Dead Drop

by Emma Rose Watts

  “Am I missing something?”

  Skylar eyed the two men cutting the hedges and then the house. She was sure she saw Nancy standing at the window for a second. The drapes moved ever so slightly.

  “It’s possible that all that money he was blowing was hers.”

  She brought him up to speed on what Nancy had told her as they pulled out of there heading back to the station. As they made their way across Big Bend Scenic Byway Harvey started spitting out potential ideas of how Nick reached his demise.

  “Okay so he’s spending all her money, he’s seeing other women, so she follows him to the bar and waits until he leaves knowing that he was usually intoxicated and then she drives him off the road?”

  “Possible though highly unlikely.”

  “So she pays someone else to do it. You saw the way she was eyeing those two gardeners like candy. Maybe she got fed up with him blowing through her inheritance and decided to nip it in the bud before Nick drove them into the poorhouse.”

  Skylar shrugged. Unlike Harvey who liked to think out aloud and throw out scenario after scenario no matter how ludicrous they were, she preferred to chew it over in her mind.

  “Anyway, how did you get on with the ME?” Skylar asked.

  “Ah, yes,” he said. “I didn’t make much progress. Jenna wasn’t there.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “There was some intern in there and let’s just say he was more than a little green. Yeah, apparently Jenna has been off for the past few days.”

  “Is that so?”

  “No, I was just saying it for the heck of it. What’s up with you, Skylar?”

  “Ah, Jenna’s been having issues with her boyfriend. At least, that’s what I think. I think he’s been knocking her around but she won’t admit it. Last time I saw her she had a mark on her wrist. She wouldn’t say how it occurred but—”

  “When were you going to tell me?”

  “These matters are sensitive.”

  “Why didn’t we just go arrest his ass?”

  “If he is involved, I’ll do it immediately but right now it’s a little complicated.”

  Harvey snorted. “No, women are,” he said.

  Skylar chuckled. “Yeah probably best you don’t say that around Elizabeth or she’s liable to clock you around the head. Anyway, I’m gonna swing by there this afternoon and see what’s going on. Listen, I think we should see what we can dig up about the Outlaws.”

  “Oh okay, let me get my little black book out. How do you suppose we do that? It’s not like we have a contact on the streets.”

  “Oh but we do.” She glanced at him.

  “No. No. I am not going there.”

  “Harvey, from what we’ve been able to glean from our run-ins with him, he has his finger on the pulse in Franklin County. If anyone is going to know if they were involved it’s him.”

  “I’m not going to speak to Callum Jackson,” Harvey said.

  Chapter 6

  “Detective, how wonderful to hear your voice,” Callum Jackson said. Harvey gripped the phone a little tighter. As strange as it might sound, Skylar’s train of thought wasn’t far wrong. Over the past few months Callum had been stepping forward and offering his services to the department. Although Harvey didn’t trust him as far as he could throw him, he’d come through for them on three occasions with information that led to the arrest of drug and child traffickers in the area. Now Harvey was a smart man, he knew that Callum wasn’t sharing information with the cops out of the goodness of his heart. He was a businessman, a crooked one at that with ties to drug trafficking that had stemmed back to the ’80s. He portrayed himself as a pillar in the community but behind it all he was hiding his own dark secrets. No, these tip-offs had been nothing more than a means of getting rid of competition.

  “I wish I could say the same,” Harvey replied.

  “Oh, I feel hurt,” Callum said in his most sarcastic tone.

  “Please understand I’m not calling you because I like you or wish to shoot the breeze. I wouldn’t be doing this unless I felt it was absolutely necessary.”

  “Of course not. How can I help you?”

  “The Outlaws. You heard about them?”

  “You know the rule, don’t you, officer?”

  There was a short pause.

  “No but I’m sure you’re going to tell me.”

  “I can’t discuss matters related to gangs over the phone. Only in person.”

  “Then how about you head on down to the station? I’ll put the coffee on,” Harvey said in his own sarcastic manner.

