The Cases We Never Mention - Murder, Mayhem and a Mermaid (Book 4)

By J. E. Duke

THE CASES WE NEVER MENTION
Murder – Mayhem and a Mermaid (Book 4)
For a pair of Private Investigators who love being in the spotlight and find themselves being talked and written about on television, radio, the internet, and the tabloids, having cases they don’t want to mention or brag about, is very different for Jordan Sutton and Milo Starr.

There have been quite a few cases that Sutton and Starr never mention above a whisper. This novel is a collection of those cases.

An unfaithful spouse because of a bizarre chain of events, the insurance fraud game that goes sour, messages from deep space, plus a few other storylines to amaze and confuse... and let’s not forget their encounter with the Mermaid.

You have the right to believe or not believe these stories, but they come directly from Sutton and Starr’s filing cabinets. I know, at times, they might seem stranger than fiction.

We’re investigating a world that may appear to be a combination of Supermarket Tabloid and Believe It or Not, where you don’t know who or what will enter your office looking for help. It’s the job of the P.I. to not make a judgment but to believe what your clients say and help them where you can.

You, as a reader, however, can pick and choose what you elect to believe.

Media note: Sutton and Starr will not do interviews based on what is written here. Remember, until now, THESE ARE THE CASES THEY NEVER MENTION.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J. E. Duke
• Release date: May 23, 2020
• ISBN: 9780999332962

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

BOOKS BY J.E. DUKE

Sutton & Starr Detective Mysteries

The Cases We Never Mention

(Book 4)

Million-Dollar Fraud

(Book 3)

Honorable Assassin

(Book 2)

She Works with Killers

(Book 1)

~ ~ ~

A Lifetime of Love

(A Broadway Love Story)

Never Too Late for Love

(Contemporary Romance)

Family Lies

(Generations of Deceit)

~ ~ ~

Never Too Old for Love

(E-Book Only)

All books are available in both print and digital versions.

CONTENTS

BOOKS BY J.E. DUKE

Prologue

1. Wednesday

2. Thursday – 10:30 AM

3. What Are the Odds?

4. Thursday Evening

5. Friday – Morning

6. Little White Lies

7. Saturday Afternoon and Evening

8. Sunday

9. Back to Work

10. Getting Busy

11. Stake-Out Time

12. The Encounter

13. Another Strange Day

14. Waiting and Watching

15. Danger Zone

16. Video Evidence

17. The Final Letter

18. Is It Friday, Yet?

19. Mrs. Baldwin’s Home

20. Investigation Continues

21. 5:22 AM

22. A Non-Typical Day

23. Next Case, Please

24. Off to the Grotto

25. Time to Relax

26. Pool Side Encounter

27. Shopping Day Again

28. Vacation Continued

29. A Trip to the Morgue

30. Video #5

31. Back to Work

32. Eleven Cents from Beyond

33. Milo Did It!

Author’s Notes

About the Author

BONUS FEATURE

PROLOGUE

Jordan Sutton and Milo Starr have been together day and night for almost three years. They seem to love eating, sleeping, and working together, and neither has considered tying the knot. Their business has been strong and steady. If a rating system for Private Investigators existed, Sutton and Starr would be at the top of the list with a 5-star ranking. That’s because they’ve solved some extremely complicated, high-profile cases, and became media darlings because of their stylish work and out of the box thinking.

Carol, whose official title is office manager/secretary and resident busy body, has been active over the years filling several scrapbooks with newspaper and magazine stories about the exploits of S & S, as she calls them. Carol also has a file on her computer detailing their mentions on social media and a second file where she’s stored all their radio and television interviews. These files are huge.

~ ~ ~

It was another dreary Monday, and Milo was, as usual, sleepy and yawning. Carol asked if he and Jordan had been playing house again last night. Milo grunted and managed a quiet Yeah. She laughed and returned to her desk, saying, That’s why you look like you’re eighty-five and ready for the ‘home’. Milo knew she was right because his reflection in the mirror opposite his desk proved he had a love hangover caused by too much late-night fun. He yawned and managed to ask, Carol, how many open cases do we have right now?

