by H K Christie
"I hope so. We came a long way to get answers out of this guy."
I then explained the case and the need for police protection at the hospital.
"I read the file you sent over. Day surely knows some valuable information. Taking out a guy in broad daylight is pretty brazen," Detective Black commented.
"The perp is scared. We think the same guy took out Jordan's brother just a few days ago. I don't think he'll stop until he silences any connections to the missing women."
"You know if he has any family or significant others that need to be notified?" Detective Black asked.
I replied. "A girlfriend."
His lawyer, Mr. Honey, said, "Her name is Kelly and I can probably get her number from the firm. She works there."
"Good," I said.
Detective Black nodded. "Thanks, Detective Hirsch. We'll see you at the hospital."
"Yes. I want to be there when and if he wakes up. Maybe he'll have had a change of heart and tell us everything he knows about those missing girls."
"Good luck."
"Thanks," I said to Detective Black. We exchanged business cards before Martina and I exited the house.
"Hey, why don't we stop at the hotel and get changed. The EMT said he's likely to be taken straight into surgery. We have a little time."
"I wouldn't mind a shower. And this isn't exactly the look I was going for," Martina said.
"No?"
She smirked playfully. "Nope."
"What do you make of this guy trying to take out Jordan with us in the house?"
"Maybe it wasn't our guy. Maybe he was a hired gun, only paid to get Jordan, so he didn't care if we were there or not."
"That could be. It was a hell-of-a-shot. Professional. I'd say Jordan was definitely the target, considering the gunman ran off as soon as he hit Jordan."
Martina nodded. "You know. Maybe we could use this to our advantage. We could announce our two best witnesses in the case, Jonathan and Jordan Day were both dead. That would buy us some time trying to get Jordan to talk. Plus, maybe the perp will lower his guard."
"That's not a bad idea."
"We would have to make sure that the information stays in a tight circle. Even his girlfriend, Kelly, would have to be told that they killed him."
"If she loves him, it shouldn't be a problem. When she finds out it was to save his life, she'll get over it. If she's mad, we saved him from a bad relationship."
"True. Now, all we need is for Jordan to survive."
I said, "Amen to that."
27
Martina
I approached Detective Black and another uniformed officer. "Any word about how he's doing?"
"He's still in surgery. They said it could be a while."
"We have a proposal for you, assuming Jordan makes it."
"What is it?"
"We'd like to have a press release stating that Jordan Day is dead. He's the only witness in the missing women's case, and we have every reason to believe that the perp won't stop coming after him until he is dead. We're hoping this will buy us a little time, but it has to be believable. We need the hospital staff, LAPD, and his lawyer on board with the plan."
"Makes sense. Considering the guy shot him in the middle of the day with a detective and two other people in his home. He likely will strike again." Detective Black cocked his head. "Let me see what I can do, but for now we wait and hope he lives."
I saw this as a perfect opportunity to get to know his girlfriend, Kelly. I walked over to the lawyer and Kelly and sat down. "Hello, my name is Martina Monroe. I was with Jordan when he was shot."
Tears streaked down her flawless skin. "Why?"
"Why?"
"Why were you with him?" Kelly asked.
"We were there to notify him of his brother's death. I'm a private investigator working with the CoCo County Sheriff's Department."
Mr. Honey, the lawyer, added, "Martina saved his life."
"Is that true?" Kelly asked.
"Whoever shot him used a scope. I saw the red light before he shot, and I pushed him to the ground. I hope my efforts weren't in vain."
Kelly said, "Thank you."
"Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?"
"Like what?" Kelly asked.
"Was Jordan acting differently in the last few days. Did anything spook him? Did he receive any strange phone calls?"
"He was a little on edge. We were out one night, and he got a call from his brother. They argued. It really upset him. Did you just say that his brother died?"
"Yes."
"So awful."
"Did you ever meet Jonathan?" I asked.
"No, I hadn't. Jordan and I had only been together for a few months, and Jonathan doesn't come to visit."
"Did Jordan ever mention anything in the news that rattled him?" I asked.
"No, like what?" Kelly asked.
"Maybe a case up in the Bay Area about some missing girls. I'm just wondering if he commented on anything like that?"
"No, he never did. But then again, we don't really watch the news much either. Well, unless it's about the entertainment industry."
"Do you know if he had received any strange messages? Has he been acting and sleeping normal?"
"No weird messages, but he has been real fidgety. I just can't understand who would do this to him."
I thought Kelly probably did not know about Jordan's shady past. Maybe he never told her and she never asked. I thanked Kelly for her time and returned to Hirsch and Detective Black. "I don't think she knows anything."
Detective Black said, "My guys questioned her too. She seemed surprised anyone would shoot him, but it sounds like they haven't been together long."
"That's what I gathered as well. She never met Jonathan either."
Detective Black said, "Let's make sure we get to the surgeon first before those two can ask his status. That way, we can find out if the surgeon will play along with us. If he will, we can deliver the news. Do we know who Jordan's next-of-kin is?"
"His parents died years ago, so now with his brother dead, I don't think there is anyone."
"Okay, that makes things easier. Kelly isn't the next-of-kin."
