey, can’t talk. Just checking in. I miss you.”

I miss you too
.

For once she wanted to share an update on the Pattersons and get his reaction about the appearance of Todd Wallace on the scene. His message gave her a little energetic push and left her with a goofy smile on her face. She left a similar message on his phone.

George had left two files in her inbox with the note: “Let’s talk.” Hollis skimmed through them and immediately saw what was needed. She drafted the legal letters and tucked them in her drawer. At least she was able to get a jump on something.

She wrote notes on her Patterson family encounter and the status of the estate. She was ready to file them in a folder when George appeared in her doorway.

“We missed you at the staff meeting.”

“I didn’t get back until after it had started. Anything I need to know?”

George leaned against the doorway and took out a small pad. “No, there are some office procedural things that are changing. Ask Tiffany about those. Oh, and your friend Vince got a few compliments. Everyone is happy with the mail service. Finally, our billables are up for the year and Ed is very pleased.”

“That sounds great.” Hollis could barely muster a smile.

He let the pad rest on his leg then folded his hands behind his neck and gazed at her. “What’s the matter?”

“I said ‘great,’ ” she said. “Nothing’s the matter.”

“You look stressed and ….” The closer he looked as her, the more she stiffened. “Is Shelby still making you crazy? Or is it the Wallace case?”

She sighed. “Maybe a little of both, but I’ll be fine. Once the Patterson house is sold I won’t feel so anxious.”

George nodded slowly. “All right. How was the trip to the house with Miss Patterson?”

“Very interesting. Here are my notes. Don’t read them now; wait until tomorrow.” She stood. “I’m going home.”

George took the pages and stood as well.

“Now that’s an idea. Get some rest. What are your next steps?”

Hollis glanced at her calendar. “I met with Detective Mosley and he gave me some facts that could really impact what we know about Jeffrey’s dea … I mean trust.”

“We?”

Hollis shook her head. “I meant
me
.” She smiled sheepishly. “I was using the queen’s ‘we.’ ”

She talked George through the highlights from the meeting with the detective.

He turned to leave. “I know you’re not happy with this outcome, but at least it sounds like the drama is coming to an end.”

“Maybe.”

Rather than leave early, Hollis stayed a little longer at work. Fortunately the day ended quietly. Hollis was now caught up with her case assignments from George, and she was able to assist another attorney with research on another matter. It was a relief not to have any interest in the legal outcome.

When she got home she quickly finished her household chores, freeing up the rest of the evening to finish a book she’d started weeks before.

Early the next morning, after a rare jog around the neighborhood, she returned home to get ready for work. Hollis smiled to herself. She was more than happy
not
to have any messages on her voicemail.

She sent John his daily text.

Even with the short morning workout, she was in the office before everyone else. Feeling as if her batteries had been recharged, she arranged to meet Stephanie for coffee. Thinking of her friend brought a smile to her face. They were much alike, and Stephanie, in her capacity as a forensic technician, had proven herself more than just a friend, but a life-saver.

“You should have called me last weekend,” Stephanie said. “If I’d known John was out of town, I’d have asked you to the movies.”

They were sitting in the police department cafeteria. The room was half-filled, with a few children running about and two or three tables of adults holding muffled conversations.

“I had a fantastic weekend by myself.” Hollis picked at a blueberry muffin. “John has been putting pressure on me to move in with him. I needed time to think.”

“Whoa, lady.” Stephanie put her food down. “You never told me you two were contemplating Defcon two. We need to have a long talk.”

Hollis smiled. “That’s why I needed time alone, to contemplate.”

“You don’t sound very cheerful.” Stephanie stared at her friend.

“I am. I … I just don’t know …. I’m not sure.” Hollis sat hugging herself, her hands gripping her upper arms.

Stephanie gave her an encouraging smile and nodded in understanding. “Then you’re right to take your time.”

Hollis said, “So, how is Aurelia? Any psychic revelations?”

“Not since we last talked.” Stephanie took a bite of her bran muffin and chewed thoughtfully. Covering her mouth, she said, “I’m not that reliant on her. Although, I think you might be able to figure the John thing out better if you had a psychic session.”

Stephanie swore to the authenticity and accuracy of Aurelia’s predictions. Hollis was less impressed and the two friends agreed to disagree.

“I’ll pass. I’ve stumbled along this far.” Hollis wiped her mouth and checked the time. “What I need to figure out concerns my two clients. Both are atypical cases and both are challenging.”

“Hmm, as often as you come here for meetings with the detectives, I take it that at least one of those cases involves law enforcement.”

“Both do. When I was on parole, I knew that if I never saw a police department again, it would be fine with me.” Hollis’ smile was bittersweet. “But ever since I got off parole this place has practically become my second home. Go figure.”

“Maybe you should go into criminal law.”

Once Hollis was back at her office, she made a call to Richard.

“This must be important. I don’t ever remember getting a call from you,” he said.

“I apologize for bothering you at work, but I couldn’t wait until our meeting. I need you to run a credit check on Brian—the kind the banks run with the FICO scores. I’ll give you his social, and I’ve got his release to share info with the team.”

Richard took down the number. “Got it. See you Thursday.”

She made her next call.

“Gene, is there any way you can find out about Todd Wallace’s prison sentence?” she asked. “I’m getting the legal party line, but I was thinking you might be able to come up with the street version.”

She could imagine Gene pulling at his eyebrows. It was a wonder he had any left. She gave him a summary of her conversation with Mosley.

“I’ll give it a shot,” he said. “Jeffrey’s son is out on parole?”

