"Chasing the Evidence Race" by Susan Pearl (Wednesday. mystery blog #21)

 Garrett stays at his sister's apartment for two weeks.  Each day the news is filled with reports about all of the investigation and arrests going on throughout the city. The news even makes it to be reported on a national level. The headlines in the daily newspaper reads: No More "Guaranteed Confidentially Rule" Wire Transfers Allowed by Banking Commision to Start Immediately)

Gini: That's quite a headline. I think the whole worldwide organization operation has been affected in a big way.

Garrett: I do, too.

Gini: What are you thinking?

Garrett: Believe it or not I am thinking of a corn beef on rye with a touch of mayo.

Gini: What?

Garrett: This investigation has been so intense, so pressure packed that I am remembering the last time I really had a good laugh. It was at a restaurant and the waitress, named Tam, made me laugh. That felt so good and it was fun. I think I'm going for lunch there today. Want to come along?

Gini: No. How are you going out for lunch with police protection?

Garrett: I'm going to call Miles and tell him I don't think it is necessary for me anymore. They say there has been 32 arrests made and the city is looking normal again with video surveillance cameras back in place in most businesses.

Gini: Are you going back full time to manage your security business?

Garrett; I can't say for sure. The people in place are doing a good job and business is good and profitable. I'm beginning to think they don't need me.  All of them have really stepped up to the plate and like getting a percentage of the profits in their paychecks each month. I tried to be fair with them for running a smooth operation without me.

Gini: I'm actually thinking of taking some time off. I would like to travel and take a break from my law firm.

Garrett: Looks like both of us are at some kind of crossroad in life at the same time.

Gini: Call Miles and tell him that we are thinking it is time that we don't need police protection.  Tell him I am getting a passport and will be traveling for a couple of months.

(Garrett reaches for his phone to call Miles)

The End.

Hi Readers, 

This concludes my two mystery blogs entitled: "Accidental Date with Fate" and "Chasing the Evidence Race".  

I will be taking a holiday vacation and hope to be back after the first of the year with another mystery blog.

I thank you very much for reading my blog.  There are over 1000 posts so please review and reread some of your favorite blogs.

Wishing you the very best.

Sincerely, 

Susan Pearl

"Chasing the Evidence Race" by Susan Pearl ( Tuesday, mystery blog #20)

(Nate take a deep breath and clears his throat then says)

Nate: Max killed her.  He drove his motorcycle out there. He had been given orders to get as close to her as he could to monitor what she was doing about wanting to call the banking commission.  He reported to them that she was very serious and she had asked at the bank what would be the procedure to contact the head of the banking system.

Miles; Alright, tell us more.

Nate: Max called me and said everything was in place and I needed to offer Sylvia a ride to Max's house later after work. I was supposed to tell her that Max called and asked me to do that. I went in to buy some wax and I did just that. She was planning on spending the night and didn't want her car sitting outside in front of Max's house overnight. So, she gladly accepted my offer as Max had predicted she would do. She liked her car to be in her garage overnight and not left out in the open because of vandals.

Miles: Keep going, Nate.

Nate: I picked her up at 5:30PM.  She had an overnight bag with her. I told her I wanted to give her a ride in my car and even let her drive it for a while.  She was elated and thought that would be great. It was like you said after we got out the city limits a few miles she thought that was enough of a ride and didn't want to be late for dinner at Max's house. I just kept driving and told her I needed to give the car a good run of highway driving. She called Max and told him she would be a little late for dinner. she said that I told her I needed to blowout the cobs from my car and was hitting it pretty hard with highway driving. Max told her that was fine.

Miles: Where was Max during that conversation?

Nate: He was already there. He was waiting hidden in some bushes. You know the rest. Max shot her and he left. I threw her overnight bag away in a dumpster on my way back to the city. I did look in it and saw a bottle of wine on top of some black lace nightwear. I took out the bottle of wine, didn't want it to go to waste. She had told me that her life had come alive after meeting Max. It was the first time in her life that she felt safe. There was something about being held in his big strong arms she just felt like his strength would always be there to protect her.

Miles: How sad.

Nate: So, that's how it went down.

Miles: Who is the head of the organization in our area? Who is calling the shots?

Nate: Cliff Bayne is the head.  Max and Maze are his hit men.

Miles: You said that Max murdered Sylvia Quade do you have any knowledge or evidence of Maze being the hit man of anyone?

Nate:  Maze killed Gus.  I was there and Max was there. too. We saw it. Maze choked him out. Maze left and we made up the story about walking in together to the bar and grill and Max finding Gus dead on the floor behind the bar. Maze and Cliff took care of all the details and the removal of the body. (Nate hangs his head and says) I'm really feeling sick.

Miles. We'll get you some water and take a break.  I have arrest warrants to issue. Once again, we have the element of surprise on our side. No one should be suspecting that they are going to be arrested within the hour. (Water is brought in for Nate. He leans back in his chair and takes deep breaths and sips some water. Garrett and Miles leave the room.)

Garrett: I don't think you need me for any of the others coming in under arrest.

Miles: No, I will be here all night. I am calling in the FBI branch of the banking system.  We are going to have a full blown clean up and the sooner and faster we get on it the less time they have to cover their tracks.  Do you want police protection?

Garrett: I'll go my sister's apartment and stay there under her protection the rest of the week.

Miles: Good idea. Garrett, you did it. You broke open this case. And this is the most out reaching case I have ever been involved in supervising.

