The Front Range Butcher: A Jarvis Mann Private Detective HardBoiled Mystery Novel (Jarvis Mann Detective Book 7)

by R Weir

  “New work getting done?” I asked.

  “Some needed upgrades. A few private rooms on the first floor being added. Improvements to electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning too. It’s an old building always in need of work to keep it running properly.” She sounded excited about the new work.

  “How are you paying for it?”

  “Money raised thanks to some of the events in the area promoted by Liquid Investors.”

  “They’re keeping their promises?” I knew about dealing with them and the roadblocks they would use.

  “Not without some pushing. They’ve been slow in following through on the agreements. Thankfully Barry has been a pain in their ass.” She grinned.

  “One of his virtues.”

  “I wouldn’t want him working against me. I’m glad he is on our side.”

  “Have you heard from anyone at Liquid Investors? Any more threats or intimidation?”

  “Nothing overt. Though a couple of men stopped by asking about you. Wondered if you still came around. That was a few weeks back. I asked why, but they only said it was personal. I told them it was none of their business. They left without making a fuss.”

  I was curious about this. “Description?”

  “Nothing obvious. A couple of Asian guys who dressed in style. I didn’t give it much thought at the time. Could have been bill collectors for all I knew.”

  I laughed. Yes, it could have been, though my finances for once weren’t in the red. Sounded like my Chinese friends before they came knocking on my door. At least they didn’t cause trouble for her, though I’d seen how well she handled herself with two thugs last year.

  “What about at the events?” I asked.

  “There were a few people there. That marketing lady, whose name escapes me. She about talked my ear off, telling me what a great service I was doing for the neighborhood. I about up-chucked hearing her rhetoric. Good thing I didn’t, since I was all dressed up.”

  My eyebrows rose in wonderment. “Damn, you were dressed up in formal wear? I’m sure it was impressive.” I’d only seen Sam in jeans and t-shirts.

  “Down right hot, I would say. Not often anyone sees me in a long flowing gown and heels. Though my feet hate them and are much happier in my Nikes.” Sam leaned back in her chair, putting her feet with the prominent orange swoosh on white leather on the desk.

  “A shame I missed it.”

  “You probably clean up nice yourself. Didn’t you get an invite?”

  “If I did, it got lost in the mail. I doubt I’m at the top of their lists. Besides I hate dressing up in a monkey suit. Anyone else there besides Maxina?”

  “A few. There was this one handsome black man, dressed in a white tux.” Sam’s eyes lit up. “He was striking but somehow seemed out of place. A little dangerous. I didn’t speak with him, but I could feel his eyes on me at times.”

  “Neatly trimmed goatee and short stubble on his head. Diamond stud earrings?” My heart sunk, I was pretty sure I knew who it was.

  “Sounds like the man. Who is he?”

  “Wolfe. From what I understand he is a dangerous man. Could be he was there to intimate you.” I hoped not, for I’d hate for something to happen to Sam.

  “Seemed scary, though I’m not intimidated by anyone,” stated Sam confidently. “Waste of an evening to have him there for that.”

  “Could have been security for all I know. Or he likes social scenes to press flesh.” I doubted the second one would be the case.

  “I saw very little of that from him. He wandered around some, talked to a few people from what I remember. I lost track of him after a while. I was busy trying to raise money.”

  “How did you do?

  She grinned. “Outstanding. Enough in that one event to pay for the work you see happening now. One other event didn’t do quite as well, but still added to the bottom line. Should keep us open without having to turn anyone away during the busy season on the horizon.” You could hear the joy in her voice.

  “What about local politicians?”

  “Several were there. And the press. Most were stumping for publicity. Pleasing their constituents.” She clearly didn’t care for the political part of her job.

  “How are Parker and T?” I asked. They were the two homeless veterans I’d helped last year.

