Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell
“Don’t tell me this is Wednesday.”
“It’s Wednesday.”
“I told you not to tell me that.”

 

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we learned that the engineer who verified the fact that Sandusky’s machine did not work died on a ski slope with a blood alcohol level of 2.0. Larry wanted to talk to Captain Swartz who is the head of police at South Lake Tahoe but couldn’t get him on the line. Andrew was tasked in finding the engineer’s wife so that Larry can find out how much the engineer was used to drinking. Andrew is coming back into Larry’s office with a smile on his face. Let’s see what he has found.

 

“Okay, Larry. I have good news.”

“Be still my beating heart. I’m not sure I can handle good news.”

“I found Raffety’s wife. You know the engineer?”

“My goodness, man I’m not your age. I remember. That is good news. Where is she?”

“She still is in their house in Boxborough. “

“Whoa, that is pretty expensive real estate.”

“Yeah, I know. I did some checking, and their house is a 3200 square foot place, so you know it is over a mil.”

“I wonder why the payments are on a joint like that?”

“Funny thing. I could not find a mortgage holder on that property. Looks like the place is free and clear.”

“What the heck did Rafferty do? Own an engineering company?”

“The best I could find out he only worked for Cortez.”

“So, all his money came from his job?”

“I guess so. I couldn’t find any relationships with big money in his family.”

“So, I’ll bet Cortez more or less owned him. Rafferty got used to the good life and couldn’t break away.”

“You are assuming he wanted to break away.”

“Well, it seems strange that he ends up dead doesn’t it?”

“You have me there. You think he somehow let Cortez know he was through with whatever he was doing?”

“I just have a feeling that Rafferty was into far more with Cortez than just engineering work. Living where he did does not come cheap. Having a house that is paid for is a red light as well.”

“You mean flag, Larry. Red light is a whole different thing. We should talk to the wife. Maybe she knows something.”

“Geez Andrew. Ya think? That’s why I asked you to find her. Do you have a phone number?”

“Yes, sir boss. Here it is.”

“I’m watching you, Andrew. I detect black sarcasm in the classroom.”

“Just pulling your chain, Boss. So much fun.”

“Quiet it’s ringing. Hello. Mrs. Rafferty? This is Detective Dunfee of the Boston Police Department. I’m very sorry to intrude and am sorry for your loss… Yes, well my associate and I are working on a case and think you can shed some light on the circumstances of your husband’s accident…I know the South Tahoe Police talked to you…Yes, I think it is very important…At your convenience…This afternoon would be perfect. Thank you so much. Is two o’clock okay? Yes, we can be there by one. I understand about the kids coming home. We will see you at one. No that’s okay I have your address. Goodbye Mrs. Rafferty.”

“That went well, Mr. Smooth.”

“She sounds like a very nice person. She did tear up though. This is going to be an emotional afternoon Andrew.”

“Sounds like a pastrami kind of day.”

“You are a devil dog you know. I’m in. Let’s hit Sam LaGrassas’ on the way.”

“I’ll drive.”

 

 

 

50 thoughts on “Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day”

  7. Boss,

    That shot of Twiggy is million dollar frame worthy.

    And nicely tucked in Pink Floyd reference, it was seamless! I love when that happens!

    A pastrami kind of day, I dig. But their meatloaf diablo and their brisket are worthwhile days o’ the week as well. 😉

    Liked by 1 person

  8. “Sounds like a pastrami kind of day.” – Now I’m thinking the same thing, I’m trying to see what puzzle pieces we have on the table and what part of the picture is already clear – I got nothing , John. You have really taken us on a journey here. Let’s get on with Friday and then turn around for our visit with Mrs. R.

    Oh, Pink Floyd reference noted and approved.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Hopefully the wife will know something and the house sounds suspicious. Red light and red flag definitely different and the exchange cracked me up.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Oh. Em. Gee. That face on Twiggy! Absolutely priceless! I had trouble getting into the story because I was just laughing at her extremely expressive look!

    And, love that Pink Floyd reference – you sneaky one, you….

    I dunno how much farther they’ve gotten on the case, but I find myself craving some real smoked meat, right about now.

    Liked by 1 person

  18. All right, Twist Master John… why do I expect that there will be even more questions after they talk to her? 😉
    And I can’t help thinking there must be more to that pastrami than meets the *rye*!
    (Seriously? You know I couldn’t resist that. 😉 ) Mega hugs!

    Liked by 1 person

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