Body in the Woods, page 7
I’ve always thought that if you wanted to know a man well you must get to know him gradually. And never make the mistake of prejudging. That only led to difficulties that were always hard to smooth out later.
With that in mind, conflicting thoughts surrounded my impressions of him. He seemed to be an intelligent, educated man, speaking in full, well-enunciated sentences. I couldn’t quite square that with the bodyguards and his position as an underworld ‘snoop.’
Perrera stared at my face.
“I take it that scar came from some sort of altercation?”
“No. Actually from an alligator bite.”
“Ah…yes! Alligator bite. Now I remember who you are! You have courage and character, a rare dude. Tell me more about that last case you handled. The one with the crooked businessman.”
Why did he want to know? Did he possibly think I was here to investigate him?
“Actually, Mr. Perrera, he was a part of a much bigger syndicate. I left it to the FBI.”
“Of course, of course. Would you like a water or some refreshment?”
“No, thank you.”
“You know, in Muslim customs that is an insult to the man who received you in his home.”
“My apologies. I’m not familiar with your customs and I certainly have no intention of insulting you, Mr. Perrera.”
“Never mind. You’re not insulting me. So, you wish to know whether there was a hit on Heinrich Hines.”
“I do. It would clear up any doubt and I can proceed with finding out who the real killer is.”
“You do know that my services don’t come cheap. $5000. $2000 now, and $3000 on delivery of the information.”
“I can manage that.”
I pulled out an envelope and extracted two thousand in hundred-dollar bills and handed it to Mr. Perrera.
“You sure you don’t want any coffee or water?”
I took it the meeting wasn’t over. Did he want to talk to me to entertain himself?
“Coffee. Black. You wanted to ask me something else?”
“A perceptive man. And, I see that you are a man of character. I like that you are trustworthy.”
He pressed some kind of a buzzer on the table next to him. Within a moment one of the bodyguards opened the door.
“Black coffee for our guest.”
Perrera puffed on his hookah until the bodyguard returned with my coffee, set the tray down and left.
“Do you have a license to operate in California?”
“No. My license is for Florida. Didn’t know that I needed one for California. I’m not setting up shop, just this case to help clear a friend.”
“Friend. I see. McGruder is your friend. That makes a difference.”
He took a few more puffs and then told me about his enterprise. How he’d formed his group to protect the small businesses that his people operate from the Chinese gangsters. And, here I’d thought he was one himself. Who was I to judge? Gangsters operate in the underworld, the underbelly of society. He obviously was providing a needed service for his people.
I thought we’d come to a stopping point, but he continued on. I really wasn’t interested in hearing any more of his stories, but knew I must be courteous to him. I took a sip of my coffee, nearly spat it out, and set the cup back down. Enduring his conversation for another half hour, I felt I could end it.
“I thank you for seeing me, Mr. Perrera. I don’t want to take up any more of your time.”
He nodded.
“Check back on Monday. Come to the restaurant the same way you did today and someone will bring you to me.”
I almost wanted to say, ‘you live right under the restaurant,’ but I kept my mouth shut. I stood, shook his hand, and walked back out into the hallway, where the two bodyguards were standing duty. My gun was returned to me and I was escorted out to the sidewalk. Relieved to be finished, I headed back to the PCH and headed north.
CHAPTER 15
Just after 5 pm I stopped at McDonald’s. After ordering a large fries and black coffee, I sat at a table overlooking the beach and opened my Mac. While I was sipping my coffee a sudden unpleasant feeling came over me. In my mind, I started questioning Vance McGruder and whether I’d made the right decision to take this case. I had absolutely no idea why I was feeling this way and it started to bother me. But why? Why was I bothered? I’d been hired to find the real murderer, but everything still pointed to Vance himself. Was I being used?
My last case had been literally dumped in my lap and I felt obligated to take it on. There were no doubts. Not so sure about this one, but there’s no way now that I can back out of the investigation. I just wished there was something that would convince me that Vance was not guilty. Maybe I was being too hard on myself. There were many more leads to follow. And Monday I’d find out if there had been a hit or not.
In the meantime, my next priority would be to check out the information from Hines’ computer that Vance had downloaded. I needed a computer expert. Frankly, a hacker would be best to access files Hines might have kept hidden from Vance. Doing a Google search for hackers in the greater Los Angeles area, I was dumbfounded.
My God, there were hundreds of them. Hackers for Hire, Professional Hackers, a Nigerian man charged in hacking of Los Angeles County government e-mails, L.A. Area House Hacking, Bigger Pockets, Trustworthy Ethical Hacking. It went on and on. They even had communities of hackers in both Venice Beach and Los Angeles.
I started to feel better. I knew I could hire one of these guys to find out whatever might possibly be there. Maybe, just maybe there’d be some clue as to what really happened.
After leaving McDonald’s, I drove back south on the PCH, passed Carbine Canyon, and took a left on a road marked Corral Canyon. After driving several miles up the steep road, I arrived at the mountain top and parked. There were a number of other cars parked, some people taking pictures of the panoramic views, others starting out on an evening hike. I joined the picture takers, snapping several with my iPhone, then sat on an enormous chunk of rock.
