Читать книгу I Love You, Goodbye - Prentiss Sr. Grant - Страница 5

The funeral director was busy at his desk but immediately rose when Harrison walked in. “I’m Harrison Michaels,” he stated without his usual forcefulness. Harrison looked like a shell of his former self. That his clothes looked traveled in evidenced the fact Harrison came to the funeral home directly from the airport. “Mr. Michaels, please come in.” The small man standing before Harrison was anything but intimidating in his inexpensive but decent suit, yet he spoke softly knowing any misstatement would wound Harrison even further. “I am truly sorry for your loss. My name is Walter Davidson.” The two men shook hands and Mr. Davidson looked directly at Harrison. “Before we can address the arrangements for your wife there appears to be a problem.” A nod of Mr. Davidson’s head directed Harrison to the other man in the room, a rather large man sitting in the office in a gray suit.

It was not often District Attorney Jeffrey Taylor made a personal appearance. While Jeffrey Taylor understood he was a servant of the people he certainly did not consider himself one of the people. Jeffrey Taylor considered himself to be above the common man. His position as district attorney only enforced his opinion of himself. The district attorney was considered one of the most powerful men in the county. He had tremendous resources at his disposal and could direct them at anyone he chose. Jeffrey Taylor relished the power that came with his office. But he all too well understood the reality of his position. When the wife of someone as universally powerful as Harrison Michaels’ had just died, politics, if not sheer survival, dictated Jeffrey Taylor handle matters personally, especially when what was first reported as an automobile accident has just turned into a murder investigation.

“Mr. Michaels, Jeffery Taylor. I know this may not seem the appropriate time but I need to speak with you on a matter of utmost importance.” Mr. Taylor had risen and approached Harrison as he spoke. Unlike Mr. Davidson, Jeffrey Taylor did not appreciate the situation Harrison was in. His approach was direct and strong, likely stemming from his own insecurity and not an attempt to get an upper hand. Harrison’s reaction was second nature given his personality, and he quickly emerged from his weakened state and went on the offensive. “I can not imagine what would be that important but I can have my attorney here in fifteen minutes.” Harrison had stepped directly to the District Attorney and deliberately crowded in on his space. His eyes were piercing and never deviated from Jeffrey Taylor. Jeffrey backed away and ducked his head slightly. “No sir, Mr. Michaels, I don’t think that will be necessary. I need to discuss some evidence we have discovered surrounding your wife’s death.” Jeffrey’s attitude was definitely softer and he resembled a schoolboy who had sassed a teacher only to feel the sudden and harsh rebuff. Mr. Davidson used that moment to excuse himself from the room but couldn’t help but smile as he walked down the hall.

Having gained the upper hand, Harrison took control of the impromptu meeting. He sat in one of the chairs placed neatly in front of Mr. Davidson’s desk and motioned for Jeffrey to take the other. The two men sat next to each other in the office for a moment before Mr. Taylor began explaining the problem. It appeared the officers investigating the accident scene noticed some paint marks on the front left fender of Mrs. Michaels’ car. Not a lot was made of it at first because of the tremendous damage to the car. However, after the car was removed from the hillside and taken to the impound yard, the officers resumed their investigation and realized the paint on the side of the car did not match the railing the car crashed through. The paint appeared to be from another automobile. The paint used on highway railings was a different grade and this paint had a gloss pigmentation, the kind used to give an automobile that distinctive shine. It was either a case of hit-and-run or deliberate and intentional murder. The District Attorney’s office had no idea which at that time but one thing was for sure, a crime had been committed.

Jeffrey paused for Harrison to assimilate this information. Harrison felt a sudden sense of nausea but maintained his composure. He knew better than to show any sign of weakness. Jeffrey Taylor thrived on pounding on those weaker than him and Harrison had to remain in control of this situation. “And?” Harrison asked, knowing this wasn’t all of the information Jeffrey had to give. The commission of the crime was the reason for Jeffrey Taylor’s visit at this inopportune time before any arrangements could be made for Mary’s funeral. “We need to have an autopsy performed on your wife.” Mr. Taylor’s words were deliberate but surprisingly subtle. As he looked to Harrison for a reply he could tell the words were still reverberating in his head. Harrison’s face was blank and for the first time he looked away from Jeffrey. His expression was somewhere between misunderstanding and disbelief.

