Beholden to None: Dorothy Dennehy Mystery Series, #3

By Jamie Tremain

In this crime mystery, Dorothy Dennehy accepts her first major case since the tragic death of her fiancé. Putting her emotions aside, she focuses on an assignment which takes her to Detroit. She is determined to find answers when a released criminal surfaces to threaten her top investigator, whose past has always been vague.

 

The trail uncovers political corruption at the highest city levels, but she must be sure of her facts before acting.

 

"The tension in this deftly woven story ramps up page by page as Dorothy and her investigators gather the evidence that will bring down the ruthless masterminds. The ending provides one final twist and leaves the reader satisfied and eager for the next Dorothy Dennehy adventure." Award Winning Author Gloria Ferris

 

Fans who relish a sense of justice will enjoy watching Dorothy and her team take on society's privileged, to vindicate one of her own. Is a possible romance on the horizon for her when they return to Portland, Oregon?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jamie Tremain
• Release date: Jul 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201490621

Jamie Tremain

Jamie Tremain was ‘born’ in the summer of 2007. A collaborative effort brought about by two fledgling authors, Pam Blance and Liz Lindsay. Work colleagues who happened to share a love of reading and writing, and the natural next step was to try their hand at creating a story of their own. Attending workshops and writing conferences, as well as blogging about their journey, have helped them along the way to hone their craft.  Jamie Tremain has worked hard to be a visible presence in the writing community, where encouragement and support are golden.   We are thrilled to now have a Dorothy Dennehy Mystery Series trilogy. More to come! Pam Blance: Reading and writing is a passion for Pam. And in that order. She believes it’s a necessity to do a whole lot of reading to be able to write well.  Growing up in Scotland, with a father who hammered away at an old manual typewriter producing poems and articles, she then picked up the bug.  After immigrating to Canada in the sixties, Pam worked in many different industries. Raising three children and having a full time job only left her time to scribble, mainly for herself. Liz Lindsay Liz has always loved reading.  As a child the perfect gift was a book! Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, or Trixie Belden, please. So what could be better than writing them? Raising three children and working at different pursuits left little time to barely read, let alone write. But a chance conversation with a work colleague, Pam Blance, led to tentative writing steps. Jamie Tremain was born and is the pen name for their collaborative efforts.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

And then the building collapsed.

Private Investigator Dorothy Dennehy sat in shocked silence as her newest client paused to rein in his emotions. The fortyish, experienced investigator was rarely stumped. This was one of those times.

Her client, of average height and in his early forties, was no stranger to her, but the story he related was new. Holden Bartholomew, or HB as he preferred to be called, was not only her lead investigator with Quail International-Investigations and Security but also a trusted friend for many years. She’d always wondered at his reclusive life and somewhat mysterious history. But now all was being revealed.

Do you need to take a break? she asked.

HB, wiry and tightly strung, fidgeted with the cold coffee in front of him. Yeah, maybe. Do you mind if I take a walk and clear my head?

Take all the time you need. I’m not going anywhere.

She stood to stretch and watched as he closed the apartment door behind him. It had been almost two hours since they’d begun to talk. She stepped out onto the small balcony. The apartment was housed over her father’s popular bar and grill, located in a marina on the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon. She loved the location and never tired of the view. Her houseboat—the ‘Private, Aye?’—doubled as her office and was nearby. A few deep breaths of fresh air and her head felt clearer.

When her father, Max Dennehy, had sought her help for HB a few days ago, she’d been surprised. HB had always been an enigma to her. Her father knew more of HB’s history but wouldn’t betray his confidence, even to his beloved daughter.

The mystery began to unfold. HB revealed, to her amazement, he’d been in the witness protection program for twenty years and now he feared his identity had been discovered.

The tale HB had relayed so far was more than she could have imagined. She’d made pages of notes while he talked, but she replayed the gist of it in her mind.

She knew he hadn’t always lived here in Oregon. Numerous attempts with questions over the years proved fruitless. He’d always seemed reluctant to say where he’d come from. Now she understood.

