“I wanted a full-time job there.”
“Lying to us isn't a smart thing to do. You also neglected to inform us how to contact you,” Tomlinson said.
“I'm not lying. I was so frustrated at losing my restaurant and not being able to find a good job. And, I'm nott concerned about that fat SOB Hatchett.”
“That attitude and the voice mail message you left on Hatchett's phone gives you the motive to get even,” Bridge said with emphasis as he paced behind Caswell.
Caswell's eyes widened. “Yes, I hated the guy, but I wouldn't, and didn't kill him,” Caswell said turning his head to view Bridge, who now stood behind Alicia. “I'm not sad that he's dead. I have no knowledge of the murder except what I heard after we got off the train. I didn't come in for a scheduled interview due to an appointment the next day.”
“Where were you from the twentieth, until we found you?” Tomlinson asked.
“I went to an appointment at Caesar’s Palace casino in Reno on Thursday, the twenty-first. While there, I applied to several casinos and restaurants in and around Reno. I took a short order job at Sam's Club but quit after a week.”
“What about the knife we found in the wine cooler?”
“I took it with me when I went to get a bottle of wine. I used it to cut open the case, but forgot and left it there. My mind was on other things,” he answered, sounding frustrated but without a sign of guilt.
Bridge showed him the photo sheet of Scott. “Have you seen this man before?”
“I don't think so. Was he on the train?”
“Yes. You're sure you didn't see him on the train?”
“No, I didn't see him,” Caswell replied.
Caswell cooperated, and gave a DNA swab, hair sample, and allowed a search of his car and belongings. He also agreed to take a polygraph, if needed. He said he was living in different cheap motels and his car since vacating his apartment, two months ago.
Since there wasn't enough evidence to arrest him, Bridge warned him not to leave the city unless approved by the Bureau office. After the warning, he exited the building. The interview had lasted only two hours.
Since there wasn't enough evidence to arrest him, Bridge warned him not to leave the city unless approved by the Bureau office. After that warning, he left. The interview had lasted only two hours.
In Alicia's office, Hank commented, “Unless the DNA and other evidence shows otherwise, I don’t think he’s our guy.”
“We still have Scott to talk to if we can find him. Man, sometimes this job frustrates the hell out of me.”
“I can relate,” Hank said with a sympathetic nod. “ I have something to share with you.”
Alicia smiled, “Don't make me ask.”
“I went to Reno yesterday to do a little gambling. While sitting at a blackjack table, Caswell took the seat next to me. For about an hour we gambled without talking. When he and I began losing, we left the table and ended up having a few drinks and chatting. I got the feeling he wasn't a possible suspect. His attitude was honest as he was during your interrogation.”
“That's interesting. Why didn't you tell me sooner?” She asked, wrinkling her brow.
“I didn't want to influence your questioning of him. Before you ask, I didn't mention the Wine Train or the murder. I was a good boy.”
“Are you holding any other information from me?”
“Not related to this case, but I also had an enjoyable morning that ended up being tragic.”
“What?”
“Why don't you join me for dinner and I’ll tell you about my experience.”
“Dinner would be nice,” she agreed. “I can cook too, remember?”
“Indeed, you can! I'd like to treat you to something different. At least I hope it’s different for you. I'll pick you up at seven if that works.”
She smiled and winked. “You bet. I'll be ready.”
TWENTY-SIX Tuesday, December 3
With eyes sparkling, Alicia grinned from ear to ear as Hank entered her office. “Good morning, Hank. Thanks again for a lovely dinner and the show was hilarious. I laughed so hard my ribs hurt. I needed a night away from work. You are a darling man.”
“I had a great time, too. And you’re the one who’s darling.” Hank joined her in laughter.
They replayed the events of the previous night at the Suspects Dinner Theater aboard the Delta King Riverboat on the Sacramento River. The comedy, fun, suspense, mystery, good food and audience participation were all rolled into one hilarious evening. This special dinner theater was interactive. Any guest could become a detective or a suspect, and everyone could solve the crime. The sleuth coming closest to solving the crime received a prize at the end of the evening. Alicia and Hank had their hunches, but neither of them solved the mystery. Much like the real-life situations they faced every day.
