Dig One Grave, page 18
"And then there was one," Erin says.
"You have to admire our killer's creativity," Irwin says. "A stake through this heart. Does this mean the last guy standing is our killer?"
"Please. The killer is rubbing our noses in this." Grace says. "Look how smart I am. This is why the killer sent us way over to Topanga. Get us out of the way. So he can commit another murder. Not to mention, I got past our guys watching the house. That's clever and bold. Sean isn't any of those things."
"Grace, we both know who the killer is," Erin says. "She is practically admitting to it. She stabbed him through the heart. Dennis was supposed to protect her. He didn't. He betrayed her."
Grace's phone rings. She pulls out the phone. "Epstein. Yeah, Captain. No, I'm not surprised. Were You? Yeah, we're on it."
“What aren't you surprised about?” Erin says.
"The woman we found. They ran her prints. They match the Contessa's. She is at the hospital but still hasn't said a word."
“Does she have a real name?”
"Yes, actually several. We can figure out the woman's real name because she traveled under several different names.'
"Someone gave the Contessa a taste of her own medicine," Erin says. "We're you know who."
"I am not saying I disagree, but like the captain said," Grace says. "We have to be sure before we confront her."
"If she was some punk," Erin says. "We would drag her in and get some answers. Because she has billions. We have to play nice."
“Do you really think we could break Denise Kellogg if we got her into an interrogation room?” Grace with a severe tone.
"No," Erin mutters. "She would be amused."
Danny walks up and holds up a plastic bag with a cigar inside. "We found this in the backyard."
"Gee, whose DNA we will find on that," Erin says.
"Sean's," Grace says. "Sean is screwed. Why is she framing him? There has to be a reason."
"We probably won't figure that out until it is too late," Erin says. "Odd, I have him picked as not the only dumbest of the bunch but weakest. He might just end up confessing out of fear."
CHAPTER 53
Erin wanders into the lobby of the Beverly Wilshire, stopping to take in the hotel's elegance. The marble floors, pillars, and the flower on a round table scream money. It makes the rich feel rich at home while telling the poor they are in the wrong place.
Erin is wearing a red dress with spaghetti straps that tastefully hug her body. It falls to just above her knees, showing some of her legs. Her spike heels match the dress. Her hair is curled, and her makeup is heavier than she usually wears. After a second, she walks toward the elevators. The doors open.
A black woman stands in the elevator. Her red blouse and white pants look very expensive. Long braided hair falls to her slender waist. Her large brown eyes, sharp cheekbones, and chocolate skin make her stunning beauty. Her smile is broad and a little too white. "Detective Connors, Lady Kellogg asks if you will join her in her room."
“Lady Kellogg?” Erin asks.
"Yes, but she mostly uses the title in England and Europe." The woman said. "I am Elan, one of Lady Kellogg's assistants. Will you join us?"
"I came to see a friend," Erin says. "I forgot Miss Kellogg was staying here. I have a few minutes."
"Excellent," Elan says, pressing the button for the penthouse.
“How many assistants does Miss...Lady Kellogg have?”
"Quite a few," Elan says. "Most are back in England. She has been traveling for the last few years but has decided to settle there."
"Would that have been in England?" Erin says. "That's after she wraps up her business in town?"
"Most likely," Elan says. "Lady Kellogg likes to keep to a tight schedule. Her business is almost done. We will most likely go back to England, but there has been some talk about our island in the Bahamas. She is rarely spontaneous, but she can be."
“She owns an island?” Erin asks.
"A recent purchase. I understand it is a tiny one."
The doors open. Elan leads her through a foyer into a large room furnished with elegant taste. Yishai and Aviv stand just inside the room, looking more like statues than men. Erin glances at them as she walks into the large room.
The large window makes the room seem almost vast, giving her a fantastic city view. Denise is sitting on a long couch with a martini in her hand. She wears a white sweatshirt and pants but still looks rich and powerful. A red scarf is wrapped around her neck. She stands up and extends her hand. "Detective, thank you for joining us."
