Floundering Adrift (Detective Linda Galbes)

by Combs, Sasha

  "Is that all...?" Linda asked. Angelica nodded yes. Now Linda understood why she’d been mugged and it also explained the envelope with the evidence being the only items stolen from her car. Linda felt angry heat rising in her throat.

  "Is there anything else? Anything that might help us catch this guy?" Stone asked.

  She shook her head, saying...

  "I've told you all that I know. My only excuse for not coming to you sooner is partly due to me being afraid. I told myself that...I really had no proof that Samuel killed that woman. I never saw him kill her."

  "But what about the other women? You had to think it odd, when suddenly, women you'd recently learned were sleeping with your husband... These women were dropping like flies." Stone stared at her waiting for a response.

  "No detective... I didn't think it strange.... But I also wasn't the one holding the smoking gun. I won't say that I was sad that these women were dying. You must remember... These women were supposed to be my friends. Better yet, my acquaintances. But detective.... I can say that as each one of them died...I became afraid for my life. I didn't know if the killer was or wasn’t Samuel Gilmore. I was in just as much danger as the women on that list."

  Linda and Stone talked to Angelica Fischer until all their questions had been answered. They warned her that it would be up to the district attorney to determine if in any way her silence was an obstruction of justice. In spite of possible legal action, Angelica's primary concern was that no police officers come to her home. She wanted to explain her dilemma to Brice herself.

  Stone regrouped, formulating a new plan. They had a name now and according to Angelica, they knew that within the past six months, Samuel Gilmore had been in London. They also knew that he worked for a company named ‘Davis Antiquities’ dealing in art. Stone and Linda talked while walking down the corridor taking them to their work station.

  "If only those photos hadn't been stolen out of your car." He whispered.

  "But they were Stone. Man... I can't believe that guy. You know... I'll bet he followed me, after I left the engagement party. He watched me, until I went home, then left my apartment. But I wonder how he knew that I would have the photos on me after he knocked me out."

  "I hate that you got hurt, but we can’t waste our time guessing how he timed his attack. Right now, we need to focus our efforts on catching this asshole."

  Using the name that Angelica gave her, she accessed DMV files, then typed in Samuel Gilmore’s name. With the help of state and federal networks, it didn’t take long before they had four photos to show Angelica Fischer. Angelica studied all four pictures, and she still had no idea that the surveillance photos had been stolen from Linda’s personal vehicle and neither Stone nor Linda clued her in. As she stared at each picture, she shook her head, telling them that none of the pictures were the Samuel Gilmore that she’d come to know. In spite of this, they still had the business card. The exchange was a 1-800 number but using a few data bases, they were able to get an address.

  While sitting at her desk alone, Linda called down to dispatch, requesting that a patrol car roll by ‘Davis Antiquities’ address. She informed the desk clerk that the officers should approach with caution but they should also avoid spooking anyone at the establishment. For now, Samuel Gilmore was only a potential suspect and they needed to locate him. Currently, nothing about this story was concrete and they still needed to test their theories by questioning him. By the time Stone returned to their work station, more than thirty minutes had passed. Linda was on the phone talking to the police officer sent to locate and accompany Samuel Gilmore to the station.

  “I talked to the building manager, Lieutenant. He says that Davis Antiquities owns the loft outright. When I asked if a Samuel Gilmore works there...the guy got quiet, then he said that he wasn’t around. The manager says, that the company owns buildings all around the city and that the employees come and go but most times, their business keeps them out of town.”

  “Did the manager open the door to the loft? I know what he told you but Mr. Gilmore might be inside.” Linda asked.

  “I thought as much. So I did ask the building manager, if he didn’t mind taking a quick peek before we left. I made it sound like, the manager might find the man hurt or maybe a victim of theft.”

  “Did that work?”

  “Yeah. Like a charm. We went inside, and the place looked like one big storage unit. Pretty much what you’d expect to see in a business of this sort. This Gilmore guy is some kind of art dealer. There were a lot of crates, and boxes with shipping labels.”

  “Are you sure officer Rutledge? Were there any signs indicating that someone had been there recently?”

  Rutledge covered the mouthpiece. Linda could hear garbled noises on the other end. When the officer returned, he said... “Just asked my partner if he noticed anything out of the ordinary. Like I said ma’am. The place looks like a real operation but it’s hard to say if anyone has been here recently. But if I had to take a guess...I’d have to say no.”

  “Damn...” she whispered under her breath. Linda sighed heavily, before saying...

  “All right. Thank you guys. Give the manager one of your cards. Tell him to call us, the moment he sees Mr. Gilmore. Be sure to add that we’re just looking to talk to the man. We don’t want to do anything that might hint of trouble.”

  “Will do, Detective Gables.”

  The connection was broken and Linda could feel Stones presence standing by her side. His fingers tapped on the wall that partitioned off their workstations.

  “No luck at Samuel Gilmore’s workplace?”

  “No... But... I think I might have an answer.” Linda lifted her phone. Her fingers flew across the numbers. She waited a beat, then she spoke, being certain to monitor her tone.

  “Hayford...” She said, “I need a huge favor.”

