It’s Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we found out the insurance company is unwilling to say much about Rafferty’s policy. We also didn’t get any information from Rafferty’s employment contract. In fact, we didn’t get anything at all. (The Greek chorus says amen) Is it any wonder Larry wants to try to contact Gloria? Heck no. It’s a good idea. We better hurry since he and Andrew are entering Micki Lee’s shop.

 

“Well hello, my two favorite cops.”

“Hi, Micki.”

“Not to draw too much of a fine line, Ms. Lee but I’m not a policeman.”

“Thank you, Mr. Cummings. Since you are in the employ of Mr. Dunfee, I believe you are a policeman.”

“Fair enough.”

“if you two are finished I have some business with you, Ms. Lee.”

“For heaven’s sake Larry. You need to lighten up. Nothing in this world was ever accomplished by getting too pushy.”

“Tell that to Washington.”

“Okay, what is it I can do for you.”

“I need to talk to Gloria. The last time she was on some kind of holiday. I need to know if she is back and can meet with me.”

“I think I can help with that. First, let’s have some tea.”

“I know you have your system so if tea is part of it, fine.”

“I’m actually playing with your head, Larry. Tea has nothing to do with it but I think you should relax and slow down a little. I’ll be right back.”

“Tell me, Andrew. Do I look like I’m in a rush or something?”

“Your type A personality is on your sleeve today.”

“Really? Well okay. Let’s just kick back and drink some mother loving tea and have a real social hour here.”

“Also your propensity to overreact is playing a part as well”

“For heavens sa—”

“Here we are with some nice black tea from China. I’ll pour.”

“You know Ms. Lee. There is nothing like a nice cup of tea to relax the soul.”

“Call me Micki. I see Andrew has been talking to you.”

“He mentioned a few things. Yes.”

“While you are having your tea, I will call Gloria.”

“That would be nice. Maybe she would like a cup as well.”

“Yeah, I don’t think so but hold on. Her presence is very strong. Gloria is that you?”

“I am here Micki”

“Gloria, how have you been?”

“Just fine, Larry. The important question is how have you been?”

“I still miss you.”

“I know but don’t worry. I’m here now. What can I do to help you?”

“The Sandusky case is driving us nuts.”

“Still no closer to a suspect?”

“That’s the problem. We have three and now possibly four and the death of his engineer.”

“It wasn’t an accident.”

“What Rafferty?”

“Yes.”

“Who killed him?”

“You know I can’t tell you that.”

“What can you tell me?”

“You need to pay close attention to who would want Rafferty’s dead.”

“We have those. Evon, Janice, and Cortez.”

“Sorry. You are missing the obvious.”

“The Police Chief of South Lake Tahoe?”

“Nope.”

“Aw come on, Gloria. Give me some help.”

“All I can say is the littlest insect can cause the most damage.”

“Huh? Insect?”

“Well, I need to get to the spa now, Larry. If you need more help you know where to find me.”

“Don’t leave, Gloria. Gloria?”

“You know when you have a spa appointment you can’t be late, Larry. She is not here anymore.”

“Do you have any insight into her insect parable?”

“Let’s think about it. Sip your tea. Clear your mind.”

“Hmm. The only thought that comes to mind when I think of little is someone with no power.”

“That is a good start. Keep thinking.”

 

 

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we were exposed to one more character who seems to have a connection to the death of Alexis Rafferty. Larry and Andrew added Captain Swartz of the South Lake Tahoe police department to the growing list of suspicious persons. I think Larry’s lament “God I hope we are not adding another suspect,” rings pretty true for all of us. We also heard Larry say out loud that he ought to contact Gloria.  Surprisingly Andrew seemed to agree. Larry had one more call to make, and that was to Evon to check the status of  Rafferty’s employment contract which Evon said he was going to send. I see Larry is off the phone so let’s get to the station for the results of the call.

“So, Larry. What did Evon have to say.”

“He said he is working on getting the contract read.”

“Did he say when he would have it to us?”

“No, and I get the idea he may be dragging his feet.”

“I don’t get it. What could be in a contract that would be a problem.”

“I don’t think it is the contract.”

“What is it then.”

“He is trying to delay our investigation.”

“Why do you think that?”

“Well, if I was on the receiving end of five million, I sure wouldn’t want some detective discovering something that could squelch the deal.”

“But he is Janice’s lawyer. What could he stand to gain?”

“Hos fee. I’ll just bet he stands to make twenty-five percent.”

“I see. That would be a million and a quarter.”

“Enough to drag one’s feet for sure.”

“Why don’t we call the insurance guy and find out where they are?”

“Yeah, I think that’s a good idea.”

“Hold on I have his number here. Let’s see what he has to say. It’s ringing. Crap it’s going to voice mail. Yes hello, Mr. Davis, this is detective Dunfee of the Boston Police Department. We have a need to discuss the Rafferty claim with you for a moment. I would appreciate a return call. You can reach me at 617 555-5000. Thank you, Mr. Davis I hope to hear from you soon.”

“Doesn’t anyone answer their phones anymore?”

