The Case of the Conniving Conundrum

By John Henry "Doc" Holliday

The second book of the "Hart of the Matter" three book series
Bo “Didley” Hart and his side-kick Phredrica J. Fox take on their second case as Private Investigators. Is there a serial child kidnapper at work or something even more devious? The twists and turns they uncover will not only solve the case, but become live changing experiences for both. Fasten your seat belt and get ready for the ride......

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Henry "Doc" Holliday
• Release date: Feb 11, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005116309

John Henry "Doc" Holliday

The first novel for John Henry “Doc” Holliday, no kin to his namesake., was written at age 60. Doc is a storyteller who weaves the elements of his stories into the written word in the form of a novel.He is not schooled in or studied books on the writing. He avoided reading novels by other writers to not influence or corrupt his own outpourings. In additional to the stories, Doc has written many verses of prose and song lyrics. There will be other stories that will be produced as novels in the near future. His first novel "Cartel El Corazón Negro".His second novel “Rise of the Sanguine Moon”. A detective series "The Hart of the Matter" is a three book series #1 The Case of Mistaken Identity, #2 The Case of the Conniving Conundrum and #3 The Case of the Misplaced Cicada. A love story "A One in a Million Chance of a Lifetime".

Book preview

Prologue

In book number one in the series, The Case of Mistaken Identity, Bo Didley Hart discovered his former Army special Ops partner, Phredrica J. Fox, was actually a long lost sister who had been given up at birth in an adoption. Bo had lost his leg below the knee due to an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound and was being fitted with a new bionic prosthetic at the VA Hospital where he ran into Phred, who was there visiting someone. Bo’s plans to open a Private Detective Agency caught Phred’s attention and ultimately she muscled her way into running the office. While there had been no love interest between them while they had stationed together in Kuwait, interest began to flow as they worked their first case together. The night is was all coming together, Bo’s parents, who had been on a mission trip for two years in the middle of an African jungle, called to inform him they were coming home. In that conversation, when Bo gleefully shared the news of his blooming romance and when asked, gave them Phred’s name; his parents had to make a quick, unexpected disclosure. The news that Bo and Phred were brother and sister was life changing for both. Stopping a romantic relationship, just in time, while creating a new bond as siblings, where rivalry was sure to be an issue. Their new relationship and the challenges that would come with it, led to a new dynamic at the office and in the home they now shared.

The Police Detective, Indigo Jones, who had worked with Bo and Phred to help solve their first case, has now been promoted to Chief of Police as the corruption task force had cleaned out most of the top brass in the Department. At the retirement of Chief Franklin Ferter, he recommended Indigo for the job to the City Council and his parting words were, You have a very capable man stepping into my former office, just know he can be quirky and live with it, as he is the best person for the job.

Now Chief Jones, frustrated by the lack of progress in an unsolved missing child case, once again turns to Bo and Phred for their help.

A new case is about to begin…….

Chapter One

Bo Hart stood in the doorway of his office, quietly watching his sister/partner, ruminating out loud, as she wrote on a tablet, We’re number one, no uh, get two for one, geez, a great slogan shouldn’t be this hard. Phred’s preoccupation with creating a new slogan for the company distracted her sense that she was under prying eyes. She jumped as Bo chimed in How about, get the best and forget about the rest?

Damn it, Bo, you know I hate it when you sneak up on me like that, Phred chastised. What the hell are you doing anyway? Bo questioned. She sneered at him, then answered, Well, I thought since we made a name for ourselves by solving the first case, well, you know, we need to make some changes; come up with an image and slogan people will remember. Bo laughed, then replied, Oh really, like what? She began to expose her plans, beginning with a name change from Bo Didley Hart Agency to the Bo and Phred Hart Agency. That raised Bo’s eyebrows. Excuse me, your last name is Fox, or have you forgotten? he posed. That brought a huge exasperation sigh from Phred who shot back, Well, Bro, like it or not I was born a Hart and while I do not intend to legally change my name, I sure as hell can be Phredrica Hart, when I choose. Bo knew better than to fall into that trap and just let it go. She continued with her lists of changes, salaries, responsibilities as she saw them and of course a catchy slogan for the firm. He was still trying to deal with having her as a sister and housemate, but her new demands were giving him real issues. Geez, Phred, is there any part of my life you don’t want to take over? he gingerly asked. She considered the question for a moment then answered, Oh, come on big brother, I’m just trying to make your business number one and ensure that everyone knows your name, a direct appeal to his ego. It would be just the ticket of course. Phred had keyed in on that weakness way back in their Special Forces days and knew just when to hit that button. Bo was smiling over her words, responding, Well, when you put it like that, I guess it doesn’t sound so bad. Gulp.