Garrett: I way I see it is that you are the best supervisor this case could ever have. You go the extra mile and will not let one stone left unturned. I'm going now, see you later, Miles. (Miles is on the phone and waves bye to Garrett. Garrett leaves the police station and drives to his sister's apartment)

to be continued: Tomorrow (Wednesday, mystery blog #21)

"Chasing the Evidence Race" by Susan Pearl (Monday, mystery blog #19)

(An officer and Nate were setting at a table in the interview room.  All the paperwork had been completed when Officer Miles and Garrett entered the room. The officer left the room closing the door behind her. Miles and Garrett sat across the table facing Nate. Nate refused to look up at Garrett)

Miles: I have asked Garrett Cummins to be with me for this interview.  He has discovered some vital information about the Sylvia Quade murder case. Everything is being recorded and a videocam on the wall is also recording this interview. We know you have been informed of your Miranda Rights. I will ask Garrett to tell you about the new information and how it pertains to you, Nate. I know you have negative feelings towards Garrett but put them aside for now and listen. It could be in your best interest to hear what he has to say. (Miles turns towards Garrett.  Nate does lift his head and does look at Garrett in a glaringly hostile manner)

Garrett. If the way you are looking at me could kill me, I would be six feet under. But this is very serious, Nate. Personally, in my opinion we may have saved your life by arresting you.  I think if Maze was going to take you to the storage unit office, he would have but instead he drove on by.  Now, I know you think you have nothing to fear at the next meeting of buddies in the organization.  You think someone else is going down. I think that has changed and you are on the "take out" list and I'm not talking about restaurant fast food. Nate, you have become a liability to the organization and I'll tell you why. We know you had access to the personal computer of Cliff Bayne. A search warrant has been issued and as we speak the computer is being confiscated for evidence along with receipts and transactions from Automotive Restorations.  

Nate: What does that have to do with my arrest?

Garrett: We believe the receipts and transactions will show you were at Automotive Restorations the last day that Sylvia worked there before she was murdered. You have already lied to me about not knowing Sylvia. You were a regular customer for buying car wax.  You wax your cars a lot.  You did all of your car wax transactions with Sylvia because that item was kept in the front of the store inventory and she did the sales work for the front items in the business. This will prove you did know Sylvia Quade.

Nate: So, what? It's not a crime to buy car wax.

Garrett: Did you buy car wax from Sylvia on the last day she worked?

Nate: Could have. I still don't know what this is leading to.

Garrett: We will know when we go through the transactions of that day if you had an opportunity to talk with her at the business.

Nate: What if I did?

Garrett: Well, Nate it may have been an opportunity for you to tell her you would take her to Max's house since his restored car was in for servicing. And the reason I am suggesting that is because we have a signed witness statement that a 1955 blue and white Chevy Belair was parked in front her house and drove away with a passenger at approximately 5:30 PM that day.  That makes you the last person that we know of who saw Sylvia alive.

Nate: You really are boring me.

Garrett: You see, Sylvia had become a liability to the organization because she was going to contact the banking commission about money laundering being done from the Automotive Restorations place of business. When we go through the confiscated computer, we will find out everything we need to know and your involvement in any crimes, also.  You are a liability to the organization just like Sylvia was and you know it.  I know you do. Now, what are you going to do about it? Nate, we have it all.  We have the computer. We have the transactions. We have an eye witness who is absolutely positive about the make and model of the car that was parked in front of Sylvia's house and drove away with a passenger. That person driving the car was you. Now is your chance to cooperate with us and make a deal. If you don't, your days are numbered to be very short in or out of the prison system. They are going to get you because of what you know. You have too much going against you with Lana's case and now involvement with Sylvia Quade's case. They are going to stop doing business with you and, in fact, they will keep the possibility of you exposing the organization from ever happening.

Nate: (starts rubbing his chin and looks like he is deep in thought and says) I am not a murderer.

Garrett: You may or may not be Sylvia's murderer. But my, Nate, aren't you something?  Bringing not one but two passengers to a designated place for a plan to unfold that will take each of their lives. Was it easier this time, the second time? When did Sylvia realized she had been duped? If you picked her up to take her to Max's place, I think about the time you got fifteen miles outside the city limits she knew that this was more than just giving her a joy ride in your car. Who murdered Sylvia? Who was waiting there for you to bring Sylvia? Was the murderer hidden? You stopped to let her out. I think you told her you would let her drive your car back to the city.  Then when you pulled forward telling her you were turning the car around, she waited thinking she would be getting into the driver's seat. You are so good at telling big fake lies. As you drove ahead, she was shot from behind in the back of the head.  She didn't see it coming.  And you know why you really pulled your car ahead?  Because you knew what was going to happen and by driving ahead you wouldn't get any blood on your prized freshly waxed car. This is looking really serious for you, Nate, and it is coming together fast. Who's to say you didn't do it? Maybe you did.  You've got to give us a lot more. Who was the person waiting to kill Sylvia and why? Speak up and do it now.

Nate: Can I have some kind of protection in jail if I tell you what you want to know? Because I know if I do tell you, I'm a dead man.

Garrett: You're a dead man if you don't tell us. Your options have run out and the sooner you recognize that fact the better off you'll be.

to be continued:  Tomorrow (mystery blog #20)

"Chasing the Evidence Race" by Susan Pearl ( Friday, mystery blog #18)

 (Garrett's heart sinks as he finds out Nate has been bailed out and he is no longer in jail.)

Garrett: I thought his bond was set for $350,000 dollars.

Miles: It was. We got notice of a wire transfer in that amount to pay Nate's bond.  The wire transfer was under a "Guaranteed Confidentiality Rule" and the bank said everything was in order and the transfer was good.  So we had no choice but to let Nate go.

Garrett: How long ago was that?

Miles: Almost an hour.

Garrett: Who picked him up?

Miles: I don't know. I saw him get on the back of a motorcycle and they road off.

Garrett: Was the motorcycle driver a real muscular man?

Miles: No, he looked average build.  With the helmet and large sunglasses I didn't get to see his face.  He had his leathers on and boots.

Garrett: I will find Gary Hansen and I will take his statement and have him sign it. I'll bring the signed statement to you as soon as I can. 

Miles: With this new evidence I have just issued a BOL- "Be On The Lookout" for the motorcycle and stop it and bring Nate in to be questioned for possible involvement and transportation in the murder of Sylvia Quade. If they are still traveling it should work out.  But if they have already stopped and parked the motorcycle somewhere it won't happen as fast. But I think the window of time is still open and in our favor. They shouldn't be that far away. With an all points bulletin for the BOL scanning the area that they should still be in; that area will be very well covered and keep expanding and corresponding accordingly to the time frame.

Garrett:  They won't be on guard.  They don't know we want Nate for questioning about the Sylvia Quade's case.