  “Would love to but I’m actually babysitting my granddaughter.”

  “You. Babysitting?”

  “Detective. I know you see me as this thorn in your side but I have a life outside of my work. Just as you do, and family means everything to me.”

  “And that’s why many of them are locked up.”

  He snorted. “Look, I would love to chat but…” He must have held the phone to his chest as his words became muffled. “Anna, darling, be careful. Don’t go near the water.”

  He came back on the line. “If you wish to discuss the Outlaws meet me down at the harbor. I’m having coffee at Vagabond.”

  “Vagabond?”

  “Yes, is there a problem with that?” Callum asked.

  “Well. Can’t we meet at the Carrabelle Junction?”

  “No, detective. I like the coffee here.”

  Harvey grumbled under his breath.

  “Fine. I’ll be there in five minutes.” He hung up and sat there for a second thinking it over. This was not good. Not good at all. This went against everything he’d been harping on at Skylar about. If Barb got wind of him schmoozing with her competition it could mean the end of freebies on Fridays at the Junction. And damn did he love those iced caps with the extra whipped cream on top.

  Then again, how would she know? She was too busy running her store and any local with a lick of sense didn’t go near Vagabond. He would get in and out. Make it quick. Find out what he needed from Jackson and then be out of there before anyone knew.

  Ten minutes later Harvey killed the engine outside the Vagabond and sat in his SUV eyeing the crowds of tourists. He wanted to make sure there was no one there that he knew before he ventured in. Get a grip, Harvey told himself. Maybe Skylar was right. Maybe he was acting a little paranoid about Barb having eyes in the back of her head. Perhaps he’d spent too long listening to the stories of her knowing what went on in Carrabelle. He pushed out of his vehicle and made his way down the dock. Outside the air was humid. He pulled at his tie to get some relief from the heat. He kept his head down and darted into the café. The second he entered, Donny Wu yelled out his usual greeting. “Hello. How are you? Welcome to Vagabond!”

  Harvey didn’t make eye contact and quickly scanned the room searching for Jackson. Seeing that he wasn’t there, he headed back out to the tables and chairs that were set up for those choosing to drink outside. That’s when he spotted him. He was around the rear of the café, close to the water’s edge. He was just about to head over when he felt a tug on his arm.

  “Detective Baker. I thought it was you.”

  His stomach sank.

  He turned to find Pete Welding, a local fisherman who was often seen inside the Carrabelle Junction.

  “Hi Pete. What are you doing here?

  “It’s lunch time. I was about to head to Carrabelle for a bite to eat.” He glanced at the Vagabond. “I didn’t know you came here.”

  “I don’t,” he said quickly in his defense as if Barb herself was asking the question. “No, just searching for someone. Actually he’s over there.”

  “Ah, right. Well I’ll let Barb know I saw you.”

  “Actually if you don’t mind, I’d like you to keep it under your hat. You know how these things are. She might get the wrong idea.”

  Pete made this O shape with his mouth like a guppy fish. “Oh, got you. Mum’s the word!” he said before tapping the si
de of his nose.

  “Besides, I don’t even like the coffee here,” Harvey said.

  “Me neither.”

  Right then Donnie Wu emerged from the doorway. “Detective. I thought it was you. I just poured out your favorite. You still take it without sugar, yes?” Donnie handed it over and Pete’s eyes bounced between them. Before he could say anything Pete walked away. “Good to see you, Pete,” Donnie said.

  He didn’t reply. “Oh great. Now that’s really done it,” Harvey said.

  “What has?” Donnie said following his gaze towards Pete who was now getting into his truck and eying Harvey like a cheated lover.

  Harvey sighed. “You ever have one of those days, Donnie, where you just think the world is working overtime to humble you?”

  “Can’t say I have but there is an ancient proverb that says… Arrogance invites ruin; humility receives benefits.”

  With that said he turned and walked back inside the café leaving Harvey contemplating it. Not wishing to waste any more time he headed around the back of the café and down to the outside patio that overlooked the boats.

