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.”