Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

September 4, 2019September 3, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

Lucy and Twiggy — “Friday yet?”
“No, Little One. Just Wednesday.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we witnessed Larry and Andrew get waylaid on their way to their hotel by a couple of men brandishing handguns. The men told Andrew and Larry to get out of the car, and Larry advises Andrew that they should do just that. These guys were a surprise to us all, so I think we better get over there to find out what they intend to do.

“All right we are getting out of the car. Andrew do as the nice man says.”

“You two keep your hands where we can see em. Slowly get out and come around the front.”

“You’ll have no trouble with us. Can I ask what this is all about?”

“You can take a big cup of shut the fuck up, detective. That’s what you can do. If we want to hear from you, we’ll ask. In the meantime, shut your yap.”

“Well, okay.”

“I said, shut it. You two got any weapons?”

“Can I answer?”

“A real smart ass we have. Did I ask a question?”

“Yes, you did.”

“Then answer the dammed question.”

“No, we don’t have any weapons.”

“Big detective like you from the big city of Boston is not packin’ I find that hard to believe.”

“You can search me if you want.”

“I’ll do anything I want to you smart ass. I don’t need permission. Your constitutional rights are suspended. Spread your legs and reach for the sky. Uh-huh. No weapon.”

“Told you.”

“Shut up. How about you, fat man? Got a gun in your underwear?”

“For heaven’s sake, my good man. Why would I put a gun in my underwear? It might go off accidentally.”

“Oh, you are a regular stand up comic. Hear that Lance? This guy doesn’t want to shoot his parts off. What a laugh. You spread your legs as well. Okay, no weapon either. Now I need you two to get in this big ole SUV. We are going for a ride.”

“A ride like Al Capon ride?”

“Shut up, detective. Your jokes are getting on my nerves. Just get in the vehicle. Lance here is going to ride with you. He’ll be in the third row behind you. Don’t do anything to make him have to go to confession this Sunday okay?”

“Don’t worry. I certainly want to respect his feelings.”

“Okay, then. Lance get in. You two follow him. I’ll be driving.”

“Yes, sir. Can I ask where we are going?”

“You can but I ain’t gonna tell you. My boss wants you to be surprised.”

“Ah, you have a boss.”

“Doesn’t everyone. Now shut up and watch your hands. I’m closing this door.”

“Boy Andrew. Looks like we are going to be blessed talking to one of the biggies here in town.”

“We all ready back there? No more talking. Here we go.”

Wednesday Story Time – AKA – Hump Day

August 28, 2019August 27, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 33 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day time again, and last week we were there when Larry and Andrew got the warrant to go and ask for the hotel records for Alexis Rafferty. The warrant is only valid for twenty-four hours. Larry requested that Ned Dixon, Janis’ lover be included in the warrant but the judge was cold to the idea, so Larry dropped it. It is now after 8:30 and Larry decides they should go to their own hotel. Let’s go with them.

“Shouldn’t we go to the Hyatt hotel?”

“You know Andrew, if we go there tonight, we will meet some kid who won’t be authorized to honor the warrant and we’ll spin our wheels or worse tip off someone as to our intentions.”

What do you mean tipoff?”

“I don’t trust anyone. If we go over there and ask for the records and then can’t get them ten to one, they will have met an unfortunate accident by the time we get back.”

“I get that for sure. Tell me, Larry, if Alexis is registered, how can we prove Janice is with him? Unless they have a Mr. and Mrs. registration, we won’t be able to tell.”

“You and I know that. Even with a Mr. and Mrs. registration without additional evidence, we could never make a case that she was actually there. Whoever we question may have additional information like a room service bill signed by Janice.”

“Good thinking. Too bad on the Ned Dixion try.”

“Yeah, that judge is a sly one. No matter we’ll pretend that the warrant covers anyone we want.”

“But if you turn up evidence it won’t be admissible.”

“Not too worried about admissible. I’m going for the old one perp turns on the other strategy.”

“Meaning?”

“Let’s just say we find out Ned was at the hotel the night Alexis was killed. We then have some information to ask him why he was there. We also have information to ask Janice why he was there. Makes a beautiful scene of sweat city. Maybe one or the other will crack and spill the beans for a deal.”

