No Place to Deceive

by Jaden Skye

  “I’ll be right out and Justin will join me, so we can all discuss what just took place.”

  *

  In a few minutes Dowl and Justin walked into the room where the officers and detectives were seated and sat on two high stools up front.

  “Thanks for coming,” Dowl started. “This is a big case and we need all the input we can get. If anyone has any ideas or noticed something during the interview, don’t hold back.”

  Olivia wondered why Justin was up there with Dowl.

  “Nice interview,” one of the cops in the front row stated. “But if his alibi checks out, we’re back to square one.”

  “It’ll check out,” another cop echoed.

  “How can you be so sure?” Dowl looked over at him.

  “What reason does this guy have to take out Townsend so brutally?” the cop responded.

  Olivia could not help but agree. “I’d say focusing on Hank too much is a waste of time,” she joined in.

  The cops in the front row turned around and all eyes turned to her then. Justin focused in Olivia’s direction as well.

  “There’s a web of relationships that Mort’s had,” Olivia continued. “Someone involved in them could hold the key.”

  “Agreed,” Justin jumped in, smiling. “It’s good to hear someone finally say that flat out.”

  “It’s also good to have Hank in custody,” a detective in the front row commented. “We need to give the public something to latch onto while we’re searching. It’s calming lots of nerves.”

  “And when the killer strikes again, what good will that do?” another cop interrupted.

  Justin shook his head. “The killer’s not gonna strike again, not anytime soon, anyhow.”

  The room got quiet. “How do you know that, buddy?” one of the cops finally asked.

  “Who’s Justin anyway?” Olivia whispered to Wayne.

  “He looks like the bright new rising star on this police force,” said Wayne. “He must have solved a few high-profile cases and Dowl’s putting him in the limelight. Why do you ask?”

  “Just curious,” Olivia remarked. “He seems so sure of himself.”

  “It’s easy to be sure of yourself when you’re not experienced,” Wayne quipped. “It won’t last long though. Unexpected hurdles always get thrown in your face.”

  Olivia was interested in hearing more from Justin. “Why don’t you think the killer will strike again?” she addressed him directly.

  Justin looked back at her and grinned. “Because the crime was too gruesome,” he said. “When you look at the photos, it had to be personal. It was overkill in lots of ways.”

  “Just what Wayne and I thought,” Olivia answered. “Revenge killing, possibly?”

  “Yup. Either Townsend cheated someone badly out of money, or it was a love affair that went straight to hell,” Justin said.

  “That’s the direction I’d look in,” agreed Olivia.

  Justin smiled, pleased. “Well, it’s a pleasure to have someone who agrees with me.”

  Olivia felt Wayne bristle at her side.

  “It’s time to widen the dragnet,” Olivia responded. “I’d say let’s go to Nashville where he spent so much of his time. We should see what’s happening there.”

  “That’s in the works when the time is right,” Dowl answered, taking the reins back in his hands. “Right now, we’re waiting for the medical examiner’s report. Once Hank’s alibi is confirmed, then we’ll spread out further.”

  *

  “Christine’s got to be interviewed next,” Wayne said to Olivia after they’d left and were walking outside in the balmy air.

  “I was just thinking that. I’ll do it,” said Olivia, glad to have the next steps in place. “And how about you?”

  “I like your idea of the investigation spreading out up into Nashville,” Wayne commented.

  Olivia felt chilled for a moment. “You’re thinking of going there yourself and looking around?”

  “That would be a smart move,” said Wayne. “Frankly, I don’t know why they haven’t done that already.”

  “Do you need permission from the police?” asked Olivia.

  “Not formally, of course,” Wayne answered, “but it’s nice to stay on the same page and work together.”

  Olivia nodded. The thought of Wayne going to Nashville unnerved her somehow.

  “We’ll stay in close touch,” Wayne added. “I won’t be gone long.”

