Read Online The Rock 'N Roll Detective's Greatest Hits - a Spike Berenger Anthology by Raymond Benson - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Raymond Benson
Tags: Mystery & Crime
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I’m suddenly on their death list.”
7
Family Affair
( performed by Sly and the Family Stone )
T he gathering took place at 3:30 in the afternoon in a large conference room located within the law offices of Castro, Miles, Pratt, and Sloan (Berenger thought they could have been a Folk Rock band in the seventies). As expected, it was a large turnout. Ross Miles, the attorney for Flame’s Estate, sat at the head of the table. Carol Merryman, her son Joshua, and her lawyer occupied the seats closest to the head of the table, on the left. Brenda Twist, Flame’s most recent girlfriend, sat next to the lawyer. On the other side of the table, the legendary record mogul Al Patton held the position closest to Miles, facing Carol. Apparently he didn’t need a lawyer. Berenger was amused at how Patton’s shiny bald head reflected a mirror image of the overhead fluorescent lights. Gina Tipton and Derek Patterson occupied the seats next to Patton. Berenger took the chair beside Patterson.
There had nearly been an altercation in the lobby when Brenda Twist showed up with Reverend Theo in tow. She was dressed in her Sunday Best—even though it was Thursday—and carried a Bible along with a small black purse. Both Carol Merryman and Gina Tipton were appalled that Flame’s girlfriend was present.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Carol asked Brenda to her face.
“I have a right to be here, Carol,” Brenda replied sweetly but with a subtle firmness that indicated she would stand her ground. “So does the Reverend.”
“The hell you do. This is for family only.” Carol looked at Gina for support, probably the only time the two women were on the same side of an issue.
“I lived with Flame for the last seven years,” Brenda said with a smile. “I’m just as important to him as you.”
“Why, you little b—”
“Ladies, please,” Reverend Theo interrupted. Berenger noticed that the reverend retained his huge, wide smile throughout the conversation. It was as if he had trademarked his grin. “I will gracefully bow out,” the man continued. “I was merely accompanying Miss Twist. I do believe she has permission from Mister Miles to be present today. Please accept my condolences once again for your loss. Brenda, I’ll wait for you out here.” He smiled even more broadly, bowed slightly, and backed away. He took a seat in the waiting room and picked up the latest People Magazine.
Carol stormed into the conference room and Joshua meekly followed her. Gina rolled her eyes at Berenger as the rest of the group filed in.
Now they sat facing Miles, waiting to hear what was inside the will of one of the world’s greatest rock stars. The Estate’s financial worth had not yet been determined. In all likelihood it would take months to sort it out. Everyone at the table knew this but Berenger swore he could see dollar signs in everyone’s eyes. He figured that Flame’s Estate was valued at a minimum of a billion.
Flame had been with Ross Miles for years and the attorney was a tough man to deal with. He was somewhere in his sixties, came from Brooklyn, and looked as if he could go the distance with Mike Tyson. Berenger knew him as a sharp and ruthless lawyer. Miles handled several other big-name celebrities and he had a reputation of wielding a big stick when it came to looking after his clients’ best interests.
“So, we’re all here,” Miles said. “I don’t think we need to beat around the bush so let’s get right to it.” He opened a sealed document and placed it on the table in front of him. “Flame and I made this will three years ago. He amended it seven months ago and it was witnessed by myself and Jimmy Castro.”
He read the legalese that was standard for all wills in New York State. Berenger noticed Carol Merryman nervously chewing her lower lip in anticipation of the good stuff. She was the only one at the table who had a notepad and pen, ready to jot down in detail how the pie was to be
7
Family Affair
( performed by Sly and the Family Stone )
T he gathering took place at 3:30 in the afternoon in a large conference room located within the law offices of Castro, Miles, Pratt, and Sloan (Berenger thought they could have been a Folk Rock band in the seventies). As expected, it was a large turnout. Ross Miles, the attorney for Flame’s Estate, sat at the head of the table. Carol Merryman, her son Joshua, and her lawyer occupied the seats closest to the head of the table, on the left. Brenda Twist, Flame’s most recent girlfriend, sat next to the lawyer. On the other side of the table, the legendary record mogul Al Patton held the position closest to Miles, facing Carol. Apparently he didn’t need a lawyer. Berenger was amused at how Patton’s shiny bald head reflected a mirror image of the overhead fluorescent lights. Gina Tipton and Derek Patterson occupied the seats next to Patton. Berenger took the chair beside Patterson.
There had nearly been an altercation in the lobby when Brenda Twist showed up with Reverend Theo in tow. She was dressed in her Sunday Best—even though it was Thursday—and carried a Bible along with a small black purse. Both Carol Merryman and Gina Tipton were appalled that Flame’s girlfriend was present.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Carol asked Brenda to her face.
“I have a right to be here, Carol,” Brenda replied sweetly but with a subtle firmness that indicated she would stand her ground. “So does the Reverend.”
“The hell you do. This is for family only.” Carol looked at Gina for support, probably the only time the two women were on the same side of an issue.
“I lived with Flame for the last seven years,” Brenda said with a smile. “I’m just as important to him as you.”
“Why, you little b—”
“Ladies, please,” Reverend Theo interrupted. Berenger noticed that the reverend retained his huge, wide smile throughout the conversation. It was as if he had trademarked his grin. “I will gracefully bow out,” the man continued. “I was merely accompanying Miss Twist. I do believe she has permission from Mister Miles to be present today. Please accept my condolences once again for your loss. Brenda, I’ll wait for you out here.” He smiled even more broadly, bowed slightly, and backed away. He took a seat in the waiting room and picked up the latest People Magazine.
Carol stormed into the conference room and Joshua meekly followed her. Gina rolled her eyes at Berenger as the rest of the group filed in.
Now they sat facing Miles, waiting to hear what was inside the will of one of the world’s greatest rock stars. The Estate’s financial worth had not yet been determined. In all likelihood it would take months to sort it out. Everyone at the table knew this but Berenger swore he could see dollar signs in everyone’s eyes. He figured that Flame’s Estate was valued at a minimum of a billion.
Flame had been with Ross Miles for years and the attorney was a tough man to deal with. He was somewhere in his sixties, came from Brooklyn, and looked as if he could go the distance with Mike Tyson. Berenger knew him as a sharp and ruthless lawyer. Miles handled several other big-name celebrities and he had a reputation of wielding a big stick when it came to looking after his clients’ best interests.
“So, we’re all here,” Miles said. “I don’t think we need to beat around the bush so let’s get right to it.” He opened a sealed document and placed it on the table in front of him. “Flame and I made this will three years ago. He amended it seven months ago and it was witnessed by myself and Jimmy Castro.”
He read the legalese that was standard for all wills in New York State. Berenger noticed Carol Merryman nervously chewing her lower lip in anticipation of the good stuff. She was the only one at the table who had a notepad and pen, ready to jot down in detail how the pie was to be
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