A Twist In Crime

By Darlien C Breeze

A collection of tales with a unique twist, crime stories readable in one sitting. The author developed the idea of this novel based on a narrator telling several short stories while traveling from Las Vegas to Los Angeles. “My flight often ended just about the time a story reached a place where I hated to put it down.” Each chapter being a stand-alone short story the reader doesn’t have to wait for the flight back home to find out “who done it.” Each tale is held together by a crime, one in which the narrator is involved.
The author developed these stories from three main sources, news articles, tidbits of info gleaned from overheard conversations and her vivid imagination.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ink & Quill Publishers
• Release date: Nov 28, 2014
• ISBN: 9781934051818

Darlien C Breeze

A native Californian now living in Las Vegas, Darlien C. Breeze grew up on a copper and gold mine located several miles into the hills from the Colorado River. Her unique upbringing was followed by occupations as schoolteacher, real estate agent, beauty salon and an Import/Export owner. Her latest book published by Ink and Quill, A Twist in Crime,

Book preview

MOVING DAY

Calm November winds smoothed the water. The old sloop rocked comfortably in the wake of a passing fishing boat. Looking up at the clear skies, Neil Davis inhaled the sea air and pointed over to Santa Catalina Island. Our new home, he said, giving his wife, Sara, a hug. Sara's brother Pete and his fiancée Francie joined them aboard the sloop—ready to cross from Long Beach to the island.

Sara, Francie asked, are you sure you should be doing this? I mean, is it okay by your doctor?

Neil caught Francie's worried look and put his arm around his wife. No problem, he replied. The doctor said she's fine. Neil stepped aside as he and Peter prepared to cast off.

Smiling at Neil, Sara then turned to Francie, The doc said to rest and avoid salt. Look at us. She waved her hand to indicate the 20-foot sloop Neil sailed with such proficiency. You guys are doing all the work. All I have to do is sit back and enjoy. Neil getting this teaching job on Catalina mid-year couldn't have come at a better time. She patted her belly. By the time Neil Jr. or little Nell gets here, we'll be safe and sound in our own house on the island.

Still and all, moving your household goods by boat this time of year seems a bit foolhardy, called Peter returning from below deck with some gear.

Neil said, Hey, don't worry. We're dressed for cold weather. Even Baxter has his life jacket on. Don't you, Bax, old boy? Neil scratched the ancient setter behind the ears. Baxter licked his hand in appreciation. Besides, flying our stuff over there would have cost a fortune, even though it's only twenty-six miles from the mainland. This way we get the boat, our stuff, and ourselves over all at once. Best of all, we get you two as slave labor to help move, for only the price of a boat ride.

And look, Sara said, gazing out over the water. The ocean is smooth, the wind is mild. What more could you ask?

Lunch? Francie started down to the galley. I'm ready. How about you guys?

I'll help. I'm starved. Peter followed her.

I swear Pete is a bottomless pit, Neil said, looking after them. I hope Francie plans to keep on working after they're married. Otherwise they won't be able to afford food. Neil smiled at his wife. I know they're just being protective, but I checked the weather before we left — cold and clear, with a brisk wind. Not a storm predicted for days.

As if on cue, the wind picked up and sent a chill spray across the bow. Neil moved his leg, sending Baxter under a deck chair seeking protection from the cold.

Poor Bax, Sara said. I think he's getting too old to be out on the boat. I notice his arthritis seems to be getting worse.

Neil nodded, remembering previous discussions. We talked about putting Bax down before making this move. Her doctor warned us about the stress of moving, setting up a household, managing a new baby and taking care of an ailing dog. But neither of us had the heart to do it. She got Baxter for her tenth birthday. No way could we put him down, Bax is family. We'll lose him soon enough.

Shaking his head to release the grim prospect, Neil stood at the helm. We're making good time, he said to Sara. We're almost halfway there.

He sat back down and started daydreaming about his new job. It really is a plum position. Almost every teacher in southern California longs to work on the island. Besides teaching, I can start my doctoral dissertation on the unique plant and animal life that developed there when Catalina broke off from the mainland eons ago. What a break!

Okay, everyone. Chow down, Pete called, interrupting Neil's reverie. He carried a tray laden with sandwiches onto the deck. Francie has the drinks. Hope you're as hungry as I am.

Impossible! Neil laughed.