Despite a disadvantaged youth growing up in Detroit, HB had a dream. To become a criminal lawyer and an advocate for those the system failed to protect. His focus kept him away from the trap of gangs and drugs. A high school co-op program led to an assignment with a local criminal law firm. He’d made an impression with the partners and a scholarship was offered to help him pursue his dream. He even managed to article with the same law firm and his future was bright.

She made a notation in her notebook, Research law firm and partners.

Dorothy depended on HB’s investigative skillset. He had a knack for seeing patterns others didn’t. But this knack was his youthful downfall and derailed his career in law.

Quirks of fate. Trips us all up at some point.

While articling in his early twenties, he’d become aware of a disturbing trend between one of the senior partners and a local high profile construction firm, AG Developers. He gathered information until he was confident he’d uncovered a scheme of illegal kickbacks, shoddy workmanship and city inspectors paid to turn a blind eye to serious code infractions. Any formal complaints or lawsuits had been handled and represented by the same lawyer. Coincidentally, if any charge made it into the courtroom, it was seen by the same judge and charges were always dismissed.

Probably lots of cash involved somewhere, too.

The apartment door opened and HB strode back into the room. She’d never seen such deep worry lines on his face before. Ready to get back to it?

He hesitated. With second thoughts.

About?

He stalled his response, reluctant to make eye contact. Involving you. These guys are the real deal, Boss. They play for keeps. I’ve already seen what they can do to keep me in line.

Dorothy leaned forward. Now you listen to me, my friend. I’ve been in this business for a long time. You, of all people, know I’ve never backed down from a threat, and I’m not about to start now. Got it?

HB offered a weary nod. His shoulders sagged as he sat back down opposite his employer and friend. I thought I was done with this part of my life. Most days I forget I live under an assumed name.

So now the time has come to truly put this all to rest so you can get on with your life.

He grunted.

Can we pick up with the explosion?

He nodded and drummed his fingers on the table.

Dorothy smiled and turned to her notes. At least now I know why you’re such a good investigator. Those skills would have made you a great lawyer.

Back then, to become a lawyer was my dream, but aside from Rolin, lawyers have left a bad taste in my mouth. A better lawyer would have kept Vinny McKay locked up for life. The explosion made him a murderer in my books.

Dorothy waited in silence for him to continue.

A dozen people were killed that day. He paused and closed his eyes. Some I knew a little, but one...

She was dismayed to see his eyes tear up. A struggle was going on inside him. She held her breath.

Emily died too.

Emily?

My fiancée.

Oh no. HB, I am so sorry. How awful.

A small smile faltered on his lips. Haven’t talked about her to anyone except your dad sometimes. You remind me a bit of her.

Will have to talk to Dad about this. Doubt I’ll get more from HB right now.

In a good way, I hope?

Her dream was to be a nurse. We had plans, so many plans. And damn Vinny McKay killed them along with her. Bastard!

What did the police say? You’d been gathering proof of AG Developers’ corruption, along with this Vinny McKay’s incompetence and shoddy construction practices, correct?

I had files of proof. Got me nowhere except to run for my life.

Okay, we need to backtrack a bit. Lots must have happened between the explosion and you running for your life. Didn’t happen overnight I bet.

He stood. I need to leave this for a while. Can’t keep my thoughts straight.

Dorothy looked up at him. I know the feeling. Listen. Right now I’m concerned for your safety. Do you want the police or the feds involved?

Not yet. Hard to trust anyone. I’ll let you know. He started pacing, a characteristic familiar to Dorothy and a warning sign he was ready to bolt.

HB. Your safety is paramount. Don’t disappear on me, got it?

I feel trapped.

If I find you someplace safe to stay will you go there?

He sighed. No where’s safe. Thought I was protected here. He moved closer to the apartment door. Until I saw someone who sure looked like Vinny last week—or at least reminded me of him. Older, but the way he cocked his head. Had to be him. Maybe his sentence finished earlier than planned.

Seeing him must have rattled you. We need to find out how he tracked you down. In the meantime, I have an idea but I need to talk to Dad and Alanna. Please trust me. If this guy has found you from across the country, we need you in a secure place, out of harm’s way.

