Secret Radio Murders - Chapter 13

They had never worked together before and Joe Farley was pleased with how good a team they made. The young sergeant was a pleasant surprise. Brad Benson still maintained a youthful warrior image of himself, but it wasn’t just an ego trip. He worked hard, possessed an open mind willing to accept Farley’s ideas, but also had the self-confidence to express his own opinions.1

After they’d spent a couple of hours debriefing Hayes and Hamlin on the Crisis Center crew, they set the detectives on the next stage of interviews. The volunteers who’d been on duty the night Michelle called and were missing from work that morning. One in particular, who took Michelle’s call and found nothing in the woman’s responses to warrant immediate intervention. This fellow claimed in a previous statement that Michelle wasn’t unusually upset and had even joked a bit before they rang off.2

There were also several dozen others who worked the phones over the six-month period that the other women died. Many of those had changed shifts or stopped volunteering. Since the radio station and crisis line provided caller ID printouts, it became a matter of cross-referencing the calls to locate those from the Crisis Center who connected to KJAB and Dr. Harris's program. Mainly a job for a good programmer and they had that in Cody.3

They’d done a rundown of what Cody’s reports gave them so far, and made notes on the calls Tomanio provided throughout the day concerning Hal Goodwin’s activities. Farley called in a man from his own precinct to relieve Tamanio and shadow Goodwin until he retired for the night.4

When the two sergeants finally called it a day at a little before six in the evening. Joe Farley contemplated inviting Brad Benson to join him for a meal at Mallory’s.5

“I’ll have your shirt washed,” Benson said. “Bring it back tomorrow.”6

“No hurry. Where you heading?” Joe asked.7

“Home. It’s time for my daily lecture on nine to five job availability.” 8

Of course, Brad was married. Farley hadn’t considered that. Marriage, a home, family activities, these were things he’d lost so he had stopped taking them into account. “I think we should personally interview Mark Gheil.” He changed the subject.9

“Good idea. We’ll confront him at his office tomorrow.”10

“Right.” He fiddled a while longer at his desk with unnecessary tasks while Benson left. Farley preferred to exit alone, not part ways in a parking lot. So at ten past six Farley headed for a cold beer and solitary supper at Mallory’s Pub.11

In the parking lot he paused to inspect several fresh rust spots on the trunk of his car. New York winters could play havoc with even the best factory paint jobs he thought as he rubbed at one. Even an Impala couldn’t take seven winters without becoming a bit pocked marked. He might better talk to his garage about some kind of a touchup before they got worse. A new car was out of the question. He still owed three more years of payments on the SUV Rose took in the divorce settlement. She was supposed to make the payments, she never had the money and he’d signed the contract, so to protect his credit he paid. 12

He no sooner opened the car door than his cell phone sang. He fished it out of his pocket as he slid into the seat. “Daddy, it’s me.” And a smile broke on his mouth.13

“And sure now, who’s me?”14

“Daddy…really how many kids call you daddy?” Becca’s adolescent giggle sounded in his ear. “I miss you sooo much. Only two more weeks of school.”15

“Neat baby. I miss you twice as much.”16

“No you don’t.” He could picture the pout. She had the cutest darn pout. “If you did, you’d come see me.”17

“Honey I would in a minute but I’ve got to work. Somebody has to work or we won’t eat.”18

“Mommy’s got a job now. She’s gonna make lots of money. She said when she saves enough… she’ll buy me a ticket so I can fly to see you. Why won’t you buy me a ticket Daddy?”19

‘Rose, you lying bitch’. He tried to mask the anger so his child wouldn’t hear it in his voice. “Mommy and I have been talking about just that. Maybe before you go back to school…”20

“Mommy said she asked you for money. She said you told her you don’t have it. Don’t you want me?”21

“Becca…don’t ever think that.” ‘Oh God, if only it was up to me, baby.’ He couldn’t tell her the truth. He couldn’t make her angry with her mother.22

“I want to see you Daddy.” He could hear her soft crying and felt a pain in his chest. Rose wanted money all right but it wasn’t for a plane ticket for their daughter.23

“Believe me baby before you go back to school, you’ll come here for awhile—the judge said so. If I have to I’ll come get you myself.”24

“Mommy wants to talk now.”25

Joe could hear his ex-wife’s voice coaxing his daughter to give up the phone. When Becca said, “bye Daddy,” he pushed the end button. Then put the phone on vibrate so he could screen his calls. He couldn’t chance what he’d say to Rose.26

Grateful the car’s air conditioner still worked, he sat at the edge of the parking lot, wasting gas as he waited to pull into the heavy New York traffic. Although he only had to travel a few blocks to reach Mallory’s he always moved his car out of the station’s lot. He hated having his car sitting in plain view advertising to his peers; Joe Farley had nowhere to go.27

He caught three red lights and groaned to himself that he could have gotten there faster on foot. 28

The bartender was just returning from the phone as Farley stepped inside. He paused at the beginning of the long mahogany bar and waited until Farley reached him. “You had a call,” he said. “I didn’t know your cell number, so I had him leave his.”29

“Sounds bad when a guy starts getting calls at the local pub.” Farley grinned as he reached for note the bartender held out. He scanned it and said, “Doesn’t ring a bell.” He shoved it in a pants’ pocket. .“How’s it going Matt?”30