My mind started drifting back to the case at hand. It’s like this case was beginning to live inside me. Everything I looked at, listened to, touched, tasted, and smelled were becoming finely etched into my five senses. All geared to one thing. Finding the killer of Heinrich Hines. Coming up here made me realize that I needed to visit the exact location of where Hines was murdered and mentally added it to my growing ‘to do’ list.
It was after 8 pm before I arrived back at Vance’s estate. After parking my car, I entered the house just as Vance was leaving.
“Vance? Do you have a moment? Can we talk in your study?”
He didn’t say a word until we entered his study and he closed the door. He settled into his chair while I sat opposite.
“Something important come up?”
“I need to get some details on Hines’ estate.”
“What do you want to know?”
“Is there anyone currently living at Hines’ home?”
“Yes. His housekeeper and her brother are still there. They live in a small cottage at the back of the property. Why do you need to know?”
“Have you met her?”
“Yes, of course. Her name is Mariana. She takes care of the house, cooking and cleaning and her brother Jesse is the groundskeeper and handyman. Actually, I keep in touch with both of them.”
“I need to speak with her, preferably tomorrow, and take a look around the house. Do you have the number I can call and let her know I’ll be coming by? I’ll need the address, as well.”
“I don’t know that she’ll be of any help. The police interviewed her extensively. Besides, the last time I saw her she was pregnant and she should be due anytime now.”
“Women do get pregnant, you know. I need to talk to her, Vance.”
He stood, went to his desk, wrote down the number and address on a notepad, and handed it to me. For some reason, I sensed he wasn’t happy with my plans.
“The phone…is it landline, or cell phone?”
“It’s the landline for Hines’ home. I’m not sure if Mariana has a cell phone. I’ve never asked.”
“Thanks for the info, Vance.”
I stood up to go and as I was turning the knob on the door, I turned back.
“Something else, Jack?”
“I also want to take you up on your offer to check out what’s on that USB. Would day after tomorrow be okay? I know it’s a Sunday, but I think it’s better if no one else is in the office.”
“What time?”
“I’ll have to let you know, but I’m thinking mid-morning.”
“Mid-morning would work. You can follow me in.”
“Great. Well, goodnight, then.”
“Night, Jack.”
After returning to my room, I checked e-mails and voice messages. Nothing of importance. Nothing from Lee. I was at the point of believing it was over, but I didn’t want to think about that right now.
After a long shower, I laid on my bed, turned on my recorder and listened to Patty’s unscripted interview this morning and her interesting history with Vance. My next order of business was to decide on how I was going to approach Mariana. Not having much experience with pregnant women, I’d have to think carefully on how to question her. Besides that she’d just lost her boss and possibly her home. Not a particularly good combination.
I fell asleep wondering what tomorrow would bring.
CHAPTER 16
Saturday, July 7
When I came downstairs at 9:30 am Patty was in the midst of a conversation with Candelaria.
“Jack? Good morning. If you’d still like some breakfast Candelaria can make you an omelet or something.”
“No, I just need a cup of coffee. I’ll get something while I’m out.”
“Really, it’s not a problem.”
“Patty, I’m going out. But maybe you can help me with something else?”
“Sure, Jack. What is it?’
“Last night Vance gave me the home telephone number and address for Hines. I want to interview his housekeeper, Mariana. Vance also mentioned that she’s pregnant and about due. I’m planning on calling her this morning to see if she’s up to seeing me this afternoon and I was thinking of buying her some flowers. Do you think that’s appropriate?”
Patty stood there and stared at me.
“I, uhmm, I don’t really know, Jack. You’re visiting her in a professional capacity, aren’t you? I really can’t give you good advice. Sorry. But, good luck.”
With that, Patty walked out of the kitchen leaving me a more than a bit bewildered with her response. Something about Mariana didn’t sit well with her.
“Candelaria, can I have a cup of your delicious coffee to go?”
“Si, Señor Jack. Excuse, please, but flowers very nice for pregnant lady.”
“Gracias, Candelaria.”
She handed me my coffee and I was on my way. I decided on a change of plans. No calling Mariana ahead of time. This was going to be an unannounced impromptu visit. I was curious to see what would happen.
Remembering a flower shop near to where Patty and I’d had our morning conversation at Coffee Bean, I made a quick stop.
“Can you make something special for a lady who’s expecting a baby?”
“Your wife?”
“No, no wife. Just a woman.”
She smiled, made up a bouquet, and I plunked down $65. Following the directions from Google maps I took the PCH north to Point Magu, then a back route past acres of fertile farmland, California State University Channel Island’s sprawling complex, an exclusive gated subdivision, and up into Wild Oaks. At Windy Road I took a left and found Hines’ sprawling estate.
The horseshoe driveway was lined with tall spruce and led to a large two-story home with massive columns in front. After parking behind a white Mercedes SUV, I walked up to the double-entry front door, rang the bell, and waited.
