defendant’s sister. Since I can’t question your brother directly without his attorney being present, I don’t want to be accused of tricking his sister into spilling info.”
“Got it. You’re now officially off the hook. If the new investigator for the defense screws up it’s not your problem.”
“You could really foul up your brother’s defense by talking to me. I want to be certain we understand each other; starting now, consider yourself fair game. I don’t intend to tell you anything about the investigation, and whatever you tell me I’ll definitely use if I can, and will testify to in court.”
“Seems fair to me, what’s your problem?”
He shook his head. “You are a puzzle.”
“The world isn't ready for the unpuzzled me.”
“Maybe you don’t want anyone to understand you.”
“I haven't met anyone that can. So, I guess you’ve figured out that you don’t have any choice but to deal with me.” She gave him a nice smile to take the edge off that pronouncement.
He frowned. “So you’re going for our arrangement?”
She continued, “If you’re asking for cooperation, sure I’ll do that. I need to be able to communicate with the opposition. You just have to listen. If you’re on the wrong track, then it might help your investigation. Just stay off my back.”
“Okay, I won’t bother you unless you start acting crazy. I can use some cooperation right now. If I’m reading you correctly I can make statements like that without you laughing.”
“Keep being honest like that and I won’t laugh.” She felt she was getting somewhere. “You called me here because you need my help.”
“Maybe, don’t know enough about you. Don’t know whether to trust you or not. You said your job in Philadelphia puts you in contact with the police. So, I suppose you know your way around attorneys and judges and courtrooms and cops and even criminals.”
“All of the above.”
“Good, so you’re probably savvy with the dos and don’ts. I phoned the Chief of Detectives in Philadelphia. He said you’re okay.”
“I’m thrilled at the thought.”
“Hey look, don’t let your wisecracks get in the way of our understanding each other. I’m trying to get you pegged. You’ve made it clear I must deal with you, and I’m trying to figure out if I can live with that.”
“I’m sorry. I’ll behave. I have no idea who the Chief of Detectives is, but I’m glad I received no bad reports.”
“That’s better. So, you’re like a semi-pro in this business. Now I see why you hustled down here when your brother had a problem.”
“He didn’t have a problem until he met you. I suppose you’d never ask for help from me if you thought my brother was guilty, right?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“Well, you’ll get absolutely no help from me unless you’re buying this coffee. I have my principles.”
“You’re tough. Okay, I’ll assume you know how to dig for the bits and pieces that could help both of us. To start with, I need to find out about the Jardin Cafe, something beyond public records, something beyond common knowledge.”
“Ah, the Norma Martin angle, tell me more.”
“Nope.”
She struck a pose with one hand on her hip and stared at him.
“You have to let me be a cop.”
She shrugged and took a notebook from her purse. “It’s owned by MoonGlow Enterprises, a Delaware Partnership.”
“Thanks a lot, but anyone can Google that.”
“Well, they don’t make it easy to dig down to the true owners. I work with a gal at our firm in Philly who specializes in uncovering such information. That is I used to work with her, I might not have a job anymore. Anyway, I’ve already phoned and given her that business name. She’s checking it out. I’ll get back to you.”
“Excellent. Can I ask something else of you? I’d prefer you not interview Towson’s seventh floor neighbor, at least not yet.”
She wasn’t aware Towson had a seventh floor neighbor. She bluffed, 'Well, I don’t know if I can promise that, why not?”
“She’s old and deaf to start with, Mrs. Crawford. She witnessed people coming and going that day, and I don’t want to get her more confused than she already is. I’m afraid if you talk to her, later she might even identify you as the killer.”
She didn’t laugh. “So, it was a woman she saw?”
“Oh, you’re fast. Come on, I didn’t say that.”
“It was on your mind. Admit it now. You’ve an unidentified woman on your mind, or you wouldn’t have put me in your little joke.”
“Do you read tea leaves too?”
“Yes, but I’m better at men. You realize, of course, that Mrs. Crawford will tell me things she’d never tell you.”
“Perhaps you’re right but stay away for now. Maybe I can use that angle later.”
“You mean maybe
“Don’t get presumptuous, Sandy. We aren’t working this case together. I’ll welcome your input as long as you don’t become a loose cannon. Do you know how far I’m sticking my neck out just talking with you? Moran would love to catch me smiling at you.”
“You’re right. Go do your cop thing. Do I detect a hint of animosity between you and the state attorney?”
“No secret there. He doesn’t much care for me either. Little Bonaparte is a tyrant with far too much power. In their Judicial District, state attorneys have tremendous control over life and liberty. The system is very efficient. Moran simply states what he wants and the judge gives it to him. No conflicts, and everyone but the defendant has a nice day.”
“Great, the guy who has a noose around my brother’s neck is a bully and a jerk. I hope you don’t mean he’s crooked?”
“The cold-blooded bastard would ignore evidence if he believed it would punch his ticket to Washington.” He appeared uncomfortable with the subject. He straightened and pushed away the empty mug. “Do you have anything else you’d like to share with me?”
She had a wonderful punch line for that question. She put a napkin to her mouth to hide her smile. She cleared her throat. “Yes, as a matter of fact I have. I went to the InnTowner. Loraine was definitely there. The maids said she was lounging around, wearing a thong, and flirting with Raymond. Personally, I find flirting while wearing a thong redundant.”
“She already admitted to me she was there with Reid.”
“Oh, good, but I’ll bet she didn’t tell you she wore a thong? What does that tell you? Does that fit in with her explanation for being there? Doesn't that indicate deviousness on her part?”
“No comment. Were you able to establish when she left the motel?”
“All I know is she left before the noon checkout time. Guess I’ve struck out again with useless information.”
“Keep trying”
“Okay, then tell me something about yourself,” she said. “Why does a nice person like you take a job frightening people and ordering them around?”
“I was about to ask you the same thing.”
“Geez, I’m not that bad.”
“Are all Philadelphia girls as cocky as you?”
“I usually get away with it.”
“Well, in my case it’s in the genes. Dad was a cop, the best, he made police chief.”
