Dead Man's Watch

By Kay DiBianca

SAVING ONE LIFE IS LIKE SAVING THE WHOLE WORLD

Half-sisters Kathryn Frasier and Cece Goldman stumble into another mystery in this second book in the Watch series. But while Kathryn commits herself to proving the innocence of a friend w

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wordstar Publishing, LLC
• Release date: Jul 29, 2022
• ISBN: 9781735788852

Kay DiBianca

Kay DiBianca is an award-winning author who retired from a career in software engineering to a life of mystery. Her characters come to life as they struggle to solve murders and create relationships amidst the ongoing themes of faith and family.An avid runner, Kay can often be found at a nearby track, on the treadmill, or at a large park near her home. You can usually find one of her characters training or racing through her stories.Kay and her husband, Frank, live, run, and write in Memphis, Tennessee.You can connect with Kay through her website at https://kaydibianca.com.

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2

What’s Hidden in Hyde Park?

T here’s her car. Phil Warren leaned forward in the passenger seat of Ben Mullins’s truck and pointed to Kathryn’s old Maxima parked in the lot next to the trail head. Take a left on that dirt road.

He spotted her as soon as the truck rounded the turn. She was standing alone in the shadows in the middle of the trail, wearing a loose-fitting gray shirt over her running shorts, her long brown hair pulled back in a ponytail.

She was looking down at her cell phone and, although he couldn’t see her face clearly from a hundred yards away, he knew the expression she was wearing. It was what he called her Kathryn zone. Her mind had locked onto a single thought and was pursuing it to the exclusion of all others. You couldn’t break into that room—she had to open the door and let you in.

Ben ignored the No Vehicles Beyond This Point sign, but the trail narrowed so quickly he couldn’t go far. Phil jumped out of the truck even before Ben brought it to a complete stop.

She looked up, and her face transformed into the I’m-so-glad-you’re-here smile she shared only with him.

He sprinted the fifty yards to her. Are you all right? He held her by the shoulders and asked the question even though the answer was obvious.

I’m fine. Kate put her arms around his waist, and he pulled her close and kissed her hair as she sighed into his embrace. She looked up into his face. How did you and Ben get here so fast?

We were over at Ben’s place repairing fence posts. It’s only a couple of miles from here. Did you call the police?

They’re on the way.

Ben trotted up. Sorry to hear the bad news, he said as he nodded at Kate. Are you two okay?

Yes. We were never in any danger. Cece tripped and fell over the edge of the hill. While I was climbing down to help her, she spotted it down below in the valley. She pointed toward the ravine and shuddered. Then she tilted her head toward Cece, who was sitting on a log by the side of the trail with her left leg extended in front of her. But Cece hurt her ankle.

Cece smiled a little and shrugged. You can always depend on me to shake things up.

Phil put his finger under Kate’s chin and tilted it up toward his face. As long as you’re both okay. He smiled for the first time and felt the tension drain away from his chest. Now show us what you found.

Kate took his hand and led him to the other side of the trail. We’re not even sure it’s a body.

3

Campaign Headquarters

The first thing Mike Strickland heard when he pushed open the door to Hodges Campaign Headquarters was Jeremy Dodd’s voice. Touting the latest version of his impeccable campaign management, no doubt. Again.

Jeremy was holding court in front of a small group of campaign volunteers. Ah, look who’s here. The Strict Man. He looked down at his watch. You’re late. A couple of young women giggled nervously.

Ignoring Jeremy, Mike nodded at the receptionist and walked into the staff meeting room.

Liz Howley sat on one side of the small conference table while Representative Hodges leaned over her shoulder, looking at something on her laptop.

Hi, folks. Mike eased himself down into a chair on the opposite side of the table. Checking your latest Facebook posts?

Hodges straightened up and squared his body to face him. Coming from you, that’s a little cynical, isn’t it, Mike?

Mike knew Hodges was right. He had been in a terrible mood since the shooting at ArcTron Labs a month earlier. He couldn’t escape the feeling he had stepped over a line trying to help his candidate in the campaign. He had tried to contact Kathryn several times since the tragedy, but she wouldn’t answer his calls or return his text messages. After five years of being Representative Robert Hodges’s chief of staff, he felt dull and wasted.

Jeremy strutted into the room, his coarse black hair in a state of rebellion against recently acquired styling gel. Bob, I’ve got more great news. He held up a spreadsheet as if he were hailing a cab.

