by Jaden Skye
“Of course,” said Olivia. “I’ll stay in touch closely. Things change moment to moment in a case like this. New information always becomes available. If you hear anything at all, contact me as well.”
“I definitely will,” said Penny, her face looking drawn and agitated suddenly.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Wayne called Olivia’s room first thing in the morning, as usual, and was startled when she didn’t pick up. He immediately ran down the hallway and knocked on the door. No answer. Was something wrong, or had she just gone out on her own, without telling him?
Rather than calling downstairs to the lobby to check if they’d seen her, Wayne decided to send her a quick text.
Is something wrong? Where are you? he texted, uneasily.
Thankfully, in a few minutes, Olivia replied.
Wanted to get an early start at the Townsend home, she answered. All good.
Of course all was not good and Wayne realized it. Olivia was probably reacting to what happened between them last night, he thought. All the more proof of what he feared. If even a small discussion about their relationship had this kind of effect, imagine what would happen if they had really become an item. Wayne took a deep breath. This upset between them had to be nipped in the bud before it went further and created a real mess.
All is not good, he decided to text Olivia back. You’re mad at me because of last night and so you just took off without telling me or having breakfast together. It would have been nice if you’d let me know in advance you were going to do that.
Wayne waited a few moments then and no answer came. This was exactly what he’d predicted. For all he knew, things were now over. But to his surprise, suddenly, a text popped up.
You’re right. I’m so sorry, Olivia texted back. I behaved foolishly. What was I thinking? That shouldn’t have happened. It won’t again. I actually didn’t even realize it fully. And now I also see you’re right—we have to keep things on a professional basis only.
Wayne was actually startled by Olivia’s response. It was the last thing he’d expected. She was so clear and honest with him, even took the blame. That was totally unusual. Not only did he greatly appreciate it, but it made him wonder if he’d been mistaken.
Thanks for that, he texted back. I really appreciate your honesty.
I really appreciate you, too, said Olivia. Let’s just put all the rest on the back burner and go on with our work.
Once again Wayne was both relieved and yet oddly disappointed.
Great, he said. I’m going to Mort’s clinic now.
Good, texted Olivia. I’ve just finished at the Townsend home for the morning. Lance gave me a list of friends and neighbors to call. We’ll fill each other in later on.
*
Wayne took a cab downtown to Mort’s main clinic, relieved that Olivia wasn’t with him right now. He hadn’t seen their altercation coming and needed a little time alone to get back in balance. Wayne had been through the exact same thing with his other relationships. This was always how it started. The women began to pull away without warning. For the first time now, though, Wayne stopped and wondered what he might have had to do with it. The thought itself was startling to him. But the way Olivia responded was definitely different from the others. It caused him to think.
Wayne arrived at Mort’s main clinic and was ushered right into the office of Guy Harpin, the top administrator. Guy was a tall, stately man in his early fifties, well dressed and gracious. He actually seemed pleased to see Wayne. Of course, all this had to be extremely unnerving for him, Wayne realized.
“So glad to see you, come in.” Guy extended his hand warmly to Wayne.
“Good to see you as well,” Wayne replied, feeling calmer now and back on track. He walked into Guy’s office, which was large and beautifully decorated with wood-framed photos of rivers and waterfalls over the wall.
“This is quite an operation you’re running,” Wayne started.
Guy looked around the room quickly. “It’s all Mort’s,” he said quickly. “The guy did a fantastic job, getting these clinics up and going. He did a wonderful job running them and keeping everyone who worked for him well cared for and happy. Not only here but also in Nashville. Mort duplicated this model there as well. I’m actually in charge of the entire operation.”
That was quite a testimony and Wayne took it in deeply. “Sounds like you really respected and cared for Mort,” Wayne remarked.
“That’s putting it mildly,” said Guy. “I knew Mort for years, worked with him almost since the place opened. After the first clinic did so well, he decided to open others. We hired the best professional help to care for patients and made sure cutting-edge treatments were available, too. Almost no waiting time for anything.”
“Too good to be true,” Wayne murmured.
“It’s a good model for medical care,” said Guy, “only a bit pricey.”
“No scandals here, or anything like that?” Wayne slipped in. “Any people upset about not getting what they needed? No irate customers?”
Guy looked at Wayne oddly. “Definitely not,” he said. “Did someone say something like that to you?”
“No, no,” Wayne assured him. “I’m just exploring any possibilities that could have led to Mort’s murder.”
“I see.” Guy became quieter then.
“You worked with Mort closely,” Wayne repeated. “You knew him well and you also know all the people who worked for him.”
“That’s right,” said Guy, closing down a bit. Wayne’s questions seemed to be hitting too close to him.
“Is there anything that happened here that you think could be connected to Mort’s death?” Wayne felt sorry he had to be so blunt, but he had no choice about it.
“Don’t think I haven’t been thinking about that,” Guy answered. “I’ve been wracking my brains, actually.”
“And?” asked Wayne.
“Mostly I’ve been thinking about Mort,” Guy went on. “I can’t believe he’s gone. It won’t be the same without him. He didn’t deserve this kind of death.”