  “Parker is still helping out around here. He has become my right-hand man. He is also working a part-time job at the local Sprouts.” She sounded proud for how far he’d come. “As for T, I haven’t seen him in a couple of months, but last I heard he was doing well. At least he wasn’t on the streets anymore. Seems the VA homeless program you found got him the help he needed, once he got past the red tape that is.”

  It was good to hear, as I’d not done a decent job of following up on their progress, which I wasn’t happy about. At first I did, but then work and life got in the way. It was not like they needed me to babysit them. They were grown men who had been through a lot in life. All I did was find them help to get them back on the right road.

  “Though it’s fun to reminisce, I’m sure you are here for another reason.” She knew me well.

  “I need a favor,” I said.

  She rocked forward, feet back on the ground. “Name it.”

  “If you have Maxina’s number, can you set up an appointment with her for you? I’ll go in your place. I doubt she’ll take my calls and I need to get on her schedule to discuss something.”

  “Sounds serious.”

  “It is. They may be involved in something else nefarious.”

  “I’m shocked,” Sam said sarcastically, knowing how they operated. “But sure, I can call her. When did you want me to make it for?”

  “If you can get on her schedule tomorrow, that would be great. If not, then the next day works. But I need to see her and not her assistant. I plan to ruffle their feathers some more and I want the top lady to face off against.”

  She grinned. “Happy to do it. Especially if it gets me on her shit list. I’ll call her after you leave and text you when I have the appointment.”

  “Next time there’s a gala, give me a shout. I’ll do my best to show up, though only in my nicest polo and slacks.” I stood up.

  “Bring April along. I’m sure she cleans up nicely too.” Sam stood as well.

  “She does. You two together would turn some heads.”

  Sam smiled and had to get back to work, so we embraced and said our goodbyes. I had learned what I wanted, that Liquid Investors was living up to their end of the bargain, at least over time. And that Wolfe had been in town recently. He was someone I was looking forward to facing someday, or so I told myself. In reality, it was not likely to be a pleasant stare down. After my future conversation with Maxina, I was certain we’d be seeing each other.

  I headed home, ready to unwind. When I arrived, April was sitting on the sofa, arms crossed looking pissed at me.

  “When were you going to tell me?” she seethed.

  “About?” As I stood there, even though I asked, I knew the answer. I braced myself.

  “The charges against you.”

  “I haven’t seen you. It’s been a whirlwind day.”

  “You could have at least sent me a text message.” Her face was red. I’d rarely seen her this mad at me.

  “You were working, and I really didn’t want to bother you with it. It’s all trumped up bullshit charges anyway.”

  “Rape of a minor and child porn are hardly trivial issues. You should have let me know.” She glared at me.

  I put my keys on the table and sat down next to her, with an “I’m sorry” look on my face and sighed tiredly.

  “Yes, I should have let you know. I’m sorry.”

  “Damn you. It’s hard enough to care for you without you shutting me out of your life.”

  Shutting out people was another trait I’d had for many years. And it was a hard habit to break.

  “It wasn’t my intention. What can I do to make it up to you?” I a
sked as I pulled her into my arms.

  “I’ve got to work early tomorrow. I need to go home and get some sleep.” She didn’t pull away, but I could feel she was still mad.

  “I promise to allow you all the sleep you need.” I was using my calm voice.

  “Sure, you will. I’ve heard that before.” Now she pulled away, looking right at me, the red in her face ebbing. “My eyes will be closed, nearly asleep and you’ll roll up against me. The next thing I know your hands are all over me…”

  “First time you’ve ever complained.”

  “Hard to say anything when your mouth is covering my lips and your tongue is making circles around mine.” She crossed her arms again but finding it harder to stay angry. The edges of her frown twitched.

  “I’m sorry. I promise to keep my hands to myself.” I leaned into her and started kissing her neck, my hands behind my back. “See no hands. I’ll use my lips only, covering the neck on down. And your mouth is free to protest.”

  “Damn you!” she said, the rage turning to desire.