Good, Jeremy. Hodges moved to the head of the table. We’ll get to it in a second. But Liz has been tracking a breaking story we need to pay attention to first. Liz, fill everybody in.

Liz frowned at the screen in front of her. It’s this real estate business, she said. It looks like it’s becoming an issue. We need to consider our position carefully.

Jeremy installed himself in a chair and yawned. We don’t have anything to worry about. We have the election in the bag. Have you seen the latest polls?

Liz shot him a withering look. Polls can change in a heartbeat, as you well know. I’ve been at this a lot longer than you, Jeremy, and I’m telling you this story about Alexander Hadecker has legs. It can blow up in our faces if we’re not careful.

Jeremy shrugged. Alexander Hadecker gave the campaign some money. What’s wrong with that?

Mike’s jaw tightened. Doesn’t this guy know anything? Alexander Hadecker is trying to buy the Barringer farm so he can subdivide it into nice little plots and make a fortune. That’s what’s wrong with it.

So? It’s a free country. If Barringer wants to sell his farm, what’s the problem?

Hodges used his pay-attention voice. Alexander Hadecker is known to be a cheap developer. He buys property and subdivides it into small parcels for bargain-basement houses. The problem is the people of Bellevue are dead set against anything that would tarnish their perfect utopia. The newspapers are sniffing a headline here, and if they tie Hadecker to me, we’ll have a problem with our constituency. Bellevue is essential to our success. This could cost us the election.

Mike shifted in his chair. Plus, Hadecker is from out of state. People don’t like it when an outsider tries to influence an election.

Jeremy clicked his ballpoint pen several times. Listen, we all know money talks in elections. Hadecker’s money will help us fund our voter registration drive. He clicked the pen again.

Hodges shook his head. Councilman Grayson is a formidable opponent, and he’ll make an issue of our relationship with Hadecker. Mike, what do you think?

I think the voters in Bellevue are smart. They’ll want to know where you stand on the Barringer farm issue. If we’re taking money from Hadecker and you come out in favor of his buying up the Barringer farm, it’ll be a major problem. We can’t afford to lose Bellevue.

Hodges ran a hand through his hair. Jeremy, didn’t you tell me you were going to meet with Hadecker?

Jeremy looked down at his hands. We were supposed to have lunch on Friday, but it didn’t happen.

Mike noted the color rising in Jeremy’s cheeks and took a guess. He didn’t show?

Jeremy glared. Something probably came up. He’s a busy man, ya know.

Liz closed her laptop. We need to get out in front of this. Mike’s the expert at solving these kinds of problems.

Jeremy’s face continued its race to dark red. But Hadecker is my contact.

Hodges held up his hand. I appreciate your position, Jeremy, but this is a special case. Mike, why don’t you set up the meeting with Hadecker and see if we can come up with a way to smooth over any rough edges.

Sorry, Bob. I can’t do that.

Hodges took his reading glasses off and let them drop on the cord around his neck as he stared at Mike. Why can’t you meet with him?

Mike crossed his arms over his chest. It could be a conflict of interest for me.

4

Dead Man

Cece sat on the log and watched Ben Mullins as he followed Kate and Phil over to the other side of the trail. She recalled the last time she had been at Phil’s car repair shop with Kathryn when she had noticed Ben gazing at her as she was leaving. When their eyes met, he had nodded and grinned. Something about his smile had made her feel like they were alone in the big car repair shop, like he had wanted them to be alone. She had quickly turned and followed Kathryn outside.

But this afternoon he’d hardly glanced her way before walking to the other side of the trail with Kathryn and Phil. She could make out his profile as he turned back from looking down the hill, pushing his Stetson back on his head and leaning forward to say something to Phil. From this angle, he might even be considered handsome with his straight nose and strong jawline.

But it was the comfortable way he stood, hands on hips with his fingers spread apart, that pulled her attention. There was something genuine about him. Unaffected. His hands were large and muscular, those of a man who made his living with them. And yet the fingers were long, like those of a pianist. Quite a combination. Power and finesse.

As if he could feel her studying him, Ben turned toward her, and Cece felt that same sense of being alone with him. She looked down and brushed at the dirt on her leg.

Sirens sounded close by. Within a minute, an unmarked car followed by two police cruisers pulled up. Police Commissioner Blake got out of the first car, and a small group of uniformed officers trotted behind him. Kathryn, he said and tipped his fedora to her. He shook hands with the men. What’s all this about a body?

