The Deadly Line: A Nick Edwards Novel

By Allen E. Boekeloo

The first story is about Nick Edwards friend, who is missing from the military base Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
The second case is about a woman found in Kentucky, in a dumpster, with her head decapitated. Nick Edwards was hired to find the killer or killers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Nov 21, 2011
• ISBN: 9781466903555

Allen E. Boekeloo

I am a retired private investigator. My stories are based on true cases I had as a private investigator. The names were changed to protect the innocent. I reside in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and I am a retired military veteran (US Army).

Book preview

1

It was a very cool Friday evening. The date was March 30,1998. I was lying in Lisa’s bed with my right arm curled under her pretty head and wrapped tightly around her well-formed shoulders.

Looking up at me with her blue orbs, she said, "I wish I was going to Alaska with you, honey, but I need to be with my father and mother. I, uh, I mean we have to get re-acquainted. Hope you understand?"

I nodded.

Yes, sweetie. I do understand.

Lisa had thought her parents were dead in an explosion back in 1985. But last year both were found alive during our investigation. Her parents, Don and Katie Murray went in hiding from the mafia. Two brothers from the mafia, Rudy and Ruby, were arrested and convicted of murder and attempted murder. After serving ten years Rudy and Ruby tracked down Lisa’s parents at her high school graduation. So we’d thought. But it was a hired hit man planted a bomb in Don’s car instead.

The persons’ who’d actually died in the Murray’s vehicle were auto thieves.

It’s been a long twelve years being separated from your parents. You need to be with them and them with you.

Tears appeared from the corner of her left eye. Then the other.

Lisa’s moistened eyes stared at the high bedroom ceiling, squeezing my right hand. She said softly, "You do understand, don’t you, Snory?" She adopted my nickname ‘Snory’ the first time I had her at my place back in 1995. I probably snored once and never lived it down.

Staring at her left profile, I nodded again and said, Yes.

So much had changed in three years; Clint Douglas, our boss and president of our detective agency; (C-N-L) had retired and closed the doors to our office, which was located in a small town called

Tomah… Tomah,Wisconsin. Ninety miles northwest of Madison and about 180 miles north of Milwaukee. So I’d figured visiting an ole’ GI buddy of mine near Fairbanks, Alaska.

Lisa turned her head slightly to me, and said, How long will you be in Alaska?

I shrugged. I really don’t know. Two weeks, maybe.

While you’re away I will be looking for a place for us to live and work near my parents. Okay?

Milwaukee?

Yeah… Milwaukee. It’s a very big city. It shouldn’t be too difficult to find an office space to open our own investigative agency. And a nice house to rent. I nodded agreeably.

Lisa said, Kenosha, where my parents reside, isn’t that far from Milwaukee, is it?

I thought for a moment. No. I believe it is only fifty miles distance.

Well, that is a far cry from 230 miles. She smiled that special smile again I only can appreciate.

I grinned.

Silently, we remained in each others arms watching Law and Order. When a commercial disrupted Law and Order, Lisa spoke still staring at the boob-tube.

When is your flight scheduled?

I’ll be departing General Mitchell International Airport on Northwest Airlines, Flight 985, at seven-twenty Monday morning, April 2nd.

Non-stop to Alaska?

I wish it was non-stop, my dear. I have to arrive in Los Angeles by nine-thirty that morning and depart LA on Alaska Airlines.

That flight will take you to Fairbanks, Alaska?

Nope. I have to fly to Seattle, Washington. Arrival time, I think, should be about one that afternoon. With a two-an-half hour lay-over. Then I have to catch another flight on Alaska Airlines, now that flight will take me to Fairbanks. Arrival time, I was told, will be six-ten that evening.

Your army buddy, what is his name…

Rusty Love. He’s a Master Sergeant stationed at Fort Wainwright. About six miles from Fair-banks International Airport.

That takes me to my question… Your army buddy, MSG Love, will be picking you up from the airport, right?

Yep. We had this planned for about a month now. As soon as you and I were told Clint was retiring and closing the doors, I decided to take a vacation and visit Rusty.

Lisa became silent, deep in thought. Then she spoke, sadly.

I’m going to miss you terribly, honey.

I lifted her chin with my left forefinger, her head facing me. I said, I’m going to miss you twice as much, beautiful. I wish you were coming with me, sweetie, but you need to concentrate right now on your parents. I’ll call you as soon as I arrive in Fairbanks. Okay?

"You better, Mr. Nick Edwards. Or I… I will…"

You will what? Before she could respond, I’d covered her sweet lips with mine. With my free hand I clicked the remote Offto the T.V. And switched off the table lamp next to Lisa.

We made love in complete darkness. But our love shining brightly.