"So, the surgeon doesn't have to talk to her."
"Exactly."
"I'll deliver the news that he didn't make it," I said.
"I'll come with you," Hirsch offered.
Hirsch and I sat on the chairs, waiting for any sign of the surgeon. We discussed the case while we waited.
A few hours later, the surgeon approached. Hirsch and Detective Black ran to meet him. I rushed over to the lawyer and Kelly, and let them know protocol was that the surgeon would tell the officers what happened and then law enforcement would provide an update. In reality, I was guarding them so they wouldn't hear the conversation between the surgeon and the detectives.
Hirsch and Detective Black walked over with grim looks on their faces and waved me over. My heart raced as I rushed over to them. Hirsch bowed his head and spoke low. "They think he'll make it and the surgeon will cooperate."
They had me worried for a minute that Jordan hadn't made it. I think both detectives could've stuck around in Los Angeles and became actors themselves. "Perfect. Let's go give the bad news."
I stood in front of Kelly and Mr. Honey. "I'm sorry. Jordan didn't make it."
Kelly buried her face in her hands, and her body began heaving. Although she'd only been with Jordan for a short period, she appeared to care a great deal for him, that or she was a talented actress.
Hirsch said, "Mr. Honey, may I speak to you privately." They exchanged glances before they stepped away.
I focused on Kelly. I took the seat next to her and placed my arm around her. "Is there anyone we can call for you?"
She shook her head back and forth. "No, I moved out to Los Angeles less than a year ago. All my family and friends are back in Utah. Jordan was all I had here."
"I'm so sorry for your loss." A pang of guilt hit me right in
the gut. I told her I'd be right back and headed over to the lawyer and Hirsch. "She's pretty broken up. Maybe we should tell her the truth after all. Could we put her into protective custody?"
Detective Black said, "We can give it a shot. She'd have to agree to not show up to work or contact any relatives until the case is resolved. It could take days, weeks, or even years. She'd have to put her whole life on hold. Do you think she'd be up for it?"
"Maybe. Let me talk to her." I headed over to Kelly. "We need you to come with us for a few more minutes. Is that okay?"
Mascara streaked her cheeks, and her expression was blank. "Why?"
"It's important."
"Can I see him to say goodbye?"
"Of course, but first, we need to let you know you could be in danger. Are you willing to go into protection? That means no communications with work or relatives."
"I'm in danger?"
"We think so." We had no idea if that was true. Maybe. Maybe not.
"Okay. But what if I lose my job?"
"We'll make a call to the firm, so you won't."
"Okay. Can I see him now?"
"Yes." I waved the others over.
Our small group headed down the hallway and into the hospital room where Jordan lay asleep, recovering from the surgery. The doctors didn't expect him to wake until the next day. Kelly remarked, "He looks so alive. I can't believe it."
She's not wrong. "Kelly, there's something we need to talk to you about. Like I told you, we think you and Jordan are in danger. Jordan is still alive, but to keep you safe, we needed to pretend like he didn't make it. Do you understand?"
"He's alive? Why? I don't understand any of this."
Detective Black stepped in. "Ma'am, several years back, your boyfriend, Jordan, was involved in some illegal activities. His brother has been murdered, and now he’s had an attempt on his life. We don't think this killer will stop until he silences Jordan and so we need the killer to think Jordan is dead, so that he won't come after him again. We need you to understand that you can't tell a soul that he is still alive. Can you do that?"
"I won't tell anyone. Can I touch him?"
Detective Black cautioned. "Be gentle."
"Okay." She moved over to his bed and touched his cheek with her fingertips. Tears dripped from her eyes. She turned around. "I'll do whatever is needed to keep him safe."
Wow. Jordan had a stand-up woman by his side. I didn't think he deserved her.
"Good. It will keep you and Jordan safe."
Now we waited for him to wake up. Hopefully, Jordan would be as agreeable as his girlfriend and his lawyer.
28
Martina
"Hi, honey, it's Mommy."
"Hi, Mommy. How are things in Los Angeles? Have you seen any movie stars?"
"No, no movie stars."
"Are you still coming home tomorrow?"
"No, that's why I'm calling. I have to stay a few more days. Can I talk to Grandma?"
"Oh, okay. Will you still make it to my Brownie meeting?"
"Of course." I hated disappointing Zoey and hoped I would make it home in time for her Brownie meeting. She loved her Girl Scout meetings, and she loved it when I attended. She desperately wanted me to be this year's cookie mom, but I didn't have the energy or the time. This weekend there was a crafting event where all the moms were invited. I promised her I would go, and I needed to keep that promise.
"Hello, dear, how are things?"
"It's been eventful down here. We need to stay a few more days. Is that okay—can you handle it?"
"Don't you worry about Zoey and me. We'll be just fine."
A mixture of relief and a touch of sadness filled me. I wanted them to need me and want me to be home, but at the same time I had a job to do, so it was nice to have reliable care for Zoey. "Great. Thank you."
"When do you think you will be home?"
"Hopefully, only two more days."
"We can handle that. Don't you worry. Now, Miss Zoey is practically jumping up and down, wanting the phone back. Here she is."
