A Case of Deceit Page 7

  “I still think you know more than you say. You were always jealous of Tony and my friendship,” Angela is on her feet with her fists on her hips.

  “Friendship? Is that what they are calling it nowadays?” Cynthia asks calmly. I have to give the woman credit; she wasn't one to hold back with what she thought.

  “How dare you! Can I help it if your father preferred my company over his high and mighty daughter?” Angela shouted.

  “Angela,” I need to step into this. “That's enough.” These two women clearly hate each other.

  “You are right, Dee! I've had enough. I will be out in the car waiting for you. I will not stay in this woman's company for one moment longer.” With that announcement, Angela runs out and slams the door. Not a good side of Angela, I must admit. She's tired and hurt so I overlook her outburst.

  “I'm sorry, Dee. Angela and I have never been friends. I tolerated her because of my father. What he saw in her I will never understand. But then, my father saw the good in most people,” Cynthia says sadly.

  I decide to let things go. Maybe now wasn't the best time to ask what was on my mind. I'll find the answers somewhere else. I say my goodbyes and open up the front door to leave.

  “Dee, watch yourself and be careful. Sometimes people aren't what they seem,” Cynthia states as she slowly closes the door after me.

  Was she speaking of herself? Or, someone else? More questions. No more answers than I had before.

  As I walk to the SUV my phone rings. I look at my cell and see its Fedora.

  “Did you find anything?” I ask him.

  “No, and we had to get out of there fast. The trio from hell is out of the hole, Dee, so watch your back.”

  “They're at Tony's? How did they get out so fast? It's only been a couple of hours.” I stop in the middle of the sidewalk. What is going on?

  “I don't know how they got out. I happened to spot them out a window as they arrived at Tony's house. I yelled for the kid and we slipped out the back door just as they came through the front. It was a surprise that’s for sure.”

  Damn it. Something isn't right. There is no way they could have gotten out of that hole so fast without help. Help from who though? Billy? There were only the four of us that knew those guys were down there. I didn't have cell phone service down there. I don't see how they could have.

  “Where are you now?” I ask Fedora as I look at Angela from where I stood. She is watching me with a concerned look.

  “We are in my room at the Hilton.”

  “Ok, stay there for now. I'm going to have Angela take me to the club Tony was playing at. Maybe, someone there has some information. We'll meet you at the hotel when we're done.”

  I pocket my phone, my mind spins with the knowledge Sid and the gang is out of the hole so soon. I don't think the deed is at Tony's house. It would have been found by now. I doubt Tony would have kept it at the nightclub, so where does that leave us?

  I open the door to the SUV and slide in. I put Tee in the backseat. “Can you take me to the nightclub that Tony was playing at the time he was killed?” I ask Angela as I fasten my seat belt.

  “Yes, but why there? Tony didn't even have a dressing room. He always sat at the bar in between his acts.”

  “I just want to ask a few questions. See if anyone remembers Tony being upset with anyone or if he mentioned anything of any problems he had with anyone.” My mind is only half on the conversation as I keep trying to figure out where the deed is and who is behind all this madness.

  Seems quite a bit of effort is being taken just for a deed to a run-down mansion. Something isn't adding up. In fact, a whole lot of somethings aren’t adding up and I want some answers.

  Angela stops the SUV in front of the nightclub. It looks like the club is closed, but Angela assures me there is always someone there, even in the mornings before opening time. The day bartender and clean up staff. I don't want to miss an opportunity to talk to people, so I decide to see if anyone is around.

  “Do you mind if I go home, Dee? I'm so tired and you can easily catch a cab from here to the motel.”

  “Don't go home Angela. Sid and his cronies might find you there. Why don't you go to my room at the Hilton? I'll be there after I finish up here.” I'm worried about Angela. She still looks pale and worn.

  “I'll be ok, Dee. They know I don't know where the deed is and I'll be extra careful. In fact, I won't go home at all. I'll go to my office. I do still have a business to run. I have a very comfortable couch there and I can lock the door.”

  I don't like the idea, but Angela needs to rest. I also want to ask questions that Angela might not like and I would rather do it alone so I agree.

