Scent of Gardenia (Scott Tucker Series) Page 6

  “You’re right; I did want to convey those details. Maybe you can get Mike to join us, and then…maybe we could spend some time together just the two of us?”

  “I would like that very much. I’ll check with Mike about tonight. Can you hold a minute while I check with him?”

  “I have five minutes before I need to go upstairs for a meeting with my director.”

  “Hold on, I’ll be right back.”

  I rushed into Mike’s office. “Mike, Mercedes wants to know if you can make a meeting with her at the pub tonight after work. She wants to talk about the family who wants their separate investigation.”

  “I can spend a few minutes with her, but I can’t stay too long. How about meeting at 5:30 PM, or closer to five than six?”

  I nodded and rushed back to the phone. “Mercedes.” There was no response. “Mercedes, are you there?”

  “I’m sorry Scott. I’m here.”

  “Mercedes, Mike can make a meeting, but suggested 5:30 PM or closer to five than six.”

  “I can do that time, but I will try to run earlier than later. I take it he can’t stay too long?”

  “Yes, that’s right.”

  “How nice. Got to go. See you tonight. Bye.”

  Chapter 16

  Mike and I entered the pub and found our usual table. When we were seated I looked around for Maggie, but didn’t see her. “Mike, I don’t see Maggie. There’s another waitress over there, but it’s strange not to see Maggie.”

  Mike smiled, but didn’t say anything. I quickly realized why he was smiling—the hug from behind left no mistake who it was.

  “Well, isn’t this nice. My two favorite customers have come back to see me.” Maggie came around and gave Mike a kiss on his cheek. “Mike, it’s nice to see you again. This place isn’t the same when you guys aren’t here.”

  Mike turned to look at Maggie. “Maggie, it’s good to see you too. Scott was a little concerned when he didn’t see you attending tables.”

  “Wow. It’s nice to be missed. I had to attend to my outfit; it was having a problem staying where it belonged. It’s all fixed now.”

  I stared at the top of her outfit, and it looked like it still had a problem. Maggie saw me checking it out.

  “That reminds me, you two still haven’t seen me dance.” She pulled up on one side of her top, and winked at me. “Is there anything else I can get you…gentlemen?”

  Mike answered immediately, “You can bring us two drafts, and we’re expecting Mercedes to join us. However, we’re not sure when she will arrive.”

  Maggie looked at Mike and then turned her head to look my way. “My manager sure likes it when she comes in here. I’ll have to give him the heads up she’s coming. Just maybe he’ll send a round your way. Boy, if I had legs like hers I would be one dangerous chick.” She smiled, checking both of us out again. “I’ll be right back with your drafts.”

  When Maggie was out of ear shot I said, “Mike, she makes coming here an extra benefit. I think she’s cute, but I find it hard to talk to her eyes.”

  “I know I’ve seen your reaction…and so has she. I think she enjoys teasing you. You better be careful if you ever go see her dance. I think she might make you more than blush.”

  I thought about that, but didn’t say anything. Maggie was a few feet away carrying the mugs in one hand, and threw a coaster on the table and then another. She smiled knowing we had witnessed her talent. “Here you go.” She stood there without saying another word.

  “Is something the matter Maggie?” I asked.

  She hesitated before answering. “Not really. When I see both of you I think of my friend who was killed by the New England Strangler. Sometimes I wonder why he picked her and not me.” She shook her head and then smiled. “I guess she was a better dancer than I was.” She quickly turned, heading to another table not waiting for any response.

  “Mike, I’m glad we got that guy. He might have gone after Maggie on another visit.”

  *.*.*

  The noise in the pub stopped. I looked over to see Mercedes headed our way. She looked as incredible as ever. Her coat was unbuttoned and her high-collared beige satin blouse accentuated her figure. Her skirt was longer than she usually wore, but it had a slit from the hem-line to well above the knees that showed the white of her thighs as she strode to our table. Her gaze seemed only on me, and she smiled noticing I was checking her out. She flipped her long red hair behind her ear and took Mike’s outstretched hand, and kissed him on the cheek.

  “Hello Mike, it’s good to see you.”

  “Mercedes, you look like life is doing you well,” Mike announced, and then added, “It’s good to see you too.”

  She came over to where I was sitting, leaned down to my face and gave me a light kiss on the lips. Her thigh touched mine. She flipped her hair back behind her ear and climbed up on the stool between us.

  I took a deep breath as I realized I hadn’t said a word to her. “Mercedes, you look very nice tonight. How are you?” I got up to help her take off her coat.

  She looked at me quickly and then at Mike. “I’ve had quite the day as you can imagine. The new development in Bermuda has considerably changed our focus.” Before she could say anything more, Maggie came over to the table.

  “Hi Mercedes, I like your blouse.” After a slight hesitation she asked, “What can I get you to drink?”

  “Thank you Maggie. I’ll have the same as they are having and it looks like they’re in need of a refill.”

  Maggie nodded, heading to the bar.

  *.*.*

  “Thanks for meeting with me on such short notice.” Mercedes looked at both of us and announced, “The developments in Bermuda have changed our focus, as you can imagine. We were not convinced the men had met any physical harm, but now that one of them has turned up obviously murdered, we fear the others could be next. I’m headed back to Bermuda the day after tomorrow with two other investigators.”

