Sqeeze Head

by Waggoner, Robert C.

  David waited a few seconds as the directional mike was moved to his position. He said, "That's a really bad question, but I will say that yes, we are doing all we can. An investigation of this kind takes time and the longer we stand here talking to you guys, time slips away. We have a few facts, but those facts will remain with us so as not to alert the killer. Let me say this, we'll get the bastard. The old cliché you can run but you can't hide is apropos. Now Mr. Killer, I know you're watching this," as David pointed his finger at the camera, "you're going to be my meat. Nobody kills someone on my patch. I know you made a mistake somewhere. Nobody does a perfect job the first time. You'd best look over your shoulder because I'm not far away. To take a life is stealing. You've broke all laws both public and moral. Your life will end soon. I'm coming dickhead."

  AJ was grinning ear to ear as he was looking at the shocked look on the mayor's face. Indeed the captain looked like he was going to have a heart attack he was so red in the face with bulging blood vessels evident across his forehead. Alex said, "Now that guy has balls. If I were the killer my nuts would be sucked up into my belly. AJ, is that the guy you're talking about that was here yesterday?"

  "Yes, that's him Alex. Take a look at the woman next to him. I'm sure that's his partner. She looks tough as nails too. They look quite a fearsome duo. Yes, the killer best be on his A game with those two on his trail."

  Back at the press conference the mayor was trying to smooth out the grumblings of the press. Over top the cries of the reporters she said, "I promise to have something for you tomorrow by five pm. That's all for now." She turned and quick stepped back inside the station house. Meanwhile, the captain had led both David and Janice around the back of the station house where the private parking of the employees was located.

  Before the captain could speak, David said, "I know what you're going to say captain. You were going to tell me that you are not sure that I won't lose my job over the press conference remarks. I'd be lucky to not be riding a desk or back in uniform. Now let me say this, the governor will chew on the mayor and the mayor is going to chew on your butt, taking ten ounces of butt cheek. Then you're going to tell me I have one more chance as all concerned know we are the best in Chicago to solve this crime."

  Janice could not believe what she was seeing and hearing. The captain looked white as a sheet, while David was livid. She was shaking inside from the fear of both of them. On the one hand she thought David might take his gun out and shoot the captain, but on the other, both were professionals. Then to her surprise, the captain spun on his heels and walked away.

  She looked up at David and then beyond belief, he winked at her. She punched him in the belly, but not so hard it would knock the wind out of him. Then she realized his belly was hard as a rock. David felt the punch that was only half hearted, but recognized that she had power behind her. He was impressed.

  AJ was deep in thought. Only he and Jake knew the full plan. It was true that others were involved, but only the two of them would be able to directly contact their man. Once this murder was solved, then the next step would be implemented. Alex was aware something was going on, but he never pried nor asked. He would wait patiently for his part in the operation, when it was time for him to be informed.

  VI

  Dr. Zee was still sitting on the edge of his easy chair having watched the press conference. A slow burn was rising from belly to head. How dare that low life detective think he was on the same plateau intellectually as he? Zee was totally aware of the statistics of murders being solved. This was the perfect crime and he intended the next one to be the same: perfect. In fact he was thinking of moving up the time schedule, but thought it best to sleep on it. Meanwhile he'd best get the costume and balloons ready.

  In the situation room there was a hub of activity with everyone but Janice ignoring their boss Inspector Cockrun. After an appropriate amount of time David called a meeting. The situation room was rather large. The conference table was fully fifteen feet long that could sit up to twenty if need be. After all had sat down David said, "Ok, let's go around the room and hear what each of you has to say.

