by Julie Ramson
This also called for better makeup. I added foundation, blush and some soft golden eye shadow. I lined my eyes. I pulled my hair into a loose knot instead of a ponytail at my neck. I checked myself out. My face was better but still more purple and green than porcelain. I sighed. In a battle with Olivia for looks I was going down like the Titanic.
I walked back into the dining room. Sam’s eyebrows rose so high they almost hit the back of her head. Sean’s jaw dropped. “Maggie, you look great!” And Digs. Digs gave me a small smile of amusement and shook his head. My face burned. I guess I was pretty transparent.
Sam and Emily stood up. Sam said, “We’re off to Lily’s. See you later.” She grabbed my arm and had me walk with her to the door where she gave me a hug. “What the hell is going on?” she asked. She wiggled her eyebrows at me. “Full details, girl. And I mean full details.” Emily came up behind us in her coat, Killer in tow so I just smiled and waved them off.
I pulled out my black cashmere coat. Full guns on this one. The guys each pulled on leather jackets and, after locking up, we all walked to the elevator.
“What meeting is this?” I asked. “Who will be there?” As if I didn’t know.
Sean shrugged. “All of them. The Chief, Connolly as head of the FBI and some task force Feds I haven’t met yet.” I had a feeling I had met at least one of them. Digs was silent. Sean and Jimmy were in the unmarked police car and Digs and I had the CRV. Wordlessly, I handed him the keys. He looked at me for a long moment. “You look amazing , Maggie.” He started to say something else, then stopped. He gave me a light kiss and got in the driver’s seat.
A million questions were running through my mind but I didn’t ask any of them.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
When we got to Police Headquarters, Sean and Jimmy had already checked us in. It was quieter in the building without the normal weekday bustle. “We’re to go to the fourth floor conference room,” Jimmy said. He looked serious. Both he and Sean were dressed in sportcoats and shirts with ties while Digs still had his jeans and a sweater on. We moved to the elevator.
“Do you want to do the talking, Digs?” Sean asked. “You’re the real expert on the mob.”
“No, you can explain where we are in the case. One thing, though. Let’s see how much they are willing to share before we tell them anything. We can keep the photo, the ring, all that quiet until we know why we are really here.” Digs had a stony look on his face and awariness in his eyes. Sean looked at him curiously but nodded.
We walked into a small conference room. The table was made from cherry wood, oblong shaped. At one end stood Brice Connolly, looking polished and very handsome in a dark charcoal suit, light blue shirt and gray and blue patterned tie. Next to him was Chief of Police Marcus Brighton. He was about 60 and had been the first African American Chief appointed to the job. He'd held it for about 15 years. He was well respected by the police force and well known for his fairness. I had met him a couple of times with Norman the Boring. He was also startlingly handsome with dark skin and beautiful lighter brown eyes.
Seated at the side of the table was another man I didn’t recognize. About 40, he had thinning light brown hair and glasses. He had a pile of notebooks and papers and files in front of him. His mouth was pinched and he barely looked up when we entered the room.
And, of course, Olivia. She stood on the other side of Brice, holding a cup of coffee in one hand. She watched only Digs as we walked in.
Brice spoke. “Ms. Stavros, Chief, Mr. Williams, this is Detective Sean Flaherty and Detective James Martin, Detective Flaherty’s sister, Maggie Flaherty and Hank McCarthy. He then introduced us to Mr. Williams - Mr. Anderson Williams. No plain name like Bill or Bob for this guy. He barely nodded an acknowledgment of the introduction. He was Head of Something Important in Washington, D.C. Olivia was introduced as Special Agent Stavros, of the National Task Force Commission. She was head of the Chicago Branch of the Task Force and worked with Brice.
There were glasses of water at each place on the table, along with pads of paper and pens. Coffee and rolls sat on a sideboard. While we got coffee, Brice put thin manila files in front of each seat.
We took our seats. Brice was at the head of the table, probably because he was the Head of the Chicago Branch of the FBI, with Chief Brighton on his right, Olivia on his left and Mr. Big Shot Williams next to Olivia. We were seated at the other end, with Sean at the end, Jimmy on his right, Digs on his left and me next to Digs.
