No Cause to Die For
By
David
W. Dilley
Copyright 2011 David W. Dilley
Smashwords Edition
Smashwords
Edition, License Notes
Thank you for downloading this free
ebook. Although this is a free book, it remains the copyrighted
property of the author, and may not be reproduced, copied and
distributed for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed
this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy
at Smashwords.com, where they can also discover other works by this
author. Thank you for your support.
DEDICATION
As I consider the time I have spent in researching and working on this book, I must acknowledge that without the support and encouragement of friends, I would not have continued this endeavor. I have received great joy from this experience and am grateful for all my friends and their support.
We must remember that without friends we are seriously lacking in one of the major influences that can help us deal with life. Our friends can give us valuable personal insight and provide us with learning experiences that we otherwise would not have had.
There are many special friends who have given me the inspiration to write this book. These friends have provided the support and incentive to embark upon this labor of love. I dedicate this book to those special friends, guiding lights in this daily trek through life’s continued voyage. I thank you all for your input and direction. You are truly rare gems!
PREFACE
The writing style used in this book does not follow any particular style for grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, or any other form that is acceptable by English standards. It is, however, a style of its own, combining various forms, and non-forms, to bring to the reader a more fluent verse of conversation and thought.
Two notations in particular indicate breaks in thought, speech or time/location. The ellipsis ( ... ) are used to indicate a pause or break in thought or speech when used within text. When placed at the end of a line or on a line by themselves, they are used to indicate a change of time, location, or scene.
Unlike many books, chapters are organized and arranged to provide quick stopping off points for specific time frames, locations, ideas, happenings, or change of thoughts. Some chapters are longer than others because they focus on information provided to give the reader an “inside” look at the characters lives, while other chapters are quite short and meant to lead into other situations.
It is the intention of the author to provide a textual environment that best represents the actual syntax of the moment. In conversation, as also in thoughts, we do not preface our words with he said or she said. Neither do we add the common literary suffixes belaboring the fact that the preceding statement was spoken by the person who said it.
In some case, the reader will find words have been “bastardized” in order to provide a more phonetic sounding word to represent the original spoken word. In other instances, the author has used misspellings and phonetic spellings to portray an emotion or style being exhibited by the person speaking.
It is the authors hope that as the reader becomes more familiar with this style, they will find the material more like conversation that they encounter in everyday life. This should help make the character’s speech easier to understand, and more enjoyable to follow.
CHAPTER 1
As he sat at his desk he scanned through the national morning paper. Skipping from one article to another, he gleaned the basic facts from the happenings the day before. He stopped on one item and read it over carefully. The headline read: DESPAIRED STUDENT TAKES LIFE. It said that at one of the Midwestern universities, a discouraged student committed suicide by jumping from the top on a dormitory building.
While it was tragic, the senseless death of a college student was not what kept his attention. Further on in the article it indicated the student was about to graduate with honors, and would have been continuing study for a Masters. Friends had indicated that no despondency, or change in behavior was noticeable in the few days prior to the death.
Berry was wondering what would drive a person to take their own life. Why would I... there's no good reason... I suppose if I were desperate enough... naw, there's NO good reason!
He sometimes struggled with his own existence. He would look into this he decided... kinda like a real case. He just couldn't accept it. Not because foul play seemed to be involved, but because he needed to know for himself... why?
He laid the paper down and swung his chair around. Here he was at last. His own business, doing something he liked, free to follow his own path. What more could a person ask for?
As he glanced around the room, he felt as if he was in the presents of a wise old friend. The Collier Building was quite old with a long history. It was now doing double duty as his office and living quarters. Berry had always liked the old building, and when he got a chance to buy it he couldn't pass it up.
When he got it from the city, it had been used for several years to store the Christmas decoration for the downtown shopping areas. The city acquired it in the 70's, and used it to maintenance school buses until the mid 80's. The ground floor had several large garage doors that allowed access. Except for support pillars, the concrete floor area was open, with no dividing walls. A stair case ran along the west wall leading up to the main floor.
The layout of the main floor was almost the same, with the exception of an enclosed area about 12 feet wide to the right of the stair landing. This area, which had once served as the warehouse office, was now a bedroom and adjoining bathroom.
It had been built in 1903 by the Hershel W. Collier Company. The company had been a family owned business that repaired and supplied parts for horse drawn delivery wagons. During the 20's, rumor has it that it was used by local bootleggers to hide shipments of booze.
Up until 1944, it served as various warehouses of one type or another. In '44 the building became the city's rally point for scrap drives to help with the war effort. According to those who know, or pretend to know, the owner donated its use for the sundry drives organized to save money. They say that the Andrews Sisters came, along with others, on a national tour to sell war bonds, and dedicated the building to that use.
After the war, until the city bought it, it was everything from a gambling joint, to a missionary outreach. Berry thought about the history that was written in these walls. If only they could talk... what they know... what they've seen...
Looking about the room he noticed that it seemed to adjust to the new situation quite well. In the far corner, a small kitchenette angled around the walls, covering a few feet on both sides. Bounded by a small refrigerator on one end, and a stove on the other, the cabinets, sink, and microwave were nestled in between. A round table sat in the middle of the V, almost giving it a real kitchen look.