"Us?" Erin says, looking around the room.
Sami stands by the window, looking down at the city. Her red leather vest and pants are tight on her very slender frame. A small smile comes to her lips. The black lipstick and makeup make her look a little scary.
A Japanese woman with a slender face, almond eyes, and long hair sits at a table focused on her laptop. She looks over for a moment. One of her eyebrows arches up. Then, she turns her attention back to her computer. Her white blouse, black jacket, and skirt look starched and pressed.
A voluptuous blonde wearing heavy eye shadow and red lipstick stands behind a wet bar. Her black dress is low cut, showing off her ample bosom. Her makeup style, color, and makeup make her look like Marilyn Monroe. She leans on the bar. Her eyes focused on Erin.
A young woman wearing a tee shirt, jeans, and no shoes is slumped back in a chair with her eyes closed. Her long, silky hair is twisted into a single braid hanging down her face's right side. The lack of makeup and freckles on her cheeks and nose made her look like the girl next door. Her face comes up. Her eyes open. A smile comes to her lips. She gets up and goes to the wet bar. The blonde hands her Coors beer without being asked to.
“Your assistants?” Erin asks.
"They do much more than assist me," Denise says.
Elan walks up to Denise and kisses her on the lips. The tattooed woman walks over to Erin, stopping in front of her. She takes a step closer. Erin stands her ground.
"Sami, behave," Denise says. "The detective is our guest."
"Pity," Sami says and moves over to the bar. The blonde bartender puts a shot glass on the bar and fills it with Johnnie Walkers. Sami takes the glass and gulps it down. She slams the glass down on the bar. The bartender puts a bottle of Japanese beer on the bar. Sami picks it up and sips it, still looking at Erin.
"You will have to excuse Sami," Denise says. "She can be very aggressive around a woman she finds attractive."
“Any reason you wish to see me?” Erin asks.
"One of my people saw you in the lobby and called me," Denise says. "I assumed you were here to see me. I was saving you a trip to the front desk."
"I am here to pick up my date," Erin says. "I forgot you were staying in this hotel."
"Well, now, you are here," Denise says, walking to the bar. "Can I offer you a Dirty Martini? Betty makes the perfect martini. Actually, there is no drink she can't make. Cosmopolitan. Whiskey Sour, Daiquiri in any flavor you want. She is even better than Sami, except when it comes to wine. I have an excellent Malbec. I understand you have been studying wines."
"You have been checking up on me, Miss Kellogg," Erin says. "Sorry, it is Lady Kellogg."
"Oh please, I would ask you to call me Denise, but that would seem inappropriate. Considering our relationship." Denise says.
"Considering I am pretty sure you are behind these murders," Erin says. "That would just be wrong."
"Agreed," Denise says. "Now, about that drink. Don't give me the excuse that you are on duty."
"It is not that," Erin says, stepping closer. "Like I said. “I have a date. And please don't be offended, but I am sure it wouldn't be wise to accept a drink at this point in our...relationship."
"A little paranoid," Denise says, smiles, and sits down. "Nothing wrong with that. Paranoia can save your life in real danger. Pity you left your weapon at home."
“How do you know that?” Erin says.
"That dress is too tight, and your purse too small," Denise asks. "Wait, did they give back your pistol?"
"This morning. I am off duty, so it is not needed. Pistol or not. I am not defenseless." Erin says. "Enough our chat. My date is waiting."
Erin walks back toward the door, but Sami rushes and blocks her path. A smile comes to her lips. She rolls her tongue, her lips revealing her pierced tongue.
"Be a good little girl, and go finish your beer," Erin says, not smiling. "I can be aggressive too."
Denise and the other women watch with interest. The Japanese woman looks up from her computer.
"Call her off," Erin says, looking back at Denise. "I am a cop."
Sami jumps back and kicks her boot right at Erin's face. Erin turns her face and twists her shoulder. The boot barely misses Erin's face. At the same time, she grabs her leg while it is still in the air. She twists the boot, making Sami flip onto the floor. She lands with a loud thud. Sami starts to get up. Erin thrusts out her long leg. The spike heel stops just an inch from Sami's face. "I told you I could be aggressive."
