The Detective

By ANTHONY A. PELLEGRINO

A Stream at times can suddenly branch off into two distinct distributaries. Its still the same stream but it now displays multiple characteristics. That is quite similar to what occurred in detective Kellers life. Keller is a fi ne family man and a very good detective, but temptation and a single bad decision on one particular night caused a split in his personality that would not heal on its own. His one bad decision spread like a lethal infection causing him to indulge in activities that were both vicious and mean; decisions that went against his basic instincts and beliefs, but those decisions brought misery and death to a host of innocent victims. He treasured his family and would do anything in his power to protect them, but he could not prevent a particular homicide that visits him as a result of his previous actions. Keller is fortunate to have people who are close to him, stand by him through thick and thin. Somehow his evil slate is cleared by an unusual event and he returns to being a productive citizen.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jan 14, 2016
• ISBN: 9781514439449

ANTHONY A. PELLEGRINO

Tony Pellegrino is a fi rst time published author who has always had a passion for writing imaginative stories. His life’s work as a professional educator prevented him from becoming a full-time author earlier in his life. Now that he is retired, although he is still involved in a great many activities, he has found time to pursue a lifelong dream. The winter of 2014 – 2015 was very harsh in the northeast part of the United States. As a result of the severe winter, he was confined to remain in the house for long periods of time. On November 15, 2014, he spent time writing novels and by January 15, 2015 he completed three books. The Detective, the first of the novels is now in print for you to enjoy.

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Copyright © 2016 by ANTHONY A. PELLEGRINO.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2016900084

ISBN:      Hardcover      978-1-5144-3947-0

                Softcover        978-1-5144-3945-6

                eBook            978-1-5144-3944-9

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 01/13/2016

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Disneyland was a blast, and now I’m on my way back home with my family. I’m sitting next to my adorable wife, Terry, and my two children are occupying the seats directly in front of us. My daughter Grace is seven years old. She’s a very smart little girl and can absorb information like a sponge. I do believe it’s a genetic gift she inherited from her mom. My son, Noah, on the other hand, has a hard time catching on to almost anything. I know he’s only five and he has a long distance to go but I’m concerned. Noah, I’m afraid, took after his dad. Maybe he’ll be a wonderful athlete.

Whatever the future holds, I feel blessed, and I love them dearly. I wonder how long they will remember the fun they had at Disneyland. It doesn’t matter because they are in touch with their visit right now.

The pilot indicated to the passengers in the plane that we were starting on our descent to the airport. Please fasten your seatbelts. We made sure that the children are buckled in, and then we secured our own belts. I always get a little uptight when I’m flying. Personally, I thought it’s unnatural for people to fly. If we were meant to fly, we would have wings.

Terry took my hand in hers and detected my tension. She teased me, What’s the matter? Is my strong big detective husband afraid of heights?

No, what I’m afraid of is this great behemoth mechanical giant crashing into the ground with me in it. You know I hate flying, so why do you rub it in? She laughed and told me not to worry and that she would protect me at any cost. Just then, the engines of the aircraft made that awful sound when they powered down.

A short time later, I could feel the wheels of the aircraft touching the tarmac along with the sound of the brakes being applied. I heard the wheels skidding, and then the plane came to a stop. We had arrived safely on the ground. The pilot thanked the passengers for flying with his airline.

I was so happy I could kiss the crew. I believe my blood pressure had returned to normal. I love going on vacation, but it was always a hassle retrieving the luggage and journeying home. It always seemed our baggage was always the last to roll out from behind the curtain on those conveyor belts.

We carried our baggage to the curb and discovered our ride home is unavailable, so we hailed a cab. It took us about an hour to be deposited at curbside in front of our home for a cost of $80, including a tip. By the time we settled in, it was dinnertime. I was as hungry as a bear, and there was little or no food in the house.

A popular vote was taken, and we decided that pizza would be a good choice. Terry picked up the phone and ordered a pie, which arrived in about twenty minutes. Everyone was seated at the table, and Terry led us in a prayer of thanksgiving. The kids did not have to be urged to consume what’s on their plates. They love pizza.

Did everyone enjoy Disneyland? Yeses resounded throughout our household. Noah, what state did we visit?

I don’t know.

His sister Grace chimed in immediately. Disneyland, it is in Florida, and in order to get there, we had to fly over Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North and South Carolina, and Georgia.

Eat your pizza, Grace.

Noah, do you know what state you live in?

I don’t know that either.

His big sister commented, Don’t you know anything? We live in New Jersey.

That’s right, Noah. We live in the Garden State, and we’re Garden State guys.