It was not necessary for the district attorney to have a family member’s permission to perform an autopsy in a criminal investigation, but Jeffrey Taylor knew at this moment he was correct in his judgment. He also knew that the thoughtfulness of his actions would be long remembered by Harrison. Jeffrey would not have to mention it at election time; Harrison would simply contribute to his campaign. Politics: Jeffrey Taylor wrote the book on it. He watched Harrison for a moment then spoke. “Mr. Michaels, I hope you understand I would not be telling you this if it was not absolutely necessary.” Harrison, woke from his stunned state, and quickly agreed to the autopsy, thanking the district attorney for his thoughtfulness. Not wanting to prolong the meeting, Harrison stood and headed toward the door. Halfway out the door, he turned and informed Jeffrey Taylor there were questions, to which he wanted answers: Were there any leads? A suspect? Motive? Jeffrey explained it was too early in the investigation to know anything positive. However, he assured Harrison this case was high priority in the district attorney’s office and its best investigators and attorneys would be working the case.

Harrison then asked when he could get Mary’s personal items from the car. “I don’t think you should be bothered with that, Mr. Michaels. Why don’t you allow me to handle that for you?” Jeffrey stood and walked to the door next to Harrison. Placing his hand on Harrison’s arm, the District Attorney explained the contents of the automobile had to be cataloged and any personal items would be delivered to Harrison’s home or office. Besides, the car was not something Harrison needed to view. The collision was traumatic and the damage extensive. Harrison thanked Jeffrey again and left the office looking for Mr. Davidson. Although he could not finalize any arrangements he was determined to see Mary. Mr. Davidson was not far down the hall, patiently waiting for a sign the meeting in his office was over. When the door opened he had begun making his way back toward the office. When they met, Harrison explained his desire to see Mary before he left. Mr. Davidson nodded and led him down the hall through a set of double doors to the back of the funeral home. Adjusting his wire rim glasses, Mr. Davidson explained that Mary’s body would have to be moved to the county morgue for the autopsy and that he would handle the move personally.

As they entered the back room Harrison braced himself for the worst. The odor singed his nose, letting him know this experience would not be pleasant. Most people have seen loved ones who have passed away. Normally, however, they are viewed after the mortician has finished his work. But viewing a loved one prior to their preparation for burial is viewing death in its harshest form, especially in a situation such as this when the death resulted from an automobile accident. The protective metal of an automobile can do unimaginable damage to the human body. It is as if the guardian turns into the slayer. As Harrison walked around a partition wall he took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest.

Mary’s body lay on a metal table in the middle of the room. She was covered with a sheet from just under her arms down over her feet. Harrison immediately noticed the bruising on her face and arms. Her skin was torn in several places and blood stained much of her exposed flesh. Harrison was handling this well until he leaned over to better view Mary’s face. His startled reaction brought Mr. Davidson back to his side. “It appears much of the initial trauma was to the left side of her head.” It was then Harrison noticed Mary’s head was actually crushed at one point. Harrison grabbed the side of the table to steady himself. Mr. Davidson placed his hand on Harrison’s. “I know it is difficult to view but if it’s any comfort it usually is an indication she died instantly without suffering.” It was no comfort. Harrison’s knuckles were white and the table shook as his hands trembled. A single tear rolled down Harrison’s face. With every ounce of strength he could find Harrison released the table and turned, thanking Mr. Davidson as he walked back out the doors.

As Harrison headed toward the front door of the funeral home, Mr. Davidson caught up with him and tried to explain that he would need to speak with Harrison once Mary’s body was returned from the county. Harrison never acknowledged his presence nor slowed his pace. At the front door of the funeral home, Mr. Davidson realized his efforts were futile and stated he would contact Harrison at the proper time. Harrison never stopped, continuing his path towards his car. Once in the car, Harrison could not hold back his emotions any longer. He sat in the parking lot with tears streaming down his face. His hands began trembling again so uncontrollably he had to hold on to the steering wheel just to steady them. Sitting there, he thought to himself he was not going to make it through this. But then how could anyone prepare for the unknown events which had assaulted Harrison? He needed security at this time and knew where he needed to go to find it.

Elizabeth Blaine stood nervously by her office door waiting for Harrison’s arrival. Whenever someone would come down the hall she would momentarily hide behind the door as they walked past only to return as soon as it was safe. She was nearly caught when a co-worker came in to see if Elizabeth wanted to join her for lunch. Elizabeth refused, saying she had work which needed to be completed. Elizabeth wasn’t concerned about work today. The truth was she couldn’t leave until Harrison arrived and she knew he was all right. Even with all Harrison was going through she knew he would come into the office. Work was his power source. Harrison got his strength from the deals made and companies he built and destroyed. Money was the blood that ran through Harrison’s veins. Harrison was the modern day gladiator who was only at home in the coliseum.

