One Murder Too Many Page 6

  Kari laughed. ‘How did you explain what you were doing in there?’

  ‘I didn’t!’ he replied. ‘I hid in the first stall until the bell rang and everyone was back in class.’

  ‘If she’d caught you …?’

  Grady held up a hand to stop her and said, ‘I wouldn’t have lived long enough to have become a cop.’

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  FLYING ECONOMY FROM London on the overnight flight was not much fun. As he had purchased his ticket only one day in advance, Jason was stuck in the middle seat of the middle aisle. And one situation he had never been comfortable with was trying to sleep while sitting up straight … especially with a person on either side trying to use his shoulder as a pillow!

  With the wearisome overseas flight behind him, he purchased a Chicago morning paper at the terminal gate area of the O’Hare airport. As he still had a while to wait before his connecting flight to Salt Lake City, he bought a cup of tea from a coffee-and-bagel shop. He found his gate and took a seat on the outer fringe of the boarding area. After a sip or two of the hot liquid, he decided it wasn’t the worst tea he had ever tasted – only the worst since he had last been in the States.

  An article about two bullets being fired through the windshield of a reporter’s car was so small he almost missed it. He saw it was written by Kari Underwood and mentioned the probability that it was a case of mistaken identity! However, it did touch on a double murder and an interview the reporter had been involved with sometime earlier. One of the victims had been the cousin of a gang leader for a group called the Hard Corps. The other had been the son of a highly respected judge. There were no suspects, but a shooting like that often provoked a deadly response. The unwarranted attack might have been a warning for newspeople to steer clear of gang business.

  Jason reread the article and heaved a sigh. ‘Kari, love, I hope you haven’t gotten yourself involved in another deadly case!’

  Gloria Streisand entered the judge’s chambers. He stood at the picture window, staring out at the nearby buildings, his hands locked thoughtfully at the small of his back.

  ‘Judge Westmoreland,’ Gloria said softly. ‘I would have contacted you at your house, but I wanted to personally and privately offer my condolences for your loss.’ The judge’s head ducked slightly as he suffered his loss in silence. When he did not reply, she continued. ‘I want you to know our office is making this our number one priority. Every detective, every officer on the street and every member of the gang unit is working on this. We’ll find whoever killed your son.’

  ‘Anything on that shooting at the parking garage yesterday?’

  Gloria explained about her interview with the reporter and Grady. ‘About all we have at this point is a popular model older car and the caliber of the hunting rifle. As for Juno and Dom, they were killed with a nine millimeter handgun, so there may be no connection between the two incidents.’

  Westmoreland bobbed his head and returned to the death of his son. ‘I was told Dom and Juno had been spending a lot of cash lately.’

  ‘Yes, at least a couple thousand dollars that we know of.’

  ‘The police report said their cell phones and computer were missing.’

  Gloria replied in the affirmative. ‘The entire apartment had been ransacked, as if the killer was looking for something.’

  ‘Do we know what that might have been about?’

  ‘No. The killer or killers might have thought the boys were hiding money or drugs in the house. We really don’t know.’

  ‘You were acquainted with my son, weren’t you?’ the judge inquired.

  ‘I saw him in the hallways and occasionally when he dumped the trash, that sort of thing. He seemed like a good kid.’

  ‘How much did he earn in his position as janitor?’

  ‘I believe the pay was ten to twelve dollars an hour. I could check if you like, but it’s within the normal range for that position.’

  He was thoughtful for a moment. ‘Did you check their bank accounts?’

  ‘Dominick and Juno had both recently deposited several hundred dollars in their checking accounts,’ Gloria said. ‘The detectives think they might have done a drug deal or two.’

  ‘Not my son,’ Westmoreland said firmly. ‘Dom used some milder drugs on occasion, usually marijuana, but he knew better than to buy and sell drugs for profit.’

  ‘Then we are at a loss as to where the two boys got the money.’

  ‘What about Juno?’

