The Adventures of a Problem Solver Iii: The Complications

By Richard V. Martin

The Adventures of a Problem Solver is a series of books involving an unusual private investigator as well as his even more unusual associates and clients. Refusing to give into his fathers demands to run the family business, Garrett Kannis circled the globe to right wrongs. He found time to add a trophy wife and two overachieving children to the family tree. If you are looking for fast-paced action, this series will provide it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 15, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524525934

Richard V. Martin

Richard V. Martin, better known to his friends as Dick, was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in southern California. He attended Valley Community College and received a designation in public relations from UCLA. His working years included sports and feature writing for the Burbank Daily Review as a story coordinator for Warner Brothers Television Division and a variety of public relations positions for Lockheed-Martin before retiring as public relations director from the company’s facility in Marietta, Georgia. He now resides in a cabin on a river in Ellijay, Georgia.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Emilo Poretti, the Italian version of Columbo, the very first agent Garrett had hired, was gone. Garrett and Emilo had worked many cases together, some of them dangerous and even life threatening. In every case, Emilo had Garrett’s back, even saving his life a couple of times. When Garrett decided to move to Savannah he had made Emilo the president of his Italian company. Marianna suffered the shock as much as her husband. She had won Emilo over and considered him a family friend. The duo sobbed on each other for a lengthy period. The waitress came out of the kitchen.

Is there something I can do?

Yes, Judy, call Mario and see if he can cook today. If he can’t, put up the closed sign and send everyone home.

Marianna got her purse out of the kitchen and the two walked out almost holding one another up. They crossed to the park and sat on a bench.

What happened, Garrett?

He was hit by a car outside that little place he always stopped in on his way home after work.

Trattoria Fastilli on Via de Molici? She thought about it a minute. That would be a very unusual place to get hit by a car. I have been there a couple of times with him. It is a short dead end street, very narrow, no one would speed on it.She had gotten Garrett’s attention. "I was too shocked to ask any questions.

You think it might not have been an accident?"

You have trained me well, Garrett, the thought is in my mind.

I’ve got to leave for Rome immediately.

Yes we do, Garrett.

One of Emilo’s new detectives, Flippo was waiting when Garrett and Marianna arrived at the airport in Rome. He was a polite young man, well dressed and well spoken. Garrett had met him only once, during his last annual trip to Rome. On the way to the office he gave them a short briefing on the situation.

I have a copy of the police report on both issues.

Both issues, Flippo?

Yes, on the incident involving Mister Portelli and the driver of the vehicle which hit him. The report on Mister Portelli indicates an accident, the one on the driver indicates a suicide.At the office they had short condolence discussions with the receptionist, Bella, and the second detective, Nico. Then they read both reports.

Filippo looked over Garrett’s shoulder.

"What do you think, Mister Kannis?’

Bring the others in, Filippo.

When they were all together, it was evident Garrett had detected something in the report. But, first things first.

"I want you all to address me as Garrett. My wife’s name is Marianna.

There are a couple of things in the report that interest me. Whatever else any of you have going on is to be dropped. We will be working only on the death of Emilo. Nico, I want you to find everything you can on the driver, I want to know where he worked, if he ever had problems with the police, everywhere he ate his meals, I want a full, detailed report. Flippo, I want you to find out who the car was stolen from and everything about him. I want it all as soon as possible, even if you have to work all night. Belle, I want you to pull the files on every case Emilo was directly involved in this year."

All three disappeared, Marianna was curious.

What did you find in the reports?

It’s mostly gut feelings, Marianna. The idea of a driver flying down that street at the exact time Emilo was leaving, then he left the car, took off and somehow managed to go a long way home before he scribbled the suicide note and then took his life by taking pills. It just seems strange. Do you still have friends on the police force from your reporting days?

It’s been a long time, but I’ll check around.

Two things I would like to know, the handwriting on the note and the pills. Were they his, or just something that happened to be available?

I’ll find out for you.

She started to walk out.

Marianna.

Yes?

It’s okay to unbutton a couple of blouse buttons if you have to.

Garrett went to the accident site and looked over the scene. The only thing he made note of was there were no tire skid marks in the area. He went back to the office, Bella was the only one there. She handed him a stack of files.

Bella, I am surprised his two partners haven’t shown up.

Two partners?

Yes, when we reformed this office, Emilo owned 25 per cent, I owned 25 per cent and the other two detectives at the time owned 25 per cent each.

He asked me not to tell you.

Tell me what?

He bought out the other two when they left. He owned 75 per cent of the business.

Where in the world did he get the money?

From his police pension fund.

Well, he has no next of kin, who is the beneficiary?

You are, sir.