  “Ok, go to your office, lock yourself inside and get some rest,” I tell her as I grab Tee and his satchel and step out of the vehicle. I watch her drive off. Turning, I look the outside of the club over. Looks like any joint I've ever been to. Neon signs and peeling paint.

  I try the front door and it's locked. I walk to the side of the building. A small alley full of overfilled dumpsters greets me. I spot a small side door propped open by a large brick. This should be the door to the back of the nightclub.

  I stick my head inside the doorway and don't see anyone. The familiar smell of liquor and used cooking grease, plus cleaning products assails my nose. I wander in and hear music coming from the front. I head toward the music.

  “Hey! Who the hell are you? Can't ya see we're closed?”

  I spot a big man with a bald head and tattoos covering his thick muscled arms. He looks like he could easily lift a car and not break a sweat. He's behind a long black bar. His face is big and meaty, with a fierce frown directed right at me. I walk closer and he puts down the dingy white towel he was using to dry his hands.

  “I'm Dee Watson, a private investigator. I'm looking into the death of Tony Bandoni.”

  “You got some ID?” Mr. Big and Meaty asks.

  I dig out my private investigator ID card and hand it to him. It disappears in his large fist. He takes a minute and studies it. I do hope the man can read. As he hands it back to me, Tee sticks his head out of the satchel. The man spots Tee and there is a sudden change in his tough guy demeanor.

  A huge smile shows up on his face. Surprisingly large blue eyes fringed with some of the longest man lashes I have ever seen light up with pleasure.

  “Aww, look at da puppy! I love puppies.” I almost laugh at the deep voice that would normally scare little kids soften as he looks at Tee. He is obviously a fellow animal lover.

  I sit Tee on the floor and like the smart dog he is, he runs to the big man and wags his tail. I hold my breath as Tee is lifted up with those huge hands that have become gentle in the handling of my dog.

  He cuddles Tee and looks at me. “I'm Xenos, with an X,” he introduces himself.

  “Hello Xenos, with an X, do you mind if I ask you some questions?”

  I move closer to the bar. I hope his fondness for Tee includes answering a few questions.

  “About Tony? Sure. I liked Tony. It was a shame what happened. I never took 'em to be da type to take his own life.”

  “I don't think he did. I think someone else took his life,” I tell him as I slide onto a barstool.

  The big man continues to make kissy faces at Tee as he says, “I wondered about that.”

  He settles Tee under one arm and asks me if I want something to drink. I tell him just water. He sets a glass in front of me and starts petting Tee again.

  “If you're looking to find who killed 'em, I'll help ya all I can. I figure anyone that has a cute dog as a sidekick can't be all bad,” he winks one big blue eye at me.

  I think I've just made a new friend.

  Chapter Thirteen

  I take a sip of my water and watch Xenos talk baby talk to Tee. I wonder what kind of name is Xenos, with an X? I also wonder how Tee likes the baby talk stuff. It sure is something to see a giant of a man make kissy faces at a small dog. I don't think it would be wis
e to laugh at the man. I doubt many are brave enough to do so. I know I'm not.

  “Xenos, did Tony have a girlfriend?” That's my sly way of asking about Angela and Tony. Let's see what an outsider thought of the relationship.

  “He was close with one chick called Angela. Cute blonde, but young enough to be his daughter,” Xenos answers in between feeding Tee some water from a small dish he unearthed from below the bar. I take from his tone of voice that the big man didn't approve.

  “You didn't like Angela?”

  He shrugs his wide shoulders, “I didn't dislike or like 'er. Just thought something was off about it all.”

  He looks straight at me, “I mean, why would a young chick like 'er want with an old man like Tony? Except for his money?”

  “You knew Tony was rich?”

  “Sure, everyone knows Tony 'ad money. Not that he flaunted it around or was uppity. Nah, we just all knew who Tony was. He's been around as long as the town 'as.”

  “Could it have been just friendship between Angela and Tony?” I ask in what I hope is an innocent voice.

  Angela insists it was just a friendship thing. Now I'm getting vibes it was more. So what's the truth?

  “Well, now there is da big question, Dee. From what I saw between the two, Tony wanted friendship and the blonde wanted more.”

