by J A Whiting
Robby leaned close to Claire and whispered, “Well, well, look who it is.”
“Don’t say another word,” Claire warned. She walked around from behind the counter to join the detective at a table in the corner.
Detective Fuller greeted the young woman warmly and said, “I got your message. I came by as soon as I could.”
Claire was so shaken about Siobhan that she forgot to offer the detective a beverage, but Robby remembered what Detective Fuller had the last time he was in the shop and brought a steaming mug over to the table. Although Claire knew the young man was taking the opportunity to try to hear what the conversation was about, she thanked Robby anyway and gave him a look that told him to head back to the counter and stay there.
“What happened? What got you worried?” Detective Fuller scanned Claire’s face with his intelligent eyes.
Taking a deep breath, Claire began her tale, reporting everything that Siobhan had revealed to her about Alex Freeman. She moved on to tell what she’d discovered about Freeman being on the Board of Directors of the Fast Freight Group and how being in that position would provide the law firm partner with inside information that could help his illegal activities avoid detection as he used Fast Freight Airlines to move his goods. Claire ended by voicing her concerns about Siobhan’s death and her worries that Siobhan may have been the target of the gunman all along, most likely set up by Freeman and his partner, Attorney Johnson, to whom Siobhan had confided what she’d overheard Freeman discussing in a phone conversation late one night.
“When Siobhan talked to Mr. Johnson she thought she was speaking in confidence with someone she trusted. It turns out that Johnson must be involved with Freeman and whatever illegal thing he’s got going.”
Detective Fuller’s face was expressionless as he stared at Claire. “Do you want a job in the police department?”
Claire started to shake her head before realizing that the detective was fooling with her. “Do you think I’m overreacting?”
Detective Fuller said, “It’s important to consider every possibility.”
“Had you talked to Siobhan Ellis about the shooting?”
“We did.”
“Did she tell you about overhearing Attorney Freeman?”
“She didn’t, no.”
“So was what I told you news or did you already know that Freeman seems to be involved with something illegal?”
“We look into everything we think is necessary.”
Claire realized that she was beginning to get gibberish answers from the detective and she also knew that he couldn’t share the details of a police investigation, but something started to feel off to her and her guard went up involuntarily.
“Do you think Siobhan was the gunman’s real target?” Claire couldn’t help asking more questions. She wanted to watch the detective’s expression as she interrogated him.
“We’ll have to consider that possibility.”
“Do you think other people working at the firm could be in on Freeman’s side business?” Claire was wondering about Merritt’s possible involvement.
“We aren’t sure there is a side business.”
“Well, what if there is one? Do you think it’s just Freeman and Johnson involved or would other people be pulled into it? Generally speaking, of course.”
“That’s hard to say.”
Claire had started the conversation feeling timid, confused, and frightened, but as the discussion went on her emotions had slowly morphed into something else and she was beginning to feel that she wasn’t getting any help or reassurance from the detective. Now Claire was feeling slightly defensive and distrustful.
“I’m glad you reported your concerns.” Detective Fuller nodded. “Is there anything else to add?”
“I think that’s it.” Claire folded her hands in her lap. Even if she thought of more to tell, she decided that she would keep her thoughts to herself.
“Tell me, have you shared these worries with anyone else?” The detective made eye contact with Claire.
“No, no one. I thought it best to only share what I heard and what I suspect with law enforcement.” Claire was lying. She’d revealed to Tony the details of Freeman’s phone conversation that was overheard by Siobhan and she was planning to tell Tony about Siobhan’s passing and her suspicion that Freeman might be responsible for the woman’s death. She would also tell Nicole everything that was going on, if her friend ever came home.
Claire was suddenly unsure about Detective Fuller and a wall of distrust encircled her like a castle’s protective fortifications.
“That’s good that you didn’t share this information with anyone else,” the detective told her. “I have to ask you to continue to keep it in confidence. It’s very important that this information be kept quiet.”
Claire nodded.
“Are you okay?” Detective Fuller asked.
Claire wondered if, during their conversation, he’d picked up on the change in her demeanor.
“As okay as anyone could be under these unusual circumstances,” Claire said. She looked over to the service counter. “I’d better get back to work.” As she stood, Claire deliberately extended her hand and Detective Fuller reached across the table and shook.
“Thank you for getting in touch,” he said. “Call again if there are any new developments or concerns.”
“I will.” Claire released the man’s hand, but not before gleaning something from the exchange.
Claire sensed that Detective Fuller was holding back. He did know about Freeman and Siobhan … and he knew something about Merritt Handley, too.
And now, Claire wasn’t sure she could trust him.
18
Standing on the busy city sidewalk, Claire stared at the upper floors of the glass and steel Jasper Building. As she took in a long breath and headed for the front doors, the image of Siobhan being shot outside the entrance to the building flashed in her mind. She opened the heavy glass door, walked to the bank of elevators, and rode to the tenth floor. The Freeman and Johnson Associates’ suite was exactly what someone would expect from one of the top law firms in the country, gleaming wood, expensive rugs, tasteful artwork on the walls, and attractive, well-dressed, and efficient receptionists at the front desk.