Miles: Wait a minute,,, it's being reported they have been seen. They pulled up by a police car while waiting at a stop light.  The police person is following them and requesting back up. Word has it now that they are leaving the roadway and have entered a gas station plaza to gas up. I don't think it should be too long and we will have Nate back here for questioning.

Garrett: I am with Gary Hansen right now. I'll be right there with Hansen's signed statement. I want to be there for Nate's interview. I know this is a major break in the Sylvia Quade case. 

Miles: I agree. I want you to lead the interview.

Garrett: I will and with you there I know we will make a strong team to get to the truth of  the Sylvia Quade murder.

Miles: It can happen. We have the element of surprise on our side.

(Shortly, Garrett pulls into the police station parking lot. He goes into the police station and gives Hansen's signed statement to Miles.)

to be continued:  Monday, November 22, 2021 (mystery blog #19)

"Chasing the Evidence Race" by Susan Pearl (Thursday, mystery blog #17)

 (Besides doing other investigating work throughout the day Garrett has been doing his own stakeout at Sylvia Quade's house at the same time each day.  He thought from 4:00PM to 8:00PM would be the best time to watch at a distance and see if something would happen that could be more information or a possible lead. While on his the stakeout Garrett notices an older man walking a dog regularly the same time each day in the neighborhood. The man and dog were directly across the street from Sylvia's house at approximately 5:30PM. That is the time that the witness said he saw Max pick Sylvia up in his blue and white restored car. Garrett thinks it is worth a try to interview the man walking his dog. Garrett sees the older man coming with the dog. Garrett gets out of his car and approaches the man by walking towards him on the sidewalk. Garrett smiles and says)

Garrett: Pardon me. (the man looks surprised but stops to listen)  My name is Garrett Cummins and I am investigating the murder of Sylvia Quade. Sylvia lived in that house across the street. I have noticed you have a regular routine of walking your dog by here at approximately the same time each day.  I would like to ask if you ever noticed anything unusual that gave you pause or made you wonder about because it was something unusual?

Man with dog: No, can't say I have. My wife and I just got back this week from a two week trip to see our children and grandchildren. My wife is busy getting things caught up after being gone and she isn't walking with us this evening.  When she walks with us we go a different route because she likes seeing all the flowers. When I walk the dog I take this way because there is a guy you drives a restored '55 Ford Fairlane which is one of my favorite cars because I drove one in my younger years. It's a sharp car and once in awhile I see him driving it. That really makes may day. 

Garrett: So you have been walking with your wife the other route to view flowers most of the time? 

Man with dog:  Yes, that's exactly right. She usually is on the walk except when she has some extra things to do. Now the week before our trip she didn't walk that week because she had lots to do in getting ready for our trip. She likes shopping and I think she got her walking in that way before our trip. She even bought presents for all the grandchildren and wrapped them just like it was Christmas or something.

Garrett: Thanks for your time. (Garrett does some quick math figuring in his notepad then says) The night I would want to talk to you about would have been the night before you left on your trip. That would be the exact time frame we're talking about. We had a witness say he saw Sylvia Quade picked up in front of her house by a blue and white '55 Ford Fairlane about 5:30PM.  That witness was almost a half block away and has some vision problems. So I am trying to find someone who may be able to verify this witness statement.

Man with dog:  Tell your witness that car was not a '55 Ford Fairlane. Tell your witness that car was a blue and white '55 Chevy Belair.  I saw it and I remember it well. That restored '55 Chevy car was in front of her house the night before we left for vacation.  I thought of it when we were on vacation. I hadn't seen one of them for a long time.

Garrett: Would you be willing to give a statement to that fact of seeing a blue and white '55 Chevy Belair outside of Sylvia Quade's house the night before your vacation?

Man with dog:  I sure would. I know what I saw. I sure know the difference between a '55 Ford Fairlane and a '55 Chevy Belair. I know what I saw.

Garrett: What is your name? 

Man with dog:  My name is Gary Hansen.

Garrett:  I'll tell Officer Warren Miles that you will be coming to the police station tomorrow to give a statement.  Ask for Officer Miles and he will take your statement. Thanks a lot, Gary.

Gary: You're welcome.  When it comes to cars from that era I drove them and I know what I'm talking about. I have no doubt that was a '55 Chevy Belair in front of her house that evening. 

Garrett: Did you see her get into the car?

Gary: No I didn't see her get into the car but they drove by me and there was a lady in the passenger seat. I didn't know who the passenger was. I never met her. It all happened fast and I was distracted with the dog wanting to go back home. See how this dog is acting right now. All this whining and pulling on the leash are because of wanting to go back home. The dog starts barking at Garrett.

Garrett:  I know how that goes and I better let you keep moving.

They smile and nod at each other .  Garrett goes back to his car and writes down his notes in his notepad.  He felt good about the evening and couldn't help but speculate who the driver of the '55 Chevy Belair could have been. He thinks it is a solid lead. Garrett calls Officer Miles to tell him of the new development.  Officer Miles tells Garrett that Nate has just been bailed out and he is no longer in jail. 

To be continued: Tomorrow

"Chasing the Evidence Race" by Susan Pearl ( Wednesday, Mystery blog #16)

(The next morning Garrett goes to Automotive Restorations to follow up on his investigation.  He walks into the business and steps up to the front counter. The ringing of  a doorbell alerts those in the back garage that someone is waiting in the front part of the business. A young mechanic comes to the counter from the back garage area.)

Young Mechanic: Can I help you?

Garrett: I would like to talk to Cliff Bayne.

Young Mechanic: He's unavailable today.

Garrett: Will he be available tomorrow?

Young Mechanic: I couldn't say.

Garrett:  Do you work here full time or part time?

Young Mechanic: I work here full time.  Cliff has so many telephone interruptions and has to make so many calls to make I even get overtime most weeks.

Garrett: Is your name Roger Gains?  The Roger Gains who gave a statement to the police that you could verify that Max Wellbrock's 1955 Ford Fairlane had not left this place of business on the last day that Sylvia Quade worked here?  That Max's car was returned the following morning before hearing the news of Sylvia's death.