The adjacent corner was now the home of a most magnificent display of electronics and computer equipment. Berry had designed his own systems. It allowed him to search various data banks for help in solving cases and correlated the information gathered. He had added a few of his own little gadgets to the system. The combination of various graphs and readouts, displayed on the row of computer monitors, gave it the appearance of a NASA control panel.
Next to it, along the wall, was the "OFFICE" as he referred to it. The office consisted of several desks, mostly covered with papers, and a row of filing cabinets with many of the drawers left pulled out. As always, the area was in a state of disarray. Berry had his own method of filing things. The top of each pile held the most current papers, with the date descending as you moved further down the pile... some day he would get around to entering everything into his computer's data bank... but until then... this would work.
As it was his habit every morning, the TV was on blearing the news to anyone within earshot who was willing to listen. He glanced up just in time to catch a story about an anti-government group in Nevada having a shoot-out with the FBI... stupid! ... what dummies!... don't they know you can't fight city hall... or the federal government for that matter... They got all the guns... all we have is people... his voice echoed slightly off the walls as he mused out loud.
The Morning News, and then the Morning Talk Show, it was beginning to be a habit. First the cold hard facts of the day... who's at war... how's the economy... what's gone wrong with the presidents plans now!... and then... whew! … a break! ... entertainment... plain fun. No worries… just enjoy their little bantering… such a waste of time... but so much fun to watch!!... he settled down to be entertained... and lost track of time...
Berry swung his chair around again to come face to face with what he considered an obnoxious reminder of his life going by. There, yelling out at him in those glaring red numerals, was the time, chastening him for losing track... 9:48 AM it shouted... he was going to be late!!
He had a 10:00 appointment with Stanley Gruter at the University Development Office. That was a 15 minute drive from here. He grabbed his note pad and took off across the room like a jackrabbit startled from its hiding place. Holy Smokes... what am I going to tell Gruter? He won't be pleased... Berry thought about several stories he could tell that might make it sound as if he was really busy and lost track of time... boy, if he knew I was watching TV.
...
By the time he pulled up to the front of the office, it was 10:13. He had made good time, but he was still late. His mind flew with a thousand explanation scenarios... now what can I say?... I suppose I could... As he crossed the path leading to the plate glass doors, his mind was blank, but by then it was too late.
He could see Gruter standing just inside the doors, waving his hand, motioning for him to come on in. As he stepped through the door, Gruter grabbed him by the arm and began leading him down the corridor to his office. I'm so glad you’re here Berry! I was worried that something may have kept you from coming. I don't know what I would have done if you weren't available to help. It’s kind of sensitive... aahh... we'll talk in my office!
Berry had no problem with that. He was just glad he didn't have to deal with a lecture on tardiness. Stanley had been a teacher for 26 years before his position at the university. He had a tendency to treat people like students. Berry had worked for him several times before involving employees suspected of stealing. Once he had been a day late, according to Gruter, turning over his findings, and Gruter had launched into a lecture on the importance of promptness.
Sit down Berry. I'll fill you in on my little problem. It seems that there is a feud going on inside the organization that controls our state college system. A certain faction wants to eliminate all sports programs from state supported schools. Their philosophy is that since funds are short, all current funding should go to academic endeavors for the advancement of state educational facilities. And since extracurricular activities are primarily used for recreation, funding should be stopped.
This position is not new. It has been debated in academic circles ever since the first students received an education in exchange for their physical abilities.
The other faction points out that these institutions receive large amounts of money from the revenue they generate off of the sporting events, and are given donations from alumni that are pleased with a team’s performance.
So who's winning? Berry wasn't really curious.., he just wanted to sound like he was paying attention.
That's just why I called you Berry. Up until now, prudence demanded we academic types make bedfellows with the sports types. Even I can see the necessity of it. In reality, if it weren't for the income from some of our sports programs, we would have to close some of our less profitable colleges.
But now things are changing. The anti-sports faction has an advantage. The famous social psychologist and author Marie Burton has joined their ranks. She was appointed to the Governing Board last fall. From the information I have obtained, they have formed an un-official committee to spearhead the movement.. They call it the Committee to Disband College Sports.
Our University is governed by this Board. We have to abide by its rulings... however, we have no intentions of disbanding our sports programs. This would mean we would also have to close several of our less profitable colleges.
One of our major drawing factors is that we offer such a wide range of educational choices. You can see how it could lead to the total down scaling of the university... loss of jobs... loss of income... a disaster for the whole economy of this area.
Berry was thinking how this was much bigger than finding a dishonest employee. A bigger price too! So you want me to keep an eye on this situation and try to sway the balance... or something like that.
Gruter looked straight at Berry. The look of a desperate man was on his face. You can see how sensitive this is. I don't have to tell you what could happen if it leaks out that I hired you. This has to be kept quiet. Your job is to keep me informed of all information you obtain about this faction, its plans, and it members.
In other words, you want me to dig up dirt you can use to discredit them. Berry got right to the point.
No. I didn't say that! What I said... Berry cut him off... I know what you said. And if along the way, I happen to find out something that... let’s say is less than perfect about them... something you can use against them... you wanta know.
