Read Online Terminal 9 by Patricia H. Rushford - Free Book Online

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    â€œProbably at the golf course until this afternoon. You with corporate?”
    â€œNot exactly.” Mac opened the car door and stepped out. “How about Dan Mason? Do you know if he’s working today?”
    â€œWho’s asking?” The man’s eyes narrowed.
    â€œDetectives McAllister and Bennett with State Police.” Mac showed him his badge. “We’re working on a death that occurred at the terminal last night. We’re looking to make a few contacts this morning.”
    The man turned his back on Mac and held the radio up to his mouth, yelling over the background noise, “Charlie, get that line of reefers over to the westbound on deck and stretch the cars before I get over there. We’ve got a highball in twenty minutes, you got me?”
    Mac couldn’t hear what the voice said on the other end of the radio, but the man let out a string of profanity before turning back to Mac.
    â€œSorry.” He said the word, but Mac doubted he meant it. “I’ve got to move some of these cars that were backed up from last night’s logjam. You guys are gonna cost me a lot of overtime. Don’t appreciate your shutting down the terminal for hours on end with no good reason.”
    Unbelievable. Mac straightened to his full height and set his hands on his hips. “You don’t think the death of a human being is a good reason to slow down some trains?”
    The man took a step back as he peered at Mac.
    Dana slipped out of the car and took a position of advantage behind Mac.
    The man glanced at her, then at Mac, his gaze slipping to the silver badge attached to Mac’s belt. “It, well, it just created a lot of work for me.” The man’s demeanor softened. “I’ve got no problem holding the line while you investigate the accident, take your pictures and stuff. I just don’t know why you held us up all night, then released the cars this morning. Might as well have let them go last night.”
    â€œWe didn’t release the scene. But I sure as heck would like to know who did. I’d like to talk to the guy in charge. Either the terminal manager or the day shift foreman. Guy by the name of Dan Mason.”
    â€œYou won’t find the brass around this morning. They’re back in Portland with the corporate lawyers discussing their liability on the death last night. I’m Dan Mason. Don’t know as I can help you, though. We all got clear instructions not to talk to the media or anyone else poking around. I’m supposed to call corporate if anyone shows up at the terminal.”
    â€œI’m sure that wouldn’t include us.”
    â€œWe’re not supposed to talk to the cops, either.”
    â€œLook, Mr. Mason.” Mac decided it was time for a little diplomacy. “We’re not looking to cause trouble. We’re just doing our job—the same as you. Nothing would make me happier than to wrap this up and get back to my other duties.”
    Mason seemed to relax a bit. “I’ll tell you what I know, but it’s not a whole heck of a lot. You probably know by now, there was no love lost between me and old Clay.”
    â€œRight. That was one of the reasons my partner and I were looking to talk to you.”
    Mason’s gaze flashed past Mac to Dana, who was now standing at the rear of the car, arms folded.
    â€œThis is my partner, Dana Bennett,” Mac said. “She was at the scene with me last night.”
    Dana walked around the car and shook hands with Mason. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Mason.”
    Mason nodded then turned his attention back to Mac. “I can give you some time later in the day, but that’s it. I’ve got to get some of these deadheads out of here so I can clear the rails. We’ve got boxcars lined up from here to Ainsworth waiting to enter the terminal.”
    â€œI appreciate your willingness to cooperate. Do you have a number we can call to