Fatal Note: Asher Mystery Series

By James Gaston

To repair his relationship with Chris Jensson, Kyle Decker quits his job with the Asher Police Department and focuses on insurance investigations again. Chris is also having a tough week dealing with his mother's surgery and facing the issues that drove him away from Seattle in the first place. The decision Chris makes will shape his career and his future with the man he loves.

 

Decker's starting to work on two new cases, a suspected arson and a workplace injury claim, when a gay friend calls him for help. A bizarre attack at the man's business gave his partner a heart attack and left the police clueless. Decker's investigation leads to new evidence in a cold case implicating local law enforcement and an Austin music legend.

 

Fatal Note is the third mystery set in Asher, a fictional town in central Texas. The story involves several folks from the first two Asher mysteries, Bad Planning and Hard Lesson, and introduces some memorable new characters.

• Language: English
• Publisher: James Gaston
• Release date: Dec 21, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393608875

James Gaston

Fatal Note is James Gaston’s third mystery novel in the Asher Mystery series. The first two are Bad Planning and Hard Lesson. He is currently completing an historical fiction set in 1901 in Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural studio in Oak Park. Publication is expected early in 2021. Contact [e-mail] for more information. 

Book preview

1. The Bridge

Leaning over the railing on a rusty old bridge, the frail man looked up at the stars like he’d done from that same spot for years. The railroad tracks hadn’t been used in decades and the DeLeon River tributary that used to flow beneath it was just a wide creek now. Everything changes. He’d changed. He’d gotten old and sick.

It was hard to walk the mile or so from his property to the bridge, especially in the dark. The trip had gotten so tiring he barely made it back to his house last time. He wouldn’t have to walk back this time. He flipped the butt of his last cigarette into the water and started humming. It wouldn’t be long now.

A deep voice nearby said, What the hell you doing out there, Harry?

Waiting for you. When he turned to face the other man, Harry lifted a .357 revolver to his right temple.

What the fuck! the man yelled. Put the gun down.

Not yet. Something I need to tell you, now I got your attention.

The man said, Goddammit, knock it off, Harry. He took a step forward.

You stay where you are. Harry snorted. Damn, boy, you got fat.

Fuck you. The man turned to leave. Go ahead, you old fool. I don’t give a shit.

I got proof, you know. The bloody knife ... and a tape too.

The big man, silhouetted in the moonlight, reach for his weapon.

Harry laughed. Whatcha gonna do? Shoot me?

Just protecting myself. The other man turned back toward Harry holding a Glock in a two-handed grip. Now, put that fucking gun down. We can talk.

Harry didn’t budge.

That night on the bus, he said, Earl and I were working on a new song he’d just written. The tape was running when you two came in ... running the whole time. When they hear it, everyone’ll know what you did.

It’s been over thirty years. Why’d you keep something like that?

Insurance. Cops ever come to my door, I can prove I didn’t kill Earl. 

I didn’t kill him either. You know that.

You helped Billy Lee cover it up. Both your voices are on that tape. The knife’s got Hardin’s fingerprints on it, along with Earl’s blood.

The man took a step toward Harry.

That’s close enough. Harry pressed the barrel against his head. He started humming loudly and got a strange look on his face. The fans always loved it when we opened with that song. You remember that song?

Of course, it was Billy Lee’s first big hit.

Earl Wheeler wrote that music, Harry said, but he never got credit for it. Billy Lee got rich and famous. Earl got dumped in a fucking alley.

Where’s the tape, Harry.

In the safe. Remember that little safe we kept the money and dope in?

I remember it. Now, put the gun down, Harry.

That tape’s got Earl’s last song on it. Worth some serious money these days, but I couldn’t figure out how to cash in on it without getting us all arrested.

Harry slowly cocked the hammer with is thumb. It made a distinctive click.

The big man edged closer. Where’s the damned safe?

"In a safe place. Harry snickered. You’ll have to get the combination off Sally."

Well, where the fuck is Sally?

Sally’s gone, along with everything else I ever loved. Had to hock all my stuff from the band days, but it don’t matter any more. I’m done with all that.

Harry started humming again. His arm was tired from holding the pistol. His bony hand started to shake.

Come on, Harry. The other man lowered his weapon. We’ll figure this out.

It’s your problem now, Harry said. See ya in hell.

Harry closed his eyes. A tear ran down his cheek. Then the left side of his head exploded in a cloud of red mist.

2. Kyle to Seattle

Kyle Decker was uncomfortable in crowded places. Full elevators were the worst, but shuttle buses, waiting rooms, and airplanes also made him claustrophobic. He’d just endured long security lines at the airport and wrestled his carry-on to the rear of the plane where he was jammed into a middle seat with his knees against the row in front of him. Standing six-two, with broad shoulders and long legs, Decker took up some room. He needed personal space.

