A Piece of Cake in the Land of Spirits

By Linda W. Ostrander

Mike and his family moved to Organ, New Mexico, four years ago. Now he and his wife, Annie, are settled into their house, operating a successful non-GMO Farm, and teaching at the university. How were they to know that their children and parents would be in danger in this idyllic setting?
In this third book of the series, Mike Mullins, investigative reporter, and his friend, Attorney Bob Dunlap, stumble on a new case in their favorite Las Cruces restaurant, The Bistro. Bob takes home a piece of Death by Chocolate Cake. His housekeeper, Blanca, eats a piece and dies. Who could have done this terrible deed? Will there be other victims? Was the killer working alone? What was his motive?
Mike assists the police in the investigation and they determine that the killer is seeking vengeance against Bob for his prosecution in a federal case. The killer escaped from prison, terrorizes the community and slips away from the law many times. Although they bring him to trial again, Mike and Bob realize there will be continuing trouble.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Linda W. Ostrander
• Release date: Aug 22, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463932988

Linda W. Ostrander

As a mother, grandmother and teacher, Linda W. Ostrander has had many years of experience listening to teens’ stories. She created the fascinating fairy tales in the PRINCESS AND OWL TALES and PRINCE AND OWL TALES, for teens, young adults, parents, teachers and counselors who may identify with the problems of the princesses and princess in the stories. These books do not have any adult content!During her fifty-year teaching career Linda taught students of all ages, individually and in classes, at Adelphi Suffolk College, Southampton College of Long Island University, Bunker Hill Community College, Lesley University, Cambridge College and The University of Phoenix. She particularly enjoyed her many years mentoring teachers in Master’s degree programs. Also a pianist and composer, Linda holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Oberlin College, a Master of Music degree from Smith College, a Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Composition from Boston University, and a Ph.D. in Cultural Studies from The Union Institute.

Book preview

PREFACE

In this third book of the series, Mike Mullins, investigative reporter, and his friend, Attorney Bob Dunlap, stumble on a new case in their favorite Las Cruces restaurant, The Bistro. Bob takes home a piece of Death by Chocolate Cake. His housekeeper, Blanca, eats a piece and dies.

Bob wants to get to the bottom of this case quickly and asks Mike to help. The two search for the killer, trying to find the missing pieces of the puzzle. Was the killer trying to poison Bob, his wife, Marge, or someone else? Will there be other victims? Was he working alone? What was his motive?

The killer terrorizes the community and slips away from the law many times. Although they bring the killer to trial, Mike and Bob realize there will be continuing trouble.

CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Preface

1. A Piece of Cake

2. The Investigation Proceeds

3. The Trail

4. Friends

5. Around the Farm

6. The Hide-Out

7. Strategem

8. The Little Black Book

9. Marge’s Trip

10. Captured

11. The Tip

12. The Interviews

13. Luncheons

14. Barbara’s Interview

15. About The Little Black Book

16. On The Home Front

17. A Spiritual Meeting

18. The Search Continues

19. Around the Corner

20. Homeland Security Headquarters

21. Waiting

22. Reunion

23. The Visitors

24. Truth or Consequences

25. A Wide Net

26. Burnout

27. The Fugitives

28. Next Steps

29. The Chief’s Orders

30. The Dunlaps

31. The Mullins

32. The Petrovs

33. Around the Precinct

34. Call the Medics

35. Disturbing the Peace

36. Emergency

37. Watching

38. Poison

39. Panic

40. The Demons Return

41. Chupacabras

42. The Oriental Buffet

43. Late Arrival

44. The Prisoners

45. Another Death

46. The Hideaway

47. The Plan

48. The Attack

49. Pursuit

50. Peace and Quiet

51. Homeland Security Investigates

52. A Group Decision

53. At the Fair

54. In The Emergency Room

55. The Ceremony of Life Plan

56. The Trial: Day One

57. The Trial: Day Two

58. The Trial: Day Three

59. The Night

60. The Trial: Day Four

61. The Sentence

62. Please Stay With Me

63. At the Hospital

64. The Alliance

65. Is There an Alliance?

66. Not a Piece of Cake

Also by the Author

CHAPTER 1

A PIECE OF CAKE

Mike Mullins and his family moved to Organ, New Mexico, from New Hampshire four years ago. He and his wife Annie now own a successful non-GMO vegetable farm and teach at the university. Their children, Nancy, twelve, and Buddy, ten, adjusted well to the change of environment and the arrival of a baby sister, Martha Rose.

As was his custom in the morning, Mike stopped at The Shake Place to get a shake and catch up on the local news. On this beautiful day Mike was pleased to see his friend, Attorney Bob Dunlap, sipping coffee at his favorite table overlooking the distant mountains, but Bob didn’t look happy.

Bob, good morning. I’m afraid something has darkened your usually sunny disposition.

