Read Online Death on the Mississippi by Richard; Forrest - Free Book Online

banking turn.
    The two men glared at each other across the small office as if they represented the Cattlemen’s Association and the Sheepherders’ Benevolent Society. Captain Norbert, commander of the local State Police barracks, had a natural antipathy toward local law-enforcement officers. In the case of Rocco Herbert, the feeling was exacerbated by the fact that the two men were brothers-in-law.
    Lyon slouched in a chair by Rocco’s desk with tented fingers as he waited for the mutual antagonism to subside.
    â€œRun that DD twenty-three—forty-one by me again, Herbert,” Norbert said. “Tell me once more why you discharged a three-fifty-seven Magnum in a civilian dwelling.”
    â€œTell him about the snakes, Lyon,” Rocco said.
    â€œWhat snakes?” Lyon answered ingenuously.
    â€œI’ve told you before, Rocco,” Norbert said. “You’ve got to lay off the damn vodka! This is the last time I’ll cover for you. Now, what in the hell have you done about the missing-person report?”
    Rocco shrugged. “Not much.”
    â€œSo I gather. I didn’t see any search efforts when I came in here. I don’t see any maps on walls. I don’t see any banks of telephones. In fact, I don’t see anything going on around here! You locals are all right as school-crossing guards, but when something important comes along you need the professionals.”
    â€œDo you know who’s missing, Norbie?” Rocco asked.
    â€œI sure in hell do! He’s one of the most prominent developers in the state. As a matter of fact, the wife and I are thinking seriously of buying one of his time-sharing units.” He leaned forward with a prurient glint. “The broad who gave us the sales pitch must have been seven feet tall and built like a brick slammer.”
    â€œLet me get out the crayons,” Rocco said. “Do you remember a call five years ago when we went out to the Willow house on the turnpike to investigate a mass murder?”
    â€œJesus, do I! We found body parts all over the goddamn place. And I’ve never seen so much gore. Corporal Hennegan, who was tough enough to face down Mad Dog Majeski, was so traumatized that we had to hospitalize him.”
    â€œAnd what was the outcome of that carnage?”
    â€œThe Medical Examiner told us later that the body parts were from sides of beef, and the other junk was sheep entrails. A lot of good that did for the guys who had already barfed. I know you got the bastard who set us up, and I like to think that the other cons in max security did a number on him.”
    â€œYou tell him,” Rocco said. “I’ve been avoiding it for years.”
    â€œIt was plea-bargained down to mischievous mischief and he got off with accelerated rehabilitation,” Lyon said.
    â€œNo hard time?”
    â€œNot day one,” Rocco said. “And that’s Dalton Turman, the prominent builder and our missing person. That’s the guy you want command centers and overtime for.”
    Norbert stood, enraged. “Why wasn’t I told?”
    â€œHe could be dead,” Lyon said.
    â€œSo? You’ve already got his coffin,” Rocco replied.
    â€œI saw a guy on TV make a seven-forty-seven airplane disappear,” Norbert said.
    â€œHoudini made an elephant disappear off a New York City stage,” Rocco added.
    â€œCome on,” Lyon said. “I’m worried about him. I think he’s really gone.” Lyon saw the complete lack of compassion on the two police officers’ faces.
    Rocco picked up a file folder. “The request will have to be instituted by family members with complete documentation.”
    â€œThe paperwork will be horrendous,” Norbert said with an unpleasant smile. “If the case ever gets to my office, I’ll put Corporal Murphy right on it.”
    â€œI didn’t realize he was back from the drunk farm,” Rocco