“So, so, what can I get you?”31

Farley started to say,’the usual’ then caught himself. He hated for people to assume anything about him was habit. “Let me have a Paddy’s straight up, water on the side.”32

“Into the heavy stuff,” Matt said as he moved back behind the bar. He stopped and looked up at the gleaming glass bottles. His hand quickly claimed the proper one without hesitating. 33

Before he had a chance to pour, Farley said, “Changed my mind…just give me a Coors lite. Sandy’s night off?”34

Matt glanced up at wall clock. “She had something to do…She’ll be in at eight.”35

Joe motioned to two entering warriors. But it was a curt nod that didn’t invite companionship and the uniforms stopped at the bar while Joe carried his drink to a table. He thought about ordering a meal; not being all that hungry, he opted to wait for the waitress’s arrival. 36

Farley positioned his chair so he got a better view of the TV screen and propped his feet on the on the adjoining chair. The ball game was scoreless at the top of the third. He watched Pettitte, the Yankee Ace, blow a fast ball past the opposing hitter for a called third strike. 37

The warriors at the bar loudly expressed their pleasure, and a flash of memory made Joe feel depressed. How many times he’d been forced to abandon a good-natured male get together for family duty and he begrudged it…now he’d welcome it. 38

At bottom of the sixth, Sandy entered to a loud chorus of greetings mingled with groans of displeasure, for a Yankee hitter had smacked the first pitch back to the mound.39

She stopped at Joe’s table. Her black nylon uniform seemed to be getting shorter and tighter of late, or else Joe thought with grin, 'I’m just noticing what’s beneath it more.'40

Placing both hands on the table, Sandy leaned forward and blew Joe an airborne kiss before she said, “You eat yet?”41

“Kind of got engrossed in the game. Andy’s pitching a beaut—now if they’d get him a few runs…Neil?” 42

Doctor Neil Harris loomed up behind Sandy. “Caught Sandy coming out of the subway. Gave her a lift.” He yanked the opposite chair causing Joe’s feet to fall. He wiped it of with his hand before he sat.43

Joe scurried up in his seat. “You’re a couple hours early,” he said rocking his chair back.44

“My show doesn’t air tonight. I had a taste for a boiled dinner, how about you?“ When Joe nodded, Neil finished with, “Bring some harps with my corn beef Sandy. And an extra mound of horseradish.”45

“Depends…” Sandy drew the word out. “When are you going to take me on your yacht? Did you know he has boat, Joe?” Only Farley, mesmerized by the action on the TV, didn’t answer.46

Johnny Damon had drawn a walk. He was stuck on first base as the next two hitters popped out. Then Bobby Abreu singled and Damon’s speedy legs carried him to third. Alex Rodriguez took a hitter’s stance.47

Neil said, “Honey, I'd be happy to take you out most any weekend."48

"What about this weekend?" Sandy’s lips turned up in a brazen pout. “Or not.” She shrugged.49

"Should we invite Joe to come along?"50

"Two eligible men. How could a girl beat that?" Her blue eyes sparkled as she said, "Are you serious or teasing?”51

"Serious… indeed I am," said Neil. "But you’d better feed us. Joe looks famished.” Sandy danced away. The room erupted with loud cheers.52

“Yes!” Joe yelled. The screen flashed with ‘Home run’ and Johnny Damon and Bobby Abreu were headed home from first and third while A-Rod tossed the bat and started the all base jog to the screams of the Yankee fans. Joe smacked the table and declared, “Now Andy’s got some leeway.”53

Neil waited until the noise subsided before he asked, "Any plans this Saturday?"54

"What do you have in mind?" 55

"I've invited Sandy to go sailing with us."56

Joe took a deep drink of beer and shook his head. "Are you sure it's a good idea? You’re not entertaining any notions, she’s just a kid."57

“Nature tends to disagree with you.” Neil grinned. "No notions from this end. Anyway she has a thing for you. We can go for a short trip. Maybe up the coast. I don't think it will cause any problems so long as you behave." 58

"I hope you’re right," said Joe. “Sandy’s a cute kid. I mean…it’s just…what is she twenty six, maybe.” He hesitated. “I don't want to start another relationship.”59

"Well this little trip will probably not drastically change things."60

Sandy headed towards their table with a full tray. As she set about serving the heaping plates of corn beef, boiled cabbage, potatoes and carrots, she frowned at their serious faces. When they said nothing, she snapped, “Do we go sailing or not?"61

The guys grinned. Joe answered, "How's Saturday, if the weather is good?"62

And her frown faded into an appealing smile. “That's great. What time shall I be ready?"63

"Pick you up at seven?" Neil said.64

"Fantastic! I think I love you two. Joe, can I get you another beer?"65

"Yes, thanks." Joe ran his hand across his pocket and felt the paper with the phone number. He drew it out and laid it on the table. 66

“Well, well, you already got her phone number?” Neil laughed and clipped Joe’s forehead with the edge of his palm. 67

“Phone number?” Joe grunted. 'Sometimes Neil could act like an ass'. “Oh…this?” He realized what Neil had noticed and then assumed. “Some guy left his number for me here. Must be someone who comes in the place probably thinks I can fix a ticket.” 68

Neil lifted the note. “Wait a minute.” He scanned the number. “This is Mark Gheil’s cell phone number.”