Changing subjects, Alicia continued, “I still can't believe you witnessed that shootout. At least you weren't involved except as a useful citizen. You said two patrolmen, and a civilian got shot. What's their condition?” Her look and tone appeared concerned.
“I don't know. There may be something in the newspaper, but I haven't found it yet. I doubt I'd find any details online. That's my excitement. What about you?”
Chuckling, she responded. “Nothing like you.” Her tone then became serious. “We learned that Scott was originally from Oregon, the Clackamas area south of Portland. Smith is following this lead. We need to find this guy.”
“What we know so far, leads me to think he has mental issues. Maybe his past will confirm my hunch,” Hank said.
“Possible. The forensics lab has matched one blood type to the victim; the other samples were B negative, but no match in CODIS. DNA is being done and tested against the DNA found in Scott's hairbrush, and skin cells found on Hatchett's coat sleeve. There hasn't been any DNA identified on the paper towels found in the Men's restroom near the cooler. Hopefully, it's only Scott's DNA. Also, a partial fingerprint on the knife matches one of the prints taken from Scott's house, but not enough to meet court criteria. Hatchett had a bruise on his throat, DNA got collected, and there were unknown male cells found in that area, probably from the assailant but there's no match yet.”
“The problem with that is a good defense attorney may concede to the similarity, but it 's only circumstantial,” Hank said. “It may be we have another suspect.”
“That's right. CSU found cast-off blood, but minimal and only a few directional drops caused when the knife was removed from Hatchett's belly and thrust back into his chest. A few blood drops found in the passageway matched Hatchett's.” Her tone lightened. “Austin has gone through Scott's computer. He found many files of restaurant reviews from other cities. Most of his comments were about a particular dish and the service. He scanned Scott's files and discovered that several of his reviews plagiarized other reviews of similar recipes and restaurants in other cities.”
“That says a bunch about his integrity,” Hank said.
“Also, Cordero talked with the woman who was checking people onto the train. She remembered him adding, 'That guy, Scott, hit on me. Yuck.'. She also noticed his coat with the leather elbow patches. ‘He was the only one dressed like that.' The train manager, Alioto, also recognized the sports coat but didn't see it after eleven.”
“He’s likely our guy. Now, let's catch him.”
She smiled before looking at the file in front of her.
“I was planning to spend a few days in the mountains. My friends aren’t using their cabin so, would you join me?” Hank asked.
She looked up to Hank. “When are you going?”
“Today.”
“I’d like to,” she said with a coquettish smile. But I can’t leave until I see how this case is going. Maybe later, or tomorrow if nothing else happens. Most of my team and I have accrued time off. Can we leave it open?”
“Okay. Brian told me that I'd be able to get cell service up there. I would like to have you join me.”
&n
bsp; “Me too!” Alicia said smiling. “I may get Bridge to take charge.”
“Sounds good.” Hank smiled and waved as he left. He hoped that if she made a spur-of-the-moment trip to the cabin, she would be happy.
~~~~~
The cabin was off of Interstate-80 in the Sierras near Boreal Mountain Resort. Snowfalls so far this season were less than normal due to the drought. The highway was clear and the driveway to the cabin. Hank and Molly arrived before noon.
Alicia joined them late in the afternoon. After she had settled in, they took Molly for a walk. Light snow fell, exciting Molly who ran around the yard yapping and dancing amid the white fluff.
As Molly squatted in the snow, her expression appeared startled. She sniffed the area and found a snowless spot under a tree. Feeling playful, Hank started a snowball toss, laughing as Molly chased the flying snowballs. Alicia chased Molly. Hank threw a snowball at them, hitting Alicia which caused her to slip and fall. Laughing hard with her head held back, Alicia’s rosy-cheeked face was irresistible to Hank.