Even so, Decker didn’t regret his sudden decision to catch the Monday evening nonstop from Austin to Seattle. Chris Jensson, Decker’s gay partner, flew up there on Saturday to care for his mother. Her breast tumor had shrunk following a successful round of chemo, but it still had to be removed and Susan’s surgery was scheduled for early Wednesday morning. Chris also went to Seattle to take a break from their relationship. Decker needed to patch things up with Chris, face-to-face, so their life together could get back to normal when Susan was feeling better.

Chris and Kyle hadn’t had much normal time as a couple yet. They met about a year earlier when they’d both been stranded at O’Hare by a spring snowstorm. As fate would have it, Chris was working as a city planner in Asher, Texas, and Decker lived in the same town investigating claims for insurance carriers. Their attraction was instant and mutual, so they shared a king suite for the night.

They’d been seeing each other for only a few months when Chris was injured in a horrible hit-and-run. Decker tracked down the driver responsible for the wreck and exposed a conspiracy. After Chris recovered, he moved in with Decker.

Then Decker got recruited to work undercover for the Asher Police Department, but it didn’t turn out the way he’d planned. A mountain of paperwork came with the job. Then he found himself in the middle of an investigation at a local private college that resulted in murder and an attempt on Decker’s life. Decker wasn’t seriously injured, fortunately, but his relationship with Chris was damaged.

Chris wanted Kyle to return to insurance investigation work and leave dangerous criminals to the police. Still angry, Chris left town to be with his sick mother.

It took Decker a couple of days to decide Chris was right. He gave his notice to the police chief that morning and bought a ticket for the evening flight to SeaTac. Decker called Chris on his way to Austin airport. Chris said he was delighted Kyle had quit the undercover job, but it wasn’t the best time to visit Seattle with Susan having surgery. Decker explained that he wanted to be supportive, to be there for both of them.

The pilot announced the final approach into SeaTac. Not a moment too soon for Decker, they touched down on the rainy runway. Since his seat was two rows from the back, Decker had a frustrating delay getting off the crowded plane. On his walk up the long concourse, he finally stretched his legs and stood up straight.

Chris was waiting in the terminal with a big smile and a warm hug. Anxious travelers streamed around them while they shared a tender moment.

When they started for the exit holding hands, Chris said, Mom’s really excited about your visit. She’d be here with me, but she already had plans to stay with her friends up in Everett tonight.

No problem, Decker said, I realize y’all weren’t really expecting me.

She’ll be home in the morning. Chris pointed to a sign. Light rail is that way.

Decker stopped in his tracks. You didn’t drive to the airport?

Mom needed the car. Chris tugged on Kyle’s hand. We’ll just hop on the Link to UW, then catch the bus over to Queen Anne. It’s easy.

Decker stared down at his bag. Dreading another hour crammed into public transportation, he muttered, Well, fuck me.

Chris looked up at him and winked. Soon as we get there, big guy. We have the house all to ourselves tonight.

That prospect changed Decker’s mood. He said, I’m springing for a taxi.

Taxi? Really? Chris pulled out his phone and tapped a ride share app. This is cleaner and safer.

Decker was glad he wore a jacket. Seattle was twenty degrees cooler than Asher and a lot damper. The car pulled up in no time and the guys buckled up for a quick ride into the city. Since it was Decker’s first time in Seattle, he was trying to get his bearings. It was farther into the city than he realized. Chris showed him their route in real time on his phone, narrating the trip like a tour guide.

As they came around a curve on I-5, heading north, the downtown lights sparkled ahead. Even in the light rain, Seattle was beautiful at night. The traffic was heavy, but moving fast on the wet freeway. In minutes they were zipping through downtown, then west past Lake Union and past Seattle Center. The driver stopped in front of a two-story house built on the side of a steep hill.

Decker barely saw the living room as he was led directly upstairs to the bedroom. Chris had pulled back the covers and was already naked when Kyle came out of the bathroom. After some deliciously energetic sex, Kyle rolled over and fell right to sleep.

A few hours later, Decker woke up with a start. Disoriented at first, he realized he was in an unfamiliar bed in a strange room with a warm naked body snuggled up to his back. The masculine arm draped over his side was definitely Chris’s. Decker found his phone on the bedside table. It was six in the morning, eight Texas time. He rolled over facing Chris and pulled him close. It wasn’t long before they were both enjoying the morning wood between them.

An hour later, they were sitting up in bed having their first cups of coffee when they heard Susan come in downstairs. She rattled around in the kitchen for a few minutes, then came up and knocked on Chris’s bedroom door.

You guys decent? she asked.

Decker pulled the sheet up and tucked it under his arms.