  I file that away in my head. Something is not adding up as usual in this case. I'm beginning to wonder whom I can trust.

  “Xenos, did Tony leave anything here by chance?” It's a long shot, but I'm going to ask anyway.

  “Not with me. I know there's a safe in the office. If Tony left anything it would be in da safe.”

  Xenos’ silver earring flashes in the low light as he turns his head toward me. It was a small hope that Tony left anything with Xenos. I need some kind of break in this case. I am willing to try anything, no matter how remote.

  “Can you look?” I ask hoping the answer is yes. Maybe I will get a break yet.

  “Nope,” He shakes his head. “I don't know the combination. Only the manager does. And she ain't 'ere.”

  I feel my hope slide away. Well, it was a long shot anyway. I'm thinking of heading out and breaking Xenos heart by taking Tee with me when we hear a bellow come from the back door.

  “Xenos! How many times do I have to tell you to keep the back door closed and locked. We could be robbed.”

  “Aw now mama, you know no one is gonna rob us. They know I'd bust dere ass if they tried,” Xenos bellows in response.

  Mama? The loud abrasive voice is attached to Xeno's mother? This I have to see. I swivel my bar stool and face the back hall just as a mountain of a woman ambles through it. I sit in awe of the woman that is as big as Xenos. The resemblance to each other leaves no doubt that they are related.

  Coal black hair liberally sprinkled with gray is piled high on top of her head. Bright blue eyes that match her sons shine from a face that is now staring at me. She is shorter than Xenos by a few inches but has the same massive arms. She is dressed in a bright red muumuu that swirls around matching red shoes on her feet. Her long silver earrings sparkle in the low light. She doesn’t look like a woman to be trifled with. Someone would have to think long and hard before attempting to rob this place with these two in it.

  “Son, how many times do I got to tell you that you don't entertain your women friends in here?” She shifts those laser blue eyes to Xenos, then right back at me. “You're gonna have to leave Chicka. Xenos has work to do.”

  “Mama, stop that. Dee's not 'ere for me. She's 'ere for Tony.”

  Mama frowns and glides forward. For a big woman, she was pretty light on her feet. “Tony? Sorry Chicka, but Tony's dead.”

  “Mama, Dee knows Tony is dead. That's why she's here. She's trying to figure out who killed da old man.”

  “You a cop then?” Mama's frown deepens. “Thought he killed hisself. Though, I'm doubtful on that one. Ain't I Xenos?”

  “Yeah, Mama, we both think Tony didn't off himself,” Xenos nods his bald head.

  “Where the dog come from, son? You know we can't have dogs in here. We could get closed down as I doubt dat tiny little thing is a service dog,” Mama frowns at Tee laying in her son's arms.

  “Tee is my dog, ma'am. We'll be leaving. Wouldn't want you to get in trouble.” I tell her as I move off the barstool. I got as much information as I can I think, so now I need to figure out my next step.

  “Wait, Dee,” Xenos tells me as he turns to his mother. “Mama, Dee wants to know if Tony left anything here with us. Did he put anything in the safe?”

  Mama must also be the manager of the nightclub. A family affair.

  “I'm a private investigator. I'm looking into the death of Tony, as you two aren't the only ones that think Tony's death was not a suicide,” I explain to Mama.

  “Huh. Private eye? Well, Chicka, if my son thinks you're ok, then I'll tell ya if I got something or not.” Mama cocks an eyebrow at Xenos.

  “She's ok, Mama,” Xenos vouches for me.

  “Tony did leave something in the safe. He told me not to tell anyone and I haven't. He said if anything happened to him to take it to his daughter. I just didn't want to intrude on her grief, ya know? I figured I could take it to her later,” Mama explains as she walks to a door half hidden in the shadows. She pulls out a large set of keys from an even larger purse and unlocks the door.

  “Wait here,” She says as she disappears through the door.

  Xenos looks over at me and winks, “Mama likes you.”

  I laugh, I wonder how she treats people she doesn't like? A few minutes later Mama comes out of her office with a large brown envelope in her hand. She hands it to me. I look at her long blood red fingernails and catch site of a whimsical display of silver stars on them. People are full of surprises.

