Low Hanging Fruit

By Oscar Silver

Volume two of the Henry and Hobbs Saga introduces our intrepid sleuths to a new world of intrigue and mayhem.

A new murder injects Hobbs and Henry into a whole new realm of crime and money and plenty of new PI business opportunities. While on the search for

• Language: English
• Publisher: Oscar Silver Publishing
• Release date: Jan 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9781734114737

Book preview

Prologue

Pieter peacefully passed from this life in his own bed.

Hermes was alone.

Again.

They had known Pieter’s end was near and had discussed what Hermes could do next.

Pieter’s children were too young for Hermes' taste. There would be time for them in the future.

Pieter thought Hermes would be most comfortable with another Templar. Hermes had enjoyed his time with Pieter and had no reason to doubt his partner’s opinion.

This was why Hermes, now Adonis, was heading west at full speed aboard a treasure ship.

They were sailing from La Rochelle.

Have any idea where we are going?

I've always wanted to find where the sun sleeps. Thomas the Bold thought.

Thomas watched the shore of France recede into the night. He crossed himself. He prayed that his brothers in Paris would survive King Philip’s pogrom.

He searched the black sky and prayed.

His prayer was answered. He found the North Star.

With the helm firmly in his hand, Thomas sailed out of history.

A fool’s errand Adonis thought to himself.

May the wind always be at our back.

Adonis chose to see just how bold Thomas was.

He kept the knowledge of the leak behind the largest of the treasure chests to himself.

Adonis was always ready for the next adventure.

It was his was his way.

Thomas, Adonis, and the leak stayed afloat much longer than Adonis had thought possible.

Chapter One

Today

Hobbs saw the man right away. He was standing above the Seventh Avenue entrance to the Long Island Railroad, at the walkway leading to the Madison Square Garden box office. As Big Vic had said, he and his brother looked very much alike. They were twins.

Mike, Tom, Hobbs, Vic sent me.

Mike checked his watch Right on time, I appreciate that. It was the last thing he said in this life.

A bullet hole appeared on his forehead. His eyes rolled up inside his head. He fell dead at Hobbs's feet.

Hobbs was speechless for a moment.

Did you hear a shot?

No.

Have you been hit?

No, but I can confirm our new client is dead.

Yeah, I know that.

Should we beat it out of here?

Detective lesson, maybe you should take notes. Never leave the scene if you didn't do it. Only makes the cops suspicious.

Ok so now what do we do?

I'll call Valentine and we wait.

Yesterday

Hobbs was surprised to see Big Vic waiting for him. The Mets had been on a week-long winning streak, and he didn't owe the bookie a dime.

What’s Big Vic doing here?

Henry was surprised too.

One way to find out.

Hobbs parked the car and waved at Vic as he walked towards him.

Always good to see you, Vic.

Were you always that good a liar?

Vic you know I was cop, not a lawyer. But I can lie with the best of them. But not lying today, you must owe me money for a change.

Yeah, I do, but that’s not why I'm here.

Beware bookies bearing gifts.

I'm with you on that.

So, Vic to what do I owe the pleasure?

Can we do this inside?

You want to come in?

That would be a first.

Yeah, this could be life or death. Too many ears on the street.

I'm at your service.

I don't like this one bit!

Relax, sounds like this is new business.

This detective business is very strange. But intriguing.

They were both right.

Big Vic left about an hour later. He and Hobbs had a handshake agreement. Hobbs had a five-thousand-dollar cash retainer in hand and an appointment to meet Vic's twin brother in the city tomorrow.

I don't understand what just happened.

Not sure I do either. Another detective lesson. The client often lies. Not always, but often. Vic is now the client, Hobbs fanned the fifty hundreds Vic had left. We’ll go meet Mike tomorrow. He'll tell us more.

I thought we’re going to Europe. I've got business stuff we need to do there.

Europe isn't going anywhere. You have to respect a winning streak. The Mets and Hobbs and Henry are on a roll. Don't ask, no business cards.

A trip to Europe might change your mind.

Not tonight it won’t.

Hobbs locked the fifty hundreds in his gun safe. The Glock could use the company.

