Читать книгу The Major's Wife - Anthony Whyte - Страница 8

CHAPTER

5

From Enterprise through Fort Rucker and Daleville, news of the aviator’s demise spread like Napalm fire in a Vietnamese rice field. Homicide investigations led by Detectives Sharkey and McAlister made inquiries throughout King’s close friends and colleagues. With the notable exception of his in-laws, his friends were all saddened by the news. Diana’s parents were opposed to the marriage. The investigators found that while her mother was reserved with any opinions opposing the wedding, Diana’s father openly showed his animosity toward the union. On different occasions, he had made his known to several friends who cared to listen.

Her family did not wholly ostracize Diana, but both parties hadn’t shared a Thanksgiving meal in some time. However, the families were attempting to fix the icy relations. The warm feeling started to brew once Diana’s family got wind that the union was on the rocky side. Friend and confidant, Dr. Ruth Janopolis, was routinely providing therapy for the couple. The police kept her as a person of interest. Sharkey and McAlister went through the list of close friends, starting with Lieutenant Andrew Gatlin. He agreed to meet them at his house.

Both Gatlin and his wife were hospitable. Coffee and pecan pie were offered to the detectives as they sat down listening. After a couple of minutes, it was clear that the couple were straightforward, and corroborated Diana’s account of the day playing golf. Their time of departure from the golf course and the plans to meet for dinner verified the surviving spouse’s statement. Diana was slowly falling on the shortlist of suspects.

“So, a few of you decided to go to the restaurant as planned, or did you go home?” Sharkey asked.

“Yes, we were celebrating Chris’ promo. He got his railroad tracks and was scheduled to PCS for Ft. Hood O’ Dark thirty-next morning,” Gatlin said.

“He did what?” Sharkey asked.

“He was promoted to captain and was leaving for Texas early the next morning. I’m used to his military jargon,” Mrs. Gatlin explained.

“So we waited for Vaughn and Diana. Sat around toasting Chris, had a few drinks, then we decided to eat,” Gatlin said.

“Didn’t anyone found it odd that Vaughn and Diana didn’t show up? I mean you guys were expecting them—” Sharkey said.

“It was Vaughn and Diana… I mean, most of us thought they went home and decided to get into something else. I called his cellphone, and left several messages,” Gatlin said.

“What did you think about their disappearance?” Sharkey asked.

“Nothing…I mean, I was thinking Vaughn was busy working on making a baby, you know he’s been away for close a year…” Gatlin said, and his voice trailed.

“How did you find out about King’s death?”

“Laura and I came home. We heard it on the news, AFN,” Andrew Gatlin said.

“Why did you think he never called you back? Does he return calls or—”

Shrugging his shoulder, Gatlin said, “It didn’t mean anything to anyone there…at least not immediately. We had a few beers and were chilling. After that, we ate. Vaughn was away from her about a year or so. I wasn’t thinking anything, but that they were getting busy, making you know, love.”

“When you heard you the news, what was going on in your mind?”

“Damn, I was in shock. First, I thought the news got it all wrong. I mean…everything was going on. I told my wife to call Diana, and I called Vaughn’s cellphone. I got no answer. And I started calling other people. They were getting the same news was hinting that it could’ve been a terrorist hit. I mean, Vaughn is six-four and well trained. He was an excellent fighter. We thought that the way it happened that this had to be some kind of planned hit. Maybe terrorist, I mean, the whole base immediately went on a higher level of alert.”

“This war has everyone going crazy… At any minute, things could just explode. I don’t know why we let known or suspected terrorists into the country,” Mrs. Gatlin sighed then said, “More tea, anyone?”

“No thanks,” the detectives chorused.

Things got interesting when Sharkey asked, “How long have you guys known the Kings?”

“Andy came in the service with Vaughn, and I sort of met both Vaughn and Diana through my husband,” Mrs. Gatlin said.

“Oh I see,” Sharkey said, nodding. Then he studied Andrew Gatlin for a beat before he continued. “What about you, Andy?”

“I’ve known Vaughn and his family since our days as plebes at West Point. Despite having a different skin color, Vaughn and I were pretty tight. We were best friends. Vaughn was a great aviator and one of the best officers,” Andrew Gatlin said, bowing his head.

“What about his wife? How long have you known her?” Sharkey asked.

“I met her back in two thousand and two when Vaughn and I did our pre-training psych eval. She was interning with Dr. Janopolis. Vaughn and Diana hit it off. Her younger brother, Bradley, was in the marines. We used to tease her about him being a jarhead until she told us that he was KIA. That was a pretty bad time for her. I guess it was about that time that Vaughn and her got real serious about each other.”

“Did you ever meet her brother?” Sharkey asked.

“Yes, he visited home before he shipped out, and we all hung out. He was a cool dude. Diana was very close to him. She was like his mother, always fussing about him, and all…” Andrew Gatlin said then his voice lowered, and trailed off.

The house suddenly became very silent. It was apparent that Andrew was going through emotional changes in talking about this part of his life. Sharkey watched and waited for a couple of beats. When there was nothing else coming from Andrew, Sharkey looked at Mrs. Gatlin. She was in tears.

“I know this must be hard for you both, but we’re trying to solve a murder. And anything you say may help us fin the killer that’s walking around loose. Do you know anyone who wants to kill Vaughn?”

“Detective, Vaughn was six-four and a very skilled fighter. He was skilled in Tae Kwando, Ha Kido, and Jujitsu, Vaughn was no one to mess with—”

“Well, none of those martial arts saved him—” McAlister said, and Sharkey interrupted.

“I got it. Vaughn was a well- qualified fighter, but did Vaughn have a hot temper too, and?” Sharkey asked.

“What…? Vaughn…?”

