Days of Darkness

Chapter 5

You don't seem overwrought about Mr. Tisdale," Cruthers observed.

"I had only just met him," I said, "It was shocking, as any death is, but I hadn't had time to form any emotional bond." Cruthers examined me, her eyes locking on mine like some kind of human polygraph. After another brief silence, I had to look away before it took on the feel of a staring contest.

"This isn't the first death you've experienced," Cruthers said. Her tone was leading, like she expected me to fill in the blanks.

"Detective!", Victor said, announcing his presence," I thought we agreed to interviews with our counsel present." Cruthers smiled and turned to Victor.

"I did agree to that, Mr. Watterson," Cruthers admitted, "I was just introducing myself to Mr. McGuire." She turned back to me, "Innocent people don't usually need lawyers."

"They come with the house," I said adding a smile. Cruthers laughed and nodded her head.

"It will be about 20 minutes before our counsel arrives," Victor said to Cruthers, "I have some refreshments being brought into the library. Would you like to wait there?"

"I could use some coffee," Cruthers replied, "though it won't sway my questioning."

"Of course," Victor smiled, "what about scones?"

"Same questions," Cruthers said, "but I won't be as cranky." Victor chuckled as he showed Cruthers to the library. He gave me a subtle hand signal that indicated I shouldn't follow. I waited for him to return, glancing at the paintings and poking my head in doorways to try and get a lay of the land.

"She was here last night," Victor said quietly when he returned. "Needless to say, the military is hiding behind national security. Whatever you did to that Corporal that attacked Ms. Fuller, has the detective on edge. I wouldn't doubt that she's researched all of us. She's probably aware of what happened in Bangor."

"She's not stupid," I observed.

"That's why we'll leave it to the professionals," Victor said as he nodded in agreement, "It's best to say as little as possible. No lies, mind you. Maybe suggest some alternatives that might tie everything together."

"Protect Teegan," I summarized.

"At all costs," Victor agreed. I was beginning to like Victor.

*****

"It's nice to meet you, Mr. McGuire," Samuel Fortunato said as his hand engulfed mine. His suit was as Italian as he looked. His height was imposing, as was the confidence that he emanated. Dark black hair that looked as if it had just left the stylist and an olive tinge to the skin that must have come from the morning runs that kept his body in model shape. He must be hell to deal with in court.

"Mr. Fortunato has decided to keep the meeting small," Victor said.

"Too many lawyers make the police nervous," Samuel said with a smile. "It's best to remain cordial as long as things go our way." He looked like a one man army to me. I wasn't sure if any meeting could be small with him in it. "Will Ms. Fuller be joining us?"

"She's asleep right now," I said, "It was a long emotionally draining night. I'd hate to wake her."

"Let's see if we can keep her out of it," Samuel said. "Harassing victims doesn't play well." He looked toward Victor. "Anything changed from what you explained on the phone?"

"No," Victor replied, "you know what I know."

"I think you left a few points out," Samuel said.

"You know what we can tell you," Victor rephrased. Samuel nodded and turned away, rubbing his jaw, deep in thought. He turned back to us with determination.

"Could Ms. Fuller's inheritance have leaked before the first attack?" Samuel asked.

"Doubtful," Victor answered.

"But possible," Samuel said, "and there's probably people in the world who might not like the changing of the guard. Someone who likes the status quo. A new empress could throw a very expensive wrench in the works. There must be people whose livelihood is dependent upon Corbett's machine running without a hitch."

"Maybe the police should be looking for someone that can't afford any business disruptions," I said. Samuel smiled at me. "The first attack did come out of nowhere, before Teegan and I even knew about the inheritance."

That first shooter was an ex-army sniper," Samuel continued, "maybe the army was here to speak to you, find out where they went wrong with one of their own. It's not a leap to think another soldier was hired to finish what the first one failed."

"A businessman with ties to the military," Victor said. "The military would never want it to get out that they're inadvertently training assassins. Might be why they refuse to talk."

"I'll suggest the theories," Samuel told us, "you two just answer questions as succinctly as possible. No embellishments." Both Victor and I agreed.

We found Detective Cruthers lounging in a chair with a mouth full of scone. She smiled and covered her mouth with her hand as she finished chewing. It was an unladylike picture that didn't overly concern her. Maybe cops were more immune to social embarrassment.

"Sorry," Cruthers said, then finished the last bit in her mouth. "Pulled an all-nighter and skipped breakfast this morning."

"They're here to be eaten," Victor said, "help yourself."

"Detective Cruthers," Samuel began, "I'm Samuel Fortunato, of Briggs, Sanders, and Walsh. I'll be present as legal counsel for Mr. McGuire, Ms. Fuller, Mr. Watterson, et al."

"Is Ms. Fuller joining us?" Cruthers asked. She was refilling her cup from the coffee dispenser, not looking at Samuel when she asked.

"I'm afraid she is exhausted," Samuel replied, "The attack and subsequent death of Mr. Tisdale weighed heavily on her. For health reasons, we felt it best that we let her sleep."

"Shame," Cruthers said, lifting her head, "I was looking forward to speaking with her." She sighed, "I guess it will have to wait until she's feeling better."

"In the meantime," Samuel continued, "Mr. McGuire and Mr. Watterson have agreed to be at your disposal." Cruthers' face shrugged with seeming indifference as she looked at me. There was always a pause, slightly longer than necessary before she spoke to me. This time was no different.

"Who's trying to kill your girlfriend?" Cruthers asked, then leaned back in her chair pulling her coffee with her. The question caught me off guard.

"I thought you have him," I replied, "the soldier." Cruthers took her time and sipped her coffee while looking at me. I wasn't sure what she was looking for, but it was beginning to make me uncomfortable, so I built up a little anger to strengthen my resolve. Both Victor and Samuel ignored the question and took seats on the couch across from Cruthers.

"We have what was a soldier," Cruthers continued, "not unlike a previous attacker in Maine. It seems there is a rash of sudden massive strokes going on." She took another sip of her coffee and waited for me. I was silent since there was no question.

"It may have something to do with Ms. Fuller's current legal status," Samuel said, giving me a reprieve. Inside, I was relieved. My jump in emotions woke Teegan.

"Legal status?" Cruthers asked…