Dani Hayward, P.I.: The Richard Clark Case

by Ellie Smith

Dani Hayward: P.I.

  The Richard Clark Case

  by

  Ellie Smith

  ~~~****~~~

  The characters in this book are fictional products of the author’s imagination. Resemblance to any persons, either living or dead or specific events is purely coincidental.

  ~~****~~

  Chapter 1

  Phillip Blakely swiveled his desk chair around and surveyed the distant Dallas skyline as a satisfied smile curled his lips. In two hours he would be headed out for two glorious weeks in the backwoods of Canada. He thought about the airline ticket that was nestled in his briefcase. It had been seven years without a vacation. But things were different now that he had two partners who would cover for him. When his intercom buzzed the barrister reached for the phone absently. "Yes Debbie?"

  "There's a call for you on line one Mr. Blakely," the soft-voiced secretary informed. "A Mr. Ted Campbell."

  Phil’s thoughts jetted back more than twenty years. He had met Ted Campbell during his second year at Harvard. They had shared many things in common, only one being their love for the law. By the time they had graduated they were steadfast friends. Over the span of the eighteen years since college that friendship had never wavered. "Thanks Debbie." Phil pushed the flashing button. "Phil Blakely."

  "Send any longhorns up the river lately?"

  Phil chuckled. "Not this week. How the hell are you Ted?"

  "Doing pretty good actually," came the baritone response. "We locked down a case last month against Burton and Wills that the media didn't think we had a snowball's chance of winning."

  Even though he was not that familiar with the large California real estate developer Phil knew enough to know they had never lost a case. Although both he and Ted Campbell had majored in criminal law, Ted had crossed over to corporate law when he settled in California shortly after college. It had been a tough road for him for several years. Only recently had Ted been getting the breaks he needed to make it in the corporate world. "Congratulations," he oozed brightly. "Sounds like you're finally getting your heels dug into that corporate law saddle."

  "Yeah. ‘Bout time don't you think?"

  "Well," Phil teased. "I don't remember anyone ever accusing you of being quick on the trigger."

  A jovial laugh fell as quickly as it had risen. "I guess you're right old buddy." And then there was a silence that brought Phillip Blakely's bushy eyebrows downward. He knew better than to push his friend so he waited. It was a full fifteen seconds before the man on the other end of the line spoke again.

  "I need your help Phil."

  The attorney sent a glance at his briefcase as a haunting picture popped onto the screen in his mind. Phil saw the scenic Canadian woods fading and he reached for the briefcase, clutching it in what might have been considered desperation. "I'll do what I can Ted. "But I'm scheduled to leave on a two week vacation in a couple of hours." Another lapse of silence came over the line, this one longer and Phil's grip on the briefcase tightened.

  "I wouldn't have called you if I had anywhere else to turn. But you're the only attorney I know in Dallas."

  In Dallas? Why did Ted need an attorney in Dallas? Blakely asked him.

  "I've got a friend who's gotten himself in a little trouble down your way. He called me a few minutes ago and asked me if I could help him. Unfortunately, since I switched to corporate law and am in California, my hands are tied." The baritone voice softened. "I thought of you and told him I'd give you a call."

  "What kind of trouble's he in?" Phil was not sure he wanted to ask that question and he was even more unsure if he would like the answer he'd get.

  "He's been arrested for murder."

  "Murder? Here in Dallas?"

  "Actually the murder was supposed to have taken place just outside of Dallas at some college."

  College? Blakely looked at the folded newspaper that was stuffed into the trash can beside his desk. The morning paper’s headlines had announced a murder at Harrison College, a small, private college east of the metroplex. He reached for the paper, unfolded it and scanned the first paragraph of the lengthy article again. "What's your friend's name?"

  "Richard Clark."

  Phil matched the printed name. According to the newspaper, Professor Richard Clark was being held as a suspect in the murder of Professor Harold Thornton, a fellow Harrison College colleague. Even though the newspaper was quite vague as to what the police had gathered as evidence they hinted that it seemed to be stacking up against the professor rather quickly. Phil folded the paper and tossed it on his desk. "I wish I could help you Ted. But, like I said, I'm slated to leave on vacation in a couple of hours. I'm heading for the cabin in Canada."

  "I know you stay on top of things down there. I'm sure the Dallas paper has the news all over today's front page." Ted emitted a deep sigh. "I've known Rick Clark a long time Phil. I know he would not do something like this. He's told me he's innocent and I believe him."

  "I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll have one of my associates go down and talk to him."

  "No that's alright. Don't worry about it. I was just hoping you could help him out. If you're going on vacation I can understand why you can't."

  Phil frowned. In all of the years he had known Ted Campbell Phil could not recall him ever asking for a favor. Phil's thoughts shot back six years to the car accident that had almost ended his life. He had spent three long months in the hospital after being told that he may never walk again. Ted Campbell had been the first at his bedside and had stayed with him every day of those three months. Then, when he was released from the hospital Ted had insisted that Phil go to California to recuperate. Phil had balked but to no avail. He had finally conceded and flew to California where he had spent the next six months at Ted Campbell's seaside house near Monterey. Ted had hired a therapist and Phil was sure it was because of his friend's strong determination and insistence that he was walking today. Could he turn Ted down after what he'd done for him? Could he actually say no to the only favor Ted Campbell had ever asked? Phil looked from the briefcase to the newspaper. No. Ted had given his constant attention as well as his home for six months. The least he could give up was two weeks. Phil moved his briefcase out of sight then shifted his attention to the newspaper. "Is he being held in the county jail?"

  "Yes." A hopefulness sprung to life in Ted Campbell's voice. "Are you going to go talk to him?"

  "Yes." Phil glanced over the article again. "I'm not going to promise anything Ted except that I'll go talk to him this afternoon."

  "Thanks a lot Phil," came the relieved response. "You don't know how much I appreciate this. I know Rick will too."