The Purple Rose Murders

By Harry Harris

Detectives Jeff Conradi and James Russell who work for Capt. Henry Henderson at Police Station #142 in Mesa, Arizona respond to a call that a woman is threatening to kill a man whom she feels has stolen her jewelry. While at the crime scene, the detectives trying to sort out the confrontation get involved in a shootout and are forced to kill the thieves. Consequently, they are put on Administration leave while the Internal Affairs officers and the NAACP try to determine if the killings were justified or had been premeditated... for the two thieves that were killed were black. Since the detectives are on an eight week’s Administrative leave they decide to spend the time by vacationing in Europe. However, while in England they inadvertently hear of a diabolical plan by the Taliban to kill the President of the United States. In the story the reader learns how magnificently – step- by- step -- the Taliban assemble their infallible plot to have the President of the United States assassinated. And at the end of the story it is again the reader who determines if the Taliban’s plan is successful or not

• Language: English
• Publisher: Harry Harris
• Release date: Apr 5, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311488442

Book preview

The magnificent, infallible plan by the Taliban

to kill the president of the united states is revealed in:

The

Purple Rose Murders

By Harry Harris

Copyright 2015 Harry Harris

Published by HERCULES-APOLLO MYSTERIES

at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

#prologue

#Chapter1

#Chapter2

#Chapter3

#Chapter4

#Chapter5

#Chapter6

#Chapter7

#Chapter8

#Chapter9

#Chapter10

#Chapter11

#Chapter12

#Chapter13

#Chapter14

#Chapter15

#Chapter16

#Chapter17

#Chapter18

#Chapter19

#Chapter20

#AboutAuthor

#Otherbooks

Prologue

It took the Taliban ten years of meticulous planning before they felt that their diabolical plot to destroy the Twin Towers in New York City was ready to be carried out; unfortunately for the United States their scheme was successful.

Fastidious planning is typical of the Taliban mentality: As long as its leaders feel that a plan they’ve formulated can be successful, they don’t care how long it takes for them to mark out its course. And so it is now with their design to kill the President of the United States.

At the time their plan to kill an American president was contrived, the Taliban leaders couldn’t have imagined, not in their wildest dreams, that the victim would be an African American; so now years later as fate has ordained, Barack Hussein Obama has been elected President of the USA, which has the Taliban leaders rejoicing for they feel that the murder of the black President, which, of course, they plan will be at the hands of a white American citizen, would play beautifully into their hands. It would surely have the African-Americans in the United States at the white people’s throats, and there was no doubt in their minds that a war would ensue between the two factions, which would destroy America.

Chapter One

Det. Jeff Conradi didn’t like going to parties or to social functions of any kind. Going to such affairs was an anathema to him and he would go out of his way to avoid going to them. Even in High School and College where he had become a popular football player and had been invited to scores of parties by the schools’ most attractive young women, he still managed to beg off going to them. And he wouldn’t have gone to the Police Academy’s graduation party if he hadn’t been ordered to do so by his commanding officer, Captain Henry Henderson:

You’ve made it known how much you dislike going to such affairs, the captain said, ‘but this is one that I know you’ll attend. After all, how would it look to the others in your division if the officer who graduated at the top of his class wasn’t present to receive the award? So, as much as you may regard such affairs with aversion, you VILL be there! Smiling wryly, he added, And how do I know that you’ll attend?…because Detective Jeff Conradi…that’s a direct order!"

Chuckling, Jeff said, Of course, I vill be there but I want it put on record that I won’t like it.

Chuckling as well, and with facetious intent, Capt. Henderson said, If you refuse to obey the order, Det. Conradi, and decide not to show up at the party, I’m going to change the police records to show that your buddy, Tony Rogers, was the one that graduated at the top of the class and I’ll give him the award.