Daddy, you’re so silly. I’m not a guy. I’m a Garden State girl.

Absolutely, Grace, you’re a Garden State girl with a big mouth.

I do not have a big mouth.

Terry told me I’m going to damage her ego if I say things like that to her. I apologize for calling you a big mouth. Your mouth is absolutely gorgeous. I didn’t mention it, but I sometimes didn’t care for what comes out of it. I could imagine what it would deliver when she’s fourteen years old or so.

Noah’s sixth birthday is about a month away, and Terry reminded him of it. Someone’s birthday is coming up soon. Who is going to have a birthday, Noah?

Me!

You’re going to be a big boy. How old are you going to be?

I don’t know.

How old are you now?

I’m four years old.

Grace chimed in, No, you’re not four. You’re five. Don’t you even know how old you are?

I’m five.

Yes, and you’re going to be six. Hold up your fingers on one hand. That’s five. Now put up one finger on your other hand. That’s six. That’s how old you’re going to be.

Take it easy on your brother.

I’m only trying to help. His friends will think he’s a dope if he doesn’t even know how old he is.

Your help is appreciated, but do it in a kind way. Soften your tone of voice.

I’m always being criticized. I don’t think I’m going to help anyone anymore.

Terry settled things down with a few motherly words, Grace, just keep in mind that we all love you, and that’s the important thing.

Noah, who seemed to be out on another planet somewhere, said, I love my sister. Everyone smiled.

Terry told the children it had been a long day, and now it was time to brush their teeth, put on their pajamas, say their prayers, and go beddy-bye.

Grace objected, Why do we have to brush our teeth? We’re going to lose them anyway?

Because your teeth will last longer, and you’ll avoid pain if you brush them properly.

I guess you’re right.

Now it’s time for bed.

I know.

It seemed strange; you take a trip to relax and rest, but when you return, you’re completely exhausted. I think Terry and I were going to turn in early too. I turned, twisted, snored, and before I knew it, it was time to rise and shine. I had to return to work in a few days, but before I do, I had some work to do around the house. I took the lawnmower out, and I believed it was on vacation too. It was extremely hard to start.

The grass should have been cut a week ago. Right now, it resembled a forest. My neighbor Jerry waved to me from over the fence. How was Disneyland?

The magic kingdom and Mickey were a lot of fun. The vacation was great. Every one of us truly enjoyed it.

By the way, we took in all your mail and newspapers. You can pick them up whenever you’re ready.

Thanks, Jerry. Terry will be over in a little while to pick everything up.

I was finished mowing the grass at about noon, and it was time for a break. I cleaned up all my gear, stored it, and made my way back into the house. As I was going in, Terry was on her a way out.

I fed the kids. Your lunch is on the table, and I want to pick up our mail at Jerry’s house. I’ll join you in a minute or two. I gobbled down a sandwich and a soft drink. Terry returned with a load of mail. I was not interested in the mail, so I made my way into the den and joined the kids in playing video games. Just as I was getting into the swing of things, Terry came looking for me.

May I see you in the kitchen? Why is it that women always interrupt video games at the wrong time? They just don’t understand the challenge of the game. I knew there was no use in refusing her request because she was not going to give up nagging me until I join her.

I accompanied the love of my life into the kitchen, and we sat at the table. I hope you haven’t forgotten that we have an appointment with a life insurance salesman tomorrow.

You interrupted the video game to speak to me about life insurance. What’s more important? The video game of course.

I thought you would say that. Now settle down, and let’s discuss this issue.

At least you could have been considerate enough and got me to join you while I was cutting the lawn.

Big guy, you’re being childish.

I don’t want life insurance, and I don’t need life insurance.

We need life insurance, and I want life insurance.

Well, I guess that settles that.

Mike, you have two young children, a house that has a mortgage, and a dangerous job. If anything should happen to you, God forbid, your family would be up the creek without the proverbial paddle. Taking all that into consideration, do you see why you need life insurance?

It makes sense to have financial protection.

I knew I married a reasonable man, intelligent, and good-looking too. Now the question is how much insurance should we buy?

I’m sure you thought that out too.

As a matter of fact, I did. I think we should buy about a half million dollars’ worth.

A half million dollars’ worth? Are you kidding me? That would cost a mint. We would be insurance rich and penny poor. How can we possibly afford it?

You would be surprised at how inexpensive it would be for a man of your age to buy a term life insurance policy for that amount of coverage.

In my opinion, that’s still a lot of insurance to buy. Excuse me for asking, but do you want to live like a queen after I’m gone?