Kate pointed over to the hillside. We don’t know if it’s a dead person, but we thought we should call you before we did anything.

Wise decision. Commissioner Blake was not a big man, but there was a quiet authority about him. He followed Kathryn over to the side of the trail and squinted to see what she was pointing at. Simon, take a look, but be careful. This could be a crime scene.

The policeman scrambled down the hill into the ravine and lifted the branches of a bush from which a man’s hand protruded. He looked back at Blake and made a thumbs-down sign.

Secure this area, Charlie. Blake turned to the officer standing beside him and made a sweeping gesture with his hand. Then he spoke to a third officer. Dev, call for the ambulance. Make sure they alert the medical examiner.

As two of the officers wrapped yellow tape around the trees to block the trail, Kate followed the commissioner to the other side of the path where Cece was still sitting. Blake put his left foot up on the log and took a small notebook out of his shirt pocket. Tell me everything, Cece, just like it happened.

There’s not much to tell. She looked up at Blake and shrugged. Kathryn and I were jogging along the trail. I guess I wasn’t paying much attention, and I tripped over a tree root and fell down the side of the slope. While Kathryn was coming down to help me, I spotted the hand.

Blake looked at Kate. That’s about it, she said. I helped Cece back up to the path and called the police. Then I called Phil.

As Blake, Phil, and Kathryn walked to the other side of the trail to watch the operation in the ravine below, Ben stayed next to Cece. He towered over her. You okay? he asked, his dark gray-blue eyes intent on her face.

I’m fine, she said.

He reached down and untangled something from her hair and held up the tiny green sprig with a blue flower. Looks like you picked up a little souvenir from your fall. He twirled it around between his fingers. It’s a forget-me-not. He held it out to her. Want to keep it?

Heck no. I don’t want any reminders about today, she said and shivered.

Ben put the flower in his pants pocket. Are you cold?

No. I’m okay.

You’re shaking. Here. He took off his hat and began to tug his sweatshirt off over his head. As he pulled it up, it lifted his T-shirt that was underneath exposing his midriff of ripped abs on a tight body.

Goodness. He could be on the cover of a fitness magazine. Cece felt her cheeks warming. She turned her head and pretended to pull at the seedlings growing out of the log.

Here you go. Put this on. It’s not great—we’ve been working outside all day. But it’ll keep you warm until we can get you out of here.

No. You keep it. I’m okay. You’ll be cold without your shirt.

Don’t be silly. You need this more than I do. He handed it to her in a wad.

Cece pulled the dark brown sweatshirt over her head and lifted her hair out of the neck hole. The shirt smelled of earth and pine and sweat. And something else. Leather? Thanks.

Ben looked down at her with a bemused expression. I’d say it’s a few sizes too large. He knelt beside her, straightened the sleeves that were twice as long as her arms, and rolled them up. That’s better. Now let’s have a look at that injury. He cradled her foot in his hands. Looks like you sprained your ankle. It’s beginning to swell. I can tape it for you. I’ve got some sports tape in the truck.

When he returned, Cece was wiggling her foot.

Don’t move it, he said. Keep it stationary.

Are you a medical professional? Cece asked and immediately regretted her tone. She had meant it to be funny, but it came out snarky.

Ben stopped unwinding the tape and looked at her. Even in the fading light she could see his lips turn up at the edges. No, he drawled, but I know enough to take care of you.

Cece opened her mouth for a quick comeback, but nothing came out.

Sorry, he said as he knelt beside her again. That didn’t sound right. He continued to unroll the tape. What I meant to say was, I know enough to take care of your foot. The lines around his eyes crinkled as he grinned at her again, and Cece wondered what he really did mean.

Ben gently removed her shoe and wrapped her foot with the tape. Then he put the shoe back on and laced it up tight.

An EMT truck pulled in and they all turned toward the men and women piling out of it.

I want to see what they’re saying. Cece swayed when she tried to stand. Ben put his arm around her waist and helped her as she hobbled to Kathryn’s side.

Blake quickly filled the emergency workers in on the situation. It’ll be dark in an hour or so. You should be able to remove the body as soon as my men finish conducting their search. We’ll put guards on the scene to prevent anybody from fouling it.

Blake stared toward the body as the EMT crew made their way down the slope. We don’t normally see this kind of thing in Bellevue. I wonder who the poor guy was.

Phil followed his gaze. I think I know who he was.

