Body Guards

By William Malic

Sam and Serena investigate the case of the missing smoking pipe. An eccentric old man, senile or something else, employs them to uncover the secret behind disappearing items in his house. Could it be poltergeists? What they find is a family in turmoil, greedy children, and a love child. On top of that is a drug cartel. Perhaps it’s time to employee body guards as they become immersed a case of loyalties versus human greed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Nov 10, 2015
• ISBN: 9781329680753

Book preview

Body Guards

Body Guards

A novel by

William Malic

Continuing the series with detectives Sam Bitner and his wife Serena

All rights reserved.  No part of this ebook may be produced in any form other than that in which it was purchased and without the written permission of the author

This is a work of fiction.  Names, character and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously.  Any resemblance to actual persons, places and incidents, events or locales is purely coincidental.

Other books in the series:

Kidnapped

Raped

Estranged!

Mutually Beneficial Arrangements

Available in ebook format from your favorite supplier.

Chapter 1

I am not crazy, the man insisted; things keep disappearing.  I put something down and turn away, then later its gone.  Things vanish, sometimes almost immediately other times later.  I know what I am doing and where I put things.  Nothing big, mind you, it’s always little things."

Any particular place or time these ‘disappearances’ occur? Sam noted something on his pad.

Thinking a second, the man answered, There is no pattern if that’s what you mean.  It’s happens in my den, the parlor, even my bedroom.  The other night I was getting ready to retire and decided to read awhile.  I had just prepared a pipe full of 7 Seas Royal Blend by Mac Baren.  Nice flavor in the beginning. Fills very well in the bowl, tends to burn really hot and give a tongue bite if smoked quickly, a bit tricky to find the perfect speed of smoke.  It’s a nice over the counter aromatic pipe tobacco.  I can afford better maybe but it’s one I tend to return to. He stopped seeing Sam’s eyes glaze over.  You’re not a smoker I see.  Sam acknowledged the fact with a nod.  Too bad, I couldn’t imagine not having a good smoke; helps me think you know.

Let’s get back to the ‘disappearances, Sam probed.

Yes, of course, the man agreed.  I had one of my Peterson’s ready to go.  I went to peruse a pile of books I had been meaning to read, chose one and turned back to my chair.  It was gone, vanished from site.

The chair was gone? Sam raised an eyebrow.

No, of course not, the man appeared annoyed, my pipe disappeared.

Serena was sitting next to the man, joining the interview from the beginning.  She casually stood and walked behind the man and stared at Sam shaking her head.  They had had some strange cases but she could not remember being called in to find a misplaced smoking pipe.

I see, Sam fought to hide his amusement.  I am not familiar with pipes.  Was it worth a lot of money?  Also this Peterson, is he one of your servants?"

By now the man was exasperated.  Peterson is a brand of smoking pipes.  My servants had all retired for the night.  The price of the pipe is not what I am concerned with.

Serena placed a hand gently on the man’s shoulder and leaned in from behind.  Her breast nearly rested on his shoulder.  The man was alert to her close proximity; pleased by her more personal touch than by Sam’s brisk business style.  Gently and softly she asked, Did the disappearing pipe ever reappear?

The man leaned back a little, craning his neck in her direction, purposefully allowing his head to rest against her breasts like a child snuggling against his mother; his intentions didn’t appear to be familial.  Serena did not recoil, allowing him a moment of pleasure.  I did find the wayward pipe the next day in my den, tucked in a desk drawer.  He flushed a little realizing the obvious interpretation of his intentions.  Serena caressed the back of his head soothing his concern while allowing her body to lean closer.  The movement did not go unnoticed by the man or Sam.  He shifted in his seat and managed to curl his arm around the female detective letting it rise from her knees to her waist slow enough to absorb the feel of her buttocks.  Ending on her waist he gave her a slight hug as he stared up at her face.  Serena was sure his concentration however was more on the memory of something much lower on her body.  You must think I am an old fool, he chuckled.  I assure you that I did not leave my pipe in the den.  I may have a few lapses in memory now and then but in this case I am completely certain I never had this particular pipe anywhere but in my bedroom.  I am a man of few pleasures these days, but when it comes to my vices I am completely lucid.  I never forget where the important things are.

I believe, you don’t, Serena smiled gently extricated herself form his grip.  She moved a more appropriate distance from him.  In this case might we have made a mistake?

NO! the man wasn’t rude but confident, only rising his voice slightly to emphasis his conviction.

You said there were other items that disappeared. Sam broke the silence after the man’s mild outburst.

Yes, I did, the man returned his gaze to Sam, a fine cup of coffee brewed to perfection, my pen, a letter I was writing and other little things like that.  Sam made notes.  Before you ask I will tell you that they too showed up in other places.  All were recovered and except the coffee, which was cold, I either finished it or still have the use of.  I am not reporting a theft.  If that was all, I would not be here."