After we were all seated, Brice started speaking. “We have called this meeting because it appears that mob action may be escalating right now. We are hoping to find out what is going on and stop it before any more people are killed or the press gets wind of this. I don’t need to explain the seriousness of this or the need for absolute secrecy. It's why we're meeting on Sunday.” He looked at each of us in turn. We got it. Sunday meetings were rare.
“We have reason to believe that the skeleton found last summer is that of Tony Corelli. The money found in the box is thought to be part of the money stolen from Lefty Three Fingers in 1985. As all of you are aware, Tony went missing shortly after that robbery and the money was never recovered.” He paused. “No one ever connected Corelli with the robbery but now that seems quite likely. In fact, it's likely that Herbert Hastings and Corelli stole the money, then blamed other gangsters.”
He took a sip of coffee and continued, “We do know that the December 3 murder of Louie Bacci, a small time hood is related to the murder of Lily Hastings the day before. Both were killed with the same gun. We don’t know the connection yet, except, of course, that it probably involves her deceased husband, Herbert.”
So far, Brice hadn’t shared anything new. We had this all figured out, too.
Brice turned to me. “We know Lily Hastings’ niece, Emily Hastings, has retained you to look into Lily’s will, which seems to be missing. It’s assumed that Lily’s will leaves everything to Emily but even if no will is ever found Emily will inherit everything since she is the only living relative.” He paused.
“How much is ‘everything’, Brice?” I asked. I knew, of course, that if no will was found, Emily would inherit everything. But then, why was Emily so interested in finding the will if she would inherit everything if there wasn’t one? Mr. Williams looked pained at my interruption. I wondered if Emily knew she'd inherit even without the will.
Brice looked at me for a few seconds without answering. “It would be a comfortable estate, but not huge. Probably around $250-$300,000 with the house and contents.” He stopped, then continued his discussion with the group.
“Emily is the daughter of Herbert Hastings’ brother, deceased. In fact, both of her parents have passed away. Her mother died when she was about 15 and her father drank himself to death about two years later. Emily basically lived with Lily and Herbert after her mother died and until her father’s death. After his death, she did live with them until she turned 18 and left for college.”
Mr. Williams then spoke. “There’s another man, John Reilly. He is the son of a friend of Lily Hastings. We don’t know if he would be included as an heir in the missing will or not. He attended Lily Hastings’ funeral and our task force will be talking to him again soon.”
I spoke up again. “Why now? Lily died over a month ago and so did Louie Bacci. What caused the need for the task force now?”
Mr. Williams looked at me impatiently. “Some additional things you don’t need to be concerned with.”
I raised my eyebrows and gave him the bland stare. Jerk. Of course, Victor Castelletti’s death was related. So was the fire at his house. “Really, Mr. Williams?” I was at my most icy polite. “I thought this was a meeting for all of us to discuss what we know. It occurs to me that Victor Castelletti’s murder may have something to do with it. And, of course, his house being torched.”
Mr. Williams said nothing for a minute, then looked at Brice, who smiled and shrugged. Mr. Williams continued. “Yes, that concerns us. We can’t f
ind any link between Victor Castelletti and the mob but that doesn’t mean there isn’t one.” He had that pinched look around his mouth again.
Brice again took the floor. He smiled at Sean and Jimmy. “We would very much like to have you assigned to our task force. Both of you are known to be thorough and discreet.” Sean and Jimmy nodded at the compliment.
He then turned to Digs. “Hank, of course your knowledge of the mob and your experience are extremely valuable to us at this time. We can’t assign you to the task force but we would be very honored if you agreed to assist us. You will, of course, be paid for your time.”
Digs gave a small smile but did not answer. Hank? He'd called him that before. I wondered what their history was.
Brice turned to me and smiled. “And, last but certainly not least, Maggie. We know about your attack in the Hastings’ house. I assume you were inside with police permission?” His eyes showed amusement for the first time since I had walked in. “It’s our understanding that you don’t recall much about the attack?”