“You are a crafty one, Mr. Grinch.”

“Why thank you, Andrew. Well, we are here at the hotel. Let’s go in and have a nightcap and call it a night.”

“Good idea. This altitude gets to me. I could use an early evening.”

“Uh, Andrew. Do you see that guy coming this way?”

“Yeah. I also see the guy knocking on my window with a very impressive handgun.”

“Roll down the window, fat man.”

“Is he talking to me?”

“Roll down the window, Andrew. I think he wants to talk to us. At least I hope it’s talk. This is not good. I have one on my side too.”

“You two get out of the car. Slowly.”

“Let’s get out Andrew and see what these fine gentlemen want.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

August 21, 2019August 20, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

“What are you doing, Lucy?”
“Just checking. I think I see Friday headed this way.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we had a round of doubt with Christine. Andrew was all in favor of heading back to Boston, but Larry talked him into going for justice for Alexis’ murder. Andrew wasn’t anxious to stay and drink with Christine. In fact, he thinks Christine’s days are numbered. Larry and Andrew head over to the Judge’s house. We need to get there and see how this scene is going to play out.

“Go ahead, Andrew ring the bell.”

“It’s after eight. Don’t you think it is a bit late to be calling on the judge?”

“I’m sure he’s expecting us. Ring the bell.”

“There, done. Man, does that thing intend to play the whole Westminster chime?”

“Someone is at the door. Let me do the talking, Andrew.”

“Can I help you, gentlemen?”

“Hello, we are from the Boston police department, and we believe the judge is expecting us.”

“Oh, yes, he is. Please come in.”

“Thank you.”

“If you gentlemen will follow me I’ll put you in the judge’s office and let him know you are here. Here we are. Make yourselves comfortable. The Judge will be right in.”

“Thank you, uh.”

“Oh, pardon my manners. My name is Thelma. I’m Judge Trimble’s wife.”

“Nice to meet you, Thelma. My name’s Larry, and this is Andrew, my associate. We are sorry to disturb your evening.”

“Oh, not at all. This is commonplace in a judge’s life. He’ll be right in.”

“Judges’ wife Thelma huh?”

“Hush, Andrew. Remember where we are.”

“Gentlemen. It is always nice to meet those whose duty it is to bring criminals to justice.”

“Yes, sir, your honor. This is Andrew Cummings, and My name is Larry Dunfee.”

“Very nice meeting you. Now how can I help you this fine evening?”

“We need to take a look at the guest records of the Hyatt hotel.”

“And for what purpose?”

“We are trying to establish the whereabouts of one Janice Rafferty on the night her husband was murdered. She tells us she was in Boston, but there is some hearsay that she was actually staying at the Hyatt.”

“Hearsay? Any eyewitness?”

“No, that is why we need the warrant.”

“If you do determine she was at the Hyatt then what?”

“Then we believe she is guilty of obstructing justice for lying to us, and we will arrest her.”

“So that is the only charge, obstructing justice?”

“Well, we also believe she knows more than she is letting on about the death of her husband. The obstruction charge will allow us to further investigate her alibi for the evening based on the new facts. She may be in line for a murder charge or at least a conspiracy to commit murder.”

“Why isn’t local law enforcement involved?”

“We have reason to believe the locals don’t want to pursue the case because the man murdered was an employee of the Cortez cartel. His death has already been ruled an accident, but we believe otherwise.”

“Alright, I’ve heard enough. I will issue the warrant for the hotel records of the named person. You say the name is Janice Rafferty?”

“I think we will need to look at Alexis Rafferty as well. I don’t think she would sign in under her name.”

“Larry what about Ned Dixon?”

“Good point. Your honor if we could also see if Ned Dixon was in the hotel, it would be helpful.”

“Who is Ned Dixon?”

“Her paramour.”

“I’m sorry Mr.Dunfee but now you are running far afield of my comfort zone here.”

“Yes, sir. Just the Rafferty’s then sir.”

“I will need you to sign this affidavit as to the nature of the crime and the fact that you believe Janice Rafferty did it. Also, I need to see your official ID.”

“Yes, sir. Here it is. Do I sign here?”

“Yes, right on that line. Okay, here you are. The warrant is good for twenty-four hours. Good luck.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“And gentlemen.”