  ‘We’ve talked to his sister, his parents and his cousin. All of them claim Juno wasn’t into anything illegal either. Victor didn’t force him to be part of the gang, because Juno was going to attend a technical college in the fall. He wanted to be a mechanic.’

  ‘Do we think this hit was a warning or revenge directed at Victor?’

  ‘It’s a possibility. We’re still gathering information.’

  ‘How about the two girls who were seen leaving his and Juno’s place?’

  ‘The police are tracking them down. We think we know who they were.’

  ‘Who is heading up the task force?’

  ‘Captain Mercer. His top detectives, Louis Grady and Deroy Hampton are running the overall investigation.’

  The judge finally turned around. His eyes were red and he blinked to prevent shedding any tears. He looked like a man who hadn’t slept in two days … and he probably hadn’t.

  ‘You needn’t be in chambers today,’ Gloria said gently. ‘Your family probably needs you.’

  ‘The kids already helped to arrange the funeral and services for my son. As for going home, it is a grim reminder of the mistakes I made with Dominick. It’s easier for me here.’

  ‘Then you should lie down on the couch and try and get some rest. I assure you, we’re doing everything we can to find your son’s killer.’

  ‘Thank you, Gloria. I appreciate your support and concern.’

  With nothing left to say, Gloria bid farewell to the judge and left him to grieve on his own. Once into the hallway she had to stem her own tears.

  Damn you, Chock Lincoln! Why did you have to kill those two boys!

  Jason debarked from the airline a few minutes before 4:00 p.m. Utah time. He passed through Security and immediately experienced a stir of excitement at seeing Kari waiting for him.

  The months of being absent and only hearing her voice on the telephone or reading her letters, melted away instantly. She was every bit as attractive as he remembered … even more so. Her sandy blond hair was loose about her shoulders, with a neatly cropped row of bangs decorating her forehead. Her cute-as-a-pixie face was flush and vibrant, and the most kissable mouth he’d ever encountered was fixed in a smile of greeting. He wondered if she had purposely dressed to rekindle his memory, having donned the same outfit as when he had first seen her. The dress was black silk and chiffon, sleeveless, with a slightly scooped neckline and snug above the waist so it flattered her trim figure. She had a jacket draped over one arm, as it was mid-March and the weather was often on the wet and cold side.

  ‘Jason!’ she shouted gleefully, unnecessarily raising and waving her free hand so that he would spot her.

  He had pondered what he would do upon seeing her again, how he ought to react. Should he be reserved, formal, bold …? But the choice was made for him. Kari flew into his arms and she hugged him tightly. When she looked up at him, eyes shining as brightly as polished brass under a bright light, he did what came naturally – he kissed her.

  The young woman returned the kiss, endearingly, yet withholding passion. It was a warm welcome … a very warm welcome.

  ‘You’re more stunning than I remembered,’ he praised, rising up to gaze down at her face. ‘And you must be freezing in that summer gown.’

  Kari laughed. ‘The weather is supposed to be warmer than usual this week, and you told me how much you liked this dress when we met at your Aunt Sally’s place.’

  ‘Devastated is the more appropriate adjective that comes to mind,�
�� he replied. ‘Angels would pale beside you.’

  The statement of adulation increased the vibrancy of Kari’s features, but she curbed her excitement. ‘Did you have a good trip?’

  ‘I had the misfortune of being trapped between two human snoring machines on the London flight. The jaunt from Chicago to here was better, although the flight steward kept popping off with ‘G’day mate’ whenever he walked past.’

  ‘It’s because you look so manly,’ Kari teased. ‘You know Hollywood is crazy about Australians. They think it’s the only place on the planet where there are any real men left.’

  ‘Take a look at the blooming telly and it’s easy to see why,’ Jason replied. ‘I swear there are more men crying and sobbing on screen than women and children combined these days.’

  ‘That’s why I’m a fan of classic movies. I still like films where the guy is the one doing the saving.’ She added a bit shyly, ‘And I’ve always preferred to have the love scene fade out after they kiss.’

  Jason chuckled. ‘Therein is part of the reason I was attracted to you from the off.’

