No Place to Deceive

by Jaden Skye

  “None of their lives goes smoothly,” Wayne quipped, a flash of bitterness stinging his tone. “Scratch the surface and everyone’s life is a mess. Most of the victims are tortured people, or ready to torture someone else.”

  “Whoa.” Olivia was taken aback by Wayne’s cynicism. “Not everyone’s life is a mess. Not everyone is tortured! We’re only seeing a slanted segment of the population, Wayne. There are people who are happy, who love each other and can be trusted.”

  “Really?” Wayne turned to Olivia, looking put out. “Please show those people to me.”

  Something was bothering Wayne and Olivia wasn’t sure what it was. This was a side of him she hadn’t seen so vividly.

  “Are you saying no one can be trusted?” Olivia asked, point-blank.

  “No, of course I’m not saying that,” Wayne backtracked. “I’m just saying you have to be careful, very careful, before you get too involved with anyone.”

  Olivia thought of her relationship with Todd then. Olivia hadn’t been the least bit careful about falling for him. After mourning the loss of her first fiancé for a long time, when she’d met Todd she was ready to live fully again. Their attraction happened almost instantly and she went along with it without looking back.

  Todd was handsome, exciting, adventurous, daring. They’d been deliriously happy together, too. Or so she’d thought, anyway. Olivia hadn’t paused to check into who he was or what his past could have told her. At that time, if anyone had told Olivia that Todd was still seeing a former girlfriend even as he became engaged to Olivia, she never would have believed it. Life had taught her otherwise, though. In fact, Wayne had been the detective on that case. Olivia originally met Wayne in Key West, as they were trying to solve Todd’s murder.

  “Look at what happened between you and Todd,” Wayne said then, as if he were reading her mind at that moment.

  “Funny, I was just thinking that,” replied Olivia. “You’re right, I wasn’t careful at all. I went with my feelings completely.”

  “See what I mean?” said Wayne, softly.

  “And I’m glad I did!” Olivia answered robustly. “Even though I was fooled and hurt at the end, we had real happiness together. I felt completely loved and cared for by him.”

  Wayne looked at Olivia, amazed. “But for how long did you feel that?” he asked.

  “It doesn’t matter how long, does it?” Olivia retorted. “Even a little while is wonderful.”

  “I don’t agree.” Wayne started shaking his head.

  “Well, it’s better than living a life of bitterness and suspicion, isn’t it?” Olivia asked emphatically. “Why let one bad experience ruin everything?”

  “No one is saying to live a life of bitterness and suspicion,” Wayne retorted. “Just to be careful, be slow, know what you’re getting into.”

  Olivia tossed her hair back over her shoulders again. Did anyone ever know what they were getting into? she wondered.

  “I prefer the thrill of going with my feelings,” she replied swiftly. “Who can fall in love being slow and careful?”

  Wayne said nothing at all.

  “Who can fall in love if they’re always terrified of being hurt again?” she added.

  Fortunately, a voice came over the loudspeaker then, interrupting their tense conversation.

  “Prepare for landing,” the voice proclaimed. “We’ve had perfect weather conditions and are arriving in Key Biscayne early.”

  *

  Olivia and Wayne picked up their luggage and got a cab quickly. First stop, they were headed to their hotel, the Mermaid, a few miles from downtown where the police station was situated.

  The cab whizzed to their destination and Olivia and Wayne looked out the windows, oddly silent during most of the drive.

  “It’s beautiful here,” Wayne remarked slowly as they passed palm trees, blue skies, and long stretches of sand. I think you’ll love the hotel I’ve reserved the rooms at, too.”

  “I’m sure I will,” said Olivia as the cab drew closer to their destination and the hotel came into sight. Olivia looked the place over. It was a beautiful, medium-sized hotel, well appointed with palm trees and flowers surrounding it. A great place for a secret rendezvous, she thought.

  “This is a well-known spot for bird watching,” said Wayne, “and also for honeymooners.”

  Olivia stepped out of the cab and breathed the sweet air deeply. Why did Wayne choose a place for honeymooners? she wondered. It seemed odd to her.

