Murder By Dawn

By GiAnna Moratelli

Lisa was left a widow with a large settlement, and Doctor Lewis Chandler took the opportunity to make her his wife. But now that the money's gone he needs a new source of income. Lisa's in a "relationship" with a wealthy man named Judge George Hamill. Lewis plots out a way to make himself a lot of money again. He just needs the help of Detective Mike Visconti, who has axe to grind with the Judge to take care of his problems and make him a wealthy man, again. But greed and money make cold bed partners.

• Language: English
• Publisher: GiAnna Moratelli
• Release date: Sep 12, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301820313

GiAnna Moratelli

Born in El Paso, Texas, I grew up in Iowa and was lucky enough to have parents that that had money to travel, a truck and 45' fifth wheel, and liked to travel. I've been in almost all of the fifty states, from the east coast to the west and have visited small bits of Canada and Mexico. As a major in history, I've visited the battlefield of the Little Big Horn; on three different occasions, Gettysburg Battlefield, and the Battle of Athens (which most have never visited, it sits on the border of Iowa and Missouri). I've been to as big a places as the Smithsonian Institute and small places as the grave of Chief Wapello located in Agency, Iowa and The Grotto of the Redemption in northern Iowa, which is well worth anyone's time, especially if you like rocks and history. I grew up, as ole horsemen say, on the back of a horse. I started riding by myself when I was three and when I was sixteen I started working at the tracks of Standardbred racing barns during the summers when we weren't travelling. After graduating high school I bought a couple of race horse; a six month old dark bay filly named J.C's "Blitz" DeVane and a little later a yearling sorrel colt named "Breezy" Judge, which I trained and raced myself, only needing to acquire a fair license to do so, compared to those who had pari-mutual license. My horse racing came to an abrupt end a few years later with a barn fire, in which none of the 12 head of horses died, The horse I'm pictured with is Breezy, the best horse I ever owned (and I've owned a lot of horses of different breeds) and passed from this earth when he was 25 years old. I went to college, attended R.O.T.C.; went to Fort Knox, Kentucky for basic training and earned a B.A. in history. My interest lying mostly in American history. Other than the above, many other experiences in life, and living in different places, have given me good resources for my writing: 1. Staying with my grandparents on their farm when I was very young is where I learned to ride and gave me knowledge of farming, which I later helped a farmer near where I grew up. 2. I work for my father; who is a Certified Public Accountant, doing taxes and bookkeeping. I started working for him when I was in middle school, and after health problems in our family, have come back to help him as of 2019. 3. I managed my dad's used car lot in Fairfield, Iowa. 4. I drove a semi with a 52' trailer over the road for 13 years. 5. I worked real estate and did real estate appraisal as a second job to OTR. 6. I've done construction work (helping my dad and brother put up my dad's office building from the ground up, plus many other projects for my dad, many which included pouring concrete every Fourth of July for more years than I care to think about. 7. I worked for a local manufacture making cabinets 8. While in college I cleaned at a hotel to pay my way through the first two years. 9. After college, while driving OTR (after the RE job) I sub-taught for two years. 10. I worked security for four years. 11. I do know how to cook, make garden and can food. That's my life wrapped up in a peanut shell. I decided to write fiction under my pen name and non-fiction under my real name Linda Scott. Just a good idea I thought to keep the two of them seperate.

Book preview

Murder By Dawn

By

GiAnna Moratelli

COPYRIGHT 2014 GiAnna Moratelli

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Chapter One

Lisa Chandler walked down the sidewalk along the edge of the park, her long, light brown hair blowing in the wind as she held down the skirt of her sleeveless, light pink, chiffon dress. Shielding her hazel eyes from the bright sun, she looked across the park, where several young men in their twenties were playing football. As a girl jogged past her, she moved to the far right side of the walk.

Lisa knew she looked out of place in the park wearing a dress and heels, but she did it every day. Turning onto a cedar path, she continued another twenty feet, than stepped across a curb and into the parking lot of a condominium. Walking around the end of the garage, she opened a white metal door as she looked at her watch. She was a little behind schedule.

Continuing down the hall, she stopped at door 103. Looking around to see that no one was watching, she hesitated, before taking a key from above the door. Unlocking it, she walked inside as an older man with grey hair, dressed in a dark suit closed the door behind her.

Oh gawd, George you scared me!

You’re late.

I’m sorry. I let the time get by, but I was at the clinic getting a check up.

Why? You don’t feel good?

I feel fine. But Lewis thought I ought to have a check up.

I don’t have long before I have to be back in court. George grabbed her arm as she started to walk away from him, and pulling her around to him. Where are you going? he asked and kissed her.

How long have you been here? Lisa asked gently pulling away from him. Seeing that the French doors to the patio were open she walked over to close them

I just got here, he answered unfastening his tie. Maybe the wind blew them open. I’ll tell the manager and he can have someone look at them.

Lisa pushed the floor bolt down with her foot to secure the left door and locked them. I don’t think they were locked to start with, she said and pulled the white panels across them.

