The Fatal Truth

By Maggie Casteen

In "The Fatal Truth," the fourth gripping installment of the Kathy Hamilton Mystery series, we return to the tense town of Rosemont, where murder has once again cast its chilling shadow.
When a renowned reporter for the Rosemont Observer is discovered murdered in her own office, killed by one of her prestigious journalism awards, the town is thrown into a frenzy. Her vital files and investigative notes have vanished, leaving behind only an eerie silence and a mystery that threatens to shatter the peaceful veneer of Rosemont.

Stepping into this turbulent chaos is Kathy Hamilton, still finding her footing in the office of esteemed attorney, Bailey Clark. Their new client, Brad Warren, is a man enshrined in suspicion, holding onto secrets that could sway the course of the case. As Kathy once again undertakes the Herculean task of unearthing the clues to prove Bailey's client innocent, she grapples with a damning wave of evidence.

Is Brad Warren truly innocent, or does another killer, more sinister and elusive, lurk in the shadows? As Kathy navigates these treacherous waters, the stakes rise, and the truth, no matter how fatal, claws its way to the surface.

"The Fatal Truth" is a riveting tale of intrigue and suspense, teeming with deadly twists that will keep you hooked until the final page. With every step Kathy takes, the line between innocence and guilt blurs, leading her into a dangerous dance with a truth that might just prove fatal.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jan 1, 1900
• ISBN: 9798350905427

Book preview

1

It was 6:15 a.m. when Lori walked into the Rosemont Observer office. She had texted Margie to let her know that she was on her way, but Margie hadn’t responded. Lori had seen her car in the parking lot when she walked in. She’s probably rushing to get her story in, Lori thought as she opened her office door and flicked on the lights. She sat her purse and coffee on the desk that still had her research notes scattered across it. Lori looked up and noticed that Margie’s office light was on. She casually made the short trip to her boss’ office and knocked on the door. Margie, are you here, she asked as she opened the door. Lori froze in her tracks as she saw the desk chair turned over and a red substance on the wall. It can’t be, she thought as she inched her way closer until Margie’s lifeless body came into view. Lori gasped as she took in the gruesome scene. She slowly backtracked and fumbled for the phone.

9-1-1. What is your emergency, a female voice asked.

My friend, Lori sobbed, my friend has been murdered.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Detective McMannis was hoping to have this weekend to himself, but that hope went up in smoke as he ducked under the crime scene tape. His partner, Detective Reynolds, was already talking to the officers who were first on the scene. McMannis slowly scanned the office as a general picture of the crime formed in his mind. So, what do we have, he asked as Reynolds came toward him.

Victim is Margie Hines, a reporter for the Rosemont Observer. Apparently, she was working on her latest story when she died.

Looks like it was to die for, McMannis commented as his partner continued.

Coroner says it looks like blunt force trauma to the head. Time of death he says is somewhere between four and six this morning.

Small time window. That’s good.

Uh-huh, and that girl there, Reynolds said gesturing to his right, a Lori Brennan. Says that she saw a black truck leave the parking lot.

And the murder weapon is…, McMannis asked as Reynolds pointed behind him. So, she was killed with her own award.

Looks like. The coroner says he’ll give us a full report after lunch.

What’s this story she was working on? I hope it wasn’t on that, McMannis said pointing to the trashed computer on the floor.

We’ll never know. However, our only so-called witness also just happens to be our victim’s co-worker.

Lucky break.

Not really. She says that she doesn’t know the details of the story because of the local angle.

Local angle, huh, McMannis said looking at the blood-stained wall.

The only thing she knows is that she was to gather information on a Tom Danforth.

So, our victim was working on this story until our killer bashed her twice with an award.

Maybe a source that didn’t like what she was going to say?

Maybe. Did they find anything else, McMannis asked as Reynolds flipped through his notepad.

Um, yeah, there was a partial shoeprint, a yellow Post-it note, and a few gray fibers on one of the desk drawer handles.

Naturally, you told them to rush it.

Of course, Reynolds said with a grin, but I’m not holding my breath.

I wouldn’t either, or you’ll end up like her, McMannis replied pointing to the outline of their victim. He took another long look at the crime scene and sighed. Well, that’s all we can do here. Let’s go get a bite, he said as Reynolds headed out of the crime scene in front of him. McMannis couldn’t put his finger on it, but there was something funny about this crime scene. Something just doesn’t feel right, he thought as he followed his partner outside.

2

It was nine o’clock in the morning when Kathy finally decided to get out of bed. There was no case to work on, so Bailey had told her not to come in this morning, which had been fine with her. Kathy slowly rolled out of bed, grabbed her necklace, and headed for the kitchen in search of food. She made her way into the kitchen and found Stacey savoring a cup of coffee while staring at her phone.

Is it life or death, or can I get a cup of coffee first, Kathy asked reaching for the coffeepot.

Oh, Stacey said, looking up. Morning to you too. I was just trying to make sense of this text I got from work.

Really? Well, let’s hear it, Kathy replied bringing her coffee over to Stacey’s desk.

It says, ‘Don’t come to office today. Details to follow.’

That is strange. No reason why?

None. My reporter instincts are going crazy, Stacey said as she pushed her phone away in disgust.

Well, if it helps, I’m not going to the office either. So, let’s work on some breakfast.

Alright, Stacey said following her roommate into the kitchen.

What’s your pleasure, Kathy asked opening the fridge.

How about pancakes?

Ooh, that sounds good. Pancakes it is, Kathy said grabbing the milk and eggs from the fridge. So, to completely change the subject, you wouldn’t happen to have any extra money lying around?

