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.”