----------

Be that as it may, a few weeks later as Det. Jeff Conradi, entered the police station to attend a party, he smiled to himself as he recalled the conversation that he had had with his captain. And the reason it came to mind was because this time he didn’t have to be coerced to attend a shindig, for this one was for his dear friend and partner, Tony Rogers, a guy whom he loved and admired, who was retiring from the police force. Tony and he became partners right after they graduated from the Police Academy and assigned to the prestigious Police Precinct #142 in Mesa, Arizona. They were both twenty–five years old at the time and for the next ten years they had been joined at the hip as they solved some of the most nefarious crimes that had ever been perpetrated on Mesa’s citizenry. They became such close friends during their tenure together that Jeff was Tony’s ‘Best Man’ at his wedding. And now here was Tony breaking up their remarkable partnership by retiring at the ripe old age of 35.

Jeff couldn’t understand why his partner was doing such a stupid thing. He couldn’t get over it. ‘Poor bastard,’ he kept saying to himself, ‘he doesn’t have any hobbies to speak of…so what’s the guy going to do with all the free time he’ll have on his hands when he retires, twiddle his thumbs?’ And as he told Tony so many times: For god sakes, man, you’re too young to retire, you’ll go nuts without a job. Just because your wife fell into a bucket of shit when she inherited all that money from someone in England doesn’t mean you have to ruin your life because you no longer have to work for a living.

I’ve got news for you, ol’ buddy, Tony had said, No matter what you think…I’m looking forward to a life of leisure. Sitting around doing nothing is just what I was born to do and I look forward to it. Anyway, it sure beats chasing bad guys all over the city and dodging bullets that they shoot at us!

Okay, my friend, Jeff had answered, when your life of leisure starts wearing thin and it begins driving you nuts please don’t say that I didn’t warn you.

Nevertheless, ignoring everything that Jeff had said to him about retiring, Tony went ahead with his plans of becoming a man of leisure, and the farewell party that was held in his honor to celebrate the occasion was a huge success. All of the police officers – except the ones that were out on the streets on duty that evening – attended the gala affair, and Capt. Henry Morgan, who was his commanding officer ever since he was assigned to his precinct, complimented him in his speech by extolling the great work that he had done as a detective for the city of Mesa, ending his words of praise by saying that he would be sorely missed by all of his cohorts at the precinct, especially by his loyal partner, and best friend, Det. Jeff Conradi.

The comment by Captain Morgan that Jeff would sorely miss Tony as a partner was truer than anyone could have imagined…for not only had the detectives gotten along famously with one another but Jeff would now have to be assigned a new partner and Capt. Morgan knew that he didn’t relish the idea; he knew what a hassle it would be for him to break in someone new.

Stop right there, Det. Conradi. Capt. Henry Morgan shouted as Jeff entered his office. I won’t have you ruining my day by coming in here with that ridiculous frown on your face!

Well, how else did you think I’d feel when I heard who the youngster was that you’ve arranged for me to have as my new partner?

Will you please relax, Jeff. the captain said good-naturedly. Acquiring a new partner isn’t the end of the world you know; so come in and sit down and let’s talk about this new relationship that I’ve lined up for you…and without the frown, please! Smiling lopsidedly he added, In any case, I think that when you know a little more about the young man that I’ve now chosen for you to share your crime-fighting chores with, you’ll realize that your partnership with him will be just as successful as the one you had with Tony Rogers.

As Jeff sat in the chair opposite the captain’s desk, he said, I doubt it, captain. I met the guy that you’ve decided to saddle me with and he rubs me the wrong way with his know-it-all highfalutin airs. Since I can’t stand the guy, I can’t see how working with him can possibly work out well. So please find someone else to fit the bill.

I don’t intend to find anyone else because I sincerely feel that when you two are together awhile I’m sure you’ll feel differently about him. Looking benignly at his officer he said, In a way, Jeff, that young man reminds me of you when you joined us…for you, too, were somewhat cocky and a know-it-all. Anyway, he, like you, came to me highly recommended by Capt. Henderson…for he also graduated at the top of his class at the Academy.