No, let me explain the financial facts of life to you. I was thinking of hiring a gardener, but I guess that’s out of the question now. Now you can hit me with Terry’s financial facts of life. You have two young children now. Would you have any objection if they both go to college when that time comes?

Of course not.

College tuition would cost about $200,000 to educate them.

Where do you envision them going to, Yale?

Chances are if they go to Yale, it would be less expensive. They subsidize the tuition for many of their students.

Has it ever occurred to you that they could spend their first two years in a community college? That should save us about one hundred grand. Terry ignored my suggestion and continued on with my financial education.

Do you expect your family to live on the street?

We have a house.

That’s right, and we have a $350,000 mortgage on this house. That adds up to $550,000. Do you now see why we need a half million dollars of coverage? Remember we still have to live. We have to buy clothes and a few other essentials like food and medicine if needed. Oh yes, and if we manage to save a few bucks from the fortune you’ll leave us, I’ll hire a gardener.

Maybe you should think about marrying one that can save you a few bucks.

I’m already married to a gardener—you.

How about our savings?

We’re not exactly paupers. We have about $40,000 in the bank.

That’s not so bad.

It’s an okay amount for a rainy day. Remember the family auto. We have an outstanding loan on it for about $15,000.

I felt pretty good before you brought our financial status to my attention. Now I feel depressed. Are we through?

Yes, we are. Now you can return your attention to what you consider more vitally important—a video game.

I’m sharing quality time with my children.

Sunday morning arrived; we ate a hearty breakfast, dressed the kids, put on our Sunday best, and hurried off to church. The kids were fairly well behaved. Grace followed along the service with her prayer book, and Noah entertained himself with a superhero figure. If he started to speak, Terry popped a few Fruit Loops into his mouth, and that quieted him down.

I made every effort to pay close attention to the religious service, but my attention strayed shortly after the celebrant got into his sermon. I tuned out and tuned in to what he was saying. At least I managed to keep my eyes open. Some of the other churchgoers were either nodding off or were in a deep state of ecstasy. I used my investigatory skills as a detective and determined it is the former of the two possibilities.

I thought that all preaches should be taught in sermon school to keep their homilies short. Five minutes would be a good target time. I estimated 95 percent of the audience was attentive during that period. After eight minutes, you’re lucky if 40 percent are still listening. At ten minutes, 15 percent would be listening, and that was a very liberal estimates. By that time, it wouldn’t surprise me if a few started snoring.

The minister’s sermon touched an array of topics—war, lust, love, and money.

The service ended, and we exited the church. We said hello to several of our friends who were also in attendance. I was itching to get home, but we were confronted by a very aggressive group of Girl Scouts trying to sell us cookies. A box sold for $4.50.

Terry, can we afford to buy a box of cookies at this price? I mean with the cost of college and all that?

Don’t be a jerk! Girls we’ll take four boxes. To add insult to injury, she didn’t buy the little green cookies that I love. Okay, okay, it was for a good cause.

It was no surprise to me that we bought a $500,000 term life insurance policy when we met with the salesperson. Terry was right; it was very affordable. Sign on the dotted line, and I did. Now I had not only purchased an insurance policy; I also bought peace of mind, especially for Terry. After that, we deserved a night out.

We had a neighbor Jane that lived down the street who sat for us when she was available. She was a college student; she was reliable and responsible, and we preferred her services when we could get her. She was available, and she agreed to sit for us so that we could go our way with peace of mind. Our kids were good kids, but we gave them some last-minute instructions as to how they are expected to behave.

The kids adored Jane, and that was a plus. We left Jane an emergency number should she have to reach us. We planned to have dinner at an inn that had a reputation for good food as well as fine service. They also featured entertainment.

Terry was dressed to the nines; she was exquisitely decked out, and I never ceased to be amazed at how gorgeous she looked. I met Terry years ago; she was sixteen at that time, and she had an ambition to be a nurse. Of all the places in the world, I met her at a bowling alley. A group of my friends decided to go bowling that night, and Terry and her friends were doing the same at an adjoining alley.

I drummed up a casual conversation with her, bought her a drink, and asked her out on a date. I took her to this very inn on our first date. A rather coarse comedian was performing, and Terry did not appreciate his sense of humor. He passed several inappropriate remarks directly at her for laughs. I still could remember how red her face became. She asked if we could leave before the show was over, and we did just that.

I apologized for the sour note that spoiled our first date, and I promised to make it up to her if she would accept my offer to take her out on another date. Terry responded by telling me it was not my fault and by accepting my invitation for a second date. I took her to a classy concert hall on that date so as to make sure nothing similar to our first date would spoil the night.