"You’re correct, Mike. I’m not happy about the death of our housekeeper, Blanca Rodriguez."

"I was very sorry about that, Bob. I saw the article by Julie Alport in The Valley News. Did my former student give all the pertinent facts, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?"

No, Mike. The problem is we don’t have many facts.

Would you like the help of a former investigative reporter?

Yes, I sure would.

Tell me what we have so far.

"You remember, don’t you, on that day Annie, Marge and you and I had lunch at The Bistro?

That’s right.

"I ordered a piece of Death by Chocolate Cake to go. When I got home I put it in the fridge. My housekeeper, Blanca, hadn’t eaten lunch and asked if she could have a piece of the cake. I said, ‘Sure, Blanca, just leave me a little piece.’"

Then I went to my den to read. About half an hour later I went to the kitchen to get a glass of water and found her slumped over the kitchen table. She was barely breathing, so immediately I called 9-1-1. The police and rescue squad came within ten minutes, administered CPR, and took her to the hospital.

Ironic isn’t it? That delicious cake’s named ‘Death by Chocolate’ and she died eating it. You’re assuming it was the cake that killed her. Do you think it contained poison?

"The EMTs suspected poison. They’re doing some tests. I’m so sorry about Blanca but I cringe at the possibility that it might have been intended for me or someone in my family. The police questioned me and took the remaining cake to the lab. I haven’t heard the results."

Who’s in charge of the case?

"Detective Stefan Ramirez, now Assistant to the Chief.

I’m glad to hear that. He’s a good man.

"Yes, and our new Police Chief, Juan Armijo, is also on top of the case. He called me to go over everything."

Have you seen or heard from Ralph Arnette since he retired from the chief’s position?

Yes. He came in here the other day. He’d been on a fishing trip in Montana. He looks good—much more relaxed.

"What about his new amour? Did he say anything about Anna?"

They’re still seeing each other. That’s all I know.

Getting back to the new case, did you hear any reports on the cake?

"No, and I’d like to find out. The police closed The Bistro for a few days, so they could go over everything."

"Have you been in touch with Blanca’s family?"

"I have. They’re just at a loss. They don’t know what to do. Blanca was supporting her daughter and four grandchildren. I told her I would represent them if they needed a lawyer. So far there are no suspects."

I’d like to help also. Just let me know what I can do, Bob.

CHAPTER 2

THE INVESTIGATION PROCEEDS

As Mike climbed into his car he got a call from Julie Alport, one of his graduate journalism students.

Hello, Julie. How are you?

I’m okay, Mike. Did you hear about the latest murder? Don’t you just love the title of my article—Death by Chocolate Cake?

Yes, Julie. I was just talking to Bob Dunlap about the case.

Did you find out anything new, Mike?

No, Julie. There’s nothing new right now.

Will you let me know if there’s a new lead?

Yes, I will, Julie. Take care.

Mike decided to stop in to see how his friend, the new Chief of Police, was doing. It had been several weeks since Juan Armijo had been sworn in and everything he had heard about him on the grapevine was positive. Through his work with former Police Chief Ralph Arnette on the Holst case and the many police calls concerning the ghosts of Greenwood Hills next door, Mike had become known at the Las Cruces Police Department. As he stepped out of his car Mike greeted some officers he recognized in the parking lot.

Hello, Officers. How’s it going? Good to see you.

It’s nice to see you, sir. Have a good day.

When Mike entered the station, Chief Armijo came out and gave him a big welcome.

Mike, it’s so good to see you. Come on into my office and we’ll chat.

Thanks, Chief. I’ve been thinking about the new murder case, you know, Bob Dunlap’s housekeeper?

Yes, I guessed as much, Mike.

Did you find out if it was poison?

Yes, it was Arsenic LD50, a deadly dose.

Do you have any fingerprints?

"We fingerprinted everyone who works at The Bistro but couldn’t find a match."

I’ve asked myself, ‘Who would want to kill Bob? He’s such a nice guy,’ and then I thought it could be someone Bob prosecuted.

Yes, I wondered about that—perhaps someone who was convicted and sent to jail. Maybe you could help Bob recall possible suspects. Have you noticed that he seems to be getting forgetful?

If he is, it’s only slightly, but I’ll be glad to talk to him about a possible suspect. We’ll try to come up with a name or two.

Okay, Mike. Thanks.

Have you seen Ralph Arnette lately?

He came in yesterday and we had a good talk. I think he misses the work.

Yes, and I’m sure he misses you guys.

We miss him, too.

I’ll talk to Bob soon and let you know what I find out.

Thanks for stopping by.

Mike was determined to help his friend find the murderer as soon as possible, so he called Bob from his car.

Have you kept any files on cases you’ve prosecuted?

Official transcripts of the trials are filed at the court offices, and I have some notes.

Do you have information on the current status of any prisoners that you prosecuted?