  She laid back on the sofa and my lips trailed down her front side. I didn’t use my hands until I got the ok several moans later.

  Chapter 41

  Even after a glorious night of carnal activities, April was still peeved at me and rightly so. There was nothing wrong with our passion, but not immediately contacting her after my arrest had irked her. She was up early showering and didn’t care for me to join her. Although I had some serious making up to do, it was nice to have someone care about me. Instead I whipped up some eggs, cheese and ham, so she had something in her stomach on the way out the door. After a quick kiss, that made me feel like an old married couple, I showered, dressed and headed out the door for Liquid Investors.

  Sam had texted me that the appointment was for 10 a.m. I planned on arriving close to the scheduled time and do my best Sam impersonation, so I wasn’t thrown out on my ear.

  On the drive over I noticed a large black SUV following me. It was doing its best not to be seen, keeping several vehicles back, but shadowed me all the way to the Liquid Investors building. I made a mental note to be on the lookout.

  Once parked and through the front door, I waited, after showing up only a couple of minutes late, and rushing myself to the receptionist desk on Maxina’s floor.

  “Damn, I hate the traffic in this town,” I said, sounding flustered. “Sorry I’m late. Pastor Sam with an appointment with Maxina.”

  The name Sam had confused me initially, and I suspected it would the receptionist as well. She looked at her schedule and didn’t bat an eye.

  “Meeting room two. Down the hall and third door on the left. I can take you there.”

  “You’re a doll, but no. I’ll be fine. I’ll find my way.”

  I blessed myself and then headed towards the room pleased with my performance. I walked in and sat two chairs down from Maxina. We had met two times before, so she knew who I was. And she certainly noticed I wasn’t Sam.

  “Jarvis,” she said, slightly confused. “I was expecting Pastor Sam from the mission.”

  “Something came up and she couldn’t make it. I came in her place. You don’t look happy to see me.”

  She twirled her chair to face me. She was short, with black shoulder length hair with blonde highlights that curled up at the tips. Her hazel eyes stood out, as did the lavender lipstick and thick pancake makeup covering her face that seemed overwhelming to me. She was plus sized, with sturdy legs, a deep blue pants suit and flat ivory shoes. Her anger was on par with April’s of last night. I doubted seduction would work in this case, so I went with the pleasing grin that normally calmed a charging rhino. I’m not certain it worked here.

  “I don’t like my time wasted,” she said, with her slightly deep voice. “I’m an extremely busy person.”

  “No time for an old friend?” I asked, still showing a sparkling grin.

  Her eyes narrowed. “Friend! More like nemesis. I paid dearly after last year. Ever since I met you, I’ve been working my ass off trying to get back in the good graces of management.”

  “You were hardly to blame. Unless you did arrange for those men to harass the homeless.”

  “I’m not answering your questions. I have better things to do.” She started to get up, but I waved for her to sit down.

  “No need to get angry. I’ll get to the point. You have two security men working here at Liquid Investors that attacked me. I need to know why?”

  She stared at me. “You’ve got to be kidding me. I don’t control security. If what you say is true, why don’t you talk with them?”

  “Because I know you, have a history with you. They wouldn’t give me the time of day, unless you walk me down there so I can talk with whoever is in charge.”

  “I’m calling security now.” She picked up the phone and started dialing.

  “Good. Then we can discuss why they were after me.”

  “I’m not calling them, so you can talk. I’m calling them to have you thrown out.”

  “Better call several, for I won’t leave peacefully. And then I make more noise about your company to anyone who will listen. Not good publicity for the head of public relations. All that arduous work and overtime building up your reputation, gone to waste.”

  She had the phone to her ear, waiting for someone on the other end. I heard a voice and Maxina didn’t respond. She looked at me, and I puffed up my upper body to look as intimidating as I could. With a sigh, she finally spoke.

  “Is Adrian around?” she asked. “It’s Maxina. I have someone here who needs to discuss an issue with two of his personnel. Sounds serious and requires his presence to resolve.”

