The Black Widow - Mark Kane Mysteries - Book Three: A Private Investigator Crime Series of Murder, Mystery, Suspense & Thriller Stories...with a dash of Romance

by John Hemmings

Cary produced the receipt. “It was written by Larry,” she said. It stated:

  ‘I Larry Sands hereby transfer the ownership of my boat ‘Sally Ann’ to Dale Porter in full settlement of the debt of US$10,000 owed to him.’

  Larry’s name was printed underneath followed by two illegible signatures. One of them was apparently Larry’s and the other Dale’s. It was dated the tenth of September.

  “The signature isn’t much help,” I said. “Have you anything else with Larry’s signature that the police can compare it with?”

  “How about the marriage license?” Cary said.

  “That would be perfect,” I said. “And have you got anything in Larry’s handwriting? If the receipt was written by Larry it would be helpful to have something to compare it with.”

  “I’ve got lots of things with Larry’s handwriting on if they want to compare it. He used to write me lots of letters, love notes and things like that. I’ve kept all of them.” A flush of blood colored her cheeks.

  “Where did you find the receipt?” Lucy asked.

  “It was in the pocket of a pair of his jeans. I went through everything carefully after I saw you.”

  “Well Lucy and I plan to return to Manila tomorrow. If you can let me have the receipt, the marriage license and some handwriting samples I’ll take them with me. I’m waiting for a call from a superintendent at the police headquarters and I’ll arrange a meeting with him. It should be sufficient to get Dale out of jail. He has a lot to be thankful to you for.”

  “It’s nothing really,” she said.

  “Cary, there’s quite a lot of other things I want to talk to you about this afternoon. While this no doubt puts Dale in the clear there’s still the mystery of how Larry died; and if his death wasn’t an accident there’s the question of who might be responsible for his death. I’ve gathered quite a bit of information in the past few days that I’d like to share with you. I don’t intend to pass it over to the police unless you want me to, but I’d like to hear your views.”

  “What kind of information, Mr. Kane?”

  “I’m talking about possible suspects. But before I go there I’d like your views on some other things. It may help me to determine whether the death was accidental or not.”

  “Okay.”

  “According to the receipt Larry transferred his boat to Dale on the tenth of September. You reported him missing on the fifteenth. How long had he been missing when you made the report?”

  “About two or three days,” she said.

  “But I understand that he’d often be away for several days. For example, when he left to renew his visa; or perhaps when he went to Manila or elsewhere in the Philippines.”

  Cary thought about this. “But I’d always know where he was. We’d talk on the phone. He never just vanished.”

  “Larry’s body was found in the sea; quite far out in the bay actually. But he’d already transferred his boat to Dale by then, so he wouldn’t have been on his boat, would he?”

  “He might have been though. Just because he transferred it to Dale doesn’t mean he couldn’t use it anymore.”

  “But Cary, if he’d been out on the boat and accidentally fallen in the water then the boat would have drifted, wouldn’t it?” I said. “But the boat was found in Dale’s mooring.

  “Oh,” she said. “Yes, I see.”

  “So if Larry fell from a boat it couldn’t have been his own boat, could it?”

  “No, I guess not.”

  “And if he’d been by himself on somebody else’s boat then that boat would have drifted. The owner of the boat would know about it.”

  “Yes,” Cary said uncertainly.

  “And if he’d been out on a boat with someone else and fallen in accidentally then that other person would have reported it, wouldn’t they?”

  “I guess so.”

  “Unless it wasn’t an accident.”

  “So you don’t think it was an accident?”

  “I don’t know. Was Larry a good swimmer?”

  “I think so. He often went swimming in the sea.”

  “So an accidental drowning doesn’t seem likely. But if he was killed, then the person responsible must have had a reason, a motive.”

  I noticed that Cary had pushed her drink to one side and her demeanor had changed.

  “Who do you think might have had a motive to kill him?” I said.

  Cary stared at me but remained silent.

  “Did you know about the bar in Olongapo that Larry and Dale had invested in?”

  “Yes.”

  “And you knew that it had to close down and several people lost quite a lot of money?”