Was anyone in the house when the other incidents happened? Sam was in his business mode again.

The servants are all live-ins, the man informed him, They live in a separate wing but it is attached to the rest of the house.  If they were about it would not have been unusual.  I know only one thing; no one was present in the room when these things occurred; except me.  I would have heard anyone enter and leave, and besides there wasn’t enough time in most cases for this to happen.

Have you mentioned this to any of the servants? Serena had returned to her seat, crossed her legs and faced the man.  His eyes drifted to her lower body.  She thought about adjusting her skirt to be less revealing but decide to let it alone. The man’s concentration didn’t appear to be lacking nor was his observation abilities.  Perhaps they had some theory on how these disappearances might be occurring."

I do not suspect anyone in my house, the man told them.  All my people have been with me for years.  I treat them well and they don’t need for anything.  Every one of them is loyal.  Besides none of the objects were worth enough to warrant possible dismissal if found out.

You said that all of the items reappeared somewhere else, Sam noted.  So we might assume theft was not a motive.  The man returned his eye s to Sam, reluctantly.  That is correct, right?  The man nodded in the affirmative.  Could someone be having a little fun at your expense?

So, at least you believe the items are disappearing and reappearing, the man cackled.  I suspected you would think I was losing my mind and these occurrences where due to my mental state.  I am as sure as I am sitting here that there is nothing wrong with my mind; though a few of my relatives might argue the point.

Sam perked up, is that so?  I would like a list of these scoundrels who might question your sanity.  Sam leaned back in his chair and looked amused.

It’s quite a long list Mr. Detective, the man announced.  It goes back to my father, now deceased, a wife or two along the way and of course my son and daughter who are both spoiled beyond recovery.  Let’s see, there are my employees and numerous so called friends and people who want to prosper from my demise.  I’ll get you the list as soon as possible; unless it also disappears.

You didn’t mention your servants? Serena chimed in.

They are the only ones I trust, MS Detective, the man smiled broadly.  I told you they are loyal and have stood the test of time.  The rest are simply necessary nuisances.

Including you children? Sam asked.

Well maybe not them, but they do see their father as antiquated and an obstacle to fully achieving their inheritance.  I keep telling them they will have to be patient.  I’ll go when I am ready, looking at Serena he grinned, and I am still kicking.  Not kicking quite as high as I once did but kicking sufficiently to provide whoever I wish a few thrills.

Serena leaned forward in her chair meeting his slightly lascivious grin with a broad smile of her own.  I don’t know about your kicking, but we do have to get one thing straight.  Do you trust us?

The man looked her over slowly, feeling her up with his eyes.  You I trust, he licked his lips.  As for this husband of yours the jury is still out.

Chapter 2

That was interesting, Sam chuckled after the man had departed.  He was a sort of likable gent, or at least you seemed to like him and he definite took a shining to you.  Serena flushed slightly.  What do we know about him?

Serena was glad to divert the conversation.  She pulled a file from her briefcase.  Mr. Samuel P. Ferguson, She began.  The P stands for Pierson, his mother’s maiden name."

Pierson: like the former Mary Pierson, married to David Fulton Ferguson? Sam asked.

Exactly, did you know the Pierson’s? Serena queried.

Before my time, Sam told her, but I do know the Pierson Foundation.  They do a lot of philanthropy work mostly involved in providing economic assistance in Central and South America.  I believe it is a guilt reflex to prior exploitation of resources from these developing countries.  The Pierson’s became filthy rich by employing locals at barely subsistent wages in mining and agriculture.  They paid handsomely for political influence but when it came to the workers, slavery would have been a step up.   With one of the worst records on work place safety, the Pierson’s made most of their money on the backs of poor peons; not to discount the blood of victims of shoddy equipment and horrid work conditions.  David Ferguson I believe took over the business and was as, if not more ruthless.  To this day the Ferguson name elicits nothing but loathing in the areas they once dominated.  Most of their holdings were sold as far as I know for exuberate prices netting unbelievable returns on property they all but stole through influences generated by hefty graft payments."

They still paid a high price then, though not to the people of these countries? Serena observed in a question manner.

Well maybe they did pay, but it sure didn’t benefit the locals any.  Do you really think that was okay; paying the price to politicians while extorting from the populace? Sam was admonishing.

Of course not, Serena quickly added, but they did what they had to do to secure their interests.  It is the way things are done in this area, at least back then. Serena tried to parry his distain.

Spoken like a real aristocrat, Sam chided.  Keeps the wealth within in the elite class and to hell with the poor slobs living like animals?

If I didn’t know better, I would think you’re a liberal on this subject, Serena ignored his glare.  "Come on now, you know