  There was a pause and some back and forth, before he agreed to come down. Leaning back in my chair I was relaxed, ready for anything to happen. Security could be coming to bust in and drag me out. If they did, they’d have a struggle on their hands.

  “It maybe a few minutes before he can come down,” said Maxina.

  “I’m in no rush. Gives us time to get to know each other better.” My smile was back.

  She gave me a look of distain.

  “Or maybe I can get some juice,” I said. “Danish would be nice. Blueberry, strawberry or pineapple if available.”

  “I’m not your personal servant!”

  “Of course you aren’t. But you can call someone who is your servant and ask them nicely to bring some in.”

  More looks of who do you think you are. But she picked up the phone and called. I knew they were a Google-like company with breakfast brought in every morning for everyone to feast on. No need for it to go to waste, as I was certain there were extras.

  Juice and two danishes arrived, one strawberry, the other pineapple. They were fresh and tasty. Nothing but the best for their employees. It was good they brought two, as I had a lot of time to kill, waiting for Adrian to arrive. Maxina spent most of her time on her notebook, working, planning the next big advertising campaign. She never once looked up, as I eyed her playfully, hoping to make her uncomfortable. It would appear she could ward off any of my leers.

  Over thirty minutes later in he strutted, unbuttoning his jacket before taking a seat between me and Maxina.

  “Jarvis Mann,” he said, without offering his hand.

  “In the flesh.”

  “Adrian Conrad. Head of security here at Liquid Investors. I understand you have an issue with some of my security people.” You could tell he wasn’t thrilled to be there.

  “Blake Simmons and George Morgan,” I said, the names retrieved from our pressured discussion with Chuck.

  “What did they do?” His phone was in his right hand, and he kept looking at it.

  “Attacked me when I refused to back off someone I was talking to about a case.”

  “And what case are you working on?”

  “The Front Range Butcher. I’ve been talking with Simon Lions, a possible suspect.”

  “Really. Why would these men care about your involvement
?” His eyes remained trained on his phone while he spoke.

  “I don’t know. A lawyer with Whitelaw & Associates paid me a visit, bought me lunch and then tried to buy me off, when I refused he then threatened me. Shortly after, Blake, George and a buddy of theirs, Chuck, paid me a visit and beat the crap out of me.” I was feeling curt about the whole situation. “Maybe Whitelaw keeps you on retainer for enforcement work. Maybe the lawyer is a friend of yours or someone here at Liquid Investors and asked for a favor. Either way I suspect someone here orchestrated it.”

  “Coincidental.” He was multi-tasking, typing something on his phone using his thumbs, showing me that I was of little importance to him. I wanted to grab the phone from him but resisted.

  “Possible. Though a strong one. Detective work requires building a case, putting the pieces together, making connections that often lead me to the truth. Like the ties to a state senator married to the sister of Simon. Someone who had put pressure on the police in the past to leave him alone, even though he was a suspect. A senator you have donated money to from what I’ve learned.” I watched him carefully, but his face was blank. The part about the donations was a fib, though a good one. Most large corporations donate money to politicians, no matter their politics or party affiliation. Playing both sides was a smart business move.

  “We donate to many senators. Doesn’t mean we are involved.”

  “Doesn’t mean you aren’t either. In time, I’ll put it together and find out one way or another.”

  Adrian rocked in his chair, thinking, finally done sending his message, phone now lying on the table. He was a handsome man, with neatly combed blonde hair, expensive suit and perfectly polished shoes. I swore his teeth had been bleached white recently, as they sparkled in the meeting room light. His skin was bronze from regular visits to the tanning salon, eyebrows perfect, as if they had been waxed. He rubbed at this chin, contemplating what to say next.

  “Because of policy, I can’t confirm these two men you claim assaulted you, work for us. But if they do, what they do on their own time is their business.” He was dismissive in his tone.