Curse of the Dragon

by Madison Johns

  “You’re probably right. I would have paid the man extra attention. I’m not too old to do that.” She grinned.

  “When were his belongings picked up?”

  “Yesterday.”

  I frowned. “The cops certainly kept that under wraps.”

  “What happens out here is so hush-hush. I bet we don’t get a mention on the news either.”

  “Has Detective Blake been by?”

  “Nope, but I’m looking forward to seeing him. It’s about time I see him in person. I wonder why they don’t feature him on the news much.”

  “Detective Blake is too busy I suppose.”

  “It’s a shame. I hope you find Glenn.”

  “So the cops only mentioned he was missing?”

  “Yes, why?”

  “No reason. I’d hate for Hugh to think I got the scoop first.” I smiled. “Thank you for your help.”

  Fifteen

  I drove to the mountains and hiked to the valley. I attempted to channel my inner dragon, but only managed to get a little smoke moving. I raced across the meadow, my arms wide, only to trip in a hole. I slammed both knees hard on the dirt, the pain searing as I absently gripped my necklace. I reared back on my heels as my wings burst free. I gritted my teeth as I pushed myself to my feet. The weight of the massive wings pressed down, but I straightened my back the best I could. “Come on, dragon, work with me here.”

  The wings became suddenly much lighter, flapping idly behind me. I shrugged my right shoulder and the wing on my right raised and then lowered as I relaxed my shoulder. This was some progress at least. I did the same thing with my left and surprisingly I was able to stay on my feet. As I walked they moved with me instead of weighing me down. It was a great feeling as I turned right and then left and my wings snapped to attention.

  This could be useful for defense. Problem was that I could hardly do it in full view. If people saw what I really was they’d come after me with pitchforks and torches. And forget about bringing a sword to the party. No can do. But I couldn’t imagine a dragon hunter would be able to pick me off in the city either. They’d need to draw me out.

  I closed my eyes tightly and thought happy thoughts about bunnies and puppies. After a few moments of concentrating, my wings retracted and I was able to get back into my car and head home.

  I parked at the curb. I didn’t want to be boxed in on the parking ramp even though I’d recently claimed my own spot. I pulled out a clean shirt from my backseat and threw it on before heading upstairs.

  It took a moment before I remembered I hadn’t set the alarm before I’d left for the day. I scanned the kitchen, the poor excuse for a dining room and the living room. Nothing out of place, but I hadn’t ventured into the bathroom or bedroom. It would serve me right if Agents Bernstein and Hughes were hiding behind my shower curtain or under my bed.

  I was interrupted by a knock on my door. I opened it to Blake’s brooding face. He pushed the door open enough to walk inside and began to pace. His face twisted into a near sneer as he gnashed his teeth.

  “I hope we’re not going to have one of those conversations. But in my defense, I must remind you I’m a private detective. All I want to know is why you didn’t tell me the body had already been identified?”

  Blake ripped his fingers through his tangled hair. “I had my reasons.”

  “Did you release the victim’s name to the media?”

  “That’s not why I’m here. I’m sorry I was short with you earlier.”

  “I get it. You’re a respected detective and there are rules you have to follow.”

  “Again, not why I’m here.” His fingers raked through his hair again.

  “Tell me what’s on your mind before you rip out what’s left of your hair.”

  “I don’t trust the victim’s brother,” Blake said. “Hugh Miller is a suspect.”

  “Deputy Mayor Hugh Miller?”

  Blake gritted his teeth.

  “So he’s an arrogant politician.”

  “Deputy mayors are appointed, not elected.”

  “I assume questioning Hugh didn’t go well.”

  “I wasn’t sure who was questioning who.” Blake resumed pacing. “He had the audacity to question my ability to solve this case. He said he’d bring in a more-experienced detective.”

  “He doesn’t have authority over you or the Westland Police Department.”

  “Not for now, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the mayor of Westland pays me a visit tomorrow.”

  “Surely the police commissioner wouldn’t go along with that.”

  “I honestly couldn’t tell you.”

  “What does your fellow detective, Trevelli, have to say on the matter?”

  “He was in the chief’s office when I left.”

  “You can’t let Miller rattle you. I know you have to look at everyone as a viable suspect, but Hugh did file a missing person report for his brother.”

  “That hardly makes him innocent. I can’t explain it, but I’ve been a detective for a long time and something’s off about him.”

  “I’ll give you my opinion of him after I question him.”

  “I wouldn’t suggest that. I can’t let you get involved.”

  “I’m a private detective and I don’t need your permission.”

  “Fine,” Blake hissed. “Be careful what you say. I don’t want him to know we know each other.”

  “I hardly think he knows we’re involved.” I smiled flippantly.

  Blake forced a smile. “Thanks. I needed a good laugh.”

  “And that’s what I’m here for. It wouldn’t hurt you to hit a few online dating sites. There must be one called Dates for Detectives.”

  Blake shook his head at me, his hand going to the butt of his handgun when someone knocked on the door.

  He looked through the peephole and jerked open the door to Detective Trevelli’s smiling face. Trevelli carried in a pizza box that he set on the table and plopped in a chair opposite me. “I thought you might be hungry,” he said. “Figured I’d find Blake here.”

