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.”

 

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