Frowning, Jeff said, Captain, will you tell me why a guy who grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth; who grew up playing polo with High Society’s acclaimed International Set; who became a millionaire at twenty-five, -- a present from his parents for getting a doctorate degree from Harvard; -- who is known to dress to the nines no matter what the occasion, -- I read all about him in the Arizona Republic -- would, by any stretch of the imagination, want to be a policeman? I just don’t get it! He must be out of his mind!"

Whoa, there, Det. Conradi. What makes you think that because a man grew up without any financial worries, dresses beautifully, and has a doctorate degree from Harvard, that he isn’t sincere about giving something back to society by becoming a cop?

Okay, so he’s sincere in wanting to give something back to society, but with his background, education, and the fact that his parents can open so many doors for him in any field he wishes, why in the world would he choose to be a policeman? Will you answer me that!

To be honest with you, Jeff, I was concerned about that myself; that is, until I met the young man. After discussing police work and all that it entails with him, I found him to be an intelligent, well-balanced individual who is truly interested and, yes, sincere, about the work we do as policemen. I felt that with his background that he would be an asset to us. As for his dressing to the nines all the time, I don’t think that will last very long; a few tussles with some of the anti-social bums that we have in this city, with his fancy duds becoming the victims in the struggles, will soon cure him of that. So just relax and give yourself a chance to get to know what he’s really like.

Jeff didn’t answer immediately. He just sat there silently thinking about what the captain said. Then suddenly he blurted out, Okay, so after ruining a suit or two he’ll change the way he dresses, but what about his name? It may not matter to you but if he’s my partner his name will certainly be an embarrassment to me.

What in the world are you talking about? What has his name to do with anything? What’s wrong with it?

It’s embarrassing, that’s what’s wrong with it! You won’t be affected by it because you won’t have to work out in the streets with him, but I sure as hell will be. How would you like having to introduce him every time we’re called on to question someone? ‘Sir, I’m Det. Jeff Conradi and this is my partner, Detective Doctor James Joseph Russell the third.’ God, just thinking about that is enough to make me puke!

The captain burst out laughing. That’s very funny, Conradi, and if that’s all that’s been bothering you, you don’t have a thing to worry about. Although he’s the third male member of his family with that name and title…he told me he’d be happy to be called simply, Det. James Russell.

Okay, but there’s something else that I don’t like about him and that’s…"

Yes? Capt. Morgan said interrupting Jeff.

Well, he looks prissy to me. You know, sort of effeminate, sissified.

Chuckling, the captain said, Don’t ever let him hear you say that, Jeff, or even so much as mouth it because, one, he’s proficient in reading lips, – something he has studied since he was a youngster -- and, two, he was kick-boxing champion at the Academy and he not only has a black belt in karate to his credit, but from what Capt. Henderson told me about him, he can break a two and a half inch wooden board in two with the side of his hand or with his fingertips.

Making a face, Jeff said, Well, he can read all the lips he likes and break as many wooden boards as he wishes, I still think he looks sissified. Anyway, a lot of good reading lips and breaking boards will do him when he comes face-to-face with a guy who’s holding a gun to his head. No, captain, he’s not the partner for me so please line him up with some other dude.

Jeff, since that’s the way you feel about Det. James Russell, here’s what I’m going to do. I want you two to work together for thirty days and if you still feel as you now do about him at the end of that period, I’ll find someone else to be your partner. Now I think that’s only fair, don’t you?

Captain, I know how clever you are and what you’re up to, nevertheless, I’ll go along with having him as my partner for the time being, but you can be sure that it will only be for thirty days. I wonder what you’ll say to me then?