5

Flat Tire

Y ou know him? Commissioner Blake looked in surprise at Phil.

Not exactly. But I think he was the guy who came into the shop a few days ago with a flat tire and asked us to replace it. I recognize the jacket. He pointed down to the loud blue and yellow plaid sports jacket that had become visible on the body. Nobody in Bellevue would wear a jacket like that.

Good eye, Blake said. What’s his name?

Phil rubbed his chin. Sorry, I don’t remember. But we should have the paperwork at the shop and his name would be on the invoice. You want to drive over there with me and have a look?

Blake nodded and called down to his officers. I’m going to accompany Phil to his auto repair shop to see if we can get some information on the victim. You guys know what to do here. Call me if you find anything I need to know about. He turned back to Phil. Let’s go. I’ll take the squad car and follow you.

Kate put her hand on Phil’s arm. I’m coming too. Phil can ride with me.

Cece limped closer. Me too, she said.

No way, little one. Ben took her arm. You shouldn’t be on that ankle. I’ll take you to the twenty-four-hour minor med to have your foot X-rayed, then we’ll go over to my place and put ice on your ankle. Kathryn and Phil can come by when they finish at the car shop.

L et’s see. I think it was Thursday when he stopped in. Phil flipped through the files on his receptionist’s desk. And I’m pretty sure he was driving an expensive … ah, here it is. He pulled a file out of the stack and opened it. Yep. It was a 2009 black Jaguar XJ—last year’s model. He handed the paper to Blake.

Blake pointed to the customer’s name on the form. Alexander Hadecker. I got a call from one of my officers at the scene when I was on my way over here. They recovered the wallet and that’s the name on the driver’s license. Can I get a copy of this?

Sure. Phil took the paper and walked to the copy machine.

Do they know what happened? Kate frowned. How he died?

The medical examiner was there and said it looks like a gunshot to the chest.

He was murdered?

That’s a preliminary conclusion and off the record. He’ll have to do an autopsy.

Kate leaned against the side of the desk. If there was no car, does that mean somebody killed him and stole his car?

Blake nodded. I’m guessing it was a robbery. My officers told me the victim didn’t have any belongings on him. There was no cash or credit cards in the wallet, just the driver’s license. Picked him clean as a turkey before Thanksgiving dinner. They even took his watch.

Kate frowned. How do they know he was wearing a watch?

The medical examiner said there was a pale strip around his left wrist that implies he had a watch, but it’s not there now.

Maybe he just wasn’t wearing it when the robbers stopped him, she said.

Could be. Most people wear their watches all the time, though.

Phil handed the commissioner the copy of the invoice. Why would somebody steal the cash and credit cards but leave the wallet?

I’ve heard of this before. Probably a young, inexperienced thief looking for money to buy drugs. Holds up a victim, demands money. He grabs the cash and credit cards and anything else he can put his hands on, but then gets scared, kills the victim, and runs. In this case, drove off.

Phil put his elbow up on the filing cabinet. So if you find the car, you have a lead on the murderer?

Yes. Blake took a package of Life Savers out of his pocket and popped one in his mouth. We’ll put out an APB on the car. If we’re lucky, we’ll find it and enough evidence to track down the murderer. But the medical examiner said time of death was a day or two ago. It’s hard to tell because of the rain, but that’s time enough for the murderer to be long gone by now. He could be anywhere.

And if you don’t find the car? Phil knitted his brows together.

That makes it a lot harder. Especially since Hadecker isn’t from around here. My guys told me the license listed Curtisville as his home. That’s in another state. Blake sighed. I have a bad feeling about this one.

Phil looked at the copy of the invoice he was holding. Did they find his cell phone?

No. Nothing but the wallet.

Phil held the invoice up. We have his cell number. It’s on the invoice. He pointed to a line. We called him when we finished the work.

Blake slapped his hands together and rubbed them. Good for you, Phil. You just made our job a lot easier. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and hit a few keys. Simon, I got the victim’s phone number from Phil Warren. He read the number off the invoice. See what you can find out about what calls he made or received in the last few days. Check the hotels in Bellevue to see if he was staying in one of them. Blake clicked off his phone.

Would it help to see a video of him? Phil asked. We have a security loop on the outside of the building that should still be available, and it might show him when he left the shop to get a cup of coffee.

It sure would help! Blake’s face brightened, and he rubbed his hands together again.

Phil led Kate and the