  “Yes, I know about that.”

  “From Larry?”

  “Well yes, and Dale. Actually everybody knew about it.”

  “Dale told me it was Larry’s fault, because he couldn’t honor his commitment to pay his share.”

  “His what?”

  “Larry was supposed to put money into the bar, but he couldn’t. Dale said that he paid Larry’s share in the beginning and Larry was supposed to repay him. But Larry couldn’t repay him and that’s why he gave him the boat instead. Did Larry tell you all of this?”

  “I only knew the bar closed but I don’t know any details.”

  “There were local investors who claimed to have lost money. Dale told me they blamed Larry, but according to our investigation the bar owners didn’t in fact lose their money, although I accept that Dale might have believed they had. Has anyone ever approached you or complained to you about what happened to the bar?”

  “No. I don’t know who any of them are.”

  “Okay. Now I’ve also been told that Larry had lost a lot of money in a casino in Macau. Did Larry tell you about it?”

  “Who told you that?”

  “It doesn’t matter who told me; I’m asking whether you knew about it.”

  “When did it happen?”

  “Around August this year; I assume Larry didn’t mention it to you.”

  “No.”

  “Gary Blake had to lend him some money to help him pay a gambling debt. You know Gary?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “But you didn’t know that Larry gave him his Rolex watch in return for the loan?”

  Cary’s hand shot up in front of her mouth.

  “He’s wearing it. He showed it to me. I checked the serial number; it’s definitely Larry’s watch.”

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t know,” she said.

  “Alright, well Gary said he’d contact you to explain it to you. I’m sorry to burden you with all this stuff but it’s only right that you should know. It’s likely that the loss of money in the casino resulted in Larry not being able to come up with the money for the bar. The point is that Larry still owed a lot of money in connection with this casino debt and the people that he owed it to aren’t very nice people. I wondered if anyone has ever contacted you about the casino debt.”

  “No, I don’t know anything about it.”

  “Perhaps Larry didn’t want to worry you, so he kept it to himself.”

  “Larry always took care of me. I never talked to him about money; it was his money after all.”

  “You understand why I’m telling you all this? The people he owed this money to may be connected to his disappearance and his death.”

  “Yes, I understand. Thank you.”

  “If anybody ever does contact you about either of these two things – the bar or the casino – I want you to tell the police about it.”

  Cary shrugged. “Okay.”

  “Or tell your friends. Tell Gary, or Paul Evans. They’re both friends of yours and they’ll be able to give you some advice about what to do. You understand?”

  “Yes, thank you.”

  “The last thing I need to ask you about is something a bit more personal I’m afraid. I wouldn’t mention it if I didn’t think it was important. I believe the
re was someone – a local Filipino – who was upset by your marriage to Larry?”

  Cary was silent for a few moments. She stared at her feet, looking miserable, dejected. Without looking up she said, “You mean Tony?”

  “Can you tell me about Tony?”

  “He’s a local politician who wanted to marry me. He tried to arrange it through my parents. He’s typical of the corrupt provincial politicians who think they can get anything they want if they pay for it. Usually they can. They’re all greedy and corrupt.”

  “Did you ever hear from him after you were married?”

  “Yes. He hated Larry.”

  “Because of the wedding?”

  “Yes…and because Larry supported Preda. Larry hated the exploitation of children in the sex trade, especially by foreign pedophiles.”

  “I’m sorry, you’ll have to explain. I don’t know what Preda is. Do you know, Lucy?” Lucy shook her head.

  “It’s a human rights group,” Cary said, “which was founded in Olongapo many years ago for the protection of the dignity and the human rights of the Filipino people, especially sexually-exploited and abused children.”

  “Let’s have another drink, Cary, but no alcohol this time. I need to focus. This may be important.”

  Cary went into the kitchen to fetch some ice and some more pineapple juice. She brought in some fresh glasses and the pitcher of juice with ice in it. She poured the drinks and sat down opposite us again.

  “You’d better tell us all about this, Cary. Take your time,” I said.