  “Why is that?” Blake asked with furrowed brow.

  “I know you and Alex are working this case. And let’s hope the chief doesn’t hear about it, so watch your asses.”

  “I won’t tell him.” I smiled at Blake.

  Blake melted into the chair next to me. “Easy for you to say. What did the chief have to say, Tony?”

  “Less than thrilled that Hugh Miller’s brother is the victim. But he’s not about to allow it to interfere with the investigation.”

  “Do you think the mayor will intervene?”

  “Not a chance,” Trevelli said. “He’s too busy dodging rumors of his infidelities.”

  “With any luck that will keep him out of your hair,” I said. “Is the police department releasing the name of the victim?”

  “We’re delaying it,” Blake said, “if the chief goes along with it.”

  “He suggests we wait,” Trevelli said as he opened the box to reveal half a pizza. “But we won’t be able to keep it quiet for long. The public is on edge enough with a killer on the loose.”

  Trevelli and Blake shot me a look and I said, “I promise I won’t tell Mr. Deputy Mayor his brother is dead when I question him.”

  Trevelli shook his head as his cheeks were full of the pizza he was chewing.

  “Don’t bother to talk with your mouth full,” Blake said. “There’s no talking her out of it. She’s a private investigator, don’t you know.”

  “What’s your angle?” Trevelli asked as he gulped down the mouthful.

  “I haven’t thought about it yet, but I’ll come up with something.”

  “Be careful. Hugh Miller is pretty slick and arrogant as the day is long,” Blake said.

  “I can handle myself.”

  “I’d get thrown out of the detective’s club if I didn’t warn you,” Trevelli said as he wiped his mouth on his shirtsleeve.

  “And you’re going to be thrown out of th
e house when your wife sees you’ve been wiping your mouth on your sleeves,” I said.

  “You could have offered me a napkin.”

  “You didn’t ask.” I said as I grabbed a large slice of pizza.

  “Hope you know there’s meat on that.”

  “Are you lecturing me, Trevelli?”

  “Not a chance. I just know you’re a strict vegetarian.”

  I couldn’t argue that point.

  We finished up the pizza and I walked Trevelli and Blake to the door.

  “Be careful,” Blake said as I closed the door.

  I stood in line at Starbucks and waved at Nate, who stood near the door chatting up a curvy brunette with large blue eyes.

  I paid the cashier when it was my turn and took my latte. Whenever the middle-aged woman saw me in line she took time to have my drink ready when it was my turn. It could be the tips I give her every day. Businesses like to see their regulars.

  “How goes it, Nate?”

  He disentangled himself from the woman hanging all over him to speak to me in a corner of the cafe.

  “You know, just keeping the women in Westland company.”

  “Just make sure they’re not of the married variety.”

  “Been there, done that, and not worth a broken windshield.” He flashed his bedroom eyes at me and again I had to remind myself he was too young. “In my defense, she didn’t tell me.”

  “And you didn’t ask.”

  “I’m no home wrecker. You’ve been busy lately. Care to share?”

  “I’ve changed up my routine since the murder. It doesn’t feel safe to jog in the mountains any longer.”

  “Since when are you afraid of anything?”

  “Since it involves a mutilated body.”

  “Oh really? They didn’t report that on the news. Of course I’m not besties with a cop.”

  “I’m on the list of suspects for your information.”

  “Do you need a character witness?”

  I laughed. “I can’t imagine what that would sound like.”

  “Did you take your car to the body shop yet?”

  “Why would I do that?”

  “The heat damage.”

  “Why, do you know a guy who knows a guy?”

  “It’s always nice talking to you, but I’d better get back to whatever her name is.”

  Nate rejoined his date, and I wandered to the patio, where I found an empty seat. It was hard to miss the man wearing an Italian three-piece suit who sat several tables from me. His rugged good looks were impossible to ignore. His dark hair was thick, yet styled appropriately for the business sector. And his long fingers flew across the keys of his laptop.

  I quickly glanced away before the man noticed me gawking. I performed a quick Internet search on my phone. Sure enough, it was Mr. Deputy Mayor Hugh Miller. He didn’t appear stressed, but certainly was intent on sticking around town. I couldn’t come up with one decent excuse to go over and talk to him. I’d have to find another time and place. How hard could it be to find out where he was staying?

  I lazily nursed my latte until a shadow fell over me. I glanced up into the face of Hugh Miller.

  “Can I help you?” I asked nonchalantly.

  “You were staring at me first.” He smiled.

  “Think I’m stalking you?”

  “I wouldn’t mind.”

  “I’m a private investigator, Alex Frost,” I said as I offered him my hand.

  “Uh-oh. The last private investigator who checked me out was working for my ex-wife.”

  “I’m not the following-the–cheating-spouse-all-over-town type.” I smiled. “I think we should talk somewhere —.”

  “Private? Like my hotel room?” he flirted.

