Sorry, this post is a little late. I had a scheduling problem this morning.

It is Wednesday Story Day time again, and last week we witnessed the arrival of a couple of Nevada State troopers who are operating on the direction of the Reno District Attorney. Yeah, this was the same DA who seemed to believe Larry and Andrew shot some citizens for no reason. I see the troopers have delivered our heroes to the DA’s office, so I think we better get there.

“Please have a seat, gentlemen. Mr. Taggett will be with you in a moment.”

“Thank you, officers. We appreciate the ride and the security.”

“Just doing our job, detective. We’ll be right outside.”

“Wait until they are gone, Andrew.”

“Why are you always saying that?”

“I just don’t want you making a slip in front of people is all.”

“He who walks on ice is talking about a slip. Okay, they are gone. Can I speak?”

“Sure. Go ahead.”

“We have a warrant burning a hole in our pocket. By my watch, we have less than twelve hours to use it.”

“I know, but as you can see, we now have friends in high places.”

“You sure about that?”

“I’m as sure as I can be. Hold on here’s a call from the Chief.”

“Our chief?”

“Yes. Sush. Hi Chief. Yes, we are fine. Right now? We are sitting in the waiting room of ADA Spenser Taggert. No, we haven’t talked to him yet. A couple of State Troopers brought us here. Yes, sir, I understand you and the DA had a conversation with Taggert. Huh? The troopers told me. Okay, I understand. Yes, sir, we will. Goodbye, sir.”

“What the heck?”

“The chief says Taggert will give us full cooperation.”

“Why don’t I think that is a good thing?”

“Yeah, I have the same feeling about Taggert. I still think someone has him under their thumb. Well, worst-case scenario, I get my gun back, and we are no better or worse off than when we arrived.”

“A lot of crap has gone on for a zero-sum gain.”

“I think a lot of folks would agree with you.”

“Folks? What folks?”

“Just a manner of speaking. Once we are through here, we need to get to the Hyatt and finally determine if we can nail Mrs. Rafferty with lying.”

“Did the chief offer any other words of advice.”

“Yeah, he said to keep a low profile and to be polite to Taggert.”

“Handy advice, huh?”

“Someone is coming. Later on, my comments.”

“Hello, Gentlemen. Please come in.”

“Thank you, Mr. Taggert.”

“Oh, call me Spencer. After all, we are on the same team.”

“Okay, Spencer.”

“Can I get you a coffee?”

“No, I think we are good. I’m guessing you have talked to the Chief of police in Boston.”

“Oh, yes. Charming man. He actually called my boss, and we all had a nice conversation about a path forward through this mess. I do want to apologize for treating you like persons of interest, but I needed to be careful.”

“Oh, I understand. Believe me, having a couple of guys come into your area of jurisdiction would be a cause of concern.”

“Guys who killed a couple of men, I might add.”

“No hard feelings, Spencer.”

“Nice to hear you say that. I, of course, had a lot of explaining to do.”

“I can imagine. No hare feelings on your part then?”

“Let’s say that my office has been directed to help as much as possible. Let’s start by giving you back your weapon. “

“Thank you.”

“Now, if you will excuse me, I have a full agenda today. Please let me know how I can help.”

“We will.”

“One more thing.”

“Yes, sir?”

“Please keep me in the loop on what you find out.”

“You can count on that. We will be going now.”

“Good day, then.”

“Yes, good day. Get up Andrew, we are leaving.”

“Need to ask.”

“Wait until we are outside, Andrew.”

“Slip sliding away. The nearer your destination, the more it keeps slip-sliding away.”

“Very funny.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we got yet another surprise in the form of a billionaire who kindly asked Andrew and Larry to go back to Boston. It looks like whoever is the top dog they are pretty influential in getting a billionaire in their hip pocket. Well, the offer has been made, and the billionaire is waiting for Larry’s response. Let’s hustle cause I think we all would like to know what Larry has to say.

“Do we have a deal, Mr. Nobel? I don’t think so.”

“Uh, Mr. Dunfee, I would think over my offer very carefully if I were you.”

“Excuse me Larry but can you and I have a moment?”

“Mr. Nobel is there a place Andrew and I can talk?”

“I’ll leave, and you can have this room.”

“No offense but we need to talk in private. How about the front porch?”

“By all means. Let me call Terrance to escort you there.”