Young Mechanic: Yes, I'm Roger Gains. That's correct. I was here all day and with Cliff the last day that Sylvia worked here.  Max's '55 Ford Fairlane was here all day and even overnight. Cliff returned the Fairlane after putting on a fan belt early the next morning before we opened the business. I followed him so I could give him a lift back to the auto garage. We had worked together all that day the last day. That is, except when he had his dinner break.

Garrett: What time is Cliff's dinner break.  

Young Mechanic:  It varies.  He doesn't often take a dinner break.  That day he took a whole hour from 5:30PM to 6:30PM. Sylvia had already left for the day. I got a sandwich at the deli and when I came back with it that is when Cliff left. We try to always have someone here on the premises anytime we are open.

Garrett: Do you know Nate Striker?

Young Mechanic: Sure I know Nate.  He is a regular customer because he waxes his cars so much. He buys a lot of car wax.  We keep products like that up front and the receptionist handles the transaction with store front stock items for sale. Nate, also, uses Cliff's private commuter because his own computer needs an update. 

Garrett: Did Nate come in that day?

Young Mechanic: I couldn't tell you for sure. If he was in it was probably to buy some wax and Sylvia would have handled the transaction. As for using the computer, he comes and goes without even being noticed.  He uses an outside walk-in door to Cliff's office. I didn't see him that day.

Garrett: Could you look up the transactions for that day and so I can check if Nate made a purchase? (Just then a man steps out from behind a partition to the garage and tells the young mechanic that his help is needed to work on a car in the back of the garage. The young mechanic leaves the counter and the man steps up to the counter and looks at Garrett saying)

Cliff: My name is Cliff Bayne. I am the owner and we have given more than enough of our time to answering questions. We have work to do. We can't get anything done working on cars and make any money if we are standing around the counter visiting.  We've got to keep busy. That's just the way it is.

Garrett: I thought you were unavailable today.

Cliff: I am.

Garrett: Could have fooled me. You suddenly don't look unavailable to me. 

Cliff: I'm not going to stand back and watch you ask or try to find out answers to questions that simply are not any of your business. So this conversation is over. Max and I have been through hours of questioning.  Max's car was here. That's it. There's not anything else to say. (Cliff turns his back and walks away towards the garage)

Garrett:(calls out) I understand and I'll be leaving. You have work to do and I don't want to take up more of your time.

Cliff: (Stops and turns saying) I actually think you've get it.

Garrett: I do. (Garrett leaves and Cliff continues walking to the garage. Garrett is thinking as he is walking to his car of how his request for information about Nate had hit a nerve with Cliff.  It seemed very important to Cliff that he quickly step in and stop any transactions from being shown that were made on the last day that Sylvia worked there. Garrett knows he did hit a nerve with Cliff.  Garrett writes down some notes about this in his notepad. He knows a definite knee jerk reaction when he sees one. There was something that caused Cliff to have a reaction and want to break up the conversation between the mechanic and Garrett. Also, Garrett knows he has caught Nate in another lie as Nate told him he didn't know Sylvia Quade. Now Garrett has two details starting to show there is more to Nate and Cliff.  It is like they are trying to protect each other. Nate denies knowing Sylvia and Cliff stops possible information about Nate to be revealed. In addition for Nate to have special access to Cliff's computer is very concerning. Garrett breaths a temporary sigh of relief knowing Nate is in jail but soon that will change.)

to be continued: Tomorrow

 

"Chasing the Evidence Race" by Susan Pearl (Tuesday, mystery blog #15)

(Garrett wants to talk to Officer Miles about the current murder investigation. Garrett is interested in finding out how things are going)

Garrett: When I was at Automotive Restorations and was told that Cliff Bayne was interrogated for three days. I wanted to ask how things are going on the Sylvia Quade murder.

Miles: We thought we had a good lead but it didn't hold up. So the case has stalled and we are working to find leads.  The lead we had was from a neighbor who lives about half a block away.  The neighbor said he saw Sylvia come home after work and she drove her car into her garage attached to her house.  She closed the garage door. A half hour later she came out of the house and she was picked up by Max Wellbrock in his blue and white restored car. We interviewed Max Wellbrock and he denied everything.  He said he could not have possibly picked Sylvia up because his car was at Automotive Restorations for servicing that entire day. In fact, he said he didn't get his car back until the following morning. He said that since his car was in for servicing and that Sylvia didn't like to ride with him on his motorcycle she said she would come over for dinner by driving herself. Max fixed the dinner and she never showed up.  He kept calling but would just get voice mail. He rode his motorcycle to her house. Her car wasn't in the driveway and everything was dark. He thought there must have been some kind of miscommunication but really couldn't understand why. They both were looking forward to the evening. She had even said she was going to bring a bottle of wine. He broke down a couple of times. I think he really had feelings for her. We interrogated Cliff Bayne to find out about him having the car at his place of business at the exact time that our witness had seen Sylvia Quade get into Max's restored car and leave.  It was a hard interview because he denied everything. But things kept pointing back to him for having the car at the time Sylvia was seen getting into the car and being driven away. He was asked to come back in for more questioning for three days but he brought his witness who had worked with him all day and on into the late evening. The mechanic's name is Roger Gains. He stood by Cliff's story and backed him consistently. We decided that we needed a more reliable witness because the witness we had is having some eyesight difficulties and being a half block away made it to be unreliable.  Roger and Cliff returned the car to Max the next morning before anyone knew Sylvia had been murdered.  So we have his DNA on the car and in the car along with Max and Sylvia's. And now we are back to square one and trying to find a lead but avenues have dried up for possible leads. There was no clues left at the crime scene. It has been frustrating.  I keep asking myself -what have we missed?

Garrett:  I think it is odd that a servicing of a car would take so long.  That they actually had to return the car the next morning.  Servicing a vehicle is something even a mechanic assistant can do.

Miles: We investigated all of that. The fan belt was needing to be replaced and it was a special order overnight delivery. After they got the fan belt installed early the next morning they then returned the car to Max's residence..

Garrett: I understand.

