The Girl in White Pajamas (18 page)

After he left Jack’s office, Bogie walked down a narrow street called City Hall Avenue which was between the side of twenty-seven School Street and the Old City Hall. The street led to Pi Alley where the side door to One Boston Place was located.

Bogie only nodded to Jesus when he entered the offices of Rubin Goldstein. Without acknowledging the receptionist who was leaning over her desk flirting with Jesus and asking about his scar, Bogie walked past the doors of five offices until he reached Rubin’s. Bogie knocked once and opened the door at the same time. He stared at Rubin who was speaking on the phone while smoothing his perfectly-cut pewter-colored hair. Rubin’s mouth opened wide in a fake smile showing off his glistening white teeth. Rubin quickly said goodbye to the caller and started to stand until Bogie motioned for him to stay seated.

Bogie sat in the chair across from his desk. “Long time no see, Rubin!”

“Yeah! Sorry about your brother. You’re looking good. You actually look younger than you did the last time I saw you. Nice tan!”

“Florida sunshine! Now that we’ve got all the social niceties out of the way, I’d like to ask you a few questions.” When Rubin made a gesture with his hand for Bogie to continue, Bogie asked, “Do you have any thoughts on who would want to kill Bailey?”

“If my older brother, Stanley, was alive, he’d be number one on my list; but he’s not, so no, I don’t have any ideas.”

“What about his wife?”

“Ester?” Rubin shook his head. “She is remarried living in Arizona. Besides, if she’s going to kill anybody, it would be you, not Bailey. She blamed you for all the financial woes you caused Stanley. Ester said you were blackmailing him.”

Bogie’s laugh was mirthless. Only greedy Ester could explain away a pedophile’s behavior with dollar bills. “She never mentioned that money belonged to Bailey and Jack?”

Rubin already knew that. When his sister, Veronica, and her husband, Hank Hampfield, were killed in a small plane crash, their sizable estates went to their twins, Jack and Bailey. Stanley wasted no time getting to Sutton, West Virginia to scoop up the fifteen year old twins so he could bring them to Boston. Never mind that he and Veronica hadn’t spoken to each other in eleven years and had little or no use for each other. Stanley knew that love was where the money lived.

To Ester’s dismay, he moved them into their lovely home. They were a couple of hillbilly teenagers who talked with a mountain twang. Ester finally convinced Stanley to send the boy off to military school because he cried too easily and was too much of a sissy. The school would make a man of him. Bailey stayed in Newton with her cousins. They were embarrassed to be seen with this hick who couldn’t dress or talk right.

Bogie and Rose met Stanley when Bailey was a sixteen year old runaway. Stanley had an office on Lincoln Street and wanted a discrete investigation conducted. Bring the wayward girl home. No harm no foul.

Bogie found Bailey panhandling on Boston Common. That wild red hair was the giveaway. She looked like a princess even with the smudged face and soiled clothes. But her features crumbled when he grabbed her arm and started walking her to Arlington Street. Tears slowly spilled down her cheeks and she said, “Please don’t take me back. Please! I’ll do anything, anything you want…” When she sobbed, Bogie’s gut told him there was more to the story than Stanley was telling them.

Bogie took her to R&B, where Bailey told him and Rose how her uncle Stanley had sexually molested her for the past year and no one would believe her. Her aunt told her she was a filthy liar and a tramp. All Bailey wanted to do was get back to Sutton where they had some ‘kinfolk’ and then get Jack out of that awful school where they were so mean to him.

Late the following day, Bogie met with Stanley in the den of his Newton home. At that point, Bogie already knew how much money the kids received and how Stanley diverted their funds. Bogie explained that Bailey wasn’t coming back to Newton and gave Stanley a schedule of payments he would make for the kids’ upkeep and education. Jack would transfer from the military academy, and the twins would attend Phillips Academy in Andover.

