“I’m not doing it. I have an intern who’s helping me out.”
“There’re at least three ways into that neighborhood,” Mankowski said.
“Yeah, but this is the intersection closest to her place. I requested footage for two hours before and two hours after the estimated time of death.”
Thomas riffled through the various stacks of paper on his desk. “I have the license plate numbers for the cars driven by our three suspects. If we don’t catch one of them driving through this intersection, then we can take a look at the others.”
Thomas finally found what he was looking for. “Dr. Franco drove a Benz, Mia Richardson a BMW and Fletcher owned a Range Rover and a Porsche but was usually driven around by a driver who—”
“Wait a minute,” Mankowski interrupted with a snap of his fingers. “Maybe Fletcher’s driver knows something.” He flipped through his notes. “His name is Lester Watkins.”
Mankowski typed Lester’s name into the criminal records database. “Bingo! Armed robbery and assault. Seven years in Corcoran. He was released in 2001. Maybe he’s the guy Fletcher hired to do the dirty deed. Let’s go check him out.”
“He’s been clean a long time,” Thomas said, as he typed on his computer keyboard. “If a con’s going back to his old ways, it usually happens right away. But I agree he’s worth a look.”
“What are you doing?” Mankowski asked.
“Emailing these license plate numbers to the intern so he can start checking them against the video.”
“Well, hurry up.” Mankowski was already grabbing his jacket from the back of his chair. “I’m anxious to have a little chat with Lester Watkins.”
CHAPTER 76
Girlie Cortez was more than thrilled to have Jessica Winthrop sitting in her office. She was just baffled as to why the woman wanted time on her calendar.
Since Jessica was the executor of Bliss’ estate, Girlie planned to find the right entry point to bring up all the legal work she’d done on her dead friend’s behalf. Although Girlie had taken Bliss’ case on contingency, she was entitled to reimbursement for the money she spent on depositions and court filings. But she was hoping to recover some additional funds since she’d never see the windfall in legal fees she’d been expecting from Fletcher McClain. Bliss’ murder was the last thing Girlie had expected. Though it shouldn’t have been a surprise in light of how far Bliss pushed the envelope.
Jessica had spent the last five minutes making small talk. Yes, it was a shame Bliss was gone. Yes, it was going to be rough for her children. True, most people didn’t understand Bliss.
Okay, now what?
“I guess I’ll just get to the point.” Jessica fiddled with her purse. “To my surprise, Fletcher wants to keep Harmony. But Bliss named me Harmony’s legal guardian. I want to raise her and I want you to represent me in a custody battle against him.”
Girlie sat at full attention now. Fletcher was the kid’s father. No matter what Bliss’ wishes were, it was highly unlikely that a court would grant Jessica custody of Harmony. She was just about to tell Jessica she was wasting her time, when the woman pulled out her checkbook.
“I know this is going to be an uphill battle, but I want to give it my all and I want you to do the same. Bliss says you know how to play dirty. You have my permission to do that. How much is your retainer for a case like this?”
Girlie had never had a case like this before and none of the clients she’d been representing lately could even afford a retainer.
“Thirty grand,” she lied.
Jessica quickly scribbled across the check, tore it off and handed it across the desk.
For a second, and just a second, Girlie felt an ethical obligation to advise the woman that the odds of getting custody of Harmony were slim to none. But when she thought about how much this check would help with all of the debt she’d acquired during her suspension, her pang of conscience instantly vanished.
“I know you were representing Bliss on contingency,” Jessica said. “I’m the executor of her estate. Just let me know what she owed you and I’ll make sure your bill gets paid.”
Girlie thanked God for her good fortune.
“Let me tell you the things that should weigh in my favor during the custody battle,” Jessica continued. “Fletcher denied Harmony was his from the moment Bliss told him about her. He made it clear that he wanted nothing to do with her. I was closer to Harmony than her own mother. Bliss didn’t have much of a motherly instinct. Also, I’m raising Jonas, Bliss’ middle child. I know the court looks at the best interests of the child. It would be in Harmony’s best interests to be raised with her brother.”
Girlie wanted to tell Jessica that none of that mattered. But she had thirty thousand reasons to keep her mouth shut. So she did.
“It’s going to be a tough fight. But I’ll do my best,” Girlie vowed.
“I know you will. I wanted custody of Aiden as well, but Dr. Franco refused. Of course, if he’s accused of killing Bliss, that could change.”
“Do you think he did it?”
“Not really. I think Fletcher McClain’s a more likely suspect.”
“If he’s charged, that would certainly make it easier for you to win custody of Harmony.”
Jessica pursed her lips and nodded in agreement.
“Ms. Winthrop, I’ll represent you to the best of my ability. What I need you to think about over the next few days is any negative information you have about Mr. McClain. If we’re going to win this, we have to prove Harmony would be better off with you.”
Jessica’s face deflated. “But what if I can’t find anything?”
“You let me figure that out. At my old law firm, we retained some of the best private investigators in the city. The investigator will need to bill you separately. Is that okay?”