Some, but the prisons will have more up-to-date files.

Can you and I schedule a time to review the files?

Yes, I think I can get you the access you need if we go together.

Good, can you make an appointment for Monday morning?

I will, but in the meantime, I’ll try to think of some names. You know, there is one man, a particularly smart and vicious murderer that I convicted a few years ago. I don’t know how he could be out of jail now unless he escaped.

What’s his name?

"Boris…Let me think a minute. Boris…Slov…sos…

Boris Sislovsky. He was an arms dealer and a heartless killer!"

"Bob, call Chief Armijo now and ask him to see if Boris Sislovsky is still in prison and if not, do they have any idea where he is? And, please call me back as soon as you find out."

CHAPTER 3

THE TRAIL

Boris Sislovsky… Boris Sislovsky. The name kept running around in Bob’s head. He remembered the man—dark eyes, scarred face, square jaw, bushy eyebrows and wild, dirty-blonde-hair streaked with gray. That was how he looked back then. Was it five or more years ago?

Suddenly it all came back to him. He remembered Boris well from the trial. He strode into the courtroom standing tall, looking impudent, confrontational, ready to strike out at anyone who got in his way. And Bob was ready to confront him.

All rise, said the bailiff. The U.S. Federal Court of El Paso, Texas will come to order, the honorable Judge Samosa presiding.

Counselor for the Prosecution, you may present your opening statement.

"Good morning. I’m Attorney Bob Dunlap and I will give a brief summary of the case against the accused. Mr. Sislovsky, a Russian citizen, entered Mexico and later the United States illegally via the Mexican border. For several years he stayed beneath our radar. Then we became aware of a Russian smuggling operation at the El Paso border, headed by Mr. Sislovsky.

"Mr. Sislovsky is charged with the murder of ten U.S. and eight Mexican citizens and the smuggling of various kinds of weaponry, including assault weapons and nuclear armaments. He pleaded innocent to all charges. Federal officers will testify that Mr. Sislovsky is guilty of all charges. That concludes my statement, Your Honor."

Mr. Dunlap, please call your first witness.

Thank you, Your Honor. I call Commander James McDougal.

Commander McDougal, please give your full name.

"My name is James Arthur McDougal.

Do you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God.

I do.

Commander McDougal, I understand you were a commander in the U.S. Navy, and now work for Homeland Security. What is your official title currently?

"I am the Chief Investigator in El Paso Homeland Security.

"Commander, when did you become aware of the illegal activities of Boris Sislovsky?"

It was in 2015. That was the year I moved from Houston to El Paso to work for Homeland Security.

Commander McDougal, what did you see during your last assignment in Houston?

"We inspected a Russian ship in Houston Harbor. I went below deck with two Marines who had found several large boxes addressed to El Golpe de Suerte, which means A Stroke of Luck. Thinking that was a strange name, I asked my men to open the boxes. They contained ammunition and a huge cache of automatic weapons of all sizes. We decided to close the boxes and watch and wait for someone to pick them up. After dark a truck with a Mexican plate pulled up, loaded the boxes and drove off."

What happened next?

We called for assistance, followed the truck and stopped it. Immediately they fired on us, and we returned their fire, killing several of our attackers.

Did you find out the exact location of his operation?

"Yes. My team had observed their operation in El Paso for several months. We succeeded in capturing their leader, Boris Sislovsky, and several of his gang members and closed them down. They’re serving time in El Paso Federal Prison."

Can you tell me about the murders?

I cannot, but several of my officers from Houston can.

Very well, Commander. Thank you.

"Council for the Defense, do you wish to cross-examine Commander McDougal?

"Yes, Your Honor. My name is Marcus Videsky, Attorney for Mr. Sislovsky. Commander McDougal, why did you come to El Paso? Were you pursuing my client?"

No, sir. I was not. I happened to be transferred here.

I see. Did you choose to testify in this case?

I was commanded to testify by the Director of Homeland Security.

What are your duties here in El Paso?

I am responsible for monitoring arms trafficking, specifically firearms, ammunition, explosives and missiles.

"Were you ordered to capture Mr. Sislovsky?"

Yes, sir, by the Director of Homeland Security.

"How long have you been aware of Mr. Sislovsky’s activities?"

Since 2011.

"Was Mr. Sislovsky arrested in the U.S. prior to that conviction?

If he was, I am not aware of that, sir.

Bob was surprised that he recalled so many details of the trial. He stood up and walked around to relieve his stiff joints. Then he remembered to call Chief Armijo.

"Hello. This is Bob Dunlap. I’d like to speak to Chief Armijo, please."

Just one moment, sir.

"Chief, I just thought of the name of the criminal I prosecuted for arms trafficking and murder in Federal Court in 2015. I’d like you to check to see if he’s escaped from the El Paso Federal Prison or was released. His name is Boris Sislovsky."

Bob was getting ready to leave the house