“What is that, Little One?”
“It’s my gotcha cake.”
“Ah. One year since we gotcha.”
“Yup. Happy Gotcha to me.”
It is Wednesday Story Day again and last week we were part of a discussion between Andrew and Larry to the point that Janice and Alexis Rafferty might have had some discord in their marriage that could have been a motive for murder. As clichéd as it sounds the detectives will need to follow-up with a careful investigation of the Raftery’s to see if there is that possibility. In the meantime, it appears that Larry is keeping Cortez on the suspect list given the five-million-dollar policy and the fact that Rafferty refused to sign the report that said Sandusky’s machine didn’t work. We better check in with Larry and Andrew and see where the heck we are on this whole mess.
“Hey, Larry. You hear from Evon on that contract?”
“As a matter of fact, no. I totally forgot that he was going to send it over.”
“Well, I have some news on Miss Janice.”
“Do tell.”
“it seems she filed for a divorce a year ago.”
“You’re kidding me? That is all too pat.”
“Get this though. She never went through with it.”
“How do you know that?”
“There was a subsequent filing requesting a withdrawal of the petition which was granted. Guess who was Janice’s lawyer.”
“I don’t have to guess. Evon, right?”
“You got it.”
“So what does this tell us?”
“In my mind, there was something not right in the marriage and then for some reason whatever was not right was corrected.”
“Or some hot-shot lawyer talks the petitioner out of pursuing a divorce for some reason.”
“And the husband dies within the year.”
“And five-million is up for grabs.”
“We need to talk to that police chief in South Tahoe to see if the insurance company contacted him.”
“I also have to call Evon and find out the status of that employment contract.”
“Who’s on first?”
“Let’s do the police chief. Dialing now.”
“I hope he is available.”
“Me too¾Yes this is detective Dunfee of the Boston Police depart. Is Captain Swartz available? Sure, I’ll hold.”
“Bet he’s out.”
“Hello, Captain. Thank you, sir, I hope your day is good as well. Yes, sir. The reason for my call is to quickly check to see if an insurance agent or investigator has contacted you regarding the Rafferty matter? They have. I wonder if you could tell me about the nature of their discussion. Uh huh. Yeah. Okay. So, you told them it was an accident. No, no that’s all the information you have about it. What you said was fine. One more thing, captain. Could you give me the name of the company and the person who contacted you? Why? As you know we are investigating a murder that has some elements involving Mr. Rafferty. We just want to make certain that the company understands some of the circumstances around the five-million-dollar policy. Yes, that’s right five million. He never mentioned the amount? No, I still think what you told him are the facts as you see them at this point. No, of course, I don’t think you were part of any scheme. Captain take a breath. No one is accusing you of anything. We just think it is prudent to let the company know some facts that we have uncovered. It will be their decision to pay or not. So are we good? Great. Now, who were the investigator and the company name? Yes, just read me his card. Okay, I’m ready. Randall Davis, special investigator, World Life, and Casualty. Um, Hum. Yes. 212-555-1212. Okay, I got it. Thank you so much, captain. Yes, we will keep you informed. Yes, sir, you have a good one as well.”
“What the hell?”
“I know right? The captain became unglued when I mentioned the five million.”
“Sounded like he was declaring his innocence.”
“Yeah, don’t you wonder when people do that?”
“I’m not sure but if I were the head of the police department, I would have thought a drunken ski accident would be suspicious.”
“Maybe there is more to his denial than meets the eye.”
“God, I hope we are not adding another suspect.”
“We need to keep our eyes open, but I agree with you. This whole case is getting to be bigger than a breadbasket.”
“Where do you get sayings like that?”
“I don’t know. They just come to me.”
“You sure you didn’t work in a Dilbert kind of company?”
“Yeah, I’m positive. Anyway, let’s do the call with Evon. I think I’m going to have to talk to Gloria soon if we get any more complex here.”
“Sounds like a good idea no matter what.”
Fiction Favorites 
Story moving along nicely!
I’m guessing all the Howell ladies are enjoying the Austin-Lakeway area!
You’re a driven-man, good John! ♥♥♥
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Yes they are. Thanks, Billy Ray.
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Oh dear. My brain hurts!
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Mine too. 😁
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Everyone they talk to seems to be guilty of something. Think they’re going to need a long vacation after this.
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We are going to need a long vacation as well. Thanks, Charles.
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I get one in a bit, but it’s already looking chaotic.
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Let’s hope not as bad as you think.