The Mets won another that night.

The streak was in full force.

Henry moped all night.

When this case was over, Hobbs promised Henry that trip.

Later Today

Hobbs was doing his best to stay out of the way of the forensic team. They had a thankless chore. Only about a million people a day passed this way.

They were searching for one needle in a haystack of needles.

From his fifteen years as an NYPD Homicide Lieutenant, Hobbs knew they had a thankless task.

Another client murdered. Think you're cursed?

Hobbs’s ex-partner, now Captain Frank Valentine of Major Crimes was always cheery.

Another day another corpse. What do you want me to say?

What was your business with him? Valentine pointed to Mike, still dead on the street, just in case Hobbs didn't know who he was talking about.

All I know, Frank is his twin brother, he hired me yesterday to talk to Mike there, Hobbs's turn to point, From whom I was supposed to get the details.

Looks like you'll have to give back your retainer.

Will we?

Henry was clearly upset.

I might, Big Vic isn't someone to piss off.

Frank, can I go? I've got a client to talk to.

Be my guest. Have fun. The corpse over there was a State Senator. Valentine flipped his case notebook closed and went off to do the scene of the crime cop stuff.

Hobbs and Henry took the railroad home to Kew Gardens.

Neither of them were surprised to see Big Vic waiting.

You didn't tell me your brother was a big shot.

It wasn't important.

I'm sorry for your loss.

Thanks. Glad our folks are gone so they didn't have to see this.

Come in I'll give you the cash back.

Hobbs almost couldn't believe he was saying that.

Keep it. I might have something else for you to do.

OK, but can it wait a week of two? I owe myself a vacation.

Yeah, it can wait. Where you going?

Europe.

Tally Ho!

Chapter Two

S o, what kind of business do you have in Europe?

Treasure!

I like the sound of that. Where will I be digging?

No digging this trip., We're going to go for some low hanging fruit.

And where is this fruit hanging?

Hobbs was getting the feeling he was going all in on Henry's treasure hunt.

Not a hunt this time. Easy pickings.

No one shooting at me?

Easy peasy. But we do need to be on the continent. I'd bet Vic's bottom dollar no shooting involved.

I ask again, where?

Amsterdam first, then Zurich.

No shooting?

I really doubt it.

Well, then I'll call Valentine, and see if it’s okay for a witness to leave town for a while.

Do you have to? Henry almost whined.

Yes, I do.

Every once in a while, Hobbs felt the need to put his foot down and try to establish a senior partner dominance.

You humans and your ego's. I've never found a way around them.

Too bad. Gonna call Frank.

Hobbs hit Frank’s speed dial number on his phone. Two rings and Valentine was on the line.

NYPD at your service. How may I direct your call?

I like that, Frank. Captain Valentine please.

What can I do for you, Tommy? I'm up to my neck in your latest client fiasco,

I'll be quick. I gave you all I know yesterday. Is it okay if I take a week or so off and give myself an official vacation?

Valentine sighed, more than a little exasperated with his old partner. You really need to go?

A little backbone, Mr. Hobbs.

Yes, Frank I do. Unless NYPD can't go on without me.

Bon voyage, and keep in touch. Frank was gone.

It seems we are cleared to go. Do you have a specific itinerary in mind?

I need to do a little checking first. I'll be out of contact for a few hours. My detective lessons suggest you ought to notify Big Vic too.

Good detective thinking. Bon Voyage to you too.

Hobbs was never really sure when Henry was away. The silence in his head was the only evidence.

Hobbs rarely called Big Vic. He did have the bookies super-secret phone number in code on his phone.

Vic, how you doing?

I've had better days, Tommy. What can I do for you?

You told me you might have some other work for me. Was just checking to make sure it can keep for ten days or so?

It should. Big Vic didn't sound very agreeable.

Vic, I've got to get out of town. You've got my phone number if you need me. Unless this is a crisis, I'm gonna go.

Vic was quiet for a long moment. No crisis, Tommy. Go if you must.

Vic, I think I must.

Then let me know when you're leaving, and safe travels. Vic’s end went silent.