It’s not what I’ll say to you then, but what your words will be to me at that time. Meanwhile, I want you to think about this, which is something that I learned the hard way: ‘Every pairing, whether in private life or in the work arena, produces a unique synergy. The bond that’s formed between people becomes an entity unto itself. It takes on a quality that can not be duplicated. So, Jeff, I feel that if you’re patient with him, you and Det. Russell can attain a very successful and joyous partnership. Regardless, I’ve ordered Det. Russell to be here in my office at eight on Monday morning, and that goes for you too, Conradi. I want you both to be together when I talk to you so you can start off your partnership on the right foot, and without any misunderstanding of what your duties are and who’s in charge. Understand? When Jeff nodded, he said good-naturedly, Now get out of here, I’ve got a lot of work to do.

Thirty days, Jeff said sarcastically as he was leaving the office, and not a second longer.

After Jeff was gone, the captain smiled as he said to himself, ‘That partnership was made in heaven; those two are perfect for one another, and it won’t take thirty days for them to realize it." Then he sat down and began going through the papers on his desk with the smile still plastered on his face.

Chapter Two

Det. Jeff Conradi looked at his watch; the time was ten minutes to eight. He knew he was early for his meeting with the captain but he wanted to be there before Det. James Russell arrived. He took a deep breath and after tapping lightly on the captain’s door he entered his office without waiting for an invitation.

Good morning, Jeff, Capt. Morgan said smiling brightly and then looking at his watch, he added, I see you’re early, which isn’t exactly your bent and I’m wondering why? And then chuckling, he said, As if I didn’t know!

Why, Captain, Jeff said mockingly, how can you say such a thing? I’ve never been late for a meeting with you since I became part of your outfit…and you know it.

What I do know is that the only reason you’re here early this morning, which is something you’ve never been before at any of my meetings, is to set a precedent for your new partner to follow.

Shaking his head in pretended sadness, Jeff said, You know, Captain, it’s terrible when someone knows you better than you know yourself. However, a moment later, smiling superciliously, he added, Do you know what would really make my day? It would be if…

It would be if Det. Russell didn’t bother to show up, the captain said interrupting Jeff, that he changed his mind and decided he wasn’t cut out to be a cop.

Jeff, smiling from ear-to-ear, uttered sheepishly, Like I said earlier, Captain, it’s terrible when someone knows what you’re going to say even before you say it. The comment had both men chortling.

Nothing more was said between the two men as they waited for Det. James Russell to arrive; the captain busying himself perusing the papers on his desk and Jeff reading the morning’s Arizona Republic, which had been on one of the chairs in the office.

However, at a quarter after eight Jeff threw down the paper he was reading and said angrily, That’s it, Captain! Det. Russell isn’t fit to be my partner. If he doesn’t respect orders then I don’t want him as my… But he never finished the sentence for just then Det. Russell burst into the captain’s office."

I’m sorry, Captain, James blurted out as he fought to catch his breath. I’m not for making excuses, sir, but the reason I’m late is because there was a bad accident on Route 101 that I was on, on my way here…and traffic had to be rerouted…and since I’m new in the city and not quite familiar with it, I got somewhat disoriented and I had a terrible time finding my way here; I’m sorry…I truly am, Captain!

Jeff didn’t say anything but the look he gave the captain said a mouthful. At the same time, he couldn’t help but admire the tailored threads that James was wearing.

Okay, Det. Russell, your apology is accepted. However, please keep in mind that you won’t be able to use that excuse again with me, understand?

Yes sir, but it’s the truth, Captain!

Fine. Now relax and sit next to Jeff…and as you catch your breath I’ll tell you why I wanted to see you both here this morning. When James was seated, the captain said, James, as you probably know, Jeff’s partner, Tony Rogers, retired recently and I’m having you fill his shoes. And I expect you to be just as effective working with Jeff as Tony was. And since I know that you and Jeff have already met, an introduction isn’t necessary…however, if your partnership is to work out as well as I hope it will, I expect you to try to understand one another as quickly as you can. And to avoid any misunderstanding between you here’s the program that I expect you to follow: Jeff you’re to be the lead detective, so you, James, will be taking orders from him when you two are out on street duty. As for driving arrangements…Jeff, as usual, you’re to ride in the bucket seat and, James, you’re to be the driver and the one that will be responsible for reporting your day-to-day activities to me; the work reports to be on my desk ASAP. The captain looked sternly at both men and then he said, Do either of you have any questions so far concerning the rules that I’ve just laid out for you? When both detectives shook their heads no, the captain then said, Good. Now, Jeff, what I want you to do today is to make the rounds of the city and point out some of the troubled spots to James. And while you’re at it, I want you to introduce him to some of your snitches. And, of course, you’re to respond to any radio calls for assistance that may come your way during your trek of our asphalt jungle. He smiled benignly at the detectives and then he said, Well, that’s it, men; I’m sure you’re going to make a good team…so off you go.