Francie had one foot up, about to step onto the deck with a tray of soft drinks, when a gust of wind caught the boat and tipped it dangerously to one side. She screamed as tray and drinks flew from her hands. Neil watched helplessly as she lay sprawled at the door of the galley, cans of Coke and Pepsi rolling off the deck and into the water. Then in horror he saw Sara grasping for the rail, her deck chair sliding close to the edge. Peter lunged and caught the rung of Sara's chair.

Neil grabbed the wheel, righted the boat and yelled, Sara, Francie, are you all right?

As fast as the icy blast of wind came up, it disappeared, leaving a space of calm, clear water. The four of them were unharmed but shaken.

Damn it, Neil! I told you this was a lousy idea. Peter's voice shook with rage and fear.

Peter, please! No one's hurt. I'm fine. We're all fine, Sara said, as Peter helped Francie up from the deck. Look, even Baxter's okay. As if to prove her point, the dog ambled over and put his head in her lap.

Neil put the boat back on course. He motioned for Peter to take the helm, then hurried to his wife. Honey, are you okay? I mean really. You're pale, let me help you get below. I do think you need to rest.

With Sara safely tucked away in the cabin amid all their household goods, Neil came back on deck and took the helm from Peter. Dark clouds gathered in the distance, but they weren't close enough to cause worry.

Peter bit his lip. Sorry I got so uptight. I guess I had a gut reaction when everyone flew around.

Neil put his hand on Peter's shoulder, Don't worry about it. It shook me up too. I didn't know whether to dive for Sara or go for the wheel. She looked okay so I figured I'd better handle the boat.

Peter asked, How old is this boat? It seems to be in good shape, but clearly it's not new.

No. Not new, built in 1975. The former owner gave me a deal because his health wouldn't allow him to sail anymore. He loved this boat and kept her in prime condition. I've always loved sailing, so when this job came along I figured this was the ideal time to buy a boat all of us could enjoy.

Must have cost a boat load, Peter grinned. Pardon the pun.

You're right about that. I sold our car and used the money to help pay for it. Once we get settled I plan to put in some upgrades, namely a new radio and a better pumping system. You know what they say, 'a boat is a hole in the water surrounded by wood into which you pour money.'

Peter chuckled. I hadn't heard that one.

Neil smiled. But, all in the future. You know after the baby, after the Ph.D. After, after. He laughed, shaking his head. It's always something.

Say, Peter said, how about a sandwich? For a little while I actually forgot to be hungry.

Neil sent a light punch into his brother-in-law's shoulder. Wow! That was a bigger scare than I thought.

Francie brought the retrieved food and a fresh supply of sodas. She put a bowl of water and food down for Baxter so they could eat without his pitiful-eye stare. Sara is sleeping. I thought I'd let her rest. She can eat when she wakes up.

A worried look filled Neil's face when the wind picked up again. Clouds scurried across the sun, darkening the sky. So much for weather reports, he muttered, as he throttled up. Raising his voice over the wind, he yelled, Peter, trim the mainsail! Icy sheets of rain battered the deck.

Get below! Neil shouted to Francie. He set course so the sloop quartered into the swells, reducing the pitch and rolling. Francie held onto the rail and started inching her way toward the stairs to the cabin. Peter reached out to steady her. Suddenly, a huge wall of water loomed. Neil headed into it, but the sloop slid into the wave's deep trough then rose up, exposing its right side and rolling her onto its left. The boat turned over, dumping Peter, Francie, Baxter, and Neil into the frigid water.

They came up gasping for air, sputtering, and coughing. Neil yelled, Make for the boat, hold on. Legs kicking, arms flailing, they swam toward the hull and held on. Neil tread water as he tried to remove his life vest. Sara, Sara! he screamed. Peter, help me get out of this gear. She's trapped in the cabin. I can't dive with it on. Peter fumbled with fingers already stiff from cold, but finally the vest came free.

Sara! Francie yelled, her ear to the hull. Neil, I can hear her! Sara!

Hang on, honey, I'm coming. Neil dove into the freezing water. Wind had formed waves into miniature death traps crashing against the sides of the upturned sloop. He dove deep and came up under the boat, making his way into the cabin. He couldn't see in the dark, but there was enough air trapped inside to breathe. Sara!

Neil! I'm over here, she said. Neil could hear the fear in her voice.

Keep talking. I'll find you. Once he had her, he held tight. We have to get out of here. The boat could sink. Take a deep breath. Neil held his wife's hand. They dove down, then maneuvered up and out of the cabin. After clearing the boat, they swam over to the others.

