CRIME OF RETRIBUTION: A Gripping Crime Mystery Full of Twists Read online

  He chided himself for not staying awake long enough after she left to call and make sure she got home safely. But calling so early this morning might make him appear too eager.

  After showering and dressing, he put on a fresh pot of coffee and went on deck where the brisk breeze cleared his head.

  When he straightened the area around the bench, he found the empty wine bottle with a curled note stuffed inside. He smiled as he pulled the paper out, anticipating a romantic message from Stacy.

  Rather than making him happy, the words turned his stomach: YOU’LL GET WHAT YOU DESERVE

  Stacy obviously didn’t leave the note, but the thought of someone being so close while she was on board made his blood curdle.

  He considered showing the note to Lea, but quickly discounted the notion.

  I know I don’t confide in her enough. I'll work on that, but now is not the time. We have enough on our plate trying to find Pedro. Besides, Woody is on his way. Together, he and I will sort this out.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  It wasn’t her intention to snoop behind Dan’s back, but Lea was eager to learn more about him. What better person to ask than his ex-wife with whom she became friends during the case of their missing daughter.

  Dan’s plans to be late to the office provided Lea time for coffee with Jessica after their yoga class.

  “You seemed distracted in class this morning,” her friend observed as they stood in line at Starbucks.

  “I was thinking of a case Dan and I are working on involving Rancho Hidalgo. Have you ever been there?”

  “No, but I know the owners. In fact, I’m working on a charity event Dottie is hosting this week.”

  After receiving their coffee, they found a table.

  “Enough talk of work,” Lea said. “Tell me how your daughter is doing.”

  “Ashley finally moved into an apartment with her friend, Erin. Despite her harrowing experience at the college, she maintained an interest in counseling. She intends to major in psychology when she attends the university next year.”

  “Are she and Dan spending time together? I know repairing their relationship was the primary reason he moved here.”

  “He sees her once or twice a week. They’re on better terms than they were in Texas where he seldom had time for her.”

  “Upheaval often causes people to change their priorities.”

  “I give him credit. I never thought I’d see the day he’d leave Texas.”

  “Now that he’s settled, how does he feel about living here? I don’t get the impression he’s overly fond of the place.”

  “He’s still testing the waters. As I’m sure you’ve noticed, he hasn’t given up his Stetson or his boots. At least Ashley is steering him away from his addiction to meat and potatoes. How are you two faring as partners?”

  “There are things I find more irritating than his eating habits.” The words slipped out before Lea could stop them.

  “Let me guess,” Jessica said. “You’re talking about the impression he gives of always being right.”

  “He doesn’t come out and say so, but you feel it all the same.”

  Jessica looked amused. “Even more annoying is the fact that he actually is right most of the time.”

  Lea reluctantly agreed. “He has an uncanny knack for reading people. To uncover their hidden traits of pretense or deception.”

  “Dan has a strong dislike for phonies or anyone who acts superior. He’s also outspoken to the point of being aggressive and refuses to live on terms other than his own. That combination makes him easy to admire, but difficult to like.”

  “I admit there are times he makes me want to scream.”

  Jessica laughed. “Welcome to the club. I’m sure he’s a challenge to work with.”

  “It’s frustrating when he doesn’t let me know what’s on his mind.”

  “Asking him to share his thoughts is as pointless as asking him to show his cards in a poker game. He feels it weakens his position if people are privy to what he’s thinking.”

  “When my sister and I worked together, we shared all our thoughts and feelings. Dan is a blank slate in comparison. His unwillingness to open up makes him appear standoffish.”

  “I’m sure working with Dan differs from being with your sister. Men and women have different ways of communicating.”

  “Dan’s way borders on being incommunicado.”

  “He’s not anti-social. But when we were married, he was always more comfortable hiking with his dog than attending a dinner party.”

  “I imagine he doesn’t differ from most men in that regard, but he never mentioned having a pet. No wonder he gets along so well with my two dogs.”

  “His dog died. That’s why he doesn't talk of him.” She pulled out her phone and showed a picture of Dan kneeling beside a German shepherd. “When Dan was with the police, he and Buddy worked on K-9 patrol together. Dan claims the dog saved him on more than one occasion. When Buddy was retired from active duty, Dan adopted him and brought him home. They were always the best of friends. I used to think that dog understood Dan better than I did.”

  Lea laughed. “That’s what my husband thinks of our collie and me.”

  “One thing I can promise you about my ex. He and his dog were identical in terms of loyalty. Just like Buddy, once Dan is in your corner, he will always be there when you need help.”

  “I wish he thought the same of me as far as having his back. Right now, we’re on shaky ground.”

  Jessica smiled. “Dan’s probably having as much trouble adjusting to your subtlety as you to his brashness. He and his first partner Woody were known for getting in people’s faces.”

  “His last partner was a woman. How did they get along?”

  “It took a while for him to warm to working with a female, especially when it came to trusting someone with his life. But they sorted things out. He and Pam worked well together.”

  “Until she was killed.”

