Dead as a Doornail (Stan Kraychik Mystery Book 6) by Grant Michaels

Author:Grant Michaels [Michaels, Grant]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Tags: Humour, Gay Men, Boston, Fiction, Stan Kraychik, Murder Mystery
Publisher: ReQueered Tales
Published: 2021-04-20T00:00:00+00:00

21

FROM BRANCO’S INTRODUCTORY REMARKS ON THE third cassette, I know that Thorin Hightower’s attorney is present during his interview. Having been churned through the justice machinery once before, Thorin understands an unsubtle truth about the legal system: no lawyer, no law.

Branco begins by asking Thorin, “What were you doing inside Tim Shaughnessy’s place in South Boston, where my crew apprehended you a short while ago?”

There’s a pause, during which I hear barely perceptible sibilants, probably passing between Thorin and his law-tron.

Then Thorin says, “I was retrieving some property.”

Branco says, “What is the nature of this property?”

“Electric trains.”

“Electric trains?”

“Yes,” says Thorin. “Timmy had a rare set of electric trains.”

“And who do these trains belong to?”

More susurrous sibilants.

Thorin says, “They belonged to Timmy.”

“Do you mean Tim Shaughnessy?” says Branco.

“Yes,” says Thorin.

“You were in Shaughnessy’s place retrieving some of his property?”

“That’s right,” says Thorin.

Branco says, “This may sound old-fashioned, Mr. Hightower, but I believe that’s called theft.”

Another voice, presumably Thorin’s attorney, says, “I object!”

“Duly noted,” says Branco. “You’re on the record.” Then he asks Thorin, “Why were you taking this property?”

“I owed somebody a favor.”

“Who?”

Psss, psss.

Thorin says, “Myron Kratz.”

Branco says, “So you were stealing these trains for Mr. Kratz?” Again the lawyer yelps, “I object!”

“Good for you,” says Branco.

Thorin says calmly, “It wasn’t theft. Myron is a collector, and he assured me that Timmy had promised the trains to him.”

“And you believed him?” says Branco.

“I had no reason not to,” says Thorin.

Branco asks, “How did you get into Shaughnessy’s place?”

“I have a key.”

“And how is that?”

Pssss, pssss, pssss.

Thorin says, “I like having something personal of Timmy’s.”

Branco takes a deep breath.

“Where did you get the key?”

“I copied it,” says Thorin.

“From whom?”

Pssss, pssss.

Thorin says, “I am advised not to answer that.”

Branco says, “Are you aware that even with a key you were committing an illegal act?”

Psssssssss, psss-pss, psssst!

Again Thorin says, “I am advised not to answer that.”

“Mr. Hightower, why did you agree to do this deed for Mr. Kratz?”

Thorin explains. “Myron has something that belongs to me, and he agreed to return it if I got Timmy’s trains for him.”

Sounds like Myron’s special collection agency runs twenty-four hours a day.

Branco says, “What is this thing of yours that Mr. Kratz has?”

“A lens cap,” says Thorin.

“For a camera, you mean?”

“Yes.”

I hear the noise of an envelope being opened. Branco describes the contents of an evidence bag as a Nikon lens cap. The edge is engraved with Thorin Hightower’s name.

Branco says, “Is this it?”

Thorin says, “Yes.”

Branco says, “We found this at Mr. Kratz’s store this morning.”

Thorin says, “Well, now you know I’m telling the truth.” He sounds relieved.

Unmoved, Branco says, “So Mr. Kratz was blackmailing you?”

“Yes.”

“Do you know how Mr. Kratz got possession of this?”

“He says he found it.”

“Do you know where?”

Pissssy, pss, pss.

Thorin says, “At 101 Waltham Street.”

Hey, no big deal. That’s my house. Everybody goes there.

“Were you ever there yourself, Mr. Hightower?”

“Yes.”

“When?” asks Branco.

“At various times.”

See? The place is goddamn Squatter Central.

Branco says, “When was the most recent time?”

“Yesterday morning,” says Thorin.

“Can you tell me

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.