2

Lisa and I awoke at one-thirty in the morning, Monday, the day of my flight. It was a three hour drive from Tomah to Milwaukee airport. Since Lisa was planning to stay with her parents in Ken—osha, about fifty miles south of Milwaukee, she decided to drive me to the airport, spending more time together.

Over the breakfast table, Lisa asked, How long did you know Rusty?

Setting my coffee cup down in its saucer, I said, About ten years now. After Desert Storm he received orders to report to Fort Wainwright. I reported back to my unit here in Wisconsin.

So you lost contact of one another?

Yes. But only for a short time.

Dabbing the corner of her lips with her white napkin, Lisa said, How did you guys find each other again?

The Army Post newspaper had this article how to find GI buddies. It was called ‘The Finder’. You just send them a letter telling them your buddies name, rank, and last known military installation. Within months, sometimes a year, ‘The Finder’ would send you a letter informing you they located your friend.

Interesting. We stood and cleared the table. Quickly washed, dried, and put away the dishes. As quickly, we dressed.

I came out of the bedroom wearing denim jeans and jacket. The sheep wool jacket fit snuggly around my waistline. Being uncomfortable, I unbuttoned the jacket, breathing out a lot of air, letting the jacket fall open loosely.

Coming out of the bathroom, Lisa scrutinized me. Her eyes squinting.

Is there something wrong? I said.

No… No not at all. Man, you’re sexy. Maybe I should go with you to Alaska after all.

I grinned.

Where did you get those pointed boots?

They’re snake skin. I bought them at some truck stop awhile back. Nice, huh?

I’ll say. Do we have time to roll in the sack?

With or without my pointed boots?

With.

Kinky. We grabbed hands, strolled into the bedroom, and closed the door.

Nearly 3 A.M., we loaded the trunk with luggage and climbed in Lisa’s awesome sky blue Pontiac convertible. With the top up, of course. The temperature was a chilly forty degrees, but dry.

The traffic was very light. Fact of the matter, we were the only one on 90/94 eastbound. Only a few tractor-trailers drove past us at rapid speed. Lisa maintained her speed at fifty-seven miles an hour, happily. We were silent for the first half hour of our trip. The reason: I was dozing off. But

Lisa broke the silence, sort of waking me up.

About the house we’re renting, would you be comfortable of my choosing while you’re away?

Half asleep, I said, Sure, honey. I trust your taste in the matter.

But living on your own for a long time, I’m not too sure of your taste.

Sure you are. I said in my grogginess state.

I am? Lisa kept her eyes steadily on the road.

Yes. You’ve been at my apartment many times. You know what I like.

"You just sounded like the Big Bopper when you said that. ‘You know what I like’. And it is not

Chantilly Lace either." She and I grinned.

Waking up fully and sitting up straight in the leather seat, I said, Just go for it. If I don’t like it I will move out and get my own apartment.

Quickly glancing in my direction, Lisa said, That’s what I’m afraid of. I don’t want you to move out, Nick. You know, we never lived together before. It will be different and challenging for both of us. But I want to do this right. Her eyes returned to the dark deserted expressway.

All you need to do is search for a two bedroom house. I said jokingly.

Two bedrooms! Why two bedrooms? Her eyes rushed into my eyes steadily.

Watch the road, honey.

She did.

Don’t get excited, my sweets. We need the extra bedroom for your dog we were discussing about last year. You said you wanted to get a German Shepard. Right?

Oh, yeah, that. I thought you meant something else.

I patted her right leg and shook my head, grinningly.

But what if Mariah Duchess wants to sleep with us? Would you be able to handle that?

Mariah Duchess? I was confused.

That will be her name.

I forgot. You did mention you wanted to name her Mariah Duchess.

You didn’t answer my question, Snory. Would you be able to handle that?

"Only if she will understand no dogs allowed during lovemaking. Now, would you be able to handle that?"

Oh, yes. But Mariah might have a problem with it.

Then we have to train her immediately.

What… Her own bedroom or the lovemaking thing?

Both.

Both, huh? You must have a lot of confidence in the dog’s intelligence.

I said, You bet. German Shepard’s are among the most intelligent of canines.

Lisa said, You think? Her concentration on her driving was intense. So was our conversation.

Yes. If you look in the German Shepard’s mouth and check its roof, you will find dark patches. The darker the roof the more intelligent they are.

Interesting. Lisa’s fingertips were drumming the steering wheel, as if she was in very deep thought. Maybe she was. How do you know so much about dogs?

I read a lot. I said.

Um.

Then silence.

Glancing at the dashboard clock, the time read four-thirty. About three more hours remaining before take-off. That means three more hours with my Lisa. I smiled to myself.

I broke the silence.

Getting hungry?

We had a very big breakfast at home. Are you hungry again?

I’m a growing boy.

You are already weighing 220 pounds.

I just filled one leg. Now I have to fill the other.

We laughed heartedly.