Girlie didn’t want to have to give back one penny of her hefty retainer. If she thought about the case in the shower, she planned to bill Jessica for it. She’d run through the thirty grand and have her hand out for more money in no time.
“That’s fine. Spend whatever you need.”
It had been a while since Girlie had a client with this kind of cash flow and it felt great. She didn’t quite know how she was going to do it, but even if she had to make up some dirt on Fletcher McClain, she was going to do everything in her power to get this woman custody of Bliss’ baby.
CHAPTER 77
“This waiting is driving me crazy,” Special whines. “I know Mystery Baby Daddy is the killer. And I bet those cops don’t even have him on their radar.”
Special is sitting in my office complaining because the complex where Salt Creek Grille is located has yet to turn over the parking lot video.
“Your request has to go through their corporate office,” I explain. “It just takes time.”
“Forgive me, but you don’t seem at all concerned that your client might be charged with murder.”
“That’s because I don’t have a client. I’m out of it. If you find some information that proves that guy who argued with Bliss killed her, I’ll turn it over to the cops. Other than that, I’ve washed my hands of it.”
“Fletcher must’ve really pissed you off. What did he do now?”
“It was more Mia than him.”
I tell Special how Mia and I went head-to-head.
“Is she on drugs? Somebody needs to give that girl a reality check. I bet if they arrest her ass, she’ll get with the program real quick. What did Fletcher have to say?”
“Nothing at the time. But later on he came by here trying to apologize for her and begging me to represent him again.”
“He sounds worried. You think he killed her?”
“I have to admit that it has crossed my mind. Fletcher was livid about the possibility of having to pay Bliss so much money. He told me that if he did decide to
kill her, he’d find someone to do it and they’d never be able to trace it back to him.”
“He actually said that?”
I nod. “And his alibi is airtight. He was at a listening party for one of his artists. At least six people can attest to that. His hands might be clean, but who knows about his bank book.”
Special is reeling from what I’ve just told her. “Well, before you convict the guy, let me find Mystery Baby Daddy and see if he has an alibi. That dude was most definitely hot enough to kill when he walked out of that restaurant.”
“We’ll see,” I say.
“But if Mystery Baby Daddy is clean, my money’s on Mia,” Special declares.
“I’ve thought about that,” I say. “She has some issues, but I just don’t see her as a killer.”
“Why? Because she’s a prim and proper lawyer?”
“No, I just think she’s all mouth and no substance. The kind of person who talks a big game, but would never follow through.”
Special isn’t buying it. “I don’t know. Bliss tricked her man into having his baby, then went after his cash. That would make me hella hot.”
“Don’t forget that Mia started it when she stole Fletcher from Bliss,” I remind her.
“Hold up,” Special says. “Now you’re really confusing me. Sounds like you do want Mia to go down for Bliss’ murder.”
“No, that’s not what I’m saying. Everybody focuses on how evil Bliss was, but Mia did some dirt too. And what goes around usually comes around.”
Special purses her lips and folds her arms. “You’re just mad because Ms. Prim and Proper got all up in your face.”
“That certainly didn’t help. I’m just glad I’m out of it.”
“So if Fletcher gets charged, you’re not going to defend him?”
“Absolutely not.”
“Okay, we’ll see,” Special says with a smirk. “Despite everything you just said, if Fletcher comes calling, I suspect you’ll still go running to his rescue.”
CHAPTER 78
When Mia Richardson showed up at Girlie’s office the day after Jessica’s visit, Girlie assumed someone was playing a trick on her. But when Mia slapped a fifty-thousand-dollar cashier’s check on her desk and asked to retain her, Girlie realized it wasn’t a trick. It was a dream come true.
“Ms. Richardson, are you sure—”
“Please call me Mia.”
“Okay, Mia, are you sure you want to do this?” Girlie asked. “If Fletcher found out, he might not be too happy about it.”
The woman smiled, all sweetness and honey. “If you don’t tell him and I don’t tell him, he won’t find out.”
Girlie had yet to pick up the check sitting on the edge of her desk. It had taken her only minutes to come to the conclusion that she did not like Mia Richardson. The woman probably knew Girlie was hard up for cash. And since she was a lawyer, she also knew what she was asking Girlie to do was highly unethical.
“Ms.—I mean—Mia, I’ve been retained by Jessica Winthrop. It would be a conflict of interest for me to do what you’re asking.”
“Like I said, I’m not here to retain you, Girlie. I’m here to incentivize you.”
Girlie hadn’t given the woman permission to call her by her first name and didn’t like the fact that she simply took that liberty. She should tell her to get out now. But, man, could she use another fifty grand on top of the thirty grand she’d collected from Jessica.
“Just so I understand, exactly what is it you want me to do?”
“I want you to make sure Jessica Winthrop wins custody of Harmony.”
Girlie chuckled. “No one can guarantee the outcome of a court case. You’re an attorney, you know that.”
“Well, I guess I’m not asking for a guarantee. I’m just offering you some added incentive to do your best.”
Girlie frowned. “I always do my best.”