“Yes, sir?”

“You are running around, stepping on some pretty big toes. I would be careful if I were you.”

“Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.”

“Mrs. Trimble will show you out.”

“Nice meeting you, sir.”

“Yes, Mr. Dunfee. A pleasure. Goodbye, Sir

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

August 14, 2019August 12, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

“Wednesday just isn’t the day for playing catch, Lucy.”
“Yeah, Little One. Let’s wait till Friday.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we were surprised to know that Christine has a judge friend who just might be able to issue a warrant or two to help our guys get some answers. Primarily they would like to know if Janice (Alexis’ wife) was in the Hyatt Hotel the night he was killed. You see she told Larry and Andrew that she wasn’t there, but Christine swears she was. Christine says Alexis told her so but has no proof. A warrant from a local judge would force the hotel to give up their records. Christine stepped out to make a call to the judge. Most of us are a little leery when Christine steps out. I guess we are still nervous about the attempted hit on our boys. I see Christine is coming back so let’s get over there to see what she has to say.

“Well, boys it’s all set. All you have to do is go to the judge’s house and pick up the warrant.”

“He’s even going to fill it out.”

“Oh, yes. The judge will do almost anything I say. He has this big fear of exposure.”

“Exposure?”

“Yeah. He’s one of those powerful guys that thinks he can do anything he wants. Well, the stuff he wants to do, you wouldn’t want to read about it in the papers.”

“I don’t want to know.”

“Don’t worry, Larry. The judge’s secrets are safe with me. You see if the information got out, his wife would take a hike, and the community would shun him. What good would he be to me in that scenario?”

“I’m thinking none.”

“Right. So, I keep the secrets, and the Judge keeps me. Everyone stays happy. Hey, you guys want another drink?”

“No, thank you. We should be heading over to the Judge’s house.”

“Suit yourself. You want to leave Andrew here with me?”

“No, I think he needs to come with me.”

“Okay, then. You boys have fun. If you need anything else, just let me know.”

“We can let ourselves out. Come on, Andrew. Let’s just walk out the front door before you comment.”

“Okay, we are out here, Larry. What kind of crap is going on here? This woman is blackmailing a judge, and you are getting yourself involved.”

“Relax Andrew. All we are going to do is get a legal warrant and go ask the hotel for their records.”

“Larry. That woman obviously has something on the judge, and I can’t imagine that it is anything legal.”

“Let me worry about this, Andrew. We are just getting a warrant is all. The rest of it is none of our business. Get in the car.”

“That woman is lucky; she doesn’t get herself killed.”

“How so?”

“If she can ruin a judge with the information she has. How long before the judge gets tired of playing her game?”

“Come on, Andrew. This is not a soap opera. People don’t go around killing folks just to keep them quiet.”

“Mark my words, Larry. She’s headed for trouble. That’s all I’m saying”

“Okay I hear you, Andrew but what can we do about it?”

“Forget the warrant and go back to Boston.”

“And let Alexis’ killers go free?”

“Well, there is that I suppose.”

“You should have had another drink with Christine.”

“I felt like a fly who just dropped into the spider’s nest. No thanks. I’ll take my liquor in freedom, thank you.”

“Okay, then. Can we now go to the judge?”

“Drive on.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

August 7, 2019August 6, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

Twiggy — “Come up here Lucy. I think I see Friday pulling into the drive.”
“It’s Wednesday Little One so I doubt it.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we found out that Christine has some information to share. What confused most of us is why she is willing to share the information. I guess when we recovered from the fact that Christine was still alive and was rather cavalier about her meeting with Larry and Andrew, we need to find reasons to trust her. I see she is getting her second drink and that Andrew has joined her with a snifter of Willet Reserve Bourbon.

“Here’s your drink.”

“Thank you, Andrew. I see you are joining me.”

“I never like to turn down an invitation from a beautiful lady for a drink.”

“Oh, you devil. Andrew. I’ll bet you were a killer in your day.”

“My day?”

“Okay, you two. Let’s get back to your theory, Christine.”

“Such a spoilsport, Larry.”

“I know, Andrew. Just enjoy your drink. So Christine, before all the bar fly activities you mentioned that you thought Alexis set up a meeting with his wife and that she and Mr. Dixon killed him.”