  I feel my heart pounding as I slowly open the envelope. I empty the contents onto the bar. A large piece of paper slides out, followed by a small key and another smaller piece of paper. I pick the big sheet of paper up first and read it.

  It's the deed to the Wenner place. Yes! Finally, hit pay dirt. I look at the key next. It looks like an ordinary key you find for a small lock. I open up the second piece of paper. It's addressed to Cynthia. I read it.

  My Dearest Daughter,

  If you are reading this, that means I'm dead. I'm sorry. Here is the deed to the Wenner Estate. I signed my share over to you. Do with it what you want. It has been the death of too many people already. Me included. Don't trust anyone but yourself. I love you.

  PS. The key is to a lock box I left in our favorite spot. Enjoy what's inside.

  I read the deed again. Sure enough, it has Cynthia's name on it, but it also still has Angela's.

  “Is it alright if I take these? I'll drop it off at Cynthia's,” I ask mother and son.

  “Sure, go ahead. Saves me the trouble,” Mama says and walks back to her office. I look over at Xenos.

  “Thanks, Xenos. You've been a great help. Tee is going to miss you,” I tell the big guy as he hands me Tee and I put him in his satchel.

  “You and Tee need me for anything ya call me,” He hands me a business card.

  I promise him I will, then ask him to call me a cab and I say goodbye. Tee and I walk out the way we walked in, through the back door. I'll wait for the cab in the front. I have a lot to think about. With this case, things are not turning out as I think they should.

  I decide to call Fedora while I wait. It's quiet in this part of town this morning. I'm still keeping an eye out for Sid and his crew. I hear Fedora's voice on the phone.

  “I got the deed,” I tell him.

  “Really? Where did you find it?” He sounds surprised, as I knew he would be.

  “At the club Tony played. The manager was keeping it in the safe here. Nice mother and son duo.” I smile thinking of Xenos and his mother.

  “You on your way back here?”

  “I need to see Cynthia Bandoni again. This time without Angela. Angela went to her offi
ce to sleep. There are a few things not adding up with her. I can tell you that Angela and Cynthia have a hate/hate relationship going.” I go on to tell Fedora what I found out, see what he thinks. Sometimes it's good to get someone else’s perspective on things.

  “Wonder what Angela thought she would get out of a relationship with Tony?” Fedora asks the same question that is in my head. I hate to think Angela changed that much since college. Not that we were close friends, but still, she never seemed to be the money hungry type.

  “Right now I'm curious as to Cynthia's reaction when she receives the deed. I also wonder what's in the box at their secret hiding spot. Might be nothing, might be something. Also, there is still the big question to find the answer to.”

  “Who killed Tony and why,” Fedora states. The man is getting to understand how I think. I'm not sure that's good or bad. I'll think about that some other time.

  “Billy still with you?” I almost forgot about the kid. I’m still not sure whether we can trust him or not. With things going the way they are, I am not in a trusting state of mind. Until I find out who has been helping Sid and company, I think I'll keep my trust limited to Fedora and myself.

  “No. As soon as we got back to the hotel, Billy said he needed to go home to shower and change. Seemed in a hurry too.”

  I know Fedora doesn’t trust Billy. Maybe he's right. I need to put thoughts of friendship aside and trust in my instincts. They never let me down before. I spot a taxi coming down the street. Still, too many questions and not enough answers and that's making me jittery.

  “Taxi is here. I'll talk to you when I get back to the motel.” I end the call just as the taxi pulls up in front of me. I hop in the back seat and tell the driver Cynthia's address. Without Angela around, Cynthia might be a bit more forthcoming with information.

  A short taxi ride later, the car pulls up to the security gate at Cynthia's community. I hope she hasn't left. I tell the guard whom I want to see.

  “Tell Ms. Bandoni it's Dee and I'm alone.”

  He calls her and I'm in luck, she is still home. Even better luck, she agrees to see me. The taxi pulls in front of Cynthia's house and I pay him. As I walk to the house, Cynthia once again is opening the door before I reach it. Wonder if it's a habit of hers? Or, maybe she doesn't get many visitors, so she looks forward to visits, even mine.