  ‘Speaking of off, Jason, baggage claim is this way. Let’s pick up your luggage and be off.’ She took hold of his hand and began to walk.

  ‘You should have called me,’ Jason reprimanded her. ‘Reggie told me you didn’t want me to know about the shooting.’

  ‘It could have been a mistake.’

  ‘And you could have been killed,’ Jason responded in a scolding tone of voice. ‘What mischief are you into that might warrant such an attack?’

  ‘Nothing at all,’ Kari answered. ‘It has to be a mistake or a random shooting.’

  ‘What precautions are you taking?’

  ‘I’ve been using my friend’s car. Mine is getting a new windshield installed. No one knows what I’m driving except for her.’

  ‘And the police? What have they found?’

  ‘Nothing, other than the two bullets, I’m afraid. It’s all a mystery.’

  They recovered Jason’s two suitcases and were on their way to the parking garage when he asked about the double murder she had reported on in the newspaper.

  ‘The police think Juno was the target, as his cousin runs the toughest street gang in the valley.’ She continued: ‘But the more serious problem is the young man killed along with Juno. Dominick is the son of one of the most prominent judges in all of Utah. Judge Westmoreland won’t be satisfied until the case is solved.’

  Jason was incredulous. ‘Someone must be short by a few shingles to kill a judge’s son. What was he doing with a gang member?’

  She told him about how the two boys had grown up as friends and the trouble the judge’s son had been in with the police. ‘Of course, no charges were ever brought against Dominick. With his father holding such a high position, the problems always went away quietly.’

  ‘Until now.’

  ‘Yes, being shot and killed is definitely beyond the aid or influence of his father.’

  ‘How deeply involved are you in the case? Could that be why someone took a shot at you?’

  ‘I don’t know, Jason.’ Her reply was completely honest. But then she displayed a deep concern and asked, ‘How did you get time off to come for a visit? You’ve been telling me that you wouldn’t have any paid leave for another three months.’

  ‘I took time off to come here and do what I could to help and protect you.’

  She smiled. ‘Not that I don’t love the idea of having you here, but how long can you stay?’

  ‘I intend to stay until we find out who shot at you.’

  Kari pulled face. ‘What if we don’t find the shooter?’

  ‘Then I’ll make a nuisance of myself until the police get so tired of me they will be forced to uncover the man responsible.’

  Kari laughed, a wonderfully musical mirth. ‘Had I known all it took was a couple of bullets and a ruined windshield to get you back over here, I would have hired it done myself months ago!’

  Reggie was outside his apartment building to meet them when Jason and Kari parked the car. He approached, all smiles, and shook Jason’s hand. Next, he apologized to Kari for calling Jason.

  She begrudgingly let him off without a scolding. ‘I’m glad to have him here, although I can’t imagine how his boss feels about him deserting his duties.’

  Reggie arched his brows. ‘He didn’t give them a choice,’ he declared. ‘Jason said he was coming here to watch over you and that was that. Period!’

  Kari stared at Jason. ‘You didn’t?!’

  ‘Reggie makes it sound a bit more forceful than what actually happened. It’s not like I threatened to quit my job or something.’

  ‘It definitely falls into the or something category,’ Kari countered. ‘What if you lose your job over this?’

  Jason dismissed the notion. ‘My DCI is not so blinkered as to give me the boot for taking leave without proper notice.’

  ‘DCI?’ Reggie wondered. ‘Is that like a chief of police?’

  ‘Detective Chief Inspector,’ Jason answered. ‘He’s the unlucky man who has to explain to the DSI, our Superintendent, as to why I’ve gone absent.’

  ‘See what you did?’ Kari stated once more, regarding Reggie with a look of censure. ‘I didn’t want Jason doing something rash.’

  ‘Yes, well, it’s a little late to worry about that,’ Reggie said defensively. ‘He’s here now.’ Then, turning his attention to Jason. ‘How about we toss your luggage in the apartment and the three of us can go get something to eat?’