Miles: That is the way they do their business.  They order all parts from CRSC and they do not keep an inventory for specialty parts and they don't get time involved in locating any parts in the city. CRSC stands for Classic Restorative Specialties Company. The company has a good reputation and is used a lot by anyone restoring an old car.

Garrett: So they knew when the car needed a fan belt that the car would have to be at their place overnight.

Miles: Yes, I believe so.

Garrett: Tomorrow I will go to Automotive Restorations first thing in the morning and see if I can find out some new information.

Miles: Anything in particular in mind besides the car being serviced?

Garrett: Yes, I have a couple of things weighing heavy on my mind.  It will take awhile to find the details of my concerns for more information.  All I can do is make myself accessible, think outside of the box and ask lots and lots of questions.  Something will start showing up that will show the course of action needed to be taken to get to the truth. I'm especially interested why Sylvia Quade wanted to get in contact with the banking commission. Did she tell anyone of her suspicions and that she wanted the advisement of the banking commission? I think she was onto something. And I think that knowing what she knew set her up to be murdered by whoever had interests in stopping her. Someone wanted her eliminated before reporting to the banking commission what she had found out or suspected.  With all these wire transfers going on, it seems to me it all could go hand and hand with good solid evidence to back it up. I want to find out who murdered her and how the opportunity to do so was set up and set in motion. Who were involved? That is what is weighing heavy on my mind.  I think she was trying to do the right thing and got killed for it. To me that is why I am so determined. I think she was trying to do the right thing and was murdered for it and I want find out who did it.

Miles: Let me know your progress and we are here if you need us in any way. She didn't know what she was getting in with.

Garrett: Yes, and she didn't know who she was getting in with.

(Garrett and Miles agree a lot had been accomplished and call it a day. Both leave the police station at the same time)  

to be continued: tomorrow

 

"Chasing the Evidence Race" by Susan Pearl (Monday, mystery blog 14)

Miles: You've got it. We have the evidence from his own mouth. I heard his threat to your sister. I'm immediately ordering police protection around the clock for your sister wherever she is.

Garrett: (hurriedly writes down Gini's address and hands it to Miles) I'll call her immediately. I need to tell her what's going on and ask her to stay home for a few days.

Miles: Go ahead and make your call from the landline in my office. I'll be in there as soon as I implement into action this around the clock police protection for your sister.

Garrett: How long will that take?

Miles: Not long.  There will be an officer at her apartment door within fifteen minutes.

(Garrett goes into Officer Miles office and shuts the door.  He calls Gini on the landline phone.  She doesn't recognize the number and lets it go to voicemail.) 

Garrett: This is Garrett, pick up, pick up, pick up! Please pick up! (Gini answers by saying "what's wrong? Garrett excitedly says) Listen to me and I will explain more later. There may be a threat in motion to hurt you. (Gini shouts Who?!!)   It is that organization that paid Hanna's bill before you even knew the amount so you know this is serious because it is like dealing with a hidden web of connections. Lana's chauffeur, Nate, is one of their members he has been arrested because of my investigation of him. He told me if ever I went ahead with the information I had against him that the organization could hurt you as retaliation. They think that it would hurt me more if they hurt you. That's the threat and you are now under 24 hour police protection. They are on their way. There will be an officer on duty at your door in a matter of minutes. I'm asking you to stay home for a couple of days while we can sort things out.

Gini: (on phone) I can do that. (Miles comes into the office saying that two officers are on the way in an unmarked car.  Gini continues on the phone)  This is the second time I have had police protection.  I was threatened while I was prosecuting a big case. I know what to do.

Garrett: I love you ,Sis.

Gini: I know you do. Things will be alright. I'm glad you got the evidence you needed to make an arrest.

Garret: Was it really worth risking you?

Gini: Yes, for sure. I have dedicated my life for the justice system to work in behalf of all. I'll be alright. Don't worry about me. I should do a couple of things before they get here. I do have my own firearm and it should be ready.

Garrett: I want you on this line until they are there.  Just have your phone on speaker as you do what you have to do. I feel like I'm with you this way and I'm the one who has put you into this situation. (Gini lays down her phone which she has put on speaker and goes to her closet. Several minutes pass. Gini says)

Gini: I'm ready and they are knocking on my door.

Garrett: Let them in. (Gini carries her phone with her and answers the door. There is some brief conversation then Gini says)

Gini: Hand the phone to officer Miles.  (Garett does just that and Officer Miles identifies himself over the phone.  Gini says to Miles) I have Officer Jay Nelson and Officer Emily Miller with me right now.

Miles: They are exactly who are supposed to be with you right now.  You have our best.  Have a safe night. (Miles hands the phone to Garrett) 

Garrett: I'm feeling better now and I am more determined than ever to get to the bottom of all of this.

Gini: You go for it, Garrett.  I believe you can do this and I want you to.

Garrett:  I will. Thanks.

Gini: I'm excited to see what you come up with.  See ya. (They both hang up)

Garrett: I'm pulling out all stops. I'm working day and night until I get some major leads and definite answers.

Miles: Today you got the evidence to arrest Nate. Who knows what tomorrow can bring?

to be continued: tomorrow

"Chasing the Evidence Race" by Susan Pearl Friday mystery blog #13

Garrett: Can you imagine how Lana must have felt when she realized she had been tricked by you and Hanna and that her night of love and fun on the town with Maze was all an hoax.  She saw Hanna and knew right away something was wrong.  Maybe Hanna told Lana that the reason she was there was to take Lana to a secret place where Maze was waiting for her. I think it had to be something like that for Hanna to get Lana to go willingly and get into Hanna's car.  How sad,  how terribly sad. What a betrayal! Lana had trusted you. Maze had trusted you. Do you think for one minute I am going to trust you? Answer me this, Nate.  Did you accept her three hundred dollar tip when you had taken her to meet Hanna?  Did you actually accept her generosity when you knew she was going to be murdered by Hanna? You played a big part in deceiving her.  What did you think when she handed you such a big tip and said "this is for you, thank you"? Did you feel anything?

Nate: What would it hurt? She wasn't going to be spending it anyway.