“That’s my theory.”

“Do you have any proof?”

“Not really. Just the fact that I got a call from him saying he would be a little late and was going to try and meet with his wife.”

“Was she here in South Tahoe?”

“Yes, they were staying on the California side in the Hyatt there.”

“Wait a minute. If he was staying with his wife at the Hyatt, how did he meet with you?”

“Come on, Larry. You have to know some couples have arrangements. She had her Dixon I had my Alexis.”

“Okay, I get it.”

“You don’t approve, though do you?”

“I was faithful to my wife until she died, and in many respects, I still am. Even so, folks have to do what folks have to do. You can’t really say you know if Alexis met with his wife or not, can you?”

“No, but it has to be worth something to be able to testify that she was here in South Lake Tahoe at the time of his death.”

“Did you see her?”

“No. Alexis told me.”

“Yeah, that isn’t going to do us much good.”

“Damnit, Larry I know she killed him, and somebody’s got to bring her to justice.”

“It is interesting that she told us she wasn’t here when he died. Andrew, I wonder if we can get the hotel to release records about Janice being in the hotel with Alexis.”

“That is going to be tricky. We don’t have jurisdiction here. The hotel might ask for a warrant.”

“How about a warrant from a Boston judge?”

“I’ll call the chief and explain what we need.”

“You gentlemen need some juice around this town?”

“What do you mean Christine?”

“I have some friends in high places, and if you need a favor, maybe they can help.”

“You know a judge?”

“I know one very well. He and I used to date.”

“Date?”

“Please, Larry, give a girl her dignity. Let me call him and see if he would do me a favor. I’m going to ask him to meet with you. You can then explain what you need. Excuse me guys, but I need to talk to him in private. I’ll be right back.”

“Don’t say a word, Andrew. Wait until we are outside.”

“Yes, boss.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

July 31, 2019July 30, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

Twiggy and Lucy — “I’m telling you, Twiggy. You can knock all you want but Friday is not going to answer. It’s still Wednesday.”

It is Wednesday story day again, and I am so glad to be back. I had a wonderful time with my oldest daughter, but now it is time to return.

Last week we were surprised to find Christine wasn’t lying dead in her house after offering to speak to Larry and Andrew about Rafferty’s murder. We were also ill at ease with Christine’s lassiez faire attitude once the boys came to her place. She went off to change clothes and asked our heroes to make her a drink. Some of us wondered if she was setting our guys up for a drive-by. I think we better get back there and hope no one comes through the door with a blazing automatic. I see Christine is returning to the living room where Andrew waits with her drink.

“Oh, my goodness this drink is exactly what I need. Aren’t you guys having any?”

“No thanks, Christine. We need to drive tonight.”

“You need to drive Larry. I could use a drink.”

“Yes, Larry. Please let the man have a drink. There’s some nice Willet Special Reserve bourbon over there.”

“Thank you, Miss. Don’t mind if I do.”

“You can call me Christine. So, Larry. Where was I?”

“You were telling us that you thought the reason Alexis was killed is he found out that his wife and a guy named Ned Dixon were in partnership together and out to defraud Cortez.”

“Ah, yes. You have to understand that the reason Alexis was not faithful to his wife is she took up with that Dixon guy. He actually was very upset about that.”

“So he took some comfort with you?”

“Well, in a manner of speaking. He used to come into the bar, and one thing led to another, and we struck up a relationship.”

“When was the last time you saw Mr. Rafferty?”

“The night he was killed. He and I got together, and then he said he had to go to a meeting.”

“Did he tell you who the meeting was with?”

“No, but the way he talked, I assume it was with Cortez.”

“Had he been drinking?”

“No, not at all. Alexis was not a big drinker. He would have maybe a glass of wine, but I never saw him drink more than one.”

“Okay, so he had a meeting with Cortez. Did you see him after?”

“No. He was supposed to come back to my place, but he never showed.”

“Was that unusual?”

“Larry. Take a look at this body. Would you not come back to my place?”

“Er uh.”

“Yes, it was unusual. I stayed up until two o’clock and finally fell asleep. When I got up in the morning, there was no Alexis. I only found out when I got to work what happened.”