Elizabeth, or Liz as he referred to her, had been Harrison’s secretary for the past two years. As a girl in her early twenties, Elizabeth was not viewed as a threat when she entered the company. Her dress was a little risqué but not problematic. Skirts shorter than the norm and low cut blouses might have been frowned upon except they fit Elizabeth’s figure. Her legs were not exceedingly long and she was not voluptuous so she was not viewed as trying to use her body to gain an advantage. She began as a temp when Harrison’s regular secretary took maternity leave. Realizing the opportunity given her, Elizabeth worked hard and Harrison immediately recognized her potential. When his regular secretary returned Harrison created a second position for Elizabeth. No one in the company gave a second thought to Harrison’s decision, as he was a workaholic and needed more than one person to keep up with him. Liz filled her new position perfectly. Without a family she was able to work the hours Harrison liked to keep. Her willingness to go the extra mile made her a valuable asset to Harrison. Her presence did not even bother Harrison’s first secretary upon her return. Going back to work and finding that regular hours were all that was required again was a blessing following the birth of a child.

Harrison and Liz’s relationship grew slowly, playfully at first. She would smile at him as she came into his office. Harrison would usually be elbow deep in work, but he always looked up and down Liz’s curvatious little frame as she entered. She was, after all, twenty-two and to a man of forty she represented all his desires. Liz liked the attention and quickly became infatuated with Harrison. His powerful demeanor and confidence in high-pressure situations mesmerized her. After months of this cat and mouse relationship, each knew it would eventually progress to the next level though neither said anything. Liz made the first move one night when she and Harrison were working late. Entering his office dressed in her usual attire, Harrison remarked how her skirt went so well with her blond hair and skin color. Suddenly and without warning Liz lifted her skirt to reveal black lace panties. She held her skirt long enough for Harrison to see her flat abdomen and shapely hips. Harrison was clearly stunned by this bold action. Liz smiled as she released her skirt, turned and walked out of the office. She giggled softly to herself with the knowledge that she had finally stunned the ever “in control” Mr. Harrison Michaels.

Harrison and Liz had no problem keeping their affair a secret. Harrison was not a socialite within the company. While he was pleasant to everyone in the company, his was a world of business and everyone in his employ knew so. Also, Harrison traveled a lot and on many trips would take Liz with him to assist at meetings. This was not a new event, as Harrison had often taken someone from his office on certain business meetings. The person would usually be chosen based upon the project Harrison was working on. Only now Elizabeth was that person because she took over assisting Harrison on all projects. Harrison had never let his own marriage intrude into his business world. Mary made few visits to the office and those were usually on behalf of her charities. To the others, Harrison and Mary’s interactions at the office were strictly professional. No one in the office even considered Harrison to be romantically inclined. Elizabeth was different. She immediately saw Harrison’s gentler side. On their trips she noticed Harrison smiling at couples walking down the street hand in hand or the look on his face when he stared out the car window at a beautiful sunset. At the office and in meetings she was extremely professional. But Liz was quick to know when and where to transform from secretary to lover. Today she was neither. She was Harrison’s friend. All she desired was to be there for him in his time of need. Unfortunately she didn’t know how to fulfill this desire given Harrison’s lack of need for her or anyone else when it came to himself personally. Still Elizabeth’s resolve was the same, to be here for Harrison for as long as he allowed.

When Harrison entered the lobby of his building, the talking immediately stopped and all eyes were fixed upon him. Several of the people standing around ducked and walked quietly away. Even the security guard who always said good morning was at a loss for words. All he could do was look down at his station and pretend to be busy. Harrison didn’t notice the stares as he quickly crossed the reception area and entered an elevator. His mind was not on the present; it was suspended in the past. His only thoughts were of Mary at the funeral home and his only need was to get to the sanctity of his office. There he would be safe. The other passengers on the elevator did not know whether to stay or leave when Harrison entered, but before a decision could be made Harrison had pushed the button for the thirty-sixth floor and the doors began to close. As the doors slowly closed one could envision on their faces the looks of the remaining passengers when the Titanic went down.

