“My mother was waiting for Detective Bellamy to arrive when I called her. She was almost giddy,” Gina told Blake when they were driving to the restaurant.
“I like your mother, Gina, she is an older version of you. I never thought when I agreed to meet with the manager of Reggie Crenshaw’s estate it would be someone who looks like you.”
“Were you expecting me to look like my father? I’m lucky I take after my mother.”
“I’m lucky too, I don’t think I’d want to have dinner with a female Reggie Crenshaw. I’m sorry, Gina, that’s insensitive of me.”
“Blake, I’m not offended, my father was a playboy and a user. He used my mother and then left her with a baby to raise on her own. Mom never took a dime from him after he left, it’s not that he didn’t try to buy her off, she refused to take his money. She has been a good influence on me because I don’t want his money either. When he was alive, he drew what money he needed, and I didn’t pay much attention to where it was going. Now that he’s gone, I’d like to start a foundation and give to folks who need a helping hand. I would also like to fund making a real film using Samantha’s book. It’s a story that begs to be told. Perhaps it won’t make much money because there aren’t any mass shootings or car crashes or nudity in it the way it’s written but I don’t care. What do you think?”
“It’s a terrific idea, I read Samantha’s book after I bought the house in Seabrook Shores. There are a few of us left in the world who like a good story and the telling of the Stonehill family qualifies.”
“I only have one request, that Rachel Ross or Rochelle Rousseau as she called herself is not a part of it.”
“I don’t think Samantha will disagree with you on that score,” Blake said with a laugh.
“Samantha, why don’t we order room service tonight,” said Megan, “you’ve been through so much today.”
“I’m fine, I thought we could try that Greek restaurant we saw the other day. I didn’t have much lunch and when Brad talked about a peanut butter sandwich, it made my mouth water.”
“Greek sounds good,” said Mike, “I’m game if you are, Fletch.”
“It’s unanimous, let’s go.”
Brad ate his peanut butter sandwich. It wasn’t on the menu at the jail that evening but the guard who was watching him took pity on him and had her daughter make a couple sandwiches to bring to the jail. Brad was childlike and difficult for the hardened staff to ignore.
I hope I see Samantha tomorrow, he thought to himself. I forgot to tell her what I saw. I should have helped mean Mr. Crenshaw, but I thought he’d get mad at me make me leave my secret room. I didn’t like all that yelling, I remember when Mama yelled at Sally, it was scary, Mama didn’t yell at me like that because I always did what she told me too. Sally shouldn’t have sassed Mama, that’s why Mama told her to go away and never come back. Mr. Crenshaw yelled at her too. He told her to go away, and she wasn’t getting any money from him. She was crying and then she picked up the clock and threw it at him. He grabbed his head with his hand and there was blood. He opened the door to the patio. She watched him go, then she ran out the other door. I picked up the clock and hid it so no one would know what she’d done. I like her, she is pretty, I don’t want her to go to jail.
Chapter Eighteen
Pete Bellamy woke up with a start. He didn’t know where he was for a minute and then remembered being in Alexandra’s house. He realized he was on the sofa with a warm blanket covering him.
“Good Morning, Detective,” Alexandra called from the kitchen.
“What happened?” he asked.
“I suspect the second martini and the filling dinner put you to sleep, and it wasn’t my company.”
“Dinner was fantastic; did I tell you that last night?”
“Yes, you did and then promptly fell asleep. I removed your shoes and covered you up with my grandmother’s quilt. I tried to talk you into sleeping in the guest room, but you were out like a light.”
“I’m so sorry, Alexandra, I guess I didn’t know how tired I was. I won’t impose any longer, I’ll be on my way.”
“Don’t be silly, I always have an extra toothbrush and a clean washcloth and towel in the bathroom. Freshen up if you’d like and then come have coffee. I’ll make us some scrambled eggs.”
“My car has been parked in your driveway all night. What will your neighbors say?”
