She Works with Killers (Book 1)

By J. E. Duke

Cold cases never sit well with any Private Investigator, and P.I. Milo Starr is no exception. When three young girls go missing under suspiciously similar circumstances, Milo begins to suspect the worst. When he finds himself running out of leads, and running out of time, he calls long-time friend, Jordan Sutton, who works in the cold case unit of the police department.

That one phone call unleashes an avalanche of reprisals from dirty cops in Jordan’s own division, who are determined to keep their illegal operation hidden from view. Working together, Sutton and Starr find themselves in the center of a cover-up of a world-wide crime ring involving kidnapping, human trafficking, murder, and other disturbing crimes. They must confront the reality that Jordan’s trusted co-workers are complicit in this crime syndicate. As they put their lives in jeopardy to rescue the missing children, Milo and Jordan manage to rekindle old feelings for each other while putting their own lives at risk. As they uncover clues they learn they can never let their guard down and Jordan can no longer deny that...SHE WORKS WITH KILLERS

• Language: English
• Publisher: J. E. Duke
• Release date: Jul 8, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311187857

J. E. Duke

J.E. Duke is an Emmy-Award-winning network television writer/producerwho has worked in all phases of the entertainment industry.His current releases:"Never Too Late for Love""Honorable Assassin""Family Lies - Generations of Deceit" a romantic mystery."She Works with Killers" a romantic mystery“Never Too Old for Love" a love story. (E-Book Only)

Book preview

Chapter 1

Milo Starr - Private Investigator

Milo Starr pulled into the underground parking garage at his office building and didn’t understand why there were so many open parking spaces. Then it hit him, it’s Saturday. He was quite exhausted because he’d been on late-night stakeouts for the past five days. His briefcase and overstuffed camera bag weighed a ton as he dragged them slowly toward the elevator. Seeing his reflection in the semi-tarnished elevator doors the thirty-ish P.I. looked like he was pushing 60 as he waited for the elevator. He pushed the up button again and again and then noticed the crumpled paper on the floor that said, OUT OF ORDER.

This was the first time in six years that that he hated having offices on the third floor. By the time he finished the climb he was really dead on his feet. He took a deep breath at the top of the stairs and slowly entered the office. His secretary and right hand, Carol Thomas saw him, and could tell he’d been out way too late again last night. She handed him his first cup of coffee and whispered, Good morning boss. Happy Saturday. Milo looked in her direction but didn’t say a word. Carol also gave him a piece of paper. Here’s your call list for today.

Milo opened his inner office door, made his way to his chair, and plopped his exhausted self into the extra-soft leather. Better bring me a gallon of coffee today. This is when the unglamorous reality of being a Private Investigator really sinks in. He looked over the call list and since nothing looked urgent, he just sat staring into space.

Carol entered with a full pot of coffee. Did you get finished last night? Yes and No, he grunted. At least I don’t have to watch the wife anymore. Carol looked a bit puzzled, so Milo began to tell her about his bizarre evening. Well, our client, Charles Houston, has been out of town for the week, and he thought this would be a perfect time for me to try to see if his wife was having an affair. He hoped that I could get photographic proof for his divorce proceedings. Milo needed coffee to help keep him on-track. I was parked across the street from Mr. Houston’s home Monday thru Thursday till at least 2 am each night, and nothing happened. She was home, alone, every evening. No visitors, nothing. But Friday was different. She threw a really big party and it was kind of strange. Carol leaned in to get the full story.

"Mrs. Houston was having a party. What I didn’t know, until later, is that all of the people were from Mr. Houston’s office. They attended because they were told that Mrs. H. was a nymphomaniac and if they attended, she would have sex with all of them. Carol’s eyes were wide open as she took it all in with a big grin on her face. Wait a minute, how did you find out about all this?"

Milo dragged himself up and began to pace around the room very slowly. He made it to the window and closed the blinds as he talked. Well…ah…after everybody left, I started to pack up my cameras and Jill scared the crap out of me when she banged on my car window. Carol scrunched up her face, Jill? Who’s Jill? Milo quickly added, Mrs. Houston, that’s her first name. She invited me in for coffee and well, I went. I told you, it was a very strange evening.