Not hardly, Stacey said grabbing a pan. I’m a reporter for the Rosemont Observer, not the New York Times, she said smiling.

You mean you’re not yet a reporter for the New York Times, Kathy said giving her a sideways glance.

Oh, that was good. What’s it for?

I’m trying to get the money together to send my note to that analyst.

Oh, right, the anonymous death threat.

Don’t be dramatic, Kathy replied grabbing two plates from the cabinet.

Dramatic? Me? Never. However, as much as I would like to, I’m afraid I can’t help you out.

Ok, Kathy sighed. I guess that only leaves one option. Dad.

Well, look at it this way. If you ask just right, you just might come out on top, Stacey offered to put two pancakes on one of the plates.

Any suggestions?

Well, I prefer mine with butter and syrup.

Stacey, c’mon on.

Now, I can’t give all my secrets away, she said with a smile. I’m sure you’ll figure it out, but until then, what do you plan to do?

I thought I might work on my case on the i guardiani.

If you need any help, you know who to call.

What I need are those two pancakes on that plate, Kathy said as her stomach growled.

Oh, you mean these two? Well, these are definitely for you, Stacey said, handing Kathy the plate.

Wow, these smell good, Kathy said sitting down as she reached for the syrup. I didn’t know you were such a professional pancake-maker.

I know, I know, Stacey replied sitting down with her plate. My talents are just endless.

Endless, huh? I’ll remember that, Kathy said taking a bite while Stacey stared into space. Don’t tell me you’ve lost your appetite.

No, Stacey said grabbing her fork. I was just thinking about that text from work. I bet if I called one of the other reporters, they could tell me something.

Sounds plausible.

Huh, I wonder, Stacey said as she grabbed her phone off of her desk Kathy continued eating her breakfast as Stacey had a brief chat with one of her co-workers. When she hung up the phone, she just sat there.

Well, what is it?

Apparently, there’s something going on at the office about Tom Danforth.

Who?

You know. Tom Danforth, the actor. The perfectly-handsome actor who plays the lead in all those big action movies, Stacey said finally taking a bite of her breakfast.

Oh, him, Kathy replied. She had seen some of those movies thanks to her boyfriend, Michael. Well, I’ll leave you to figure out the Danforth mystery while I have a chat with Dad, Kathy said, putting her dishes in the sink.

Don’t worry. You’ll figure it out, Stacey said scrolling through her contacts to see who could give her more information.

Yeah, okay, Kathy replied as she headed back to her room. She wasn’t quite sure what to say. Somehow, she needed the money to find out what she could about that note. She would figure it out. She had to.

3

It was a little after ten in the morning when Detective McMannis looked at the clock. He had been chained to his desk for what seemed like hours, filling out reports and other paperwork while Reynolds was at the ME’s office. McMannis looked carefully at the crime scene photos on his desk as he sipped on his coffee. The photo of the murder weapon, which turned out to be a Headliner Award the victim had received for Journalistic Achievement by Women. Well, you’re definitely a headliner now, he thought as he flipped to the next photo. As he looked at the photo of the victim’s desk, he noticed a Post-it lying beside it. He turned the photo sideways to get a better look at it. Touch base with Jessica Warren for P.O.V 336-1200, McMannis said softly. Interesting, he mused as he made a note of the name and number in his notepad.

Anything important to the case, a voice asked. Detective McMannis looked up to find Captain Thomas standing over him.

Maybe, sir. Too soon to tell.

Where’s your partner, Captain Thomas asked looking at the empty chair.

He’s at the ME office trying to speed things up.

Any progress yet?

Not yet, sir. Still trying to get all of the pieces of the case together.

Hmm, I saw you put in for this Sunday off.

Yes, sir. Just for the day so I can check in on Parker.

Uh-huh. You think your partner can handle it?

Oh, 10-4, sir. Reynolds is catching on fast, and I’ll be back by the time the lab gets done with all our evidence.

Very well, he said with a grin. Detective, make sure you let Parker know that the rest of the department has not forgotten him.

Will do, sir., McMannis replied as the Captain nodded and walked away. He went back to the Post-it note and began to tap his fingers on the desk. I wonder what this Jessica girl has to do with Margie, he thought as he reached for the phone. Well, he said, dialing the number. Let’s just find out, he said as the phone began to ring.

4

Todd Rainor walked into his motel room and closed the door. He had ventured out to check out the breakfast selection in the lobby, but he found it lacking quite a bit. He finally settled on coffee and a blueberry muffin. He never understood why motels wouldn’t put more effort into their breakfast selection. He sat his coffee on the bedside table and turned his attention to the files lying on the bed. Where to start first, he wondered as he flipped through the files until he came to the case file on Colleen Hamilton. Well, this is as good a place as any, he thought as he took the file and went to the table. As he opened the file, he saw Commander Winter’s business card attached at the top. Oh, yes, he said taking the card out of the file. David said he’d be happy to help. Let’s see if he means it, Todd said as he took out his cell and dialed the number. There were four rings before the line picked up.

Hello, this is James Winters.

Yes, um, Mr. Winters. My name is Todd Rainor, and I’m a private investigator.

How did you get this number?

David Hamilton gave me your card. He said you would be available to help me if I needed it.

Ah, one moment please. Todd waited a few moments then he heard Commander Winters back on the line. Yes, um, I just wanted to make sure we would not be disturbed. So, you’re working on the Colleen Hamilton case for David.

Yes, I was going through the files and information he gave me, and I saw your name listed as the detective for that case. Yours and a Detective Caswell.

That’s right, Commander Winters sighed.

"Is there any way I