Sizzling Cold Case

by Rayna Morgan

  He paused, then leaned over Warren’s desk.

  “I went to see Sam. He may not give you my message so I’m here to deliver it in person.”

  The veins in his neck stood out above his collar.

  “You nearly ruined my career once. Don’t think I’ll let you try again.”

  Warren jumped to his feet. “Are you threatening me?”

  “You no longer have a career to ruin besides this two-bit detective agency of yours. But everyone has a personal life which can be destroyed.” His mouth turned up a fraction of an inch. “Don’t forget. You’re in my territory now without your former minions to protect you.”

  “I understand your problem. Rumors and doubt hanging over anyone touched by a murder or a questionable death follow them forever. But your bullying tactics don’t scare me. I have justice on my side.”

  Jeffrey turned on his heel and yelled at the dogs. “Get out of my way.”

  He stomped out. The door slammed behind him. Gracie covered her face with a paw.

  Warren watched as the Porsche roared off.

  He looked at the dogs and rubbed his hands together.

  “Another interesting day at Conley and Austin.”

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Lea scanned the hospital cafeteria, looking for the anesthesiologist at Jon’s surgery the previous year.

  Ted waved from a table in the corner. She skirted around people standing at the food counter and joined him.

  “I hope you don’t mind meeting during my break,” he said. “My schedule is tight.”

  “I appreciate you seeing me on short notice. Besides, I prefer to keep this off the record.”

  He pushed his empty plate aside. “How are you? It’s been a while since I’ve seen you or your family.”

  “Paul is fine. I keep my fingers crossed, but no more broken bones for Jon.”

  “That’s good to hear. You mentioned on the phone that you need information.”

  “I’m curious about chloroform.”

  He wagged a finger but smiled. “You aren’t considering using it as a recreational drug, are you?”

  “Certainly not.”

  “Don’t look shocked. The abuse of inhalants is as widespread and dangerous as other forms of addiction.”

  “I’m investigating a case in which a burglar was suspected of drugging the occupant of a house. Chloroform was found in the victim’s system. We need to rule out self-administration. Since it didn’t appear in her stomach, I assume she didn’t drink it.”

  “That’s a reasonable assumption. It’s too sweet to drink—forty times sweeter than sugar.”

  “Which means the victim would have inhaled it,” Lea concluded.

  “What quantity was found in her blood?” Ted asked.

  “Twelve milligrams. According to the autopsy report, not enough to kill her. But, the combination with other drugs resulted in heart failure.”

  “I can tell you one thing,” he said. “Someone was with her when she inhaled the chloroform.”

  “How can you be sure?”

  “Because you can’t self-administer a drug when you’re unconscious which would have been her state long before she got twelve milligrams in her system. She needed help.”

  “Would a burglar dosing a person achieve that result?”

  He shook his head. “Not likely. It takes at least five minutes of inhaling an item soaked in chloroform to make a person insensible. A person doesn’t drop unconscious just by taking a whiff.”

  “The victim had taken a sleeping pill. That would have hastened the process.”

  “But would the burglar know that? Even if he did, how likely is a burglar to spend crucial time drugging the victim?”

  “How likely, indeed!” Lea exclaimed. “Which brings me back to the question of whether a burglar administered the chloroform.”

  After leaving the hospital, Lea called her father to share her findings. “Why didn’t you explore this at the time of the investigation?”

  “Don’t get huffy with me, young lady. We had every intention of pursuing the toxicology report. Due to budget constraints, the lid was shut and they deemed the matter accidental death. Our hands were tied.”

  “This information increases the likelihood the doctor administered the chloroform himself. With the high incidence of psychoactive drugs used in plastic surgery, there’s no question of availability. What do you think?”

  “With proof Jeffrey had the means to commit murder, I think his fiancé should think twice about shopping for a trousseau.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Maddy entered a coffee shop next to the hospital. The starched white uniform of a woman sitting in the front booth indicated she was the person Maddy came to see.

  “Nurse Mills? I’m Maddy Conley.”

  “Call me Pauline.”

  Maddy observed the woman carefully while sliding across the seat on the opposite side of the booth.

  Pauline’s hair was dishwater blond flecked with gray and pulled in a bun. She wore minimal makeup on a somewhat lined face. Her face was pleasant, but plain. A more unique feature was her soothing voice, the perfect quality for a person in her profession.

  “Thank you for meeting with me.”

  “No problem, although I’m unclear about your interest in Dr. Grant.”

  Maddy had time to think while a waitress poured coffee. She didn’t want to alienate Pauline by revealing the investigation. Lea’s previous job came to mind. Maddy crossed her fingers under the table and presented the lie.

  “I’m a freelance reporter doing a series on notable professionals in the county. I may include Dr. Grant as one of the people I feature.”

  “That’s nice. I’m happy to contribute, but I no longer work with the doctor. I’m a nurse at Memorial now.”

  “From what I understand, you ran his San Diego office single-handedly. You must know more about the doctor than anyone.”

  “Except his wife. Of course, she passed away.”