When the elevator stopped on his floor Harrison stepped out. The elevator was still full of people, as the remaining passengers had not departed when the elevator had reached their floors. It was as if they were frozen in place. In the reception area Harrison found his office staff huddled at the receptionist desk in conversation. “I heard there is an investigation and the D.A. has ordered an autopsy.” The words hung in the air like a thick fog. “Back to work!” Elizabeth’s words were sharp and effective. She was coming down the hall at a rapid pace and didn’t hesitate to come to Harrison’s aid. As the employees scattered Elizabeth walked up to Harrison. Remaining professional she kept a distance between herself and Harrison. “I have taken care of everything. You will not be disturbed today.” Then she took his arm and guided him to his office.

Once inside Harrison’s office Elizabeth remained cautious to keep her distance. Now was not the time to state even her feelings to Harrison. Harrison sat behind his desk and stared blankly out the window. “You know the police think there’s been foul play?” Harrison said, never looking directly at her. “I’ve heard rumors but didn’t want to ask,” she replied as she slid into a chair across from him. “I had to okay an autopsy just in case she was drugged or something. Can you believe that? That someone would have drugged her prior to running her off the road.” Harrison turned to directly face her. “I don’t believe it. I think Jeffrey Taylor is finding out whether she was drinking. But why would he give a damn whether she was drinking?” Elizabeth just sat quietly looking at Harrison. She knew from many discussions with him when he wanted an answer and when he was using her as a sounding board. “If that son-of-a-bitch does anything to smear Mary’s name I’ll make sure he regrets the day he was born.” Elizabeth waited a moment before speaking to allow Harrison to calm himself. “We have potentially another problem.” “What is that?” “Thomas Kirkland is trying to rally support to convince the board to remove you from your position.” “What! I should have known. That little bastard has wanted my job ever since he arrived.” Thomas Kirkland was a vice president with McKay & Johnson. While he was adequate at his job, he took any opportunity to move up the corporate ladder. Harrison had kept an eye on him and knew of his ambitions and conniving ways. He should have figured Thomas would try to attack Harrison’s position when he was the most vulnerable. “What have you heard?” “Rumor is he is talking with several other vice presidents under the guise you probably need time off to handle the unfortunate events of Mary’s death.” Elizabeth tone was sarcastic showing her dislike for Mr. Kirkland. “Like he gives a damn what I need. Keep me informed of everything you hear.” With that statement Harrison turned his chair around and faced the wall. “I want to know everyone who calls,” he said in a tone which informed Elizabeth she was no longer needed. “Yes sir,” Elizabeth stated as she rose and left the office.

Sitting there Harrison realized the one benefit of Mary being unable to have children. He did not have to face telling a son or daughter their mother was dead. It was the one thing Harrison didn’t find out about until after their marriage. Mary had gotten pregnant when she was fourteen. Not wanting to face a scandal, her father took her out of State for an abortion. The doctor botched the procedure and only when Mary and Harrison tried to have a child did they find out the result. In all their years together he could not think how Mary being barren was a benefit until now. “I guess it is true. Every cloud has a silver lining.” Harrison never spoke about his and Mary’s desire to have children after they learned she couldn’t, except when Mary’s father questioned him about when he was going to become a grandfather. Harrison told Mr. Richards he was not going to have grandchildren. He instructed Mr. Richards in no uncertain terms not to bring up the subject with Mary. When Mr. Richards pressed the subject further, suggesting Harrison and Mary could adopt a child, Harrison told him that was not an option. Harrison stated the only child he would ever have would be his. He blamed Mr. Richards for Mary’s condition as he made the decision for Mary to have the abortion. Mr. Richards wanted to fight back but knew there was truth in the words Harrison spoke. Mr. Richards made the decision because he didn’t want anyone to know his daughter was pregnant. At that time it was considered taboo for a fourteen year old to have a child. The problem was Mr. Richards’ decision came back to haunt him and, more importantly, his daughter. The confrontation placed a wedge between the two men which never closed. Harrison spent numerous occasions with the Richards afterward without a meaningful discussion with Mr. Richards. Now the only thing connecting the two was gone.

