CRIME OF RETRIBUTION: A Gripping Crime Mystery Full of Twists

by Rayna Morgan

  Johnson rubbed his chin. “Yeah, he was a grumpy son of a gun. Good at flying the birds but never socialized with us.”

  “I wonder if he’s the one after me.”

  “What reason would he have, other than resenting anyone with stripes on their sleeve?”

  “That’s my point. He had a chip on his shoulder a mile wide with a particular dislike for me. Told me once that guys like me would be dead if it weren’t for guys like him, but we got all the glory.”

  “Are you suggesting his resentment grew into bitterness so strong he wants to rid the planet of you?”

  “Just thinking out loud.”

  “We’ll be at this all day considering everyone who might hold a grudge. As for me, I’m past my daily quota of thinking.”

  Dan smiled. “Your gray cells are easily overtaxed but I forgive you. Check in at the hotel and have a swim in the pool while I finish my business. I’ll come by later to show you the beaches I’ve bragged about.”

  “Sounds good. Then you can take me somewhere to get some whiskey and a steak.”

  “Don’t worry, partner. I know the perfect place.”

  Woody hesitated before pulling his bag from the back seat.

  “Something else on your mind?” Dan asked.

  “You won’t cotton to this idea, but you brought up someone else with knowledge of military lingo.”

  “I hope you aren’t referring to Pam’s son. He has no beef with me.”

  “Don’t be so sure.”

  Dan turned off the engine and looked at Woody. “Spit it out, I’m listening.”

  “Some months ago, I ran into Gavin at a bar you and I used to frequent. I bought him a drink and asked how things were going.”

  “What did he say?”

  “Not much, until a couple of beers later when your name came up. That conversation touched a raw nerve.”

  Dan noted his friend’s reluctance to continue. “What did he tell you?”

  “He blamed you for his mother’s death and his father’s downward spiral.”

  “That’s crazy!”

  “I told him as much, but he wouldn’t listen.”

  Dan shrugged. “I’m sorry he felt that way, but he’s had time to get over it by now.”

  “Pain like his can take a long time to heal. He may feel he still has a score to settle.”

  “Have you seen him recently?”

  “On a hunch, I tracked him down after you called me to come out. A friend of his told me he’s visiting the West Coast.”

  Dan grimaced. “Any place in particular?”

  “His buddy couldn’t remember the name of the town but said it’s not far from Los Angeles.”

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Before going to the office, Dan considered Woody’s question regarding who had his back. He felt he could depend on Lea, but it wouldn’t hurt to tighten his relationship with the local police. Perhaps it was time to accept Tom’s offer of help.

  The desk clerk at headquarters directed him to a bull-pen area surrounded by meeting and interview rooms. Three of the plain clothes officers sat at their desks. The remaining detectives lingered around the large office with the lieutenant's name.

  When he spotted Dan, he pushed past the group. “Get back to work, everyone. I’ve got a visitor.”

  After shaking hands, Tom led Dan inside his office and closed the door.

  “I’m glad you called. I’ve been meaning to get together for a drink, but I’m bogged down with paperwork.” He tapped a stack of files. “The least favorite part of my job.”

  He moved behind his desk and pointed at the empty chair. “Enough of my bellyaching. How are you settling in?”

  Dan took a seat. “Everyone asks me that. Do I look like a fish out of water or something?”

  Tom gave his visitor the once-over. “Other than the cowboy hat and the boots, not particularly. But you might want to work on that accent. How do you like living away from the big city?”

  “Next to the ocean in a beautiful valley surrounded by hills. What’s not to like?”

  “Lea tells me you’ve taken up residence at the marina.”

  “I’m enjoying my nautical home, at least for the time being. I can easily picture becoming a laid-back guy indulging in the good life when I retire.”

  “What does the good life consist of for you?”

  “Boating and fishing. Good food. Plenty of beer. And more boating and fishing.”