Truth was, since the day Phred had entered the office, she had slyly taken over. She had groomed Bo with her uncanny ability to make every one of her ideas, his. He would swallow her logic, hook, line and sinker; and she would get her way every time. Her goal now was for separate but equal billing and of course monetary compensation. She was just two weeks shy of completing her Private Detective training course and receiving her license, that would put her on equal footing with Bo. "Well, now that that’s settled, I’ll call the sign company and have the new sign designed. Oh, and the printer to order new business cards, letterhead and envelopes, and of course I will need my own office, so I’ll contact Mr. Dealmaker to get permission to partition off a section of the main office, Phred spewed in fast cadence, as Bo’s eyes were widening with each word. He took it all in and while a part of him wanted to say, whoa; He knew he was being played, but heck, she was his sister and had been the key to solving the first case. Ego and pride put aside; Bo reluctantly agreed to all her plans.

Phred launched her mission immediately and within days, the new sign arrived and was installed. The business cards and letterhead came the next day, just minutes before the carpenters arrived to begin construction of her office. Both the sign company and printer had suggested to her that the new business name was too long, so she simply adopted The Hart Agency as their new name.

Bo’s grin was as wide as the Grand Canyon, as he viewed his new cards that highlighted him as Chief Detective. Phred felt a complete sense of accomplishment as she admired the new sign, her office under construction and her very own business cards. Things came together quickly and the new office arrangement was complete in three days. Okay big brother, I need the company credit card, Phred announced as she prepared to leave the office. Bo cringed at those words as the last time he had entrusted her with the card she hit the credit limit in just under two hours. Uh, okay, but, where are you headed and, dare I ask, what are you planning to buy? he questioned. She snickered, then answered, Oh silly, I’m just going to buy some things for my office and I promise not to go crazy. Once again, he acquiesced, just shaking his head in wonder of what this little trip would bring.

Less than four hours later, his musings would be answered by the door opening and the same furniture delivery man, who had delivered their original furnishings, was greeting him with a hardy Howdy followed with Where does this all go?

Oh damn, Bo thought, What has she gone and done now? Those thoughts would soon be answered as a gleeful Phred bounded into the room, waiving a sales receipt. You’re just not going to believe how much money I saved you, Bro, she announced as she displayed the receipt for Bo to read. At the speed of sound, she rattled off the was priced and I got it for on at least a dozen items, which of course only served to boggle Bo’s mind. He held his hand up to request she stop, then smiled and said, Okay, sis, while I am sure I really don’t want to know, can you just bottom line it for me? Her plan of baffling him with the bullshit and avoiding the facts now had a fly in it. But, never under estimate the cunning of Phredrica J. Fox Hart, no sir, when the going gets tough, well you know the rest. Anyway, with a big buttering up hug, she pronounced that all total the original price, plus tax by the way, with free delivery was $10,532.12 and with her accomplished negotiation skills, she had saved over $3,000. While it was a great attempt at diversion, even Bo could do the math and quickly blurted, Damn Phred, seven grand, you spent seven grand for your office? She grinned answering, Well, I mean if you want to look at it that way, I guess that does sound like a lot, but, just think how much more it could have been. He realized that any further discussion would be totally fruitless and yet again accepted defeat with the best smile he could manage. Sis, you know what, he offered, You do deserve all of that. I mean I can’t have my new partner looking second class now, can I ? That earned him another big hug and even a kiss on the cheek. Now, I have to get busy and get us some business to help pay for you! he exclaimed, laughing. Just then the phone rang.

Chapter Two

The familiar voice of Indigo Jones, now the Chief of Police, greeted Bo with a what’s up?

Well, Chief, I guess it’s you, how are you fairing with your new title and responsibilities? Bo answered. When they first met on their first case, the Case of Mistaken Identity, Jones was just a street detective with a bad rap with his superiors, but after he with Bo and Phred’s help, uncovered major corruption in the department, the outgoing Chief had recommended him for the job and Indigo was elevated to Chief by the City Council. Bo, I have a little situation, I may need your help on, Jones allowed. Bo had heard those words before and knew Indigo would only ask for the Hart’s help in areas where his own detectives were stuck or needed something done that was against normal police standards. As if fate had once again intervened, Bo’s need for a case was about to be filled. He called for Phred to come join him and put the call on speaker. I’ve got you on speaker and Phred’s here, what you got? Bo asked. Hey girlfriend, how’s those big plans of yours coming? Indigo posed. Bo’s face fell as he realized that her plans had not just been a moment’s thought and Jones was in on it. Damn you two, I should have known, Bo interjected with a sneer, Now can we talk business, I’ve got a national debt to pay for. Phred and Indigo had a big laugh over Bo’s concession. Jones went on to lay out a lingering case of a missing boy that was now approaching six months old with not even the faintest of leads or clues in hand. Bottom line is that we have run through the usual suspects and all our leads and have nothing to show for it, Indigo laid out, The only evidence we have is a note supposedly from the kidnapper and we can’t even verify whether it is real or not and no further communication.