Garrett paced and finally Belle spoke.

Mister Kannis, may I say something?

Of course, Bella.

Mister Portelli was very much disappointed in the agency. He was trying do everything and he was not a young man. You will find out when the two boys, as Mister Portelli called them, turn in their reports to you.

A dejected Marianna reported to Garrett that she had hit a brick wall, all her contacts were either retired or in positions that did not cover the case.

Garrett told her about Emilo buying the business and leaving it to him.

Garrett, maybe there is a reason. What if he thought something was going to happen to him and you would follow up?

The meeting with the staff the following day had Garrett frustrated. Bella was right. Nico had practically nothing to report on the driver. Flippo didn’t have much on the stolen car. Neither had anything in writing, it was all verbal. he called Bella into the office and closed the door.

Bella, you were right about Flippo and Nico. I need your help and it is just between you and me. Emilo had a lot of old friends when he was working for the police. I want you to get me their names and phone numbers and pick the three that you know he saw or called frequently.

He spent the morning calling people, and accepted one call.

Monique, nice of you to call, how are you.

Garrett, I was doing very well until I heard about Emilo. It was a terrible shock to me, I know how it must have been for you.

It was, Monique. How is your family?

I’m afraid I was a better detective than I am a mother.

You were always a quick study, you will figure it out. Will you be at the funeral tomorrow?

Yes, Garrett, I look forward to seeing you there.

He wondered what she would be wearing, hopefully not her airport attire.

At the end of the day, Marianna asked where they were having dinner.

At Trattoria Fastilli on Via de Molici.

It was a small place, more of a bar than an eatery, dark and noisy.

Marianna waited at the door as Garrett went to the bartender.

I’m Garrett Kannis, I have a small room reserved for this evening.

Glad to meet you, Mister Kannis, Emilo spoke of you often. I’ve cleared our storage room for you, it isn’t much.

Three men walked in the door, and the five went to the storage room. There were beer, wine and snacks on the only table in the room. The group sat.

Gentleman, I want to hire your services. I don’t believe Emilo’s death was an accident. I want you to prove me right or wrong. Please introduce yourself and let me know if you are willing to do this.

The first was a well dressed, big man, with a booming voice. My name is Marcello Veneto and I am currently on the police force, but would definitely like to help on my own time.

The second was casually dressed, unshaven, but the possessor of a huge smile. My name is Tazio Travolta, no relation to the dancer, I am retired and would do anything in the world for my paisano, Emilo.

The third was bespectacled and smaller than the other two, he almost whispered. I am Demetrio Palmieri also retired and a friend. I am in.

Garrett went over all he knew about the case and what he thought might have happened. He explained how he had tried to use Emilo’s staff to help, but was unsuccessful. All three of the men commented that was to be expected, Emilo had to do practically everything himself. Emilo couldn’t get anywhere with them. Marcello was the first to volunteer.

Garrett, I can track down a lot of that information from our files. I’ll get information on the driver and the stolen car. If Tazio and Demetrio can follow up with the leg work, you should have what you need in no time.

Both Tazio and Demetrio agreed.

Garrett was excited. If you can get a picture of the driver, I would like to show it around to see if he has been in here.

Marcello smiled. I stop here almost every night, I’ll take care of that.

One more thing, Marcello. Can you renew my gun permit?

No, problem, Garrett, I’ll rush it though.

They spent the rest of the night exchanging cell numbers, eating, drinking and telling stories about Emilo and toasting him. When the three finally left, Marianna picked up a few of the remaining snacks.

Garrett, I think you’ve lost the touch of entertaining a lady for dinner.

CHAPTER 2

The funeral was attended by a few people, mostly retired policemen Emilo had worked with and seven people who pulled Garrett’s mind away from the coffin to his life with Emilo. Domenico Zappa and his mistress Geanna were there. He was distinguished looking with a tailored suit and grey hair above a stern face. Geanna didn’t surprise him, black just wasn’t her color and she probably didn’t have anything to wear that wasn’t low cut.

Domenico had hired him to find Geanna not knowing she had been kidnapped for a ransom of one millions Euros’. Garrett delivered the ransom but ended up in a basement with her. When Emilo burst into the building, Garrett was shot. Geanna had taken off her blouse to wrap his wound. A smile crossed Garrett’s face. Even in pain at the time, he couldn’t help noticing she was not wearing a triple D bra. Emilo, ever the Italian gentleman, put his coat over her.

His gaze shifted to the aging Valentina De Luca. As expected, she was dressed as if she had rushed off an 1800’s classic movie set. Valentina had written a tell-all biography and was receiving death threats even before it was published. That was the time Emilo was almost shot during a fight for a gun. Again, a smile crossed his face. That was when he met Marianna.

