click here for episode one
click here for episode two
click here for episode three
Episode Four
Back in their uniforms three of the six men returned to their posts one manning the guard shack out in front of the gates, the other two testing their two-way telephone intercoms before walking the grounds as usual.
George entered the main house and took the stairs to the second floor to observe the progress of the cleanup team. Before he could find it, Miriam Sheridan approached him.
“I know who you are so no introductions are necessary, just do your job and I’ll be happy. Now I need you to be sure to have those people in there complete their tasks today, as we will have to host quite a few people and we want no one to feel uncomfortable because of the unfortunate actions of my sister-in-law.
“Also you may have to have your men help finish with the grounds as our groundskeeper is overwhelmed with planting flowers and such and yes, we will be needing some additional condiments so you may have make a trip to the grocery store for us,” she said as she placed a shopping list in his hands with a credit card.
George took her hand and returned the note and credit card saying, “I was hired by Nathan March to oversee security and not to do shopping for the lady of the house. Also, the security guards are going to remain at their posts doing what they were hired to do, and that is keep you and your husband as well as your possessions safe. So if you need help with the grounds look elsewhere.
“As for the cleanup crew, I seldom tell professionals how to do their jobs. I will inquire about the time they believe it will take to finish the job properly. If you have any complaints your husband has Mr. March’s phone number. Now if you’ll please excuse me,” said George smiling to himself as it pleased him immensely to see a vein in her neck and another in the front of her head, vibrating wildly.
All Miriam Sheridan could do was stand and stare as George Lopez walked away, ignoring her completely. It was all nearly over she reminded herself. She needed to keep it together, just a short while longer. As she passed the enormous mirror in the center of the second floor landing she saw the large droplet of blood on the front of her beige silk dress. Instantly she realized that it had come from the palm of her hand which she’d pierced with her nails as she doubled her fists, trying to restrain her fury.
George was surprised by what he found when he opened the door to the bedroom where Tina Bach had allegedly committed suicide. The room still smelled the sickeningly sweet smell of decaying human matter. The three people in protective clothing including masks and coverlets over their shoes were in a huddle holding up a glass jar with what looked like a rather large diamond in it.
On seeing George, the smallest of the group, a young woman, introduced herself as Trudy Blair and when George introduced himself, she went on to explain what was going on.
“I’m sure you are wondering what we’re doing, it’s just that the first thing we did when we arrived in the room, was to pull up the shades. We began to set up all our supplies, when we saw a rainbow on the east wall here. It’s the only wall without the poor victim’s blood or remains on it. Then we followed the reflection and found this diamond, so I placed it in a jar.
“It’s quite large if it is a diamond. I called my boss to ask what to do about it and he said to make a new cassette with just our statements about finding the diamond and then find security and hand it over with the diamond. So here you are sir said Trudy, placing the glass jar in George‘s open hand, along with a small tape cassette.
The team accommodated George by opening the windows while he looked around one last time. When he was satisfied nothing else had been overlooked, George left to find a quite spot to report his findings to Mickey as the cleanup crew got busy with their bio-hazard bags, cleaning materials and power sprays before they began painting with a deodorized paint.
Mickey Stone picked up his ringing cell phone and when George Lopez told him about the diamond which the cleanup crew found in the bedroom where Tina died along with their taped statements. Mickey immediately put Nathan on the phone.
“George I’d bet the farm that the diamond you have in that jar belongs to Mrs. Sheridan, it probably popped loose of its setting when she swung and hit the wall, instead of whoever she was fighting with at the time,” said Nathan.
“We are in sync Mr. March, what’ll I do with it sir?” asked George.
“I’ll call Detective Moynihan and have him meet you there, and retrieve it. CSI seldom misses anything, so it might have happened after everyone left, maybe even this morning,” said Nathan.
“Or it simply got missed, it happens,” said George.
“Too true,” said Nathan, “I’ll talk with you later.”
Nathan had no sooner disconnected when his cell phone chimed again. “Nathan March,” he said as he answered.
“Mr. March this is Dr. Crowley from the Angel Haven Veterinarian Hospital and I’ve just now completed the autopsy on your animal called “Muggles” a six- year-old boxer,” said the doctor.
“Yes,” said Nathan with a heavy heart.
“I wanted to console you with the fact that your animal died very quickly as his throat was cut, and he bled out rapidly. The dissection was very clumsy but thank God it was done when Muggles was already dead. Whoever did this hesitated, over and over again making far more wounds then necessary. That suggests to me, that whoever did it probably stopped and started because he made himself ill. This was no thrill killing in my estimation. I’m so sorry for your loss and all I need to know now is what to do with the remains of Muggles,” asked the veterinarian.
