Billy Palmer

by Ronald Zastre

  “Good Detective! I’m only defending myself, so you don’t end up wasting your time, coppice? Can you appreciate that?”

  “I will explore all the possibilities, Sir.”

  Friggin didn’t work for more than a second. Got to give this guy credit, if I was guilty the only thing to do now would be to confess and beg for mercy. “Detective, I have no doubt that you will get your man,” Manny said honestly.

  “I think I already have. Deputy Conners,” Swenson turned to her, “would you inform Mr. Anderson of your discovery.”

  “Yes, I went through your computer Mr. Anderson, and I can’t find any files pertaining to this Billy Palmer,” Deputy Conner said.

  “Well, Deputy, there is nothing in there about Billy, just his writing.”

  “There is nothing about Billy Palmer or anything he wrote in that computer, Mr. Anderson.”

  “Deputy, listen to what I say. He wrote a story called Timtown. It’s the story that is in the computer, not anything about Billy, per say.”

  “I’m sorry, Sir, but that information is also missing.”

  “That can’t be, how would it be missing?”

  “That is what I would like to ask you, Manny?” piped up Swenson.

  “Swenson, I know nothing about ‘them’ machines.” Manny said, pointing at the computer. “The only thing I could be guilty of would be losing information, not getting rid of it.”

  “I only know what the deputy has told me, and she guarantees me that the files were removed.”

  “Geez, what next?” Manny said flustered, throwing up his arms. “Have you talked to my wife?”

  “She says the files were there, and she didn’t erase them,” Deputy Conner said.

  “People,” Manny pleaded, “I can turn that thing on, I can open the files, sometimes, and that’s it, believe me. I only use two fingers to type!”

  “You’re a smart man, Manny, but you’re not much good at playing dumb,” Swenson added.

  “Who’s playing.” Manny said, turning and leaving the room. “You can all show yourselves out.”

  Chapter 28

  The house was empty, and Manny was nursing a drink, trying to calm down after the episode with Detective Swenson. The phone rang, Manny grabbed it quickly, hoping to talk to Cassey.

  “I hoped you’d come to your senses?” Manny said breathlessly.

  “Geez Manny, I’m sorry, this is Tom.”

  “Tom, Tom, oh Tom, sorry, I’ve had a hell of a bad day, sorry.” Manny recognized Gwen’s husband.

  “So I’ve heard. Gwen’s Mother called, said there was something in the paper about you and some attempted murder.”

  “Yeah.”

  “I don’t understand? I was going to call some old friends up there, but decided to call you first, find out what’s happening.”

  “I appreciate that . . .” Manny hesitated, trying to figure out how to explain the situation. “It’s a mess, and it’s my fault.”

  “What’s going on?”

  “Oh, did you know, Billy was married once?”

  “No, I didn’t. When was this?”

  “Twenty years ago. She was murdered?”

  “Not there in Minnesota?”

  “No, but the man that did it, well I found him, and did a very stupid thing, and it’s come back to haunt me.”

  “I guess. I heard that you and Cassey split up.”

  “Yeah, for the moment Cassey is not my biggest fan.

  “Gwen’s called up there. According to what she’s hearing, you turned out to be a real asshole.”

  “That’s putting it mildly.”

  “Manny, what the hell did you do?”

  “I didn’t do anything, but I’m looking really guilty right now. I can’t figure out if it’s circumstantial or if I was maybe set up.”

  “Why would somebody set you up? What do you have that they’d want?”

  “Nothing I can figure, but I did step on somebody’s life. I went and threatened the well-being of a psychopath.”

  “Well done, Manny!”

  “Yeah, I never figured I had much talent, but I have amazed myself with this mess I’ve managed to get into.”

  “You know, Gwen was contacted this morning by some agent woman, offered her and her mom fifty-thousand big ones each for some kind of release.”

  “A release, what’s that have to do with me?”

  “They’re Billy’s only heirs, and somebody wants to write his life story.

  “No shit, who was this person? Tainer, it’s got to be Tainer, he’s the only one that knows about the book.