The day was uneventful business-wise, which was unusual at McKay & Johnson. Most of the calls were from associates, clients and politicians wanting to voice their condolences to Harrison. Harrison spoke to none of them, choosing to let the messages pile up on his desk. Elizabeth quickly learned this routine and would have the message in hand when she came in to announce the caller. Harrison did speak to one person to Elizabeth’s surprise. When she informed Harrison the call was from an Anthony Fontana, Harrison immediately spun his chair around and picked up the phone. Motioning her away with his hand he turned back around as he begun to talk. Elizabeth was not familiar with the name and assumed it was an old friend Harrison had not heard from in a while. As she was leaving the office she could hear Harrison stating he was doing as well as could be expected and had made it through his trip to the funeral home. “Yes, it’s an old friend,” she thought.

Around quarter to five Harrison emerged from his office and headed toward the elevators. He spoke to no one as he passed the reception desk and stopped only to wait for the doors to open. Mrs. Thompson, an older secretary who had been with the company for some thirty years, had been standing at the elevators prior to his arrival. She had the day’s mail in her hands and was on her way out for the day. When the doors opened she entered the elevator with Harrison and stood beside him. After the doors closed and they began their ride downward she looked at Harrison. “When my husband died people told me everything would be okay and you know what? They were full of shit! Every one of them. He’s been gone six years and not a day goes by I don’t think of him.” That said she turned back toward the door and stood quietly until the elevator stopped at the lobby. Harrison just stood there staring at her in disbelief. No one had been that honest and frank with him all day. Mrs. Thompson exited the elevator without another word and headed toward the post office drop box on the corner. Harrison stepped out the elevator and stood watching as she walked away. What else can happen today? He thought.

John Daniels was the last person to enter the meeting. His clothes were rumpled like he had slept in them. “It’s about time you decided to show.” Everyone in the room turned and looked at Natalie Johnson who was impatiently staring at John as he entered. Dressed in a dark blue business suit she didn’t even unbutton the jacket. Natalie Johnson was obsessed, to say the least, with the case against Harrison Michaels and she let her feeling be known. “What did you find out?” she queried before John could even reach his seat. “Nothing,” he said, combing his fingers through his hair and adjusting his tie. “Nothing! What do you mean nothing?” Natalie was tapping her pencil against the empty pad of paper on the table in front of her. “Lord, Natalie, his wife died. He arrived at the islands, didn’t even get to unpack and came back. What did you expect?” John was clearly annoyed with Natalie’s rudeness and didn’t care she was a senior agent with the Bureau. The other members present sat quietly for several moments before someone decided to speak. “I understand the district attorney’s office is investigating his wife’s death.” The comment was enough to turn the conversation to a lighter tone. Pointing to John, one of the other agents stated how the FBI agents could not get a free vacation even when they were assigned to follow Harrison Michaels to the Cayman Islands. John’s attitude changed during this time period and he even joked how they did not get his luggage off the plane before he had to come back. Natalie’s mood seemed to ease also but it was still obvious she was not happy.

Shortly thereafter Natalie brought everyone’s attention back to the task at hand. The FBI had decided to investigate Harrison Michaels following a series of suspicious money transfers to banks located in the Caymans. Natalie had gotten the job as chief investigator because of her financial background. In fact Natalie Johnson could as easily have run the largest banking concern as head an FBI investigation. She had graduated from Harvard at the top of her class with a degree in management and finance. She had every qualification necessary to rise to the top of the business world. However everyone, including Natalie, knew that would never happen. A woman would never be accepted at the helm of a large financial ship. The glass ceiling is always in place. This realization only added to Natalie’s tenacity and effectiveness in business investigations and convictions.

It also did not hurt that Harrison Michaels was one of the most powerful men in the world. A conviction here would certainly be a major feather in Natalie’s cap. She began this investigation with aspirations of obtaining a Deputy Director’s job and knew a major kill would all but secure the position. Harrison Michaels was as major as they get. In FBI jargon he was a lion, the king of the financial jungle. The risk was not bad for the same reason she thought. In fact Brandon Simpson, her superior, had told her if Harrison slipped through the cracks or finagled an acquittal the repercussions would not be tough. He was, after all, an icon in the industry. Natalie’s efforts would be put down as youthful naivety.

To Natalie there was no chance the operation would fail. Too much relied upon it. She had done her homework on her adversary. She knew everything she had to know: education, work, friends, habits, and sins. Yes, sins. When you have the resources of the FBI at your disposal it is amazing what you can learn. And on a file such as this one, where her superiors were afraid to be involved in case of failure, she have carte blanche to use whatever means were necessary to accomplish her objective, as long as they were not obvious. This prohibited the use of government jets but allowed the use of wiretaps and surveillance. And she was ready to use every tool, legal and otherwise, in this case as everyone around the table was becoming aware. “Well, where is he now?” she asked.