The decision to cremate the pet and have his ashes placed in a wooden urn was made so that Dina could have a memento of the animal she claimed as her own for six years. The autopsy’s findings would be sent along with the dog’s ashes in about ten days.
As Nathan hung up the phone he remembered that all the pets he’d rescued over the years until Muggles, had lived to a very old age, in fact they all died in their sleep. The dog’s murder was as important to him as the other events because like Larry’s injuries, Chet Simpson brought the insanity outside the manor inside the manor house, a place that was Nathan’s refuge from a world that no longer seemed all that recognizable to him anymore. He wanted to know who hired Chet Simpson and why.
“Just call me Mr. Magnificent,” said Sam Weiss as he set two laptops in front of Nathan. The banks he’d hacked into were now revealing the banking history of Miriam Sheridan, on one screen and Tina Bach, on the other.
“You were right sir looks like the ladies had a mutual admiration society going on. I counted fourteen transactions in all. It appears that Miriam withdraws and Tina deposits, same day, same amount. Over fourteen months the money adds to $280,000.00. At $20,000 a month, that’s more than the judge earns each month,” said Sam.
“Elliot and I both discussed charities we were particularly fond of and if I remember correctly, Elliot stated that last year he had a lump sum put in a separate bank account for charitable purposes only, requiring either of their signatures. Miriam was responsible for all the activity on that account,” said Nathan.
“Talk about putting the fox in charge of the hen house,” said Sam.
I’m starting to understand Miriam’s constant soliciting more money for more charities this year. Also Elliot‘s subsequent problems with his last tax return being audited by the IRS for the first time in his life,” said Nathan.
“Well yeah, Uncle Sam frowns on anyone reporting a charitable deduction larger than the one reported as received by a legitimate charity. I can’t believe the judge trusted her,” said Sam.
“He received beautiful parchment certificates from various charities thanking him for his generosity and they don’t list dollar amounts on them, so how could he know anything was amiss until tax time,” said Nathan.
“She had to know she’d get caught sooner or later,” said Sam
“Maybe she wasn’t planning on sticking around to get caught, but something happened,” said Nathan.
“Have you seen any of these acknowledgements, sir?” asked Sam.
“Elliot’s library walls are littered with them, thanks to Miriam,” said Nathan.
“What a piece of work she is,” said Sam.
“Desperation, usually makes fools of us all ,” said Nathan.
“I’m certain getting caught is why Mrs. Bach was “offed” sir.” said Sam.
“It’s a motive, that’s for sure. Sam I need you to find out who insures Mrs. Sheridan’s jewelry? I’d like to identify a diamond,” said Nathan.
Mickey Stone liked police Detective Moynihan because he was a no nonsense kind of guy. At the police detective’s request Mickey met Moynihan at State Police Headquarters and gave Mickey a manila envelope containing a copy of the photos of the Bach suicide. Mickey produced the diamond found where Tina had died and after taking a photo of it with his phone and sending it to Nathan, the diamond was transferred to a small sealed envelope.
Detective Moynihan was stunned and very grateful for it along with the taped statement from all three of the cleanup crew, explaining how and exactly where they found it.
“Please be sure to tell Mr. Marsh that I’m at his disposal and very grateful for his help,” said Detective Moynihan sincerely.
“He’ll be looking forward to seeing you soon,” said Mickey.
A very excited Sam Weiss strolled into Nathan’s office once again looking smug and silly, at the same time.
“Her ladyship happens to have insured a diamond ring along with some other very expensive trinkets which she added every so often to the household policy that insured all their worldly goods. I just happen to have printed out a copy of its photograph taken by the insurance company, and compared it to the photo print out that Mickey sent you over his phone. Care to see them?” said Sam laying them side by side on Nathan‘s desk.
Staring at the photos Nathan simply smiled and nodded. The diamond shown in each matched in size and color leaving both men convinced that they were looking at Mrs. Sheridan’s engagement diamond.
“Nathan I was just telling your man Mickey before he left how grateful we are to you for your cooperation on this case,” said Detective Moynihan.
“Well my associate Mr. Weiss had uncovered some other information copies of which he’s attaching to an email to you as we speak. We also came across some banking information that you will probably be able to access legally. That information is being sent as well. I’d appreciate it if you’d designate it, received from an anonymous tipster,” said Nathan.
“An anonymous tip it is,” said Moynihan laughing as he shook his head.