Stanley, I'm not so sure that the university and this community would be damaged as badly as you say if this group won their battle... but you've hired me to do a job, and that's what I'll do. As far as the dirt goes, if it’s pertinent I'll include it. I'll call you this Saturday at 9:00 to set a time we can meet to review what I have found out. Until then...
Berry got up, shook Gruter's hand and promptly exited the office. He was feeling kind of perky. A major assignment, full fee plus bonuses, and he had left with the upper hand on old Gruter. This may turn out to be a great day after all!
CHAPTER 2
It was raining. The constant ping ping ping of the rain striking the metal pipes on the old warehouse roof produced a strange calm in the building. Like a relaxing alpha rhythm it attached itself to the atmosphere, soothing everything within its range. Berry stared out the window almost in a trance from the rhythm.
In big letters written across the windows were the words SULLIVAN INVESTIGATIONS. His own agency… his own hours… his own worries! He had put together all the money he could to start the business. He had knowledge of electronics, and a good understanding of what makes people tick.
From these talents and lot of long hours at the job, he had built a fairly nice income doing something that he enjoyed. This new case was a big break. It involved major players, and state politics. If he worked it right this thing might just build him a reputation and that could put him on to bigger things.
The ringing telephone startled Berry out of his musings. Sullivan Investigations... Berry Sullivan speaking.
The voice on the other end was that of a young lady. I need to see you Mr. Sullivan. It’s very important! I have some information that will bring the entire organization down, and drag those bastards along with it. Meet me at the Chancy Inn by the pool around eleven this evening... Before Berry could ask who was calling the line went silent... she had hung up. What the heck was that all about? Could she have been talking about the State College Governing Board and the Committee to Disband College Sports? Nah, that was too easy. To get an assignment in the morning and be given all the answers that night! It might be a great day, but it couldn't be that good! He had been at this business too long to expect answers that quick.
He wondered what the caller was really referring to. As he was beginning to consider all of the possibilities, the phone interrupted his musings again. This time it was Muffin.
The nick name Muffin is probable somewhat deceiving. He might be considered a strong man, or a large man, even a feared man, but never a muffin. Muffin was far from being a muffin.
He was dubbed Muffin after eating 2 dozen blueberry muffins one morning for breakfast. His real name is Roger Dempsey and Roger is a huge black man who stands like a thick tower shoulders above most people. He is for all intents and purposes a kind of trouble shooter.
Sup Berry? Ya got any action for me? Roger spoke in a voice that was somewhere between gravel and James Earl Jones. Actually, his tone was somewhat richer and a little fuller than Mr. Jones's. For a period of time during the 80's, he worked as an announcer on a classical music station. His deep rich voice was perfect for the soothing dialogue that accompanied that type of format.
Muffin, what ya doing right now? I need to talk to ya.
Talk my brother, tell me what's on yer mind.
Don't wanta use the land line, if ya know what I mean… too many ears paying attention. Can ya drop by... say in about an hour? ... we could go over it then.
Your time is my time. I'll be there with bells on... on second thought... forget the bells! Folks might think I'm strange.
Muffin, Folks KNOW yer strange! See ya in an hour. As Berry hung up the phone, his thoughts turned to Muffin and his incredible talents. Roger was just what Berry needed to find out what was going on. He had ways of finding out things that could stump a magician.
Berry had heard that Roger had ties with underworld crime figures, and even some government spy types, which could be true. But it really didn't matter. They had been good friends for so long, that they accepted each other at face value. Berry didn't care where Muffin got his info, as long as it was accurate, which it always was, and he didn't have to deal with Roger’s sources, which he usually didn’t! Berry was remembering when he and Roger were working two bit jobs for hacks on the avenue... a lot of leg work...and boring too...
…
It wasn't long before Muffin came bounding up the stairs like an anxious teenager. He was excited about the possibility of getting involved with real case. The last time he helped Berry, he spent several days talking to local fences, trying to find what he thought was some insignificant piece of stereo equipment. This time maybe he'll get to do something more important... like tail a suspect, or head a surveillance team.
Hey Bear, Fill me in! What ya got goin? Muffin didn't waste any time getting to the point as he crossed the room. Berry was typing at the computer terminal. Hope this is more than some an old missing stereo like the last time. I've been itching to do some real detective work!
Well it ain’t the Maltese Falcon if that's what you were wanting, but it is rather important. Berry continued to type at the computer. I'm running a check on some data I need about the case now...
What I need from you is some of that special inside information you’re so famous for. I need to know all you can find on a group of people that call themselves the Committee to Disband College Sports. You know... names, positions, occupations, their families... that sort of thing. I'm not really looking for anything special, just general info. If you run into anything interesting, let me know as soon as possible. That's it in a nut shell.
The Committee to Disband College Sports… sounds like a dangerous organization to me. You want I should call in some heat? Muffin made light of the assignment in his usual manner. He was thinking it was probably another small time case leading to nowhere.
Berry read his mind… Look bud, this IS big time. It involves state politics, influential people, hidden plots, the whole nine yards! Berry was trying to make it sound a little more important than HE really thought it was. I need your help. This case just may put Sullivan Investigations on the map!
Ok, ok I see your point, but if you part your hair on the other side I don't think it'll show.
Ha ha ha… very funny Muffin… 10 thousand comedians out of work and you’re trying to become one.