  The results of the interviews of the building came down to zero. The exception was a Dr. Zee whose office was closed by the time they reached the tenth floor. It was decided that Janice would go to her office and find a phone number for Dr. Zee. The surprise came from the only uniform in the room. Officer Bloom raised his hand. David nodded his head for him to speak. D. Bloom said, I spent most of the day with security of the building. In fact their security is rather good, but the light in the parking area leaves a lot to be desired. Anyway, the guy who mans the monitors and I went through some simulations. To make a long story short, I played the perp and tried to hide from the cameras. First I tried to make it from the victim's car to the outside without being seen. No luck. I then made several attempts inside to go from each elevator to the vic's car and back to the elevator. I was only successful at the number 3 elevator. We double checked the route and on two of three occasions I went unseen. Now we must consider the poor lighting, but I believe it is possible to exit number 3, do the deed, and then return unseen to the elevator number 3."

  The room was silent. The mood was broken by Janice returning from her office. She noticed the quiet and said, "My god, did another murder occur while I was gone?"

  David said, "No, but an interesting scenario has come to light with D. Boom. He's established the real possibility that someone could come down in the number 3 elevator and kill the victim and return to the same car unseen by the cameras. Let's put a team of good eyes to watch the tape of Bloom's experiments. This development gives us a real beginning. Okay, now let's go floor by floor with what transpired with your interviews."

  By midnight the psychiatrist Dr. Zee played prominently in David's mind as a likely suspect. True there were a few others that needed further interviewing but he was going to see if Dr. Jones could shed some light on this guy. Meanwhile, Janice had no luck with a phone number. Tomorrow they would have everything they would need to know about this guy.

  In the captains office a meeting was in progress with the mayor talking and the captain listening. The mayor said, "I got a tongue lashing from the governor and from Chicago's mayor. The FBI is ready to enter when we give the go-a-head or not. From what you tell me and others this Inspector Cockrun is good, but a loose cannon. He's been described as a modern day Eastwood character Dirty Harry. Tell me what you think captain."

  "If we replace him we would only be opening the door for downtown Chicago to send their team in. Or worse yet the FBI. But with the feds here would take the heat off you and I. I'll tell you the truth Liz, Cockrun can solve this crime if anyone can. That result would look good for the both of us, if you know what I mean."

  *~~~~*

  Dr. Jones was drinking his second cup of coffee when his cell phone rang. He did not even have to guess who it was calling at eight am Saturday morning. To make sure he said, "Dr. Jones speaking." The caller was Inspector Cockrun as AJ had guessed correctly. They made an appointment for eleven that morning. Inspector Cockrun did mention the name of Dr. Zee. AJ told him thank you and closed up his cell. Alex was fixing breakfast somewhat later than usual at eight am. However, both silently agreed that what was the hurry anyway. Alex would go shopping, as was his habit on Saturdays. AJ would spend this morning doing some research of a certain Dr. Zee.

  Sitting at his pride and joy a desk handed down from his father Dr. Jones looked at his wall clock that hung from the same wall as the door. A Black Forest German cuckoo stuck its head out announcing the hour of eleven. The clock was a gift from a grateful friend that stayed in Germany after the war. AJ had helped him through some tough times back in the fifties. The front door chimed its irritating sound that someone was at the door. Alex was still shopping so AJ with his sheep lined slippers shuffled to the front door to let the Inspector in.

  To his surprise and great pleasure Janice Beaker was with him. Even at his advanced ag
e Dr. Jones still appreciated a nice looking woman. An hour later he was impressed with her intelligence along with her charming personality. She was easy to get to know. Few people upon first meeting are open and friendly. Janice was a refreshing gift for an old man on that Saturday morning three days before St. Pat's day.

  The introductions out of the way with the three of them sitting in his office, David and Janice on a sofa, with AJ sitting in his recliner, rocking ever so faintly, waiting to hear what the visit was all about. David, never one to beat around the bush, rubbed his temple, then caught himself and smiled. He said, "What can you tell me about this Dr. Kenneth Zee? Right now he is a person of high interest to us. We just came from his office where his smart mouth secretary said the doctor was probably at his club because there were no patients scheduled for the morning. When asked about a Ms. Lysie Longstreet, she referred us to Dr. Zee."

  AJ said, "I've forgotten my manners but would you two like some coffee or tea? My companion is out shopping so forgive me for being rude. Janice looked at David and he nodded yes.