In his office at the Mansfield Police Station he stood holding the printout of the information sent by email from Nathan March’s office, and could only smile realizing that what would have taken him a month to uncover, had come to him in days from Nathan March Investigations. He’d decided to withhold the information he now possessed, from his staff, in order to keep it from leaking out. Just as Nathan March had hinted from the onset, what appeared to be a very average suicide by gun now had a lot of open questions needing answers.
Judge Elliot Sheridan enjoyed George Lopez and the new professionalism of his security team now functioning to secure his summer house from any harm. They were now checking in with George every half hour without fail. The two men pulling the daylight hours were alert that soon a memorial service would be underway, and guests would be coming to the main house. They were empowered to challenge any behavior that looked suspicious and to report it to the local police, who would be present on the property to support them.
Those on the evening shift were especially cognizant of the fact that nightfall sponsored more than a few illegal opportunities, so they were on very high alert. The weekend crew, who pulled two twelve hour shifts a day, studied the daily logs and took nothing for granted, especially with the death of the son of their former supervisor still fresh on their mind.
Raymond Simpson, Chet Simpson’s father and head of security for the Sheridan’s had undergone questioning from the local police, the State Police, and Nathan March after which he immediately gave notice of his retirement which is how George Lopez arrived on the scene . It was clear to all that Raymond Simpson knew nothing of his son’s actions and even clearer to Nathan was the fact that the man would probably grieve his son for the rest of his life, no matter what was uncovered about his son’s part in this matter.
The body of Tina Bach was released ten days after her alleged suicide. She had been cremated and solemnly buried with her parents in New Hampshire, with only family in attendance. Her memorial service however was held at the Sheridan summer home five days later, where everything was in perfect order, including the restoration of the guest bedroom where the alleged suicide took place.
On that day, Elliot Sheridan greeted his guests looking regal, while Miriam Sheridan, who normally out dressed every woman at each occasion she attended, was entirely withdrawn and looking peaked in a plain black sheath that made her appear far too thin, and much too pale.
Both the Sheridan’s received hugs and words of consolation from the better than two hundred attendees, many who came from his Concord, New Hampshire community, more out of respect for the judge than to acknowledge his sister’s death.
Miriam Sheridan could feel her entire life unraveling, and there was so much more to that life than anyone could have known. Sam Weiss was delighted that he was able to attend and meet the lady in person that had gifted him with some of the best hours he’d spent in front of his lap top. Without anyone knowing, he was making a video of the event thanks to the mini-camera attached to his lapel and thanks also to his height which put him a head taller than most of the guests.
In his role as security chief, George Lopez was busy moving through the guests and eavesdropping as best he could. When he spotted Nathan March he realized that this guy was truly “a babe magnet.” No sooner did he free himself from one woman, than another made her presence known. George smiled knowing the guy’s pockets were probably bulging with phone numbers, even though this was a memorial service.
John Barry had been allowed to spare no expense to draw his own share of admiring glances. John didn’t mind that he was the bait being used to lure Miriam Sheridan now that her husband’s law clerk was keeping his distance. The blond crew cut he wore added to his black on black suit, which made his jade green eyes stand out magnificently. His upper body’s width and trim waist accentuated by the cut of the suit, was enough to make the cook’s mouth water and Evelyn Dunn didn’t care who knew it.
With George now by his side, Nathan watched John Barry go into action as Michael Nash, the persona of the newest character being introduced into the mix. With supreme confidence John simply leaned against the corner of the dining room wall watching Miriam Sheridan‘s every move. As if she felt his eyes on her, she lifted her head and finally gave him a smile. Slowly she made her way passed several guests and almost shyly sauntered up to him.
“Hello Mrs. Sheridan, I was hoping to get to offer my condolences to you, the name‘s Michael Nash” said John.
“Nice to meet you Michael Nash,” said Miriam slowly coming to life under the gaze of one of the most stunning men she’d ever laid her eager eyes on.
“I’m betting you’ll be more than a little happy when this whole event is over,” said John as he was being guided through the French doors that led outside the main house.
“I don’t believe we’ve met before Michael. How do you know me?” asked Miriam now feeling so much better in the company of this very virile young man.
“A friend of mine spoke very highly of you, and piqued my curiosity. I hope you don’t mind,” he said.
“And your friend’s name is?” she asked leaning into him provocatively.
“Mark Warren’s his name, I believe you know him rather well,” said John as Miriam’s smile expanded on her face.
“He is my husband’s law clerk and occasionally we spend time together. I’ve always tried to stay abreast of what the younger crowd has to offer,” said Miriam, with only a few inches separating her from John.
“Perhaps when this is over we could spend some time together discovering what I think I can offer you Mrs. Sheridan,” said John as he pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately.
“I’d like to see you again Miriam, and perhaps with a little more privacy we both will learn a great deal more about each other,” said John pointedly.