I’ll come back later, it’s the best I can promise. If you’ve worked out a plan I’ll consider it.

Okay, deal.

And then he was gone.

CHAPTER TWO

After HB left the apartment Dorothy made her way back to the business side of Maxwell’s Bar and Grill. She spotted her dad comfortably at home behind the bar, engaged with his clientele. She stood for a moment observing him. Still a commanding presence, the former police officer had earned the respect of many during his long career with the force, and now as the popular owner of Maxwell’s. But the years had taken their toll, as they do. Recently he’d had to admit to a hearing loss and now sported a discreet device in one ear. And she realized there were more complaints about aches and pains. and grumbles when climbing the stairs.

Her dad was the rock in her life and when niggling fears of time’s reality came to the fore, she pushed them down. They were a solid team and she hated to admit to herself how much she depended on his presence and advice.

Max looked up and catching sight of his daughter, beckoned her toward a quieter end of the bar. How’d the chat with HB go, darlin’?

I’d like to talk with you, but not here if you get my drift.

Of course. Let me get a couple more orders in, and we can go out to the patio if you like. The weather’s not been great for customers, so it’ll be quiet. Something to drink for you?

Glass of red will do, thanks. Put it on my bill, she laughed.

A few moments later they were settled at a table where the breeze coming off the river was chilly. Max had been right. The weather wasn’t favorable to any customers being outside, and they had the patio to themselves.

Dad, I had no idea what HB’s been through. I was stunned to learn he’s in witness protection, but it’s connected a lot of dots for me on why he acts the way he does.

He’s had more than his share of hard knocks, love. But he’s kept going and doesn’t dwell on it.

Can you tell me how you met and maybe fill in some blanks. I haven’t heard the whole story yet, but now I need to know. I’m glad he’s finally given you permission to tell me.

Sweetheart, this story goes back quite a few years. You were new with the Boston force if memory serves. HB had threatened to expose the corruption he found and wanted to name names. High up names at Detroit City Hall, a top-ranking law firm and a successful construction company. He was young, idealistic, and felt invincible at the time like most young people do, but when the parties involved got wind of his plan, he put his life in danger. He’d been naïve enough to believe justice would be on his side.

I’ll look up newspaper events from the time, but you have more of an eye-witness account.

I can’t speak to what happened as eye-witness before I met him, love, but I have no trouble verifying anything I can afterward.

She reached into her bag and brought out a notebook and a pen. I need to get some timelines down here. When and how did you first meet him—this must have been when you spent that time in Detroit before you returned to Boston?

He sighed. "I should have never left Beantown, but I wanted to give you space, you being new on the same force. Didn’t think it would sit right, what with you and I working so close. As if Detroit would be a walk in the park, ha!"

I remember, Dad, and I also remember how fast you transferred back home to Boston, after—well, after Angelo—died.

The Irishman leaned back and rested his head against the chair. I’ll still have my Detroit case notes, but I believe it was the fall of ’98. I was on patrol—night shift—and dispatch sent me to a B and E. They said a suspect was detained at the scene. We arrived at the law offices of Wyandotte, Tucker, and Hatfield to find a bleeding young lad slammed up against a brick wall and held in place by two men, who appeared to be maintenance workers for the building. He leaned forward. "They’d roughed him up bad. Claimed they caught our HB trying to break into the offices of the senior partner of the firm. It was a strange setup. I couldn’t understand why he’d risk breaking into the offices of the firm where he worked. Knew there had to be a story there. To his credit HB didn’t deny it, but wasn’t forthcoming with anything else either.

We arrested him, read him his rights and took him to the precinct. I’ve arrested a lot of punks and no-goods in my time, but something about him seemed different. I took an interest and kept track of his case. He was arraigned and took a public defender to represent him. Because he had no priors and agreed to plead guilty, the court was lenient. He served a couple of months and was paroled. At court it was apparent he had no family. A pretty young thing was by his side throughout.

Emily?