For a second, Hobbs thought Big Vic actually had a soft spot for him. He assumed that was because he did so much losing.

Henry received a message from the Committee. They wanted to talk to him.

He knew that wasn't a good sign. They hadn't spoken since that foul up six or seven centuries ago.

Henry stood silently while the chairman deftly mentally shuffled a pile of papers on his desk.

You called for me, sir?

Yes, Henry these days?

Yes, sir.

We just want to make sure that this foray into human detecting is an appropriate use of your skills.

Henry hated it when the Ancient Ones treated him like a child.

I believe I am the best judge of what is best for me.

Henry was following his own advice about backbone.

The Chairman sighed. He hated the absolute belief adolescents had in their own actions.

And it is my job to make sure.

Yes, sir.

Henry's backbone weakened a little.

We are very interested in this experiment of yours. I will expect regular reports.

Yes, sir.

You may go.

Well, Henry thought that went about as well as he could have expected. And only three hours human time had elapsed.

I'm back.

Are we ready to go?

No, I'll give you the information, but you have to make the reservations.

I knew you still needed me.

Silence from Henry.

Then Tally Ho!!!!

The computer on Agent Carson's desk dinged with the ring tone he had designated for Thomas Hobbs, PI.

What’s the son of a bitch up to? Carson thought to himself.

He'd had a tech come in and set up the alert system. When the bi-focaled tech asked what the alert was all about, Carson icily told him that information was well above his pay grade.

Years of field work had taught Carson how to deal with those well down the information pipeline. Worked every time.

Well, what do you know? PI Hobbs is planning a little European trip. I bet it’s a treasure hunt. Let’s see Amsterdam, for a little dope stop. Zurich next. Now that’s a flashing neon sign with a big yellow arrow pointing to treasure here.

Carson checked the dates. Damn, Hobbs’ trip conflicted with a pre-planned event. No way he could blow off the Annual Class of 1990 Farm Reunion.

I'll get you next time.

Before he signed off, he checked on PI Barron’s travel plans.

Apparently, she wasn't in on this adventure.

Okay, maybe it's not that important.

Carson went back to handicapping this week’s early season NFL games.

Chapter Three

Valentine had known Big Vic for years. Hobbs' personal bookie had been a regular player in Thomas's life for decades. However, standing outside the morgue viewing room was the first time Frank learned his last name.

Malloy. Same as the corpse on the viewing platform.

One man a bookie, one man a politician. Valentine was unclear in his own mind which man was more likely a real criminal.

That wasn't his problem now.

Big Vic, done with the formal identification of his late twin brother, couldn't avoid Valentine in the morgue hallway.

My condolences.

Big Vic seemed still in shock as he looked blankly at Valentine.

Captain Frank Valentine. Major Crimes.

Recognition came quickly to Vic. Tommy Hobbs's old partner. Thought you were homicide.

Was. They tell me MC is a promotion.

Congratulations. Vic offered his hand to shake.

Thanks. I know this is a rough time, but I do need to ask you a few questions.

Right now?

I'm sorry, Vic, but yes, right now.

Fine.

Thanks. There's a coffee shop around the corner. Why don't we go there? It isn't the Ritz but a better ambiance than the morgue.

I know the place. Lots of cops. Taken a bet or two there.

Vic, let me get one thing on the table right away. I don't care about your gambling business. My only job is to find who killed your brother.

Let’s do this.

Valentine and Big Vic settled themselves in a booth at the back of the coffee shop. Vic had acknowledged condolences from staff and cops alike along the way.

A waitress came by, and both men ordered black coffee. She smiled at Vic and all but ignored Valentine.

Valentine pulled his notebook from his pocket and flipped pages for effect.

You seem to be known in here. Valentine observed.

Yeah.

Valentine knew when small talk was a waste of time.

Were you close to your brother? Valentine asked as the coffee appeared on the table.

Yes, and no. We were twins, so there was a connection I know you can't understand. But we've traveled in different worlds for a long time.

Are there any other brothers or sisters around? I know your folks are gone.

No other Malloy kids roaming around.

Valentine wrote that in his notebook.

Unusual for a sibling to make the ID. Didn't Mike have a wife and kids?