  Tom chuckled. “What do you miss the most about where you came from?”

  Dan shrugged. “My father was in the military so we moved around a lot. He taught me not to think in terms of what I missed. He encouraged me to consider what I gained by living in different places and meeting new people. He reminded me I would still be me wherever I went. I wouldn’t lose my identity by changing locale; I would simply broaden my perspective.”

  “That’s a helpful way to look at things, but there must be certain aspects you miss.”

  Dan grinned. “I admit to missing Lone Star beer and country western music.”

  “Talk to my brother Jack. He and Pat have a favorite country bar they frequent.”

  “I may do that. For the time being, I enjoy the music of the jazz singer at the Whale’s Tail.”

  “You must be talking about Stacy Myers.”

  “Do you know Stacy?”

  “I met her first in a semi-professional capacity. After that, Maddy and I caught her performance on several different occasions.”

  Dan’s ears perked up. “What were the circumstances of your first meeting?”

  “Some detectives and I went for a drink one Friday after work. A guy at the bar was being loud and obnoxious, interrupting Stacy’s performance. I suggested politely that he should quiet down for the sake of people enjoying the music. He got belligerent and took a swing at me. When I showed him my badge and asked if he wanted to spend the night in jail, he staggered off spewing vulgarities. After Stacy finished her set, she came to thank me. The drunk turned out to be her ex-husband. His presence in town made her nervous, but she refused further help. The next time I saw her, Maddy and I were there for dinner. I asked if everything was all right. She said the troublemaker returned to the hole he crawled out of. We left it at that.”

  “Her ex is Tony Maxwell. He reportedly has ties to organized crime in Chicago.”

  “Good riddance then. We don’t need his kind in Buena Viaje.”

  Dan decided it was time to inform the lieutenant of the likelihood that Tony or one of his goons was in town.

  “Actually, he’s one of the reasons I came to see you.”

  Tom leaned back and folded his arms. “Since you called my office, I assumed this wasn’t a social call.”

  “It appears I’ve made myself unpopular with someone.” Dan described the disturbing noise on his boat, the near hit-and-run incident in San Verde, and the messages he received.

  “What do your partners think?” Tom asked.

  “We haven’t discussed the matters in detail,” Dan replied evasively.

  Tom raised an eyebrow. “Why not? Seems they have a right to know.”

  “I mentioned the first event to Lea. We chalked it up to partygoers on the beach. Except for the note on my windshield, there was no reason to regard the second incident as other than careless driving.”

  “I understand your reluctance to stir people up over the initial occurrence. I might even agree with ignoring the message on the flier. I’ve received idle threats myself.” He looked out over the bullpen. “I tell my people a lawman who doesn’t make an enemy here or there is not rattling enough cages. It’s the only language some individuals respond to.”

  “Then you understand my reluctance to cause a ruckus.”

  “Your position might normally be justified, but your partners need to know if attempted murder is at play.”

  Dan stiffened. “I can take care of myself if things get out of hand.”

  “Lea tells me you were in Special Forces so I won
’t worry about your use of a weapon. Just make sure my in-laws aren’t caught in the crossfire.”

  “That’s my concern. I don’t want Lea or Warren put in harm’s way on my account.”

  “All the more reason they should know. Tell them what you’re up against.”

  “I will. Right now, I need your help.”

  He produced the flier and the empty bottle, together with the message tucked inside. “Can you test these for fingerprints? We might get lucky.”

  Tom dropped the items in an evidence bag which he labeled. “I’ll let you know if we come up with anything. In the meantime, watch your back.”

  “You’re the second person to tell me that in as many days.”

  “There’s a reason you keep receiving that advice. And don’t ignore my suggestion about your partners.”

  “I’ll bring Lea up to speed as soon as I return to the office. Thanks for clarifying my thinking in that regard.”

  Tom moved around the desk to lay a hand on Dan’s shoulder. “I’ve learned the consequences of keeping Lea in the dark. You end up in the dog house with her. Take my word, it’s not a place you want to be.”