Jesus, Phred uttered, who is the kid and where was he abducted from? Jones hesitated responding, then outlined, Okay, now there are a couple of ground rules I have to lay out before we go further. First of all, no one, especially the press, can get wind of the story. Secondly, your participation has to be stealth, not even my dicks will know. Are we clear on that? Bo and Phred were looking at each other, puzzled. Shit, what the hell Indigo, whose kid is it Obama’s? Bo shot back. What part of boy did you not get, man? Jones blurted, Now just let me talk and you two listen. Then he dropped the bomb, exposing that it was the Mayor’s eleven year old son, who had been snatched in broad daylight right from his front yard. No witnesses, no evidence, no real clues, except one; a note that arrived at the department with a fake return address, no fingerprints and a chilling message: I am, who I am. I am where I am and where I am is the same as my name. Where I go, he goes. Find me if you can.

That’s it , that’s all you have? Bo questioned, Damn Indigo, that sounds like some bullshit. Phred chimed in, Now hold on Bo, that’s called a conundrum, it’s like a puzzle, except in this case the pieces are words and we have to slice and dice them to discover their real meaning. Bo was still absorbing her words when Jones added, She’s right, Bo, the info you need is in the message and frankly my people have exhausted their analyzation and we need a fresh perspective. You two are, well, frankly the only two I can entrust this to. Bo puffed up like a proud lion ready to pounce. Phred on the other hand, had a look of grave concern. Okay Indy, you got us, Bo answered, Now what kind of a fee are we talking about? Before Jones could answer, Phred indignantly shouted, Jesus, brother, this is about a little boy’s life, how can you even think about money? Bo reconsidered his position and replied, Sis, you are 100% right, sorry Indigo, email us what you have and we’ll get started ASAP.

Tell you what, I’ll do better than that, I‘ll come visit and bring everything with me. You know these damn computers never forget anything, right?

Bo clicked off the speakerphone and in unison he and Phred said, I’m sorry. Then laughed as she slugged him and uttered punch buggy. He didn’t even want to try and explain he was not a VW. She was ready to rock and roll. I’ve got the message written down and with the new program I bought for my computer, that was created by an ex-CIA analyst, I’m going to run it and see if anything pops up, She excitedly allowed. Bo shook his head as he relished having his sister as his partner and despite her ways, how special she really was.

Thirty minutes later, Indigo was walking through the door. Phred jumped up to greet him with a hug and kiss on the cheek. Bo extended his hand for a shake, but Jones brushed past it and went for a man hug. Been a while, bro, and despite your ornery self, I’m almost glad to see you, Jones allowed, Phred on the other hand, it’s always a pleasure seeing you. Laughter around. Then they sat down at her new conference table and Jones exposed all the details regarding the kidnapping and the subsequent investigation. He went through all the natural suspects, including registered sex offenders within a ten mile radius. Nothing had panned out as a lead. Keeping the event from the press hadn’t helped, but the Mayor wanted it that way. There had been no ransom demand or even any further contact from the perpetrator other than the cryptic note. It had been mailed from a postal box which had no surveillance or security cameras near it. Bottom line was, the cops hadn’t even found a trail to follow, much less a suspect to pursue. Suddenly, Phred’s computer started beeping. She rushed over to check the monitor. The software program had analyzed the information contained in the note and was printing a summary of the results. She gleefully expounded on the program and its hopefully helpful synopsis, rolling out of her laser printer. She grabbed for the page as it finished and began to read.

Chapter Three

Bo and Indigo gathered around Phred as she read the printout. Hmmm, un-huh, oh, well, okay then, she muttered as she absorbed the data. Well? Bo impatiently asked. Solved it, right? Indigo added hopefully. She scrunched her face answering, Hmmm, uh, well, not exactly, but I think I have something we can use. The profile of the perpetrator is a white male between the ages of thirty and forty years old, balding, a loner and someone who craves attention. Bo looked at Indigo and him back, shaking their heads. Then Indigo let loose, Oh, hell yes, that solves it. We’ll just interview , oh I don’t know, a quarter of the population in the County. I sure hope you didn’t pay too much for that program. She just glared at him with the look that could melt icebergs, then spewed, Listen smartass, how much of that info did your overpaid, underworked dicks figure out? Bo smartly remained silent. Indigo reconsidered his standing and sought a way to sound contrite with his