  Callum Jackson was dressed in a light cream-colored suit, white shirt partially undone, and dark brown shoes. He was sipping on coffee as Harvey came up behind him. Every time he was around the man he had this urge to strangle him. It might have been because he believed he was to blame for his sister’s murder but in all honesty he just didn’t like the guy. He gave off this creepy, snake oil salesman kind of vibe that made him feel as if he was trying to sell him a used vehicle.

  Without even turning he greeted him.

  “Detective. I thought I smelled the aroma of your cologne. What is that, Hugo Boss?

  “It is,” Harvey said pulling out a chair and taking a seat beside him. Callum turned and smiled. He had aviator shades on. He’d grown a mustache since the last time he’d seen him. It didn’t suit him and on any other day he might have been inclined to tell him but he thought he would heed the words of Donnie and try to remain humble. Perhaps humility would get him a lead, and right now that was all that mattered.

  “Have you met my granddaughter Anna?” he asked motioning to a little girl who was licking an ice cream and watching the boats come in. She had curly blond hair and reminded Harvey of Shirley Temple. Beside her was one of Callum’s two bodyguards; the other was looming over Callum. He would deny that was what they were but they went everywhere with him. Two hulking men that looked as if they could snap a person in two just with a sneer.

  “It’s amazing how quickly they grow up, isn’t it?”

  “Yeah,” Harvey replied.

  “You have two children, don’t you, detective?”

  “I’d prefer if you didn’t speak about them.”

  He removed his aviator sunglasses. “Business then. How can I help you?”

  “A car accident over on the bend between Eastpoint and…”

  “I know about it.”

  “What can you tell me?”

  “Nick Hammond. Now that’s an interesting guy. A little loose with his money but a damn fine lawyer. He will be missed.”

  “Were the Outlaws behind it?”

  “The Outlaws?”

  “It’s come to our attention that Hammond might have had a run-in with one of them. A guy with a dragon tattoo on the side of the neck. You familiar with this individual?”

  “If you’re enquiring if they were responsible for the death of Hammond, I can neither confirm nor deny. I knew they were in the area conducting a little business but that’s all.”

  “What kind of business?”

  He chuckled and brought the cup up to his lips to take another sip. “The unsavory kind. What do you think, detective? Is there any other business they deal in?”

  “You tell me. You’re the one with your fingers in illegal activities.”

  “Come now, detective, let’s not make accusations or bite the hand that feeds you. My life is an open book.”

  Harvey resented having to come to him. It was so demeaning.

  “So you don’t think they were behind the murder?”

  He shook his head and placed his cup back down. “No. It’s too sloppy. Not their style. Your man would have likely been found with a bullet to the head or not found at all. These guys don’t knock a vehicle off the road then leave him to die. They enjoy the thrill of the kill.”

  “Do you?” Harvey asked.

  Callum looked at him but didn’t respond. Harvey knew Callum was responsible for multiple murders, he just couldn’t prove it. The man was as slippery as a snake. His ability to fly under the radar and get around the law had made him infamous in Franklin. Strong family ties, connections with lawyers, mayors and people in power gave him the leeway to operate with little interruption from law enforcement. On the few times Harvey had come close to pinning a crime on him, he’d managed to weasel his way out with large sums of money. The fact was it was going to take one huge mistake to take him down and unfortunately Callum wasn’t in the habit of making mistakes, at least not ones that could be linked back to him.

  “Anna. Come on now. Time to go.” He turned back to Harvey. “Well I’m afraid I have to cut this short but I have enjoyed our little conversation. Maybe next time we can do this out at my home. Perhaps I could invite out your lovely wife and children?”

  There was always a sense that he was threatening him in a subtle way. He didn’t care about Harvey’s family or spending time with him. He just wanted to make it clear that he was in control. It was all about control.

  “But we were just getting warmed up,” Harvey said.

  Callum rose. “If you need to know more about the Outlaws I would suggest speaking with Keith White, the owner of White’s Video Production in Carrabelle.”