When Stanley laughed at him, Bogie told him he would turn the whole matter over to the courts and family services. “Nobody likes a pedophile, Stanley. Either you do as I say or we’ll have the cops, the courts and The Boston Globe all over this. I promise you!”

While calling Bogie a cock-sucking gumshoe, Stanley signed an agreement. The twins got educated and were safe. Everyone was happy, except Stanley, who watched their money decreasing as his own income went down. Fees were off, investments failed and his family spent money like tomorrow would never come. Tomorrow came when the twins were in law school. Stanley had a massive heart attack and a series of strokes. When he died, Ester was appalled to learn how much money had been spent on the hillbilly children through their guardian angel, Bogie.

Bogie almost smiled as he remembered Ester threatening to sue him until he told her to show how he personally ever received one cent from Stanley. She unhappily gave up the fight.

Bogie stared at Rubin. “What’s going on here? Where are the clients? Where’s the staff?”

“Gone,” Rubin said quietly. “After Sal left, it just went bad.”

“Where’d he go?”

“Puerto Rico, then Florida.”

“You have a falling out?”

Rubin just shook his head. “Sal got disbarred.” Bogie’s eyebrow raised, and Rubin continued, “He did most of the criminal work. Hell, he was the one who brought it in. He was in the courtroom representing an alleged drug dealer. Sal was putting on his usual show and twirling a pen while he talked. He dropped the pen. When Sal reached down for it, a bag dropped out of his pocket.” Rubin held his hand over the breast pocket of his jacket. “The rest, my boy, is history!”

“And Bailey can’t replace him?”

“Get serious! I couldn’t keep up with Sal. And Bailey—she couldn’t put a patch on a litigator’s ass. She has no litigation experience.”

“Thank you so much for your vote of confidence!” Bailey shrieked as she stood in the doorway of his office. “The only litigator we ever had around here left the building! When was the last time you walked into a courtroom, Rubin?” Without waiting for an answer, she continued, “Maybe you could snap out of your ‘dream state’ and get back in the trenches. The shit’s piling up down here!” Her face red and her eyes watery she stomped away. When the door to her office down the hall slammed, she was finished.

“Sounds like she’s not too happy with you,” Bogie said.

“At this point, I don’t care. I’m closing the office. We’ll be out of here in about three weeks.”

“Does she know?”

“I haven’t told her the exact time yet, but she knows how bad things are. We’re just settling old stuff. She was supposed to do a deposition a couple weeks ago and then got sick. I was hoping the insurance company would make an offer after the deposition; but since we cancelled, they’re jerking us around and I have Bailey to thank for it.”

“Why’d you let Jack go?”

“That faggot! He’s a faggot and his clients are faggots. Him and his damned Pink Pages advertising! The reception area looked like a San Francisco freak show!”

“So now you’re happy with no clients?”

“I’m just sick of this whole business. Maybe I’ll be like you and Sal. I’ll move to Florida and retire.”

“Sal’s retired?”

“Sort of. He’s involved with a syndicate that’s planning on opening a casino near Miami.”

Bogie smiled. “And he hit you up for money?”

Rubin shrugged. “Hey, what could I do? He was always like a son to me. He promised we’d both retire when the place opens.”

Bogie studied Rubin. “Don’t plan on an early retirement. There are plenty of casinos in Florida, and with the economy down the toilet they’re all hurting.”

Rubin’s spray tan faded. “But Sal said—”

“I’m sure he knows more than I do about the business. Like he always said ‘trust me’. I’m just surprised you invested in something when your own business is shaky.”

Rubin shrugged and feigned indifference.

Tiring of tormenting Rubin, Bogie said, “If it makes you feel any better, I’m not retiring any time soon either. I’m working my ass off every day.”

“But the settlement money—”

“It’s for Amanda. I wouldn’t touch that blood money! My father and Olga put her through hell, and I figured it would help her get over the pains of childhood.”

“It would help
me
get over the pains of childhood! How’s she doing?”

“Engaged. Pregnant.”

“Geez! She’s only what, eighteen?”

Bogie nodded.