Yea, but my lines are better that yours! 10 thousand comedians! ... like I never heard that one before... you need some new material! You want me to give you something out of Muffin's book of great lines for all occasions? I got some good ones!
Save your wit. It would probably be wasted on me. My problem is timing! I never can get my timing right. People say I'll be late for my own funeral.
Now see. That's just what I mean. It’s not your timing, it your lines! Late for your own funeral...that's not fresh, it’s old stuff... now, some old stuff can be new stuff... if its old enough... you just have to know the age of your audience, and this audience is old enough to remember most of Henny Youngman’s material... like when I was about six I remember...
This is quite fascinating Muffin... Berry interrupted him before he got into telling about old time vaudeville acts... but I have a truck load of things I gotta do before this day is done, and I'm not getting them done by discussing the proper material for a comedy act with you. The only time I have free TODAY is around MIDNIGHT... I think I might be able to squeeze you in for a second or two then.
There ya go! Now that was a good line, I mean squeeze you in at midnight... at that time it’s really the next day... so... not at all!... now if you could keep that up for a half hour or so, it would make a great act! We could call ourselves Berry & Muffin... get it... Berry Muffin... that's great! Roger roared in that booming bass voice of his with a laugh so full that seemed to shake the rafters. He crossed the room towards the stairway. I'll call you as soon as I learn anything...
As Muffin left the building his stern look showed that the wheels were already turning in his head. He may have made light of the assignment upstairs, but as Berry already knew, Muffin took every assignment he was given serious. It was just his nature to make a joke out of everything.
…
There they were. Those irritating iridescent red numbers of the clock… scolding him like a mother scolds a dawdling child. It was 2:30 and he still hadn't completed the check of data files on his computer... and when this was done he would need to check the National archive database. The American Location Logistics Archive Data Information Network, or ALLADIN for short, listed information about National organizations, fraternal groups, and all sorts of membership clubs along with business concerns and government agencies.
The information usually included the name of the director or founder, the group’s philosophies, rules, membership, and general data on the group’s activities. Many of the listings also gave the name and address of the officers. Berry was hoping that he would get lucky and find some information on the committee there.
He would have to run an automatic search for download and then review the data when he returned. There wasn't time for that now. At 3:00 he had to attend a lecture at the police institute on crime scene observation techniques. The person giving the lecture was a close friend of his and had asked him to participate in a demonstration. He was wondering if there was any way he could squirm out of it when the phone rang.
I was just thinking about you... it was Dianne Cummings from the Law Institute on the other end… 3:00 right? ... Sure, I'll be there... I know you’re counting on me... right... bye. What a wimp I am… I had my chance to back out and I blew it
CHAPTER 3
About half way through the lecture he realized just why he liked her. She was intelligent, confident, and had the face of an angel... face of an angel... he felt like that sounded a bit chauvinistic but it described his feelings accurately.
She was graceful, elegant, all those words that had described a real lady to him as a kid... the attributes he had admired so much in his mother. Yet she was different somehow… stronger maybe... more confident... maybe she was just more of a today’s woman.
Berry's mom was of the generation that believed they were to stay at home, raise babies, and serve their husbands. It was the way things were done then. Now a woman could do whatever she wanted. She isn't limited to becoming a housewife... housewife... Berry never did like that term. It sounded as if the woman was married to the house... and that may be how it seemed to them too he thought...
Mr. Sullivan… would you to please come up here now. Ladies and gentleman I have asked one of our local investigative professionals to assist me in a demonstration of crime scene observations. As you will see when the curtain is pulled, we have set up a crime scene. In this scenario a call was received by the local police department in which the caller reported that his house was broken into and he was robbed by two men wearing ski masks...
As Berry crossed the stage he couldn't help thinking about the call he had received and the meeting tonight at 11:00. Had it something to do with his current investigation? Would he find out some deep dark secret about a member of the Board? She had said that her information... how did she put it... would bring the entire organization down. He would have to wait till eleven to find out. This was one time the clock was running too slow!
Pardon me... oh yes... that is correct.... his mind was not on the lecture... he figured he had better get with the program or he was in for another lecture when he was finished. Berry began to concentrate on the demonstration...
...
Afterwards Berry met with Dianne back at her office. As he walked through the office door she waved to him to take a seat. He could tell she was on the phone with some department head discussing finances.
Can't you see how that makes us look Henry? We can't even provide properly bound material for our lecture notes... Yea, well who's gonna wanna come, Andy Taylor and Barney Fife? ... Yes, I know, but if we don't do something soon we're gonna lose more money from lack of attendance... that WOULD be a shame. We have so much to offer! ... Well, you’re the boss, I'm just one of the worker bees... Ok... I have some ideas...I'll discuss them with you later... Bye
Money troubles at the institute? Berry tried to show some interest.
Oh, it’s the same all over the university. The state's cutting back so we have to cut back, only I wish they'd find some other place to cut funds. This lecture series is aimed at top level police management and professional law enforcement personnel. It’s not that I want to impress these people, it’s just that quality always speaks the loudest... and what we have to say is important... it could mean the difference between allowing a criminal to strike again or putting them behind bars.