  “For which Dan felt unreasonably responsible. His reluctance to get back in that particular saddle is understandable.”

  “I can see how I might be a challenge. I’m not only a woman but a hard-headed one to boot, used to being in charge and doing things my way. When Maddy and I were together, I did the planning and Maddy followed my instructions to carry out her part of the investigation. Dan has his own ideas of how things should be done. He often initiates plans without consulting me. I feel as though I’m playing catch-up with his agenda. Or worse, trying to prove myself to him.”

  “It’s a position many women feel themselves in with male associates. But you have no reason to react that way. He speaks highly of you.”

  Lea beamed. “He does?”

  “One piece of advice. Don’t try to get him organized. I straightened his home office once. Set up a nice filing system. Rearranged the furniture. The works.”

  “Did he appreciate your effort?”

  Jessica shook her head. “Grumbled he couldn’t find anything and put everything back the way it was. He doesn’t work in an orderly manner, but every detail is stored in his brain.”

  “I’m learning that about him.”

  “There's no reason you two can't work out the bumps. We’re all prone to prefer our own way of doing things. Change requires willingness to adapt. You can’t speak for Dan, but is that something you’re ready to do?”

  “A good question,” Lea replied. “One I hadn’t asked myself. But yes, I’m eager to do what’s required for our partnership to succeed.”

  Jessica ran a finger around the rim of her cup. “Is there a specific reason for your concern about Dan?”

  Lea hesitated. She didn’t want her friend to worry about their daughter’s safety while spending time with Dan. But as Ashley’s mother, Jessica had a right to know.

  “Although he’s being less than candid, I know Dan has received threats.”

  “What kind of threats?” Jessica’s tone reflected anxiousness Lea had hoped to avoid.<
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  “Probably no cause for concern. In our profession, we’re exposed to retribution from people whose downfall we caused. My father has a drawer full of warnings he received during his tenure with the police.” When Jessica appeared to relax, Lea continued. “But I wonder if you remember anyone from the past with resentment against Dan?”

  “The only person I recall is a man whose wife was raped and murdered. Dan and his partner apprehended the suspect, but the jury failed to reach a guilty verdict. On the steps of the courthouse, the victim's husband threatened everyone involved with the case for perverting the course of justice. However, I can’t imagine someone traveling halfway across the country to carry out a grudge, especially when Dan was only the arresting officer.”

  “Given the distance, it’s reasonable to assume Dan is safe,” Lea assured her. “But it’s another good reason for him to be here.”

  “I’m glad you think so. I’d like to see this move work out for Dan since he’s had such a positive impact on Ashley. And he seems to enjoy working with you and your father. The three of you should make an excellent team.”

  As she drove to the office, Lea replayed the conversation with Jessica, especially the part about them becoming a team.

  She wasn't sure Dan would match any effort on her part to adapt. Worse, she was afraid he wouldn’t be forthright regarding future attempts on his life.

  She needed to find another way.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Early morning traffic was light on Dan’s drive to LAX. After finding a parking space, he went to the section for arriving passengers and waited for the flight from Dallas.

  It was easy to spot his buddy among the travelers disembarking. Besides towering over people and being built like a linebacker, his friend’s loud laugh and strong accent made him stand out.

  “Woody, over here,” Dan shouted.

  They weaved their way through streaming crowds inside the terminal and past shuttle buses and taxis parked at the curb. Conversation was minimal while Dan navigated his car out of the busy airport and onto the freeway.

  “How was your flight?” Dan asked, once they were on the road to Buena Viaje.

  “I could barely make out the city through layers of smog on our descent,” Woody complained in his slow southern drawl.

  “You didn’t need to make the trip, buddy. I only called for your advice.”

  “I came out to see for myself what drew you away from the great state of Texas.”

  “You know why I moved here.”

  “If you’d done it for any reason other than Ashley, I’d say you were crazy. But yeah, I get it. How’s your daughter doing?”

  “All good news where she’s concerned. On top of that, Jessica and I are back on speaking terms. In fact, I invited her and Perry the last time I took Ashley to the islands. The four of us had a great day.”

  “Wonders never cease. And how are you getting along with your new partners? You haven’t worked with a female since Pam.”

  “Lea and I do things differently. Adjusting to each other’s style is a work in progress, but I think we’ll get there.”

  “Speaking of work in progress, who do you think is behind the attempts on your life?”

  “I’m not sure. That’s why I need your help. Can you think of anyone interested in killing me?”

  Woody tried unsuccessfully to stretch his long legs in the cramped space. “Based on our experiences, I can think of several candidates. What about on your end?”

  “I haven’t been in town long enough to stir up this much trouble.”

  “It doesn’t take you long, buddy. What cases are you working on with the agency you hooked up with?”

  “The only possibility involves the manager or his security guards at a farming operation called Rancho Hidalgo. We suspect them of distributing drugs.”

  Woody roared with laughter. “Don’t tell me you found others as dumb as the crew we busted outside Laredo hiding cocaine in shipments of jalapeños.”