“Who’s the guy, some kid in school?”

“No. He’s a sheriff’s deputy. He’s actually a nice guy, but they’re both so young. Back to Bailey. The deposition she cancelled. When did she cancel it?”

Rubin thought for a while then said, “Monday. Monday morning. She was supposed to meet with the client in the afternoon to prepare for the deposition. It was scheduled for Tuesday morning. She said she had an accident, a concussion and was throwing up.”

“So she came in Saturday to prepare for the deposition?”

Rubin nodded. “Don’t ask me why. I don’t know. It wasn’t complicated. She could have done that Monday morning.”

“Did she have anything else scheduled Monday morning?”

“Not that I know of. We don’t have that much going on.”

“Did she say whether she went to a hospital or not?”

“She didn’t say.”

“Did she tell you when she had the accident?”

“Not at the time. She told me later that she was here on Saturday night getting the materials in order and fell when she left the building.”

“I’d like to see the security tapes for that night. Do you have any problem with that?”

“No. I’ll call down to the security office and tell them to show the tapes to you.” Rubin looked at a list of numbers next to his phone then punched one in. After telling the head of security what he wanted, he hesitated. “When did they do that?...Okay…Well thanks anyway.”

Rubin looked at Bogie. “The police have the tapes. They have the tapes and the computer printouts showing who was in and out of the building that night.”

Bogie stood up. “Well, Rubin, it’s been!”

Rubin nodded.

After leaving Rubin’s office, Bogie went to the Pi Alley Garage and asked to speak to the manager. He showed the small, Middle Eastern man his credentials then asked if he could see the security tapes for April second.

“I already told the cops. Our whole system was down for four days. They didn’t come to fix it until the following Monday.”

“So you have no record of who came in and out of the garage?”

“The monthly cars have a bar code card. We already printed out the list of cars, owners and what time or times they were in and out.”

“You guys are really efficient! Do you routinely do that?”

Abdul looked at him quizzically. “No, only when the police request it.”

“So they’ve got the list?”

As Abdul nodded, Bogie asked, “Any chance I could get a copy?”

Abdul shook his head.

“I just want to check on one name.” Bogie placed five twenty-dollar bills on the desk.

Abdul slid the list across. “I didn’t give you that list. If you happened to sneak a peek, I didn’t see you do it.”

Bogie studied the list, slid it back and thanked the little man.

The BMW 328i raced on Interstate 95 heading north. When Dolores turned onto Okeechobee Boulevard, Ann asked, “Exactly where is City Place?”

“It’s in the same area as Rosemary Avenue.”

“Why don’t I know about it?” Ann asked.

Dolores glanced over at her. “How long has it been since you’ve been to Palm Beach?”

Annie thought then said, “Probably about fifteen years.”

Dolores nodded. “This place is about twelve years old.”

Ann considered this then asked, “Did this start out as the Downtown/Uptown project?”

Dolores shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ve only been here about five years.”

“Where did you live before?” Ann asked.

“Dayton, Ohio, and I don’t want to hear any jokes about Ohio.”

Ann studied her, “Why would I do that? I’m sure Ohio is a lovely place.”

As they drove by the stucco-front buildings surrounding an open-air plaza lined with palm trees, Ann’s eyes widened. “This is beautiful! It looks like a newer, brighter version of Quincy Market in Boston.”

“This place has lots of shops, restaurants, night clubs, theaters and many other things including apartments and condos.”

“I never imagined Palm Beach could have such a place,” Ann gushed. “We always shopped on Worth Avenue, but that’s limited unless you’re into antiques and artwork.”

Dolores drove into one of the parking garages and turned to Ann. “Today is going to be a special day! This is the first day of your new life!”

After a complete day of beauty that included having Ann’s hair colored a light brown and cut in a short style similar to Dolores’, the two women walked arm in arm down Rosemary Avenue. As they passed the Sephora store, Dolores stopped suddenly as she watched the police escorting two young, blonde women toward the front door. Dolores grabbed Ann’s arm. “Those are Amanda’s friends, Zoe and Tiffany.”