  Janice said, "I know my way around a kitchen. Do you suppose I could be of assistance and fetch us a cup of coffee?"

  "Alex is always way ahead of me so you will find the coffee fresh ground ready to have the water poured over the top. The sink has a special hot water faucet for chorine free pure water. Or as pure as the manufacture claims. Just beware Janice to not invade into the kitchen proper or I will have hell to pay from Alex. His kitchen is sacred ground. It wouldn't surprise me if he had laser light security at foot level connected to a camera just so he would know who entered his area." Janice laughed as she rose to fetch the coffee. AJ thought she had a nice laugh that was not too high pitched. Also, he liked her almost husky voice with its tinge of an eastern seaboard accent.

  While she was gone, Inspector Cockrun gave a detailed account of the crime from start to this morning's visit to Dr. Zee office. AJ was particularly interested in Donald Longstreet and the details from that interview. The five million was most interesting. Just as he finished his account of Longstreet, Janice arrived with a tray holding three mugs along with a plate of cookies.

  AJ said, "You're most remarkable Janice. I hate to say it because it sounds so old and wore out, but if I was fifty years younger………….."

  Janice said, "Be careful what you wish for, they say. Lots of women marry for money and how do you know I'm not available," she replied with flirtation in her dark eyes. Later AJ would describe Janice to Alex in detail from her curly short black hair and dark skin with a gleam in his old grey eyes. Alex just shook his head as he prowled around his kitchen looking for signs of invasion.

  AJ was still holding back the information coming from Jake about the ten thousand cash leaving the bank in Ms. Longstreet's bag every month. Not that he was holding out, he just wanted to hear the whole story first. After a sip of coffee he said, "Dr. Zee is a special psychiatrist that has a reputation of being top notch in his field. However, as they say, that at five bucks will buy you a cup of bad coffee. Now seriously, this Dr. Zee has some not so clear personal things that need looking into. His marriage for one is curious as to what is heard around town is hard to believe. He's legally separated. The wife is tucked away in some European rest home or sanitarium. Her family is very worried but don't have the funds to check on her mental or physical health. They receive regular medical reports on her condition by reputable doctors. However, using another old cliché', there's something rotten in Denmark. Or something like that," he grinned at Janice. "I've a colleague in Germany that would gladly take a gander into her case; very discreetly, mind you."

  "Now back to Attorney Longstreet. A certain fact has come about that Ms. Longstreet for almost two years has withdrawn ten thousand dollars cash from her bank every month. I've no idea where it went or how it was spent." For the moment AJ let that last report be digested by the two homicide detectives sitting there with perplexed looks on their faces while he drank his now cold coffee and ate a chocolate chip cookie.

  David said, "This case is getting more complex by the minute. In reference to the five million in life insurance, he said that both he and his wife had the same amount. Regardless of they both having the same amount, five million is a staggering amount. The question is, is the guy stupid enough to kill his wife? Or have her killed, might need a look see. Can you Dr. Jones, throw any more light on the subject."

  "Donald Longstreet took a big hit finically when Lehman folded starting the snowball effect. That was over three years ago and the guy still hasn't recovered. Now that's not to say the guy is hurting for dough, but a five million cash injection wouldn't go by ungratefully. The ten thousand withdrawn monthly I wonder if that is her personal account or a joint husband wife account." Janice was taking notes while David sat with his arms crossed over his chest. Like down at the station in his swivel chair, his legs stuck straight out with one foot crossed over the other at the ankles.

  "Coming back to Dr. Zee, do you think this guy has an ax to grind about something that is eating his brain? What I mean is, wife his wife in an European sanatorium, legally separated, a client list of the rich and famous, has somehow lost it emotionally," asked David.