Ah, so he’s told you about her?

She was killed in the building collapse. They were engaged. Didn’t realize he and I shared the death of a fiancé as a common bond.

Ah, now darlin’. The hurts and losses are real. Yours is more recent, but HB’s hurt has stayed with him for too long.

She could only nod. Some days the pain of losing Paul was still too real. The grief would come out of nowhere and threaten to engulf her. She ran her finger around the rim of her empty wine glass. The breeze had picked up and dark clouds foretold rain. We’ll need to move back inside soon. But tell me more. With what he told me, I don’t want to risk being overheard. Dorothy trembled against the cool, damp air.

I don’t know if I can give you much more. He wouldn’t tell me what he was trying to prove. Said he respected my position as a police officer and didn’t want to compromise me. The less I knew the better. All he’d say from time to time was that he was getting closer to blowing the whistle. I worried about him, I can tell you. I was happy he had Emily. Wedding plans were in the making, but he had a dark shadow following him. When he was paroled, I took an interest in helping him stay away from trouble. I knew he was obsessed with building a case against the law firm where he’d worked.

Drops of rain spattered on the table, and she shivered. Guess our time is up. But before we head inside I have a favor to ask of you. Well actually it’s more of Alanna, but maybe you can ask her for me. Didn’t she once say she owned a small place on the mountain?

Max grinned. That’s my girl. You’re thinking we need a safe place for our HB, am I right? Good plan. I’ll talk to her and let you know. I’m sure she’ll be agreeable. It’s pretty isolated, limited cell service, but we can be there within an hour or two.

They stood, and Dorothy hugged her dad. Don’t know what I’d do without you. So now I have to get HB to agree to this. Once I know he’s safe, I can concentrate on getting to the bottom of how Vinny found him and what his intentions are. HB doesn’t get spooked without good reason.

The clouds burst and the downpour of rain precluded any more conversation.

CHAPTER THREE

The Planning Department in Detroit City Hall hummed with noise. The newly elected mayor was making an impromptu visit. Desks were being tidied and coffee breaks terminated.

Mayor Joe Ellington and his entourage entered the orderly department. He waved to a few and smiled. He was well-liked. His good looks and silver hair didn’t go unnoticed by his many fans and supporters.

The new mayor headed to the offices of Anton Garcia, Director of Detroit’s Planning Department. Garcia had been his primary, and closest, opponent in the recent race for mayor.

Although the two men were of similar age, they couldn’t be more different. Joe Ellington was by nature, a pleasant and caring man, while his nemesis, Anton Garcia, wore a permanent scowl on his face. Garcia’s Cuban heritage provided him with an exotic look, but his outward appearance gave the impression he’d the cares of the world on his shoulders.

Garcia rose from behind his desk, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. Good morning Mr. Mayor. And to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?

Ellington chose to ignore the undisguised hint of sarcasm in Garcia’s greeting.

Good morning, Anton. Oh, you know. Meet and greet before getting down to work. And if you could clear a space in your schedule for me, we can hash out policies and much-needed by-law reforms. A few now in place need to be updated.

Which by-laws in particular?

The mayor had delayed sparring with Garcia as he could only see unpleasantness on the horizon. He could procrastinate no longer.

I don’t have details with me, but an overhaul is long overdue with by-laws and some building codes. If you and your team could run a few amendments to bring them into the twenty-first century, I’m sure we can have them passed by council.

Garcia blinked rapidly and cleared his throat. Let me know what you have in mind and we’ll start. I’ll put a couple of people on it right away.

Ellington wondered at the lack of argument from Garcia. Silence. The two men locked eyes as the long-standing rivalry between them re-surfaced. Ellington was the first to break the awkwardness, asking Garcia to make it a priority to look into past infractions and what they could do to make sure the city was not going to be held accountable. It’s all about fiscal responsibility, Anton. We owe it to the taxpayers.

Of course. As I said, we’ll get right on it.

Right. Thanks for your cooperation.

Ellington’s shoulder blades twitched. He hastened to leave the office, glad to be away from the palpable tension.

***