I'm not sure putting criminals in jail solves anything. The only skills they seem to learn is how to be better criminals. Berry wasn't soft on crime… he just believed that work camps and educational work programs provided a better alternative.
We all know your stance on prison Berry, I was just saying that better detection provides better evidence... and evidence is what convicts. Listen… let's not get into that now... I have enough hassles with Henry over finances...you want to go get an early dinner? I'm free until seven. We could get some take out and go back to my place.
Sounds good to me. You buyin?
I didn't say that. I just said we could get some take out. But I suppose that if you're low on cash... like always... I could treat. What do ya say?
Sure. Berry grinned a sheepish grin. He was thinking that he hadn’t meant to “beg” dinner, he had money... it was just his way of playing that game of give and take... that funny word game that so much of the world’s conversation revolves around. He had never been very good at that, always saying the wrong thing at the wrong time... and here it was again... she had money worries at the school, and he was reminding her by discussing who pays... I have got to be more sensitive to these things... pay more attention... his thoughts were formed from a real concern...
...
The trip from Gruderman’s Deli to Dianne's house took about 20 minutes. It gave both of them time to relax and enjoy each other’s company. They didn't say much. They didn't have to. There is a kind of silent conversation that exists between kindred spirits, and for them it allows a form of communication that uses only their feelings. Words would have just gotten in the way...
...
After dinner they spent some time discussing each other’s day and exchanging hugs for support. They left the apartment a little before seven and she dropped Berry off at the Institute where he had left his car. Dianne sped off to a 7:00 meeting leaving Berry to sort through the cars in the lot until he found his.
Maybe that's why she always has more money he thought. Her car is at least a year older than mine! As he climbed in he was thinking how much payments would be if you combined the two car loans. Might be cheaper... Whoah, what am I thinking? One step at a time... the last time you rushed things it did some real damage... didn't really get to know the situation well enough... I won't do that again! His mind wondered to the past...
He hadn't had much luck with women. Most of them had only wanted something he had, and it wasn't him! His first wife got a quick divorce and took off with an actor type she met at the local community college. They had only been married eight months when she left Berry. Her new lover was tall, dark, and had the look of a worldly man, as she had put it... He was worldly all right. He left her alone in California a few months later leaving her without an income or friends to fall back on.
His second marriage had lasted a little longer. He and Denise had been married almost a year when things went bad. She began staying out all night. Towards the end, she would stay gone for several days at a time.
She had become addicted to cocaine again. As it turns out, before they met, she had been in several institutions trying to kick the habit. One night a sheriff’s deputy came to his door. Denise had been found in one of the local crack houses. She was dead. She had overdosed on cocaine. The funeral and the months following also took their toll on him
The most important relationship had been with Celeste. She was a top fashion model. Celeste was tall and slender… a perfect figure for modeling, and a face to match. Beautiful features, a creamy complexion, high cheek bones, and long blond hair. He had admired her from a far for many years before they actually met. She was class, and seemed to elevate him to a higher level just by being with him. They had been married seven years but never had children.
Things begin to fall apart after a while. Between her drive up the social ladder, and his need to continually educate himself, their relationship was left out in the process. Her affections wandered and his faded, leaving an empty shell where love once had been.
...
Maturity brings wisdom they say. He may have become wiser now, but he had definitely become more cynical from it. Pulling into the garage on the bottom floor of the old warehouse, he pressed his thumb on the control and closed the door behind him. He kind of liked that.
It was like shutting out the world. A symbolic gesture of closing out all that does not belong. When the door is shut only those things you want to include can come in. You have the control. Not like the real world, where some invisible force controls the sway of human business... first bending it this way and than that... like a tree being pushed and pulled by the forces of the wind.
Walking in the door and turning to the alarm control Berry was chastened again. There on the alarm box, just above the keypad, was that never tiring blaze of digits spelling out the time. 7:45 and I still haven't checked all of the info from ALLADIN.
He was beginning to think there was some dark force swaying him... away from the data...off to another area, one that leads him away from the truth... it wanted him to ignore the information... wanted him to miss something... Nahh... it's just his lousy timing.
I TOLD Muffin I have bad timing... he was thinking about jokes now. Funny stories he could tell her, something to make her laugh and enjoy his company. He really wanted to please her more than any relationship before...
It was curious, and not like him to spend so much time thinking about love... he made a mental note to check his emotions for bad programming...
CHAPTER 4
That afternoon, while Berry was busy with Dianne, Muffin was checking all his usual sources for information. He had been to Fat Daddies and had struck out there. Either no one there every heard of this organization, or they weren't talking, and that wasn't likely. He had always had a good relationship with the guys that hung out there. There was no reason for them to lie to him.
The gangs in the city were always on top of anything that was going on. Muffin knew most of their members. As he rounded the corner onto 1st street he decided to pay one of them a visit. The Disciples headquarters was in an abandon garage off of the 1st street bridge. When he pulled up to the front of the garage a gang member named Bobby V strolled up to the car.
Say Bro! Sup? You here ta pay ya respect ta de mahn? Bobby wore dreadlocks and liked to talked in a Jamaican accent even thought he was raised on the south end of town. He liked the image.
Taint nothin. Just cruzin the hood... checkin the scenery. Muffin tried to ease the mood a little.