She instantly knew the answer, Four, your Majesty. I sent you a list. Do you want another copy? Milo mumbled another feeble, Yes. Okay, check your computer in one-minute, and ye shall have it, Sire. Boss, where’s the other boss? The pretty one. Milo heard a slight beep from his computer and clicked on the current case list attached. Jordan is out buying a pair of shoes; she broke a heel. He was looking over their list of open cases when Carol buzzed him, "I’ve got Syd from The L.A. Times on line one for you and Jordan just arrived."

Milo waved at his partner as he took the call. Hi, Syd. How’s the newspaper biz? He listened and said, No, sorry, we don’t have any newsworthy cases at this time. When I get something exciting, Jordan and I will give you a heads-up for sure. He turned his attention to the list of cases Carol had sent and stopped when he saw his partner.

Jordan flew into his office with shopping bags lining both arms and asked, Who are we getting back to? Milo looked at the results of her spending spree. "Syd at The Times. What did you buy? Jordan sat and began to unbox and model her new shoes. Carol, come look. For the next half-hour, it was, How do you like this pair? and What do you think of this style?"

Milo couldn’t stand the chatter and went to the lobby for coffee. When he returned, he had to step over the pile of boxes and tissue paper. How many shoes did you buy? Jordan held up a sleek red pair, None yet, I have them all on consignment. Should I get this red pair? Milo said yes, but he wasn’t really paying attention. Carol took a phone call, Yes, they are both available at two this afternoon. Good, we’ll see you then. Thanks for calling Sutton and Starr. She turned to Jordan, Better get this cleaned up. You guys have a new client coming over soon.

Milo wanted to know what kind of case. Carol said, I’m going to put numbers on everything from now on. Murder will be number one, two, kidnapping, three, insurance fraud, four, unfaithful spouse. You get the idea? Jordan asked, Okay, what number is the two-o’clock meeting? Carol left, saying, Number four!

Milo groaned, This town is full of unfaithful people, which is good for business, but bad for us because those cases usually require nightly surveillance. Jordan continued to pack up her shoes as she did a fake version of Milo’s voice, And Carol, you know how I hate to sit in a car all night and look at a house. My butt hurts so much in the morning, I can hardly walk. He laughed at her impression of him.

Do I sound like that? Carol stuck her head in the room. Yes, you do. Great work, Jordan. If I hadn’t peeked, I wouldn’t have guessed it wasn’t him. Milo was also laughing, Well, let’s hope this one is different, or maybe, we enlist Carol into our next surveillance operation.

NOTE: The cases mentioned in this volume might seem mundane and humdrum, but as Jordan and Milo learn, they are far from routine. Each case borders on the outlandish or impossible to believe. That’s why Sutton and Starr call them

THE CASES WE NEVER MENTION!

CHAPTER 1

Wednesday

"Honey, I’m home. Jordan greeted her partner with a cold beer. Welcome back from stakeout city. Are you finished? Milo dumped his duffle bag on the floor. Yes, I’m finished. I called Carol and gave her the details. I’ll talk to the husband again tomorrow, and then she’ll send him the invoice. Jordan wondered if there was anything unusual about this cheating wife. Milo took a large swallow of his beer and collapsed on the couch. Well, yes and no. Jordan sat on the floor and began to untie his shoes. Okay, spill it."

The wife is having an affair with…ah, with the husband’s boss. Jordan pulled off one shoe, We’ve seen that before. Yes, we have, but this time is different. It’s a case of extortion. The wife did it so her husband would get to keep his new job. Jordan wondered how long this had been going on. Ever since the husband got his promotion, about two months ago. Jordan looked at Milo, who was beginning to doze off. How are you gonna finish this one? He handed his beer bottle to Jordan and leaned back on the sofa.

I already took care of it. I shot a lot of photos of them together and met with the wife to tell her my plan. Milo yawned as he continued, I dropped by the husband’s office and showed the photos to his boss. I told the guy that he had to stop messing with the wife, or she was going to report him to the police, and the photos would be available for all to see. The boss was extremely upset by the threat and promised that he’d stop. Then I re-visited the wife and told her what I did. Jordan took their bottles to the kitchen. And then what happened? Was the wife happy? When Jordan didn’t get an answer, she looked and saw that Milo was fast asleep on the couch. She checked her watch and couldn’t believe it. It’s only eight-thirty, and he’s zonked out. She dimmed the living room lights and moved into the bedroom.

