by Julie Ramson
I stood up. My leg felt better but was still a little stiff. That would walk off. I headed for the bathroom and put the bag over the wound and took a shower. I really went all out this morning. Curled hair. Foundation, eye shadow, liner, mascara, blush, lip gloss, perfume and hair spray. Nothing too good for another appearance at the Task Force Gala. My face was looking better every day. Thank God.
What to wear? I wanted - no pun intended - a killer outfit. An Eat Your Heart Out Olivia Outfit. Trouble was, I didn’t really have an outfit like that. I chose a dark green suit from my law firm days, with a lighter green silk blouse. I put on large silver earrings, a carved silver choker and a long silver and silver ship pin. I added a chunky silver bracelet and I was ready.
I walked out into the dining area and sighed. Why did I even try? Digs had khaki pants and a black cashmere sweater on. It had probably taken him 30 seconds to dress and he looked incredible. Life was not fair.
At 9:15 we walked out the apartment door leaving a sulking Killer behind us. I turned to Digs. “You get to make this up to him.” Digs just smiled.
Once at the Police Headquarters we waited in the lobby for Sean, Sam and Jimmy. All together, we headed to the fourth floor conference room where we found only Brice, Anderson Williams and Olivia.
Brice immediately came up to me and took my arm. “Maggie! How are you this morning? Have a seat. Can I get you some coffee? A roll?” He walked over to the side bar and poured coffee into a porcelain cup, placed a chocolate chip scone on a plate, butter, a knife and napkin and brought it over to me.
Digs stood next to my chair, not saying anything. He then turned and walked over to Olivia. She was standing at the head of the table, dressed in all winter white with a black silk blouse and a ruby earrings on. Her pendant was also silver and ruby and she wore a ruby bracelet.
“Olivia,” he said and held out the watch. She looked up at him, then at me. She made no move to take the watch. Digs reached over and laid the watch on the file at her chair. He glared at her coldly and turned around. Anderson Williams gave her an inquiring look.
Olivia lifted her chin and picked up the watch. She dropped it into her briefcase then turned away from the two men and walked over to me and Brice.
“Good morning, Maggie. I hope you rested well last night and can give us an account of your attack again. We didn’t find anyone matching your description last night.” Her eyes were just slightly hostile. Brice narrowed his eyes at her then raised his eyebrows to me.
“It will be the same as last night’s account was but I can repeat it if you need to have that done.” My tone was no more friendly than hers had been.
She shrugged and walked back to her place to the right of the head and sat down. She did not look at me or Digs again but rather opened her folder and started reading.
Brice stepped to the head of the table. “Thank you all for coming. We understand that you had dinner with John Reilly last night before Maggie’s attack and we’d like your impressions of him.”
I glanced at Sean and Jimmy but stayed silent. Sean spoke first. “Frankly, nothing out of the ordinary. He’s mourning the loss of Lily and is now a professor of Urban History - whatever that is - at Northwestern University in Evanston. He was pleasant and, I think, somewhat surprised that we wanted to question him. He didn’t know of any enemies for Lily.”
Jimmy nodded. “He and Emily have a distant relationship but that’s not too surprising since he is about ten years older than she is. Other than that, as Sean said, nothing extraordinary.” He glanced at Sean. “I thought he was a cold fish, though. Certainly cold to Emily.”
Brice turned to me. “Maggie? What’s your take on him?
I hesitated. “There's something.....odd there. He's pleasant, charming and seems sincere but he and Emily clearly have issues with each other. I find myself wondering why he says what he says. As if it's rehearsed. Calculated.” I shrugged. “Nothing I can put my finger on. He said that Lily Hastings had told him she wanted to discuss something important with him, and had invited him over for dinner the Sunday after Thanksgiving, but he didn’t know what she wanted to tell him.” I looked around the table. “I don't know if I believe that.”
Brice frowned. “Why not? Do you have any ideas about what Mrs. Hastings wanted to talk to him about?”
I looked at Sean and Jimmy. “No, I don’t.” Jimmy and Sean shook their heads. “I just think it all sounded.....too pat or something. Too convenient since Lily's deceased and can't deny anything he says.”