  • • •

  When Dan got to the office, he informed Lea of the note scribbled on the flier and the message found in the empty wine bottle.

  As he expected, she was angry over his reticence in informing her of ongoing events. “You treated the near hit-and-run in San Verde as an accident. The whole time, you had proof someone intentionally tried to run you over.”

  Her harsh tone made him feel defensive. “Hold your horses. You can’t tie the two together. The presence of the note doesn’t prove the other wasn’t careless driving. I’m sorry I told you. Next time, I’ll think twice before cluing you in.”

  “As my business associate, you have no right to withhold things from me.”

  He considered her reaction. “Perhaps you’re equally at fault. Is there something you’ve neglected to tell me?”

  Aware of her own duplicity in seeking information from Jessica, she took the offensive. “Don’t change the subject. How do you suggest we identify your stalker before anyone gets hurt?”

  “I don’t intend we, as in you and I together, do anything. It’s my mess to figure out and take care of. But don’t worry, I’ll make sure you and your father are safe from danger.”

  She laughed derisively. “How can you make such a claim? You barely keep yourself out of trouble.”

  Before Dan replied, Warren entered the room. “What’s the ruckus? I heard you two all the way down the hall.”

  Lea pointed a finger at Dan. “He’s been withholding information.”

  Warren glowered at Dan, but his eyes swiveled back to his daughter. “Don’t you mean you’ve both been keeping secrets? I’ve just been informed someone almost ran you over when you were in San Verde.”

  “Who told you?” Lea stammered.

  “Maddy found out from Tom. She was kind enough to inform me.”

  “She wasn’t being kind,” Lea spat out. “She was ratting on me behind my back, same as she did when we were kids.”

  “As I recall, it was you who ratted on your sister.”

  Dan stood up. “I’ve been in on similar conversations with this family. I’m leaving.”

  First Warren, then Lea, shouted at him.

  “Young man, we haven’t finished this conversation.”

  “You didn’t tell me what you plan to do.”

  Dan grabbed the dogs’ leashes and headed for the door. “Let’s go for a walk, guys. We’ll come back when things cool down.”

  Warren glared at Lea. “You two need to quit butting heads for our arrangement to succeed.”

  She threw up her hands. “I can’t work with someone as headstrong as Dan.”

  “Yes, you can,” her father said with finality. “I’ve been doing it since the day we opened the agency.”

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Later that day, Dan went to the hotel where Woody was staying. He found his friend talking to two young women sunbathing on the beach.

  “Sorry to interrupt,” he said, grabbing Woody’s arm. “My buddy and I have business to take care of.”

  Woody made an exaggerated bow. “Delightful making your acquaintance, ladies. I’ll be here tomorrow. Same time, same place. Hopefully, the fates will be kind enough to grace me with your presence.”

  They giggled and assured him they looked forward to seeing him again.

  Dan pulled him toward the parking lot. “I can’t believe those corny lines of yours work with women.”

  “They do for a man like me with the charm to pull it off.”

  “If you’re such a charming guy, why have you blown two marriages and multiple relationships?”

  A smile spread across Woody’s face. “For me, the excitement lies in the pursuit. Once the prize is won and household chores become routine, the ardor fades. Now, what’s this talk of work?”

  “That was an excuse to drag you away from your companions. I had a rough day, so tonight you and I will paint the town.”

  Woody looked doubtful. “You and I have different notions about how to paint the town.”

  “Quit complaining. You’ll like what I have in store.”

  “Where are we going?”

  “There’s been a change in plans. Instead of showing you the beaches, Tom’s brother is meeting us at a place where you’ll feel right at home. Ashley is going to join us there. She demands to see Uncle Woody while he’s in town.”

  The Texan beamed. “Does she still call me her uncle?”

  “I can’t imagine why, but she’s real fond of you. She thinks you’re a lovable teddy bear.”

