Nasty Nevin

By Jennifer Lewis Williams

Nasty Nevin is the bizarre second book in the Mickey Stanislawsky Mystery series presenting more unsettling crimes & characters.

Murders in Peaceton, Texas have a habit of happening around important events in Detective Mickey Stanislawsky’s life. This time, it’s as she’s heading out to celebrate her birthday with her friends and coworkers.

At the same time, a new parolee risks her freedom to nurture a vendetta against anyone named Stanislawsky. Allies unknown to Mickey try to stop the trouble heading her way, but the parolee is determined.

While Mickey works her case, two more women are found dead, and they appear to have a connection to the first victim. She’s all but solving this alone, as her partner, Detective Daniel Ladenster, is increasingly scarce. He’s got secrets of his own, secrets that force Mickey to defend them both from certain death.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jennifer Lewis Williams
• Release date: Aug 5, 2020
• ISBN: 9781734095517

Jennifer Lewis Williams

Jennifer Lewis Williams, a recently retired lawyer, spent the last twenty years handling criminal cases, and believes she has insight about why criminals do what they do and why some individuals betray those closest to them. A Kansas native, she resides in a Dallas suburb with her furry friends: a cantankerous and moody Chihuahua and a rescued Siamese cat. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Southwest Chapter, Sisters in Crime (national), and Sisters in Crime North Dallas. She loves reading science fiction, mysteries, and tales about the Old West.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The air clung to Mickey’s skin like plastic wrap. She swatted at something that buzzed close to her ear and scowled. Hurry up, Boomer! The chocolate Labrador continued hunting for the perfect spot to empty his bowels. Something scraped her ankle. She smacked the small bug and jumped off the concrete picnic table. Damn bugs , she thought. It’s November and they’re not dead yet?

While the sun completed its descent, she thought about Daniel Herndon, her first murder case, solved months ago. Would she ever get the chance to lead another murder investigation? Not that she wanted anyone to die. She did like the calmer pace that living and working in Peaceton provided, as opposed to working in the City of Dallas, but she was tired of helping work burglary and robbery cases, which was mostly what happened in Peaceton.

Boomer returned to her side and pressed his wet nose against her calf. Aww, is that my birthday kiss, kind sir? She rubbed his head and attached his leash. Today, November 12, 2004, was Mickey’s thirty-third birthday. We can’t believe it’s November, can we, boy? Too damn hot is what it is. As she walked Boomer toward the park entrance, she reflexively hesitated before crossing the street to her condo. It had been seven months since Boomer had been hit by that Escalade and nearly died. She had wanted to talk with the owner of that vehicle, a low-level drug dealer named Sylk Van Horne, but her partner had said there was no need. He said Van Horne had reported the vehicle stolen days before Boomer had been hit.

When Mickey had Boomer settled with fresh water and food in his bowls, she quickly showered and slipped into a red dress that barely covered her knees. She wore her curly hair loose behind a narrow chain-like headband. The doorbell chimed. That girl is always right on time, she thought. She yanked open the front door.

How’s the birthday girl? Alice Greenberg kissed Mickey’s cheek.

Fine. You sure you’re up for this? Mickey pointed to the living room sofa. Let me get my purse.

I’ll have you know that I can actually have a good time without drinking! Alice laughed, then stopped when Boomer walked toward her. Ooooo, how’s Boomer this fine evening? She let him lick her face.

He’ll never forget his first mamma, laughed Mickey as she snatched a black purse and jacket.

He can probably smell Lucy on me. Alice stood up. It’s still warm out, so you won’t be needing that.

You know that place is going to be packed on a Saturday night.

And?

And that means they’ll crank up that air. I’m not about to freeze just to look cute.

And cute you do look in that red dress—quite different from your day wear.

Very funny, Officer Greenberg. Mickey moved toward the front door. And I must say you look ravishing in that green dress.

What can I say, I like green—for obvious reasons.

You okay being my designated driver tonight? I mean…

Of course! It’s your special day and I want you to be free to get wasted. That’s what friends are for.

Thanks, Alice.

Besides, you’ve done it for me a thousand times.

Only a few that I can recall. They both laughed.

Seven minutes after Alice steered her black Mercedes toward the sports bar, Mickey’s cell phone buzzed. Hello. When? Did you already call Laddy? He’s probably at the Fox and can’t hear his phone. Yeah, I’m with Alice and… Mickey nodded to Alice, who, without saying a word, made a U-turn and headed toward the Peaceton Police Department. Mickey searched the glove box for pen and paper, which she knew Alice always kept. She jotted down an address. Yes, I’m on my way. Thanks for the birthday wishes.

Alice sighed. So where to?