Mr. Williams looked at me with narrowed eyes. “We understand that, in addition to your ..... encounter.... with someone last night, someone shot at you at the Hastings’ house the other day. Would you care to explain that?”
I gave him a bland look. “What would you like explained? The nature and extent of the wound? Where I was standing? How my leg feels now?” I gave him a saccharine sweet smile.
His face reddened. “Don’t be flip. Were you authorized to be there?”
Sean spoke up. “Yes,” he said coldly. “She was.” Sean had the nuns as a kid, too. He could lie with the best of them.
Mr. Williams pursed his lips. “Don't you wonder why you were attacked twice in just a few days?”
This really ticked me off. Did he think I planned it? Wanted it? As I opened my mouth to let him have the full vent of my wrath, Brice intervened.
“Maggie, we aren’t concerned with your being at Lily Hastings’ house,” he glanced sharply at Anderson Williams. “But we are concerned that someone shot at you. And then someone – attacked you again last night.”
I smiled ruefully. “Me, too. I would like to have people stop doing that any time now!”
Brice laughed. “I’m sure.” He sobered. “However, we now believe, based on your description, that the man last night may have been a mobster named Mario Venti. He’s called Whip and works for Vito.” He pulled out a photo and nudged it toward me.
I nodded. “Yes, that's the man from last night.”
“You're sure?”
“Yes. I recognize the scars on his forehead and on his face.”
Brice nodded. “Good.” He put the photo back into his file and continued. “As you know, we also believe there is a connection between your attacks and all the rest of this - Lily Hastings’ murder, Louie Bacci’s murder, the possible arson and murder of Victor Castelletti and the skeleton found last August. We know the skeleton had a distinctive ring given to some favored family members by Lefty Three Fingers. We believe the skeleton was that of Tony Corelli.”
Jimmy spoke. “Brice, Emily was threatened the night she retained Maggie. Someone called her on the phone and demanded that she tell him where “it” was. She had no idea - and still doesn’t - what “it” is. Or who called. But he did say that he would kill her if she did not give “it” up.” He glanced at Anderson. “These are almost the exact words used by the man who grabbed Maggie last night. And Emily described his voice as raspy.”
Brice looked at Olivia, who spoke. “We are aware of the threat against her. And, yes, it was probably Venti. We also know that the money found with Tony Corelli’s body is probably part of the stolen money from 1985. We are pretty sure that he was responsible for part of that robbery.” She stopped and looked at Brice.
He nodded. She continued, looking at Jimmy. “We think the connection to Lily Hastings is through her husband, Herbert. If he and Tony robbed Lefty, then Herbert killed Tony, he would have had the entire amount. Since it has never surfaced, there may be a good chance that it is still in Lily’s house. That would make Whip’s or whoever’s words make sense. Obviously, Vito thinks it’s that money as well.”
“So you believe that Herbert killed Tony for his share of the money,” Sean stated.
Brice interjected. “Yes, we think that’s likely. We are waiting for the ballistics report comparing the gun that Emily Hastings found in the house and the bullet found in Tony Corelli’s chest cavity. We expect them to be the same.” Brice look
ed at Sean while he spoke, then at Digs.
Digs hadn’t spoken. He smiled but continued his silence.
“Maggie,” Brice sighed. “If it is the mob, these men will stop at nothing to get what they want. Nothing.” He came over and sat down on the other side of me. “Please be careful.”
“I’m trying, Brice! And we have searched that house as well as we can. We don’t know where the money could be or even what form it is in. Could be cash, which would be a considerable bulk, or could be something as small as a safe deposit box key.” Some of my frustration came out.
He nodded. “We are checking our sources to see if we can figure out where Herbert hid the money - and in what form - as well.” He touched my arm. “We’ll let you know if we discover anything about it or what form this money is in.”
“We don't really think it's cash.” I said, adding, “Based on the volume of hundreds there would be in $500,000 it's got to be in another form. A smaller form.” Brice, Sean, Jimmy and Digs nodded. Olivia and Mr. Anderson did not.