George caught her as she turned around. Come on, I don’t have much time. I want you to get undressed and we can talk some.

You said you’re free this evening? she asked as she unbuttoned the top of her dress.

As far as I know right now, he answered unbuttoning his shirt.

Can we go out of town for dinner this evening?

Whatever you want. You have some special reason for wanting to go out of town?

Not really. I just feel like going someplace out of town, Lisa answered as she walked into the bedroom.

That cheap-ass husband you ought to take you out once in awhile, he stated following her.

He’s busy.

Running around spending all your money on other women, he said as he looked at his watch. He could do something for you once in awhile.

Lisa frowned and shrugged, What time do you have to be back?

I have to be on the bench by one-thirty.

I can fix you a quick lunch.

George shook his head, I’d rather lay down for awhile.

Taking off her dress, Lisa hung it in the closet. She slipped off her heels, putting them neatly in the closet.

George watched her as she pulled down the bedspread and sheet and got in the bed. We’ll have to make this evening count for tonight and tomorrow night, he said taking off his shirt, and hanging it beside her dress. My wife’s committed me to a dinner tomorrow evening at some artist’s house. George sighed as he unzipped his pants, I’m not an art lover. I don’t know why she told him we’d come view his art before dinner.

Lisa smiled, watching him as he took off his pants, You can always look at it and say, ‘very good’, or ‘very interesting’.

How about saying, ‘you call that art’? George hung his pants in the closet. Or better yet, who would consider buying this crap?

And he’ll put a laxative in the main course. Lisa replied and laughed.

Probably, George agreed getting into bed beside her. He looked at Lisa lying beside him with the sheet pulled up around her, I’d rather be taking you.

I don’t know anything about art. Besides, Sandra wants to go. She’s the one that arranged it.

Sandra doesn’t miss a chance to mingle with the aristocracy if she can help it.

Lisa turned up on her side, Maybe the food will be good. You always appreciate a good meal.

I’m not betting on it, he replied moaning at the thought of having to go.

Justin and Hanna aren’t going with you?

George shook his head, hardly. If it doesn’t race on water, Justin isn’t interested and Hanna’s only interest these days is her kids, and we aren’t taking them. She’s never taught them any manners. They’ll probably get to ride in the backseat of a police car one of these days and I’ll see them in court."

Your son and daughter are too young to appreciate good art.

They’re not any younger than you, George replied and coughed. And I know you appreciate good art. He coughed again. Court room was dry this morning, he coughed. I have to get a drink. I’ll be right back. Getting out of bed, he walked to the kitchen.

Lisa heard the bedroom door close. She looked over her shoulder toward it, thinking it was unusual for him to close the door. A few seconds later she heard what sounded like something fall. George, are you all right? Getting out of bed, Lisa walked over and opened the door. Walking to the kitchen, she looked at the floor where George lay in a pool of blood.

Oh gawd! she gasped. George? She stepped back from him, then turning, hurried into the bedroom. Picking up the phone she dialed 911.

911 what is your emergency? the operator asked.

Judge George Hamill! I think he’s dead! Lisa cried. He’s on the floor, there’s blood all over. I don’t -.

What is your location?

Golf Park Condos, condo 103, Lisa exclaimed as she looked at her dress hanging in the closet.

Do you know what happened to him?

I have no idea! You have to send someone, she said pulling her dress from the hanger.

Do you think he’s dead?

I don’t know! There’s blood all over the floor, Lisa said as she pulled the dress on, switching the receiver from one hand to the other. He didn’t respond when I tried to talk to him.

Is there anyone else there?

I don’t know! She wiped the tears from her eyes as she looked toward the living room, Not that I know of.

Where are you now?

In the bedroom, using the phone.

What’s your name ma’am?

Lisa, she answered as she started to cry harder, tears running down her checks as she slipped on her shoes. You have to hurry and get someone here.

They’re on their way Lisa. What’s your last name?

Chandler. What’s taking so long? Why isn’t someone here?

I need you stay calm, Ms. Chandler. I have medics and police on their way.

When are they going to get here?

They’re on their way, Ms. Chandler. Are you sure he’s dead?

I don’t know! There’s blood! I think so.

Can you check for me?

Lisa walked to the edge of the kitchen and looked at George lying on the floor. She tried to feel for a pulse. I can’t find a pulse, I’m not a doctor!

The ambulance should be getting there any second, Ms. Chandler. Whatever you do, don’t hang up the phone.

Lisa looked toward the door as she heard someone try the door knob. Someone’s here! she said and hung up the phone.

Police. Open the door! a man yelled from the hallway.

Lisa hurried to the door. She looked through the wide angle door viewer, seeing a police officer standing in the hall, she opened the door. Thank god, you’re here. She pointed to the kitchen, her hand shaking. There, in there! He’s in there.

The officer looked at her as another officer entered behind him. We’ll take care of it, ma’am, why don’t you come over here and sit down, he suggested leading her