“They’ll say it’s about time the old girl had an overnight guest and we won’t tell them it was strictly platonic. I didn’t realize you were such a prude, Detective.”
“I’m mad at myself for sleeping through what could have been an enjoyable evening.”
Samantha woke with the sound of the telephone. Fletch let her sleep in this morning, it was almost nine o’clock.
“Who was that calling,” she asked trying to keep from yawning.
“It was Gina, she wants to set up a meeting with you, Barry and Grant. She didn’t say what it was about but she sounded excited. I said you’d call her back.”
“Why did you let me sleep so long? I wanted to go to the jail and meet Brad’s sister. I hope I’m not too late.”
Samantha got in the shower and put her wet hair in a ponytail. She dialed Gina’s number.
“Samantha, hi, I hope I didn’t wake you when I called earlier.”
“You didn’t,” Samantha said. “What can I do for you?”
“I want to meet with you, Barry and Grant this morning or as soon as everyone can get together. I realized last night your book should be made into a movie after all. I don’t want the story to change and I don’t want Rachel or Melvin involved. Does that sound like something you would be in favor of?”
“That sounds too good to be true, Gina. I believed your father was backing my book before, but it turned out Rachel wanted it her way. I know your father bought the rights to my book and now it’s yours. You say you want to follow the book; I’d love it if you would but I can’t stop you if you change it.”
“I’m not my father and I’m not Rachel. Blake agrees that it should be kept as close to the story as possible. I want you involved; can I count on you?”
“Yes, Grant and Barry both need the money and I think they will agree.”
“I know Grant was hoping to earn enough money to keep him in Los Angeles but why does Barry need money if I’m not being too nosy.”
“I don’t think he’d mind if I told you the medical expenses of his son’s illness has almost wiped him out. He’s having a difficult time financially and the movie would have been a lifesaver for him.”
“That’s no problem, if they agree, I’ll advance them what they need. Remember, this is my father’s money, and I am determined to spend it for good causes. Both men are worth a signing bonus.”
“Gina, you are a lifesaver. Tell me when you want to meet and I’ll get right on it. I would like to talk with Brad Taylor’s sister, she was supposed to arrive in town last night. I thought I could catch her at the jail. Other than that, I’m free.”
“Let’s make it for two o’clock, if you have their numbers, I’ll call them myself. You get down to the jail you don’t want to miss Brad’s sister.”
“Thanks, Gina, call me if there is a change of plans.”
“I got the drift of that conversation,” said Fletch. “Are you sure you want to be involved in another production?”
“I have little choice since my manuscript belongs to Gina now. I could write the screenplay myself, but I’d like Grant to have another chance with it.”
“Shall we leave for the jail now? We can stop for a breakfast sandwich on the way if that’s all right with you.”
“That sounds good, Fletch. I didn’t think I’d be hungry again after that meal last night, but I am.”
Pete had a quick breakfast with Alexandra and then took off for home to shower and change. He begged her forgiveness on the way out the door and kicked himself for falling asleep. “Tonight? Dinner but no martinis?” he asked.
&n
bsp; “That sounds terrific, call me when you can.” They embraced quickly and Pete was on his way.
He got to the office in time to accept a call from Sally Rafferty. “Mrs. Rafferty, I’m glad to talk to you. Your brother is being assessed by a psychiatric physician; he is not being charged with a crime.”
“What about the kidnapping, he kidnapped someone, didn’t he?”
“Yes, but the woman doesn’t want to press charges. Samantha Degan is her name; she has taken an interest in Brad.”
“I’ve heard how people who are held against their will often fall in love with their captors.”
“That’s not the case I can assure you, Mrs. Rafferty. I have gotten to know Samantha; she only has Brad’s best interest at heart. I’m afraid Brad is in a childlike state. That is the reason for the evaluation today. If the doctor finds any sign that Brad is unable to care for himself or is endangering himself or others, he will be released to a medical facility.”
“Detective, I haven’t seen or spoken with my brother in close to forty years, I’m not sure he will want to see me.”