Once Sara had hold of the boat, Neil shrugged back into his life vest and checked out Peter and Francie. Peter looked bad. A deep gash on the side of his head bled onto his face. Francie tried to stop the bleeding with her free hand.

What are our chances of being seen? Sara asked.

Unfortunately, not good, Neil said. This time of year, there are only a few boats on the water. Unless we attract the attention of a fishing boat or the Coast Guard, I think we'll just have to hang on until this storm blows over. Let's see if we can climb on top of the hull. Neil inched his way around to the back and grabbed the rudder.

What if, Peter slurred, what if the boat sinks? Neil glanced at him and then at Francie.

Francie mouthed, Concussion.

Well, then we'll have to jump off again, but it's better than staying in the water. That way we'd freeze for sure, Neil said.

They searched for handholds to hoist themselves up. A woof from twenty feet away got their attention. Baxter, oh my God look, it's Baxter, Sara cried. Come here, boy, come here. Holding onto the keel, Neil hauled himself up. He held on with one hand and turned to help the others climb to the top of the pitching sloop. They all grabbed Baxter and yanked. The sodden life jacket slipped off but they were able to pull the dog up with them. Sara wrapped an arm around the wet, shivering animal and held on. Old Bax couldn't even shake the water off — there was no room for him to stand. Neil silently cursed himself for putting everyone in danger. By now, the adrenaline rush had given way to fear and fatigue. He watched Sara weep for her unborn child.

The storm lessened; although the waves were not nearly as high, the sky remained dark. The rain pelted them with icy daggers. Neil knew their chances of survival in this kind of weather were depressingly slim.

Two hours later, Neil saw a grimace on Sara's face. He knew she felt a contraction. Are you okay? he asked.

I felt a twinge, she said. Maybe I just imagined it. Then the next one came.

Neil watched helplessly as tears washed down Sara's cheeks. This can't happen. Not here, not now, he thought.

Baxter shook himself free of Sara's arm and jumped into the water. Baxter, what are you doing? Baxter, come back here. You'll drown, Sara cried out.

Neil looked puzzled, watching the old dog swim away into the dark night. What got into him? he asked Sara, who chose that moment to have another contraction. At the sight of his wife's face contorting in fear and pain, Neil went pale. He grabbed her hand, his own tears mingling with the rain.

Francie still had hold of Peter. Neil heard him mumble something. Concussion for sure, Neil whispered to his wife. They could see that Francie was frightened and shivering from cold, but no way would she let Peter go. Please God, Neil prayed, we need a miracle.

Down the coast the Infin, a fishing boat, also caught by the unexpected storm waited until the worst of the downpour abated. Now they made their way across the channel to fish the waters around the island. Miguel Sanchez busied himself coiling rope on deck when he heard a bark. Hey, dog. What're you doin' in the water out here? He looked around for another boat but didn't see one.

Hey dog, come here. Miguel, after waving to the other deck hand, climbed down and got into the dingy tied to the side of the vessel. He held out his hand to the dog. The dog came close and barked again but would not come closer. He kept barking and turning around to swim away. Miguel called up to the crew watching over the railing. This dog wants us to follow him.

Are you crazy? That dog musta jumped off some boat and now it's lost, yelled the captain. Get back up here before you fall and get lost in the dark.

No, no, can't you see this dog is trying to tell us something. Look around, there's no other boat in sight, Miguel insisted.

Over the dog's frantic barking, the captain said, You may be right. Let's find out. They turned the little fishing boat toward the dog and followed him.

Neil cocked his head to one side and listened. Do you hear something? I hear a motor. Through the constant beat of rain, he heard a steady thudding. The shape of a boat materialized. Over here! Over here! Help! he shouted, making sure not to lose his grip on Sara.

Francie yelled too, but never let go of Peter. Neil watched her struggle, preventing Peter from slipping under the water. Thank God — we wouldn't have lasted much longer, he thought.

Hang on! Hang on, we're here! the crew of the Infin yelled, coming alongside the upturned boat with its worn out passengers. The captain radioed for the Coast Guard.

The crew wrapped them all in blankets and gave them hot coffee; Sara lay on one bunk, Peter on another. Neil was so grateful.

He knew all four of them were suffering from hypothermia and exhaustion. Within minutes, Neil heard the Coast Guard cruiser pull up alongside the Infin.