Denise and the other ladies clap. Erin looks back as she straightens her dress. Then she walks out without looking back.
CHAPTER 54
Anika has Erin pressed against the door of her room. They are kissing each other over and over.
"I thought we were going out to dinner," Erin says.
"That's what room service is for," Anika says, stepping back. She smiles and moves by the bed. The black dress Anika is wearing unbuttons in the front. She begins to slowly unbutton her dress. "Unless you really want to go out to dinner?"
"Like you said." Erin walks forward. She pushes Anika's hand away and then unbuttons her lover's dress. "That is what room service is for?"
"I am glad you agree," Anika says, pushing the straps of Erin's dress and playfully tugging it down. "We can work up an appetite."
"Good plan," Erin says, getting Anika's dress open. Her lover is naked under the dress. Erin pushes the dress off as Anika gets her dress down around her waist. Erin is wearing no bra.
The two women embrace and kiss.
Both Erin and Anika are sitting cross-legged on the bed. They are wearing hotel bathrobes. There is a silver tray between them. A couple of cheeseburgers and a big dish of onion rings are on the tray. Erin dips an onion in Catsup and holds it in front of Anika. Anika wraps her lips around it and eats. Then, he licks off Erin's fingers. She does the same for Erin. Anika picks up her burger and takes a bite. She happily chews it.
"I love American Cheeseburgers," Anika says. "I have to try the Out-In-Burger. It's supposed to be wonderful."
"They are great," Erin says. "But is it an In-N-Out burger? I'll take you there."
"It will probably have to be when I get back," Anika says.
"You're leaving?" Erin asks, looking worried.
"Yes, I have to return to Sweden," Anika says. "It is my home..."
“Oh, I thought...” Erin says.
"Don't look sad," Anika says. "I will be back. I am moving here. I was just considering it, but now. I am sure. I think you know why."
Erin presses her forehead against Anika. "I have never felt like this with anyone. I never felt like this with a man. I thought I was in love before, but..."
"Now we both are in love," Anika says. "I am not sure about being in love with a police detective. I hear you work long hours. Disappear for days."
"That's movie crap," Erin says. "Most cops work regular shifts. It's the guys in vice and narcotics who work long hours. If you are working undercover. You could be gone for months. But I work homicide. Most of my cases are solved in hours. Husbands killing wives. Wives killing husbands. People get drunk or get their hearts broken. Most murders are dumb or done without thinking. I pretty much work nine to five."
"So do I," Anika says. "You must be investigating one of the stupid murders now, but you are here with me. It is getting late. I hope you are spending the night."
"I am spending the night, but this case drives me crazy," Erin says. I'm pretty sure I know who the murderer is but can't prove it."
“How is that possible?” Anika says. “You must have clues. That is the right word. Clues.”
"That's the right word," Erin says with a smile. "This woman has been planning this murder for years. I have to admit. She is brilliant. She might even be smarter than me."
"I don't think that is true," Anika says, stroking Erin's cheek. "You are brilliant."
“Maybe. It is like she is playing me. Like chess. Moves. Counter moves.”
"You know, in chess," Anika says. "The great players are thinking out three four moves before they touch a chess piece. Chess games in real life are rarely played to checkmate. A great player knows he has lost the game before checkmate. One move in chess can change the whole game. If this woman is playing chess with you. Checkmate may not be the goal. She may just want to leave you with no moves. Making you surrender. Understand?"
"Yes," Erin says, looking at Anika. "You are so smart."
"I know," Anika says, taking another bite of her burger. She chews and smiles. "So, what is your next move?"
"Take out one of her pawns," Erin says, taking a bite of her burger.
CHAPTER 55
Erin and Grace follow Sean into his front room. He is pushed into a chair by Erin. Erin leans against the wall. Grace sits across from him and smiles.
“Is the little woman home?” Grace asks.