“The guards told me he talked about seeing you since they told him of your visit yesterday. He is eager to see you again. I’ve arranged for you to meet in a small conference room at the police station. It’s a comfortable room with upholstered chairs and pictures on the wall, you should feel at ease there. If you would like someone with you when Brad comes into the room, we can arrange that too.”
“Thank you, Detective Bellamy, I don’t think that will be necessary, my husband, Rob, is with me, He is all the protection I need. Rob has rented a car and we should be at the station in less than a half hour.”
“Check in at the front desk and ask for me.”
Sally was nervous when they walked into the police station. She and Rob were greeted by Samantha Degan and her husband, Detective Fletcher.
“I don’t want to intrude on you meeting with your brother. I want to assure you that Brad didn’t hurt me and I will not press charges. We have gotten to know each other in the last couple days and he is a nice man.”
“Thank you for saying that Ms. Degan. The sheriff told me about your ordeal and I’m sorry. Is there anything you can tell me about Brad that will help when I meet him?”
“Only that Brad is childlike, he was told you were living in a gutter.”
“I’m willing to bet it was my mother who told him that. I wrote letters to him and I’m sure they were taken before he could read them. I called and Mama told me Sonny never wanted to see me again. When I saw he was a movie star, I didn’t worry about him anymore. He seemed so strong I figured Mama had backed off him and let him be himself. Now I see I was wrong. It sounds like he never overcame our upbringing.”
“You made it all right. You have a nice husband and I understand you are a grandmother.”
“Yes, I was the lucky one. I was taken in as a foster child shortly after I left home. The Bakers were good to me and gave me the love I’d never gotten from Mama. I don’t blame Mama, I’m sure her life was never easy and she was bringing us up the best way she knew how. I have the Bakers and the Raffertys to thank for the life I have now.”
“Mrs. Rafferty, Brad is waiting for you, I’ll take you to him, Mr. Rafferty, I understand you will join your wife. Please follow me.”
Sally felt as though her tongue was blocking the air in her throat. She didn’t remember this much trepidation when she gave birth for the first time.
The door opened and an older man who was her brother stood before her. She recognized his smile and dissolved in tears.
“Hello, Sally, we got old, didn’t we? You still have pretty hair; may I touch it?”
Sally stepped closer so he could touch her hair, she was glad her friend, Alice, colored it for her last week otherwise he would see the gray roots.
“It’s soft, do you remember Mama’s hair, yours is the same color. Why did you go away, Sally?”
“I’m sorry Sonny, I wrote to you but you didn’t answer my letters. When I called, Mama said you didn’t want to talk to me. I saw every movie you were in; I saw them all two times.”
“Mr. Crenshaw won’t let me make his movie, I don’t care, I didn’t like Rachel. Do you know I have a friend? Her name is Samantha.”
“Yes, I met Samantha, she is waiting outside to see you.”
“Oh good, I have something I want to tell her, I think it’s important but I can’t remember what it is.” He started to cry.
“It’s all right, Sonny, you don’t have to remember now. Would you like me to call you Brad?”
“I think that’s my name now. I’m not sure. I had better go, Doc says I need to sleep. Goodbye Sally, come back again.” He opened the door and walked out.
Rob held his wife in his arms, her brother was much worse than she’d imagined.
“Oh, Rob, what did Mama do to him, he’s in terrible shape, I feel so guilty for leaving him with that woman, I should have gone back for him.”
“It’s not your fault, sweetheart, let’s talk to the doctor who is treating him, maybe he can help you understand Sonny’s condition.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Rafferty, I’m your brother’s doctor, Matt Henderson. We have several tests scheduled for Brad to determine how we can best help him. I’m afraid you are seeing the result of a nervous breakdown. This has built up in him for some time and culminated upon Reggie Crenshaw’s death.”
“Do you think my brother killed the man?” asked a tearful Sally.