“Did Mort have any idea at all he was in danger?” Wayne probed.
“How could he?” Guy seemed startled by that question. “He wasn’t in danger. His life was going just fine. There was nothing at all unusual happening. He was on top of everything.”
“Or so it seemed anyway,” said Wayne.
“No, it was so!” Guy insisted. “We all think it’s the felon who was released from jail who killed him. Mort was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The bastard must have been hungry to kill again. I heard that someone just spotted Hank, though, two towns over. They’re closing in on him as we speak.”
“Wait a minute.” Wayne felt suddenly chilled. “When did you hear that?”
“Just before you arrived.” Wayne wet his lips slowly. “The case will be closed in no time at all.”
“Could be, but it also might not. It’s easy to blame the convict. That way we avoid looking deeper at what might have been going on right here, under everyone’s nose.”
Guy seemed startled. “Nothing was going on, I told you,” he replied, taken aback.
“Think carefully, Guy.” Wayne needed more information. “There had to be friction somewhere here. No organization is totally free of it.”
“Of course.” Wayne backed down. “We have our share of normal friction, but it didn’t amount to anything. People disagree, naturally. Some are even jealous of each other. So what?”
“That’s what I’m talking about. What are they jealous of? Tell me.” Wayne jumped on it.
Guy seemed at a loss.
“Think harder, Guy.” Wayne started pushing him. It definitely seemed that he was covering something up.
“Well, I guess there was some tension at times caused by Mort’s wife, Christine,” Guy said, relenting.
“Really?” This was the first time there’d been a crack in the appearance of perfection that everyone was trying so hard to create.
“There was d
efinitely someone in the office who was jealous of Christine,” Guy continued. “Whenever Christine came to visit, this person got especially snippy. And she’d start gossiping about Christine like crazy, after Christine left.”
“Now we’re getting somewhere,” said Wayne. “Who?”
“I warned Mort about it a few times,” Wayne went on, ignoring the question. “In fact, I told him that Christine was too flamboyant; she talked too loud and flashed her jewelry. It got on people’s nerves. Mort should get her to pipe down.”
Wayne was intrigued. “Did he?”
“He couldn’t.” Guy’s voice lowered. “Mort said his wife was her own person and he couldn’t change her, had to let her behave as she did. But let’s face it, how many guys can change their wives or get them to listen to what they say?”
Despite himself, Wayne cracked a smile. That was true and he realized it. “What about the finances here?” Wayne decided to try another track. He knew there was an official financial investigation going on, but Guy could have access to information that was hard to get.
“The finances are fine,” said Guy, “everything’s in order. A certain amount of Mort’s funds in his personal account here are unaccounted for each year. However, taxes are fully paid on them. Nothing at all illegal going on.”
Unaccounted-for money was a red flag to Wayne, though. “Why was the money unaccounted for? Where did it go? Was Mort feeding money to someone?”
Guy looked away. “I have no idea what Mort did with his personal funds. I never would even ask him something like that. Mort was private about lots of things, especially his personal life. He made sure his kids kept things close to the vest, too. He monitored their social media and made sure they never divulged personal information to strangers. So these were his personal funds. How could I ask about them?”
“But we have to know where the money went,” Wayne insisted. “This is the most important piece of information I have so far. Is it possible someone was blackmailing Mort?”
Guy made a sour face. “That’s just ridiculous,” he responded. “Don’t make more of it than it is. Mort was a generous guy, always giving bonuses and gifts whenever he could.”
“Who is the one here who was jealous of his wife?” Wayne returned to his unanswered question. “Did Mort give that person as much as others?”
“Mort was fair to all,” Guy repeated, standing up now to indicate the interview was about to be over.
But Wayne wasn’t going anywhere yet. It was clear that Guy was withholding information and Wayne was determined to find out what it was.
“Who was the person that was jealous, Guy? Why aren’t you telling me? It’s important. You can’t withhold information like this.”
Guy rubbed his hand on his arm slowly. “It’s a young woman who works here named Andrea. She’s actually Mort’s daughter, Penny’s, best friend.”
“Strange that her friend would work here,” Wayne commented.
“Not at all. Andrea needed a job and of course Penny pushed for her to get it,” said Guy. “Andrea’s a medical assistant and does a fine job, too. There’s nothing at all wrong.”
“Is Andrea at work here today?”
“No, of course not,” said Guy. “Several people haven’t been able to come in since Mort was killed. They’re traumatized and we’re offering a few days off until things settle down.”
“What’s Andrea so jealous of?” Wayne continued.
“I can’t answer that, I don’t really know.” Guy now seemed irritated. “People say she’s just a jealous person, always watching what others are getting and how they behave.”
“Give me her contact information immediately,” said Wayne.
Guy hesitated. “She won’t talk to you much.”
“It’s okay, I have a terrific female partner who’s very good with young women,” Wayne answered quickly.
Guy reluctantly handed Wayne Andrea’s contact information.
“I appreciate it,” said Wayne.
“Good for you that you have a terrific female partner to help with the rough spots.” Guy smiled, obviously pleased that the interview was done.