  Chapter Twenty

  Some Good News

  “Larry loved the Philippines and its people.” Cary said. “He hated the way that children and teens are lured into the sex industry here because there’s no alternative for most. The sex industry is protected by the corrupt politicians and so the police turn a blind eye. There’s a lot of corruption in the police too. For adults it’s a matter of choice; if they choose to do that it’s up to them, but foreigners in particular are attracted to the Philippines to engage in the sort of behavior which would have them locked up for years in their own countries. Here they can operate with impunity because they know that the local politicians and police will protect them. I’m talking about children as young as five and six years old being used for sex.

  “Larry contributed money and time to Preda, trying to spread awareness of the problems in combatting corruption by local officials who profit by the exploitation of children. He loathed Tony anyway. Before we were married Tony threatened him and then tried to bribe him to leave the Philippines. Later Larry found out about Tony’s connection with the underage sex trade and I think that’s what got him interested in Preda in the first place. Tony already hated Larry because of me, and like many local officials he feared the influence of vocal foreigners. Tony never tried to contact us personally, but we would get threatening messages from his cronies from time to time. We had two dogs poisoned. My father’s rice crop was vandalized once. Everybody knew who was behind it, but in the Philippines there’s nothing you can do. Going to the police would be a waste of time because they’re probably in his pocket anyway. When Larry built the house it was like a statement to Tony and others like him that we weren’t going to be intimidated.”

  “Do you think Tony might be behind Larry’s disappearance? His death?”

  “It doesn’t really matter what I think because it would be impossible to prove. He wouldn’t have done anything personally – he’s too much of a coward. And even if I could prove it, he’d never go to court. Or if he went to court he wouldn’t be convicted. This is the Philippines, not Philadelphia.”

  Cary noticed the bleak expressions on our faces.

  “Oh, don’t worry, we’re used to it. When you live in the jungle you learn to tread carefully. You know what the local term for a policeman is in the Philippines? Buwaya,” she said, without waiting for a reply. “It means crocodile, because they are so hungry − for cash.” She laughed, bitterly, and we laughed too.

  “Of course there are good cops and good politicians too; and it’s not only the Philippines that has these problems. But you see the difficulty?”

  “So you had already made the connection before I mentioned it?”

  “Of course. Did I tell the police? No. Will I ever tell them? No. Do I want you to try and do something about it? No. If it was just me I wouldn’t be afraid, but my whole family live here. One death is enough, don’t you think?”

  “I’m so sorry for your loss,” Lucy said. “And I’m sorry we haven’t been able to help you.”

  “But you have helped me,” she said. “Because you’ve shown me you care about me. And you care about Larry and what happened to him. And you care about Dale.”

  Lucy asked for the bathroom and went out to compose herself. When she came back she had tears in her eyes. She went over to Cary and hugged her.

  “I think you’re very brave,” she said.

  “I haven’t told you the good news yet,” Cary said brightly. “I can’t tell you unless you have another drink.”

  I looked at Lucy and she nodded. Cary went out to the kitchen to fetch the coconut vodka. She came back and poured us all a glass. The ice had melted, but the glass was cold in my hand.

  “What are we drinking to?” said Lucy.

  “To me,” Cary said. “I’m pregnant.”

  “My God,” said Lucy. “When did you find out?”

  “I missed my period in October, but the doctor said it was probably because of all the stress and worry that I’d had. But I missed again last month and so I had a test this morning and it’s positive. I’m going to be a mom. My dad says it’s God’s way of levelling things out. My parents were very fond of Larry.”

  “Cary, are you doing anything tonight?” Lucy said. “If not we’d like you to join us for dinner. We’re going to meet up with Paul, Gary and their girlfriends for a farewell meal. We’ll arrange a taxi to get you home again afterwards. They’re going to love to hear your good news.”

  “Okay, thanks I’d like that. I haven’t seen them for a while and I don’t get out much either. So long as I won’t be a … what was it? Strawberry?”

  “A gooseberry,” Lucy laughed. “No, Cary, you won’t be that, I assure you.”

