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.”