Digs finally spoke. “So, in your opinion, the money, in some form or another, is probably in Lily Hastings’ house, too?” He was intense.
Brice pressed his lips together. “Yes.”
Digs looked at Sean, then Jimmy. He turned to me. “Maggie, maybe we should hold off on the things in and from the house for the moment.” His eyes were warning me.
I wasn’t sure what he was trying to say to me, but I knew he wanted me to agree. “I guess,” I said reluctantly, not knowing exactly what I was agreeing to.
Digs then stood, along with Sean and Jimmy. “Brice, we will keep in touch. Please let us know as soon as your ballistics tests are back. If Herbert’s gun did kill Tony, we’d appreciate knowing that.”
Brice nodded. “I will, Hank. We ask that you keep us informed as well if you find anything else about these murders.”
“I will, Brice.” Digs smiled.
We got our coats. Olivia stayed seated at her end of the table. She watched Digs who never looked at her. Mr. Williams didn’t say anything either but he did get up and shake Sean and Jimmy’s hands. Not mine. Jerk.
We walked out in silence. It was after two. When we got to the cars, Jimmy turned to Sean. “I’d like to go pick up Emily and bring her to Maggie’s. I think we need to tell her more now that we have. She may be in serious danger.”
Sean nodded. “I agree. You take our car and I’ll ride with Digs and Maggie.” He climbed into the back and Digs took my keys. We drove to my house silently lost in our own thoughts.
CHAPTER TWENTY - FIVE
When we got home, Sean and Digs walked Killer downstairs. I think Sean wanted to talk to Digs about protecting me - like that was necessary! I put on coffee and set out cups and saucers. I also called Sam and told her we were meeting again at my house about five. She said she’d pick up treats and be there on time.
I limped into the bedroom and was asleep before I could roll over.
About five, Jimmy and Emily arrived with Digs and Sean. Sam arrived a few minutes later and we all sat around the living room. Killer had been acting strangely, never leaving my side. He was either on my feet or right next to me. I think he was worried about me!
Jimmy took Emily’s hand. “We need to talk to you about some developments, Emily,” he said. We had decided not to tell her about the attack on me the night before until we knew - if we ever would - who did it.
Emily paled. “What? You sound....scary.”
Jimmy nodded. “It is scary. We think that there may be a mob connection to your aunt’s murder and the others as well. We’re not sure but we want you to stay at the police apartment for a while longer. We can’t make you do that, but I’m hoping you will.” Emily looked at Jimmy for a few moments without speaking. She put her other hand on top of his.
“Thank you. I can do that. I do feel safer there.” She smiled at him. “But I’m going to make you spring for a pizza tonight if I have to stay there!” Jimmy laughed, clearly relieved.
“That’s only a problem, Em, if you want anchovies on it like Maggie does!”
Emily wrinkled her nose. “No problem then! Yuch!” We all laughed.
“Why don’t we just order several for here?” I suggested. I was in no hurry to be alone. “Not all of them have to have anchovies.....but one does.” Everyone but Digs groaned. Sam offered to do a beer run and Sean said he’d go along. Digs got Killer’s leash and Jimmy put on his jacket to make the pizza run. Everyone scattered and Emily and I were alone to clear the table.
She stacked the papers in the living room and the cups in the dishwasher. Finally, she turned to me. “Maggie, you have been great. I do want to write you a check for at least some of the time you have spent on this.”
I nodded, grateful. I did need the money. I hated to go into my savings again. It was so low. She reached for her purse and pulled out her checkbook. She wrote something out and showed it to me. I was surprised! It was for $2000!
“Thanks, Emily. I appreciate this.” My hands were wet from rinsing the cups and I tried to dry them on my jeans.
“Maggie, where’s your purse? I will stick this in it.” Emily turned to the living room.
“I’m not sure. Next to the couch, I think.” I said. Emily looked around. I turned back to the sink.
“Got it,” she said. I unloaded the dishwasher and put the dirty cups in it. “Emily, how are you holding up with this?” I asked, turning back to her.
