M. Forsythe - While Rome Was Sleeping

Thoughts were running like rabbits through his brain. Monte knew he had to pull himself together. “I’ve got to focus on getting that merchandise. The priest and Kincaid; they’re the ones that are left. Has to be one of them,” he told himself, firmly.

Monte went back to his office. “I’m going home, Ed, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

10:15 AM

He decided the Center should be his first stop. He would roust the priest. “It’s an opportune time since the place was just broken into last night,” he thought; but seeing the police still on the scene and spotting Jim Savalza, Monte’s plan was quickly deflated.

He parked and watched for a short time. He noticed Savalza talking with a man outside and identified him as Andrew Kincaid. Monte badly wished that he could hear the conversation but could only hear the din of the traffic on the Alaskan Way Viaduct overhead.

He decided to wait until Savalza and Kincaid had left and then he would drop in the Center and see what was happening. While he waited he rehearsed in his mind how he would approach Father Lee. With Ramsey’s words ringing in his head he dismissed any thought of a heavy approach, although that would have felt more natural to Monte.

In a few minutes he was gratified to see both men leave. Waiting five or six minutes, he casually entered the front door of the Center. Even Monte was blown away by the mess; Jake and Leo had been thorough in their search. Seeing Father Ben speaking with a male volunteer, he nodded and Father Ben concluded his conversation and greeted Monte apologetically. “I am so sorry to have a visitor see our Center in such chaos.”

“Monte quickly reassured Father Ben, “It’s all right, Father, I’m with the Police Department,” showing his badge. “I just have a couple more questions. I just saw Detective Savalza so I know he covered almost everything, but I need to know if the victim left any of his possessions here before he was killed. It might help the Department get a better line on what the motive might have been.”

Ben was somewhat surprised and before accommodating Monte he saw Davey approaching them. He said quickly, “Davey, I have some letters that need to go out today, would you kindly take them to the box on the corner?” He wanted Davey out of the Center until he knew what this Detective really wanted. “No, Detective,” he responded cautiously, “Mr. Kelshaw did not leave anything here; he did not even have a duffel bag or anything like that with him. From the look of his clothing, I would say that his personal possessions were practically non existent.”

Ben added firmly, “In fact Detective, if you will look around you will notice the Center is still in disarray after it was broken into last night. As you can also see, the contents of everything were upset and thrown on the floor and even the desk in my office was violated, drawers were emptied onto the floor, the file cabinet broken into and also emptied onto the floor. Everything was left in a terrible state of confusion. If Mr. Kelshaw had left anything of value here it would probably have been taken by whoever broke into our Center. What in particular are you looking for?”

Monte sat for a moment while his thoughts settled. Without answering Ben’s inquiry, “One more question, Father. Since Andrew Kincaid was with you and Kelshaw at the hospital, do you think it is possible that he gave Kincaid anything to hold for him?”

Ben looked squarely at Monte. “No,” he said carefully. “I am certain that Mr. Kelshaw did not give Andrew Kincaid anything; again I ask you, Detective, what exactly are you looking for?” This interview didn’t feel right.

Monte was on the spot replying quickly, “Nothing specific, Father. We just need something to help us with the identification.”

“You have his name and whatever possessions he may have had were with him when he left the Center. I don’t believe his attackers had time to rob him. But I have already given much of this information to Detective Savalza Detective ah…” Ben paused,” I don’t believe I heard your name.”

Monte barely audible, responded, “Maxwell, Monte Maxwell.”

“As I was saying, Detective Maxwell, Detective Savalza has much of this information, perhaps you should speak with him.” The question regarding Andrew raised Ben’s level of discomfort. “I’m sorry I cannot help you more than what I have told you. I must continue with the clean up and I have some appointments. Detective Savalza will be checking in on us later today, I’ll mention that you asked.”

Monte wilted inside. “Oh, that’s fine, Father, no need… since Kelshaw didn’t leave anything here no need to bother Savalza with this. I’ll—I’ll catch up with him later. Thanks for your time,” Monte mumbled.

Ben watched the big detective lumber toward the door and waited until he was outside before picking up the phone and dialing Jim Savalza. “Jim, this is Father Ben, after you left today another detective stopped by to ask some questions. I thought you should know.”

“Oh? What detective? What did he want?” Jim’s curiosity was clear.

“He wanted to know if there were any items belonging to Mr. Kelshaw that might have been left behind at the Center. He said his name was Detective Maxwell.”

In the car Monte was thinking fast and furiously about his next move. It had to be Kincaid. He thought about Ramsey’s deadline, Monday, only until Monday. He decided if Kincaid had anything that belonged to Kelshaw he would probably have it stashed at home and not the Times or KGM.

Finding Andrew’s address Monte proceeded to acquaint himself with the apartment house and neighborhood. He then determined to wait for the right opportunity to access the apartment in Andrew’s absence. “I’ve got the weekend,” he told himself.

By this time, down deep Monte didn’t really believe that Kelshaw carried anything of value, but he knew he would never convince Ramsey. He needed another plan. His mind went back to the money. “Unless the merchandise turns up I won’t get the other hundred thousand, but what about Leo and Jake’s dough? They each got fifteen thousand; they haven’t had time to spend it so they must have it, somewhere. Tomorrow they won’t need any money where they’re going; then I’ll visit the St. Croix again. Maybe I missed something. I can take my time, they won’t be coming back,” he laughed to himself. “If I can find that money I can get out of town before I have to talk to Ramsey again. On the other hand if Kincaid has something of Kelshaw’s I can collect the other hundred grand, and,” he ruminated greedily, “the other half of Jake and Leo’s take too.”

Andrew followed Charlene’s request dropping her at the garage to pick up her car. She assured him that she was fine and he took her word for it knowing he would be calling her later just to make certain. He actually found his parking space clear. Entering the lobby of the Times he saw Wendy at the reception desk. As she was about to hold out her hand to offer a stack of messages as he hurried past, Andrew surprised her. He took the messages and stopped, “Thank you, Wendy. You know, you really do a heckuva’ good job here and you may not know it, but I for one appreciate you!”

Wendy looked stunned. Andrew couldn’t help but laugh and added, “See I can still surprise you, but I do mean it.” He left Wendy looking after him with her mouth still open.

Looking at his messages he spotted one from Jim Savalza. At his desk he quickly dialed Jim’s number, “Hey, it’s Kincaid, what’s going on?”

Jim held the phone against his shoulder while grabbing a pen, “Yeah, thanks for getting back so soon. We got some good prints from the desk and the file cabinet that match a couple of illustrious citizens of our fair city. I know this is short notice, but can you come down and have a look at a couple of mug shots? I’d like to get these guys before they know we’re hot on their trail.”