Carol smiled at her long-time boss, Sounds like it. Continue, please. Milo nodded, It seems that Jill doesn’t really want a divorce, but, she’ll get one now because she hired her own private detective to follow her husband. Carol poured him a little more coffee. Don’t stop now, this is getting good. Milo took a sip and continued. Her P.I. called last night to say that her husband wasn’t out of town but he was at a motel with his secretary. Now, you’re gonna’ love this part. OK, but hurry because you have a new client coming at two o’clock.

Ok, I’ll hurry. When Mrs. Houston got the call about her hubby she picked up the phone and called a lot of people from her husband’s office. When they arrived she told all of them to spread some gossip that she had sex with all of them. Carol looked shocked. Milo took another swig of his coffee and said, I told you it was a strange evening. I had coffee with her and she kissed me and tried to jump my bones. Carol glared at him. But, I said no. Carol couldn’t believe what she just heard. You said no? Yes, she’s a married woman. Carol turned to leave the office. You’ve been working too many late-night hours. Milo headed for his private bathroom. You may be right. She headed for her desk in the lobby. I don’t believe it. Put some water on your face and shave, quick. You have clients coming in about 15 minutes." Milo did as he was told. He used his electric razor and sort-of woke up as Carol buzzed him. Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson are here.

He took a quick look around the office, straightened up the files on his desk and responded, Please send them in. He walked to the door and welcomed his new clients.

Milo already had a few pieces of information about the Stevenson’s problem which he scribbled down during an earlier telephone consultation. Now, he wanted to see their faces as they told him the full story. Please be seated and start at the beginning. He reminded them that his policy was exactly like a lawyer or a priest, When you tell me something, it stays with me.

Mr. Stevenson showed him a photo of their fifteen-year old daughter Laura, who disappeared over two months ago. Mr. Stevenson took his wife’s hand as he spoke. "Mr. Starr, Laura was walking home from school. But she never made it. There were no witnesses and the police, so far, haven’t found anything. The detectives said they had exhausted every avenue and would soon have to send the file to the cold case unit.

Mrs. Stevenson didn’t say a word. She just kept looking at the photo of their extremely beautiful daughter. As they talked, Mrs. Stevenson couldn’t hold back the tears. She reached across the desk, touching the photo of Laura and said, Do you think you can help us, Mr. Starr? It was a very intense meeting. Milo looked at the distraught mother. I don’t know for sure. Let me look into the matter further and I’ll get back to you. Leave everything with me. The Stevenson’s started to leave. Do we owe you anything? Mr. Stevenson asked. No sir, you don’t. If I find something or think I can help, we’ll talk.

The Stevenson’s had a small file which included photos of Laura, a list of her close school friends and some paperwork from the police investigation. Milo thanked them for coming and said he would look over everything and call them soon.

Once alone, Milo felt really crappy. He knew those people needed help, but he didn’t know if he could do anything. He began to scan the police report and photos they left with him. The shot of Laura looked sort of familiar as did the police paperwork. He buzzed Carol. Carol, can you come in for a moment? It didn’t take long for her to stick her head in the office. Yes, Captain, what do you need? Carol, those people wanted to see me about their missing daughter. He held up Laura’s photo. This makes three missing-person cases we have right now, doesn’t it?

Yes, with this one, we have three. This photo reminds me of the others. Can you bring the other two files, and let’s see what they look like side-by-side? Carol left to search the file drawers and Milo picked up the police report from the desk. It wasn’t very detailed. Just a few scribbled notes. There might have been a photo attached, but it wasn’t there. He put the Stevenson’s papers to the side as he got up to pace around. It was part of his detective thing," as his secretary called it. On his third circle of the room Carol opened the door just missing his elbow.

Because I keep such good records, I found them. Sorry I can’t say the same for my boss. She handed the files to Milo with a smile. He put the three files on his desk. Thank you.

He noticed that the files looked almost identical. They were boilerplate documents filled in very quickly. The same person wrote two of them. Carol, do we have copies of all this material? She looked at him and made a face. Of course, plus it’s all backed up on our remote servers. She patted herself on back. Thank you again. I guess you want a raise, huh? Carol smiled, I like that idea. What are you seeing? All of these three girls vanished on the way home from school. They look similar, were about the same age and the reports were all signed by the same officer, Jerry Martin. I’ve known him for several years, but I don’t like him. I wonder if there are other cases that might fit this profile.