“No, but I think he saw the person who did. He keeps saying he wants to talk to Samantha about something important and then his frustration won’t let him say the words. I am recommending he be admitted to the psychiatric department of the hospital here in Los Angeles for a complete evaluation. I think he will do so voluntarily; it would help if you urged him to get well. He was excited to see you although, it overwhelmed him. Is there any way you can stay in Los Angeles for a few more days?”
“Yes, Dr. Henderson, my wife and I will stay as long she is needed.”
Sally told Samantha her brother was sleeping. The doctor thought he would be out for a couple hours and then would be transferred to the hospital. She told Sam what the doctor said about him wanting to tell his friend something important but couldn’t remember what it was. “Dr. Henderson thinks it’s possible Sonny is sleep deprived, and it’s adding to his confusion.
“Samantha gave Sally her card with her cell phone number circled. If Brad wants to talk, call me and I’ll be here or at the hospital. I’m so happy he has his sister again; you are the best medicine for him.”
“Thank you, Samantha, he’s lucky to have you on his side.”
Chapter Nineteen
Samantha and Fletch arrived at the hotel lobby a little before two o’clock. Gina, Blake, Barry, and Grant were there already.
“Gina outlined the plan. She told Grant she wanted the script as close to the book as humanly possible. Barry, I have actors in mind for the part of Professor Stonehill; I’d like to know what you think; I trust you will contact the right people to get the word out. I want Samantha to be a level-headed, serious writer and not a sex kitten. There will be no hint of impropriety between the professor and Samantha. Under no circumstance will Rachel or Melvin be involved in the production.
“I want you both to look over these contracts I had my father’s lawyer draw up. If you have questions, please ask before you sign it. We will not have any misunderstandings this time around. Gentlemen, if you sign the contract there will be a generous bonus payable immediately. This is not a bribe, but an incentive, I don’t want either of you to have financial worries distracting you. Are we in agreement?”
“I don’t need to read it, I’m in,” said Grant.
“Not so fast, Grant, I want you to read it and have it looked over by an attorney. Now, shall we forget the serious chatter and enjoy a drink by the pool?”
“One drink and then I’ll track down a guy from my apartment building,” said Grant. “H
e’s a third-year law student and I’ll have him look over the contract. While he’s doing that, I’ll write the script I wanted to do first.”
“I know a few attorneys in the business, I’ll find one and get back to you, Ms. Crenshaw,” said Barry.
“Please call me Gina, I hope we will all be friends before this adventure is over.”
Grant and Barry each had a quick drink and excused themselves.
“I think you have started the ball rolling, Gina.”
“I hope so, did I seem too harsh with Grant, he’s young and impulsive. I don’t want him jumping into this thing and regretting it. I think the contracts are fair, but if they want something changed, I’m willing to consider it.”
Megan and Mike joined the party, “I think Samantha should play herself, no one could do it better than she does.”
“You’d be great in the part,” laughed Fletch.
“I don’t think so,” said Samantha scowling at them. “I want this movie to make money for Gina, not cost her a fortune when moviegoers ask for a refund. Let’s change the subject, Blake do you remember an ornate clock that sat on the credenza in the study?”
“I can’t say I do, I lost interest in the place after having to repair plumbing and electrical problems. I intend to get rid of the junk the last people decorated with but haven’t done it yet. The study was the only place where the furniture was normal. I spent most of my time in that room. I don’t recall there being anything on the credenza except my ice bucket and a fifth of whiskey.”
“I think you’d remember this clock; it was something you wouldn’t forget if you saw it. Megan, do you remember seeing the clock when Myra showed us around the place?”
“I’m sure I didn’t, I remember seeing it when Detective Bellamy took it from Brad. That was the first time I’d seen it.”
“It was on the credenza when I went in the study in the morning, then after Reggie’s death, I had the feeling something was missing. That was the reason I returned to the study, I wanted to see if I could remember what I’d seen the day before. Brad held it in his hand and asked if that was what I was looking for. I was convinced he’d hit Reggie with it, but now I don’t believe he is capable of violence.”
Murder in Seabrook Shores Page 11