  There was noise in the background, then Linda recalled his schedule. Earlier that morning, Hayford had told her about a meeting that he had planned. She heard the sound of muffled voices, then fabric smoothed across the phone; shutting out the background noise. Shame drenched her. All at once, Linda dreaded making this call, but there was no turning back now. Hayford returned. His voice was as upbeat as ever.

  “What’s up Hon? Are you done and you need a ride back to my place?”

  She cringed because it had never been her intent to put in a full day, but this couldn’t be helped.

  “No babe...” Her tone was all sugar and niceness and she noticed Stone smirking while pulling up a chair to observe her in action. She cleared her throat, ignoring her partner.

  “I called because I need your help with something. Actually... I need to know if you’re acquainted with someone.”

  There was silence, but not for long. Hayford said...

  “Are you asking because you need help on one of your cases...?”

  After their checkered history, and all the gossip she’d successfully dodged, it had not been her intent to revisit their past. She didn’t want to ask for his help, but in this case, Hayford was better than a phone directory or a social registry. His circle of friends looped and intertwined with so many people. It amazed her whenever he casually talked about his family vacationing with the president or other world leaders. He would say it in a way that wasn’t boastful and most times, he purposely didn’t mention names. Linda said...

  “I’m trying to get some information about a person. Actually, I need to know if you’ve ever heard of him.”

  Hayford didn’t waste time stalling. He said...

  “What’s the name...?”

  “Gilmore. Samuel Gilmore. I think he’s an art dealer, or something along those lines. His name is linked to a company named Davis Antiquities.”

  There wasn’t even a seconds hesitation, when Hayford answered her saying...

  “I don’t know anyone with that name but I do know about Davis Antiquities. It’s a family owned company, and the primary dealer is an art historian. The fourteen through
the sixteenth centuries are his area of expertise. Actually, he’s well known at most of the large auction houses.”

  “You know the owner?” Linda couldn’t hide the excitement in her voice.

  “Not personally. I know of him. But...I am acquainted with his mother. Constance Davis-Wellington. She and my mother have been good friends since their years at boarding school.” He went quiet then said... “Gilmore... You know... I think Gilmore is one of Constance’s family names. I think Gilmore was her mother’s maiden name.”

  “Hayford...” Linda couldn’t control her joy. The name Gilmore chimed in her ears like a dinner bell. This couldn’t be a coincidence. She said...

  “We’re trying to find a man named Samuel Gilmore. Think really hard babe... You might know him.”

  “Linda... I told you... I don’t recall knowing anyone with that name. I know about Davis Antiquities. As for it’s owner... Like I said... The business is a family operation. Trey Wellington runs the place. He spends most of his time out of the country, hunting down rare pieces from the Renaissance period. I think I may have met him a time or two at dinner engagements... But I’m quite sure I never made an impression on him. We don’t have much in common and I didn’t make a point of trying to get to know him better. And except for his mother; I’ve never met anyone outside of the family linked to the company.”

  “But you do know his mother, right? You said that you know her.”

  She was grasping at straws, trying to hold on to whatever hope she could. Hayford said...

  “Yes... Constance is an extremely sociable woman. She’s always seen out at events or parties... You know... Now that I think back.... She was at my cousin Marian’s engagement party.”

  Hayford’s world of elite friends wasn’t easy to tap into but his world was also very small, and she couldn’t believe that perhaps she’d strolled by this woman, not even knowing that soon she would be seeking her out. Linda said...

  “Hayford... Do you know were Constance Wellington lives?”

  There was no response, and Linda thought that the call had without warning been dropped. But then, she heard the sound of people in the background talking. Hayford said...

  “Linda... What’s going on? Why do you need to know about Constance? You can’t possibly think that she has any involvement in your murder cases.”

  “Hayford... You know I’m not at liberty to discuss my cases. But, I do need to talk to her and you’ll just have to trust me on this.”

  “Sweetheart... I would never do anything to interfere with your job... But Linda... I know Constance and she’s a decent person.”

  “Hayford... Please.... I just need to know where she lives. Will you give me her address?”

  While she waited, not once did she question her reason for asking him. She wanted him to know that she needed him. Until now, blazing realities had lay hidden. She had not understood their situation but now it all made perfect sense to her. Portioning off her life by drawing a line; preventing both worlds from mixing. The notion was fools play and wherever this course took them; Linda was certain their relationship would withstand the test.

  “Hayford...” She said in question. “Will you help me?”

  “Linda... You know I could never refuse you. But tell me this... Are you going to take it easy today? The doctor released you with the understanding that you wouldn’t over do it. Are you going to send someone else to question Constance, or are you going yourself?”

  “Hayford... I’m the lead investigator. If anyone gets to question her, it should be me.”

  He was slow to respond but when he did, Hayford said...

  “I’ll give you the address....on one condition.”

  “Hayford...” each syllable was spoken with exaggerated exasperation.

  “Just listen Linda. I’m not telling you how to do your job, I just want to know that you won’t be placing yourself in any dangerous situations. Your release from the hospital was contingent on you not over doing it.”

  “I know Hayford. Remember... I was there when the doctor read me the riot act.”