Carol looked at the paperwork. Why don’t you call Jordan Sutton, isn’t she in the cold case department? Milo nodded, "You’re right, Carol, I think she is. I haven’t talked to her in a long time. I think I might have her number." Milo checked his phone and found he did have her cell listed. She wasn’t answering. Milo left a short message. Jordan, Milo Starr here, I’ve got a question for you. Give me a call when you have a moment.

He wrapped up all the files, and decided to head home. "I’m really tired. I’ll see you on Monday. Carol said she’d lock up and see him early or late? Milo said, Let’s start late."

= = = = =

Once back at his place, he put everything out on the dining room table, opened a cold beer and started to pace around the room. He wondered if somehow these girls were connected. He started an on-line search to see if the girls were friends, but got distracted by the phone.

This is Milo Starr. Hi, Jordan. Thanks for calling. It’s been a long time. Milo could hear a smile in her voice. Hi yourself. It’s great to hear from you. How’s the P.I.biz? He took a swig of his beer, The biz is O.K. How’s my favorite police officer? I’m doing well, what’s up? Jordan, I’ve got a couple of missing persons cases that I wanted to show you. Can we meet sometime? I’ll be over your way Tuesday, how about lunch? Milo said yes if it was his treat. That’s the best kind of lunch, free. I’ll be there around one o’clock. Give me the names of the people you’re trying to find. That might speed up the process. Milo checked the photos. Sure, Laura Stevenson, Molly Howard and Pricilla Gomez.

Jordan took everything down and said she’d look into it and see him on Tuesday. Milo ended the call and immediately got another. It was Mr. Houston. Their conversation was short. Milo told him that after the entire week, he didn’t see anything that would indicate that his wife was having an affair. I’ll send you over a copy of the video, with my invoice. He scribbled, Lunch/Jordan 1pm on Tuesday, on his desk calendar, and went back to reading, pacing and his beer.

Chapter 2

The Weekend

Milo had every intention of just sleeping, eating and drinking his way through the weekend, but he kept seeing the faces of the three missing girls and hearing Mrs. Stevenson’s tearful question. He kept drinking and wondering how many missing kids there were in the world. Sleep wasn’t happening so he began to look over the files of the missing children.

Milo noticed that he missed a call on his cell phone. Mr. Starr, it’s Jill Houston, we met last night and I wondered if you had an original copy of the video you shot. If so, can I get a copy from you for my divorce proceedings? Call me when you can. He didn’t mind selling Jill a copy of the video, but he didn’t know if there was a legal precedent in play. He decided to check with his lawyer before he shared the video.

It was a sleepless weekend. He looked at the photos and read the reports over and over. Just like the old days he thought. He began to pace around doing his Milo thing and only stopped to slice a lime for his gin and tonic.

He finally fell asleep on the couch with a drink in his hand while looking at the faces of the missing kids. He found Jordan’s cell phone number and gave her a call. It went straight to voice mail. It’s Milo, call me when you have time.

When he opened his eyes in the morning, for a moment he didn’t know where he was. His back hurt because his couch wasn’t the most comfortable place to sleep. The first thing he saw was Laura Stevenson’s photo on top of the stack.

Before breakfast, he took everything off the wall and put the files back together. He headed to his favorite fast-food restaurant for a quick bite. His English muffin and coffee was interrupted by a call from Jordan. He told her about finding the same officer’s names on the three forms and asked her if she could do a search for a few other missing kids and print out their forms. She said she would look into it and would bring anything she found with her on Tuesday.

As Jordan disconnected the call she thought she detected a bit of static in the line. She just chalked it up to cell phone chatter. It wasn’t.

Chapter 3

Lunch with a Friend

It was another hard-to-get-started day. Milo and Carol got to the office at their normal 9 am, and as usual, Milo had lost track of time. He was in the middle of an Internet search for a new client when his secretary buzzed him. Milo, Officer Sutton is here. "Is it that time already? Please show her in."

Milo quickly ended his search and looked up as Jordan Sutton entered his office. She was even more attractive than he remembered. Today, she was wearing tight-fitting civilian clothes with a short jacket to cover her service weapon. Officer Sutton was wearing her long brunette hair down and was holding