She grimaced and gave me a sidelong look as she walked back into the dining area. “I guess all right,” she said slowly. “I had no idea when I asked you to help with this estate and find and file Aunt Lily’s will that it would get this complicated! Or dangerous! I guess I’m scared, too. I don’t know what it is someone thinks I have but I don’t! Or if I do, I don’t know it!” She ended with her voice rising, slightly on a wail.
I sat down with her. “Emily, this will all work out. We’ll do all we can to help.”
Emily smiled and took my hand. “You all have been so wonderful! I can’t believe everything that you have done, all of you. I don’t have brothers or sisters and I’m really seeing what I have missed. Thank you.”
I smiled at her. “This is our pleasure, Emily. We want to find out if Lily left a will and who murdered her and, most of all, we want to keep you safe.” I patted her hand.
Killer came screeching into the dining room ahead of the guys and almost knocked me over saying hello. What was with him? I laughed and scratched his head, his ears and gave him a hug. He was such a baby! Sean shook his head.
“Maggie, that dog is a disaster! No wonder he found you!” Digs, too, was smiling and shaking his head.
Emily rose and started into the kitchen. “Where are the plates, Maggie?”
“There are paper plates in the cabinet to the left of the sink. We’ll use those.” I also got up and got silverware. Jimmy walked in with the pizzas, followed by Sam with the beer. Digs opened the pizzas on the kitchen counter and we all helped ourselves. Then we started in. After a glance at Digs, Sean did tell her about the attack on me last last night. She really was entitled to know.
Emily nibbled at some pizza but seemed distracted. No wonder. We had given her a lot to think about with the possible mob connection.
“Emily, do you ever remember your uncle being involved with the mob?” I asked.
She thought for a moment. “I know there was some connection. Remember, though, I was only 16 when he died and, like all teenagers, he seemed so old! I was far more involved with my own problems than his life!” She laughed ruefully and we did, too. Ah, yes. Teenagers.
“What about John?” I helped myself to another slice of pepperoni and anchovy pizza. Digs grinned at me.
“John and Uncle Herbert were close, as I recall, but I don’t know if he was involved in the mob. After Uncle Herbert died, John went back to school and started work on a Master’s degree. He was older than I was so I didn’t pay much attention to him, either.” She selected
a slice of plain cheese pizza.
“You and John don't seem to get along very well.” I bit into the pizza.
She stopped. “It's not that we don't get along, we just don't have much of any relationship.” She bit her lip. “We've never been friends. It's not hostile, we just don't have anything in common.”
“Why not?”
Emily sighed and put down her pizza. “Well, first of all, he's older than I am. And ten years' difference is a lot when one is a teenager.” She glanced up at me. “And - Don't take this the wrong way, but, John's a little....cold. Calculating. He's always been out for John and only John.” She frowned. “I think he used my aunt. I know she gave him money when he was in grad school.”
I studied her. “Why? School expenses?”
Emily shook her head. “No,” she said slowly. “I think for living, going out, that kind of thing.”
“And that bothered you?”
She smiled. “Not the way you think. Aunt Lily and Uncle Herbert were very good to me. I never wanted for anything.”
“But -” I egged her on.
“But I just think he took advantage a bit. He used her, I think. I resented that. It's not like he's even family.”
Sean was watching her. “That was a tough time for you, wasn’t it, Emily? Losing both your parents, I mean. Then seeing John take advantage of your Aunt Lily.”
She sighed and picked up her the pizza again. “Yeah. It was. My mother was a great Mom, cheerful and smart, funny.....” her voice trailed off. “My Dad was a good guy but he was really gone long before he died. After Mom died, he just wasn’t there anymore. He sat in his chair in front of the TV, drinking every night. That’s when I started staying over at Aunt Lily’s.”
Jimmy put his arm around her shoulders. “This is tough, Em, but we’re going to find out who killed your aunt. I promise.”
She turned to him. “I know you will do everything possible! I can’t thank all of you enough.” She looked around the table. “Thank you. I don’t know what else to say.”