Thank you, Captain, both detectives said almost in unison, and as they left the office, Jeff, having maneuvered so that he had James walking out of the office ahead of him, turned around and mouthed, ‘Thirty days and not a second longer,’ to the captain. It left Capt. Morgan smiling from ear-to-ear.

–---------

As the detectives drove around the city the atmosphere in the car was frigid and not much was said between them. Jeff did, however, show James some of the areas and the bars where he and his former partner usually encountered trouble. He also pointed out to James several of the narrow alleys in downtown Mesa that he said should never be entered into alone, even by car. Jeff also went into several of the bars, where trouble usually ensued, and introduced James to the owners and their bartenders. And although Jeff had intended to have James meet some of his snitches, he didn’t come across any of them. So as the day began to wind down with nothing exciting having occurred and with the detectives unable to find anything of interest to talk about, the solemnity in the car became even more pronounced.

Nevertheless, as the detectives decided to call it a day and were driving back to the precinct, they saw two men fighting with one another in front of a bar. James was about to stop the car and look into the matter when Jeff stopped him. What do you think you’re doing? he said sternly.

What the hell do you think I’m doing? James said sarcastically. I’m going to see why those men are fighting and put a stop to it.

That’s very noble of you, Jeff said disdainfully. But before you do, I’d like to ask you a question. Were either of those men armed with a deadly weapon?

I don’t think so…but I’m not sure, James said somewhat irritated.

Well then, did you happen to notice that we passed two policemen that were running toward the two men that were fighting?

No, James said, I did not; I was preoccupied driving the damn car.

I didn’t think so, Jeff said with a smirk. What I believe you should do, James, is to work on your powers of observation; it appears to me that, that part of your education in police work has been sorely neglected. Then, without looking at James, he added, If those two men that we saw fighting back there had been armed, it would have been a different matter; in such a situation it would have been imperative for us to stop and put an end to the fracas before anyone was hurt or killed. But since they were not armed and we know that the area around here is patrolled 24/7 by a pair of policemen, -- we saw two of them running toward the men that were fighting -- then it wasn’t obligatory for us to get involved. I’m sure the policemen know what their duties are in such a situation. And then, forcing a smile, he added, Do you understand, James?

What I do understand, James said angrily, is that you’re not happy having me as your new partner…because…

I’m sorry that that’s the way you feel, Jeff said interrupting his partner, but I was only trying to help you to understand that the policemen have their guidelines concerning what’s expected of them, and we detectives have ours. If we had stopped to put an end to those two men fighting, we could have missed a call to assist with something that was far more serious than two unarmed men fighting with one another. Now do you understand? I wasn’t trying to put you down.

I’m okay with that explanation if that’s really the reason that you admonished me as you did. If that’s the case, then I’m truly sorry that I misunderstood you. Then with his anger having diminished considerably, he said, As for my powers of observation…I know it’s something that I have to work on.

It pleases me to hear that, Jeff said smirking. Just then a call came for them on the police radio: ‘Det. Conradi?’ a female voice said.

Jeff smiled as he recognized the voice. Yes, Beatrice?

‘Jeff…where are you located at the moment?’

We’re on Main Street…getting ready to cross Greenfield Road.

’Good. You’re only a few blocks away. A confrontation is taking place in a mansion at 1768 South Greenfield Road. A