Garrett: There are no words to tell you what I am feeling right now for you.  If you don't tell me what I want I am going to get the word out in a big way how you lied and made up the story that Maze wanted to meet Lana when you knew you were setting her up for Hanna to murder her.

Nate: Do what you want to do. Believe it or not there are a certain few people who know how it really went down for Lana and they are alright with what I did.

Garrett: I'm asking again, I want to know who the head person is for the organization in this area. Tell me the name or do you even know?

Nate: I refuse to confirm or deny if I know the name. I don't think you and I are having a showdown.  I think we are having a standoff. I'm not going to tell you the name of the head of the organization and you are not going to tell anyone that I did tell Lana she was meeting Maze at the coffee shop because you don't want to jeopardize your sister. So there you have it, we are at a standoff. We are tied for now and the way I see it since we are even it would be to both of our best interests to not make waves and to tread very lightly. Maze doesn't like you and he's on board for threatening you by harming your sister. 

Garrett:  Maze doesn't like you. You even said you know that he would like you to be taken out of the picture and is making plans to do just that..

Nate: There you have it, another showdown. Nate wants you out of things and he feels the same way towards me.  We're even again.  You don't have any kind of advantage.  That's the way I see it.

Garrett: Well, all right then.  We're through.  You can't say you didn't have a chance. Now, get out of my car. 

Nate: Gladly. Watch your back. (Nate gets out of the car and slams the door. As he is going towards the wooden steps to go to his office Garret peels out of the parking lot. Nate watches him drive away. Nate hadn't even touched the doorknob when three police cars drive into the parking lot. The police get out of their cars and one officer orders Nate to stop and turn around slowly with his arms out. Two police women climb the wooden stairs. One officer quickly stands behind Nate and brings his arms behind him to handcuff while the other office tells him he was under arrest and reads him his Miranda rights.

Nate: (confusingly asks) What am I under arrest for?

Officer in front of Nate: For conspiracy in the execution of the murder of Lana Daltine. (The officers walk Nate down the stairs and escort him to the back seat of their police vehicle.) 

(Meanwhile, Garrett has arrived at the police station and quickly goes into Miles's office closing the door.  Garrett starts to play the tape recorder. Miles listens attentively to every word.)

To be continued: in one week on, Monday, November 15, 2021, mystery blog #14

"Chasing the Evidence Race" by Susan Pearl (Thursday mystery blog #12)

Garrett:  Nate, you are in with the big time heavy hitters.  Maze would kill you in a heartbeat if he knew you set up Lana for Hanna to murder her. You better get out while you can.

Nate: It doesn't take Maze to actually know I set Lana up to meet Hanna for him to want to take me down. Maze wants to kill me just because he's so upset that I didn't call him when I told that Lana was meeting someone else. He says I broke our friendship by not calling him.  I hear that every day. I know that if it was up to him that he would want me out of the picture. In fact, I'm sure he already made plans to do just that.

Garrett:  Knowing all this, you're still not running or getting out? 

Nate: You've got it.

Garrett: Well, you must to be in real close, like playing footsie-footsie, with the top tier.

Nate: You've got it.

Garrett:  You can't trust them. What about Maze making plans with them to do you in?  Are they keeping you informed so you know when it is time for you to dress the part of being taken to a funeral home? You would want to dress up for that, wouldn't you?

Nate: Very funny. Let's just say....no, on second thought, let's don't...I've said enough.

Garrett: Let's just say you are not worried about it so you know you are not the one who is going to be taken out.

Nate:  Let's just say I'm not the one who needs to be dressed for the occasion of being taken to an undertaker.

Garrett:  Who's going down?  Is it Maze?  Is Maze making a plan that is going to backfire on him?

Nate: I'm not answering that. Just how dumb do you think I am, anyway?

Garrett:  If you stay in with these people ..pretty dumb.

Nate:  They respect me.

Garrett; No they don't.  They are going to use you and then throw you away.  That's how they work and you aren't even aware of it, Nate. You better get aware of it and the faster the better. Tell me .who is the head of the organization in this area?  Give it up! Now's your chance to get out. Tomorrow might be too late and I won't be able to help you then, not at all. 

Nate: WOO! you talkin' like a tough guy, like one tough dude.

Garrett:  That's it. The  Achille's heel talk has just activated in me to become your own worst enemy.  Let's just say I know enough to be dangerous and my sister doesn't know a thing about you. But I know you lied to Lana about having special evening with Maze. What I know isn't dangerous to me but it sure is dangerous to you. I am "your" Achille's heel.

To be continued: Tomorrow

 

"Chasing the Evidence Race" by Susan Pearl (Wednesday mystery blog #11)

Garrett: Well, it's like this.  I know you have been lying to me. I know you know Maze and you know that I  know that.  So let's put that behind us and let's talk about another lie you have told.  Only this lie you have told it over and over again not only to me but to a whole lot of other people, too. including the police.

Nate: What do you mean?

Garrett: I went back to J.J.'s Jewelry and talked with Jade, the owner.  I asked her if Lana had ever worn a piece of jewelry that she had just bought out of the store before.  She  told me "no" that was the first time she had ever worn the jewelry right away and left the store wearing it.

Nate: So, big deal.

Garrett:  I think Lana was told by you that Maze wanted to meet her for a night on the town.  You told her that as soon as she was through making her purchase you were going to take her to the coffee shop where she would meet Maze and the evening was going to be a very special one for her and him to enjoy. Probably you told her that Maze had made reservations at several places and he would be bringing her back to her apartment after their night of fun and romance. Lana would not have ever worn that necklace to meet Hanna! But she would have wanted to wear her beautiful necklace for such a wonderful night with Maze.

Nate: This is crazy.

Garrett; Lana was lured to meet Hanna by you telling her Maze wanted to meet Lana at the coffee shop to have a special night together.  Lana didn't ever tell you she wanted to be left off  at the coffee shop to meet a friend.  You have lied about that so much that I think you have convinced yourself that is it the truth but it's not and far from it. So when you left Lana off you knew she was going to meet Hanna and not Maze.  That tells me you and Hanna were in on this together but why?

