The Naked Eye

by Iris Johansen

  “You don’t usually find yourself in the middle of murder investigations, either.”

  “I had nothing to do with what happened to Sheila Hunter.”

  “I believe you.”

  He stared at her. “Then what’s this about?”

  “You already know. You wouldn’t be here otherwise. I know you were having an affair with her. You spent a lot of time with her in that houseboat. You were paying for it, weren’t you? It was billed under one of your midlevel executives, but you were footing that bill.”

  He looked away. “Why should I talk to you?”

  “Because if you don’t, I’ll make a lot of noise you won’t want to hear. I don’t care about your affair, Mr. Schultz. I have no interest in telling your story to the world, despite the fact that your girlfriend stooped pretty low to tell mine. But I promise I’ll do it if that’s what it takes to get the answers I need.”

  He looked back at her. “I’m a married man. I have children. And Sheila worked for my company. The last may actually be worse than the first as far as my professional standing is concerned. We had to be very discreet.”

  Kendra nodded. “You wanted a nice place near your office but not a place where many people would see you coming and going. Almost no one lives on their boats in Harbor Village. I imagine it was a nice spot for you two.”

  “It was heaven.” For the first time, Kendra saw the pain in his eyes. “The place. The woman. Sheila understood me. We had the same values. It was the one place I could relax and enjoy myself. I hated whenever I had to leave.”

  “The night she was killed … I know you were there.”

  He turned sharply toward her. “I told you I had nothing to do with it.”

  “And I told you that I believe you. But I know you were there.”

  He looked down and finally nodded. “I found her. It was horrible. I couldn’t believe it.”

  “She was already dead?”

  He nodded.

  Beth wrinkled her brow. “But you didn’t call the police.”

  “I couldn’t. I couldn’t get involved. But I knew the police would put the entire place under a microscope. I wiped my prints off everything, every gift, every trinket that might possibly be linked back to me or my credit-card purchases. I put them in a laundry bag and got the hell out of there.”

  “Everything,” Kendra repeated. “It looked pristine clean. You were in a big hurry. You probably scooped up everything in sight on the chance that it might incriminate you. Is that right?”

  He shrugged. “I admit I wasn’t being overcareful about picking and choosing. I thought better safe than sorry.”

  “You don’t remember any individual items?”

  He shook his head. “It’s all pretty much of a blur.”

  “And where did you put that bag?”

  He didn’t answer.

  “Believe me, I’m not looking for anything to incriminate you, not for murder or adultery. I just have to examine the contents of that bag and see if you threw anything in it that might help me find Sheila’s killer.”

  “And what’s to stop you from turning the entire contents over to the police?” he said sharply. “What kind of position would that put me in?”

  “It might put you in the position of helping to find the murderer of the woman who understood you, your kind of woman. Remember.”

  He was silent. “She’s dead now. I’m alive.”

  “Touching,” Beth said. “A love affair for the ages.”

  “I’m a realist,” he said harshly. “It’s not going to help her for me to ruin my life.”

  “Okay, suppose I guarantee not to turn the bag over to the police unless I find some evidence that might lead to her killer. And that I promise not to tell anyone the name of the person who removed those items from the houseboat.”

  “I wouldn’t believe you.”

  “You can believe me. I don’t lie.” She paused. “And the alternative is that I go to the police right now and tell them that you were her lover and you were there the night she was killed. That would start them digging very deep. How long do you think it would take for them to persuade you to tell them where that bag is now.” She looked him in the eyes. “I think I’m your best bet, Schultz.”

  He scowled. “Neither one is a good option.”

  She waited.

  “Okay. I guess you’re right. It’s better to take a chance on you than having the police breathing down my neck.”

  “So where is it?”

  “I don’t have it. I tossed it that night.”

  “Tossed it where?” Kendra asked.

  “I got in my car and just drove. I was pretty messed up. I kept seeing her on the mast and all that blood…”

  “Where did you end up?”

  “I went to Mission Trails Park outside the city. I used to hike there sometimes. I thought I might bury the bag, or maybe weigh it down and throw it into the lake.”

  “You thought you might,” Beth said. “What happened?”

  “I drove out there, and I got turned around pretty quickly. It was dark, and the roads looked nothing like they do during the day. I was looking for a place to pull over, but then I was aware of a car behind me, about fifty yards back. Its running lights were on, but the headlights were off.”

  “Following you?” Kendra asked.

  “That’s how it looked. No matter how fast or slow I went, it was always right there.”

  “Did you think it might have been Sheila’s killer?” Beth asked.

  Schultz waited for an elderly couple to pass by them before he answered, “It crossed my mind. All I could think about was what that murderer had done to Sheila. I was nervous as hell. But the more I thought about it, the less likely it seemed. There’s no way I was followed all the way from downtown. I would have seen it earlier.”

  “So this car continued to follow you with the headlights off?”

  Schultz nodded. “And like I said, it was dark. I was having a tough time navigating all those twists and turns with my headlights on. Then I began to think it was a park ranger or maybe a cop. The last thing I needed was to get stopped and caught with a bagful of stuff from my murdered girlfriend’s home.”