  “This group hides packages of the powder in crates of avocados.”

  His friend laughed again. “Man, those were the days rounding up smugglers along the border. Do you think those are the hombres trying to do you in?”

  Dan shook his head. “They’d be happy to get me out of their hair, but the pieces don’t fit. Besides, they would avoid drastic action which might alert their employer to what’s going on.”

  “Unless, of course, the owner himself is involved,” Woody suggested.

  “We aren’t that far in our investigation, but we’re looking at all angles. Considering the fact the owner is a congressman, it’s unlikely.”

  The comment produced another deep laugh from Woody. “Crooks have played a part in politics since the republic’s first election.”

  “As I say, he's on our radar, but my gut tells me the answer lies elsewhere.”

  “How about someone you’ve met on a personal basis?”

  “That’s a short list. Lea and her father have been keeping me busy.”

  “Anyone at the marina where you dock the Dixie Cruiser? Even before you moved here, you stayed on the boat during visits to Ashley following your divorce.”

  “I see a handful of people there regularly. Some of them live on their boats like me. Others come to fish or to frequent the restaurants.”

  “You told me you received a warning on your boat. Who knows where you live?”

  “The regulars at the Whale’s Tail, but I hardly consider them a threat. Most of them are either too old or too drunk to shoot straight.”

  “What flings have you had since you’ve been here?”

  “None that I recall,” Dan replied cagily, declining to mention Stacy. “Besides, this could be a professional hit. What’s the latest on the gang we had under surveillance with links to the West Coast?”

  “We haven’t been able to put them out of business. That’s a possibility, especially if they think you followed them here to build a case.”

  “Anyone else who comes to mind?” Dan asked.

  “After you called, I put together a list of people who might want to kill you.”

  “You compiled a list?” Dan asked indignantly.

  Woody chuckled as he pulled a notepad from his pocket. “It’s longer than you might expect.”

  “Cut the comedy. Get to the bottom line.”

  “One thing came to light during my research.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “Remember the Munson case?”

  “How could I forget? We arrested him on suspicion of rape and murder of a woman in west Texas. Our evidence wasn’t sufficient and the defense attorney was brilliant. The guy’s lawyer punched holes in the prosecutor’s argument and cast doubts on our credibility. The jury acquitted the jerk even though we were convinced he was guilty.”

  “Do you remember what the victim’s husband said on the steps of the courthouse after the trial?”

  “That’s something else I didn’t forget. He vowed revenge against everyone associated with the gross miscarriage of justice.”

  “Since then, the defendant’s attorney was injured in a hit-and-run. One of the jurors was involved in a boating accident. And the district attorney’s car hit a tree when the brakes went out on his car.”

  “Tell me more about the juror in a boating accident.”

  “Yeah, weird thing. He’s apparently an experienced yachtsman, yet he sailed his boat into a reef. Luckily, he and his wife are good swimmers. They swam ashore before the vessel tipped on its side and sank.”

  “What caused the collision?”

  “He claimed he heard noises that sounded like shots from a gun. In his panic to escape, he misjudged the distance from the reef.”

  “Was he right about someone shooting at him?”

  “They found no proof. The harbor patrol chalked it up to his having one too many while sailing.”

  They rode in silence until they reached the sign for the exit to Buena Viaje.

 
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Woody asked.

  “That the dead woman’s husband is living up to his promise for revenge?”

  “He warrants consideration.”

  “If he’s the one, why hasn’t he come for you? You were with me on the arrest.”

  Woody looked over his shoulder. “Don’t spook me. I’m here to enjoy myself. Once I return to Texas, I have people who watch my back. How about you, good buddy? Do people here look out for each other?”

  Dan didn’t respond, unsure of the answer to Woody’s question.

  • • •

  As they neared the hotel where Woody was staying, Dan asked about Pam’s son.

  His friend appeared reticent. “The news isn’t anything you want to hear.”

  “Cough it up. I need to know.”

  “Pam wanted her son to have a college education. She made appropriate provision in the designation of benefits in the event of her death in the line of duty.”

  “That sounds like what Pam would do, knowing her husband would probably drink away any money they received. I hope the kid took advantage of the arrangements.”

  “Let’s just say Gavin didn’t carry out his mother’s wishes.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “After one semester of college, he quit and joined the service. He did a stint in the army but was forced to resign because of an eye disease which makes him susceptible to blurry vision.”

  “Too bad. Military training would have been good for him. He was getting to be a handful for Pam even before…” He gladly changed the subject as he pulled in front of the hotel. “Speaking of the military, let’s discuss the wording of the warning I received.”

  “The message is obvious to me. Someone’s out to get you.”

  “Watch your six is a phrase used in the military. It originated in World War I with fighter pilots referencing the rear of the plane as their six.”

  “So what? It's also heard in law enforcement and is a phrase which has evolved into a commonly used expression.”

  “Humor me a moment and follow my train of thought.”

  “Go ahead. I’m listening.”

  “It reminded me of Haroldson. Remember the helicopter pilot who transported us on our missions with Special Forces?”