Yaah, well don't check too close, Bro... may see sometin dat'll hurt ya! Lata scary tings in da woods... lions ‘n tigers... ya know!
I ain't here for no trouble Bobbie... just need some info... maybe some help from the crew... if you can swing it... if you got the clout. He knew that Bobbie considered himself the leader of the disciples. The taunt was calculated to buy him some help.
Clout! Clout!! Wah chu mean Bro!! Ya talkin ta de mahn! I am de mahn! I say what goes! If I say we help de brahdah... we help de brahdah... so what you want?
I need to find out all I can about an organization called the Committee to Disband College Sports. They wantta get rid of all sports at state colleges and put the money used for sports into educational facilities like classrooms and labs.
Whoooh Bro!! Dat would be bad for de brahdahs! Most deese kids don't have no chance to get an ad ju cashun. If day take way sports, day won't be none dat have a chance ta make it atta here.
Bobby understood the value of an education. He was hard, from being raised on the streets, and angry at the world for what it had dealt him, but he knew that there was a better way. It kind of gave him a sense of duty. He couldn't have it, but maybe he could see to it that others had a chance. Tell ya what, Bro, ya drop back buy dis Friday aft’noon... we see what we cun do... hang loose brahdah...
Bobby strutted away like peacock proud of his colors. He felt like he was doing something for the hood!
...
It was getting late in the afternoon and Roger hadn't had a chance to eat yet. This was something he usually didn't miss, but he had been so tied up in trying to get some information, that the day had slipped by. Just a short distance away was the Green Grotto. His thoughts turned to their bill of fare. By now, Roger knew it by heart. The Green Grotto was a strange sort of club. It was an old corner drug store that had been converted into a restaurant and a nightclub. These days it served as a local hang out for the alternate lifestyles set and those who still fancied themselves beatniks or hippies or whatever they called themselves now... Any time you enter those doors there was no telling who or what you might run into.
It was mostly dark inside with a few neon sculptures placed strategically to light the path ways from one area to another. Once the eyes become adjusted to the light, dark burgundy walls could be seen covered with black twine fish nets. The ceiling was smooth with several antique ceiling fans scattered about. Live music could be heard spilling through the small doorway in the wall between the two halves
The nightclub was decorated a lot like the restaurant. Near the door, on the front end of the room a bar covered the entire wall. The long narrow floor led up to a small stage at the far end where bands played every afternoon and evening. The music usually ranged from jazz and blues to industrial and alternative music.
It was around 4:30 when Muffin went ambling in and sat down at one of the booths. While he was reviewing the menu an old friend slid into the seat across from him.
Hi Rog, I haven't seen you here for quite some time. You out slummin?
Set down Lee, make yourself ta home, since you’re already here! Muffin alluded to his old friend Lee Harrington sitting down without being invited.
Well, I'll leave if you want me to. I'm sorry I invaded your privacy! Lee started to get up before Muffin's large hand grabbed him by the arm and sit him back down.
Sit down, sit down... I was just funnin ya! So, what ya been up to Lee?
Well, I'm just about worn out from all the verbal fighting that's been going on... you know... this group wants this, and that group wants that... heaven knows I've tried to keep the peace!
They're just so greedy... ya give um some rights... and wah lah... they’re all experts on the subject. Well, you know, I ought to let them fight it out... would serve um right... get all lumpy and turn black and blue... who'd want um then?
Sounds like you’re busy...
Well... Yes I am!, listen, I gotta go. I just stopped by to say hi. You still hangin round with that Berry Sullivan guy? Muffin nodded. Well tell him hi for me... haven't seen him since he moved out of the building next door to my apartment...
say... did he ever get that old warehouse fixed up? ... Lee had met Berry several years back when Muffin arranged for him to rent an apartment from a friend.
Yea, you outta see it! ... done real good! ... put a lota money into it... runs his company outta there now. Muffin was kind of proud of it. He had helped Berry some to fix the place up, and felt as if some of the credit was his.
Lee, before you go... ever heard of an organization called the Committee to Disband College Sports? ... I'm trying to find some background on them.
No... doesn't ring a bell.
Could you check with some of your friends... see if you can find out anything?
Well... do I get a prize if I give you the right answer? Ya know my time is valuable too! It’s like my dear mother used to say... if you scratch my back I'll scratch yours.
That depends on how much you want to scratch! Give me a call if you hear anything...
As Lee got up to leave Roger’s food arrived. It was not a snack, but a fare of several courses, starting with cream cheese and bacon bagels and going all the way to a full plate of spaghetti and meat sauce covered with shredded parmesan cheese. From all the food sitting on the table, an onlooker might think he was expecting someone to join him. But the smile on Roger’s face revealed the great joy he took in consuming large amounts of what he considered good tasting foods.
It was several courses after the bagels, but before the giant plate of spaghetti that he considered trying to contact Darby. He really didn’t want to, but he was thinking that may be the only way to get some solid information. He hadn’t seen Darby for over 2 years, and that was ok with Roger. Whenever Darby got involved it always seemed that bad things happened. Contacting HIM could cause trouble because Roger was never sure of exactly what he would do or who he was loyal to. Darby was a free-lancer, a former CIA covert operative… or maybe NOT former… He decided he would focus on the next course and deal with whether to see Darby later.