  “I don’t know, Gwen won’t tell me, something to do with a confidentiality clause.”

  “I assume she’s going to do it?”

  “Wouldn’t you, I mean that’s a lot of money.”

  “This party, they paid for the rights to what?”

  “I don’t know, Gwen won’t talk, like I said. You could call her mother, she might spill the beans, but you didn’t hear anything from me, okay?”

  “I got ya, but why did you call me?”

  “I don’t know, you were interested in the same thing, I thought you should know.”

  “Look, I appreciate it, I really do, and I won’t say I got it from you.”

  “Hey thanks. We could really use the money, but I feel kind of guilty. I mean, here’s this wind fall, and it comes from Billy. Gwen’s mother is always barking about how worthless Billy was and now she benefits from it. I don’t understand that woman at all. She talks so bad about Billy, and he never did anything to her. Billy was cool about it all, he said it was just family dynamics, politics in the home. He said his dad treated people different according to what he wanted from them or thought he could get. Billy said he figured out the old man was messing with him at an early age. From then on Billy had the upper hand, and that was what his dad held against him. It had nothing to do with who he was or what he had done. I guess Billy understood what was going on, I sure don’t.”

  *

  Manny was holding the phone in his one hand, a second drink in the other, a knot forming in his stomach. The fireplace was burning hotly, but Manny was not getting any enjoyment from it. He took a big breath and dialed.

  The phone rang. Oh, come on, somebody be there.” The phone picked up on the fifth ring. Oh thank god, Donny, maybe he’ll talk to me?

  “Hey trooper, how’s it going?”

  “Hey Dad, what the hell is going on? Mom’s all weirded out. I’m trying to feel her out, find out what’s eating at her, but I don’t know if she’s really mad at you or just mad about George, and she’s scared. I talked to this detective.”

  “Dear Mr. Swenson.”

  “Yeah, he’s an asshole. Sounds like he’s really got it in for you. What the hell is his problem?”

  “He’s convinced I’m a bad person.”

  “Sounds like it. He’s got investigator on the brain and can’t see the forest for the trees. Don’t worry though, he’ll sort it all out.”

  “You think?”

  “Well, if anything, he’ll probably burn himself out trying to stick it to you. His type always does.”

  “Thanks for the support, but I’m burning down along with him.”

  “Hang in there Dad, Danny and I know you didn’t have anything to do with it.”

  “What does your mother think?”

  “She’s just really confused right now. She keeps saying she worked hard for her happiness and deserves to enjoy it. She admits she’s being selfish. She wants revenge for George though. I’ve never seen her so ticked off before.”

  “She really liked that big hound.”

  “Yeah, George was her buddy and he died saving her. He’s become almost mythical to Mom. But, like I said, I know you had nothing to do with it. Maybe somebody’s out to get you and Mom?”

  “What for?” Manny didn’t reveal his suspicions because they were too vague yet.

  “There are some seriously screwed up people in this world Dad, they
don’t need much of a reason. You and Mom have been so close, maybe someone’s jealous.

  “I just can’t imagine why,” Manny said, thinking, Try greedy.

  “Jealousy can be ugly,” Donny sighed. “Just be careful. I’ll look after Mom, I’ve got another week’s leave coming and I’ll take it.”

  “Hey, thanks, Donny.” Manny took a deep breath. “Is she there?”

  “Yes.”

  “Put her on the phone please,” Manny asked weakly.

  Manny could hear a discussion going on in the background as he waited for Cassey, his stomach really tied into a knot. The thought of her not talking to him made him ache and waiting was torture. Shit, I haven’t felt like this since high school. Since I first got serious about her. God damn, I haven’t done anything wrong, why do I feel so helpless? I find out who’s responsible and so help me—

  “Okay Manny, it’s your dime, what do you want?” Cassey sounded distant. He recognized the tone she used with people that annoyed her. The sound of her voice did nothing to quell the butterflies in his stomach.

  “Hey sweetheart, I miss you,” he feebly announced.

  “Yeah Manny, how’s it going?” Cassey didn’t sound thrilled.