West edge of Lake Clemson. Girl found in underbrush.

A kid?

Didn’t say. When we get there, try calling Laddy. He’s probably already at the party.

They arrived at the north side of Lake Clemson at exactly 10:12 p.m. Several squad cars illuminated a grove of short bushes and underbrush. Three officers stepped carefully as they hung yellow police tape around a large area from the bushes to two tall trees about one hundred yards away. As they got out of the car, both Mickey and Alice removed their badges from their purses and held them up for the other officers to see.

Hey Dennis, what we got? Mickey stepped carefully through the grass leading up to the officers. She nodded toward the tallest one.

Jogger called it in. Found her about an hour ago. He’s over there.

Mickey glanced toward three cannister-shaped lights near a group of trees where the officer pointed. Why’s he out this late jogging? An athletic-looking man with gray hair and muscled calves squatted near one of the trees the officers had strung police tape around. He stroked the fur of a huge German Shepherd that sat regally near him. Let’s see her.

Mickey followed the officer through prickly bushes, keeping her eyes on the flashlight beam along the path. About ten feet inside the undergrowth lay a young woman, face up, eyes permanently staring at the stars. Bloody puncture wounds on her forearms, neck, and chest were matted with leaves and dirt.

Mickey knelt close to the body, taking care to smooth her short dress around her thighs. The dead woman was dressed in a halter top and spandex skirt that had been pulled up to her waist. She wore no underwear. Her shoes were still on both feet, and she wore a watch on one wrist and a charm bracelet on the other. Her hair appeared dark brown or black with matted dirt and leaves intertwined in the long, straight strands.

Did anyone call Shaun? Mickey studied the woman’s fingers. One red fingernail was missing from her left hand.

Yeah, the M.E.’s sending someone over. Didn’t talk to him directly though because he was at some party tonight.

Yeah, my party.

What?

He’s at the Fox, I’m guessing. My birthday party is, or was, tonight.

Explains the dress.

Yep. Was anything found around? Like a purse or anything showing who she might be?

Nothing that we could find. But we’re still combing the area.

Mickey nodded toward the trees one hundred yards away. Big area?

Yeah, we did that because Davis said there’s some car tracks and shoe prints by the trees. We think maybe somebody dumped her.

Or someone drove her here and then killed her here, said Mickey. Won’t know that until Shaun’s guys get here. She stood up. What’s his name? She pointed toward the man who had found the body.

Name’s Jeph Denneshen, age fifty-two, lives at 3146 Pacific Way Circle, and that’s his dog, Sarge. Says he runs with Sarge three times a week. I’m guessing Sarge found the body.

Mickey smiled at the officer. I figured that. She headed toward the man.

Mr. Denneshen, I’m Detective Meshelle Stanislawsky. I understand you found the body. She held out her hand. Yeah, I know I don’t look like a cop at the moment.

Yes, well, Sarge here found the poor woman. He gripped her hand and held it.

She felt her stomach tighten as his eyes bored through her chest. She looked down. Beautiful dog. She held the back of her hand out toward the dog, who sniffed and then licked her hand. The dog moved a step closer to her.

Sarge, sit, commanded the man. She never does that.

So, Sarge is a girl. Mickey watched the dog sit at attention and look at her. She’s an obedient one, isn’t she? Probably smells my Lab.

Yes, well, most people are afraid to get too close to her.

I can see that. She’s very alert. So, Mr. Denneshen, can you walk me through how you found her? The body, I mean.

Please, call me Jeph. Only my students refer to me as Mister.

Is he trying to pick me up? Certainly, Jeph. Want to go through it for me? She sucked in her stomach muscles as she stood up straighter. As a soft breeze carried the scent of sandalwood to her nostrils, she inhaled. How can he smell this good after jogging?

Well, I run with Sarge several times a week. Three times to be exact, and Friday nights are always when we run at the lake, come rain or shine.

He is in great shape. Fifty-two? He looks a lot younger than that. Can you tell me where in the park you started out and what route you took?

I live east of the lake, about three miles away, so I always enter on the east edge and travel around the lake that way. I head south usually and come up to the west and then go up to the northern edge and around to where I started. We normally run that route three times before heading home. That gives Sarge a good workout, and she usually leaves me alone for the rest of the night.

She relaxed her stomach muscles. She liked his manner. So at what point did you notice the woman?

Oh, yes, well, we hadn’t made it but a few strides when Sarge shot off the trail and went into that brush over there. She started barking but wouldn’t come back when I called her. So I had to go get her. That’s when I saw the woman.

Did you touch her? Did Sarge touch her—with her nose or anything?