  “I’d wait for the medical examiner’s report to come in,” said Olivia, “and then it’ll be fine with everyone.”

  Wayne hesitated. “These reports can take longer than you think. And it’s always best to go before things cool down.”

  Olivia couldn’t help but agree.

  “Let’s go take a walk and think it over before we eat,” Olivia suggested.

  They started to walk and Wayne smiled. “I’ll do you one better than that even. Why don’t we take a little time to ourselves and take one of the tours of the lighthouse? It’ll be fun and relaxing and open our minds.”

  “I’m open to that.” Olivia liked the idea, needed a change of scenery badly.

  CHAPTER TEN

  Key Biscayne was a world of its own, without the bustle of city life. The tiny island was home to two state parks as well as quiet, palm tree–laced beaches, bike paths, and restaurants. The island also boasted some of the prettiest shores, flanked by sand dunes. In addition to beaches with calm waters, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, on the tip of the island, was home to the towering nineteenth-century Cape Florida Lighthouse. Free guided tours took visitors up the one hundred and nine steps to the top where they could enjoy the scenic 360-degree view.

  Olivia and Wayne arrived at the lighthouse just as the next tour was on the way up. There were just a few other people there today. The tour guide spoke about the island and the incredible view they would find when they got to the top.

  “You feel as though you’re leaving the world behind you,” the guide said. “The vistas are breathtaking. And when you return down to earth, you never forget what you saw up there in the clouds.”

  Olivia smiled. It was a charming way of putting it.

  “Nothing wrong with leaving the world behind for a little while,” Wayne agreed as they climbed higher and higher. Though it was a bit dizzying, it was also beautiful up there, and definitely mind opening. Standing way above the terrain and gazing all around, Olivia realized how easy it was to get caught in a narrow perspective.

  “This is beautiful, magnificent,” Wayne said, breathing deeply as he gazed around.

  Wayne appreciated life so intensely, Olivia realized again. He was strong, he was stable, and he cared a lot about everyone and everything. What a wonderful combination. But he wasn’t available, she had to remind herself again.

  “See anything new up here?” Olivia joked.

  “I see my better self,” Wayne joked back with her. “How about you?”

  “I see that everything has a solution,” said Olivia, “if we only look at it differently.”

  Wayne liked that and grew silent for a moment. Olivia walked away from him then, around the viewing tower, entranced by everything.

  Suddenly, Wayne came up beside her. “I really hope I didn’t hurt your feelings before,” he said softly then.

  Olivia knew he was referring to the embrace between them that refused to go further.

  “No, it’s really okay,” she replied. “I’m not going to say I wasn’t disappointed, but you were just looking at the big picture then, as well.”

  Wayne smiled sadly. “I was being sensible,” he commented. “Relationships are fragile and I certainly don’t want to lose all the goodness we have now.”

  “Of course not,” Olivia said. “I don’t want to lose it either.”

  After the tour was over and they returned down to the ground, there was a place close by for a light lunch. Olivia and Wayne went there and while going over the case discussed the idea of his leaving for Nash
ville for a while. Wayne wanted to explore Mort’s connections there. And obviously, it was crucial that this be done sooner than later.

  “First call the police and get the okay,” Olivia suggested.

  “I will. That’s my next step,” Wayne agreed. “I’ll call tonight, after dinner.”

  *

  Fortunately, before Wayne made the call, the medical examiner’s report came in late that very afternoon. The time of death was now definite and to the distress of all, Hank Waring’s alibi was confirmed. There were no grounds to hold him on. When Wayne called, Dowl picked up and told him the news.

  “We’re in a new ballpark now,” Dowl started. “Hank’s alibi is confirmed.”

  “Perfect timing,” Wayne responded. “I was just calling to tell you I want to go down to Nashville and investigate Mort’s connections there as soon as possible.”

  “Great,” Dowl agreed instantly. “Go! Only let’s keep this as quiet as possible for now. Just between you and me.”