  “Yes, I’m aware. Did you know her well?”

  “Not really. She seldom came to the office.”

  “What was your impression of her?”

  “During the first years of their marriage, she seemed quite happy. Things changed after her miscarriage. She and Jeffrey drifted apart. They had different goals. When Emma realized she wouldn’t have children right away, she considered resuming her career.” The nurse tapped her mug thoughtfully. “I think she was lonely in San Diego. She missed her family. Understandably, because Jeffrey worked much of the time. The first years building a practice are demanding. I probably saw him more than Emma did.”

  “It must have been difficult to start a practice so quickly after internship.”

  “It might have been, except he was such a hard worker. His practice was successful from the start.” She leaned forward. “His work was more than nose jobs and tummy tucks, you know. Even during the bad economy, the doctor did pro bono work.

  “I remember one case, in particular. A facial reconstruction for a prison inmate whose face was disfigured in an accident when he was a child. His parents couldn’t afford to repair the damage. You know how cruel children can be. Rather than showing compassion, they taunted the boy all through school. The doctor believed it was a reason the man turned to crime. In the criminal world, his scarred face was an asset. The doctor gave him his first chance for a normal life after he was released on parole.”

  “That’s a side of Jeffrey I wasn’t aware of.”

  “The doctor doesn’t toot his own horn.”

  Maddy didn’t agree, but she didn’t want to argue. “It’s surprising he did so well going out on his own the way he did.”

  “It wasn’t always easy. Like everyone, we had problems when the economy declined. Cosmetic surgery became a luxury people couldn’t afford.”

  “How did he keep the business going during that time?”

  “With money from an investment account.”

  “Investments belonging to
the doctor?”

  Pauline tapped her chin. “As I recall, the account belonged to his wife but the doctor had access to the funds.”

  “Did he replenish his wife’s account when the business got back on its feet?”

  The nurse shook her head. “If the doctor had a plan to repay the money, he didn’t reveal it to me.”

  A timer on Pauline’s watch went off. She looked embarrassed as she swallowed a tablet taken from a pill box in her purse. “Doctors and nurses like to appear healthy. It doesn’t do to let our patients see us sick.”

  “What about Emma?” Maddy asked. “Do you know if she took medications?”

  “The doctor mentioned his wife’s use of tranquilizers and sleeping pills. He tried to discourage her from relying on drugs to deal with anxiety.”

  “It must have been terrible for him when Emma died.”

  “The worst part were the terrible insinuations. The way he was treated was unforgivable. Emma’s father was like a madman. And there was a policeman. Let’s see, what was his name?”

  “Did you ever believe the rumors?” Maddy hurriedly interjected.

  “Of course not. People jealous of the doctor’s success perpetrated the lies.”

  Sensing the woman’s annoyance, Maddy changed topics. “Did the doctor ask you to help open his clinic here?”

  “I didn’t want to leave San Diego. But the city grew crowded, and I inherited a house in Buena Viaje. It became an easier decision to move.”

  “You must have jumped at an opportunity to work with the doctor then.”

  “By the time I relocated, he was using specialists. He says a more knowledgeable staff provides better service.” She forced a smile. “A staff with higher levels of expertise justifies the high fees he charges, but I understand. He gave me a reference which paved the way for my job at Memorial. I’m satisfied with my work. In fact, I couldn’t ask for more. It’s a relief to get back to nursing where I help people with real problems rather than vain women concerned about their looks.”

  The alarm on her watch buzzed again. “I’m sorry, but I don’t have more time.”

  “You’ve been very helpful.”

  “I’m afraid I haven’t given you a clear picture of Jeffrey.”

  “To the contrary, your input clarifies my understanding.”

  She watched the nurse cross the street, evaluating the information about the source of money which kept the doctor’s practice afloat.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  An hour later, the doctor’s words still rang in Warren’s ears.

  I discovered the other woman is your daughter. You sent Maddy to entice me into revealing hidden secrets.

  Everyone has a personal life which can be destroyed.

  He called Lea. “Where’s your sister? I need to speak with her.”

  “Don’t ask me. She told you where she was going.”

  “She should be finished talking with the nurse who worked with Jeffrey Grant, but she’s not answering her phone. If I’m not here when she returns, tell her to stay away from the doctor. I’ll explain later.”

  “It may be too late. She told me yesterday the doctor talked her into getting rid of some wrinkles. He’s probably injecting her with botox as we speak.”

  “Call Tom. Send him to the plastic surgery center immediately. I’m on my way there now.”

  • • •

  Warren stepped in front of a woman at the front desk of the clinic to speak to the receptionist. “Where’s Maddy Conley?”

  The woman gasped. “Excuse me! Wait your turn.”

  Warren flashed his old police shield in front of the receptionist. “Maddy Conley. I need to see her now.”

  “Room 2, but she’s with the doctor.”

  Warren ran down the hall and barged into the designated room. Maddy was sitting comfortably on the edge of an exam table.

  “Dad! What are you doing here?”

  “Are you all right?”

  “I’m fine.”

