The Shakedown: The Brandon Hall Series, #6

By Mike Ryan

Hall is approached by a marketing executive, asking him to check in on the man's son, who has been acting strange as of late. Though it initially looks like a boring case marked by possible infidelities, the case quickly spirals out of control, and they soon realize there is more than meets the eye.

As Hall and Charlotte investigate, several dead bodies pop up, and they are aided by the mysterious James Rankin, who has his own reasons for helping.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ryan Publishing
• Release date: Aug 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223208488

Book preview

1

Hall closed his laptop and leaned back in his chair. He let out a yawn as he put his hands on top of his head. Business had been good the past couple of months. Almost too good. He barely had a spare minute, going from one case to another, sometimes juggling several at once.

Losing spare time. It was the price that had to be paid for getting a business off the ground, especially when word was starting to spread about his abilities. Word of mouth and recommendations were getting him a lot of business.

Having Charlotte help him out on many of the cases was a big help in more ways than one. Not only did she physically help, but having her around made the long hours easier to take. While they spent a lot of time together, they hadn’t spent much time relaxing or doing couple-like things.

Charlotte hoped to change that. Seeing that her boyfriend appeared to be done, she walked over to him and sat on his lap, throwing her arms around him.

Finally done?

Hall closed his eyes from exhaustion. Yeah. Finally.

So the case is over? Everything’s settled?

Yep. Just finished up the invoice.

Good. There’s nothing on the horizon in the next few days, right?

Not unless someone knocks on that door.

So maybe you and I can get away for a few days?

Get away where? Hall asked.

I’m not even talking about a vacation or a different city or anything. I’m talking about getting away from this apartment. Go to a movie one night, maybe the theater another night, dinner, maybe… who knows what else? Just other things outside of here.

Hall smiled. Why? We go out all the time.

That’s for work. This is for us.

I know what you mean. I think it sounds good.

So you have no objection?

No objection. Why would I?

I don’t know. We’re out all the time for work and all. I wasn’t sure if you’d rather relax for a few days by staying home and doing nothing.

Hall leaned forward and gave her a peck on the lips. I’m good with whatever you wanna do. As long as we’re together, I’m fine with it.

Speaking of being together, when are we going to get an office?

Hall looked at her curiously. What does being together have to do with an office?

Charlotte flashed him a grin, the type of look that indicated it was something that had been on her mind for a while, and she needed some kind of opening to talk about it. Well, I just so happened to think of it.

Oh. Just so happened to think of it, huh?

Yes. So, don’t you think it’d be a good idea?

Sure, Hall replied. Probably would.

That way we could have some separation between home and work. You know, like normal people.

You know as well as I do, we are not normal people. And this is not a normal profession. You never know when the work is coming, or what the hours are, or what kind of company you’ll be keeping. There’s not much normal about it.

Still, I think some kind of separation would be nice.

I’m sure it would.

So? When do you think we should get one?

When we need one, Hall replied.

We need one now.

No, we don’t.

Yes, we do. We have people knocking on this door all the time.

Isn’t this what you wanted when you shoved me into this career?

First of all, I didn’t shove you anywhere, Charlotte said. I may have given you a little push, but you picked it on your own. Second of all, we do get people knocking all the time.

Isn’t that a good thing?

No, it’s not. Not when I’d like to sit back and relax, or have some alone time with you.

Should I move? Hall asked.

Yes! Into an office.

We can’t afford an office right now.

We’ve never had more clients than we have now. We’re making a profit on this.

But we won’t be if we move into an office. The reason we’re making a profit is because we’re running it out of here. An office means extra rent, electricity, utilities, all that stuff. That could add up to an extra couple thousand a month.

It’s tiring having all these clients show up here, sometimes out of the blue, not knowing who’s coming or why. Or even if we should be wearing bulletproof vests when they come. I mean, we’ve had some rough-looking customers show up here lately. They’re not all nuns and angels.

Hall smiled, appreciating her enthusiasm for the idea. I’m well aware.