I was beginning to think no one was home and waited another minute. The front door finally opened revealing a voluptuous, very pregnant woman I assumed must be Mariana. She stood about five-foot-five with ebony black hair and large blue eyes. The color of her eyes immediately threw me off. A Latino with blue eyes?
“Yes?”
“Good morning, Mariana. My name is Jack Ludefance and I’m a private investigator working for Vance McGruder. I’d like to ask you some questions.”
I handed her my ID and the bouquet of flowers.
She smiled, motioned me inside into a large two-story living room.
“Please, Mr. Ludefance, have a seat.”
Sitting at one end of the large, curved, satin-covered sofa, I watched her as she gently touched the petals of the flowers.
“Mr. McGruder mentioned you were expecting so I took the liberty of bringing you flowers. Forgive me, but I’m from the old school and have tremendous respect for a pregnant woman.”
“Thank you. That is very kind of you. Excuse me while I put them in a vase.”
“Of course.”
In the few minutes she was gone, I switched on my digital recorder. She came back with the bouquet in a tall crystal vase, set it on the large, ornate coffee table, and sat on the other end of the sofa from me.
“What may I help you with, Mr. Ludefance?”
“As I said, Mr. McGruder has hired me. I’m sure you are aware he’s the prime suspect in Mr. Hines’ murder, but he claims he is innocent and has hired me to find the real murderer. I’m hoping you can help me clear up a few things.”
“I’ve already spoken with the police and told them everything I know.”
Her English was perfect.
“Yes, of course. The police did their job. To them it’s impersonal, just another case to close. On the other hand, Mr. McGruder is the only suspect and if the police find enough evidence, he could be looking at the rest of his life in jail. He’s paying me a great deal of money to find the truth and to separate the innocent from the guilty. We all want to find out what really happened, don’t we?”
“Of course, Mr. Ludefance. I’ll help any way I can.”
“May I ask where you’re from?”
“Where I’m from? My parents were from Guatemala. My younger brother Jesse and I were born here and both finished high school in Los Angeles.”
That explains why she didn’t have an accent. The thought blipped through my head. Her parents probably came illegally, but she and her brother were born here, making them U.S. citizens and quite legal.
She laughed softly. “Mr. Ludefance. I know what you’re thinking. And yes, my parents did come illegally. But my brother and I are quite legal and have all our proper paperwork.”
This was one perceptive woman.
“Well, since we have that item out of the way, can you tell me about the day that Mr. Hines was murdered, starting with what time he came home from work?”
“Mr. Hines arrived home at his usual time of 5:30 that day. His standing instructions were dinner promptly at 6 pm. I’d made his favorite meal of pot roast, potatoes, and carrots in the slow cooker. After he arrived home I placed it in a large bowl on the dining room table so that he could serve how much he wanted, and then opened a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon and poured a glass of wine for him. Normally, if he didn’t want me to prepare the table when he came in he would simply say, ‘Leave.’ But, that night he wanted dinner. After that I returned to the kitchen.”
“He would tell you to leave?”
“Yes. He is…was a rude man, but it didn’t bother me. I was used to it. As I said, I’d gotten used to Mr. Hines. He is…was, despite his rudeness, a good boss. He never questioned me or my brother on how much we spent on the house. If there was something that needed fixing, he’d instruct my brother on what was to be done.”
“So you never had a conversation with him in any kind of a personal way?”
“No, never. He didn’t want to waste his time on any personal conversation with me or my brother. Our communication was always about whatever was needed for the proper running of the house.”
“Forgive me for saying, but that sounds like one nasty son-of-a-bitch.”
“Yes, I suppose you could say that. He was one of a kind. I’ve met other Germen men, but none of them seemed to be that way.”
“How did you first meet Heinrich Hines?”
“Through the house cleaning agency I used to work for. My brother and I were sent here to clean for Mr. Hines. He was impressed with our work and he requested us each time he needed his house cleaned. That lasted over a year, or so. Then one day after we’d cleaned his house and were leaving, Mr. Hines asked us to come back into the house.
“I was afraid that we’d done something wrong and he was going to complain. But instead, he offered my brother and me full-time jobs, living quarters in the cottage at the back of the property, and a personal car for my brother and me to use. I was to clean the house, cook, and do the laundry. My brother was to take care of the yardwork and any house maintenance.”
“When was that?”
“Let me see. The summer of 2014. Because I was twenty-four years old.”
“So the car parked outside is the one he bought for you and your brother?”
“Yes.”
“Did Mr. Hines perhaps take you and your brother out? Or have you ever done anything together besides the house cleaning and maintenance?”
“No!”
“Did he ever talk to you about his company, or fearing anyone, or anything at all like that?”
“No, never. As I said, he didn’t think his employees were worth talking to on a personal basis.”
“Did he ever bring anyone home with him?”
“I’m…I’m not quite sure what you mean.”
“I mean did he ever bring a woman home with him?”