Without hesitating Ann charged into the store demanding, “What’s going on here?” When the police only stared at her, she repeated in a louder voice, “What’s going on here?”

A woman in black, who appeared to be the manager, walked over to Ann and Dolores. “It’s nothing to be concerned about. These young ladies are leaving.”

“Leaving? Why?” Ann asked.

“It doesn’t concern you,” said the lady in black.

“These girls are members of my family so I believe I have a right to know!” Ann said with the haughtiness of Queen Victoria.

“They were shoplifting,” the manager almost spit out.

“That’s impossible!” Ann said with all the indignation she could muster. “I told them to pick out anything they wanted. Is this how you treat your customers?”

Stone-faced the manager apologized and told the police there had been a misunderstanding, although she didn’t believe it and neither did the cops. Zoe and Tiffany beamed as they hugged Aunt Annie while she paid for six hundred and forty dollars-worth of makeup, bronzer and perfume. As the group walked out of the store smiling, Ann said, “Dolores and I were going to stop for a bite to eat. Would you like to join us?”

Tiff and Zoe nodded believing that was the least they could do for a woman who saved their bacon.

While feasting on Italian food at Il Bellagio in the City Place plaza, Ann beamed as the girls again complimented her on her new look. “You look awesome!” Tiff told her for the third time.

Ann sipped her wine then said, “When I was a teenager, I walked to Filene’s. It was a department store on Washington Street near our house. I shoplifted three eye shadows and a mascara. I still can’t explain why. Maybe because I thought I could. I was stopped at the door, and my parents were called. My father was a Boston cop, and everything was always about him. All I heard for weeks after that was how I disgraced the family, embarrassed my parents. My parents made me feel so horrible that I vowed if I ever found a young lady in that situation, I’d help her out. Ladies, because of that promise, you are the recipients of my largesse!”

Tiffany and Zoe beamed and raised their glasses of sweet tea in a salute to Ann. Tiff asked, “Do you want the stuff?”

Ann started to laugh and choked on her wine. “What!? Of course not! A can of bronzer?! Where did you plan on hiding that?”

When both girls blushed, Ann laughed so hard tears rolled down her cheeks.

The sun was going down, and Amanda was bored. She hadn’t heard from Randy. Tiff and Zoe hadn’t returned her text messages. She looked out the glass sliding doors and watched Margarita holding Elizabeth’s hand and speaking to her. Amanda opened the door and stepped outside. She opened the gate to the pool area and walked around until she reached the two women. Elizabeth studied her and Margarita smiled. Amanda noticed that Margarita had circles under her eyes.

“Hey, Grandma,” Amanda said as she kissed the old woman’s cheek.

“I hope you’re not planning on stealing anything,” Elizabeth McGruder said.

“Not today, Grandma!” Amanda answered. “How are you doing?”

Elizabeth McGruder nodded and said, “Margaret was just telling me it would take two weeks before our place is ready.”

Amanda smiled at Elizabeth’s refusal to call Margarita by her Latino name. She nodded. “Is that a problem?”

Elizabeth McGruder considered this. “No. As long as Margaret’s here, I’m fine. Have you seen Ann?”

Amanda shook her head. “I’m sure she’ll be back soon.”

The gate opened and Carlos walked through smiling. “The three most beautiful women in the world and they’re all right here!”

Margarita and Amanda half-smiled being accustomed to Carlos’ Colombian Blarney, but Elizabeth blushed like a schoolgirl.

When Margarita finally convinced Elizabeth that she should go inside, Amanda and Carlos sat at the table next to the pool. He studied her. “Do you want me to turn the lights on?”

She nodded, distracted.

Carlos walked over to the main building and flicked on the lobby and swimming pool lights. When he returned, he said, “I’m sorry if I sound like your father, but, please, make sure the front door is locked if the building is empty when you’re coming out here. You never know who could be waiting—” He stopped as he watched Amanda staring at the pool. Finally, he asked, “What’s the matter?”