The baby, my baby is coming! Sara screamed. Dropping his coffee, Neil grabbed her hand. The captain of the Coast Guard boat jumped aboard the little fishing vessel. After reviewing the situation he shouted, Everyone stay clear. Get me some clean sheets, blankets, hot water. Quick! The fishing crew seemed confused so he said, Whatever you can grab. Now!

Baby Neil didn't wait for them to get organized. Papa Neil watched, terrified, as the baby made his leap into the world in a rush of fluid. Although bleeding heavily and looking deathly pale, Sara managed a weak smile when handed her tiny, oilskin-wrapped infant.

Neil helped Sara into the ambulance that waited on shore to take them to Saint Mary's Hospital in Long Beach. He waited while doctors tended to his wife and baby and treated Peter's injuries.

Neil entered the hospital room and looked down at his wife, overcome with happiness. To think I almost lost her and now I have her and a son. Sara woke and smiled at him. We made it.

Yes, we did.

How are Peter and Francie?

Neil's face took on a sober look. Francie is fine. That's one brave girl. She held Peter and wouldn't let go, no matter how hard it got. Peter will have a lump on his head and a giant headache for a while, but he'll be okay. The doctor says he just needs to rest and eat. As if anyone had to tell Pete to eat. The good news is we all made it, including the baby. The bad news is we lost all our furniture and . . . Neil stopped, and looked away.

There's something more, isn't there? She frowned, Bax? How's Baxter?

Neil sat on the edge of the bed and took hold of her hand. Baxter didn't make it. The cold and the swim were just too much for him. The captain of the fishing boat said he saw him go down for the last time. Bax held out as long as he could.

Neil held Sara as she cried, with tears in his own eyes. Baxter was a brave dog, he said. Let's remember all the good years we had with him and when our son is old enough, we'll look for another setter just like him.

The nurse came in holding a tiny bundle wrapped in a blue hospital blanket. Here's your handsome son, all dressed up, she said, handing the bundle to Neil. He hesitated, awed by the small package. Go on, he won't break.

Neil looked into the red face of his son and said, Hi, Neil Baxter. I'm your dad.

Sara laughed.Neil Baxter. Yeah, I like that.

Devlin spoke into the mic, That's it for tonight, folks. Thanks, George and Steve for being with us. When will you return?

Thanks for having us Devlin. We'll be back in a few weeks, said Steve.

Good night, all. This is Devlin Thayer signing off for A Twist in Crime.

He replaced the mic and turned to George and Steve. Can I give you boys a lift? My man should be outside.

The sleek, blue limo waited. The driver opened the door when the men approached. Devlin said, Frank, take these gentlemen to their hotel after you drop me off. They settled into the plush back seat. Frank can't talk. Got hurt in a freak accident at the company picnic twenty years ago. He showed every sign of being a topnotch broadcaster before the incident. I took pity on him and gave him this job as my driver. The limo moved through downtown traffic. Okay, this is my stop. Where are you staying, by the way?

MGM Grand, said George. Thanks.

Once in their hotel room, Steve said, Is it just me, or was there something odd about the way Devlin told us about Frank's story?

It did seem cold. He acted like Frank wasn't even there. George shrugged. Well, I'm for hitting the sack. We have an early flight.

A TWIST IN CRIME

Tuesday- 9:00 p.m

Good evening. Once again I'm Devlin Thayer, your host. Tonight's presentation is not for younger listeners, so parents, this is a heads up to send the little ones off to bed. Our story is called:

THE TRAINING SESSIONS

Daisy reeled from the slap. Her hand flew to her face, her cheek stinging from the unexpected blow. How could you, Momma! she cried.

I'm tired of listening to you whine, her mother told her. It's time you grew up!

But, Momma, you hit me! You hit me over that awful hunchbacked man! Daisy was bewildered by her mother's behavior. How could you?

Well, you need to straighten up and behave, missy. Any other girl would be honored to have Mr. Braun pay her this much attention. Why, the cost of the party he's giving you is more than your father makes in half a year. When I think of the people who will be there, the champagne, the flowers, the fine food. Well, you were raised to act like a lady, and act like one you will. Daisy turned away, needing to escape, but her mother grabbed her by the arm. You turn fifteen tomorrow. You'll be a woman. Your father and I are just thinking of your future, Daisy's mother said.

My future? What are you saying? Daisy stared at her mother. Oh no! Oh no! she gasped. This isn't just a birthday party, is it? This is an engagement party. A lynching party. She blinked her dark brown eyes against her angry tears. Well, if you think I'm going to be married off to that old goat, you have another thing coming! she shouted.