  “Rough.”

  “Brought it on yourself.”

  “I know, I’d just like to know the particulars. How can I fix it if I’m not sure how it got broken?”

  “Well, I’ll leave that up to you. I miss my home, my peace and sanctity, and I blame you.”

  “I’ll get it back for you, I promise.”

  “You’ve got no choice, Manny because I won’t start out from the bottom again. I worked too hard and I won’t except losing all that.”

  “You are really hard core.” Manny immediately regretted the comment.

  “Manny,” Cassey shouted, “someone tried to kill me, and if it hadn’t been for George I wouldn’t be here now!”

  “I’ll get you another dog.”

  “George picked me, remember,” Cassey said sadly. “How are you going to duplicate that?”

  Manny didn’t have an answer. He was quiet for a moment, thinking, wanting to change the subject.

  “All the files you were working on are missing.”

  “Yes, I know, Detective Swenson called me and told me. He suspects you did it.

  “I don’t know how to do that,” Manny said defensively

  “That’s what I told him. The detective said you hired somebody.”

  “Goddamn him!” Manny shouted. “He ties me to everything that he can’t explain! It’s not fair!”

  “I don’t really care!” Cassey shouted back. “I don’t want anything more to do with Billy, or his writing, or his story. My life has been turned upside down because of it. No more Manny, do you hear me, no more of it! I wash my hands of the whole thing.”

  “Cassey, please! Timtown, do you have a copy, one you printed out, maybe?”

  “Yes, what do you want that for?”

  “Everything that’s happened pertains to that book, trust me! Has anyone asked you if you printed one, or if you have any, what do you call them?

  “Disks,” Cassey answered.

  “Yes, disks. Do you have any?”

  “I’m sick of Billy, I don’t want anything more to do with it, please I already told you that. You know, that Mark guy got really mad at me when I told him I might approach somebody else about the book. I thought it was kind of irrational and it kind of scared me. I don’t like people I don’t know trying to intimidate me. I didn’t appreciate the pressure.”

  “I didn’t know you called him?

  “I didn’t, he called looking for you.”

  “When?”

  “You had just left, and he wanted to be sure you were coming to New York. I mentioned Mattie and how she had gotten published, and he went off on me. I got an ear full. Then when I got mad, he suddenly became real contrite, almost pleaded with me not to tell you about the incident, so I didn’t. He said he though highly of you.”

  “He’s thinking of me all right, but it’s not respect that’s motivating him. Please Cassey, the book, a copy, disks, it’s important. I’ll explain later.”

  “There’s a copy printed out in the kitchen, in the bottom drawer to the left of the sink, and a disk there too.”

  “Oh, thank you!”

  “That thing has gotten to be a pain in the ass, Manny,” Cassey warned.

  “Cassey, Timtown is the reason all this is happening.”

  “Huh?” Cassey responded.

  “Trust me Babe, it’s the ultimate prize”

  Chapter 29

  “The material was removed from outside her computer. Someone used a worm,” Deputy Conner announced. She was in the office with Swenson and Auburn.

  “So, Anderson did it that way, to throw us off,” Swenson announced.

  “I’m sure he doesn’t have that kind of knowledge,” Carrie said. “This was very high tech, very sophisticated”

  “He hired someone. Think Deputy, think Anderson, stay focused and find out how he did it,” Swenson instructed.

  “I still don’t think he’s responsible,” Carrie returned.

  “I do the suspect evaluation around here,” There was a warning in the tone of Swenson’s voice. “When I tell you to find evidence to convict a suspect, you find evidence, do you understand?”

  “Even if I think the suspect isn’t hiding anything?”

  “Yes, Deputy, I decide when a suspect is no longer under suspicion, not you. How was this worm installed, find that out, and you find the person that did it?”

  “I don’t think so,” Conner returned with a contemptuous tone of her own. “Whoever did it, probably used a prepaid cell phone to tap into the wireless internet system at their end. They then placed the worm. It’s about as untraceable as you can work it. Any disk that has anything pertaining to Timtown, that’s the trigger word, is automatically erased. Somebody knows what they are doing.”