Claire only had to wait for ten minutes to be ushered down a long hallway to Mr. Freeman’s corner office which was decorated and furnished in the same style as the reception area, but with an elevated air of refinement, elegance and wealth. Claire was sure that any client who entered the room would feel that this attorney would be able to erase any legal problems from his or her life and that he would safely restore their stability and security.
“Miss Rollins,” Freeman was just closing a closet door and he turned with a wide smile and walked across the room to greet Claire. He wore a fitted navy suit and dark blue tie. “How very nice to see you again.”
Something about the man made Claire cringe and when she shook his hand, she was too distracted to try and pick up on any vibes she might have felt him giving off. She glanced at the door he had just shut.
Freeman gestured to the chair in front of his massive desk as he returned to his own leather throne. “I’m sure you’re aware of the sad news.”
Claire nodded and folded her hands in her lap. “Yes. If you don’t mind, I’d like to ask you about Siobhan.”
Freeman’s dark eyebrows lifted in surprise. “How can I help?”
“Siobhan worked here for some time?”
“Yes, she did. She was well-respected, a hard worker, knew her stuff. We’ll miss her terribly.” Freeman shook his head slowly from side to side.
“Did she work closely with you?”
“Siobhan worked with several of the attorneys.”
“Did she have access to any information that might have contributed to her death?”
Freeman’s expression was serious. “How do you mean?”
Claire had to choose her words carefully. “A sensitive case? Some i
nformation that someone might not have wanted her to know? Anything that might have been dangerous to be involved with?”
Freeman gave a snort. “We aren’t the FBI or the CIA. We’re just a law firm, Miss Rollins.”
“But working at this law firm resulted in her death.”
Freeman’s forehead creased into furrows and a flash of something passed momentarily over his face. “The firm had nothing to do with her passing.”
Claire persisted. “She was shot right outside the front doors to this building. Why would that be? What could have been the cause?”
“An unbalanced person, a disturbed person who got hands on a weapon?” Freeman shrugged a shoulder.
“So you think it was completely random?” Claire leveled her eyes at the man.
“Well, I don’t know. Law enforcement is determining the details. They’ve not shared those particulars with us.”
Claire tilted her head in question. “I thought that Siobhan wasn’t the target. I thought that someone else was the target and that Siobhan got in the way. Merritt Handley was at the entrance at the same time Siobhan came out.”
Freeman blinked and said, “I don’t think that theory has been validated. My own suspicions veer towards the idea that it was random in nature.”
“Merritt was near the Olde South Meeting House the night that the other shooting took place. If both things are random, then it’s quite a coincidence that Merritt was at both shootings.”
Freeman’s eyes seemed to darken. “What is it you hope to accomplish from your visit here today, Miss Rollins?”
“I’d like to know more about Siobhan’s place of employment. I’d like to know if she seemed herself on the days leading up to the shooting. I’d like to know if a legal case or one of your clients might be behind what’s been happening.” Claire didn’t mention that she suspected Freeman himself or one of his flunkies of causing Siobhan’s death.
Freeman’s intercom buzzed and he excused himself to answer it. When Claire leaned back against her chair trying to gather her thoughts, something about Freeman’s office closet picked at her and she glanced over at the door. Freeman’s voice pulled Claire’s attention back.
“I have a client shortly.” Freeman stood and came around the desk. “If there’s anything more I can do, please get in touch.” He was wearing his fake smile as he gestured to the door. He and Claire headed down the hall to the reception area where he extended his hand. Claire grasped it with purpose and shook. What she felt convinced her of Freeman’s involvement.
She watched Freeman stride away to be sure he was out of earshot, before turning and smiling at the receptionist. The young man was in his early twenties and was dressed in what seemed to be the firm’s uniform, a tailored navy suit. His hair was cut longer around his brown eyes. “Is there something I can help you with?”
Claire nodded. “Is Merritt Handley in the office? I’d like to pop in and see her for a moment, if I could.”
“Can I make an appointment for you to see Attorney Handley?” The young man was about to say more when he looked over Claire’s shoulder.
“Still here, Miss Rollins?” Freeman stood right behind Claire.
Claire made sure her voice was easy and bright. “I’d like to say hello to Merritt.”
“Oh, we discourage impromptu visits.” Freeman shook his head sadly. “It can be disruptive to the work day and….”
“Mr. Freeman, Attorney Handley isn’t in today anyway. Remember we discussed it this morning and….”
Freeman cut off the receptionist. “Thank you, Andrew. Why don’t you make an appointment for Miss Rollins to come in to see Ms. Handley sometime that’s convenient for her?” Freeman nodded, turned abruptly, and hurried down the hall to his office.
Andrew smiled at Claire. “Would you like to arrange an appointment?”
“Yes, please.” While Andrew clicked at his keyboard to bring up the online appointment calendar, Claire spoke up.
“What were you going to say about Merritt? Is she not working today?”
Without looking up, Andrew said, “She didn’t come in.”
