C Weaver - Silent River

“They had probably already decided to use that story, and he was just trying it out on you.”

“I think you’re right. There’re a lot of misleading facts spread around here. The worst thing is that the paper is printing them. I wouldn’t be surprised if I read the story of the heart condition in the paper tomorrow. My guess is Miz Sullivan didn’t need to show up. She got a copy of the chief’s PR before he went down.”

Robert sat forward and looked out the window to check their privacy. “Look at this.” Robert pulled his notebook from his pocket and handed it to Jake. “What do you think about this?”

Jake read over the names of the men in their department reassigned each time Robert had set up a team to go out on a mission.

“They’re always the same ones,” Robert offered as he took the pad from Jake. “For a while, I thought the captain was trying to shut down my investigation.”

“It looks that way to me.” Jake slid his arms into the sleeves of his coat and took his hat off the seat opposite Robert.

Taking the hint, Robert stood and followed him out the door.

“Jake, think about it. It’s always the same four men. I don’t think Arnie’s trying to jeopardize my investigation. Instead, I think he’s protecting me.” He ducked into his office and grabbed his hat and coat and briefcase, flipping off the light as he jogged to catch up with Jake.

“How do you figure that?” Jake continued the conversation.

“He must know things about these guys. I have my suspicions, but he must know. They’re either dirty or they’re moles for someone outside the station.”

Jake was quiet for a moment. “You could be right. They can be a pain in the butt. You’re better without them.”

“I agree. I guess I’ll have to stop complaining about the reassignments. They can’t tell what they don’t know.” The two men walked to Robert’s car.

Stuck to the windshield under the wiper on the driver’s side was a piece of paper. Robert carefully slid it out and turned it over. Printed in black ink, he read,

“Robert, I think you’ve been threatened. Again,” Jake said, as he read over his partner’s shoulder. He waited for Robert’s reaction.

“That just means I’m on the right track and to stop second-guessing myself.” It was no joking matter. He’d received a similar threat a few years ago and dismissed it. He wouldn’t do it again. That didn’t mean he would cave. He would be better prepared. He patted the gun in the shoulder holster. He didn’t have to check it. He knew just how many rounds were in the clip and how fast he could have one in the chamber.

“You up for some take out? Lorene is having one of her “hen fests” tonight. I could use some male company.”

“I’m game. You fly, I’ll buy?” Robert reached for his wallet. Jake nodded, took the bill, and headed for his car.

They met at Robert’s house and soon had take-out boxes and papers spread over the floor and coffee table. “What do we have on James Corbett?”

Robert pulled out a thick folder and flipped through the papers, finally pulling one out. “We have one connection. When I talked to Maggie Borman, she mentioned Calvin had been friends with James Corbett. They were both fired from Meier & Frank about the same time for stealing. Most of the items stolen were recovered, but not the gun that disappeared at about the same time. I have a report that shows me the gun found by The Dalles Police Department could be a match to a Colt Commander stolen while both James and Calvin worked at the department store. I heard from everyone that Karl was the one who returned the stolen items. I have nothing about James or his dad on record. If the two were in on this, how come James’ father wasn’t contacted?”

Jake shrugged, reading through more reports in his file.

Robert continued. “The two men attended college and roomed together. James’ father paid for the apartment. The boys must have paid for the incidentals. They got other jobs.”

Jake looked up. “What about other friends? I read here that Calvin and his dad had a big fight before he left for the service. What was it about?” Jake put down the folder he had in his hands and began rutting through the pile that was on the chair next to him. “Here it is.”

He opened it and said, “I read here that one of the detectives questioned James. When asked who he hung around with, he lists five other guys. Recognize these names? Royal Kaeding? Michael Ramsey? Walter Comstock? Brody Williams? David Fenton?”

“Yes, Ramsey’s dad owns a large import-export business. Comstock’s father is a prominent lawyer, as is Kaeding’s father, who’s a judge. Williams, I don’t know him. Fenton, isn’t his father a senator? James Corbett owns the largest furniture and office supply store in Portland. You’ve heard of the Northwest Office Supply company?”

Jake nodded. “If the names match the fathers you described, then we do need to talk to these guys. Do these boys have an alibi? Do they need one? It’s more like how well do they know James and Calvin? Since Calvin’s left, what’s their relationship?”

Robert responded, “I think we need to call on them and ask a few questions. We still have Calvin as a person of interest. Don’t you think we need to talk to these boys about a possible motive for Calvin?” Robert made a note on his pad.

Jake pursed his lips and nodded. “Great idea. We’ve nothing else to go on. Possibly Calvin was holding a grudge against his dad. They fought, he moves out and in with James. Somewhere I saw a report that Calvin hated his father because his father disapproved of his lifestyle.” Jake flipped through some of the reports in a file.

Robert looked through his notes and shrugged. “I don’t have anything on his lifestyle. Do you think the fact he was mooching off James was the issue or that he was stealing? Maybe we do need to talk to the boys. You dropped some chop suey on your shirt. Lorene isn’t going to be happy about that.” He pointed his chopsticks at the offending blob.

“I can’t figure out how you’re so good with these things. I can’t seem to get the hang of them.” Jake dropped the sticks and reached for a fork.

“We had Asian neighbors when I was growing up. I loved to eat at their house. We sat on big pillows on the floor and ate with chopsticks. It was different. They had no children, so my brother and I adopted them or they us.”

“Like I always say, Robert, you had an interesting life.” Jake held the white, folded box under his chin and shoveled rice into his mouth. Robert shook his head and laughed.

“I saw a poster for the policeman’s ball. Lorene made me promise to take her.” Jack stuffed an egg roll into his mouth.

Robert didn’t answer. He continued to lay reports out on the coffee table and floor around him.

“I think it would be nice if you came along and kept me company. I’d probably get stuck at some table with a bunch of stuffed shirts.” His comment was met with silence. “I’m not letting this go.”

“I think it’s time for you to go home.” Robert raised his brows at his friend. “You’re not marking on the right side of the tally sheet anymore.”

Jake just smiled while Robert made notes of the questions to ask the boys. About ten o’clock, Jake called it a night and went home. Robert gathered the notes and folders to take back to the office and went to bed.

He thought about the ball. He’d taken Becca to the dance. She’d love it. He’d danced with her and Lorene, when Jake begged off, saying his football injury was acting up. Barbara’s face came to his mind. He bet she could dance. He went to sleep with a smile on his face.