  "In this day and age, we are experiencing a monumental change in society in general and a vast change in people specifically. The pressures of today feels like our brains are going to implode. Stress is a killer and our worst enemy. We as Americans first noted it seriously back after World War One. Our troops came home traumatized. The fools called it shell shock. Coming forward to the twenty first century, we see our troops mentally unbalanced from the stress and shock of war. Now if you were to compare that shock and stress to the rich and famous that literally lost billions, if not trillions of dollars, no wonder people go off the deep end. How about the millions that lost their houses, jobs, wives, husbands and all their possessions washed away like the tsunami in Japan a while back did to those poor unfortunate people. Today is a dog eat dog society and each person is on their own. Even family will desert you in time of need. Friends are not really friends like we were used to fifty years ago. I could go on and on, but I think you get my point. One more thing, how would you address or try to help a person like Ms. Longstreet of Wrigley fame with her emotional problems? She walks into your office and says 'Doctor I'm at wits end knowing how to live with a monster like my egotistical husband. All he wants to do is stick his dick up my ass'. "

  Janice was not shocked. David never batted an eye, only rubbed his temple. Dr. Jones looked back and forth at both of them saying, "Medical science allows us to live too long. It would be better, perhaps, that each generation was shortened up so as not to be lost later on in our twilight years."

  David and Janice stood up at the same time. AJ struggled a bit getting out of his recliner, but soon was standing tall albeit a little hunched over. AJ punched the numbers in the security door while David memorized a simple set of numbers he used. They all shook hands pleasantries said, door closed, AJ went back to his desk to wait for his companion to have lunch.

  It was still too early to speculate on who killed Ms. Longstreet, but like all things in life, time will tell the tale. He smiled thinking about the press conference where Inspector Cockrun gave a wonderful performance in front of a city wide audience. As he heard the front door open and the stupid door chime, Alex came in breathing hard for all his sacks of shopping, he wondered how Donald Longstreet would spend the five million.

  He told Alex he would walk down the stairs and be back later for lunch. Alex growled his acknowledgement stuffing his fresh vegetables into a small walk in cooler. AJ took a windbreaker off the coat tree by the front door and left making a poor attempt at whistling a tune.

  Driving somewhere for lunch, Janice said, "Do you ever wish you were rich? I mean, this butt head pockets five mill, before taxes but that still leaves enough one hundred dollar bills to fill up my studio apartment. His wife takes out ten grand and probably pisses and moans how heavy it is t
o carry around. I know I'm rambling, but have you ever thought about the people who work in the factory that makes money. God how they must hate the smell and the looks of it running in front of them at a rate of speed making your eyes blurry."

  "No," as he pulled into a Denny's restaurant, "I've never liked the idea of money. It's a necessary evil. Can you imagine the look on the person face who takes the money to pay for your lunch when you say, 'Sorry, I just ran out of money,' but I'll pay you later after I go to the bank."

  Janice said, "Let's try it after we eat. I can do it if you can. We look back and forth at each other and then shrug our shoulders indicating neither one of us has any funds or plastic."

  "I'd like to," as they walked into a smell of cooked hamburgers and the stale lingering odor of disinfectant, "but word would get back to Jerry and shit would hit the fan again." They found a booth in the back corner, picked up the large plastic menus that made the food look twice as good as it really was. After wolfing down a really so bad lunch, they drove to the address of Dr. Zee. It was doubtful he would be home, but they both wanted to see his digs.

  Indeed Dr. Zee was not home. He was across town at a pay phone calling one of his patients. If traced, and there was no doubt in his mind that the call would be traced from her cell to this payphone. He never used his cell or office phone for these types of calls. He hung up with the stage set for St. Pat's day. He would meet her at Millard Park at three pm.

  On St. Pat's day he was invited to a lawn party off Sheridan very near Millard Park. Today, Saturday, he would pick up his costume of Robin Hood green for the party. He also would have a green Zorro kind of mask for further disguise. Overall he thought he was doing very well.

  He still had a confident appearance on until he arrived at his door to his apartment. Standing waiting for him were two detectives both with a smirk on their faces. Dr. Zee tried not to show any apprehension by keeping his pace steady while walking to his door. The older of the two, with a kind face said, "Are you Dr. Kenneth Zee?"