Still laughing, Lisa said, Well, come to think of it, you are six-foot-four. There’s plenty there to fill up. She hesitated, thoughtfully. Then said, "Okay. We’ll pull in this restaurant coming up.

You eat. I’m only ordering coffee and maybe pie."

I smiled.

I looked at Lisa for awhile. She wasn’t paying attention to me. Too engrossed into her driving. Two weeks would be a long time away from Lisa. So I breathed in as much of her appearance as I could. Today she was wearing her blond hair in a ponytail. Her eye-shadow was spread a very light blue. Her high cheek bones were faintly red. And wearing pale pink lipstick.

Her faded blue jeans were tightly hugging her slender thighs and thin waistline. Her black windbreaker was unzipped, displaying a well-firmed breast through her pure white blouse. I was loving it. Mmmm!Um! She’s five-foot-six, and I love every inch of her.

3

Arriving before sunrise, we turned right from Howell Avenue into the airport parking structure. I looked over at Lisa as she struggled to find a parking stall on the third level.

What a busy Monday morning, Lisa said agitatedly. "Can’t find a decent parking spot. Damn.

Well, this will have to do, Nick. What time is it anyway?"

Glancing down at the dashboard clock, I said, Six-twenty-four. We still have time. Don’t fret.

Finally parked, Lisa said, Did you bring your gun with you?

No.

Why not?

This is a vacation. Not business. I don’t think I need protection. Besides, it would’ve been a hassle getting the gun through security.

Um, you’re right.

Before climbing out of Lisa’s convertible, we held each other tightly. We whispered into each others ear I love you and kissed a long kiss.

Pulling away gently, Lisa said, Please be careful. And stay away from grizzly and polar bears and any other wild animals, alright?

Sure, honey.

I mean it. I know how you are. You’re dangerously curious. You thrive on adventure.

I know, I know. Trouble follows me everywhere. I don’t need to look for it.

That’s another reason I’ll be worried about you. Did you bring your double-bladed knife with you at least?

Nope. I pulled Lisa closer to me. Don’t worry. I’ll be just fine. You be careful yourself.

What could happen to me?

I gazed into Lisa blue eyes, squeezing her firm shoulders. Then I said, Just be careful and enjoy your parents company. And tell them I said hi, okay?

Her eyes blinked, nodding slowly.

Before Lisa and I said our final goodbyes, I told her the name of the hotel I’ll be staying in Fair-banks. I reminded her I’d be calling her as soon as I can.

I sat in my reserved seat, coach-style. Couldn’t afford First Class. So here I was sitting in Row 12, Seat A, next to the window, viewing the left wing and its silver flaps before take-off.

My very last image of Lisa; she was waving me goodbye sadly. But she tried maintain a smile, just to make me feel good, I guess. Boy! I was missing her already.

The song of a male country/western singer came to mind; ‘Silver wings shining in the sunlight. roaring engines slowly fading out of sight . . .’ Then another song popped into my mind; ‘North to Alaska . . .’ It would seem like there was a song for every thing we did and felt. I’d pondered that for awhile. Then I flipped my left wrist and glanced at my watch. Time was 7:31. Flight # 985 was slowly moving toward the runway. I scanned the back of the seat in front of me for some reading material. But a stout older man with thick white hair, who sat next to me had a magazine in his lap, the other magazine in his fat hands, nose buried into it. Hog I mumbled to myself.

Boredom set in. So I decided to hum that song again; ‘North to Alaska’.

After humming that song to the end my thoughts flashed to my army buddy, MSG Love. It had been at least six years I’d seen him last. But we kept in touch with each other by phone and letters.

Mostly letters. I forgot what he looked like. Hope I recognize him. I must. He’s supposed to pick me up from the airport. I chuckled to myself. What if we don’t recognize each other? We’ll be par-ading the airport until it closes for the night. Ah! The last two people in the airport…

Would we then be able to recognize one another? Um. The only features I remember he’s African-American and bald.

That thought vanished from my mind when the plane jerked forward and the engines roared. We were bouncing in our seats as the big bird rumbled over the grooved runway. Looking down at my seatbelt, I tugged at the strap one last time.

Looking down through the small square window, the City of Milwaukee slowly diminished to ant-sized figures. Cars, trucks, trains, buildings and people were nothing but small dots. Then the small dots disappeared as we ascended through white fluffy clouds.

At 25,000, maybe 28,000 feet, the Boeing 727 leveled. The white fluffy stuff was underneath us now with blue sky surrounding us joyfully. The gold-yellowish sun gleamed brightly, shooting its brightness from the tip of the left wing into my eyes. I squinted. I took my dark-tinted sunglasses from inside my denim jacket pocket and slipped them on.

Soon as the seatbelt light went off, I unbuckled the strap and reclined my seat.

Comfy.

4

Twenty minutes before landing in LA, I awoke by a good-looking female Flight Attendant.

"Sir,