"Mommy, Mommy, I forgot to tell you. Guess what? I found out what the art project is going to be on Saturday."
"My gosh. I can't believe you almost forgot to tell me. What is it? I'm dying to know."
"We're going to make dirt and worms!" She giggled. "It's not really dirt and worms. It's made from cookies and gummy worms, but it looks like real dirt and worms. Doesn't that sound cool! And there's going to be ice cream!"
"Wow, that sounds so fun. I can't wait for Saturday."
"Me too."
"How's school?"
"Good. Just the usual. You know, reading, math."
"Have you learned anything new and exciting?"
"Not today," she said with disappointment.
"Okay, well, I've gotta go, but I'll see you soon."
"I love you, Mommy."
"I love you, too, sweetheart." I put my phone away and headed back over to Hirsch. "Our flights have been changed and Zoey and Mom are all set."
"Let's grab dinner and get a good night's rest. Hopefully, he'll be awake in the morning."
"Sounds good to me."
The next morning, we strutted through the hospital doors toward the nurses' station. Hirsch showed his badge and asked for Carl Jones's room, Jordan's code name. In a quiet tone, the nurse explained which room he was in. We headed back toward Jordan's room - the door was closed. Hirsch knocked lightly, and the door cracked open. His lawyer peered out before letting us in.
I was feeling refreshed and ready to give it all I had. I wanted answers from Jordan Day, and I wanted them today. If we could wrap this up, we could go back home, and I could see my little girl. Hopefully, we'd also find out what happened to the missing women.
We approached Jordan's hospital bed. He had tubes coming from everywhere, but he was awake. His girlfriend, Kelly, was by his side. "Good to see you awake, Jordan."
"Yes, I hear a thank you is in order, Ms. Monroe."
"I told you I do security," I said, trying to lighten the mood.
"That you did."
Hirsch stepped closer. "Jordan, we have a proposition for you. The press will be told that you died last night after succumbing to your injuries. This is to keep you safe, but we can only keep this up as long as you cooperate."
"My lawyer has already explained."
"Does that mean you're ready to talk?"
Jordan looked at his lawyer and then back at us. "I'll tell you what I know."
"We're all ears," I said.
Jordan turned to Kelly. "Can you get me some water?"
"Of course." She picked up the plastic cup with the bent straw and brought it to his lips. She took it back and sat back down.
His lawyer said, "The terms are this. My client will provide full disclosure of everything that he knows about those missing girls in exchange for immunity."
"I can't promise that without understanding what he knows, but I can promise leniency depending on the seriousness of the charges. Let's hear what he has to say first."
The lawyer said, "Jordan, you can tell them what you know. We won't put anything in writing until we know what the deal is going to be."
Jordan nodded. "Five years ago, I started my talent agency business under the name Jordan Starr. I started off trying to help young actors and actresses get work. The Bay Area has a sizable market for filming commercials and movies. I thought I could break into the industry. At first, I would go to talent fairs and malls, trying to find people who had the look. I signed a few actors, and they paid to have their headshots done, but I couldn't get as many as I needed. One day, my brother and I got to talking. He told me about all the aspiring actresses he met at the clinic every day. With my urging, he starting referring them to me. He didn't want to do it, but he did it for me. Even though I had more clients, I still had a hard time booking gigs. Strapped for cash, I came up with the idea that I would charge for headshots and a signing fee. That way, I would at least be able to pay
my rent. They needed headshots anyway. But some would get impatient and questioned when their jobs would start. Some started demanding refunds and that they'd go to the police. Desperate to book jobs, I reached out to a person I'd met at an industry event and I asked him if he could do a photo shoot and act like it was an audition. I figured, if nothing else, they would get experience auditioning. He agreed."
"And when did they start disappearing?" I asked.
"Shortly after. First was Daniela. She didn't show up for the photo shoot, or so he told me. I believed him. I had no reason not to. Teenage girls are flaky. The next actress went to a shoot with him and everything went off without a hitch. I sent a few more and no issues either. I kept sending them, but then Aria went missing. He said she never showed up either. I thought it was strange, but I still didn't think too much of it. I ignored it, but when he said Iris didn't show up, I thought it was too coincidental and thought about the three girls that hadn't shown up. Daniela, Aria, and Iris. They were my all-American, blond hair, blue-eyed beauties. I saw a pattern, so I asked him about it. He told me not to ask questions. I told him he had to tell me or I wouldn't send them over anymore. He said he was untouchable and demanded I do what he said or I would be sorry."
"And who was this? The photographer you listed as Everett?"
"Yes. His name is Everett Poussin."
I knew he had been holding back.
"How did you know Everett Poussin?"
"We met a few years prior at a talent fair. He said he was a talent agent, too, but did some photography on the side."
"Have you ever been to his house? Or where he did the photo shoots?"
"No."
"Did you see him socially, like out at clubs, or anything like that?"
"At first we'd only see each other at talent fairs and sometimes we'd grab lunch or coffee to talk about business. But then one day we started talking about the outdoors. We'd occasionally go hiking."
"Did he ever meet Jonathan?"
"Jonathan loved hiking, so I'd invited him to join Everett and me a few times."