  “So what did you do?”

  “I waited for a curve in the road and chucked it out the window off a hillside. That way, even if I got stopped, I wouldn’t get caught with it. I turned off my own lights when I made the toss, so I was pretty sure I wouldn’t be seen doing it.”

  “And what happened then?”

  “I left as quick as I could. I lost sight of the car right after I left the park grounds. I’m guessing it was probably a ranger patrol. I think they were hanging back, trying to see what the hell I was doing there. If I had stopped, they might have gotten in my face. But since I just kept going and exited the park, they didn’t bother me.”

  Kendra nodded. “Maybe. You never went back for the bag?”

  “At first, that was my plan, but no. It’s a fairly desolate area, far from the major hiking trails. And if it’s ever found out there, I don’t think there’s anything that can necessarily be traced back to Sheila. Or me. I was mainly concerned with its being found in her houseboat.”

  Kendra leaned toward him. “You have to be able to tell us about at least some of the things you removed from the houseboat.”

  He thought for a moment. “There were ticket stubs for a few concerts we saw together. I removed gifts I’d given her. Things I’d charged that might be traced back to me. A necklace, a couple bracelets. Several objects I’d given her.”

  “What kind of objects?” Beth asked.

  “Figurines. Little statues. She loved little ceramic shoes. I travel overseas a lot, so I’d buy her things that I’d see.” He thought for another moment. “I also cleared out the few pieces of clothing I had there, along with my toiletries.”

  Kendra nodded. “Guerlain Homme deodorant spray. Creed Green Irish Tweed cologne. Neroli Portofino bar soap.”

  He stared
at her in amazement. “Yes.”

  “You took them away, but the odors remained. You’re wearing the same deodorant and cologne today.”

  “Amazing,” he said.

  “The cologne is especially nice. I understand George Clooney also wears that.”

  “I wouldn’t know.”

  “So you dumped it all?”

  “No, the clothes are still in my car. I stuffed the toiletries and the other stuff in a black laundry bag. I had a hard time remembering what I bought her and what was already hers, so if there was doubt, I just scooped it up. Like I said, I was just out of my mind that night.” He made a cutting gesture with his hand. “That’s it. No more. I’m through.”

  “Not quite,” Kendra said. “I need one more thing from you.”

  “I think I’ve done a lot for you already. My lawyer would say too much.”

  “No, lawyers prefer not to deal with the police if at all possible. I’m much easier.” She paused. “But I need you to go with us and help us find the bag.”

  His reply was immediate and incredulous. “No way in hell.”

  “I wouldn’t ask if wasn’t necessary to help find Sheila’s killer.”

  “Why is it necessary? How can it possibly help you find Sheila’s murderer?”

  “I’m afraid I can’t discuss that at the moment.”

  “After everything I’ve just shared with you?”

  “Unwillingly shared. You’re the CEO of a corporation that owns newspapers, television stations, and some of the most popular news Web sites in the world. And just a few days ago, one of those sites held me up for public ridicule and raked me over the coals. That story was written by the woman with whom you claim to have shared your values.” She shook her head. “Pardon me if I don’t trust you with sensitive information relating to an active homicide investigation.”

  Schultz opened his mouth to reply, then closed it again. He managed a faint smile. “Point taken.”

  “So you’ll help us?”

  He checked his watch. “No, I’m catching a plane for Houston in less than two hours.”

  “Postpone your trip.”

  “I can’t do that.”

  “You mean you won’t.”

  “I can’t, and I won’t. That about covers it. I’ve told you enough, and I won’t run the risk of being caught scrambling over those hills with you. I already avoided that once. I’m not going to go for a replay.” He met her eyes. “But I can tell you exactly where I dumped it.”

  “Where?”

  “Not unless you promise me that you won’t go until after dark, when you at least have a chance of not being seen.”

  “No problem. I assure you that we don’t want interference either. Where?”

  “When you get over there, drive north on Mission Gorge Road. Just after you pass marker 6, it’s down the hill on the left.”

  Kendra pulled out her phone and tapped in the instructions. “You’re positive about this?”

  “Yes. I thought I might be going back out there myself, so I was careful to remember exactly where it was. Warning. It still won’t be easy making your way down that hill.”

  “Just as long as we find that bag at the bottom of the slope.” She turned and moved back toward her car. “Otherwise, you can expect another visit from us.”

  CHAPTER 9

  Mission Trails Regional Park

  San Diego County

  THE SUN HAD JUST SET OVER the arid expanse of land just east of the city. The Mission Trails Regional Park was over five thousand square acres, and was popular among hikers and campers. And, apparently, Robert Schultz.

  “This probably isn’t one of your better ideas,” Beth said, as they exited the I-8 freeway. “Rooting around in an unfamiliar wilderness area after dark, searching for a bag of stolen evidence. And what color did he say the bag was?”

  “Black.”

  “Of course it is.”

  “I’ll actually be happy if it’s hard to spot.”

  “Happy?”

  “It would improve the chances of that bag’s still being there and not having been picked up by a curious hiker.”

  “And what are the chances of that CEO being totally full of it?”