  “Okay, so Anderson is working with some smart people. Then find the woman. All that traveling, he’s up to something, and I’ll almost guarantee that it has to do with a woman, somewhere.”

  “Why are you so certain?” asked Auburn.

  “Because, he tried to have his wife killed, fool!” Swenson criticized. “It’s not financially motivated, I don’t think? He has plenty of money, so why else? A man can’t turn down adventure after his life has gone stale, boring, he has to seek out new adventures. Anderson even admitted that much to me, I have it in my notes.”

  “It could be a man? We don’t know his sexual preference?” Auburn added.

  “Good thinking Auburn!” Swenson said, excitedly. “I hadn’t considered that angle, but it would explain why Anderson would suddenly become involved in dangerous activities. His peaceful life would sure take a hit if that got out, especially around here.”

  “Why did he remove all the computer material?” Auburn asked.

  “That one has me baffled, but it will make sense when we find the reason. Maybe just to piss off his wife? I want his movements down to the hour, compiled, and on this desk by tomorrow evening. By then I want to be able to look at Manny Anderson’s every movement for the last couple of months. Talk to that Marilyn Gwynn, she seems to know a lot,” Swenson directed the order to deputy Conner.

  “I don’t like her,” Conners said.

  “Deputy Conners, this is not a personality contest,” Swenson scolded. “You keep your personal feelings to yourself and concentrate on your job. Right now, that job is to find evidence to convict a criminal. Stick to that Deputy, and you and I will get along fine. Do you understand me?”

  Conners didn’t say anything right away as she and Swenson glared at each other, Conners finally capitulating. “Yes, Detective, I understand. I will do my best to obtain evidence to convict the guilty party.”

  “That’s better Deputy Conner, much better.”

  *

  Deputies Conner and Auburn were standing outside the office, wa
tching Swenson go through the door to the street.

  “What were you thinking in there?” Auburn asked.

  “I just think he’s wrong, and we’re spinning our wheels. I can’t see the husband being the perp in this one.”

  “I’d bet against you.”

  “Why?”

  “Like Swenson said, the old man has been on the road all of a sudden, a lot. He’s up to something!”

  “I don’t know, I’ve been talking to people that know the two of them, and unless he has fallen and hit his head recently, it doesn’t fit.”

  “I’m still going with Swenson,” Auburn said with a smirk. ‘I’m going to do a little digging, look for the fag in his life.”

  “That is so disgusting! I hope you know what you’re doing? It’s really easy to screw somebody’s life up, you know.”

  “Fuck Anderson, rich people think they can just do anything they want, and the rest of us can’t do anything about it. I’ll show the rich dude what happens when you don’t tell the truth.”

  “You are such a pig,” Conner said sadly.

  “Hey honey, at least I’m still a man. Our suspect is the one that’s got the identity problem.”

  “I don’t know, I don’t like this one bit. You’re trying to tie him to the homosexual community, and I’m supposed to get dirt on him from the town skank. That woman makes it up as she goes,” Conner sounded totally repulsed.

  “You’ll feel better when we nail his ass.”

  “No I won’t, I’ll be sad if he’s guilty.”

  “Why you’re feeling anything for this prick, I can’t imagine? He comes and goes like it doesn’t matter that the rest of us have to work for a living.”

  “He has a good life and a good family, why does it make you happy to see something like that destroyed?”

  “Hey, he’s the one that tried to get rid of his wife, some good family.”

  “I don’t think he did,” Deputy Conner said, looking off in the distance.

  “Hey stick to your assignment, Swenson wouldn’t like it if he found out you’re not focusing,” Auburn advised.

  “To protect and serve,” Conner said quietly.

  Deputy Auburn, didn’t hear, didn’t understand, or didn’t care.

  Chapter 30

  Carl Andrews and a very well dressed, early thirtyish looking man, were headed toward Manny, walking up the steps of the county court house. The county had constructed the public building at the turn of the century and the grand, old, stone structure was still serving its function well. It intimidated the hell out of Manny on this particular day.