  “Penny suggested we come to this hotel,” Wayne continued. “She said it was perfectly located, close to the family’s home and also to the police station.”

  “I like it,” Olivia decided.

  “After we check in, I think the first stop for us is to the scene of the crime,” Wayne said. “Then we can go meet the police.”

  That sounded right to Olivia, too. She wanted to stand in the place where Mort had been when he was assaulted. She wanted to see what he saw and feel who else could have been there beside him when his life had been suddenly taken away.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Olivia and Wayne checked into their separate rooms quickly and then went right over to the scene of the crime, the craggy beach at the edge of Key Biscayne. It was important to get here quickly, before the light of the day was gone. Actually, the time they arrived was almost the same exact moment that Mort had been found. Of course, his actual time of death was earlier; it seemed to have been right during the storm.

  Standing on the shore, Olivia took in the wonderful ocean breezes. The fresh, cooler air was a relief. She and Wayne began slowly walking along the ocean’s edge. Olivia always wanted to go to the scene of the crime before she heard other facts and opinions about it. She needed to experience the actual setting firsthand, see what it had to say to her directly.

  “This is where the body was found.” Wayne suddenly stopped, map of the crime scene in his hands. He pointed to a pile of wood that lay there, now unattended.

  Olivia stopped and looked across the area. Right now there was nothing to see, just that heap of old, weather-beaten wood. Slowly, she and Wayne both walked over and stood beside it, looking around. Nothing caught their eye. The beach was empty at the moment with high dune grass swaying in the wind.

  “The victim came right to this spot during the storm,” Wayne commented, trying to reconstruct what had happened.

  “We don’t know that for sure,” said Olivia. “He could have gotten here earlier, right before it.”

  “The time of death is presently estimated,” said Wayne. “We’ll find out the exact time shortly.”

  “Was he here alone? Was he waiting for someone?” Olivia went along with Wayne’s questions.

  “Important point,” Wayne remarked.

  “Or, was it his habit to come out on the beach and spend time here alone?” Olivia dwelled upon all possibilities.

  “The victim had no weapons or protection on him when found,” Wayne continued. “Seems as if he had no idea he was in danger.”

  “Who does?” said Olivia quietly.

  “Some do,” Wayne said. “Some come prepared for trouble. Some are looking for it, even.”

  “Funny that they left him on the beach,” Olivia continued. “Whoever killed him wanted him to be found. They could just as easily have tossed him into the ocean, let his body be washed away.”

  “Good point.” Wayne nodded. “Of course, many bodies return from the ocean to the shore, but many don’t, as well.”

  “The killer not only wanted him to suffer, but wanted his friends and family to suffer as well,” Olivia added as the winds from the ocean grew stronger. “The killer wanted everyone to see what had become of Mort. Could have been sending a message or warning to someone?”

  “Killer or killers,” Wayne added. “It would have been hard for one person to do this alone. Mort was a big man. Reports say he was in good health and strong.”

  “A gang attack?” Olivia wondered as she watched evening clouds b
egin to form over the sky.

  “And why here on the beach?” asked Wayne. “Who even knew he would be here? Unless of course this was a random attack. Was Mort simply a target of opportunity? Or was he killed for the joy of killing? Could it be a killer seeking attention, feeling thrilled by everyone’s horror and fear?”

  Olivia doubted it. “Not with this level of brutality.”

  “The victim was found by a stray guy,” Wayne added, “someone who walks on the beaches every day.”

  “It wouldn’t hurt talking to him,” Olivia commented. “Has he been questioned yet?”

  “We’ll find out when we talk to the police,” said Wayne. “My guess is he definitely has.”

  “There will be a lot of people to talk to,” Olivia responded, trying to sense what it would have been like to be here alone and suddenly accosted. There had to be something or someone in Mort’s world that would have some clues as to what was really going on in his life.

  *

  Chief of Police Joe Dowl was in his office at the station waiting to meet Olivia and Wayne. Dowl was a tall, heavyset guy, with a big forehead, rough features, and a no-nonsense attitude. As soon as they arrived, he came over to greet them.