“Yes, was he a hothead when he drank? Did he have any problems with alcohol?”

“Detective, if I didn’t know better, I’d think you were disrespectful with this disparaging line of questioning about a slain army officer with an impeccable record,” Andrew said, staring at Sharkey.

“Okay, I’m sorry if your feelings are getting hurt, but I have to check out all possibilities,” Sharkey said.

“That possibility would be like me asking you that since you’ve got a gun, are you going to go out, and start shooting someone who didn’t threaten your life,” Andy said, shaking his head. Sighing, he continued. “That wasn’t Vaughn, detective. He’s confident and ultra-cool under pressure. At least he was until…”

“What about someone who did not like the good captain?” McAlister asked.

“I would be hard press to find that person. I don’t know anyone who didn’t like him. Just because he was a great aviator and soldier doesn’t mean he was a bad guy, detective. Everyone that knew him respected and love him—it wasn’t fear,” Andy said, sounding annoyed.

“Were you there at the bar when he fought…? I think it was The Blue Oyster, couple Saturday nights ago?” McAlister asked.

“Don’t recall. But I think four weeks ago we were just getting back into CONUS,” Andy said, looking at his wife. He paused reflectively and continued. “Am I right, honey?”

“Yes, you guys touch down late Saturday evening on base,” Mrs. Gatlin said.

“Did King mention any fights that occurred at the Blue Oyster Bar?” Sharkey asked.

“No… Not ever. None. Nada. Vaughn would’ve told me if it was anything serious. But he never mentioned any fights.”

“What about your other friend, ah…Brown?” Sharkey asked, referring to his notes.

“Captain Brown was promoted and left for Fort Hood early this morning, but I can give you his number or yours,” Andy said.

“Appreciate that, Lieutenant,” Sharkey said, taking out a business card.

“He’s a captain, detective,” Mrs. Gatlin said.

“Well, thank you both. If either of you remembers anything else that you think may help us—” McAlister started but was interrupted.

“How’s Diana holding up, detective? We tried to contact her since Sunday evening and still haven’t heard anything,” Andrew said.

“She’s doing her best under the circumstances. She was in the stationhouse earlier. Thank you for seeing us,” McAlister said as they walked out.

“I just wish you can catch whoever did this real soon. Good evening, detectives,” Andy said, visibly shaken.

“Thank you for your cooperation. Can you be honest? I can see that you genuinely care for Vaughn, but I gotta know this, were they having any kind of problems between them or anything like that?” Sharkey asked.

Captain Andrew Gatlin stared with the ferocity of a heat-seeking missile. Sharkey became the target and braced himself to meet the pending explosion head-on. To solve a crime, Sharkey knew had to ruffle a few feathers. It was a parting shot in the dark, and he waited for some type of result.

“They seemed fine… go through typical ups and downs, but that’s any marriage. And with the added stress of the war, life can be pretty tough at times. I’m speaking as a spouse whose husband goes off to defend this country’s interest. His life is on the line. And so is mine. It’s not an easy thing to handle most of the time. And some people resort to all kinds of means and ways to escape the tense reality. Not Diana. She was steadfast in her convictions. And did her best to help our soldiers. Perhaps you should talk to Dr. Janopolis. She has provided counseling to them and us,” Laura Gatlin said.

It was clear to Sharkey that she was speaking from her heart, and he said, “Thank you, I will. Dr. Janopolis, right?”

“Yes, she’s a renown psychotherapist who has done spectacular work,” Laura added.

“This therapist is in our local area or—”

“I’m sure you can access her locally, but her practice is in Kentucky around the Fort Campbell area,” Laura said.

“Well, thanks for all your help. Ah…you’ve both been accommodating,” Sharkey said.

“But I don’t think Diana would’ve anything to do with her husband’s murder detective,” Laura Gatlin said.

“I never said she did. I’ve just gotta ask the tough questions. Thanks for your time,” Sharkey said.

Andrew Gatlin sighed and said, “Good evening, detectives.”

After leaving the ranch-style house, the detectives sat in the car, looking around the neighborhood. Sharkey seemed deep in thoughts as McAlister started the ignition.

“Nice couple,” McAlister said.

Sharkey remained silent while the unmarked car rolled out with McAlister at the wheels.

“I reckon we can go visit an oyster bar,” McAlister said.

Following up on Diana’s statement regarding the incident at the bar, the detectives pursued the lead. Sharkey checked in and found out that the tips coming in on the hotline were leading to dead ends. McAlister pulled to a stop outside the Blue Oyster.

The detectives walked across the street and disappeared inside the bar. It was early, and there were only a few people in the place. They sat at a table and waited for a waiter. Both detectives spent the next few minutes silently observing the area. Finally, a waiter approached.

“Two beers,” Sharkey said.

“One beer and ginger ale with lemon,” McAlister said with a smile.

“And bring us a pail of that good oyster,” Sharkey smiled.

The detectives enjoyed the food, and after paying the tab. McAlister smiled at the waitress and said, “Your service was excellent.”

“Thank you so much, and y’all come back. You hear?” the waitress smiled.

“You’re pretty good. It seems like you’ve been doing this for a while, huh?” McAlister said.

“Oh, no, sir. I just started about two weeks now. I’m a fast learner.”

“So is there anyone who’s been here…for say over six weeks?”

“It’s best you ask the bartender. He’s been here the longest, and he knows everyone around here. Are you a detective or somebody like that?” the waitress asked McAlister.

“I am someone like that,” McAlister said.

Then McAlister began chatting it up with the waitress. She was pretty and held McAlister’s interest. Smiling, Sharkey said, “Don’t forget to get her number, lover boy.”

Sharkey walked to the bar and left a bug in the bartender’s ears before leaving the Blue Oyster bar.