No, no. I didn’t touch her. Sarge didn’t either. She just barked and barked to get me to come find her.

May I ask what you do, Mister—I mean Jeph?

I teach philosophy at Creither College.

Mickey handed him her card. I know they have your information, so here’s mine. I’ll let you know if we need anything else.

Thank you, Detective. I’d be happy to help in any way that I can. Do call me please.

Mickey removed her hand from his grasp. Thank you, Mister Denneshen. She turned around and walked back to Alice, who stood with the other officers.

Beautiful. Alice looked toward the dog and man.

Yes she is.

Huh? I’m talking about the man. Maybe he’s single. Alice smiled at Mickey.

What? Mickey blinked several times. I thought you meant—I was talking about the dog.

Sure you were. That man was cute—and built.

I didn’t notice. Shaun’s guys have flipped her over. Mickey moved away from Alice as men from the medical examiner’s office placed plastic bags on the woman’s hands and feet, removed her shoes and put them in a larger plastic bag, and gathered an earring that was on the ground under the woman’s left shoulder.

Alice grunted. Are we sticking around until they’re done, or heading to the station? There’s nothing for you really while they’re here.

Mickey nodded. I’m going to stick around and see what they come up with before they remove the body. I can get a ride back with someone if you need to go.

Of course not. On your birthday? I’m your designated driver whether you’re missing your party or waiting on a dead girl.

You’re a mess, Alice. Thanks.

Besides, we can check to see if there’s been a missing person’s report on anyone lately once they’re done.

Mickey nodded. And we will do just that.

Daniel Ladenster slurped the last mouthful of bourbon and thumped the glass on the counter. He accepted the freshly rolled cigarette held out to him. You didn’t have to throw in extra this month, you know. Yeah Sylk, I know you like me to acknowledge your phony generosity.

Yes I did, Laddy. Just showing you my appreciation for that heads-up about Danté.

You know I love those Benjamins. Ladenster blew out a wobbly smoke ring.

Good thing you’re on my side.

I’m not on anybody’s side. You my information highway, remember, and not the other way around. He closed his eyes as he perched on a stool at the kitchen counter. I gotta be very careful here, Sylk. I mean, all we got is narcotics and burglaries, so we kind of focus on that.

You need to thank God there ain’t been no murders up in Peaceton lately.

True. Since my partner wrapped up that mess with those church folks, we’ve been fresh out of murders in my little suburb.

And me and Hazelton intend to keep it that way, too!

Ladenster laughed. And keep my name out of all y’all’s mouths, too. He crushed the last of the cigarette into a foil coaster.

Don’t we always. Sylk poured more bourbon into Ladenster’s glass.

Can’t, said Ladenster as he stood up. I gotta be at a party and I certainly can’t show up drunk before I get there.

Ooooo, I like parties. Is it too late to join you?

It’s Mickey’s birthday at the Fox and you ain’t even invited.

Definitely not going to a cop bar. But you can give your fine, sexy partner a birthday kiss from me. Sylk laughed.

She’d try to slap me hard if I did that on your behalf. Ladenster hopped off the stool. Besides, I don’t think she likes you very much. He laughed out loud when he saw the pained look on Sylk’s face.

Whatever would make you say such a thing? Of course she likes me. Everybody likes me. I’m harmless.

No, I’m real sure she doesn’t. I had to really convince her to let me question you about that damn Escalade business. He watched Sylk brush imaginary lint from his sleeve.

Oh that. It wasn’t my fault. That was Danté and Twilly and God knows who else that decided to stalk her and got her poor puppy instead.

Lucky for all y’all that Boomer healed up completely. Ladenster moved toward the front door. Or she would still be on the warpath.

And lucky for you, too, that she knows nothing about our little arrangement. I’m definitely gonna make sure to keep it that way.

We all will. Alright, I’m out. I’ll let you know if there’s anything you need to know. Ladenster opened the front door.

Have fun at your police party.

Ladenster did not bother to respond. He drove straight to the Fox, not realizing it was already after midnight; Mickey’s birthday had passed. When he went inside, five huge television screens blasted a replay of the Georgia Tech versus Virginia football game. The place was still full of people who were drinking and talking loud. Ladenster did not see Mickey or Alice or anyone else he recognized. After a short conversation with one of the bartenders, he learned the officers had left about thirty minutes before Ladenster had arrived and that one of the officers said the birthday girl never showed up. Ladenster sat at the bar and nursed a lone beer for almost an hour, going over in his mind what he would say to Mickey about missing her party. He left when he heard the bartender give a five-minute warning to close.