“So what makes you think he was killed due to a plot on the part of his wife and Dixon.”

“he was on the phone with his wife before he left my place. He was telling her that he knew about her and Dixon and that her “little Ponzi scheme” wasn’t going to work.”

“Ponzi scheme? Is that what he called it?”

“Yes. Then when he got off the phone, he was agitated. In frustration, he told me that his wife and her lover were going to make a run at getting money from Cortez.”

“Did he say he was going to tell Cortez?”

“Oh, heavens no. Alexis would never do that. He would meet with the wife and threaten to expose her.”

“Is that what he said he was going to do?”

“In so many words.”

“Do you know if they met.”

“I’m not sure, but I have a theory.”

“What’s that?”

“I think he set up the meeting and she and Dixon did him in. Could you make me another drink please.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

July 24, 2019July 23, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we were relieved that Larry and Andrew ran into someone who had some information about the Rafferty murder. Christine Bonner knew Alexis Rafferty and his connection to the Cartel boss Cortez. She didn’t want to talk in the bar, so she made an appointment to meet at her place at 7:00. Okay, it’s five minutes after seven. Larry and Andrew are at her door. Let’s get over there quick.

“Did you try the bell?”

“Yes, Andrew, you saw me push the bell.”

“Why doesn’t she answer?”

“You know, Andrew. If I knew that I would go on stage as a mind reader.”

“A very grumpy mind reader I might add.”

“Let me try the door. Nope locked uptight.”

“Should we go around back and see if another door is open?”

“If this were a weekly cop show I would say yes. Since it is just you and I standing here, I would say we have been stood up.”

“If this were a weekly cop show I would say ole Christine is laying in the kitchen deader than a doornail cause Cortez found out she was going to talk to us and we would discover her body by going around back.”

“What body boys?”

“Oh, hello, Christine. Andrew was waxing dramatic.”

“Let’s go inside quickly. Sorry. I’m late. A big bunch of party types and my relief person was late. Stupid stoner.”

“After you.”

“Please, gentlemen, have a seat. Let me get you something.”

“We are good, Christine. I think we should talk and then let you relax for the evening.”

“Very kind of you, detective.”

“Larry. You can call me Larry. So tell me. How well did you know Alexis?”

“Pretty darned well. He and I were having an affair for the last year or so.”

“Affair? Did anyone know about it?”

“We didn’t think so.”

“Okay, so what makes you think he was murdered?”

“The important question is why, Larry.”

“Okay, why?”

“I think he got into a scrape with Cortez. One night he was telling me about some invention that Cortez wanted him to certify as defective. He was pretty pissed that Cortez wanted him to lie.”

“So he thought it wasn’t defective?”

“Yes, that’s right. In fact, he thought it was a wonderful thing. I don’t know too much about the machine, but Alexis was crazy about it.”

“So, Cortez had him killed.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“I guess I should let you tell it then.”

“Thanks. I think the reason Alexis was killed is he found out that his wife and a guy named Ned Dixon were in partnership together and out to defraud Cortez.”

“How did that work?”

“Let me take a minute and just change out of my work clothes. This is a pretty involved story and might take some time. Also, I need a drink. While I’m changing why don’t one of you nice guys make me a tall bourbon and water. You’ll find the makings in the bar over there. While you are at it make something for yourself. I’ll be right back.”

Wednesday Story Day -AKA – Hump Day

July 17, 2019July 16, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we witnessed Larry going off on a security manager at the Heavenly Ski Resort. The manager did not take kindly to his rudeness and told him to take a walk. If he needed more information, it would require a warrant. Larry and Andrew are not local investigators so an order probably won’t happen. Let’s join them at the California bar where Andrew took Larry to cool off.

“So, what do we do now, Larry?”

“Let’s get a drink, and then think about this for a moment.”

“Yes, gentlemen, can I help you?”

“You can. I think I’ll have whatever IPA you have on draft. How about you, Andrew?”

“I have a taste for a nice Bourbon. Do you have Willet Reserve?”

“We do sir. How would you like that?”

“Just neat is fine for me.”

“Very good sir. As far as the draft is concerned, we have a couple. There’s Hoppadillo which has a wonderful hop infusion, and there is Slam Your Face which carries a 10 percent load of Alcohol.”