As we were leaving the concert hall after the show, as others did, Terry spotted the comedian that had performed at the inn. Terry started laughing hysterically. The incident broke the ice, and from that evening on, you couldn’t keep us apart; we were going steady. I showered Terry with gifts on every important occasion: flowers and candies on Valentine’s Day, dinner at Easter, garments, leather goods, and perfume on Christmas. I spared no expense in trying to win her over.

in time I proposed to her on a June night and presented her with an engagement ring. We were eating dinner at a restaurant, and we were celebrating her graduation from a school of nursing.

Congratulations on your accomplishment, Terry. Are you happy with your chosen profession?

Very much, so yes, I’m so very happy.

Would you like to make me happy?

Of course, and just how can I go about making you happy?

I took her hand, looked directly into her eyes, and said, By wearing this ring and then agreeing to marry me.

Mike, I thought you would never ask. What took you so long?

Is that a yes?

Yes, yes! That is a resounding yes. You just made me the happiest girl in the entire world.

It was a glorious night, and it didn’t take long before we started making plans for a wedding.

It is a lot of work planning for wedding, but the prospective groom contributed very little to the big day. The bride-to-be and her family took care of all the major details. My guest list for the most part was taken care of by my folks. The only thing I really had to do is get measured for my tuxedo. The seating arrangements, as well as the wedding at church, were all taken care of by somebody other than me. Tradition has it that the bride’s parents foot the freight for the cost of the wedding. My cost for the wedding was practically nil, but it was a good investment for the bride’s parents since I’d be supporting her for the rest of her life. I was not complaining, mind you, just stating the facts.

To avoid the whole affair, I would have suggested doing the smart thing—eloping. However, I knew that a wedding was one of the biggest events in a girl’s life, and I would never deprived Terry of her big day.

As I thought back, our marriage may not have ever taken place but for a few fortuitous choices that were made. I was gung ho about joining the military service. I wanted to be a marine. I had also taken a test to become a police officer. Just one week before I intended to enlist in the service, I received a letter notifying me that I had passed the entrance test and that I was to report to the police academy for training. I thought about making the choice between becoming a soldier or a policeman hard and long, and I opted for the academy. Had I enlisted, I would never have married Terry; ergo, there would never have been a wedding. It was funny how things like this just happened; it was fate.

The weather on our wedding day was absolutely magnificent. A limo carried me over to church, and I couldn’t wait to see Terry and tie the knot. There was a superstition that claimed it was bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding ceremony on the day of your marriage. I wondered who invented that thought and why. Terry cautioned me not to see her before the ceremony. When Terry entered the church, she was absolutely beautiful. It was as if she was an angel dressed in white.

The celebrant asked the people in attendance, If anyone has an objection to the marriage of these two people, speak now or forever hold your peace. There was no response to his question, and we just cleared the final hurdle. We exchanged I do’s, and I felt as if I was walking on a cloud.

Next stop was at a studio so that our memories could be preserved in photos. Now it was time for the reception. We entered the hall, and we were introduced as Mr. and Mrs. Keller for the first time in front of about one hundred seventy-five guests, half of whom I didn’t1 even know. We danced together as a married couple for the first time.

Moments later, our best man presented us with a heartwarming toast. A five-piece band played some very sweet music. Dinner was served, but I was more nervous than hungry, but I did manage to down two or three cocktails.

In a short four and a half hours, the reception was over, and I couldn’t wait to sweep Terry away from the crowd so I could have time to be alone with her and get a chance to enjoy her company. We returned to her parents’ house where she changed out of her wedding gown. It’s such a shame for her to have to remove her wedding garments she was such a lovely bride, and somehow I wished that moment could last forever.

We were now ready to depart for our honeymoon. At first, we decided to honeymoon at some exotic destination; but after giving it some thought, we really wanted to spend time alone without distractions. We decided to take a relatively inexpensive trip to Atlantic City, New Jersey.

As we were exiting the house, we met my new sister-in-law returning from the reception. She wished us well and invited us to stay for a while. Was she kidding? There would be plenty of time to get acquainted when we return; besides, it was getting quite late, and it had been a long day. I estimated it would take us about three hours to arrive in Atlantic City. I suggested and Terry agreed that we should stay at our newly furnished apartment tonight, which was just minutes away, and head south in the morning.

"Terry, I’m in no rush to start our honeymoon. Would you mind very much if we got a little bit to eat and had a private celebration of our own at a