He then focused on Monique and her mother, Maria. Both were dressed appropriately for the funeral. Maria probably selected the wardrobe for both of them. Monique was the reason he opened an office in Rome. They had become friends at the University of Maryland. She told Garrett her mother had been curator of the Mellano Museum when a robbery occurred and since it looked like an inside job, Maria had been accused. The investigation had been positive for Maria, but Monique and Garrett had gotten involved in a stormy relationship in which he had sacrificed his virginity. Monique’s competition at the time was Marianna. Finally his vision focused on the two members of the London office. They looked uncomfortable in somewhat formal attire, formal for them. The giant of a man, Tiny, looked as if he had searched the back of his closet to find something to wear. But the big teddy bear had tears in his eyes. He and Emilo, both old policemen, had become the best of friends and worked so many cases together. It was Tiny who found Marianna when she was being held for ransom in an old brewery in England. Standing next to him was Garrett’s most proud transition, Tina. His thoughts returned to the first time he had seen her.

Tina lived under a bridge, a street person. She had bright red, spiked hair, but had enough skills for Garrett to realize there was something there.

He was right, she had become a skilled agent.

Garrett spoke to all of them after the funeral. In the limo Garrett placed a big kiss on Marianna’s lips.

What was that for?

It was for you coming into my life.

Well, personally, I thought Monique looked very good. She was reading his mind. Garrett. I spoke to Tiny and told him our thoughts about Emilo’s death. He and Tina want to stay and help.

The pair made a point to always call Dante in the morning before he went to school. They both missed home and Garrett was really pressuring Marianna to go back.

Garrett, I would if Emilo’s death was an accident, but if it was intentional, I want to stay and be involved.

Garrett received his first call from Marcello.

Garrett, the driver is fairly clean as far as a police record, a couple of parking violations is about all. He has held very low level jobs, mostly construction.

Garrett was confused. Why would a guy like that suddenly steal a car?

I’ve had the same thought, Garrett, it just doesn’t seem likely.

Marcello, can we get into his apartment?

Since it is classified as a suicide, it isn’t a police scene. For a couple of Euros’, the apartment manager can probably be talked into letting you in.

Maybe we can find something. I’ll call Tazio and we will give it a try.

Garrett and Marianna met Tazio at the apartment and the approach with the manager worked.

It was a very small two room place that definitely was not well kept. They were not sure what they were looking for, but started their search. The first thing Marianna noticed was a pile of unopened mail on the table.

Just like in the United States, we can’t open personal mail, maybe there is something in here that would help us.

She looked through and found several bills from utilities companies and a bank. Marianna took out her cell phone and started calling the companies, speaking in Italian. After several calls, she was smiling.

Garrett, I called as his girlfriend saying he had not received any notice from them. He had been behind in payments and three days before the suicide he had brought all his accounts up to date. I called the bank and asked for verification on his balance. He has more than nine thousand Euros’ in his account.

Garrett punched his fist into his hand. Suddenly he paid his bills. Where did he get his money and why would a guy with a sudden wind fall commit suicide? Good job, Marianna. That is enough proof for me, Emilo’s death was not an accident and the drivers death was not suicide. Tazio, why don’t you talk to the manager and see if he has anything else we can use.

Garrett and Marianna continued to look through the apartment.

Have you found anything, Garrett?

No, and what I haven’t found is important. There isn’t a pill of any kind in this place. It makes no sense this guy would suddenly decide to shove a bunch of pills down his throat. I did find a couple of samples of handwriting to give to Marcello.

Looks like you are going to have my company for awhile.

They met Tazio outside. The manager had only added that he had seen the driver get out of a car with a couple of men the fatal night.

Tazio, do you think we should take all this to the police?

I have a better idea, why don’t we have Marcello try to get assigned to the case? That way we won’t lose control.

Tiny and Tina joined the group when they met in Garrett’s hotel room.

Marcello was now officially on the case. Demetrio reported on the situation involving the stolen car.

I think the stolen car idea came up when the owner found out it was involved in an accident. He had known the driver by having worked on a few construction jobs with him. My guess is the car was borrowed for a few bucks. I managed to get a list of the jobs they had worked on together just in case that might have been where the idea came from.

Good Job, Demetrio.

Marcello fed more fuel to the fire.

Garrett, I showed the drivers picture around the trattoria, a couple of people had seen him. A stranger is always noticed by regulars. He was in at least twice the week before Emilo was killed. He sat and milked a drink and didn’t talk to anyone, but Emilo was there.

Garrett handed the handwriting he borrowed from the driver’s apartment.