~ ~ ~

When his phone rang at ten-thirty PM, Milo’s first reaction was that it might be his secretary calling because there was an emergency. It wasn’t Carol. The call was from an unknown number. Hi, this is Milo Starr, who’s calling? It was Paul Davis, the Chief of Police from Paradise Grotto, California, who asked, Can you and Jordan come up here tomorrow? I need your help. Chief Davis said he had a dead body that required Sutton and Starr’s brand of private investigation.

Come tomorrow and stay over the weekend. I need your help, and I’m sure you could use a free mini-vacation. Milo liked the idea but wondered what the rush was all about. I’ll send you photos of the body, then you’ll understand. If you can make it, call me back tonight and text me when you get here. I’ve requested a suite for you at the Grotto Hotel, and I’ll meet you there as soon as you arrive. Milo told him to send the photos, I’ll look and call you either way.

THURSDAY, 5:30 AM

GOOD MORNING

Milo finished packing his carry-on case. Jordan, are you ready? He heard a muffled sound from the bathroom and assumed she wasn’t. He closed his bag and placed it by the front door. Coffee time, he thought. While he was in the process of getting a hot cup of dark water, his phone rang. Caller I.D. displayed CAROL. Good morning, office manager to the stars, what’s up? Carol thanked Milo for the late-night text telling her about their quickie out of town adventure. I just wanted to wish you a happy weekend. She thanked them for the time off. Will you be in the office on Monday? Milo told her they would be there unless this case is so involved that they would have to stay longer. But I don’t think so. Stay home, go shopping. We’ll call you. Bye.

As soon as he disconnected Carol’s call, another call rang through. Hi, this is Milo Starr. He listened and said, We’ll leave soon, look for us in about four hours. Chief, I’ll call you as soon as we arrive. Jordan entered from the bedroom, asking, Who called? Carol? Milo looked to see if his partner was dressed and smiled because she looked ready to travel. No. That was the Police Chief asking when we would be arriving. Carol called a few minutes ago.

Jordan picked up a cup and held it out for Milo, Fill ‘er up, please. What time did you tell him? Four hours. Are you packed? Jordan sipped her coffee, I’m ready. I packed late last night. My cases are in my closet. Milo asked, Cases? How many are you taking? Jordan held up two fingers. We’re only going for three days. Do you really need two suitcases?

Jordan snarled at her partner, A girl likes to be ready for everything. Suppose her boyfriend/partner wants to take her to a fancy dinner; a girl has to be prepared. Milo shut up and finished his coffee. Let’s get on the road clothes horse; we’ve never been where we’re going, and there might be traffic. They secured the condo and lugged their bags to the car. He put her two overstuffed bags in the trunk next to his one small carry-on, and moments later, they were off for a long weekend away from the office.

Their destination was The Paradise Grotto Hotel up the California Coast from their West L.A. condo. The semi-long drive was fun because they were breaking their usual cycle of sleep, office, work, dinner, sleep, and repeat. Jordan asked, Who called us for help? Milo turned up the volume on his GPS so he could hear the lady in the box as he called her, give directions. We got a call from Police Chief Paul Davis in Paradise Grotto, asking if we would help him out on a case. Jordan took off her shoes and tried to get comfortable. Okay, why us?

Milo shrugged, He said he’d read about us in the papers and met us at the P.I. Conference in Honolulu. He thought that the techniques we used in past cases would help us help him. He didn’t go into detail, but he did send photos of the body. They’re on my phone. Hey, we get an all-expense paid weekend at a swanky hotel, which I checked out online, and I think you’re going to enjoy the trip. Did you bring a swimsuit? Jordan gave him her, what do you think face. I packed three, just in case. She grabbed his phone and looked at the photos without saying a word.

Jordan handed back the phone and asked, She’s young, and it looks like she’s wearing a costume, right? Milo kept driving and without batting an eye, answered, I asked that question, and the Chief told me it’s not a costume, it’s her skin. Jordan was suddenly extremely excited and looked at the photos again. Okay, if this isn’t an elaborate practical joke, and that’s real skin, then make this car go faster because we’re about to meet a real mermaid! Hurry!