  “What’s his connection?”

  “Have a good day, detective.”

  And just like that he was gone. Harvey remained there chewing over the information he’d given him and wondering whether it was accurate or liable to send him on a wild goose chase.

  Jenna Madden lived in Carrabelle Cove Apartments just off Gray Avenue. It was a quiet nook that had a good reputation. The apartments themselves weren’t much to look at — cream-colored clapboard siding, light gray shingles. She’d got herself a place there after taking over the position of chief ME from Ted Sampson. Skylar knocked on the door and looked around as she waited. Two kids were on tricycles being chased by a young mother who looked like she hadn’t slept in a month. The door cracked open ever so slightly, the chain hung loosely. It was Jenna.

  “Hey, Jenna.”

  “This is not a good time, Skylar,” she said peeking out.

  “Everything okay?”

  “It’s fine. I’ve just got a stomach bug.”

  Skylar put forward a bag. “I brought you some soup. Thought you could use it.”

  Jenna glanced down at it. “Thanks,” she said and reached out and took it. As she did, a part of her face that was hidden could now be seen.

  “Jenna. Your face.”

  “Look, just leave me alone,” she said then backtracked. “I mean. Thank you for bringing this but I really need to go lay down.”

  “Jenna.”

  “I just had a fall.”

  Before she could say any more Jenna closed the door. Skylar stood there for a few seconds contemplating what to do. She pressed an ear up to the door but couldn’t hear anything. Slowly she made her way back to her truck. When she reached it she turned around and made a beeline for the door. She banged a few times hard on it. Jenna opened the door again and Skylar told her to open up.

  “But—”

  “Just open the door or I’ll send Harvey over and you know how he is.”

  She sighed and unlatched the chain. Jenna stepped back and Skylar stepped in. The lighting was low inside so it was hard to see her face clearly but she could tell it was bruised on one side. They ventured into the living room where the curtains were drawn and the TV was on playing some afternoon talk show. Jenna t
urned her face away but Skylar reached for her chin and twisted it around.

  “He did this, didn’t he?”

  “No. Skylar, I don’t want…”

  Skylar moved across the room and pulled the curtains wide. Light flooded in and with it the truth of Jenna’s situation. Not only was her lip busted up, and she was sporting one hell of a shiner, but the coffee table in front of her furniture was littered with crushed beer cans, empty bottles of bourbon and takeout food.

  “Jenna. This is crazy. This has to stop. It ends today.”

  “It’s nothing. I just took a fall.”

  “Yeah, then why do your hands have no grazes?”

  Jenna sighed.

  “Where is he?”

  “He went out to get more booze.”

  “So he’s out of work but he can afford to buy booze?” she scoffed. She understood being down on luck and trying to cope with alcohol, as she handled her own problems in a similar way but she knew her cut-off point — some didn’t.

  “Right, well I’ll wait here until he gets back,” she said about to plunk herself down in a chair.

  “No, you need to go. If he sees you here, he’ll—”

  “He’ll do what, Jenna? Huh?”

  Right then she heard a truck pull up outside, and the clinking of bottles in a bag followed shortly after by a key being inserted into the door.

  Chapter 7

  “Who the hell is blocking our parking spot?” Darryl Harlow said as he slammed the door behind him. She heard him trudge down the corridor cursing under his breath. Skylar had never met him so she was curious to see Jenna’s taste in men. Darryl rounded the corner into the living room and frowned. “Who the hell are you?”

  “The driver of the vehicle that is taking up your parking spot,” Skylar said.

  Darryl was wearing a muscle T-shirt, a thick leather jacket with the collar pulled up, a pair of ripped jeans and large combat boots. His hair was dark and hung low past his shoulders. Certainly wasn’t the kind of man she expected Jenna would date but then again her taste for wild colors and excessive makeup would lead anyone to believe she was into life on the edge. She still hadn’t got the background on how she met him and after the way he’d treated Jenna she wasn’t interested in knowing.