His mind was made up. Does anyone in the room still think Emilo’s death was an accident. Nothing but the negative of shaking heads.

Garrett returned to the office to collect more old files convinced the clue to who might have ordered Emilo’s death was somewhere in them. Neither Flippo or Nico was in the office.

It is Friday, Mister Kannis, they usually don’t come in until noon.

Call them both, tell them they are to be here in half an hour, and I want their activity reports.

I will do so, sir, but I don’t think either knows what an activity report is. The only report they have ever turned in is their expenses.

They are not the types Emilo would hire, where did he get them?

Friends of Emilo’s put pressure on him. You know Emilo, he would do anything for his old friends.

Give me a few minutes to think about it, Bella.

Flippo and Nico were about the same age as Garrett was when he started.

Yes, he had his fathers backing, but he had the motivation and the drive to make something of his business and to grow personally. Flippo and Nico had failed to show an interest in their jobs and were content to just pick up a paycheck. Maybe it was time for them to receive a message.

Ok, Bella, forget the phone call. Do termination papers on both of them, and go through their offices and box any personal items.

It was the most enthused Garrett had seen her. Yes sir.

Oh, Bella, I guess I should give them severance pay for a month, write them checks.

You don’t have to sir, but in Italy it is called, buona uscita, go away pay.

Garrett went into Emilo’s old office. He called Tazio and Demetrio.

Can you come into the office right away? I’m going to make you two an offer you can’t refuse.

Before noon, both showed up to meet with Garrett.

Gentlemen, I have no idea what your plans are after we investigate the death of Emilo, but I have a need to keep this office open. I will give you, free of charge, a twenty five per cent interest in the company if you agree to become members of the Garrett Kannis agency, I will make the same offer to Marcello.

Both were over-whelmed by the offer. Without hesitation they both agreed.

I’ll have the papers drawn up. By noon I would like you in your offices, looking busy when Flippo and Nico arrive.

At noon, Garrett had two boxes in his office when the two youngsters appeared. He didn’t pull any punches, they got it right between the eyes.

Gentlemen, Emilo gave you an opportunity to earn a living and develop your skills. In return he expected a performance and an accumulation of knowledge. I can find absolutely no progression in your activities or dedication to the job. I’m sorry gentleman, but your services are no longer needed here. Here is a check for one month’s payment to give you time to find a job.

Neither said a word. It was an indication to Garrett that it was the right action to take. Neither had the drive or desire to save their jobs. After the two had departed, he called Bella in.

How much do you make, Bella?

She told him. Give yourself a ten per cent raise. Then I want you to find that accounting service we had at the beginning of this operation and get them back to handle the accounting and books from now on.

Marcello was thrilled with Garrett’s offer, but had two good reasons to delay the move. He was one year away from an early retirement option and didn’t feel he should leave the department until they solved the Emilo case.

Having access to information was invaluable at this time.

"Garrett, I looked at the suicide note and the handwriting you gave me.

I didn’t have to have the lab look at it, it was totally different."

Marianna, Tazio and Demetrio went through the files back five years to make lists of possible people looking for revenge. Garrett didn’t have any idea if the answer would be found there, but there was little else to go on. Then a call came in from Monique.

Garrett, my mother has been injured in an automobile incident. Can you meet me right away at the museum? I want you to look at the car.

Garrett, Tiny and Tina arrived at the museum and Monique was standing in the parking lot.

She showed him some liquid in a parking space.

"This is where my mother parks her car. Look at that little puddle, doesn’t it look like fluid from her car?

Yes, from the color I would say brake fluid.

That’s what I thought, Garrett. She is a very conservative, slow driver and she ran off the road into a wall. My mother said her brakes failed.

Is she alright?

Yes, thanks to the airbag.

Let’s go look at the car.

They drove a few blocks and Tiny checked the car.

No doubt about it, Garrett, the line has been cut.

Garrett clenched his fists. It’s another case of revenge. We have not gone back far enough in the files. He called the office.

Bella, tell everyone to stop going through the files, I want you to pull the very first case we ever worked on, the Mellano Museum robbery, make copies for all of us. Tell everyone to meet in the office in an hour.

Then he called Marcello.

Marcello, we have a lead. Can you gather information on Paolo Martino since he was arrested for the Mellano Museum robbery?

He turned to Monique.

Where are you going from here?

To the hospital to pick up my mother.

I need you both to come to the office. You may need some protection.