  “And Olivia, of course,” Wayne added.

  “Of course,” Dowl laughed. “Olivia’s your partner, your better half.”

  “Well, not exactly my better half, not that kind of partner,” Wayne balked. “We’re work partners only.”

  “Good.” Dowl jumped on it. “It’s always better not to mix business and pleasure. I’ve never seen anything but trouble coming out of that.”

  Wayne was startled. “It is a slippery slope,” he agreed.

  “I like you, Wayne,” Dowl went on, “you’re a good man and a fine detective. You’ve got a good head on your shoulders. I’d hate to see you taken down by unnecessary complications.”

  “Of course,” Wayne countered. “But just for the record, we’re doing great. Olivia’s a wonderful partner. She’s as smart as a whip.”

  “I’m sure she is,” said Dowl, “just keep it that way.”

  Wayne thought about the conversation for a while after they hung up. Dowl had suddenly taken a fatherly attitude toward him and it surprised Wayne. His comments also supported what Wayne originally felt. Strangely, it saddened him, too. He’d have to give it more thought.

  *

  Olivia felt a mixture of relief and unease when Wayne left early the next morning for Nashville. It was good having a partner nearby to check in with about developments. Of course, she could reach him on the phone in a moment, but that was different. And the way they’d left things in their relationship unsettled Olivia as well. On the surface, they’d both behaved in the most mature way possible. They’d been wise, sensible, friendly. But deeper within, Olivia felt rattled and wondered if Wayne felt the same way, too. She couldn’t imagine how he couldn’t.

  Right after breakfast, Olivia put in a call to the Townsend home. Penny answered immediately.

  “I need to speak to your mother today,” Olivia said. “The investigation has entered another chapter now.”

  “I know, I know,” Penny spoke quickly. “Officer Dowl called and told us the news. He also said you’d be here today to talk to Mom.”

  That surprised Olivia. Dowl hadn’t mentioned to Olivia that he was planning to call Penny and let her know.

  “Officer Dowl may even send someone over from the force right after you speak to Mom. This way you can debrief and let them know what you’ve found out.”

  Again, Olivia was taken aback that Dowl had told this to Penny and not to her. “Good,” she said lightly.

  “I also heard that Wayne has headed down to Nashville,” Penny went on.

  “Sounds like there’s nothing in the world you don’t know,” Olivia tried to respond playfully.

  Penny chuckled lightly. “Everything seems to be different now that they have to let Hank Waring go. The heat’s on to find more suspects.”

  “Seems so,” Olivia agreed. “Okay, I’ll be at your place in about half an hour,” she said. “Is that okay with you?”

  “Perfect,” Penny replied.

  Olivia noticed that Penny had many different sides to her. She could be very easy to talk to at one time, and completely rattled the next. That was to be expected, of course, in circumstances like this. Basically Olivia liked Penny.

  *

  Olivia arrived at the Townsend home in about half an hour. It was good to get there at short notice, she thought. That way there would not be enough time for Christine to really pull herself together. It was always much better to catch a person at least half by surprise. There would be less chance that way for Christine to present her well-formed façade. Especially with Christine, this element of surprise was needed.

  As Olivia expected, when she entered the home, Christine was ready and waiting for her. Dressed in velvet lounging slacks and a tunic, she was seated grandly on the sofa in the living room, an air of high expectancy surrounding her.

  “Thank you so much for your time,” Olivia said as she walked over to her and sat down.

  “Of course, of course,” said Christine. “But for starters, I just want you to know that it was not my idea to hire either you or your partner.”

  Olivia was taken aback. Was Christine opposed to having them on the case?

  “The idea was completely Penny’s and my guess is she roped Lance in to it.” Christine ran her well-manicured hand through her hair. She was extremely well cared for and startlingly lovely for a woman her age, thought Olivia.

  “Both Penny and Lance only want to do the best for you and everybody,” Olivia responded.