Nate: I don't know a thing about it. You're the expert or you sure do think you are.

Garrett: You knew Maze had the envelope that had a letter in it that would exonerate Hanna but you set back and watched at a distance to not involve yourself in any way with Hanna.  I think Hanna got word to you to make up a lie. It would look better for her if you would say that Lana wanted to meet her at the coffee shop and for you to leave her off there. That way Hanna could convince others of her wanting justice by confronting Lana about the blackmailing and knowing the true identity of the serial killers. Hanna would lie that Lana became confrontational and Hanna had to kill her in self defense. Hanna had every intention of murdering Lana because she even tried to make it look like Lana's murder was done by the serial killer.  If people knew that Lana had been tricked and lured when taken by you to meet Hanna under such false pretenses it would prove a conspiracy between you and Hanna with prior intentions of Hanna murdering Lana. You told Lana that Maze had planned a special evening for the two of them and that he had asked you to leave her off at coffee shop because that is where he would be waiting for their special night to begin. That is why Lana wore the necklace. She thought she and Maze were going to have a night on the town. But she must have felt a little uneasy because that is why she took a picture of you.  She wanted to show your face for a reference to herself for her wonderful evening or for a reference for others to see her chauffeur.  I wish she would have followed any uneasy instincts instead of being carried away with the thought of Maze planning a special evening just for her and him.  I think she was excited for him to see the special necklace she was wearing for their night to remember on the town. I think she thought she could trust you and that calmed any uneasiness she had to not be taken back to her apartment by you.  She knew she would be perfectly safe with Maze taking her to her apartment.

Nate: I think I've heard enough of this.  Just drop it.

Garrett: What if I don't?

Nate: Believe it or not that there has already been a serious discussion as to what may be done if you make too big of nuisance of yourself.

Garrett: Oh, really?

Nate: Yes, really.

Garrett: What was brought up in the discussion?

Nate: That everyone has an Achille's heel.

Garrett: An Achille's heel? 

Nate: Yep.

Garrett: What do they think my vulnerable area is?

Nate: They know "exactly" where your weak spot is.

Garrett:  Oh, they do. What do they think my Achille's heel is?

Nate: They think your Achille's heel is your sister. And, that's all I'm going to say about it.

to be continued: Tomorrow

"Chasing the Evidence Race" by Susan Pearl ( Tuesday, mystery blog #10)

Maze: So what are we going to do about it?  I don't appreciate you trying to keep track of me.

Nate: I don't appreciate a lot of things, too.

Maze: Like what?

Nate. Like me opening up my home to give you a place to stay and lay low for awhile and you acting like you own the place.  Like you blaming me all the time for Lana's death.  Don't you think I wish I had done things differently?  Well, I do.  But I can't go back and neither can you. You are stuck in a rut about it and I hear it over and over and over again.  I'm very close to asking you to leave.

Maze:  I see. What are you going to do next?

Nate: I'm going to count the disposable phones in the box.  I know there were 36 phones in the box before you left for a motorcycle ride.  What reason could there be for you to leave here on your motorcycle?  It had to be that you wanted to make a call on one of those disposable phones.

Maze: My, keeping track of how many phones are in the box. How impressive. Thanks for telling me.  Now, I'll have to hide a few phones here and there. Remember, good card players doesn't show their hand. You tell everything you know so don't play cards. You would lose. Listen, what I do is none of your business! (Maze gets up and walks down the hallway going into the back bedroom and slams the door.)

Nate: (Shouts by the bedroom door) For as long as you live here I'm watching you like a hawk!! You remember that!! (Nate goes back into his office and sits down at his desk. He leans back in the office  roller chair.  He changes his mind about thinking things through right there and decides to lay down on a couch in an adjoining room.  His revolver is nearby in that room and he thinks it might be a good idea to have it handy.  He knows it is time for Maze to leave in more ways than one. The plans for Maze to move should be coming together soon. Nate thinks that it can't come soon enough. Nate resents the fact that he had thirty contracts signed that day and Maze didn't even ask how things went.  At a thousand dollars a contract Nate had made thirty thousand dollars that day.  He is suppose to divide the money with Maze and he thinks "that ain't going to happen".  Maze doesn't even need to know. The house is quiet in a strange way because both are suspicious of each other.  It's going to be a long night. Instead of a deep restful sleep Nate will be taking short cat naps throughout the night.                                                      Across the city, Garrett is finishing up his studying and reviewing all the news articles about the murder.  He has reviewed his notes several times.  He has a couple of very pressing thoughts.  He thinks some solid evidence could develop very soon. Officer Miles would need something solid to prove what Garrett thinks is a very real possibility. Garrett knows it would be dangerous for him to wear a wire.  He decides to put a recording device in his car and he has a plans to get to the bottom of several issues that need to be answered once and for all. For now, he is ready to call it a day.  Morning will, once again, come too soon.)

(Early the next morning Garrett decides to drive to J.J. Jewelry and ask Jade a couple more questions. After that he goes to the police station.  It was good to see Officer Miles. Miles was busy working on the current murder case. Garrett takes the file and goes to the next room to study it.  Miles was right by saying it wouldn't take long for Garrett to read any additions to the file.  Garrett returns the file to Miles.)

Garrett: This is well done but your investigation completely stops after Hanna's confession.  I noticed your last entry was of me telling you that the name of the chauffeur is Nate Stricker. So I would like to add to that part of the file with my findings. 

Miles:  Yes, do you have a follow up plan to finish your investigation?

Garrett: I do and I am going to do that right now. It's still early enough I can catch Nate coming back from his morning ride in his vintage restored car. He does that each morning. So I'm really going to put the heat on him and see what happens. I will be recording everything that he says. This can go one way or the other. If it goes the way I think it might I would like to ask to have a police stake out to watch for me to give a signal. 

Miles:  What kind of signal?