“I’ll take the Hoppadillo. Not sure I can handle the other.”

“Yes, gentlemen. Coming right up.”

“Thank you. So, Andrew. We need to get information, and we don’t have a portfolio to force it.”

“And we have a hot head from Boston who gets us tossed out of the places we need to be in.”

“Yeah, sorry about that. I do have an idea, though.”

“Love to hear it. Oh, here are the drinks.”

“Here, you are, gentlemen. If you would like to order food, I brought the menu.”

“Thank you so much. We have a drink and then see from there.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll keep an eye on you. Give me a wave if you need anything.”

“Thanks. So Andrew here’s to Rafferty.”

“Hear, hear.”

“Excuse me, gentlemen. Did you just say, Rafferty?”

“We did miss er..”

“Name’s Christine. Christine Bonner.”

“Pleased to meet you, Christine. My name is Larry, and this is Andrew. Does the name Rafferty mean anything to you?”

“Yeah, he used to come in here all the time. That was before his, …uh…accident. You friends of his?”

“Well, no. We are Police officers from Boston.”

“What does Rafferty have to do with Boston?”

“It sounds like you knew him pretty well.”

“You know, before I say more, I would like to know why you two are asking. I was very fond of Alexis and don’t want to denigrate his memory.”

“Oh no, we wouldn’t do that. We are investigating a murder that happened in Boston, and his name came up as someone who might know something.”

“He worked for one of the biggest cartel bosses. You know that, right?”

“Yes, we know that.”

“So, you don’t think his death was an accident?”

“Why do you ask?”

“I don’t think you would be here if you thought it was an accident. Look I’m not comfortable talking in this place. I would like to help find those who killed Alexis and see justice done, but I have to protect myself. You boys don’t know how vicious that Cortez can be.”

“We have an idea. Is there a place we can talk?”

“Yes. I have a place in South Lake Tahoe. 21 Rancho Circle. It’s near the Bijou Community Park.”

“I think we can find it.”

“I get off at six. Why don’t you meet me there at about seven? That will give me time to get some dinner.”

“We would be happy to buy you dinner.”

“You don’t get it. I can’t be seen with you. In fact, pick up that menu and pretend to be asking me something. We have been talking way too long.”

“Okay. So is the fish sandwich good?”

“Yes, it is excellent.”

“We’ll take two with fries and see you tonight.”

“Excellent choice, sir. This will be right up. Do not tell anyone about our meeting.”

“You can count on us.”

“Larry?”

“What Andrew?”

“Would rather have had the hot pastrami.”

“It’s not about the fish, Andrew.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

July 10, 2019July 9, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 62 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day, and last week we were witness to an accommodating Head of the South Tahoe police department. He gave Larry and Andrew some assurance that he would be willing to help. He also gave an opinion that the ADA might be under some pressure by the same people who tried to eliminate Larry and Andrew to bring a case against the two. I see Larry and Andrew have left the Captain, and it looks like they are going to Heavenly Ski Resort. I think we better go with them to see what they are doing.