When Hank put out his hand to help her up, she yanked his arm. The next thing he knew he was lying next to her, nose to nose. Being so close to her aroused him. They laughed and shared a tender kiss, staring into each other’s eyes. He assisted Alicia to her feet and helped brush the snow from her jacket. Her teeth chattered from the cold, she grinned, saying, “This is fun. Thanks for inviting me.”
Molly barked for more attention. Hank and Alicia each grabbed a handful of snow to throw to Molly, but Alicia had a different idea. Giggling, she turned quickly and shoved a handful of snow down Hank's jacket. He retaliated by throwing a snowball at her as she ran away from him. They continued frolicking like children, Molly chasing them as they played.
Tired and cold, they ran to the cabin. Hank built a fire in the fireplace, and within minutes, the cabin interior enveloped with warmth. Hungry from their playfulness, Hank prepared a meal of hearty beef soup with a mixed green salad.
“This is tasty. I'm glad you can cook so well,” Alicia said.
Hank nodded, his mouth full.
Alicia’s eyebrows rose. “Oh, remember the vest that Jackson Crow found? Well, Donovan talked to Jackson who said the vest was small with only two women and one man that it would fit.”
“I doubt that a woman caused the stabbing. Who is the man?”
“Jackson said possibly, Stan Klein.”
“No shit? I didn't expect that. But do we know if the stain is blood and do they have a match?”
“The stain is human blood, but it will take a while to get the DNA. In the meantime, Donovan is tracking down Klein. We found out he quit working on the Wine Train last Wednesday.”
“I never suspected Stan as the killer. Did Donovan try to call him?” Hank asked.
“The number we have is no longer in service. Hopefully, Donovan will locate him and bring him in for questioning. Once we have a blood sample, we’ll be able to determine if the vest stain belongs to him. Let’s not talk shop anymore. I feel relaxed and want to enjoy our time here.” Her eyes sparkled as she sipped the wine.
“Fine by me. Do you want to go skiing tomorrow?”
“Sure, but it's been a while for me.” Alicia sounded cautious.
After talking about several skiing experiences, they cleared the table and washed the dishes. Lounging in front of the blazing rustic stone fireplace, they sipped Merlot, watched the flickering flames, and snuggled together. “I feel very comfortable here with you,” Alicia said, stroking his cheek.
“Me, too,” Hank said staring into her sensuous eyes. The flickering light from the fire added intensity to her beautiful face and glowing hair. They kissed.
Hank stood to add another log to the fire and then turned and looked at Alicia. He remembered the perfumed scent of her naked body, her sweat, the taste of her luscious mouth, the mind-blowing pleasure of being deep inside her when they made love for the first time.
He reached down to draw Alicia from the sofa into his firm embrace, and kissed her, slipping his tongue through her luscious lips. Feeling her respond, he slowly drew back, releasing her lips enjoying the sound of her moan. “We only have a couple of nights to ourselves, and I'm not about to waste it,” he whispered.
Alicia’s voice was husky with desire. “My thoughts exactly.”
Soft jazz music played in the background as the warm dancing firelight filled the room with a glow that matched their mood. Hank's hand grasped the back of her head, holding her immobile, their mouths engaged, tongues entangled. Passion overpowered them. Her hand unbuttoned his shirt as they kissed. A low groan escaped his lips as her light touch excited him.
Alicia moaned, encouraging him as he kissed her neck and ears, her scent, and the softness of her skin excited him to the point of going after his desire. He unbuttoned her blouse then kissed his way down to her breasts. Her soft moan encouraged him.
Hank slid one hand down her back teasing the blouse free from her jeans so he could reach her bare back and torso. She ripped his shirt off. The air in the room crackled with passion as they clutched each other. Their clothes dissolved as they fondled and kissed their way to nakedness.
Hank slid his arms around her, pinning her against his erection. His passion increased when she whispered, “Hank, I want you, now!”
He uttered another murmur of pleasure, as her short nails dug into his bare back, sending hot shivers skittering across his skin. She moaned again; Hank sensed her arousal spike. He liked feeling her strength beneath his questing fingers.