I cleared my throat. “No, I don’t. I had gone to Mrs. Hastings’ house for reasons connected to my work for Emily. I’m afraid those reasons and our conversations are confidential.”
Brice smiled. “Of course.”
Mr. Williams spoke up. His voice was clipped and he did not smile. “We need to know what Emily Hastings has told you. We already know that the niece retained you to look for her aunt’s missing will.” he said, sounding annoyed. “And of course, we know that her house, as well as that of Louie Bacci, was ransacked. We also know that you are part of the team currently searching the Hastings’ house.” He frowned. “We have no objection to that, however, we do expect you to share any information or anything found in that house with us.” He gave me a cold look. No objection? Was he kidding?
Who was this guy? Yes, I know. Mr. Important from Washington, but what was his role in this? He spoke to me with the tone and attitude of my old teaching nuns. That alone put my back up. Add in his secrecy and pompousness and - hell’s bells. He was going to get nothing out of me. Nothing. A little voice in my head reminded me that Emily had already told both Jimmy and Sean - and Digs and Sam for that matter - everything she had told me. So much for any of that being privileged. But I still didn’t like being commanded to appear at meeting and then ordered to discuss what a client had told me. And I wasn’t going to. Not with Mr. Important Williams. And not with Ms. Perfect Olivia in charge of the Task Force.
Some people have suggested that I have a problem with authority figures. I don't think I do. Well, yeah, maybe some.
Digs put his hand on my leg under the table. “Based on Brice’s evaluation, I don’t think there’s anything we know right now that you don’t already know.”
Williams narrowed his eyes and considered Digs. “Hank, we also don’t expect our - or your - information to be shared with anyone else.” He spoke evenly. Digs stiffened and met his eyes without speaking. Clearly, Williams had a real knack for alienating people.
Mr. Williams nodded stiffly to Chief Brighton. “The Chief here,” indicating Brighton, “has assured us of Detective Flaherty’s and Detective Martin’s cooperation, discretion and their silence.” He leveled his gaze at Digs. “We’d like those same assurances from you and from Counselor Flaherty.” He pursed his lips at me.
I smiled sweetly. “Mr. Williams, rest assured that I will act in accordance with the Canons of Ethics for attorneys. And take my direction from my client.”
Mr. Williams paled, then flushed. “And you’ll take direction from your city’s Chief of Police, the FBI and us as well, Ms. Flaherty.” His tone was even more clipped and his eyes were steely slits.
I narrowed my eyes as well and merely smiled again. Not as sweetly. We sat like that, eyes locked in an unfriendly battle. I may be a store front, recently fired lawyer - but I was still a lawyer and I took my profession seriously. Plus, I hate being ordered around. He expected me to just toss the attorney client privilege out the window? Ignore the Canons of Ethics? Ha! Fat chance.
Olivia intervened. “Ms. Flaherty, Maggie, if I may. Of course we would never ask you to violate the Canon of Ethics or your client’s privilege. We simply ask that you share with us all that you find or learn that you think could help us solve these murders without compromising your ethics. We are afraid that the mob is getting active again and we just want to avoid more bloodshed. Especially that of innocent people like Lily Hastings.”
I smiled slightly at her but stayed silent.
Digs spoke. “Anything more?” When no one responded, he rose. We all then did. I watched Sean and Jimmy move toward Chief Brighton.
“Of course, Sir,” Sean began, “we will keep you and the task force fully informed of anything we find. Our goal is to prevent innocent blood shed as well.” He reached out and shook the Chief’s hand, then that of Brice and Mr. Williams. Jimmy did the same.
Digs and I remained standing at the table. Chief Brighton came over to me. “Maggie, it’s so nice to see you again. I do hope your injuries are healing and that you are feeling better.” He smiled at me. “Don’t take offense. We simply need to protect Chicago as best we can.”
I smiled back. A genuine smile. Every time I had met the Chief before I had liked him. “I know, Chief. I certainly will do anything I can to help you and Brice.” He shook my hand, then patted it.
