Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

“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 comments

  1. Jill Weatherholt's avatar

    It sounds like Mrs. Rafferty did more questioning than the detective.“Sounds like a pastrami kind of day.” LOL!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Jill. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  2. patriciaruthsusan's avatar

    It seems the men are following the old advice, “Follow the money.” 🙂 — Suzanne

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      All the way to the deli.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. TanGental's avatar

    Curiouser and… how’d he get the money. Hmm..

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      One has to wonder. Maybe the Mrs. will have some info.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. TanGental's avatar

        We will have to see!

        Liked by 1 person

  4. GP's avatar

    Posing more questions, eh?

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
    Gwen Plano · ·

    What a great photo of Twiggy. And your line, “a pastrami kind of day” captures the whole story. Well done!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Gwen. I think every day out to have it’s own sandwich.

      Like

  6. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Hope they bring tissues. Larry seems a little surly lately.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      He is a little grumpy. A lot on his mind.

      Like

  7. Sorryless's avatar

    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

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think so too. Love meatloaf.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sorryless's avatar

        Spicy meatloaf is bonus round.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Dan Antion's avatar

    “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

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Dan. This journey is a long and winding road.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dan Antion's avatar

        Ha ha – more references ???

        Liked by 1 person

  9. coldhandboyack's avatar

    I think every day should be a pastrami kind of day.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Website: http://brchitwood.com - B R Chitwood - My Mission: Writing to Discover Me's avatar

    ‘Red Light’, indeed! I’ll be out for a while… ♥

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Teri Polen's avatar

    The house is free and clear – can’t say I’m surprised. And I agree with Craig – every day should be a pastrami kind of day.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It should. Thank you, Teri

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    Two o’clock it is. Maybe this mystery will start to unravel!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I wouldn’t be too sure about unravel. 😁 Thanks, Jan

      Like

  13. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar
    D.L Finn, Author · ·

    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

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I had hoped someone would like it. Thanks, Denise.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Debbie's avatar

    Pastrami? Well, I guess they have to eat, don’t they? Still, I hope they pack the Rolaids because this doesn’t sound like an easy interview.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It will not be easy I’m betting

      Like

  15. Dale's avatar

    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

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes you shout have something smoked.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar

        Hahaha… we, here in Montreal, do have the best smoked meat… not this pastrami stuff (not that it’s not enjoyable as well…) 😁

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Sometimes I have trouble telling one smoked chunk of meat from another. I’ll take your word for it. I know an ice cold Molson ale would probabily make any meat taste good

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Dale's avatar

          It definitely would not hurt!!

          Liked by 1 person

  16. Mae Clair's avatar

    Ooh a new character is coming onto the scene, Looking forward to seeing where the is leading!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Mae. I hope the Mrs. can help.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Jennie's avatar

    This is heating up with a possible good lead. You picked the right town, John. I can’t wait to hear what she has to say!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Me too. Thanks, Jennie.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jennie's avatar

        You are welcome, John!

        Liked by 1 person

  18. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    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

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Great joke, Teagan. There will be more questions for sure. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  19. The Hook's avatar

    Dogs are great, but devil dogs?
    They smell like brimstone and spew metaphorical fire.

    Liked by 1 person