Garrett:  If I peel out of the parking lot that means to come and arrest Nate before he enters the modular home.  If I drive out slow it means I didn't get the evidence and do nothing.  For me to peel out means to act fast.  So I want to tell you everything I suspect that Nate has been involved in as to Lana's case.(Miles and Garrett spend ten minutes with Garrett explaining to Miles his suspicions and his tactics to get solid evidence for arresting Nate)  

Miles: It's a go, Garrett, We need to follow through on this and I'll have a stake out there at a distance but still be able to observe. You have good instincts and if anyone can pull this off you can. Stay safe.

Garrett; I will. If I peel out I will come back here as fast as I can with the recording an give it to you.(Garrett leaves and drives to the storage unit rental place. He waits.  It doesn't take long until Nate comes rolling into the parking lot with his '55 Chevy Bel Aire. When Nate sees Garrett he starts shaking his head "no". He gets out of his car and Garrett gets out of his car.)

Nate: What do I have to do? Call the police? I will.

Garrett: What I want to talk to you about can be said in about five minutes.  I'm asking you to give me  five minutes then I'll totally leave you alone.

Nate: Why should I?

Garrett: Because you are a curious man. And you would wonder about not knowing what I had to say to you for the rest of your life. I can sit in your car with you to talk privately. Or we can talk right here. Or even, we can talk in my car.

Nate: Are you wearing a wire?

Garrett: No.

Nate: Take off your shirt.

Garrett: Please, Nate. I'm a modest man. But all right. (Garrett takes of his shirt, raises his arms and turns around in front of Nate.)

Nate: You're good.  But I don't want to talk out here in the open or in the office. I'd rather you not sit in my car.  I can sit in your car and hear what you have to say.  What's this all about?

(Garrett gets in his car in the drivers seat and Nate gets in Garrett's car in the front passenger seat.)

to be continued: Tomorrow

"Chasing the Evidence Race" by Susan Pearl (Monday mystery blog #9)

Once inside the bank Garrett knew he was out of his area of expertise.  He was wondering how to ask a question about something that he has no intention of ever using. A bank teller asks)

Bank teller: May I help you?

Garrett:  I want to talk with someone about the Guaranteed Confidentially Rule.

Bank teller:  What are the six to eight countries involved in your wire transfer?

Garrett:  I don't want to send a transfer.  I just want to know how it works and what is involved.

Bank teller:  All banks received notice that a Guaranteed Confidentially Rule had gone into effect.  The wire transfer would require six to eight countries involved in sending the wire transfer.  The origin of the transfer would not be disclosed along with the other countries involved in the wire transfer due to current political tensions. The Guaranteed Confidentially Rule covers the wire transfer to be good without disclosing the countries or wired routings used for the transaction.

Garrett: Sounds complicated.

Bank Teller: It takes a specialized systems team to monitor it. As long as the wired transfer is marked "Guaranteed Confidentially Rule" we know it has been approved by the specialty systems team.

Garrett:  Well, I sure thank you for explaining it to me.

Bank Teller:  We get all sorts of inquiries.  Last month a person asked how to get in contact with the head person of the whole banking industry.

Garrett: Did you give an answer?

Bank Teller: Yes. I totally explained the process to her. That's what we are here for is to serve the people and do what we can do to answer their questions.

Garrett: Do you know who she is?

Bank Teller: Oh. yes. She was a customer here. She came in like clockwork every payday.

Garrett: You say "was".  Did she change banks?

Bank Teller.  That is the sad part.  She was murdered about thirty miles outside of the city.  We all felt really sorry about it.

Garrett: I'm really sorry. I don't want to take more of your time.  There is a line of others starting to form behind me. Thanks again.

Bank teller: You're welcome. Have a nice day.

Garrett: You, too. (Garrett leaves the bank.  His legs are feeling weak after hearing what he had been told.  He sits in his car and gets got out his notepad and writes down notes for over twenty minutes. When he is through with writing down his notes he decides to go to his apartment and figure who his next interview should be with. He needs time to soak in all the new information. He keeps remembering his initial thought of Lana giving a clue by taking a picture of Nate.  He calls Officer Miles and asks if there has been more information added to the case file on Lana. Miles answered Garrett on the phone and tells that they had kept the file open to try to find the chauffeur or anything about him. The investigators were asked to turn in what they had. Miles tells Garrett there hasn't been much added to the file.  Garrett says he would like to review the file in the morning and asks if that is a possibility. Miles tells him that would be fine but with so little added to the file and as fast as Garrett reads he may be done in five minutes. Miles says all investigation information has now been turned in and the file will be closed shortly. The file is complete. The file will be closed because the case is no longer under investigation. Garrett tells Officer Miles that he seriously wants to talk with Miles before the file is closed. He may have more information to add to the file before closing the case. He thanks Miles and they agree to see each other at the police station in the morning. Garrett decides to spend the rest of the day reading all the news articles on the latest murder. He had heard a few news reports during that grueling process of tracking the limousine for days.  He knew her name was Sylvia Quade and that she had been the receptionist at Automotive Restorations. It doesn't take him long to find out the name of the owner of Automotive Restorations.  The owner's name is Cliff Bayne. There's an article featuring Cliff Bayne in an interview about his receptionist, Sylvia Quade, following the murder. He had only complimentary things to say about Sylvia Quade and said that she will be greatly missed. Garrett continues to read and study all the news articles concerning the murder into the evening.)

(Meanwhile, at the modular house, Nate gets back from working on the quota of contracts needed for him and Maze to meet by a certain date.  He comes in the door and sees Maze making himself at home and sitting behind his desk. Maze is relaxing and posed leaning back in Nate's office chair. He has his arms raised up with his hands clasped behind the back of his head. His legs are up, crisscrossed at the ankle, and resting on Nate's desk with his boots on.)

Maze: (mockingly) I saw the piece of tape you put on the storage unit door.  Are you interest if I ride my motorcycle to get a breath of fresh air? That's kind of a bizarre way to check up on me, kind of a prehistoric technique, Wouldn't you say? Is that your idea of having a security system in place? (Maze laughs)

Nate: I saw that you reattached the tape, too. It's not a prehistoric technique if you thought you had to reattach it. I do think you look down on me so go ahead and laugh but you're not fooling me. Don't think that I don't know what's going on. (A showdown atmosphere is in the air.)

to be continued: Tomorrow