“Is she at court?”
Andrew shook his head. “Would next Tuesday morning work for you?”
Claire pushed for information. “I wonder if Merritt is at home today?”
“I’m not sure where Attorney Handley is.” Andrew looked up. “What about next Tuesday?”
“Hmmm?” Claire asked. “Oh, never mind the appointment. I’ll try and give Merritt a call tomorrow.” Smiling warmly at Andrew, Claire decided to question the young receptionist and made up a tale that Merritt was doing some work for her. “Merritt’s helping me with some legal questions I have about an estate. She can be hard to get hold of. Sometimes she says she is going to call, but doesn’t. Is she always like this?”
“Ms. Handley is a fine attorney. You are in very good hands.”
Claire gave a slight nod realizing that Andrew was well-trained and would not divulge anything negative about the firm’s employees. “Did you know Siobhan? Did you have much interaction with her?”
Andrew looked surprised. “She worked down the hall in one of the paralegal offices. We only just exchanged greetings. I didn’t know her well.”
“I’d recently made her acquaintance. We hit it off right away.” Claire lowered her voice. “Did you notice anything unusual on the day of the shooting? Anything unusual on the days leading up to it?”
Andrew’s pleasant expression disappeared and his face looked blank. “I didn’t, no.”
Realizing that the young man wouldn’t be providing any information, Claire moved to the glass door that led to the elevator. “Well, thanks.”
She stood in front of the elevator doors waiting for them to open when someone walked over and stood next to her. Claire glanced to her left and realized the young woman wanted to say something.
“I heard you asking about Siobhan.” The petite blond seemed nervous and spoke in almost a whisper. “Were you a friend of Siobhan’s?”
“A recent friend.” Claire got an idea. “Siobhan introduced me to Attorney Handley. I was supposed to meet her at her home this afternoon to go over some paperwork with her, but I’ve lost the address and Merritt isn’t answering her phone. I asked Andrew at the reception desk, but he wouldn’t help me. Would you happen to know Merritt’s address?”
“Oh, sure.” The young woman told Claire where Merritt lived. “We often have to deliver papers to the attorneys at their homes. I know where most of them live.” The young woman seemed to relax a little.
“Are you a paralegal?”
The girl nodded. “I just got out of school. I’m new. Siobhan didn’t mind all of my questions. She was such a nice person. She helped me a lot. I can’t believe what happened to her.” The young woman brushed at her eyes.
The doors opened and Claire and the young paralegal stepped into the empty elevator. A tear escaped from the girl’s eye and traveled down her cheek. “I can’t believe she’s dead. I was so shocked when she got shot. I went to the hospital to see her, to apologize.”
The hairs on Claire’s arms stood up. “Why did you need to apologize?”
“The afternoon of the shooting, Attorney Johnson came into Siobhan’s office. I was in there with her. He asked if one of us could run out to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription for him. I said I’d do it. He told me which pharmacy it was. As I was heading out, Attorney Johnson said he had something he wanted me to do and he asked Siobhan to go instead.”
“You apologized because Siobhan went out to the pharmacy instead of you? It wasn’t your fault,” Claire said softly trying to reassure the young woman even as alarm bells sounded in her head. “It was just circumstance. What did Attorney Johnson want you to do?”
“He had some briefs for me to file. I hadn’t finished what I was supposed to do and he needed it done right away. Siobhan said she’d take care of it, but Attorney Johnson wanted me to do it for experience.”
Unease trickled down Claire’s back. Was it a set-up to get Siobhan outside at that very moment? “You didn’t have anything to do with it. Don’t berate yourself. It’s not your fault Siobhan was outside when the gunman was there.”
“That’s what Siobhan told me.” The girl’s voice was shaky.
“Did Siobhan seem okay that day? Did she seem like herself?”
“I think so. She was always really nice.”
“How about the days leading up to the shooting?” Claire noticed the girl wince when she said the word shooting.
“She was normal.”
“You didn’t see her worried or upset?”
The elevator arrived at the girl’s floor and she placed her palm against the door to keep it from closing. “You know, I did see something. A few days before the shooting happened, I saw Siobhan talking to one of the attorneys. The conversation seemed serious. She looked upset when she came into the office to help me with something.”
“Did you ask her about it?”
The girl nodded. “She said it was nothing and we got to work. She looked flustered and I noticed her hands seemed shaky, but then she seemed normal after a little while.” The girl nodded at the folders in her hands. “I need to deliver these. Nice talking to you.”
Before the girl stepped away, Claire asked, “Who was the attorney that Siobhan was having the upsetting conversation with?”
“Attorney Johnson.” The girl gave a sad smile and the elevator doors closed.
19
After her work day ended, Claire received a welcome text from Nicole reporting that her sister was feeling much better so she would be returning home to Boston the day after tomorrow. Claire took the dogs to the Common and feeling too exhausted to run or exercise, she sat on the grass and watched them jump and chase and play with the other dogs. They returned home after an hour and Claire made dinner, cleaned up, and settled at the dining room table with her laptop to do some research.