CHAPTER 2

Thursday – 10:30 AM

Milo nudged his sleeping beauty as they passed the Welcome to Paradise Grotto sign. Time to fluff your hair…we’re here. Jordan asked, as she always did on long drives, Was I sleeping? She squinted as she checked her hair because it was very bright and clear outside. Milo smiled, I’m proud of you because you didn’t ask me to stop once to use a bathroom. Jordan stretched as she muttered, That’s what I need to do pretty soon. Milo followed the signs to the Grotto Hotel and turned onto the town’s main drag. He and Jordan surveyed the shops as they rolled slowly down the street; one shop caught Jordan’s eye. I need to go in there.

SHEELA SELLS SEASHELLS

Jewelry from the Sea

Milo didn’t pay too much attention to the stores of what seemed like a sleepy little town where not much happens. At the end of the street, they pulled into the Grotto Hotel’s parking lot, which overlooked a beautiful bay and marina. When they stepped into the lobby, Milo realized that this place looked as upscale as any five-star hotel anywhere. Jordan meandered through the entry with floor to ceiling windows that looked out on a glistening white sandy beach, and a marina where several expensive yachts were moored. Milo, this is a great location. I’m glad we came.

The hotel’s receptionist handed them key cards and two cocktail napkins. Give these to the bartender. A free welcome drink is a great way to begin your stay with us. Jordan took the napkins and smiled as she said, Let’s go to our room. They strolled to the elevator, while Milo sent a text to the Chief telling him they had arrived.

As soon as they opened the door to their mini-suite, Miss Sutton zoomed to the bathroom, and Milo opened the curtains to admire the view. This place is beautiful, and the free drink is a nice perk. Jordan yelled, It’s just like the first-class Las Vegas hotels, without the slot machines, of course. Milo opened his bag and hung the two shirts he had packed in the closet. The front desk called to tell them that Chief Davis was in the lobby. We’ll be right down. He took Jordan’s arm, Time to work. She left her bags on the floor, and off they went.

Chief Paul Davis, complete with pistol belt, met them in the lobby. You probably don’t remember meeting me at the investigator’s convention in Hawaii, but I remember you two. He directed his conversation to Jordan. I liked hearing how you transitioned from the LAPD to life as a Private Detective. Jordan was flattered that her convention speech was memorable. The Chief said, Let’s go. I want you to see what I found. You received the photos, right? Jordan told him that they had looked at the pictures, But it was hard to believe what we saw.

They walked up the avenue passing the row of small businesses. Several caught Jordan’s eye, especially the jewelry store. The Chief led them down a small alley and stopped at the back entrance of the veterinarian’s office. He asked them to wait while he unlocked the door from the inside but seemed shocked to find that the door was already unlocked. He opened the alley door and wondered why it wasn’t locked. Our town is small; we don’t have a coroner or a morgue, only a family doctor, a dentist, and Doctor Cox, our vet.

Chief Davis closed the alley door and touched the front of the oversized refrigerated container. This is the only cold place I could think of. Before he pulled the handle, he turned to his guests and in a demanding tone, said, I want you to keep what you’re about to see to yourselves. If anyone gets wind of this, we could be overrun with Bigfoot-type people, and we don’t need that kind of publicity. Milo looked at his partner. We never share any private details about our cases with anyone, not even our secretary. The Chief looked relieved as he opened the door, but two seconds later, things changed when he saw the body was gone! The Chief scooped up a rumpled green sheet off the floor, and angrily flung it on the empty gurney, What the hell is going on? I put the body in here late yesterday, a few hours before I called you. Wait here, I want to talk with Doctor Cox.

While they were alone, Milo looked around the refrigerated room. He picked up the green sheet and shoved it in a plastic bag. It smells like fish. Moments later, the Chief returned, Doctor Cox said nobody’s been back here all day, and the alley door was locked, too. He always checks it when he closes up for the day. I have no idea where the body went. Any ideas? Milo handed Jordan the bag containing the green sheet, Well, let’s start with how and where you found it.

They walked down the street toward the water as the Chief told them how he came to find the body. I just got home Wednesday and was about to grab a beer when I received a call saying hotel guests were complaining about a loud party on the beach near the marina. It’s not the first time it’s happened, this is a vacation destination, and people tend to party a little.

They reached the end of the street and crossed the parking lot. "When I arrived, I parked near the rock formations and didn’t find anything going on, it was quiet, the party was over. I looked around a