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My head is spinning! Aw…I love the “gotcha” cake. 🙂
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Thank you, Jill. These two love the cake too. It plays “Happy Birthday” until one of them jumps on it. If your head is spinning don’t stand up quick. 😀
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How cute that it plays “Happy Birthday!” I always stand up too quick! 🙂
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Yes. Hard to remember to get up slowly.
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Happy “gotcha” day to Twiggy!
As for the case, where do I start? The more people they talk to, the more people become a suspect! That phone conversation was covering a whole lot of someones. Hmmmm.
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So true, Marc. I think I’m going to invest in a program and score card. No other way to keep track. 😄
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That a way Boss! 😉
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The photo of the pups with the gotcha toy cake is precious. It is hard to believe it’s been a year since Twiggy’s arrival. As for the story, I’m thinking it’s dangerous to have a big policy. Have a great day, John. 🙂
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Yes a big policy does attract attention. Thank you, Gwen. Have a great day as well.
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Yikes! More and more layers are being revealed. Andrew and Larry have their hands full with this one!
The gotcha cake is adorable! Happy Gotcha day to Twiggy! 🙂
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Thank you, Mae. I sense Larry is getting a little frustrated. To quote Gloria, “You need to look for a motive first and then the murderer will follow.” Now we have at least three with motive. Yikes is right. 😀
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Happy Gotcha Day to Twiggy! Love it.
As for this case. Good gawd, man! Every time we think we are going in one direction, we are lead down another path! Can’t wait for the next “episode”!
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Thanks for the gotcha greeting. There are many paths. I hope we have seen them all now. (I doubt it though)
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For some strange reason, I doubt it, too…
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😁
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Very strange reaction by the Captain. I look forward to another communication with his wife. Happy Gotcha day to Twiggy:)
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The Captain was pretty strange alright. Thanks, Denise.
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Things are being stirred nicely. A good installment, John. I like the Gotcha cake. That’s cute. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thank you, Suzanne. 😀
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Great section today. I love the idea of a gotcha cake. April 1st was Otto’s birthday. Seems fitting for him. They both got ice cream.
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Ice cream is a special treat for sure. 😁
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And another twist is added to the already contorted pretzel of a mystery. But, I think ultimately, it will all somehow lead back to Cortez. We shall see. Great segment, John!
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Cortez does seem like the obvious one. Thanks, Jan
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Wait, Gloria’s advice was follow the money. She didn’t mention that that road had a fork in it with $5 million down each way. If the ski area cop didn’t know about the $5 million, either he didn’t know or he didn’t get a big enough piece of the action. Another suspect…I think my head hurts.
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Yeah, I think you shoule lay down. Get a cold one first. Then lay down. 😷
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Now that’s sound advice.
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😁
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I see your old hometown is still making news!
https://acenewsservices.wordpress.com/2019/04/03/corpus-christi-texas-uscg-report-in-partnership-with-the-state-aquarium-wildlife-rescue-cente-r-released-two-rehabilitated-sea-turtles-near-port-aransas-on-friday-acenewsdesk/
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Thank you, GP. Port A has turtle releases about once a month. Good to see the message get out.
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I’ve long thought Gloria holds the key to something (what, I’m not sure!). But you didn’t bring her up in the first place without having a reason, right? Happy Gotcha Day to the little potato — love her cake, too!
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Yes, Gloria has a purpose. Gotcha day was great. Thank you, Debbie.
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bubbling rather splendidly. Oh and Dilbert! Such a role model…
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I know right? Thanks, Geoff.
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John I have missed this story. The plot has thickened to the point that I bounced when I jumped back in. 😉 😀
I can’t wait to see what Gloria has to say. Mega hugs!
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Thank you, Teagan.
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Love that Twiggy had a “Gottcha Day” too. ❤
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Ha haha. Thanks, Teagan
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Excellent pacing, John.
I envy your mastery of fiction and storytelling in general.
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Thank you for the nice words, Hook.
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I mean them and I owe you more than I can ever repay, John.
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Aw sucks. I don’t see it. We are even as far as I can see.
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Happy Gotcha Day to Twiggy! As usual, you throw in even more twists, John.
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Don’t forget Chubby Checker was popular when I was in High School. Thanks, Teri.😀
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Wow! And the episode ended without calling Evon, or contacting Gloria? Divorce, murder, possible police conspiracy… this is great, John!!
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I’m glad you liked it, Jennie.
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😀
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And, a Happy One Year Gotcha, Twiggy.
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Thank you, Jennie.
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You’re welcome, John.
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