Read Online Scent of Gardenia (Scott Tucker Series) by Dick Waters - Free Book Online Page B

and then at Mike. “I’ve had quite the day as you can
imagine. The new development in Bermuda has considerably changed our focus.”
Before she could say anything more, Maggie came over to the table.
    “Hi
Mercedes, I like your blouse.” After a slight hesitation she asked, “What can I
get you to drink?”
    “Thank
you Maggie. I’ll have the same as they are having and it looks like they’re in
need of a refill.”
    Maggie
nodded, heading to the bar.
     
    *.*.*
     
    “Thanks
for meeting with me on such short notice.” Mercedes looked at both of us and
announced, “The developments in Bermuda have changed our focus, as you can
imagine. We were not convinced the men had met any physical harm, but now that
one of them has turned up obviously murdered, we fear the others could be next.
I’m headed back to Bermuda the day after tomorrow with two other
investigators.”
    Maggie
threw a coaster on our table which slid across stopping right in front of
Mercedes. “Here you go.” She picked up our empty mugs and placed the new ones
down. “Would you folks like anything to eat?”
    Mercedes
answered before anyone else, “I’m hungry, but can you give us a few minutes
before we order?”
    “Sure, that’s
no problem. Just give me a signal when you want to place your order or want
another round.” She headed to another table.
    “As I
was saying, we’re heading back to Bermuda to cover any new details related to
the discovery of Roger Elliot’s body. Mike, here’s what I need to talk to you
about. One of the other missing men, Nils Nielsen, has been missing for just
over two months. His family lives in Brookline and Larz, the father, knows
Victor Young the Attorney General. Young has personally met with our office to
learn what is being done on our end to find Nils. He has expressed his own
disdain for our current lack of progress. That presents an opportunity for your
office.” She took a long drink of her beer.
    Mike
responded, “Scott had mentioned that the family might want their own
investigation. Is that where this is going?”
    “Exactly.
I met privately with Mr. Nielsen and he wanted my recommendation of who might
provide some service in that area. I told him I would get back to him with a
recommendation, but wanted to talk to you about it first. Are you interested in
talking to him about doing an investigation? I also don’t believe money will be
an issue. The family owns several Scandinavian furniture stores, and is also in
the import business from Europe and Asia.”
    Mike
immediately responded. “It sounds like a very interesting project. I’m sure
Paddy would love to have our office involved. How do we proceed?”
    “That’s
great Mike. I’m leaving in two days, but I believe we could set up a meeting
with Mr. Nielsen late in the day tomorrow. I have to be careful to avoid a
conflict of interest, but once you, or we, meet with him, you can take the lead
and I’ll stay out of that separate investigation. However, I believe it would
be in the best interest of everyone to keep you informed of anything that could
help with your investigation and the safe return of the son, or the other missing
men.”
    “Please
set up the meeting and let me know when and where, and Paddy and I will be
there. What’s your personal take on the missing men?”
    Mercedes
took another long drink of her beer before answering. “This is a very
interesting case. The authorities in Bermuda have considered several credible
scenarios including; pirates operating in the area, along with local criminal
element including drug runners, family or friends of the missing men, a lover’s
husband or boyfriend. They had considered the possibility of ship wrecks,
although far fetched considering we have four missing men and their yachts. Now
that a body has turned up in a cage, we’re talking murder now.”
    Mike
held up his hand. “I asked what your personal thoughts are on this.”
    “I’m
getting there.” She spotted