“And he’s making it work,” Hollis said. “The police are satisfied.”

“But you’re not?”

“Nope, I’m not.”

Her last call was to Rena. They agreed to meet for lunch. After cursory air kisses, they dove into the menus.

“You know it’s rare I have time to eat a social lunch,” Rena said, scanning the long list of salads. “But we lucked out. One of our stores cancelled a meeting and it freed up my afternoon. What’s going on with Brian?”

Hollis brought her up to date with her meetings with Brian and Mosley.

“There’s something not right,” Hollis said. “It’s like looking for one of those pictures within a picture, but you can’t see it because there is so much other clutter.”

“Yeah, those things make me cross-eyed.” Rena put the menu aside. “Are we really going to eat? Or is this just a micro Fallen Angels meeting? I’m starving.”

“We’re going to eat,” Hollis said.

The server took their order.

Rena raised an eyebrow when she saw Hollis pull out a pad and pen. “I thought so.”

“I hoped I could talk to you about two issues—Jeffrey and Shelby.”

Rena nodded. “I was wondering what was happening with Shelby. I was afraid to ask. I haven’t called her aunt in LA because … because I hated to give them something else to worry about. They want so badly for her to go to college and succeed; they’d be discouraged if they discover she’s acting up. Well … I just wanted to see if we could work things out so I wouldn’t have to make that call.”

“Shelby is a typical teenager trying to find her way. She can be exasperating, but she’s got good instincts. Now her ‘step’ family …. That’s another story.

“That bad?” she asked. “Denise told me about the shooting and how Shelby has been acting irresponsibly.”

Hollis’ forehead creased. “Did you know that Shelby went missing for three days and no one knew where she was? I even filed a missing persons report.”

Rena’s brown eyes widened. “No, I had no idea. I take it she eventually surfaced okay?”

“Yeah, but I felt like an idiot—particularly with the police—when I found out she was deliberately hiding out at a girlfriend’s. She only did it because she was intimidated by her stepfather and siblings, and on this point I understand her reaction. They want to stop her from selling the house.”

Rena sighed. “Darol and his kids can be unsavory, but I don’t think they would hurt her.”

“They do a pretty good intimidation number, however. That’s why I’ve had to change the locks—twice.” Hollis held up two fingers for emphasis. She went on to explain about the shooting and what had transpired since. “Shelby was complaining of phone hang-ups and other harassing activity. I’ve been getting a few hang-ups myself.”

“Oh, Hollis, I’m sorry. I had no idea. I didn’t think—”

“It’s okay, I’m getting used to them.” Hollis put down her fork and let the waitress take her plate away. “We need to sell the house quickly. The longer this matter drags on, the more injured the Pattersons become. It’s like a raw sore.”

“What do you want me to do?” Rena asked. “I know Darol. I can try to talk some sense into him. Joy and Sonny I’ve only met a few times. They were raised by their mother.”

Hollis frowned. “See if Darol will meet with you. Once I talk with Shelby I’d like you to bounce an idea off him. He could be given a portion of the sale proceeds for rent money—say for six months. If he still wants his kids to live with him, that’s on him. But there is no more money after that. I have a fiduciary responsibility to make sure there is enough money to pay for Shelby’s school and as much of her housing costs as possible.”

Rena nodded. “Hollis, that’s a great idea, but I thought you didn’t want to get involved.”

“I didn’t,” Hollis said. “While I may not have the patience or communication skills for a family counselor, I do know how to cut a mutually beneficial settlement.”

“Do you think Shelby will agree?”

“I can only hope. But she knows I’m tired of her moods and inconsiderate behavior. Besides, she has to register soon for fall classes; and she’ll want to move on. I’m pretty sure I can convince her. It’s a fair deal.”

“Okay, when I get your go-ahead that Shelby is on board, I’ll tell Denise to get in touch with Darol.”

“I’ll let you know as soon as I need you to call.”

Hollis pulled out her notebook. “Now let’s move on to Brian Wallace,” she said. “I need you to go back one more time to your friends and find out if Frances has put up her share for the casino yet. I don’t think she has, but I want to make sure. Finally, I was hoping you could find out if Brian Wallace has any gambling debts, or any loan shark activity.”

Rena took out a green leather monogrammed appointment book and jotted down a few notes.

“All right. I can handle that.”

“I’ve got Rich and Gene doing some extra looking, too. I hope to wrap all these ends up soon.”

“Great relaxing lunch, Hollis.” Rena dabbed her mouth with her napkin. “What are you going to do now, run a marathon?”

“Sorry.” She made a face. “I’m off to visit Mr. Brian Wallace. It seems he neglected to mention a few things when we met a couple of days ago.”

Hollis sat waiting for Brian in his living room. He left her alone while he finished a phone call. She took advantage of the time alone to take stock of her surroundings. There was a stack of unopened mail on the sofa table—at least the ones on top were bills, some envelopes in late-notice pink. She noted several glass rings on the walnut table where someone had let liquid stain the wood. On a side table was a white bag with a pharmacy logo. She read the bottle—a sleeping pill prescription.

She walked over to the cluttered mantel to look closer at a picture of Brian, Todd, and Jeffrey at a softball game. The brothers were still boys; Todd was in his teens. Todd was suited up, and Brian and Jeffrey grinned broadly. Evidently the ties of brotherhood weren’t completely severed.

Brian walked into the room wearing a pair of navy sweats. His blond hair was slicked back.

Hollis put the photo back. “Happier times?”