“I guess ‘lay low’ is not on the agenda, huh, Larry?”
“No. I want to talk to the folks who picked Rafferty off the slope.”
“You think they will be here in the summer?”
“If not, at least we can get their report. Surely the head of security has it.”
“Wow, this place is big.”
“Yes, it is. Park over there by the California Bar, and we can walk from here. I see a building that looks like it might be the office.”
“Humm. Looks like parking is one hour only.”
“No sweat. We shouldn’t be more than twenty-five minutes. Come on.”
“Hold on. I have to feed the meter. Do you have any quarters?”
“Yeah, here’s a couple. I wonder what the payout percentage on a meter is in this town.”
“Huh?”
“Never mind. Stupid joke.”
“Oh, with all the slot machines around. I get it.”
“Not in time. Here we are. After you, my good man.”
“Look, Larry. You hit the nail on the head. The security office is to the left.”
“Again, After you.”
“What happened to ‘My good man?’”
“Double pronouns. Here’s the door. Follow me.”
“Good afternoon, gentlemen. How can I help you.”
“Good afternoon. My name is Larry Dunfee. That’s detective Dunfee of the Boston police department. This is my associate Andrew Cummings.”
“What can I do for you two.”
“We would like to see the report from the ski patrol the night Rafferty was killed.”
“Rafferty? I’m not familiar with that name. Was he a member of the ski patrol?”
“Do you have a boss?”
“Yes. I have a manager.”
“Could you get the manager?”
“One minute. I’ll be right back.”
“I would sweeten up, Larry. You can bogart people back in Boston but here is different.”
“Thanks, Andrew. I’ll work on it.”
“Yes, gentlemen. Lance tells me you have a question.”
“Yes, sir, we do. There was a fatality on the slopes last season, and we would like to look at the ski patrol write up.”
“Do you know the ski patrol member’s name?”
“No, but the victim was a guy named Alexis Rafferty.”
“I’m sorry, but we don’t file reports by victim’s names. Just by ski patrol member.”
“Do you remember the name?”
“Cant’s say that I do.”
“Can’t or won’t.”
“Excuse me…Sir. There is no reason to get on a high horse. If I remembered the name, I would have told you. Now, as far as I know, Boston is a long way from here. I would suggest that if you want information from our system, you march to the courthouse and get a warrant. Our conversation is over.”
“Hey, don’t walk away from me.”
“Too late Larry. You pissed him off, and he’s gone.”
“Why are people so thin-skinned anyway?”
“So thin that they can’t ward off a broadside blast from you? I’m sure I don’t know.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

July 3, 2019July 2, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 52 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day again and last week we listened as Andrew warned Larry to be careful with Captain Swartz as the good captain invited both of them into his office. I think we all thought it a bit strange that the captain came into the room to get Larry and Andrew. Well, we can’t tarry any longer. We’ve got to follow Swartz into that office.

“So y’all have a seat.”

“Thank you, captain. I must say the coffee is good.”

“Yeah, I insist on a good cup of coffee. So now that you’re comfortable, you want to tell me what you are doing in my town?”

“Yes, well. You remember Rafferty?”

“The guy killed on the slopes.”

“Yeah, the guy with over a 2.0 level of alcohol in his blood.”

“Yeah, I remember him.”

“We think there is some funny business going on between—”

“Hold on Larry. We should not bother the captain with the details. We are on a fishing expedition and have no real proof of anything. So we better not bring up names until we have something more substantive.”

“Thanks, Andrew, I think you are right.”

“Okay. I get it. You two are sniffing around for leads. Is that it?”

“Yessir. That is it.”

“You know it kinda bothers me that I’m the last to know you are in town. After all, we talked on the phone and all.”

“I understand, captain. We would have eventually come to you, but with those thugs shooting up the place that option went away.”

“The ADA is really hot to pin something on you.”

“How do you know that?”

“I know that little weasel and he called to give me a heads up.”

“Heads up about what?”

“About not getting involved in whatever you are doing. He called it ‘the appearance of aiding and abetting.”’

“That son-of-a-bitch.”

“You got him pegged.”

“So captain, what do you think?”

“I think you boys have pissed off some pretty tough characters. Whatever you are looking into it is bigger than just some guy being pumped with booze and sent screaming down a hill.”

“So, you think Rafferty was murdered?”

“Don’t quote me. I think he got up against the same rock that you two are rubbing. I also presented evidence to the ADA, and he said there wasn’t enough to bring the case to court.”

“You know who set Rafferty up for that tree?”

“I have my suspicions.”

“Can you share them?”

“If you guys get cleared of murder which the ADA is looking to charge you with, sure. Be happy to help.”

“How do we shake the ADA?”

“Those guys who tried to take you out are hired guns. Prove that, and you are home free.”

“Can you help with that?”

“Yeah, I have a whole dossier on those two. The ADA knows them as well. I’m telling you I think the ADA is being squeezed by the same person who hired the hit men. You got a lawyer?”

“Yeah, we do.”

“Tell him to call me. I’ll give him everything I have on these guys.”

“Won’t you get in trouble?”

“Tell him to get a judge to order it. In the meantime, you guys better get humping on your investigation. I wouldn’t be surprised to see your conclusions apply to your case as well as Rafferty’s.”

“You’ve been very helpful.”

“I wish I could do more. By the way, if I’m ordered to testify about those hoods, I would be happy to do so.”

“Thank you, Captain.”