…
Lee put his hand on Robert’s shoulder. Hi Robert, you’re looking really good these days. How are things going with you and your little project, sweetie? Lee, it’s nice to see you too. Your little trips to Jamaica must be a good way to avoid getting involved… Well that’s just what I wanted to talk to you about. I am thinking I need to be more informed… er, involved I mean. Anyway, maybe you could fill me in on a few things so I can see if I can find a place to park myself.
Lee’s bumbling attempt to segue into asking questions made Robert a little uncomfortable. So what do you want to know Lee, the personal involvements of all the gay men who are working with the project? Robert pushed back at Lee knowing it would make him uncomfortable too. In fact, his response took Lee by surprise, so much so that Lee skipped all his intended chat and got to his point. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean anything personal. It’s just that I overheard a couple of guys talking about something called the Committee to Disband College Sports, and since I really don’t care for sports much… too much violence for me… I thought maybe I could start there.
Never heard of it Lee. It’s not on my radar and not associated with anything I am working on. Listen, there is a rally meeting I have to attend, so I need to take off. It was nice talking to you Lee. Robert walked away abruptly, and left Lee standing in the hallway…
CHAPTER 5
Berry looked up from the terminal. This time that pesky clock was telling him it was almost time to meet with his anonymous caller. 10:30 already. Where had the day gone? Berry wondered if this meeting would bring him any closer to task at hand, or lead him off on some other direction that he did not have time for right now...
As he drove along the boulevard Berry noticed drops of water reflecting off the lights. Everything sparkled like new jewels. It gave a clean, fresh appearance to things, kind of like they were brand new. He wished that somehow it really worked this way. If there were troubles or problems, you could just wait for a rain… and whoosh… it would all be gone and everything would be new!
After pulling up to the hotel, the parking valet pulled his car away as he hopped up the steps to the front lobby. He felt a little like a young boy, queasy from the excitement of a first date. The anticipation was tearing him up inside.
The Chancy Inn was one of those high class hotels that catered to the most discriminating tastes. State officials and dignitaries visiting the university usual stayed there. Crossing the lobby Berry passed the chancelleries’ desk and entered the hallway leading down to the pool area.
For the first time he could remember in a while he was on time... in fact he was even early... though he didn't notice... a clock in the shape of a beer mug was hanging in the window of the lounge... silently, these soft red numbers whispered the time... 10:51. As he entered the pool area Berry glanced around. It was designed to give the patrons an exercise room, a place to relax, and a swimming pool all in one area.
Around the perimeter, about 14 feet above the floor, a balcony provided a running track. At the far end were two Nautilus machines and several other pieces of exercise equipment. Along the wall on one side was a sauna booth stretching half the length. The remaining area along that wall was filled with two hot tubs.
Berry walked over to the bar that covered the length of the other wall. Could I have a Coke? Alcohol did not agree with Berry. He usually tried to avoid it.
As he sat at one of the tables that encircled the pool, he surveyed the people situated around the room. Berry noted that only four of them were women, two of which he guessed were over 40. From the brief conversation he had with the lady over the phone, her voice sounded younger, he would have guessed that her age was maybe somewhere between 20 and 30.
The third woman was the bartender. If she was the one who had called he figured she would have said something when he ordered the drink. That left only one possible of those who were there. Berry focused his attention to her...
The clock above the bar blurted out that his contact was late. It was now 11:15, and the two older women had already left. A few minutes later the only other possible left with the young man she had been sitting with. A little perplexed, Berry continued to wait for a woman to stroll up and announce that she was there to see him.
He was thinking about going to get another Coke when a man approached him wearing one of the Hotel's blazers. Are you Mr. Berry Sullivan? He was holding an envelope in his hand. Berry nodded his head. I apologize for the delay Mr. Sullivan. A young lady left this for you at the front desk just before shift change. She asked that it be delivered too you here at the pool at 11:00, but the desk captain didn't find it until a few minutes ago. Sometimes things get misplaced between shifts, I'm sorry if this has caused you any inconvenience.
Thank you was all Berry said as he took the envelope. He felt that it HAD caused him some inconvenience. It was inconvenient that he might not be finding out what this was all about yet. The note inside the envelope confirmed this hunch. It read:
They know about me. I think I'm being watched. I can't risk a meeting now. Call 555-3417 at 9 tomorrow morning and ask for Margie.
...
Upon returning to his office Berry checked the cross reference directory. The number in the message was listed as belonging to the Alliance For a Unified Cooperation. If memory served him correctly, the address for the organization was the same as the Green Grotto. That was curious... why would an organization have the same address as a bar and grill?
His mind wandered… he was thinking about the years before he got into the investigation business. He had not been what you would call a stable employee. His thoughts reminded him that in as little as a 10 year period of his prior life he had worked at 14 different jobs… so many different places and people were running through his head. It was curious however that he really didn’t feel any regrets about having jumped jobs so many times. He WAS a quick learner and as soon as he got the hang of a task, he was ready to move on to the next. Most of the time he just got bored when he because proficient at a job, and then he would begin to look for new challenges. Sometimes it only took him a few days to decide that what he was doing was not what he wanted to do. On one occasion he left a job after working only an hour or so.