“I could tell this number is a cell phone. I think I’ll give him a text as well.”

“Good idea. I don’t think most people would ignore a detective of the Boston Police department.”

“Okay, I’ll let that one slip. You are pretty cheeky today.”

“We just don’t seem to be getting anywhere is all.”

“Hold on. Let me finish the text. There sent. I think having my cell number as well as the office is a good thing.”

“You mentioned Gloria before.”

“Yeah, since when have you become a believer?”

“Since Miss Lee introduced me to her fine selection of teas.”

“Very funny. Oops, hold on. Here’s a call from Davis. This is detective Dunfee. Oh yes, Mr. Davis. Thank you for returning my call. Yes, that is correct. We would like any information you can share regarding the status of the Rafferty claim. Hum, I see. How about with a subpoena? Yeah, I can get one for sure, but I had hoped we could handle this on an unofficial basis. Let me be blunt and ask is World Life going to pay the ten million in claims. I see. Okay then. Thank you for your co-operation. We’ll be in touch. Goodbye, sir. Jerk.”

“What was that all about?”

“Ah, he has some kind of confidentiality thing with his clients. He can’t disclose details of policyholders or policies.”

“So did he say anything.”

“Nothing of value. Just that the policies are under investigation.”

“Well, that says to me they are not going to automatically pay.”

“I guess.”

“How about some tea.”

“I think we need some help. Let’s go.”

 

 

 

 

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.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we learned that Janice was the beneficiary of a five-million-dollar insurance plan. We also discovered that Cortez had a similar policy on Alexis Rafferty as a critical member of his organization. Although Larry and Andrew were dismissed by Evon there is a lingering question on who would most benefit from Alexis’ demise. I see Larry and Andrew are in the car heading back to the station. I’m sure we want to hear what they have to say.

“Well, Larry that was a rather inelegant departure.”

“Yeah. Don’t remind me, Andrew. Do you believe Rafferty had ten million bucks riding on his head.”

“That is certainly a lot of money.”

“Yeah and I wonder who had the most to gain by seeing him dead.”

“Hard to say. Mrs. Rafferty would get five of the ten.”

“And Cortez the other five.”

“That’s right. Also, we learned that Rafferty didn’t want to sign that report.”

“Although it looks like he did.”

“Could be a forgery.”

“That would be worth checking for sure. So, if Rafferty didn’t want to sign the report and Cortez could get five million if he were no longer around, I say the scale of who would gain more tilts to Cortez.”

“Of course, that assumes he could collect.”

“What do you mean?”

“I think the insurance company is going to investigate the circumstances of the death and if they determine it is a homicide all bets will be off.”

“So, we need to contact that company and see where they are in their investigation.”

“I didn’t get the company’s name. Did you?”

“No, but I think when Evon gives me a call about Rafferty’s contract, I’ll ask him for it.”

“I have another idea. Let’s call that chief of police in South Tahoe and see if the company contacted him. Surely they would want to talk to the police.”

“Great idea. Also, in this way, we won’t tip our hand. You have genius tendencies, Andrew.”

“I just feel that the less contact we have with Janice and Evon the better.”

“You think they had something to do with the death?”

“I think we can call it murder given what we know now.”

“Okay, do you think they had something to do with the murder?”

“Five million bucks can be a big motivator.”

“See I think Rafferty alive would be able to make more than five million so I don’t agree with you.”

“You like Janice huh?”

“No. I mean that she could gain more if Rafferty were alive and working.”

“Unless there is another reason.”

“Like what?”

“Oh, like a boyfriend. Like marital discord. Maybe Rafferty had a girlfriend.”

“So, we need to check out Janice carefully.”

“And Rafferty. Cortez, we know could have done it.”

“Man, we have a lot to do.”

“You need to slow down. Nothing like a Boston police detective being given a ticket in the burbs.”

“You’re right. I’m pretty anxious to get back to the station and get to work.”

“I hear that.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we realized that Evon and Janice were fearful of the fact that Cortez might extract retribution if Janice talked too much about, he and his company. We also learned that contrary to the signed engineering analysis, the machine Cortez bought from Sandusky worked perfectly. I think Larry has a few more questions so let’s get back to the Rafferty’s to see if we can learn more.

 

“I understand your fear, Evon. Let me assure you Andrew, and I are not in any way connected with Cortez.”

“I’m sorry detective I just can’t take the chance.”

“Okay, then. Let me ask another question.”

“If it doesn’t involve accusing Cortez of anything illegal go ahead.”

“Janice.”

“Yes, detective?”

“Would you say your husband was an honest man?”

“Of course, Detective. To a fault.”

“How is it then that you have this lovely and I might add expensive home.”

“My husband earned a lot of money. He was an exceptional engineer. He had a number of clients and was working on a lot of projects.”

“I see. So, he was not an employee of Cortez?”

“In a manner of speaking, no. He was a contractor to Cortez. The relationship between he and Cortez was spelled out in a contract.”

“Do you have a copy of the contract?”

“I do, but let me ask Evon if that is something I can share?”