I’m just saying… it’d be nice to not have to worry about the types of people who come knocking. Plus, if you tick anyone off, they know where we live.

I’ve never ticked anyone off. You know that.

Charlotte faked a cough. Right. Anyway, you know what I’m saying.

I do. And I’m not saying you’re wrong. I’m just saying I think we need to wait awhile.

How long?

Let’s give it at least six more months or so, Hall answered. Just to make sure that business stays steady, and we can start socking a little bit away, too.

Six more months?!

At least.

Charlotte grunted. Ugh. You’re killing me.

I’ll tell you what. Why don’t we go out and get dinner now?

We can’t.

Why?

We’ve already had it.

We have?

Yes. Don’t you remember I gave you a plate a few hours ago?

What was on it? Hall asked.

Leftover pizza from two days ago.

Oh. Yeah, I do remember that now.

I thought you might.

Eh. Didn’t taste that great. Maybe we should go out anyway. I could still eat something.

Charlotte smiled and got up off his lap. I could go for that.

She was about halfway across the room to get her purse when there was a knock on the door. You gotta be kidding! Charlotte flailed her arms out, then pointed toward the door. Case in point.

We don’t have to answer, you know.

I’m pretty sure we do.

We don’t have to be home, Hall said.

But we are. And of course we do. More jobs mean more money. Which eventually will mean…?

A new car?

A new office! Charlotte then hesitated. Then maybe a new car.

It’s not necessarily a prospective client, you know.

Oh no? Then who else might it be?

Um, well, you know, it could be… a salesman? Selling… things.

Charlotte nodded, but just for amusement. She didn’t believe for a second it was anything other than a new client. She went over to the door and opened it. There was a man standing there, well-dressed, middle-aged. He definitely looked like a client. He was dressed too well to be selling anything. Unless it was expensive suits.

Charlotte plastered on a smile. Can I help you?

The man looked down at what appeared to be a business card before looking back up at the pretty woman at the door. Um, I’m looking for Brandon Hall? The private investigator? Is he here?

Charlotte turned and glanced back at Hall for a moment. Why, yes, Brandon is here. She locked eyes with Hall. It’s a prospective client. Who would’ve thought?

Hall tried hard not to break a smile. Instead, he cleared his throat and got up, walking over to the door. As soon as he saw the man, he extended his hand to him.

Hi, I’m Brandon. Something I can help you with?

Yes, my name is Johnson Windell. I was hoping you could help me with a problem that I have.

If I can. Come on in.

Once Windell was inside, he followed Hall over to the kitchen table. Charlotte closed the door and walked past them into the kitchen.

Should I do the usual and bring out the drinks? she asked sarcastically.

Hall cleared his throat again to refrain from making a sarcastic comment in reply. Sure.

Is she your secretary? Windell asked.

Charlotte heard the comment and instantly turned around, shooting daggers at Hall, waiting to hear his reply. Hall actually feared for his life in that moment, especially if he answered in the wrong way.

Uh, no, she’s actually my assistant-slash-partner-slash-everything.

Oh. Windell looked at her and smiled. He then glanced around the kitchen. I would’ve thought someone with your reputation had an office.

Hall looked at his girlfriend and smiled at her. Oh, yeah, it’s uh, it’s under construction right now. Yeah, making it bigger. So, have to do business out of here for the time being until it’s all completed.

Completely understand.

Charlotte brought over drinks for them, setting Windell’s down in front of him. Hope you like iced tea.

Oh, yes. Thank you. He took a sip, then made a sound indicating his satisfaction with it. Ah, that’s very good. Not too heavy, not too light. The perfect mixture.

Charlotte looked pleased. I made it myself.

Ah, my compliments. It’s not easy to make an iced tea as good as this.

Well, thank you.

Hall wasn’t really interested in listening to them talk about the perfect blend of iced tea for the next twenty minutes. Anyway, I’m sure you’d like to get on with whatever your problem is?

Windell put his glass down. Yes, my issue. He sighed deeply. Guess there’s really no way to beat around the bush. Might as well come out with it.