  Christine smiled wanly. “Naturally, that’s both true and entirely beside the point,” she replied. “I’m the one in charge. And more than ever now that Mort is gone.” At that her voice caught in her throat, betraying her effort to seem on top of things.

  “This must be very hard for you.” Olivia immediately decided to ignore Christine’s elaborate presentation and address her shaky feelings.

  “Of course it’s hard,” Christine said in an imperious tone. “How could it not be? Actually, it’s totally impossible to believe that my husband is gone.”

  “Naturally,” Olivia echoed, remembering that this woman was as much a victim as Mort. “Fortunately, your children are close and will help with everything.”

  “Yes, they are.” Christine took that up quickly. “Even my son Thomas, who lives abroad. Despite what anyone tells you, he is close to me as well. He doesn’t have to live next door either, to prove it.”

  “You’re in touch with him regularly?” Olivia was surprised.

  “Not regularly.” Christine breathed heavily. “But often enough.”

  “Does he know about his father’s death?”

  “Not yet.” Christine’s eyes closed briefly and she looked for a moment as if she were about to swoon at the reminder that Mort was dead. “But he will soon. What’s the need for telling him immediately? Mort is gone. It’s over.”

  Olivia found her reaction unusual and interesting. “Was Thomas close to his father?” she asked.

  “Thomas was close to no one in this family except me,” Christine retorted. “And Mort didn’t really care either. Mort had plenty of people he was close to. He used to laugh about Thomas, actually. He’d say, one down and two up! Meaning two of his children were close to him and one not. He took it in stride.”

  “He was realistic?” Olivia asked, pleased that they were talking about Mort now.

  “Yes.” Christine wet her lips and smiled a bit. “That’s actually a good word to describe him. Mort was very realistic about many things. And, of course, about other things, not at all!”

  Olivia felt as if she were in a house of mirrors with Christine. Everything she presented could be looked at in many different ways at once.

  “Did you love your husband?” Olivia tried to break through and get a direct, blunt answer.

  Christine looked entirely startled. “What a bizarre question!” she replied. “Outrageous, actually. Of course I loved Mort, he was a great husband. In fact, he was known for being a great husband. Ask anyone. He did everything right. You
couldn’t have asked for anyone better.”

  Olivia noticed perspiration start to form on Christine’s face.

  “It’s unusual to be so happy in a long marriage,” Olivia said softly.

  Christine perked up at that. “What’s so unusual about it?”

  “Inevitably areas of difference arise,” Olivia murmured.

  “How would you know? You’re just a child,” Christine spat back at her. “And this generation knows nothing about commitment either, do they?”

  “It’s all part of my training,” Olivia answered, calmly. She was determined not to go on a roller coaster ride with this volatile woman.

  Christine stood up off the couch then, smoothed out her clothing, and looked at Olivia harshly. “Well, if you must know the truth, even though we were definitely very happy, actually I was getting a bit bored recently. And Mort was changing too. He was getting stricter, more pig-headed about things.”

  This was just what Olivia was looking for, a taste of reality. “How was Mort stricter?”

  “I just mean he’d become more adamant about things. For example, I wanted to grow my jewelry business, and he wouldn’t let me.” The memories seem to be flooding Christine now.

  “Really? Why not?”

  “Mort kept saying enough was enough. He didn’t want me flitting all over selling my jewelry, constantly looking for exposure,” she replied. Then Christine suddenly spun around toward Olivia. “At first I thought he was jealous of the attention I was getting, but then I realized he wasn’t. And also, it wasn’t a matter of whether I wanted to grow my business! I told him I had to. Mort had been bringing home less and less money recently.”

  Olivia trembled at the force of her vehemence. This was important. “Why was he bringing home less money? Trouble with the clinics?”

  “No.” Christine looked away. “The clinics are flourishing.”

  “So, where was the money going?” Olivia was alerted.