  “I have that effect on people.”

  Dan snorted. “Oh, sure. As long as you’re in a good mood. Anyone gets your dander up and the grizzly comes out.”

  “Who’s bellyaching now?” Woody slid down in the seat and tipped his hat over his eyes. “I’m going to have a brief siesta. Tell me when we get there.”

  • • •

  The Saloon was a country western bar a mile outside of town. A string of colored lights outlined the front of the building. Neon signs in the windows advertised popular brands of beer. Music blared, drawing customers in. The parking lot was filled with trucks and RVs.

  “There’s Jack.” Dan pointed to a shorter version of Tom Elliot standing near the entrance. “The woman with him is his fiancée, Pat Fisher. She works with Tom in the major crimes division.”

  “She doesn’t look like a typical homicide detective,” Woody commented, observing her girl-next-door appearance. She was naturally pretty with almost no makeup, short blond hair pushed behind her ears, and a warm smile which would disarm any unsuspecting opponent. The only hints of her being more than met the eye were a physique which attested to grueling conditioning and the fearlessness in her eyes.

  After introductions were made, Jack led them past a dozen motorcycles lined up near the entrance.

  “This place used to be a biker bar,” he explained. “The new owner changed the theme to country western by adding a stage and a dance floor, but he never got rid of the biker element.” Jack flashed a boyish grin as he held the door open. “The two factions co-exist peacefully most of the time, but not always.”

  Their eyes adjusted to the darkness of a room filled with high-top tables and stools, and a bar featuring a vast array of liquor.

  On stage was a three-man band consisting of a singer with side burns, an acoustic guitar player with hair past his shoulders, and a bearded guy pounding a set of drums. On the dance floor, people channeled their inner cowboy moving to the rhythm of the music. A menu hanging on the wall featured enchiladas and other Tex-Mex favorites.

  It was the kind of place where everyone knew everyone else’s name and newcomers stood out.

  They found a table near the front. Woody was taking a seat when a young woman ran across the room and threw her arms around him.

  “Uncle Woody,” she
said, beaming from ear to ear. “I’m so glad to see you.”

  He held her at arm’s length to examine her. “Look at you, Ashley. Even prettier than the last time I saw you.”

  “It feels like me and Dan are brothers, but I’m not really her uncle,” Woody explained, turning to the others at the table. He pulled up a chair so she could sit beside him.

  “I couldn’t believe it when Dad told me you were here,” she exclaimed. “What are you doing in town?”

  Dan shook his head to warn his friend against divulging the reason for his visit.

  “I came to see if your father’s claims about living out here are true. Tell me what you think. Are things here as good as he boasts?”

  “He’s not lying. Things are great for me. I’m finishing my last semester at community college before heading to the university next fall. I earn enough money at my part-time job to pay expenses. And living in an apartment away from home is even better than I expected.”

  “Are you happy? That’s the important thing.”

  “It took me a while to adjust, but I’ve built a whole new life for myself. And yes, I’m happy.”

  Woody pulled her to her feet. “Let me see if you still know how to two-step the way I taught you.”

  A couple of songs later, Jack and Pat joined them on the floor and Dan cut in to dance with his daughter.

  Woody walked to a table where several women sat drinking and laughing. He asked the tallest one to dance and she happily accepted.

  After a few more turns around the room, Dan and Ashley joined Jack and Pat at the table to catch their breath. Woody was still spinning around the room with the tall blonde.

  “For his height and build, your friend glides seamlessly,” Pat noted.

  Dan grinned. “He didn’t earn the nickname Twinkle Toes for nothing, but I advise against calling him that to his face.”

  The song ended as Woody and his partner spun past the group of bikers. When the music started again, one man in the group stepped forward to tap Woody on the shoulder. His hair was unwashed and his ears were pierced with silver studs. There wasn’t an inch of skin on his arms without tattoos.

  “Let me show Audrey how it’s done, cowboy.”