“I’m sorry. That didn’t come out right. Maybe I should just put my cards on the table. Fletcher and I are getting married soon. We don’t need a baby in our lives to complicate things. The child should be with Jessica. She’s the best person to raise her. And, moreover, it’s what Bliss would’ve wanted.”
Girlie noticed that Mia hadn’t once called Harmony by her name. Talk about an evil stepmother. Hell, screw the money. Girlie wanted to win just to keep the kid away from this snooty witch.
“Mia, I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to think about this. I need to make sure I’m not breaching any ethical obligations by accepting payment from you.”
“But no one has to know that I’ve made that payment. That cashier’s check came from a checking account that won’t be very easy to trace.” She winked. “I won’t tell if you won’t.”
Fletcher McClain certainly liked venomous women. Hell, Mia better be glad Girlie’s head was in a different place. She might’ve moved in on Fletcher herself.
“On second thought,” Girlie said, “I don’t have to think about it.”
Mia brightened, but her smile quickly faded when Girlie pushed the check back toward her.
“It wouldn’t be ethical for me to accept that payment. Not without disclosing it to my client.”
There was no need for Girlie to take this risk. Jessica had more than enough money to compensate her. Getting embroiled with this woman would unnecessarily complicate things. Then Girlie remembered what she’d told the detectives about who she thought had killed Bliss. She needed to get this killer out of her office.
Mia looked thoroughly disappointed. She retrieved the check, tore it into pieces and stuffed it back into her purse. She placed a business card where the check had been. “There’s one more thing. I was wondering if I could get a copy of Bliss and Fletcher’s deposition transcripts from your case.”
Girlie squinted. “Why do you want to see their depositions?”
“To be honest with you, Fletcher has really kept me in the dark about exactly how his daughter was conceived. He told me that Bliss admitted during her deposition that she stole his sperm from a condom when they were dating and froze it. I just want to read her testimony for myself.”
Girlie took in a breath. Honey, if you only knew.
“I’m not sure I should—”
“C’mon, Girlie,” Mia prodded. “Those depositions aren’t confidential.”
The devil in Girlie wanted to blab to Miss Prissy that her rich boyfriend had lied through his teeth. She could almost hear Bliss whispering into her ear, goading her to do just that. But Girlie didn’t want to get pulled into this mess.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I’d rather not. Why don’t you ask Vernetta Henderson for a copy of them?”
“I don’t think she would give them to me either.” Mia’s lips clamped shut and her nose twitched. She looked as if she was trying to restrain a temper tantrum. She abruptly stood up. “If you need my help in any way with Jessica’s case, please give me a call.”
Girlie wasn’t quite sure she was interpreting the woman’s statement correctly.
“Are you saying you’d be willing to provide information that might help Jessica in her custody case against Fletcher?”
Mia barely let Girlie finish her question. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
This woman had absolutely no scruples. Mia was headed out of the door before Girlie had a change of heart. “Hold on a minute.”
Mia turned around.
“If you want to read the deposition testimony concerning how Bliss conceived Harmony,” Girlie said, “you can go online and get a copy of the summary judgment motion I filed with the Superior Court.” She paused to write down the case number. “I submitted portions of both of their deposition transcripts along with my motion.”
Mia smiled warmly as she took the piece of paper. “Thank you so much. I’ll definitely do that.”
Girlie simply nodded. You certainly won’t be thanking me after you read it.
Once Mia was gone, Girlie sat back in her chair and thought about Bliss. She glanced skyward and high-fived the air.
“That one was for you, girlfriend.”
CHAPTER 79
The detectives found Fletcher McClain’s driver washing his boss’ Lincoln Town Car in the underground parking facility at Karma Entertainment.
Thomas pulled their sedan right behind it, blocking it in.
Lester charged over to them. “Move that car outta—”
They weren’t wearing uniforms, but with Lester’s extensive history with the legal system, he could probably smell a cop.
His rage melted into charm. “How can I help you officers?”
“Are you Lester Watkins?” Mankowski asked.
“Yes, I am. And you are?”
“I’m Detective Mankowski and this is my partner Detective Thomas.”
“Mind if I get your cards,” Lester asked, as if he might want to keep in touch.
Lester glanced around the garage. He was probably hoping someone walked by or maybe he was checking for surveillance cameras. The man wanted witnesses to whatever was about to go down.
It pissed Mankowski off that everybody thought all cops did these days was beat the crap out of black guys just for sport. So he took on a decidedly nice guy approach.
“We’re investigating the murder of Bliss Fenton and we just want to ask you a few questions.”
Mankowski was certain he saw the guy flinch. That was not a good sign.
“Where were you between the hours of eight and ten this past Tuesday night?” Thomas asked.
Lester lost his cool demeanor.
“You think I had something to do with that woman’s murder. Oh, hell naw!” His hands cradled his head. “Man, you got it wrong. I’m straight up. I been a hundred percent straight up since I left Corcoran. I didn’t have nothing to do with that.”
“Okay, so where were you?”
Lester’s thought process seemed to be bungled. “Hell, I don’t know? I can hardly remember what I did this morning.”
Lawful Deception Page 28