"No, she's at her gym," Sean says. "Then having lunch with some friends."
"Of course she is," Erin says. "Dennis is dead."
“What!” Sean gasps.
"Someone stabbed through the heart with a big icicle," Grace says. "That leaves you, Sean. Alone."
"Alone with your DNA at the murder scene," Erin says, coming over and kneeling down so she can look in the face. "We found another cigar at Dennis' murder. Want bet your DNA pops up again."
"I didn't kill Dennis!" Sean says with a sob. "Or the others! Someone is setting me up. Wait, I have an alibi. I was with my wife up until an hour ago."
"Shaky, very shaky." Grace says, "Juries have a tendency not to believe wives."
“Why?!” Sean sobs. “Why would I kill my friends and partners?!”
"Your life is falling apart. You're going to jail for embezzling. Maybe you and the boys hid some money. Not enough for five to live on for the rest of your lives, but enough for one. Enough money to support Tiffany's shopping habit."
"No! No! No!" Sean sobs. We all hid our money separately. We knew this day would come and planned for it. We have cash hidden in numbered accounts, new identities in safety deposit boxes."
"Denise showing up," Erica says. "You didn't plan on that?"
“I was as surprised as you.” Sean sobs.
"The good news is we believe you," Erin says.
This makes Sean look up.
"You have to tell us what happened in Romania five years ago," Grace says. "We have no authority. What happened there is the business of Romania. If we know what happens. We may be able to help you."
"The time to talk is now," Erin says.
Sean slumps back and rubs his hands through his hair. He looks up at the cops.
"It actually started ten years ago," Sean says. "We got the idea for the firm, and we approached Dennis's dad as a possible backer. He went for it and set up Denise as the backer. She put up the cash and collected the lion's share of the profits."
“Were there profits?” Grace asked.
"Not for the first year, but the second year," Erin says. "The business really exploded. By the end of the second year, we were well into the black. Two years later, we were making serious money. We wanted to expand. Dennis' dad agreed. We went nationwide. God, the money was just flowing in."
"But Denise was getting most of that money," Erin asked.
"Yes. We did all right, but the firm was a gold mine, and Denise was getting most of the gold." Sean says. “Then three things happened to change everything."
"Dennis's dad dies and leaves him in charge of Denise's trust," Grace says.
"That was one. The other came out of left field. As I said, the firm was doing great. So we get together and decide to buy Denise out." Sean says. "Honestly, we expected to be dealing with a dumb socialite. We never met. She was always traveling. With Dennis controlling the trust. We figured we could lowball Denise, and she would never know it."
"Except Denise turned out to not be a dumb socialite," Erin says. "I am guessing Denise's dad started teaching young Denise about her businesses and what she owned. Denise may have known more about the business than you, especially since Dennis' dad was her friend. He was probably keeping her up to date. She knew you were lowballing her."
"Denise didn't want to sell the business for what you offered her," Grace says.
"She wanted to sell but not to us. Turns out she was getting other offers. She was trying to decide which one to take." Sean said. "Then we find out Dennis' dad had written the contracts that made her the sole owner. We were nothing but employees. The money we were getting wasn't profits. They were bonuses. We were never really partners."
"You didn't have your lawyers look over the contracts," Erin asks.
“This was Dennis’ dad.” He said. “We figured we could trust him.”
"I wonder why Dad did that," Grace says. "He left Dennis in charge of the trust."
"Not really," Sean said. "That was the final nail. Turns out Dennis was just a figurehead. Denise could fire him at any time. Denise didn't have to give us anything. She was going to take all of it. She was going to take our dream and sell it."
"So what did you do about it?" Grace says. "According to all paperwork, you guys are partners, and Dennis controls the trust fund."
"Dennis or Greg slipped something into her drink. While she was out, we discussed our options...it was Dennis who came up with the plan. Looking back, I now see how stupid it was."
"And the plan was to make Denise disappear," Erin says. "Then tell everyone she is traveling. You forge her signatures on some contracts, making you partners and giving you access to her money. Then what?"