“No need. We left breadcrumbs.”

“Huh? Oh, I get it a joke. Very well, I’ll wait for you here.”

“Come on, Andrew. Let’s go outside.”

“Right behind you, boss.”

“Okay, we are out of earshot, Andrew. What do you want to say?”

“I think the best course of action is for us to get back to Boston and conduct our investigation from there.”

“What the hell, Andrew. We have a search warrant burning a hole in our pocket, and we are only steps away from proving Rafferty’s wife lied to us and we can hopefully get some proof that she was in the hotel here in South Lake Tahoe when she said she was in Boston.”

“I know, I know. Is trying to prove someone lied worth getting your head shot off?”

“You really think those bozos would do that?”

“Did you look at them?”

“Well yeah, of course.”

“Then yes. I think they could do that.”

“Okay so we go back to Boston. How do we conduct the investigation?”

“I think we get the DA to issue a few warrants and get to the truth that way.”

“That does make some sense.”

“We are on our own here, Larry. You already got a hole in your shoulder, and for what?”

“Justice.”

“Fine we can still get Justice from Boston, and we will be in our own jurisdiction.”

“Okay Andrew. I’m going to take your advice, after all, I’m paying you too much to simply ignore it.”

“Spoken like a true boss, boss.”

“Let’s go back inside and let ole Jason Nobel know he has a deal.”

“Excellent.”

“If this goes south, I’m going to kick your butt.”

“I will happily receive such a kick, your lordship.”

“You know Andrew, sometimes you take the fun out of things.”

“My plan, sir.”

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

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we were surprised to know that Christine has a judge friend who just might be able to issue a warrant or two to help our guys get some answers. Primarily they would like to know if Janice (Alexis’ wife) was in the Hyatt Hotel the night he was killed. You see she told Larry and Andrew that she wasn’t there, but Christine swears she was. Christine says Alexis told her so but has no proof. A warrant from a local judge would force the hotel to give up their records. Christine stepped out to make a call to the judge. Most of us are a little leery when Christine steps out. I guess we are still nervous about the attempted hit on our boys. I see Christine is coming back so let’s get over there to see what she has to say.

“Well, boys it’s all set. All you have to do is go to the judge’s house and pick up the warrant.”

“He’s even going to fill it out.”

“Oh, yes. The judge will do almost anything I say. He has this big fear of exposure.”

“Exposure?”

“Yeah. He’s one of those powerful guys that thinks he can do anything he wants. Well, the stuff he wants to do, you wouldn’t want to read about it in the papers.”

“I don’t want to know.”

“Don’t worry, Larry. The judge’s secrets are safe with me. You see if the information got out, his wife would take a hike, and the community would shun him. What good would he be to me in that scenario?”

“I’m thinking none.”

“Right. So, I keep the secrets, and the Judge keeps me. Everyone stays happy. Hey, you guys want another drink?”

“No, thank you. We should be heading over to the Judge’s house.”

“Suit yourself. You want to leave Andrew here with me?”

“No, I think he needs to come with me.”

“Okay, then. You boys have fun. If you need anything else, just let me know.”

“We can let ourselves out. Come on, Andrew. Let’s just walk out the front door before you comment.”

“Okay, we are out here, Larry. What kind of crap is going on here? This woman is blackmailing a judge, and you are getting yourself involved.”

“Relax Andrew. All we are going to do is get a legal warrant and go ask the hotel for their records.”

“Larry. That woman obviously has something on the judge, and I can’t imagine that it is anything legal.”

“Let me worry about this, Andrew. We are just getting a warrant is all. The rest of it is none of our business. Get in the car.”

“That woman is lucky; she doesn’t get herself killed.”

“How so?”

“If she can ruin a judge with the information she has. How long before the judge gets tired of playing her game?”

“Come on, Andrew. This is not a soap opera. People don’t go around killing folks just to keep them quiet.”

“Mark my words, Larry. She’s headed for trouble. That’s all I’m saying”

“Okay I hear you, Andrew but what can we do about it?”

“Forget the warrant and go back to Boston.”

“And let Alexis’ killers go free?”

“Well, there is that I suppose.”

“You should have had another drink with Christine.”

“I felt like a fly who just dropped into the spider’s nest. No thanks. I’ll take my liquor in freedom, thank you.”

“Okay, then. Can we now go to the judge?”

“Drive on.”