  “I believed him. He knows we can make things uncomfortable for him in a very public way. The threat of public exposure is clearly what has motivated him to make all the decisions he has.”

  Beth gazed at the dense foliage that suddenly lined the roadside. “Right now, I’m wishing he had made a few different decisions.”

  “I just hope that when we find that bag, there’s something there that makes all this worthwhile. I’m beginning to have my doubts.”

  “A gift from Eric Colby … What could it be?”

  “I don’t know. It was important to him that I look inside the houseboat myself. He had faith I would see and recognize it, whatever it was. When I went there and didn’t come up with anything, I was afraid he might have overestimated me.”

  “That’s not likely. He underestimates you. That’s how you got him in the first place.”

  She grimaced. “But he’s had years to prepare for the rematch.”

  “It won’t make any difference.” Beth hesitated before continuing. “I’ve been reading up on the Eric Colby case and how you finally got him.”

  “A little light reading before bedtime.”

  Beth shrugged. “I only had to read it, you had to go through it. You actually hid underneath the bodies of his victims and waited for him to walk past. I can’t imagine how terrifying that must have been. Then you fractured his skull with a rock.”

  “That’s right.”

  She hesitated. “If you had it to do over again, would you have…” Her voice trailed off.

  “… would I have finished him off?”

  “Yes.”

  Kendra drove in silence for a moment. “I could have done that very easily. The FBI chief you met yesterday, Griffin, thinks I’m feeling guilty for not killing Colby when I had the chance. He thinks that’s why I’m so obsessed with him. The truth is … Given the information I had at the time, I would have done the same thing all over again. I had every reason to think he could never hurt anyone ever again.”

  “But with the information you have now?”

  “Now … I don’t know.” She thought for a moment. “Sheila Hunter would certainly be alive if I’d finished him off. Just another swing or two with that rock would have done it. When I thought he’d been put to death at San Quentin four months ago, I have to admit that I felt relieved. I have mixed feelings about capital punishment, but it felt good to think that Eric Colby was no longer walking the Earth.”

  “I completely understand,” Beth said thoughtfully. “There are monsters out there, and some of them have given up the right to share the planet with us.”

  “If you listen to the FBI and the cops, Colby has already been wiped from the face of the Earth.” She glanced at Beth. “Which is why I appreciate your believing in me. I’ve given you very little reason to think that I’m right and everyone else is wrong. I’ve made a few mistakes since you came on the scene. And yet, here you are. Thank you, Beth.”

  “And I haven’t made any mistakes since you guys got me out of that institution? We’re only human. We learn every day. I believe you said something like that to me once.”

  “And I’ve had more experience than you. I should have listened to my own philosophical advice instead of getting so intense and emotional. This Colby business has gotten me completely off track.”

  “You’re not off track as long as it leads to Colby. And you’ve earned my loyalty and support.” She smiled. “Of course, I may be cursing you when we’re wandering around that hillside in the dark.”

  Kendra stiffened as her gaze lifted to the rearview mirror. “We may have a more immediate problem. We’re being followed.”

  “Shit.” Beth instinctively glanced back over her shoulder. “Are you sure?”

  “I wasn’t sure.” She moistene
d her lips. “I didn’t want to be sure. I thought it could be my imagination because Schultz was paranoid about being followed. I was going to give it until we made that last turn to decide.” She nodded at the headlights in the mirror. “There it is. Brown Chevy. Maybe a Caprice.”

  “How long has it been following?”

  “I’m not certain. Whoever is driving is very good.” Her hands tightened on the steering wheel. “A long time. Maybe since the time we left the condo.”

  “Then no park rangers like Schultz thought were following him.”

  “No park rangers.”

  Beth looked back again. “Colby?” she whispered.

  That was what Kendra had been thinking. “Possibly.” Her heart was beating hard. “We know he might be watching me. Maybe he’s decided to take the next step.” Was the car getting closer? “Damn, I wish you weren’t along.”

  “Don’t say that,” Beth said. “You only want me along if everything is sunny and safe? I’m in this for the long haul. There’s moonlight. Slow down after you take the next curve and I’ll try to get a glimpse of the driver when he comes around the curve.”

  “The headlights will—”

  “Just try.”

  Kendra pressed the accelerator and sped to the next curve. When she rounded the curve, she slowed. She saw the lights before the Caprice made the turn. How would Beth be able to see anything once—”

  Then the Caprice made the turn at high speed.

  It was almost on top of them!

  “Go!” Beth said.

  Kendra was already tearing down the road, leaving the Caprice behind.

  “I told you that you wouldn’t be able to see with those headlights glaring at us.”

  “But I did.” Beth said, looking behind her. “I wasn’t sure either, but I found out something. I couldn’t make out any of the details of the driver’s appearance.” She paused. “But I was able to see shapes. Two shapes. There are at least two people in that car. Maybe more. I couldn’t make out anything about the backseat.” She glanced back at Kendra. “Would Colby be traveling with anyone?”

  Kendra shook her head. Relief was pouring through her. “He’s a loner.”

  “Then it’s not Colby.”