“I don’t think it is a problem, Janice. Let me read the contract first, and then I will be able to ascertain if there are any provisions that would prohibit its view by a third-party.”

“Excuse me, Evon.”

“Yes, detective?”

“Since Mr. Rafferty is no longer..uh…with us doesn’t that render the contract null and void?”

“Not necessarily, detective. There are survival clauses in most contracts that detail certain provisions should the contract no longer be valid for whatever reasons. Let me give you an answer about being able to see the contract after I have reviewed it.”

“Fair enough, counselor. I have another unrelated question.”

“Go ahead.”

“Janice. Did your husband leave a will?”

“Yes. Yes, he did.”

“A public document I’m sure.”

“Excuse me, Janice. It has been to probate if that is what you mean detective.”

“Well, I just want to know who is listed as the primary beneficiary?”

“If you are implying that Janice has anything to do with her husband’s death, I’m afraid we will need to terminate this interview.”

“I’m not implying anything, Evon. It is just a point of information.”

“I am the primary beneficiary.”

“Thank you, Janice.”

“Did your husband have insurance?”

“Detective I don’t like where these questions are going.”

“Relax Evon. I could look all this stuff up but am just trying to get my file up to date.”

“My husband had a substantial insurance policy, detective.”

“How large, Janice?”

“Five million dollars.”

“My that is substantial. Did you and your husband get along?”

“Okay detective that about wraps up our interview. We thank you for your time, and I hope you have the information for which you came.”

“Yes, this has been a very interesting visit. We thank you.”

“Let me show you out, detective.”

“One more thing, detective.”

“Yes, Mrs. Rafferty?”

“Cortez had a similar policy on my husband. It was a key resource policy, and he paid for it.”

“My goodness Mrs. Rafferty. Looks like a lot of folks had money on that horse.”

This way detective.”

“Thank you, Evon. Andrew and I can see ourselves out. It has been a pleasure.”

“I would love to be able to say the same detective.”

“I’m sure, Evon. Don’t forget the contract or will I need a court order?”

“We will be in touch, detective. Mind that door now.”

“Very funny, Evon. Very funny.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is Wednesday Story Day again and last week we found out that the engineer’s wife Mrs. Rafferty still lived in the tony suburb of Boxborough. We also found out she was living in a large house that was free and clear of a mortgage. Andrew and Larry are wanting to talk to her and have an appointment at 1:00PM. They are heading there now after a stop for lunch. Let’s catch up to them.

 

“I think you take the next exit, Andrew.”

“How do you know that?”

“The sign says Boxborough exit one-quarter mile. I don’t see any other exits.”

“Man, it is so nice having a turn by turn navigational feature named Larry Dunfee.”

“Very funny. Hold on. Let me get my phone. Hey, caller ID says South Tahoe Police. Hello, this is Larry…Yes, this is detective Dunfee. I can hold. Andrew, it looks like Captain Swartz wants to talk. Turn here.”

“How did he get your cell number?”

“I told the desk to give him my number if he called today. Oh hello, Captain. Thanks for returning my call… Uh huh, we are investigating what went on in South Lake Tahoe… Yeah we know it is out of our jurisdiction but that case dovetails a case we have here in Boston… If you call murder serious, I would guess so… Thank you. I had hoped you could give us some information about the Rafferty accident… Yeah, that’s right. You called it an accident and given the man had a BAC of 2.0. I think it was a little more than an accident… I don’t blame you. Having called something an accident and then going back to say something different doesn’t sit well with folks… I totally understand. Let me ask you if we come up with some substantive information are you willing to reopen the case?… Yeah, totally voluntary for sure. That’s great thank you. We’ll be in touch. Have a nice day yourself. Bye now.”

“That didn’t sound good.”

“You know how these small-town cops are. They don’t want any feathers ruffled.”

“I notice you didn’t mention the Cortez connection.”

“I thought about it but decided it would probably spook him. I got him to say he would think about opening the case with more information.”

“We don’t really need him you know. We could go to the DA there in South Lake Tahoe.”

“I know that, but the old saying keep your friends close and enemy’s closer. I want this guy to think he is in control. We can pull the DA card anytime.”

“You are a wise warrior, cricket. Looks like we are here.”

“Would you look at that place. I thought you said it was 3200 square feet. Looks double that to me.”

“Yeah, maybe the tax records haven’t caught up with an addition. Can’t go any further with this gate across the driveway.”

“There’s an intercom. Hit the button.”

“Okay here goes.”

“Hello and welcome to Forest Hill. Please identify your party.”

“Andrew Cummings and Larry Dunfee of the Boston Police department to see Mrs. Rafferty.

“Thank you. Please proceed to the south portico.”

“Go ahead, Andrew.”

“This is too much. The South portico? Where are we at the White House?”

“Just drive.”

“Man look at that house. Look there is someone by the door.”

“Pull up there. Roll down your window.”

“Good afternoon gentlemen. I am Sanders, Mrs. Rafferty’s attorney.”

“Of course, you are.”

“Follow me inside  she is waiting to talk to you.”

“I’m detective Dunfee, and this is my associate Cummings.”

“A pleasure. Come this way.”