  “Glad you got here so fast,” Dowl said, looking at Wayne. “Your reputation precedes you. I put in a call to the guys on the force in Key West and they have nothing but the best to say about you.”

  “That’s good to hear,” replied Wayne, smiling. “And this is my partner, Olivia Wells,” he introduced immediately.

  “Yes, yes.” Dowl picked right up on it. “Come on in, both of you. Can’t ever hurt to get more eyes and hands on a case.”

  Olivia and Wayne followed him into his large office and sat down. The room had big windows overlooking a courtyard with benches and a few straggly trees. There was a sad feeling about the place.

  “We don’t get that many murders down here in Key Biscayne,” Dowl started. “Usually it’s theft, gang violence, assaults. Guests have property stolen from their hotels sometimes.” He was defending not only his department, but the town he watched over.

  “This case is a tough one,” Wayne mentioned.

  “Could be,” Dowl agreed. “I don’t know if you heard that recently we had a hardened killer let out early on parole? Everyone’s jumping on that, naturally.”

  “No, I hadn’t heard that,” said Wayne, fascinated.

  “Yeah, Hank Waring. There was a fuss about his being released, too. People were divided. A bunch thought he shouldn’t be let free. But there’s also a prisoners’ rights group here in town.”

  “Good,” Wayne echoed.

  “Why was he freed?” asked Olivia sharply.

  “Hank was a good inmate.” Dowl scratched his face and scowled. “He did plenty of time, didn’t cause trouble, and the parole board felt he was sufficiently rehabilitated to let him go.”

  “That seems fair,” Wayne chimed in.

  “Seems that way,” said Dowl, “but the point is, we found him lingering on the edge of the crime scene after the victim’s body was taken away.”

  “That’s different.” Wayne was quick on the uptake. “Was he there all afternoon? Or did he come when he heard the news, like everyone else?”

  “We don’t know that for sure.” Dowl looked upset. “Right now, after this killing, there’s a huge public outcry about him.”

  “Don’t let that shake you. It’s dangerous to jump to conclusions.” Wayne stopped him.

  “Don’t I know it?” said Dowl. “Hank was taken in for questioning right away. And, although he was in the vicinity, we didn’t have enough evidence to hold him. Not yet anyway. Just being in the vicinity of a crime isn’t a crime in and of itself. But I wanted to let you know he was there, just in case.”

  “Thanks,” said Wayne. “You’re keeping an eye on him?”

  “Naturally,” said Dowl.

  “How about the person who found the victim?” Olivia inquired.

  “You mean Sam Rudy?” Dowl asked. “We talked to him too, naturally. There’s nothing suspicious going on there. People around here know him well. He walks on the beach every day at about that hour. The guy has no connection to Mort Townsend at all.”

  “When will you have the exact time and cause of Mort’s death?” Wayne shifted focus.

  “Sooner than you think,” Dowl replied. “This case is causing too much upset and we’re determined to get answers fast! We do have an important fact now, though. There was no DNA evidence to suggest that the victim put up a fight.”

  “That’s huge,” said Wayne.

  “Yes, it is,” Dowl agreed. “It speaks to the way they got him. He was taken unaware, overpowered.”

  “Or it’s possible he didn’t put up a fight because he knew the person who came to kill him?” Wayne suggested.

  “It’s definitely possible,” Dowl agreed. “In any case, we’re glad you guys are here to join in the search.”

  It was good to hear that they were welcome and Olivia smiled.

  “Anything else you want to know right off?” Dowl asked, still addressing his questions to Wayne only.

  “I’ve got information about Townsend. And I’d like to keep in close touch about all our findings as the case progresses,” Wayne replied.

  “I wouldn’t mind talking to Sam Rudy, either,” Olivia suddenly joined in.

  “Sam Rudy? Why?” Dowl looked disconcerted.

  “Why not?” asked Olivia. “He was there at the scene and found the victim, didn’t he?”