“Last report was that he was leaving his office and thought to be headed home,” an underling reported without thinking of the definite repercussion of such a statement. “Thought to be headed home!” Natalie scolded. “How about we find out definitely what our suspect is doing.” The agents begrudgingly began to rise from the table gathering their paperwork. Several looks were passed between them as they headed out the door.

Harrison walked in the front door of his house and realized he did not know how he had gotten there. Did he run any red lights? Stop signs? He could not remember. It didn’t matter anyway. Nothing did at this moment. Laying his keys down on the front table in the hall, Harrison looked at the telephone answering machine. Forty-two messages. He would listen to them later. Now he needed a drink. From the front hall Harrison walked into the study. This was the one room in the house where Harrison was comfortable. He had allowed Mary to decorate the entire house the way she wanted. While their home was elegant he always thought it was too dainty, which of course would be the case since it was built to suit the ideals of a woman. Everything from the wrought iron staircase to the paintings on the walls was there to please Mary Michaels except for the study. The study was built for Harrison.

The room was large as was everything in it. An oak desk stood proudly in front of a set of bookshelves. The top of the desk was at least an inch thick and the base was solid. Harrison’s chair was oversized, as were the client chairs in front of the desk. Against one wall was a large leather couch which matched the rest of the furniture. Harrison walked immediately to the bar across the room from the couch, sat his brief case down and poured himself a drink. Clutching the drink in one hand he crossed the room and sat down. He closed his eyes for a long moment. Finally, he thought, I can rest.

The doorbell rang before Harrison could take the first sip from his drink. Slowly Harrison got up and headed back toward the front door. The bell rang again just as he was reaching for the knob. “I’m coming,” he said as he turned the knob and opened the door. The shock in his face was clear and he stood dumbfounded in the doorway not only unable to speak but even to utter a single syllable. This was a meeting destined to occur but which he failed to anticipate. Harrison could feel his heart began to race. He thought about closing the door and running back to his office but he couldn’t move. What was he to do? What?

“Oh Harrison,” she said as she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. “What are we going to do without our sweet Mary?” Her words turned to sobs and she buried her face in his shoulder. “Now Martha, you can’t do this all day,” Tucker Richards said as he took his wife’s shoulders and pulled her from Harrison. “Don’t make me call the doctor and get you a sedative.” Harrison stepped aside as the elderly couple entered the house. “How are you holding up, son?” Tucker was guiding his wife inside the house as he spoke. “I don’t really know,” Harrison replied as the couple passed him in the doorway. Mr. Richards patted him on the shoulder as he led Martha toward a nearby chair. “Why don’t we go to the living room,” Harrison said before Martha could sit down. While the three were heading to the living room Harrison worked to regain his composure. With everything going on today he had completely forgotten about Mary’s parents.

The Richards were good people. They had welcomed Harrison into their family from the beginning. Even when he and Mary were dating in college they always had gifts for him at Christmas and a place for him at the table next to Mary. They were not wealthy by any measure but they were happy. Tucker had owned a small hardware store in one of the surrounding suburbs and earned a modest living for Martha and him. Mary was their only child and as such they doted on her constantly. With their marriage Harrison was treated as the son the Richards never had. As his career advanced they enjoyed bragging on their only daughter and her successful husband. They were extremely proud of Mary’s charity organizations and attended every function they could. But today was different. The Richards were in pain, a pain they didn’t know how to handle. A parent is not supposed to outlive their child, especially not one as lovely and giving as Mary. So they did the only thing they knew. They came to Harrison. Harrison would have the answers. He always did. And because they were in such pain they failed to realize Harrison might be in pain also.

When they reached the living room Tucker sat Martha down while Harrison went to get her a drink of water. As he was filling the glass he began to feel nauseous. Steadying himself against the counter he wondered how he was going to make it through this. He rested his head against his arms and took several deep breaths. “You can do this, Harrison,” he said aloud to himself. Staring at his faint reflection in the window above the sink Harrison convinced himself he was strong enough to handle this situation. Then he suppressed his own feelings of loss, filled the glass and returned to the living room.