Hall grinned. I wish you would.

My son. I would like you to follow him.

Your son. Why?

He’s been acting erratically over the past several months. It’s to the point now where I can’t even trust him.

With what? Hall asked.

Anything.

What exactly is the issue?

I am the owner of a marketing and advertising business. We offer services, and consulting, and the like. You know.

I do.

Anyway, we’re a growing business. We now have offices in five states, our profits are in the millions, and the business is worth a hundred times that.

Hall faked a smile, hoping the man would get on with it. You’re successful.

Absolutely. And my son is now second in charge. That’s why I want him followed.

Hall looked confused. You want him followed because he’s second in charge?

No, because there’s something wrong with him. Or maybe there’s… I don’t know what. But he’s not acting like himself.

Which is how? What’s he acting like?

Well… erratic.

Yes, you’ve already mentioned that. But how? Does he have a fear of heights and is now suddenly parachuting out of airplanes? Does he have a chauffeur everywhere he goes, and now just bought a motorcycle? Does he have an allergy to pet fur and just brought home three dogs? There has to be something specific.

Well, it’s a combination of things. Every Friday night since he got out of college, he’s come over to my house to play pool, cards, that sort of thing. Now, he hasn’t shown up for the past two months. We used to go out to lunch two or three times a week, but now he always says he’s busy.

Maybe he just wants some space, Charlotte said. There’s nothing erratic about that.

It’s not just that. There’s other things too. He’s missing company meetings, which he’s never done before.

How many? Hall asked.

He’s missed three in a row.

How often are these meetings?

Weekly. Every Monday. We go over weekly figures, future plans, things we have going on. It’s a meeting attended by ten people. It’s a mandatory meeting.

Has he given a reason why he’s missed them?

All he’ll tell me is that he’s working on business for the company, but he’s not able to share yet. Everything’s becoming very secretive with him.

Is he married? Kids?

He’s been married for six years. They have a one-year-old child.

He could just be stressed with family stuff, Charlotte said. Having a one-year-old can do that. Sleepless nights, a new routine, things are different from when you’re single, or don’t have kids.

No, I don’t think that’s it. He’s never been a partier or obsessed with the single lifestyle. He and Jennifer have been together since college. They’ve always talked about starting a family at some point.

Talking about it and living it are two different things.

No, it’s not that. There’s something else bugging him. I’m sure of it.

You think he’s mixed up in something? Hall asked.

Windell threw his arms up. I don’t know what it would be. I don’t know what to think.

Drugs?

Windell shook his head. No, not even an option. I would be able to tell.

Been around drugs a lot, have you?

No, but I would be able to tell if he was on something. He’s always been a straightlaced kind of person. He wouldn’t get into drugs.

Another woman? Hall asked.

Windell shook his head again. I can’t imagine there would be. Like I said, Seth and Jennifer have been together since college. There’s never been a hint of any unhappiness there.

Hall smiled, appreciating his new client’s loyalty to his son, however misguided it was. Mr. Windell, I understand you not wanting to believe your son is into any of these things. But you’re here for a reason. If you don’t really think your son is ditching you, and he’s not really working on business-related things, then it’s probably one of three things. He’s mixed up with the wrong crowd, he’s having an affair, or he’s on drugs.

Windell took a deep breath. I just can’t imagine any of those options.

I understand.

I’ll pay you whatever your fee is, of course. In advance, if you like. I just want to know what is going on with him.

Hall tilted his head and scratched the side of his face, trying to think of a way to delicately say what was on his mind. How deep do you want us to take this?

As far as it goes.

And if it winds up being one of these things that you’re sure it’s not?

We’ll deal with that if the time comes.

Hall nodded. I have to say this because some people think they want us to find out the truth about something, and then when we do, they really don’t want to hear it. They just think they do. Are you really prepared for wherever this goes?

I am. I’m telling you, there is something going on here. And I want to get to the bottom of it.

Hall then shook his new client’s hand. Then we will.

2

Hall and Charlotte were in the parking lot of the Windell Advertising & Consulting