After all, he WAS a multi-tasker in the true sense of the word. His mind worked in a way that allowed him to consider a large amount of information simultaneously, and that along with the ability to perform physical tasks without really having to focus on what he was doing gave him an advantage over most people. He could put his body into gear, and his natural instincts would take over allowing him do what was needed physically while his mind was busy considering a thousand other bits and pieces of information that is stored in his mental filing cabinets.
I need to bring this together into a bundle that will make sense and give me a lead on what is going on. I am beginning to think that there is a thread that ties all this together.
Having spent so much time by himself, he would often talk out loud as if someone were actually listening. It was a habit he developed over the years… he was thinking that his abilities were actually perfect for this business and he had finally found work that could keep him interested for the rest of his life.
CHAPTER 6
Bip bip bip bip bip bip...the nagging sound of the alarm wrest him from the arms of Morpheus. He slapped the snooze bar on the top of the clock box and peered bleary eyed in its general direction. 7:00...time again to meet the morning...time to embrace the day and face each new situation as if it were the most important thing that day...this is the way he believed...the way he transcended this life...his look however, revealed that he was less than enthusiastic about greeting THIS day.
Starting the day as usual, with a can of Coke, the TV News and later the Talk Show, he browsed through the local morning paper looking for items of interest.
When he reached the entertainment section he began to smile. The top headline read: LOCAL MUSIC SUCCESS STORY MIKE MURDOCK VISITS. Berry remembered the early days when he and Mike were playing music with a small rock group. In those days Berry fancied himself a rock-n-roll musician. He wasn't bad at it either...he just kind of lost interest after his marriage failed.
It would be nice to talk with Mike, but it was too early to try to call him. Most musicians didn't get out of bed until afternoon, and Michael was no exception. He made a mental note to call the hotel where mike usually stayed. He would wait until 1:00 or 2:00 to assure that Mike was up...
At 9:00 Berry shut off the TV and dialed the 7 digits that might give him answers to some questions...questions that had been nagging at him ever since he received that call. On the third ring a woman's voice answered the phone.
The Alliance For a Unified Cooperation, this is Mary, may I help you.
I hope so. May I speak with Margie?
Margie?...I'm sorry, there's no Margie here.
Are you sure? She gave me this number. She called a few days ago and wanted to speak to me. I was hoping I could get together with her today.
Sir, I don't know anyone named Margie. No one by that name works here, and I would know since I coordinate all the volunteers. You probably wrote the number down wrong. I'm sorry I can't help you...good-bye...and with that she hung up...
...
Muffin was on his way downtown. He picked up his cellular phone on the first ring. On the other end a somewhat panicky voice sprang out.
Well, yagotta dosomethin I'mgettin alotaheat fromoneathe factions When Istartedasking questionsbout this groupayours allhecksbrokeloose Idoeknow whattado...
It was Lee. He was speaking so fast that his words were running together.
Roger could hardly understand him. Whoa...slow down...what are ya talkin about?
This Committee to Disband College Sports...its caused abigruckus...I'm catchincrapfrom sompeople who belong to oneahthefactions...oneahthem told me I'dbetterkeep manoise outtafit if I knew whatsgoodferme...
I think shewas actually threatenin me...theydoewantme askinround...brings too much attention ersomethin. Whatdjagitmeinto Roger?
I don't know Lee. That's why I was asking you about it. Listen, it might be a good thing for you to lay low for a while until I can find out a little more about this. Why don't you go stay at Arnold's Place until I can sort this out.
Well, I suppose I can hang ‘round there a few days? Do you really think I'm in any danger Roger? Lee had calmed down a little.
I don't know Lee, but I believe staying there will keep you outta reach. You keep out of sight for a few days and I'll see what I can do. Muffin didn't really believe that Lee was at risk, but he knew Lee wouldn't leave him alone until he could make Lee feel more comfortable and secure. Arnold's Place was the first thing that came to his mind.
Arnold's Place is sort of a code name for a safe house that moves around town. It’s run by an old friend of Roger’s named Richard Marks. It was designed for those on the wayward side of the law, or hiding from trouble. Most who used the services are small time criminals looking to elude arrest, or trying to keep from getting caught by someone they have crossed.
Rich had rules about those he took in though. He had his own kind of morals. He would not help murders, armed robbery suspects, or those who committed violent crimes. He also avoided anyone with government involvement.
Listen Lee, I wouldn't say much about what's going on. If anyone asks, just tell em that a jealous lover is on the rampage and you're wantin to avoid trouble. It’s probably better to keep it quiet. Since I don’t know what’s going on yet, we don't want to draw too much attention. I’ll make the arrangements and call you with the current address in a few minutes. I'll contact you later at Arnold’s Place as soon as I know what’s up with this mess.
With that, Muffin switched off the cellular phone. This was looking like it might be a quite a case after all. He was beginning to wonder where all this was going to lead...
Arnold’s Place would be a good location for Lee to stay for a few days. He would feel safe there and Muffin would know where Lee was if he needed him. Muffin dialed the number to call Rich and make arrangements. He also wanted to check with Rich just to make sure it would be ok for Lee to stay there a few days, but he knew it would be.
Download this book for your ebook reader.
(Pages 1-25 show above.)