Once reunited with Tucker and Martha, Harrison asked if they had eaten. With his question Harrison realized he had not eaten all day. Elizabeth had brought him a sandwich from the little deli on the corner around lunch but he only picked at it. Even so he wasn’t particularly hungry but eating would require their leaving the house and moving to a public setting. Neither Tucker nor Martha would expect him to prepare a meal at a time like this and there was no one else to prepare a meal. Harrison and Mary did not have a household staff like others on their financial level. They did not see the need for a cook since it was just the two of them and each had hectic schedules. Besides, when they weren’t busy, Mary and Harrison ate out or cooked for themselves. Mary enjoyed cooking for Harrison. She had taken several courses in college and liked being in the kitchen. Harrison would assist her on these evening while the two usually shared a nice bottle of wine. It was their private time together and each worked their schedules to assure as many of these evenings as possible. The only person Harrison and Mary employed at the house was a maid who came in once a week and cleaned. But most importantly, this meeting would be easier in public. Martha would be less likely to question him about specifics. Also he needed a way to suggest the Richards stay at a motel and not at the house. Harrison was doing everything he could to hold himself together. He could not be strong for anyone else for an extended period of time. After they all had agreed they did need to eat, they headed out the door and towards their cars.

Harrison led the Richards to a small restaurant a few miles from the house. He and Mary had eaten there a couple of times before and he figured it would be safe. When he and Mary had been there the food was decent and the owners hadn’t recognized him, probably because when they had come it was on Sunday afternoons and they had not drawn much attention to themselves. It wasn’t as if Harrison was a movie star but around most towns wealthy people are considered local celebrities, especially in restaurants and shops where lives depended upon the spending of others. Just one high roller could turn a small mom-and-pop store or restaurant into the next “in” place. Business would increase overnight. The smaller “big-wigs” would frequent the establishment in an effort to hopefully make connections with higher-ups. Common people would also become regular customers to either see how the rich people lived or fantasize they were members of a higher society. An owner’s modest living would turn into small riches overnight.

Arriving at the restaurant Harrison parked his Mercedes on the side of the building toward the rear. The Richards failed to notice the parking lot was practically empty and parked next to Harrison’s car. When they entered, the hostess showed them to a table in the center of the room near the bar. As they walked to the table Harrison looked around at the other patrons but did not see anyone he recognized. A young couple was sitting a few tables away but were oblivious to the world around them. Their hands were interlocked and they were staring deeply into each other’s eyes. Harrison smiled momentarily visualizing himself and Mary at the same table. He knew the couple would be of no concern. Two men sat at the bar watching the television and talking to the bartender. The subject of their conversation was unknown to Harrison but he guessed sports given their mode of dress and the beers on the bar in front of them. He figured they rarely watched the news and probably never heard of Harrison and Mary Michaels. Other than that the place was empty.

At the table Tucker held Martha’s chair and then took the seat to her left. The waitress arrived at the table as Harrison sat down next to his father-in-law. He figured the better position would be across from Martha. Harrison ordered a bourbon and Tucker took this opportunity to order himself a scotch. When questioned for her order, Martha looked at the waitress and asked for a glass of water. As she left to get their orders Martha turned to Harrison. “Do you have any information about the accident?” Harrison was about to answer when the television over the bar broke for a special announcement. As the three stared, a picture of Mary flashed on the screen. It was from one of her charity events, which had been covered by the society press. Below her pictures was the caption “MURDER INVESTIGATION”. Harrison rose from the table and walked to the bar. The bartender started to ask if Harrison needed anything but Harrison raised his hand to quiet him and asked if he would turn up the volume on the television. The television announcer was in usual form as he read the copy. “Local woman who died in what appeared at first to be a one car accident is apparently the victim of murder. Police spokesman Gregory Turner verified today the police department and district attorney’s office were investigating the death of Mary Michaels. This evening police have brought a suspect in for questioning based upon an anonymous tip and an unidentified source confirms an automobile has been impounded also. Stay tuned to this station for complete details during our ten p.m. report.”

When the regular program resumed Harrison stood by the bar for several moments. “What does this mean?” Martha had come up behind him during the broadcast. “The district attorney thinks someone deliberately ran Mary off the road.” “Oh my God!” Martha’s hands covered her mouth and tears began welling up in her eyes. “Why would anyone want to kill Mary?” she asked. “I don’t know,” Harrison replied. “But I intend to find out.” Harrison then walked back to the table and threw two twenties down. “I think it would be best if you and Martha stayed at a hotel instead of the house. There will probably be a lot of reporters around and I don’t want Martha to have to endure the harsh questions.” Tucker nodded his agreement and as Harrison walked out the door, Tucker and Martha sat back down and consoled each other the best they could.