The Peacoat by G. William Parker

Author:G. William Parker [G. William Parker]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781468584820
Publisher: Author Solutions Inc.
Published: 2012-07-09T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19

Emily’s action was anything but usual. Rather than rolling her eyes and voicing some sarcasm, her eyes screamed PANIC as her voiced squealed, “Thank God you’re back, Rick!”

Before I could respond with something no doubt cynical, two men appeared from my office. Their appearance and demeanor was the same as Vince’s the first time we met. I had a hunch and it didn’t take a badge to know my hunch was right.

“Mr. Morgan?” the older one asked, stone-faced.

“Yes?”

“I’m Sergeant Arnold Jackson, Seattle PD Homicide. This is my partner, Officer Brian Smith.” They showed me their badges.

“So-o,” I asked a bit leery, “what can I do for Seattle PD?” My initial thought was their presence had something to do with Crystal’s supposed death in Vegas. My gut told me differently … and it wasn’t to sell tickets to the Policemen’s Ball.

“Mr. Morgan, may we step into your office for a chat?” asked Sergeant Jackson. His tone rang demand, not a request.

Agreeing with a slight nod, they had me lead the way. As the younger officer began to close my door I figured two could play the game, demanding not requesting to leave it open. He complied reluctantly. Placing my briefcase on the desk, I took my seat motioning for them to do the same, then started the conversation. “So, what brings Seattle’s finest to my humble office?”

“Where were you this morning at 2:00 A.M.?”

“Why do you ask?” I returned with some suspicion.

“Do you know a man by the name of Mike Patterson?”

“Mike Patterson?” I thought. That’s the lowlife that was blackmailing Crystal. The one I arranged the come-to-Jesus meeting for a year ago. The one Vince had recently threatened would be tossed from his sixth floor window if he didn’t answer our questions. Why would two homicide …? The answer smacked me across the face. “As a matter of fact,” I began slowly, “the name rings a bell. Why?”

“Last night at 2:00 A.M., he made a big dent in the roof of a Chevy. You do know his room was on the sixth floor?” Surprised at his candor, I sat back quietly with my hands clasped and pointer fingers touching my lips. Actually, I was giving thought on how to respond. Cops don’t like it when you stop and think. “Mr. Morgan?”

“Actually, I do,” I answered slowly. “But what does that have to do with me?”

Sergeant Jackson continued, “Then you’re saying you’ve been to Patterson’s room before?” His monotone voice made it clear that he was the one asking the questions.

“Gentlemen, you know damn well I have. You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t. But in answer to your question, I was there with Vince Guarino.”

“And when was that?”

“Two weeks ago last Monday.”

“And Mr. Guarino will verify he was with you?”

Before I could answer I saw Emily standing in the doorway with her mouth open. No doubt in shock to what she just overheard. As our eyes met she spoke, “Rick …” with a crack in her voice. Before she finished Vince came barging in around her.

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