  Cary gathered the documents that I needed to take to Manila and then went to get ready. It was four thirty and the meal was booked for eight. I’d have time for a couple of sharp ones at the Café before dinner. We were back at the hotel before six. Lucy went online with her tablet to book our flights to Manila from Clark. She got a flight for mid-day, and I intended to go directly from the airport to police headquarters to see Santos. There was still no call from him and no message at the hotel. I telephoned Peter Hendriks to invite him and his partner along to the dinner. He’d just got back from Manila and said he’d love to come. I went next door to the Café, ordered a beer and tried Santos’ extension again. This time I was lucky, and was put through to the man himself.

  “Superintendent,” I said, “It’s Kane. I’m calling with reference to Dale Porter. I’m returning to Manila tomorrow. I would very much appreciate it if I could see you tomorrow afternoon.”

  “Ah, Kane,” he said. “How are things in Subic?”

  “Very good, thanks to you. I believe that I’ve gathered sufficient proof that Mr. Porter isn’t connected with the death of Mr. Sands and I would hope to arrange for his release from custody.”

  “What kind of proof do you have, Kane?”

  “It concerns the boat.”

  There was a pause. I could hear voices in the background.

  “Just a moment I’m getting the file.” I waited for a couple of minutes. “Ah the boat, yes; what about the boat?”

  “Well it turns out that there was a legitimate transfer of the boat by Mr. Sands to Mr. Porter several days before Sands disappeared. I have a receipt written in Mr. Sands’ own handwriting and signed by him. Unless you have any other rea
son to hold Mr. Porter I shall be asking for his release from custody; subject, of course, to your checking the authenticity of the document.”

  “Alright; what time would you like to meet me? I’m afraid there’s been no development relating to the investigation here.”

  “Would three o’clock be alright?”

  “Three o’clock would be fine. I’ll look forward to seeing you then; will you be bringing your charming assistant with you? I trust that you had the cooperation of the local police up there.”

  “I did indeed, many thanks to you, and yes, Lucy will be with me. Can you tell me if Mr. Porter has instructed a lawyer yet?”

  “Not as far as I know. According to the log he’s only had one visitor since you left and that was yesterday; a young lady by the name of Angel Rodriguez.”

  “Thanks, superintendent. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Now everything was starting to make sense.

  Shortly before eight o’clock everyone congregated for the meal outside the Lighthouse where a table had been arranged for the nine of us. The clear sky overhead was like black velvet sprinkled with sequins. I couldn’t remember ever being able to see so many stars. The un-twinkling lights of Venus and Mars were easy to pick out too. The sound of the waves lapping against the quayside floated up to the garden where we were sitting. To encourage discourse amongst relative strangers no-one was allowed to be seated next to or opposite his or her partner. The idea was Lucy’s and involved a logistical effort of trial and error before a satisfactory result was obtained, but the final result was a testament to Lucy’s organizational skills for which she was renowned. It meant that Lucy and I would not be able to talk shop and, I suspected, it would enable Lucy to exaggerate her role in Mark Kane Investigations without challenge from myself.

  Both Gary’s and Paul’s girlfriends were Australian, and Peter’s partner was Dutch, so Cary found herself the only Asian present, but she had no problem integrating with the three couples as she knew Gary and Paul well and had met their respective girlfriends before. The news of Cary’s pregnancy was met with the expected degree of surprise and goodwill, but Cary had another surprise in store. She intended to give the house to her sister, she said, and other members of her family, and travel to the United States to give birth there so that her baby would gain U.S. citizenship. Whether she’d be able to obtain residency there on the basis of her marriage to Larry was something she wasn’t sure about but she was going to try her best. She’d miss her family but she wanted her child to have better opportunities than would be afforded to him or her in the Philippines. Unfortunately, I knew nothing about the complicated subject of Immigration law but I wished her the best. Nevertheless, I felt that she’d have an uphill struggle to get U.S. residence on the basis of a marriage to an American citizen who was now deceased; but I didn’t want to spoil the mood of the party so I kept my concerns to myself. Before putting Cary in a taxi and sending her home I said I was sorry that I hadn’t been able to help with the problem of Larry’s identification.