  ‘Sounds good to me,’ Kari approved of the idea. ‘I missed lunch today so I’m starved.’

  ‘I’m adrift as to what day of the week it is,’ Jason admitted. ‘After an all night flight, I’ll be lucky to stay awake during the meal.’

  Reggie laughed. ‘You let us worry about that. Kari and me are happy enough to have you here that we can keep you awake and the conversation going.’

  ‘Jolly good,’ Jason agreed.

  ‘Yes,’ Kari said, flashing Jason a flirtatious wink that about unraveled his socks. ‘It’s jolly marvelous!’

  Hector Gomez dropped off his two pals at the clubhouse and turned his car for his girlfriend’s house. Jesse Ventura, top dog of the 39th Street Lobos, had warned everyone to stay close to other gang members. The truce between them and the Hard Corps was still in effect, but he wanted everyone to be careful.

  Hector had scoffed at the warning. Why get juiced up and crazy over one of Victor’s banger boys getting shot? The Lobos had no beef with the mutts over on the west side. So long as they stayed off of their turf, and vice versa, neither gang had reason to worry.

  He stopped at the light on 7th Street and reached over to turn up the volume on his bass audio system. The rear mounted subwoofers kicked in and the entire car vibrated to the loud rap music. Hector became aware of a car pulling alongside, but paid it no mind as it was in the turning lane. He bobbed his head in time with the music and straightened up. The light turned green….

  A burst of gunfire from a semi-automatic weapon blew out the driver’s side window and Hector’s upper body was riddled with several bullets. One hit him in the temple and he slumped over the wheel, foot on the gas pedal.

  The car surged forward wildly, crossed the street at an angle and slammed into a lamppost on the corner. Other cars had pulled up on the cross-streets, but the interest of the occupants were riveted on the wrecked car. Steam erupted from the damaged radiator, and the engine and the blaring music both ground to a stop. No one paid attention to the car that had been in the turning lane. It made a U-turn and disappeared into traffic.

  ‘Call the police!’ someone called out, as they approached the car.

  ‘Better make that the coroner,’ said another, looking through the shattered window. ‘This guy is dead!’

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  JASON HAD BEEN lethargic from the long hours of travel. He went home with Reggie after the three of them had had dinner. He had kissed Kari and apologiz
ed for being so worn out. They made plans to spend the next day together.

  However, the next morning Kari was not even out of bed when the phone rang. Rather than it being Jason, it was Marge Taylor.

  ‘You’d better tell your English suitor to have a cup of tea and cool his jets for a little while longer, Kari.’

  ‘I put in for vacation today,’ Kari complained. ‘I haven’t had any time off since—’

  ‘We have another gang death.’ Marge cut her off. ‘This was one of the 39th Street Lobos. It may be retaliation for Victor’s cousin.’

  Kari caught her breath. ‘This could mean a gang war!’

  ‘Yes, and I wanted to give you the chance to cover it, seeing as how you did the piece on Juno and Dominick. If you would prefer, I can hand it off to Charise or—’

  ‘No!’ Kari stopped her from continuing. ‘I’ll handle it.’

  ‘The police chief is supposed to give a statement in a little over an hour. We need to cover the briefing.’

  ‘Soon as I’m dressed I’ll head over to the station and take notes.’

  ‘You’ll need to write the article, so you better come into the office,’ Marge advised. ‘Once Scott approves your piece, I’ll try and get you out of here.’

  Kari sighed. ‘All right. I’ll call Jason and let him know. I’ll see you after the briefing.’

  Marge said goodbye and Kari immediately punched in another phone number. Reggie was the one who answered. Jason was in the shower, so Kari told Reggie about the murder and the need to go in to work for a few hours. She promised to call Jason as soon as she knew when she would be free for the day.

  Rushing about, Kari skipped breakfast, threw on her clothes, then hastily applied a touch of makeup and brushed out her hair. She was on the road in minutes and arrived shortly after the film crews from the local TV networks had set up for the briefing. She had to take a corner spot and hoped she could hear what was being said.