*
Wayne left the clinic stirred up. Things were too picture perfect to suit him right now. So far it definitely pointed to a random killer, but at least he had Andrea’s contact information. It would work better to have Olivia talk to her. Wayne felt a little uneasy about contacting Olivia now, but shrugged the feeling off immediately. They’d gotten things back on track and he wasn’t going to dwell on it. He’d just act like nothing had happened and move right along.
Instead of waiting to see her in person, Wayne put in a quick call. Fortunately, Olivia picked up immediately.
“I just got finished talking to the head administrator at Mort’s clinic,” Wayne said.
Olivia didn’t miss a beat. “How did it go?”
“Okay, not great,” Wayne replied. “I’ll tell you more when I see you, but for now it’s important that you contact Penny’s best friend, Andrea, and interview her right away. She’s the only possible lead we have so far. Andrea works at Mort’s clinic and Guy said she was jealous of Mort’s wife.”
Olivia became silent for a moment. “That’s odd,” she said.
“Yes, it is a bit,” Wayne agreed, relieved that he and Olivia were back on course. “Andrea’s home from work today and I have her phone number. Why not give her a call and go over and see her as soon as you can?”
“Sounds good,” Olivia agreed. “Is there something I’m looking for in particular?”
“Focus on Christine,” Wayne suggested. “She’s the one that Andrea’s upset with. At least it’s a good way to begin.”
“I’m on it,” Olivia replied. “I’ll speak to her now.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
Not only was Andrea in when Olivia called, but she agreed to the interview immediately.
“I live a few blocks away from Penny,” Andrea said. “Come right over. I need to talk, anyhow.”
Olivia left the hotel quickly, grabbed a cab, and was at Andrea’s garden apartment in less than fifteen minutes. When she got to the door, to Olivia’s surprise, it was open, waiting for her.
“Come in,” Andrea called as Olivia paused and knocked.
Olivia entered a spacious hallway that led to a living room off to the right. When Olivia walked in, she saw Andrea sitting, curled up on a chair in the corner. She was dressed in dark cotton slacks and a black shirt. Her long, rather stringy dark hair was uncombed and, sitting there in the chair, she looked uneasy. To Olivia’s surprise, Andrea did not get up to greet her.
Olivia looked around. The rest of the room was haphazard and messy, with papers and magazines scattered here and there.
“Hello, Andrea, I’m Olivia,” she said as she walked over to where Andrea was sitting.
“I heard about you from Penny. You’re just a little bit older than me, not much,” Andrea commented as she looked Olivia over.
“That’s true,” said Olivia lightly, not going further with it.
“I’ve been Penny’s best friend since high school,” Andrea announced proudly. “We’ve been inseparable since the day we met.”
“So great to have a best friend like that,” Olivia murmured.
“Penny’s more like a sister,” Andrea corrected herself.
“Definitely,” agreed Olivia. It was good that they were close in age and Andrea would feel that Olivia could understand her.
“Do you have a sister?” Andrea asked.
“I do,” Olivia replied, not wanting to get into it. She had no intention of telling Andrea that she actually had a twin sister, Mauve, and that the two of them had always been distant. In fact, Olivia had always longed for a sister to be close to.
Andrea tucked her chin in further and curled her arms tighter around herself. “Most people have either a sister or brother or someone,” she said bitterly.
Olivia was surprised by her bitterness. “Are you an only child?”
/>
“You could put it that way,” Andrea mumbled. “I never met my real parents. I was raised by foster parents, who never adopted me. They kept me after I aged out, though. I’m grateful for that, at least.”
“They raised you here in Key Biscayne?” Olivia found Andrea interesting.
“No. They moved here when I was in high school, which was when I met Penny. We were both on the debate team.”
“That’s interesting,” said Olivia.
“Penny and I always saw eye to eye and that’s never changed,” Andrea declared, carefully positioning herself.
“That’s fortunate,” murmured Olivia. “Friends can become closer than family.”
Andrea perked up at that comment. “You can say that again!” she burst out. “A good friend is family, no doubt about it.”
“How’s Penny doing?” asked Olivia.
“How can she be doing? Her father’s dead.” Andrea became mournful. “Part of her knows it and part is still in shock. When it all sinks in and Penny really realizes that he’s gone, she’ll probably fall apart totally. I’ll be around, though, to pick up the pieces.”
“How about you?” Olivia eased into the question slowly. Actually, Andrea seemed extremely disturbed by the murder, more than Penny had, actually.
“I’m not doing so great, to be honest,” Andrea answered quickly. “How can I be? I feel even worse about this than Penny.”
“How come?” Olivia was fascinated.
“Penny blocks things out.” Andrea rocked back and forth on her chair. “And she leans on Lance, her brother. Penny’s always had someone to lean on, either Lance or her father or mother! Penny’s had it all, including plenty of money in her pockets. She’s not used to being abandoned.”
“Unlike you,” Olivia commented softly.
“That’s right,” said Andrea forcefully. “I learned to lean on myself very early on. Penny didn’t. True, she has a job and works now. But she doesn’t really need to. Basically, she’s doing it to keep herself busy until she finds herself a good husband.”