She shrugged then the tears started. “Everybody hates me!” she cried.

Carlos patted her hand. “That’s not true, and you know it!”

“Dad’s pissed at me. He told me so!” When Carlos said nothing she added, “I think Randy’s avoiding me. Tiff and Zoe aren’t returning my text messages.”

“And?” Carlos asked. When Amanda didn’t respond, he asked, “And, what about your aunt?”

“What about her?” Amanda said as she sniffled.

“She’s not entitled to be angry too?”

Amanda shrugged.

“Chiquita, I’ve watched you grow from a child into a woman and never heard you say a mean thing to anyone. Then your tia comes here as a guest, and you insult her. Why?”

Amanda shrugged. “She said mean things to Zoe.”

“Zoe’s a big girl, she can take care of herself. Besides, you can stand up for your friends without knocking your family. That’s not cool. She’s your father’s sister. You gotta show some respect for the elders.”

“Now you hate me, too?”

“Never,” Carlos said and winked at her.

When Margarita walked outside Amanda studied her face. “You look tired.”

Margarita nodded. “I’m very tired. Elizabeth—”

“Get some rest!” Carlos interrupted. “I’ll stay here and guard the door.”

Margarita shook her head. “If she wakes up and sees you, she’ll get upset.”

“I’ll stay,” Amanda said. “She knows me. She won’t freak out if she sees me. The most she’ll do is accuse me of stealing something.”

“What’s that all about?” Margarita asked.

“It’s a long story. Get some rest while you can!”

Ann and Dolores had a nightcap at Dolores’ country club. “This is a beautiful place!” Ann exclaimed.

“I love it!” Dolores agreed. “I’m going to miss it!”

“You sound like you’re going somewhere,” Ann said.

“I am. Out! I’m paid up till the end of the month then it’s bye-bye club.”

“But you said you loved to play tennis here. You said we could play together.”

“We can,” Dolores said. “Until the end of the month, then it’s over.”

“We’ll see about that!” Ann said and smiled.

Randy looked out the front window of his father’s house. The lights were off in the living quarters of the main building, only the swimming pool was lit. Concerned that Mandie hadn’t returned his phone message he said, “I wonder where she could be.”

John Carpenter, sitting in his recliner watching CSI on TV said, “I know you don’t listen to a thing I say, but I was just wondering if this is how you want to spend your life, worrying if your wife’s out partying while you’re working.”

Randy turned around and looked at him. “What are you trying to say?”

“Well, she’s the one who bragged about how she got the answers to the exams when she was fourteen, fifteen years old. A girl who uses sex to get her own way grows up to be a woman who does the same thing. It’s sort of like getting pregnant so they can get married.”

The couple rested their heads on the same pillow as they enjoyed a post-coital cigarette. The gorgeous blonde moved her long hair to the side fearing some ashes might fall on the freshly woven two thousand dollar extensions. Catie Christenson stared at the ceiling and said, “I don’t know, Matt. That’s a pretty hard sell. Two attorneys!”

“I know,” Matt MacDonald said as he moved his hand down her breast.

Pushing his hand away, Catie said, “I heard the lead investigator, Debbie Mauser, is still looking at the old lady. She even threw
your
name out there.”

Matt MacDonald grunted. “I hate that ugly bitch! She does shit like that to make me look bad. She’s tried to bust my balls for years.”

Catie’s hands slid down until she held his testicles. “They’re still here,” she said and smiled. “I heard your buddy in narcotics isn’t pleased with you either.”

“Ah, fuck him! He can’t take a joke! I thought I could help him get a big fish with a little one, and it didn’t work out. Big fuck’n deal!”

“So you’re sure it’s the lawyers who killed Bud?”

“I’m positive! All I need to find out is if there was just the two of them or if they had that other fag involved.”

“Who?”

“Jack Hampfield’s husband.”