  “What’s he done to you?”

  “A botox injection, that’s all.”

  Warren scanned the room. “Where is he?”

  The doctor appeared from an adjoining office. He appeared unperturbed by Warren’s presence.

  “If you came to hold your daughter’s hand, you’re too late. We’re done here. All set,” he told Maddy as he handed her a card. “Here’s your next appointment.”

  Warren grabbed the card and tore it in half. “There won’t be any more appointments.”

  Maddy glared at her father. “Explain to me what’s going on.”

  The doctor smirked. “What’s going on is that your father has proven he’s as crazy as Sam.”

  “What did you inject my daughter with?” Warren shouted.

  The doctor picked up a bottle from a tray next to the exam table. “You mean this?”

  He held the serum in the air and filled a needle.

  Warren took a step back.

  The doctor walked to a mirror, pinched an area above his eye, and injected the serum.

  “In a few days, no more wrinkles.” He turned back and sneered at Warren. “Looks like you could benefit from a treatment yourself.”

  Without responding, Warren grabbed Maddy and escorted her out of the clinic.

  Tom’s car screeched to a stop at the curb in front of them.

  Warren leaned in the window. “False alarm. Sorry we called you.”

  “Lea reported Maddy was in danger.” Tom got out of his car. “Paul and I hoped your involvement would prevent these things from happening.”

  Warren argued in his own defense. “I can’t prevent my daughters from getting in trouble if they don’t listen. Thankfully, everything is under control.”

  “Would you care to explain what happened here?”

  “I’ll call you later. I need to get back to the office.”

  Tom looked at Maddy. “What are those marks on your forehead?”

  She turned away. “Ditto what Dad said. I have to go.”

  They hurried to their cars, leaving him standing on the curb.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  Later that day, Warren’s phone rang. He hesitated when he saw the caller’s ID and answered reluctantly.

  “Hello, Tom. What can I do for you?”

  “Besides sending me on a wild goose chase?”

  “Look, Tom, I—”

  “That’s not why I’m calling.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “Your client stopped worrying about proving his daughter’s murder.”

  Warren sat forward in his chair. “Because you’ve found proof of her husband’s guilt?”

  “Because your client is nearly dead.”

  The line was silent several minutes.

  When Warren spoke, his voice was somber. “What happened?”

  “I’ve been informed that Sam had a heart attack late yesterday. He was taken to the hospital in a comatose condition and hasn’t recovered.”

  “That explains the message I received.”

  “What message?” Tom asked.

  “A voice message from Lynn Swanson saying our services were no longer required. I called Sam two or three times for an explanation. He never returned my call. But how did you find out?”

  “The doctor wants us to take a look.”

  “What reason did he give if the cause of the attack was Sam’s heart?”

  “It was his heart, all right. But unlike his first attack, an overdose of insulin precipitated this episode.”

  “Are you saying Sam is the victim of attempted murder?”

  “I’m on my way to the doctor’s office now. From indications, it looks like your job is ending but my work has just begun. First, his daughter. Now, Sam. I hardly call that coincidence.”

  Warren caught his breath. “I hate to think Sam and I encouraged a killer to come after him by reopening the investigation into Emma’s death.”

  “Don’t be too hard on yourself. There could be another explan
ation.”

  “What might that be?”

  “Sam may have unwittingly encouraged his own murder.”

  “How, Tom?”

  “By providing a perfect opportunity for someone to get rid of Sam and blame his death on Emma’s killer. Pat and I intend to interview anyone with a reason to want Sam out of the way.”

  “Will you let me know?”

  “I’ll keep you in the loop. Which reminds me, are you ready to tell me why Maddy was at the doctor’s clinic?”

  “Ask her.”

  “Whatever the reason, she needs to stay away from him. That man could be dangerous. For all I know, he’s a suspect in Sam’s death.”

  “It’s too late now to worry. Time to voice concern was before we opened the agency.”

  “Would my objections make a difference?”

  “Probably not. Those women can’t be swayed when they decide on a course of action.”

  • • •

  It was nearly closing time when Tom called again.

  “Sam’s medical exam revealed an injection of sedatives and insulin. Enough to trigger a fatal heart attack. The question is whether the overdose was intentional.”

  “Are you suggesting Sam intentionally overdosed with medication?”

  “That’s one theory, but it appears unlikely.”

  “Why?”

  “His physician doesn’t think Sam was in the frame of mind to take his own life. He advised Sam that with proper diet and exercise, his condition should not be a problem. Besides, hiring you was not the act of a person contemplating ending his life.”

  “That’s true.”

  “You knew the man. Do you think he suffered depression and got the drugs to commit suicide?”

  Warren’s hesitation was brief. “That’s hard for me to believe. From our recent conversations, he looked forward to reaching a resolution of his daughter’s death. It makes no sense that he wouldn’t wait until we completed our investigation.”

  “I agree. If the overdose was deliberate, I don’t think Sam was responsible. There’s also a question of whether your client had those drugs in his possession. His physician never wrote Sam prescriptions for them.”