In unison, they knelt down on the plush fur-like rug, facing each other. Cupping her face, Hank licked and suckled each glorious offering while enjoying her soft moans. Leaning her head forward; she nibbled his ear. Her hands clawed at his bare skin.
He rolled on his side pulling Alicia with him. Guiding her over his hard, wanting member, he thrust deep into nirvana.
“Oh, my God!” she sighed. Her head back, eyes closed while a broad smile graced her lovely face.
Hank cupped her breasts, pinched her nipples, and moved within her. This beautiful woman matched his rhythm. It was nirvana as she rode him hard. He felt the pleasure rising within him but forced it back.
“Hank,” she gasped. Her writhing increased, her moans became louder, which added to the love Hank felt. As the pleasure consumed her, drawing her nearer and nearer to the abyss of rapture, she climaxed, again and again, Hank unleashed his liquid heat into her. While screaming each other's name, electrical sparks ravaged each of them from head to toe. Alicia's body slowly calmed, her strength spent, and she collapsed onto him.
Hank held her with his fingers intertwined through her hair as she released a sigh of total contentment and satisfaction.
As he drifted off to sleep, he thought, this time I got it right!
TWENTY-SEVEN Wednesday, December 4
The next day began with a light breakfast. They talked little, reveled in the delight of being together. Half of the ski runs at Boreal, equipped with snowmaking systems made most of the open runs either beginner or intermediate covered with good snow. It had been a year since Hank skied slopes that were more challenging and Alicia hadn’t skied in a long time. They returned to the cabin before two o'clock.
After watching Molly do her duty under a large pine tree, they laughed as she leaped and ran around the snow covered ground. They spent what remained of the afternoon in front of a fire and sipping chilled Chardonnay.
“This wine is great and so are you,” Hank said to Alicia. “I'd like to do a little more skiing tomorrow since the slopes aren't too crowded. How about you?”
“Not a full day, but a few runs would be okay. My legs aren't used to this. I haven't skied at all for a while. I'm out of shape,” Alicia said.
“I get it. We don't have to if you'd rather just relax. And, believe me, there’s nothing out of shape about you.”
“No way, I want to ski a little then unwind as we are today.” she said clinking her glass with Hank's, “C
heers.” They leaned into each other, and a passionate kiss followed their toast. Molly stuck her nose between them wanting attention.
“Okay girl, let's play a little,” Hank said rubbing his fur-buddy’s head.
Before heading outside, Hank put a whole chicken in the oven to bake for dinner.
They went outside to play in the snow. Molly frolicked, and Hank and Alicia tossed snowballs at her.
The roast chicken with potatoes, veggies, and the salad was delicious. Alicia agreed the perfect addition would be a tasty Merlot. Even though he fed Molly, she stood watching them eat. Hank gave her a small piece of chicken. Sometimes he thought Molly was smiling at him.
After dinner, they went outside to enjoy star gazing unimpaired by the city lights. Hank held Alicia tight, and she snuggled into his arms. They watched as Molly sniffed the snow. Their kisses came naturally. The chill of the night air drove all three into the warmth of the cabin.
With their coats hung up, they stood to look at each other. Molly drank water then curled up on her bed to the side of the fireplace, enjoying the fire’s blazing heat. The memory of the night before seemed to envelop both Hank and Alicia as they sipped the remaining Merlot.
In silence, they sat on the couch mesmerized by the crackling, dancing flames. As the heat radiating from the hearth warmed the room, their closeness echoed the surrounding air. Reaching out to explore each other again, Alicia's hands inched across his muscular body. As he explored her velvety skin, his hand delved deeper and lower moving under her loose top. Blind to anything around them, they explored each other’s body. Alicia ran one hand up under Hanks shirt while the other undid the buttons. He leaned in giving her a breathless kiss and whispered, “Let’s move this to something larger than a couch.”
A husky whisper came from Alicia, “the bedroom, now.”
Their passions reawakened, and their lovemaking became exuberant and exhausting. Before falling asleep, they learned more about each other, speaking as if they had a future attached to their thoughts.
Hank had not experienced the joy of being with a woman in decades.
Killer On The Train Page 14