As he drove away, he checked his cell phone for messages. There was one message from the police dispatcher and two messages from Mickey. She said there was a dead body found at Lake Clemson; she was on the scene with Alice; she apologized for missing her own birthday party; and she was heading to the station and would meet him there. She asked him to tell everyone at the party why she would not be there. Ladenster looked at the dashboard. The clock said, Saturday, November 13, 2004, 2:15 a.m. He considered in which scenario would Mickey be the least mad: if he waited until daylight to meet her at the station, or if he went there now. Because she had already been to the scene, Captain Holford would no doubt assign the case to her. Besides, he thought, maybe she’s at home. Or maybe I should call her first. He decided the best course of action was to go home and wait until morning to face her.

Mickey flipped through several papers on a worn clipboard and sighed. She looked across her desk at Alice, who was sitting in Ladenster’s chair. We have three missing persons and two missing dogs. Nobody fits our victim.

Maybe we should ask Dallas if they have any open missing. Alice sipped her coffee.

Good idea.

You might want to wait until at least eight o’clock to do that, said Ladenster as he strolled into the room. He stopped at his desk and looked at Alice. Would you mind?

Alice stood up and grinned at him. Not at all. Can’t wait to hear where you were. Oh, and not at the Fox, right? She turned toward Mickey. I got my own work to do. Talk to you lovelies later. She spun around and went in the direction of the front desk.

So, you missed your own birthday party. Bummer. Ladenster sat down and rested his hands in his lap.

Seems like you missed it too, said Mickey. I know he thinks I’m mad, but I’m not. He’s got to learn I’m not emotionally invested in him anymore. I’ve moved on. That’s life, isn’t it? All we got are robberies and loud music complaints for months and then have a major murder on my birthday. She looked into his eyes. Some people are so inconsiderate.

So, need any help?

Not yet. Got to ID her first.

So, I’m assuming the captain assigned Lake Clemson to you—since you were on the scene, I mean.

Yep. Talked with him last night. We’ve got nothing matching her here, so I’ll check with Dallas and she if she’s a match there.

Sounds good. I’ll get cracking on that Presbyterian robbery until you can locate an ID.

Okay. Mickey shuffled the pages on the clipboard. I’ll let you know what I find out.

As Ladenster walked away, Mickey picked up the desk phone and called the Dallas Police Department, clicking the top of her pen up and down while she waited.

Yes, this is Detective Meshelle Stanislawsky. Oh hi, Leonard. Yes, it was. Thanks. You never ask a lady her age. She laughed. Honestly, I don’t mind. I’ve been on the planet for thirty-three years. Absolutely, I’m still unmarried! I’m waiting on you to divorce your lovely wife. She laughed harder. You’re one of the few men who doesn’t advocate for a younger model.

Mickey chatted for a few more minutes before she said, I know you heard about our Jane Doe this morning. I faxed over how we found her. You got anything for me? She scribbled down a name and address. Thanks. That’s in West Dallas, right? Okay, you sending someone to meet me there? Good. I’m leaving now. She hung up the phone as Alice walked by on her way to the break room.

Alice, we might have a match with DPD. Missing person reported out of West Dallas, maybe. I’m going to see about it now, so let the captain know.

Need any help? I’d be glad to go with.

No, they’re sending me somebody. He’ll meet me there—since it’s in their jurisdiction.

I’ll let the captain know, if he asks.

Tell Laddy I’ll update him when I know something. Mickey grabbed her gun and badge and left the station.

Nevin crept down the stairs, listening after every step. When he got to the bottom, he heard his sister demand, Nevin Allen Hempstead, where were you all night?

He flashed the most charming smile he could muster. What you mean, Charleene? I was here last night.

You was not! I heard you at five this morning sneaking up them steps.

Wasn’t no five, but it was after midnight and I wasn’t about to wake you. You can be mean when you don’t get your sleep. He snickered as he sat down at the kitchen table. His sister poured coffee in a mug and placed it before him.

You ain’t even funny. I’m serious. Ain’t nothing out in them streets that time of night except foolishness.

I know. I had a late delivery and then the guys wanted to get a beer. That’s all.

Ain’t no furniture delivery that time of night, Nevin.

Nevin felt her staring at the back of his head. The aroma of smoldering bacon wafted over to him as she flipped several slices onto a plate. Be cool, man. Just change the subject. They posted a floor job in the lunchroom yesterday. You think I should try for it?

Of course you should, honey. You just as smart as all those people there and you’re a damn sight more pleasant than half of ’em. Some of those folks should never be working with the public.

Nevin looked into his sister’s eyes as she turned from the stove. You don’t think they’ll laugh at me?

Absolutely not. You know all about everything in that store and you deserve a promotion just as much as anybody else.

Nevin grabbed his sister’s hand and squeezed.