“Thanks, Maggie. Take care of yourself.”
Mr. Williams stood watching us. There was no smile on his face and I mentally grinned. He was not used to anyone - and certainly no female - challenging him. I made no move toward him or Olivia either. I met his gaze steadily.
Olivia started to move toward Digs as Brice walked toward me and took my hand. “Maggie. You look beautiful today - quite a feat for a woman who’s just been attacked!” He smiled his most charming smile. I couldn’t help but smile back. His dark good looks and the warmth in his eyes were compelling. And I did like him. How could I not?
“Thanks, Brice. I’m feeling much better.” My smile was warm, too.
“Good.” He continued to hold my hand. “I’m still planning on that dinner. In fact, I’m looking forward to it.”
“Me, too, Brice.”
I looked up to see Digs watching as Olivia placed her hand on his arm. “Hank.” She smiled, then dropped her hand.
He gave her a steady look. “I should have known you would be the head of the task force.” His tone was even but his eyes were flat.
“Hank, I’ve worked for this. You know that.” She almost had a pleading note in her voice.
“Oh, yes.” he replied. “I do know.” Digs turned and stepped over to me. Olivia took a reluctant step forward to us and Brice. Digs put his arm around my shoulders.
Brice’s smile hadn’t faltered but his eyes chilled slightly as they watched Digs. “Hello, Hank.”
Digs nodded. “Hello, Brice. I hadn’t expected to see you again so soon.”
Brice cocked an eyebrow. “Nor had I, Hank.” Brice turned to me again. “I’ll call you again soon, Maggie. And not about the task force.” He pressed my hand and turned to Olivia who looked rather startled at Brice’s words to me.
Olivia spoke. “Brice, I didn’t realize that you knew Ms. Flaherty,” she said, looking me up and down. Her voice was smooth but her eyes were sharp.
“Oh, yeah. Maggie and I have met several times at various functions.” Brice grinned at me. “I’m hoping to expand on that.” Digs tightened his arm around my shoulders but said nothing.
Olivia bit her lip and raised her eyebrows. She looked at Brice, then back to us.
“Well, thank you for coming,” she said, “I’ll look forward to hearing from you if you learn anything more.” She gave a small sigh and turned away.
I watched her walk away. Interesting. Digs and Brice had said hello to each other at the Castelletti house but other than Brice using the name “Hanks,” they hadn’t given any indication that they had worked together before. Of course, it made
sense if Digs had worked for Olivia and she had worked for Brice. I wondered what had happened.
“Maggie, let’s go. We still have work to do.” Digs turned back to Brice who held out his hand. Digs let go of me and shook it. “We’ll be in touch, Brice,” he said. Sean and Jimmy joined us. We all said our goodbyes again and walked into the hall. I turned around one last time. Olivia was watching Digs with a speculative look on her face. We continued out the door but no one spoke until we got to the street.
“Let’s go get some coffee and discuss this before we go to Lily’s,” Digs suggested and Jimmy and Sean nodded. “There’s a café just down a couple of blocks. We’ll meet you there.”
Digs and I got in the CRV and buckled up. I turned and looked at him silently. He closed his eyes and threw his head back. “Later, Maggie, okay?” He looked at me. I put my hand over his on his leg.
“Or never, Digs. You don’t have to explain this to me.” He opened his eyes and searched my face then leaned forward and kissed me lightly. “I know. But I will.” He started the car.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
We got to Betty’s Café just as Jimmy and Sean did. We all walked in together and Digs led us to a booth in the back. We waited until the waitress came and poured the coffee. Then Digs spoke.
“Well, guess we got told whose case this is.” He didn’t sound bitter as much as resigned.
Sean eyed him. “Look, Jimmy and I have direct orders from our chief. We have to tell him and the Task Force all that we know........” he paused, “but not all that we suspect.” He grinned.
Jimmy and Digs started to smile. “Right!” Jimmy said then added, “I think we should separate out the stuff about the murders and the mob from what we suspect about the possibly stolen money and our suspicions that it’s been hidden in the house.”