Yeah. An ex and two kids in Queens. I don't think my ex-sister-in-law would cross the street to do anything for Mike.

Not even to make sure he's really dead?

She won't notice till the alimony and child supports checks stop coming in the mail.

Valentine both personally and professionally understood ex hatred.

He wrote in the notebook again.

You think she hated him enough to kill him?

Vic gave that a little bit of thought.

Maybe years ago, but they've been divorced over ten years. She's a bitch, but I don't see her killing her kids’ father.

Valentine was quiet for a moment.

"The kids hate him?'

No more than any teenager hates their father. However, Captain, I'm not close with my nephews. I really couldn't tell. I doubt it though.

You didn't have him killed?

Vic put down his coffee cup and locked a death stare onto Valentine. Both men sat silently for a long time.

No, you prick.

Sorry Vic, had to ask. And I've got to ask. Can you account for your whereabouts at the time of the murder?

More stony silence hung between the two men.

Yeah.

Yeah, will do for now. If I need more, I can find you.

The silence returned.

Any idea if your brother had any enemies?

Vic almost laughed out loud.

The man was a politician. You figure it out.

Okay, it’s a given. He had political enemies. Anything personal you're aware of?

I told you before, Captain. We weren't that close.

Ever take a bet from a colleague of his?

Yes, on ball games, not stuff pending in the legislature.

More scribbling in his notebook.

What's the Governor’s favorite play?

Bookie client confidentiality. Vic smiled.

Last question, Vic. Do you know anyone who would kill Mike?

Vic had had enough of all this.

In my business I've met more than a few triggers. So yeah, I know folks who kill for a living. No idea if one of them had a contract on Mike.

You think this was a professional hit?

What happened to that being the last question?

I lied. Cop’s prerogative.

Yeah.

A lot more silence.

Vic spoke first.

Captain, if I'm not under arrest I can assume I'm free to go?

Vic said that as he rose from the table.

Yes, you are free to go. But don't leave town.

Yes, sir.

Vic saluted Frank and left the shop through a throng of well-wishers.

For the billionth time, Frank wondered if he was in the wrong business.

Chapter Four

"B ig Vic is at the door."

Henry a beat ahead of the doorbell.

It was a force of habit that made Hobbs look through the peephole before unlocking the door.

I'm hurt. You don't believe me.

Relax, force of habit. I've been opening that door long before you arrived.

Vic Hobbs nodded as he opened the door and let the bookie in. This coming inside might become a habit.

Vic ignored that.

Got some winnings for you.

The Mets’ winning streak was proving very profitable.

Vic peeled a slew of hundreds from a wad he took out of his pocket.

Thanks.

You’re welcome. But that's not why I'm here.

I warned you about bookies bearing gifts.

My winnings are not a gift.

If you say so.

What can I do for you? I'm still heading out of town tomorrow.

Vic looked around the apartment and chose the sofa.

Vic was the first guest in a while who hadn't plopped down on Hobbs's favorite chair. He sat down on it quickly before Vic could change his mind.

I'm not asking for you to return the retainer. I will have a job for you when you get back. I need a favor.

That really caught Hobbs by surprise.

A favor? Do I have to break any laws?

Vic mulled that over for a while.

Not break, maybe stretch.

He gives me the willies.

I don't owe him money. Let’s see what he needs.

That's an interesting answer.

Are you saying no?

Vic suddenly had a very nasty scowl on his face.

Not at all Vic. Stretch and break are two very different things. I'm listening.

The scowl stayed, but Vic's body language immediately transmitted a much calmer attitude.

Your old partner waylaid me earlier when I went to identify Mike's body.

Hobbs was silent for a long moment.

What do you think he wants? I think he wants you to eliminate Frank.

That's break, not stretch.

Vic, I know it’s a hard time for the survivor. I hate to admit it, but it’s department policy to catch family at their weakest.

I always knew you guys had no hearts. Vic’s body language shifted quickly back to confrontational.

Where is he going with this?

Relax, he'll get to it.

Not the first time I've heard that, Vic. What do you need from me?

It was Vic’s turn to