  “Yes... I know. But I also know you and when you get your teeth sunk into something; you just don’t know when to let go.”

  He was right but she didn’t have time to revisit this subject.

  “So are saying that you’ll help me?”

  She couldn’t see him, but the lilt in his words made her know that he was smiling.

  “I could never refuse you Linda. You know that. But I hope you aren’t expecting this person to be a pushover. Constance comes from strong stock and she won’t be an easy egg to crack.”

  “I’ll consider that when the time comes but I think I can handle her.” She said. She wrote down the address, while watching Stone prepare for their travels. As they left the station room, they passed the commanders office. Linda had meant to take another route; avoiding her commander altogether. But, all morning she’d had a sense that today was her day. This was it. In her bones she could feel a sense of closure. All along, the woman she’d seen that first night; her sixth sense had told her something was off. Now, the pieces were finally coming together and she wanted to put an end to it all. That’s the reason her strides took her in the wrong direction. As they walked pass his door, Bunts voice bellowed like a bullhorn.

  “Gables...” The commander was on his feet, meeting them a few feet from his office entrance. Linda pretended to be unaware of his reason for yelling out her name.

  “Sir?” she said, and she watched as his eyes scanned the area on her head where the gash had been glued together. His approach was slow, but he didn’t waste any time explaining his annoyance.

  “Where are you going lieutenant?”

  “We have a lead sir. I’m just going to question her.”

  “Have you been released by your doctor to return to full duty?”

  He knew the answer but he wanted to see if Linda would bend the truth. Her eyes were steady, never leaving his face. He admired her guts and for that reason he’d placed a great deal of faith in her abilities. Linda cleared her throat, then said...

  “Sir... My doctor didn’t instruct me not to return to work.”

  “That isn’t what I said Detective Gables. I asked if you’ve been cleared to return to full duty.”

  “Damn...” The word echoed in her head. Linda’s eyes drifted to Stone. He shrugged. There wouldn’t be any help coming from his corner. Now came the fancy footwork and Bunts couldn’t wait to see how she’d wiggle out of this one.

  “Sir... Last night, I asked that a copy of my discharge instructions be emailed to H.R. I’m fit for duty but my discharge came with a few restrictions.”

  Bunts had already read the memo emailed to him from an H.R. Rep and he already knew that light desk duty was all she’d been cleared to do pending further medical clearances.

  “Now that we’ve cleared that up...” Bunts said... “I’d like to know where you’re going.”

  “Sir...” Her voice was pleading. “This new development requires my involvement. As you now know, we have the name of a potential suspect but we need to find him. His job takes him in and out of the country, and that’ll make pinning him down that much more difficult.”

  “Who is this person you’re headed out to question?”

  “His employer. She’s part owner of an antique business. So you see... I don’t doubt Detective Stone’s abilities but sir... There just isn’t enough time to prepare him for the questioning.”

  “Sir...” Stone spoke; rightly timing his opening. “If Linda isn’t carrying her service revolver...and as long as I do all the driving... I think that questioning an informant could be defined as light duty.”

  “You’re pushing the envelope on this one Detective Stone.” And pushing wasn’t quite the correct word to use in this instance because Bunts was way out of bounds himself. He didn’t need this headache but somehow he’d allowed this ball to roll. He was bending the rules. In truth, Linda wasn’t supposed to return un
til she’d been cleared by her primary care doctor. And even that wasn’t to occur until after she’d been off for one week. But the way the H.R. Rep had poorly worded her message; she’d left the return date up to him and he’d sat silent, allowing Linda to work today. Whatever his reason’s were for being party to her pigheadedness; this situation was far worse than skating on thin ice. Especially if Linda suddenly became ill while being away from the station. But on the other hand; he’d sat on the other side of the two way mirror watching her question people. He’d never witnessed anything more masterful and she had the ability to make people say things they otherwise wouldn’t say. Everyday, Bunts received calls from the mayors office, demanding updates on the cities four high profile murders. Until recently, he hadn’t had much positive to say. Linda was right and he couldn’t dismiss this. If anyone could get information out of this informant; Bunts would put his money on her.

  Clearing his throat he said...

  “Lock your revolver in your desk before leaving this building lieutenant.” The commanders attention shifted. His eyes landed heavily on Stone. “I want you behind the wheel detective and I don’t care how much she squawks; don’t give her the car keys.”

  “You’ve got my word sir.” Stone said while smiling, then he added. “When we’re done, I’ll deliver her back to the station. If there’s a pursuit involved, we have more than enough manpower to handle it without Detective Gables’ help.”

  She wanted to protest. The idea that she was being sidelined gritted her gut but she couldn’t deal with that now. There were more important matters at hand.

  “So... Can we go now sir?” She asked. Bunts lowered his eyes, for the first time taking in her expensive outfit. He wondered why she bothered coming in at all. Given that she was dating one of the cities wealthiest bachelors.

  “Keep me in the loop lieutenant.” He said, while easing his hands in his pant pockets. Stone and Linda nodded, then they turned, leaving the commander to watch as they walked to the bank of elevators at the end of the hall.