You'll do as your mother tells you! Daisy shrank back as her father's voice boomed from the hallway. He threw his coat and hat on a chair and strode into the room.

Daddy, please, you can't do this, Daisy begged, hoping at least her beloved daddy would be on her side.

Everything is settled. Mr. Braun and I have come to an understanding, her father said. The engagement will be announced tomorrow and the wedding will take place in June. Daisy heard the steel in his voice.

Her anger returned. I'll, I'll run away before I'll be saddled to that old — old —

Think about this, Daisy, her father said, cutting off her tirade. Mr. Braun can give you all the fine things a young woman desires. You'll be moving into his big house. You'll have clothes and jewels the likes of which some young buck could never provide. Besides, I've given my word, so it's settled.

But, but, Daddy… Daisy's voice reflected her surprise.

And before you say another thing, Daisy, either you act like a lady and accept Mr. Braun, or you'll find yourself on the next train to your Aunt Bessie's ranch in Montana. You can learn to milk cows and muck out stables. Your choice. Now, go to your room. Get ready for the party tomorrow.

Any problems? Benson Braun asked Daisy's father over whiskeys at the downtown Gentleman's Club.

No. I told you, she'll do as I say. She's fifteen. Just the right age for 'training.' I like them that age myself—easy to guide. The men chuckled and finished their drinks.

The party was all Daisy's mother had promised her it would be and more. Champagne flowed, exotic hors d'oeuvres were served by a bevy of servants and beautiful harp music floated over the guests. Daisy nodded absently as Mr. Braun greeted old friends and introduced her, as the couple made their way around the room. A fate worse than death, Daisy thought. Maybe I can change Mr. Braun's mind.

May I have a word with you in private? Benson Braun asked Daisy. He took her elbow and led the way into a richly paneled library.

Oh no, no. Please don't let this happen. Daisy held her breath, trying not to cry. Her dreams of a handsome young man down on one knee, with love in his eyes, flashed in her mind. Instead, this horrible old man . . .

Daisy realized Mr. Braun was speaking. She caught a few words: discussed, parents, settled. She forced herself to listen.

. . . marry in June. We will honeymoon on a trip to France; I have a business meeting planned for that time. Kill two birds with one stone, don't you know. He smiled and brought forth a black velvet box from his coat pocket, which opened to reveal a pink sapphire surrounded by diamonds. This seals the engagement. He took Daisy's hand and slipped the ring onto her finger.

The size of the ring stunned Daisy. She had never seen anything so beautiful. Mr. Braun, I'm honored, but there's something you must know.

What is it, Daisy? Tell me, so that we can go back and make the announcement before going in to dinner.

Mr. Braun sir, well, it's just that I . . . I . . .

Come on now, spit it out. We don't have all day.

Daisy clenched her hands to her sides. Momma said I'm a woman now. I must act like one. Mr. Braun, sir, I don't love you! She tossed her dark auburn hair back from her face and tried to look as grown-up as she could. There, I've said it. Despite her bravado, her brown eyes filled with tears.

Benson threw back his head and roared with laughter. Love, oh my, such a thought never entered my mind. This isn't about love, my dear girl, this is strictly business. The sound of his hateful laughter echoed in her ears while he led her from the room.

June came all too soon. Spring air became fragrant with the enticing smell of flowers in bloom. Yet even the wonderful weather did nothing to brighten Daisy's mood. Her mother rushed her from dressmaker to milliner to shoemaker to glove maker until she fell into bed each night, exhausted. Usually just the prospect of buying so many new things would have excited her, but the thought of marrying Mr. Braun dropped a cloud over everything.

Stop frowning, Daisy, her mother admonished her. The wedding is in a week. We're almost finished.

You told me Daddy couldn't afford a new spring wardrobe so how can we buy all this? She pointed an accusing finger at the stack of boxes holding her new garments.

Mr. Braun has been most generous. He told me to buy whatever you needed.

Well, I certainly don't need this. Daisy held a filmy nighty up to her slim body. I need flannel or maybe burlap!

Don't start, young lady, I'm warning you. Now sit down. Her mother patted the side of the bed. There are things I must tell you about being married.

Daisy swept into the study without knocking. She squared her shoulders and took a deep breath to quell the storm in her stomach. My, don't you look lovely today, her