  “Not a chance, but nice try. I’ll meet you at the fountain at the city park in twenty minutes”

  Miller packed his laptop and left with a simple nod. What an ass -- a hunky one. It’s too bad I was about to ruin his day by asking about his missing and now dead brother. I’d have to remember not to let it slip.

  I finished my latte and walked to the city park that was two short blocks from Starbucks.

  I welcomed the cool breeze of the shaded area and parked myself on a bench near the fountain. The bronze mermaid figurine held a trident and blew water down on the mermen at the base of the fountain.

  I massaged the knot at the back of my neck. I was more stressed than normal. I knew I had to question Hugh, but was unsure how to approach him. How would I question him about his missing brother without mentioning Blake?

  “Is this going to be one of those conversations?” the voice startled me. “You look like you want to kill something.”

  I forced a smile. “I hear that all the time. Hugh Miller, right?”

  The smile on his face disappeared. “I did a quick online search and couldn’t come up with a private investigator named Alex Frost.”

  “I’m not in the Yellow Pages -- if they still even have the Yellow Pages. What brings you to town?”

  “Not until you tell me who you really are.”

  “I’m really a private investigator. You should at least be able to find my name on the Web. I posted embarrassing photos five years ago I’m not proud of.”

  “Nudes?”

  “My friends thought it would be funny to take photos of me puking.” It sounded good anyway. “A man was murdered in the mountains and I’ve launched an investigation.”

  “That’s what the cops are for.”

  “I have a vested interest,” I said. “It happened near where I was jogging that morning.”

  “What does that have to do with me?”

  “I checked recent missing persons reports. You recently reported your brother Glenn missing.”

  “You couldn’t have just run across that. It hasn’t been made public.”

  “I have a friend who has a friend who might work for the police department.”

  “Sounds like the police department needs an internal investigation for leaks.”

  “You can’t possibly be that interested in finding your brother if you’re turning away someone who actually cares that he’s missing. Of course, if you don’t want to talk to me about this I can’t force you. I wonder, though, if you really want to find your brother.”

  Hugh’s brow furrowed and he frowned. “I want to find my brother.”

  “How long has he been missing?”

  “I wasn’t told he was missing until the other day when I filed the report. Glenn has a serious medical condition that needs treatment.”

  Now we’re getting somewhere. “What type of condition?”

  “I’m not at liberty to tell you.”

  “Where was he being treated?”

  “This conversation has ended,” Hugh said as he moved to leave.

  “What if your brother was the murder victim?”

  “Then you’d be the number one suspect. After all, you told me you were jogging near the scene.”

  “So I’m trying to clear my name, as you can understand.”

  “Unless you’re pinning it on someone else -- like me.”

  “Why would you want your brother dead?”

  “I don’t.”

  “Did your brother have any friends who might be responsible for his disappearance?”

  “He’s a loner, and has been under care in a facility.”

  “Why would your brother want to leave the treatment center?”

  “He’s too ill to understand how dangerous it was to leave.”

  “If he’s that ill, how was he able to come all the way from Port City?”

  “The hospital isn’t in Port City.”

  “Where is it?”

  “Goodbye, Miss Frost.”

  “I’ll find out myself,” I said. “That’s what I’m good at.”

  I jogged back to my car at the Starbucks. How would I be able to find out where Glenn had been receiving treatment? What if… . No it’s not possible, and yet — it’s the only thing that
makes sense. I know Glenn had a secret, the same one I share. He had the same inner dragon that I now have. What if Agent Bernstein and Hughes found Glenn the same way they found me? It’s possible that Glenn was in the same hospital where the agents had wanted to take me.

  Sixteen

  “What?” Blake asked me in the mall parking garage. “I couldn’t have heard that right.”

  “Hugh told me his brother was ill and was hospitalized until he walked off. I think it’s the same hospital where Bernstein and Hughes wanted to take me.”

  “But you’re only mentally ill.”

  I laughed. “Ha ha. What if Glenn suffered from the same medical condition the agents think I have?”

  “You don’t have any medical condition that I’m aware of.”

  “And what about Dr. Drake? Where did the agents take him after his on-camera tirade?”

  “I couldn’t tell you.”

  “It’s a job for an investigative reporter like Holly Holstein,” I said. “She might be able to find out where Dr. Drake is.”

  Blake’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly. “Don’t count on it.”

  “Is there something you’re not telling me? Did you date the reporter?”

  “One dinner -- and it wasn’t repeated.”

  “Let me guess. She asked you too many questions?”

  “Yes, I seem to know a lot of women who do that.”

  “You’ll have to try harder if you want to offend me.”

  “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

  “I forgot to tell you that Hugh Miller suggested the police department here might need an internal investigation for leaks. It had something to do with me saying I knew a guy who knew a guy who might have told me that Hugh filed a missing person report for his brother,” I said as I hopped in my car and drove off before Blake had the chance to wring my neck. I certainly hoped Hugh wouldn’t be able to get the police department to launch such an investigation. It would be a nightmare for the entire department.

  I whipped into the News 5 parking lot and handed the guard my license and waited for him to make the visitor pass. I frowned when he took my photo, but at least they had good security. I’d be lucky if I had time to catch the local newscast.