Chris said, Come on in, Mom. It’s okay.

When Susan opened the door, the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filled the room. She handed a plate with two pastries to her son and kissed him on the forehead.

I saw the coffee maker was on, so I knew you guys must be up already. She waved at Kyle and said, Hello, handsome. I’m so glad you could come up for a visit. Sorry it couldn’t have been under better circumstances.

It’s great to see you again, Susan. Decker took a bun from the plate. These rolls smell amazing. Thanks.

On her way out the door, Susan said, Plenty more in the kitchen. Come downstairs whenever you’re ready.

After a quick shave and shower, the guys found Susan sitting at the breakfast table with her laptop open. The house was just as Decker had imagined it, well appointed, tasteful, and immaculate. Now he could see where Chris got his obsessive neatness. Everything was exactly in its place. 

Looking out the front windows, Decker could see the Space Needle and the cluster of downtown office buildings and high-rises. A domed stadium was visible in the distance.

While Chris refilled their coffee cups, Susan tapped a couple of keys and closed her computer. It is beautiful out there this morning, she said. I think Kyle can see the mountain today.

Decker looked at Chris, a little confused.

She means Mt. Ranier, he explained, pointing to the snowcap barely visible in the sky beyond the city. You can only see it on a really clear day. We’ll walk over to Kerry Park first thing so you can get a photo. 

That’s a good idea, honey, Susan said. Since it’s so nice today, you boys should take the ferry over to Bainbridge and have lunch by the marina.

That’d be fun. Why don’t you come with us, Mom?

No, no. I need to run to the grocery store and then do some laundry. Susan sipped her coffee. Besides, tending to my domestic routines will keep my mind off tomorrow. I probably won’t feel up to doing chores for a while.

We can stay and help out, Susan, Decker said. I can see the sights another time.

Just enjoy being a tourist today, dear. I’ll be fine.

Chris hugged Susan. Mom, maybe you should just take it easy today.

Nonsense, she replied. I need to stock the pantry and do some cooking. Maybe I’ll make something special for you guys tonight.

3. Reliable Pawn

Rob was just closing Reliable Pawn for the night. Standing at the counter at the rear of the store, he totaled the cash and checks, compared it to his register printout, and finished filling out the deposit slip. He placed the day’s take in a bank envelope to drop off on the way home.

Rob looked over his red-framed reading glasses just in time to see Claude park in front of the store. The two of them had been together over thirty years. They shared an old house near downtown Asher as intimate companions and aging drag queens. Back in their youth, Rob Fleur Flynn and Claude La Domme LeBlanc made quite an entrance when they swept into New Orleans drag clubs dressed to dazzle.

Claude picked Rob up from work nearly every night. They’d stop by the bank, then share a nightcap on the sofa and catch up on gossip before bed. It was a comfortable routine interrupted only when there were social engagements to attend. He gave Claude a little wave.

Rob thought Claude had a startled look on his face as he came though the door. Then he saw the terror in his friend’s eyes.

Claude screamed, Rob, run! Run!

Rob flipped the silent alarm switch under the counter and raised his hands. He wasn’t going anywhere if his partner was in danger.

A huge man dressed in black tactical gear and a black helmet shoved though the door behind Claude and knocked him to the floor. A second man in black gear rushed in behind him. Then a third man in black gear stopped to prop the door open and followed the first two inside. The first intruder charged straight toward Rob.

Without a word, the other two began pushing over showcases and stripping items from the walls. One grabbed an electric guitar by the neck and smashed down shelves of merchandise with it. They were roaring through the store like a tidal wave.

A powerful gloved hand grabbed Rob by the throat, nearly lifting him off the floor. The man flipped open an expandable baton with his other hand and smashed the glass counter top. The last thing Rob remembered was the indifference in the man’s pale blue eyes and the foul chewing tobacco on his breath. Then nothing.

4. The Video

Rob Flynn was still groggy from all the sedatives they gave him the night before. Even after three cups of hospital coffee and a bowl of oatmeal, he was still having trouble staying awake. He was propped up in bed in a private room staring at his empty coffee cup.

He remembered the emergency room staff saying he was okay the night before. Rob was lucky, they said. His neck would be sore, but there was no permanent damage. He’d have a bad bruise on his hip where he hit the floor. It could have been much worse. They were sorry about his friend though. They hated to tell him, but Mr. LeBlanc had suffered a heart attack. The paramedics tried to revive him at the scene, but he didn’t make it.

That’s when the ER staff had to restrain Rob and shoot him up with something strong. Later, when Rob was crying in the night, a nurse quietly injected more sedative into the IV line. The more she gave him, he told her, the better. He still had a bag of fluids dripping into him.