  “Yeah, but Sam was not the last one to see the victim alive.” Dowl didn’t warm to the suggestion. “We have no idea who that was yet.”

  “Just a thought,” Olivia remarked.

  “Well, Sam’s actually somewhere around right now.” Dowl finally looked directly at her. “We’ve just finished speaking to him, as I said. I don’t see the point of doing it over again.”

  “A few more minutes can’t hurt.” Wayne stood up for Olivia.

  “No, I guess not.” Dowl didn’t look pleased. “Talk to him all you like.” He turned again to Olivia. “And after you’re finished, I’d say it’s best to use your time interviewing Mort’s family, friends, and business associates. We’re talking to them too, but you guys could find a new slant. One of them has got to know something. Unless, of course, Hank got out of jail and struck again, the way a lot of folks here are saying. Some killers do that, they can’t control themselves.”

  “Serial killers,” Olivia remarked. “Has Hank killed multiple times?”

  “No, just once, his ex-wife,” said Dowl. “It was a long time ago. As I said, he served plenty of time.”

  “What would he have against Mort?” Olivia wanted answers.

  Dowl shrugged and looked at her closely. “That’s a good question, and you never know. Sometimes inmates are visited by outsiders and even hired to do stuff like this.”

  “Anything is possible,” said Wayne as he threw Olivia a quick glance.

  “Is there anything else?” Dowl then asked pointedly.

  “Well, I wouldn’t mind talking to Sam, if he’s here already,” Olivia remarked. Who knows, he might have noticed a detail no one else saw, she thought. That one detail could lead them to another. Often the most powerful clues came when least expected.

  “Sure.” Dowl got up then. “I believe Sam’s still here somewhere. I’ll go and get him for you.”

  *

  Olivia was taken aback when Sam Rudy walked into the room. His overall appearance was casual, bordering on messy, but a strange intelligence surrounded him nevertheless. His piercing gray eyes shifted back and forth before landing on Olivia.

  “Bad things happen everywhere,” Sam suddenly grumbled before giving her a long, painful glance.

  “Olivia, this is Sam Rudy,” Chief of Police Dowl introduced. “You said you had a few questions for him.”

  Olivia nodded. “Thanks so much for your time, Sam,” she said, taking a step closer to him.

  “It
’s my pleasure,” Sam answered. “After all, I’m the one who found him on the sand. I haven’t been able to sleep a wink since then, either. I have no idea why it was me who found him. But there you go.”

  “Well, I’ll leave you all alone for now,” Dowl remarked, throwing Wayne a quick glance before he left the office.

  “This is my partner, Wayne.” Olivia introduced Wayne, who stood a few feet away. She wanted Sam to feel at ease.

  “Detectives?” Sam questioned, looking back and forth at them.

  “Yes, we’ve been brought in to help with the case,” Olivia replied.

  “Poor guy.” Sam rubbed his big hand over his weather-beaten face. “Didn’t have a chance out there. Didn’t know what he was up against. He looked like a white-collar guy. Too refined, no instinct for danger.”

  “You knew him?” Wayne intercepted.

  “No, never saw him before,” said Sam. “Just heard things about him and from the looks of him lying there, they got him by surprise.”

  “What makes you say that?” Olivia was fascinated by everything about Sam. He was both unpretentious and powerful at the same time.

  “I don’t know why I’m saying that,” said Sam, pulling a chair over and sitting down. “You just feel things sometimes. It looked to me like he was overpowered right where he stood. Someone took him down and crushed him right on the spot.”

  “I heard his eyes were closed when you found him,” Wayne commented quickly. “Was there a frightened expression on his face?”

  “Nah, nothing,” Sam answered. “And how do I know? Sure, it’s possible he could have put up a fight.”

  “There was no DNA evidence on him to suggest that,” commented Wayne.

  “You’re sure you never saw him before?” Olivia questioned again. “He wasn’t a beachcomber like you are, by any chance?”

  At that Sam cracked an odd smile. “I never thought of myself as a beachcomber,” he said, “just a guy who roams on the sand every day. There are a few of us like that, down here in the Keys.”