As they drove back to the office he relived the case to Tiny and Tina. That actually was the reason he had opened the Rome office. The robbery had been conducted to get Monique’s mother out of the curator job. Paintings from one of the museum’s collections were then replaced with counterfeit paintings. It had all happened under the guide of Paolo Martino. When it was all over, Garrett and Emilo had embarrassed Martino during his arrest and Maria and Monique received all the headlines for Martino’s fall from grace. He was positive this was Martino’s form of revenge.

Marcello joined the group, all had read the file. Garrett went over the case and convinced them that Paolo Martino was responsible for Emilo’s death and Marie’s accident. Marcello had more confirmation.

Garrett, Paolo Martino was released from prison three months ago. A man that wealthy rarely serves a long term.

Do we know where he is?

He had a high profile before he was arrested, but now he is laying low in Naples, probably still adding to his art collection. Obviously he is hiring locals to do his jobs here.

Garrett’s wheels were spinning. I don’t think his revenge is over. Bella, the last time we dealt with Martino, Emilo hired a relative’s agency to protect Maria and Monique. Get a hold of them and I want both protected 24 hours a day. Tazio and Demetrio, pack your bags. We are going to Naples. Tiny, do you and Tina want to join us?

You couldn’t keep us away. Byron and Lucy have already been told.

Marcello broke the bad news. I won’t be able to help much in Naples unless I can convince the senior staff we have a rock solid case.

See what you can do, Marcello. That should cover everyone.

Marianna piped in. You forgot one person who needs protection.

Who?

You, Garrett. From this report I would think you are high on his list.

I hope so, Marianna. I want to be his target, and you are going to help him find me.

Before they left Rome, Garrett made a phone call to Francesco Gonzales Nunez, in Mexico.

Old, friend, I need a favor.

Garrett and Marianna took the rental car on the two hour trip to Naples, while Tazio, Demetrio, Tiny and Tina followed in the company car.

The very first stop Garrett and Marianna made in Naples was to the owner of one of the biggest publishing houses in Italy. Basilio Rinaldi was a suave man of the world, in his 50’s, well dressed and above all, carried the image of being a player. His welcome to Marianna proved it. He totally ignored Garrett.

Buongiorno, Bella Signorina. (Good morning, beautiful lady.)

Ti Penso Semtre. (I always think of you.)

Ti Adoro. (I adore you.)

He rushed from behind his desk and gave her a little too long of a hug.

Che Cosa Desideri. (What is it you desire?)

She finally had a chance to speak. My desire, Basilio is that we speak English. And it is signora now, this is my husband, Garrett Kannis.

Mia sousi, I mean excuse me, Garrett. To what do I owe the honor of your visit?

He shook hands with Garrett, using both hands and motioned for them to sit down and then only looked directly at Marianna, so she did all the talking.

Basilio, we are here to ask a big favor.

Anything, Marianna.

You own just about every specially and business publication in Italy. For reasons I can’t tell you, Garrett and I need some publicity.

For what business?

Not for a business, for us. Tabloid type promotion.

For the next two weeks, it was difficult to open any of Basilio’s publications without seeing a picture of Garrett and Marianna. They were at the Natural Archaeological Museum, with the Naples football team and eating dinner at several of the posh restaurants. The captions, written by Marianna, speculated they were moving to Naples, to Garrett was going to open an agency, to he was in town looking for stolen paintings.

Garrett, surely Martino reads one of these.

Garrett had selected a hotel with a wide range of video cameras.

They were located in the lobby, elevator, hallways and just about every spot in the hotel. For a sizable price, Garrett had negotiated to have a view of the elevator and hallway in his room. Tazio and Demetrio had rooms on each side of his and Marianna’s room. It wasn’t long before a crate arrived from Mexico and he looked up on his monitor to see Santiago at the door.

Santiago was introduced to the group . Garrett smiled as he looked at his team.

Alright, it is time to go over our plans, and I do mean plural.

CHAPTER 3

Garrett was prepared to take on Martino.

Santiago is here to help implement plan number two, I’ll describe that later. By now Martino should be well aware we are in town. If revenge is his motive, it won’t be long until he verifies it. Demetrio, Tazio, you have been checking him out and following him, what do you have to report?

Demetrio took out his notebook. He spends a lot of time at a little art studio, has a couple of restaurants that he frequents, always sitting at the same table. He has a small office, nothing like the office he had in Rome.

Tazio looked at his notes. Martino spends some nights at the apartment of a very young girl, I doubt if it is a daughter. When he isn’t there he usually has a couple of guys with him. Probably his muscle. By the way, Garrett, this has to be the moped capital of the world, they are everywhere. You would be an easy target from one pulling up next to the car or when walking the streets.

Garrett looked at Marianna before commenting.

"Our problem is Martino won’t do anything himself. So, when I am out of the hotel, you two will have to be close to me at all