Rob thought his nurse, Eloise, was very kind. Eloise had rolled his IV stand to the bathroom for him when he had to pee and gave him a damp washcloth for his face. She brought his breakfast, even helped when he couldn’t quite find his mouth with the spoon. She was a large, pear-shaped woman and her pale green uniform was definitely not a flattering look. Rob would go with another color, maybe dark blue. We big girls need contrast, he thought, not Easter egg pastels.

Rob heard her shoes squeaking on the floor when Eloise came back down the hall. A short Latino man in a gray suit followed her into Rob’s room. 

A little too loudly, the nurse asked, How are we, Mr. Flynn? Can I get you anything?

Rob nodded his head. More coffee, unless you have a pitcher of mimosas?

I wish, she said, taking his empty cup. She nodded toward the man with her. This is Detective Zepeda with the Asher Police Department. You feel up to some questions?

I have a shit load of questions, Rob replied. He tried to focus on the Detective. Do you have any answers?

Eloise left the room and Zepeda stepped nearer to Rob’s bed. He took out his notepad and pen.

First, my condolences, Mr. Flynn. I understand that Mr. LeBlanc was a close friend.

More than a friend. He was the love of my life, Rob swallowed a sob. Did you find the bastards that did this?

Not yet. Let’s start with what happened last night. Just take your time and tell me what you remember.

Eloise swept in with Rob’s coffee refill and quickly left again.

Rob sipped some coffee and recounted how he had been closing up for the night when Claude came to pick him up from work, as usual. Three men in black tactical gear charged in, shoved Claude to the floor, and started wrecking the shop.

I activated the silent alarm just before one of them grabbed me by the throat. The next thing I remember is flashing lights and being strapped on a stretcher.

We found a surveillance camera above the counter, Zepeda said. There might be some video from before they spray-painted it.

That old camera’s a decoy, Rob said, drinking more coffee. The live cams are hidden. The video feed uploads directly to the cloud.

We need to see that video right away.

No problem, Detective. Find me a computer. I can show it to you right now. 

Zepeda stepped out into the hallway and flagged down Eloise. Within minutes, she was back with a laptop and opened it on the bed tray. While Rob was getting into his account, Zepeda called the station to ask an APD tech support person to come to the hospital.

While he was on hold, Zepeda said, I have to tell you, Mr. Flynn, this case has us stumped. We’ve never seen anything like it.

What do you mean? Rob asked.

Zepeda pointed at the computer.

Can we watch the video now, Mr. Flynn?

Rob turned the laptop so they both could see it. There were four images on a split screen.

The first cam covers the front area of the shop, including the door. The second image shows the area between the door and the counter from the left side. The third frame is the same area, but from the right side. The fourth camera aims down at the counter and shows the door to the back of the shop.

Rob hit fast forward to where Claude appeared at the front door. The scene was just as Rob had described it, up to the point where he was dropped unconscious to the floor behind the smashed counter. His assailant never even looked at the jewelry and he didn’t try to open the security door into the back room. He took out a spray can, shook it, and painted the decoy camera. Then he started spray-painting graffiti on the wall behind the counter.

The video showed the other two men knocking down more shelves, smashing guitars, and throwing merchandise around the shop. Claude was trying to get up. He was waving his arm, begging for help. Then he grabbed his chest with both hands and stopped moving.

The man with the spray can went over to Claude, nudged him with a boot, then pointed toward the front door. The three men ran out into the night leaving the door propped open. They were in the shop less than five minutes.

Another two minutes elapsed before a patrol car appeared next to Claude’s car. The officer cautiously entered the store, immediately drawing his weapon. After a quick look around, he rushed over to Claude, checked his carotid pulse, and began CPR.

Rob closed the laptop. Tears were streaming down his face and dripping on his hospital gown. Zepeda handed him a box of tissues and pressed the call button to summon the nurse. Eloise hurried in and checked Rob’s monitor. She gave the laptop to Zepeda and motioned toward the door.

Maybe you should give us a few minutes, she said. Mr. Flynn has some release forms to sign anyway. She placed her hand on Rob’s shoulder. Then you can get dressed to go home. You’ll rest better in your own bed.

Rob sobbed and shook his head.

Zepeda waited at the nurses’ station for the APD tech to arrive. When he did, Zepeda opened the laptop and explained that he needed the surveillance video uploaded to the police department’s server. Eloise passed them a couple of times carrying paperwork to Rob’s room. She returned to the nurses’s station and stopped next to Zepeda.

Mr. Flynn’s been calling some friends, she said. He’s fine now and he wants to see you. You’ll have a few minutes before we send him home.

Rob was sitting on the edge of the bed buttoning his shirt when Zepeda went in.

Sorry, Detective, I’m really emotional right now he said. "They didn’t have to hurt