Breathlessly she pulled away and asked him for his email address. Thanks to Sam Weiss he had one to offer, and when he gave it to Miriam she covered his mouth with hers again.
Nathan and George watched Mrs. Sheridan return to the dining room through the French doors and upon seeing a very flushed John Barry emerge a few minutes later, both knew he’d been successful in attracting his prey.
“Tell me honestly Nathan, have you ever loved a lady in order to get information from her?” asked George very discreetly of Nathan as they walked the length of the dining room side by side.
“Never have, my friend. I’ve let a few women use me for that purpose however and enjoyed every minute of it,” said Nathan while George laughed in response.
The buildings and grounds at the Sheridan mansion showed absolutely no disorder after the several hundred guests departed from Tina Bach’s Memorial service, with some leaving as late as 8:00PM.
By 9:00 PM trays of miscellaneous finger foods were sent to the permanent members of the Sheridan security team, all of whom had been on duty the entire day without the benefit of food of any kind because of the constant need to be of service to someone, somewhere on the property.
Evelyn Dunn, housekeeper and cook, and her sister and niece along with Liz Barnfield and her two teenage daughters, were busy feeding the rest of the leftovers to seven local police officers, who were finally finished conducting back-up security for the Memorial service.
When Judge Sheridan entered the kitchen that evening, Evelyn almost dropped the platter holding a pot of coffee and paper coffee cups, for the officers.
“Careful Evie,” said the judge quickly taking the tray from her and putting it in the center of the long stainless steel table surrounded by police officers, sitting on stools and eating heartily.
Taking her to the side the judge said “I just wanted to thank you and the other women for a wonderful job today. There were far more guests than we anticipated and your lovely ladies were up to the task. Please do me the favor of dispersing these checks as my token of thanks for an extraordinary effort,” he said as he handed her several envelopes.
Shaking hands with each of the police officers who‘d done a spectacular job the judge announced “Gentlemen please take your time and enjoy your meal. Afterwards, please be sure you each stop by the library before you leave,” said Elliot as he left the kitchen.
Following her boss a very concerned Evelyn asked “Sir, I happen to know you didn’t eat a sliver of food today, will you please let me make up a tray and send it up to you?”
“Evie the pills I took to stay on my feet totally killed my appetite, but I promise tomorrow I will get back to a healthy regiment. Thank you for your concern,” said the judge looking weary and void of any joy.
As she dispersed the envelopes to the other ladies she heard Liz’s youngest daughter tell her mother, “Holy jeez Ma, look he paid me five hundred dollars.”
Evelyn was not surprised at all as the judge never scrimped on salaries, and appreciated the smallest efforts to make him and Mrs. Sheridan’s reputation a top priority, by delivering flawless service to his guests.
Each of the police officers brought their paper plates and cups to the trash while one of them volunteered to escort Liz to the small green dumpster outside the kitchen door, so he could dispose of the very full trash bags for her.
Soon the kitchen was free of the police officers, and after hugs were exchanged Evelyn’s sister and niece headed out the back door behind her cousin Liz and her daughters, to the small parking area where their cars were parked. Evelyn switched off the lights and headed for her living quarters.
In the main living room George dismissed the rest of those security guards not on regular duty with his compliments for their excellent cooperation with the local police. He himself had never seen so many expensive over-sized sedans, limousines and other unique automobiles, in one place in his life. Under his arm he held the three Memorial Books, with the written sentiments of those who attended the event today. They would help him and his team to identify the many guests, including politicians and celebrities that had been a part of the Memorial service for Tina Bach.
Gathering in the study, Nathan’s head was pounding as Mickey came and stood beside him handing Nathan a large glass of sparkling water which he held in his hand intuiting Nathan’s need for the refreshment. They listened to George’s assessment of the day’s events containing several interesting facts that George knew were worth sharing.
“Because security did their jobs with little need for supervision from me, I was able to mingle with the guests and listen pretty intently to a lot of conversations. I can tell you that very few who were guests here today, believe that Tina Bach was a suicide.
“The interesting thing was that in several conversations Lincoln Aubrey came up as someone that no one in this crowd trusts. It seems his cousin George and his wife Cynthia Aubrey, never were able to verify their relationship to George. For that reason and his eccentric behavior, they became frightened.
“Although they had sold their home secretly and moved to Milan, they were living like hermits there according to friends who bumped into them while vacationing in Italy. In fact, George Aubrey went out of his way to ask them not to mention they’d seen either of them, explaining that he was really concerned that Lincoln Aubrey would follow them to Milan to continue sponging off them,” George reported.