  Maggie threw a coaster on our table which slid across stopping right in front of Mercedes. “Here you go.” She picked up our empty mugs and placed the new ones down. “Would you folks like anything to eat?”

  Mercedes answered before anyone else, “I’m hungry, but can you give us a few minutes before we order?”

  “Sure, that’s no problem. Just give me a signal when you want to place your order or want another round.” She headed to another table.

  “As I was saying, we’re heading back to Bermuda to cover any new details related to the discovery of Roger Elliot’s body. Mike, here’s what I need to talk to you about. One of the other missing men, Nils Nielsen, has been missing for just over two months. His family lives in Brookline and Larz, the father, knows Victor Young the Attorney General. Young has personally met with our office to learn what is being done on our end to find Nils. He has expressed his own disdain for our current lack of progress. That presents an opportunity for your office.” She took a long drink of her beer.

  Mike responded, “Scott had mentioned that the family might want their own investigation. Is that where this is going?”

  “Exactly. I met privately with Mr. Nielsen and he wanted my recommendation of who might provide some service in that area. I told him I would get back to him with a recommendation, but wanted to talk to you about it first. Are you interested in talking to him about doing an investigation? I also don’t believe money will be an issue. The family owns several Scandinavian furniture stores, and is also in the import business from Europe and Asia.”

  Mike immediately responded. “It sounds like a very interesting project. I’m sure Paddy would love to have our office involved. How do we proceed?”

  “That’s great Mike. I’m leaving in two days, but I believe we could set up a meeting with Mr. Nielsen late in the day tomorrow. I have to be careful to avoid a conflict of interest, but once you, or we, meet with him, you can take the lead and I’ll stay out of that separate investigation. However, I believe it would be in the best interest of
everyone to keep you informed of anything that could help with your investigation and the safe return of the son, or the other missing men.”

  “Please set up the meeting and let me know when and where, and Paddy and I will be there. What’s your personal take on the missing men?”

  Mercedes took another long drink of her beer before answering. “This is a very interesting case. The authorities in Bermuda have considered several credible scenarios including; pirates operating in the area, along with local criminal element including drug runners, family or friends of the missing men, a lover’s husband or boyfriend. They had considered the possibility of ship wrecks, although far fetched considering we have four missing men and their yachts. Now that a body has turned up in a cage, we’re talking murder now.”

  Mike held up his hand. “I asked what your personal thoughts are on this.”

  “I’m getting there.” She spotted Maggie heading our way, and waved her away. “The four missing men are all rich bachelors. They were in the area on their own yachts. Some of the men were traveling with friends.” She finished her beer. “I have a different theory than the Bermuda authorities. I think the men have been kidnapped and they are being held as objects. Given, there hasn’t been any ransom requested for any of the men for well over a year.”

  “What do you mean by ‘objects’?” Mike asked.

  “I don’t know what else to call it. I think they might be held by either a group or an individual for their bodies. If correct, I think women could be involved. Not exactly the same scenario as we saw in Boston, where women were seeking revenge. This could be something more basic; sex-slaves comes to mind.”

  Chapter 17

  Mercedes watched both of their reactions. Mike looked like he immediately dismissed that theory. Scott looked like he had seen a ghost. He knew first hand what it was to be a kept man, even though it was for hours and not days.

  “Mike, I know that doesn’t sound reasonable to you, but you did ask for my theory. I haven’t shared that theory with anyone, except the two of you. Analyzing the facts of the cases leads me to that conclusion. Let me explain. All four men were on their own yachts. They all went missing without any warning. No ransom has been asked for, and no trace of the men has been detected since they went missing. The first man missing almost eighteen months ago shows up decomposed in a cage anchored to the ocean floor. Their expensive boats have yet to be located.”

  She let that sink in and then added, “If men were holding these men they would have either asked for ransom, or killed the men almost immediately. Their motive would have been some financial gain, which might be just the expensive boats. However, I don’t buy that. I can picture the scenario of these men being held against their will. Not for financial gain, but for what they have to offer—their bodies.” Mercedes waved Maggie to come over to the table.

  Mike offered, “The way you expressed the facts I can’t say you’re off base. You did correctly profile the torso killers, and maybe you’re right on track for this case as well. You’re the professional here. What do you think Scott…you’ve been awfully quiet?”

  The images of my own captivity came flooding back. I felt like her theory held water and gave me the chills. “I think her theory is credible. The authorities theories seem far fetched. It makes me uncomfortable to think someone, or some group, could be doing this just for convenient sex. However, if that’s correct, maybe they are getting rid of the men when they no longer find them desirable.”

  Mercedes held a hand up to Maggie, who just arrived. “Well Scott, you may not have said much while I was conveying my theory, but I think you were indeed paying attention. I think your observation may also hold some water.” Her knee rested against my leg. “I’ve worked up an appetite, is anyone else ravenous?”

  Chapter 18

  Mike left after having an appetizer. Mercedes was going to call him after she set up the appointment with Mr. Nielsen. Mike escaped, but I wasn’t so lucky…or maybe I was even luckier. Mercedes had me hypnotized by her long red hair and red finger nails. I could see myself helpless again.

  “A penny for your thoughts, Scott. You look miles away. Are you okay?”

  I took a deep breath before answering. “Mercy, now that we’re alone, I’m really glad we got together, and I’m sorry for not calling you sooner.” She didn’t comment, so I continued. “Mercy, from our time at the cabin I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind. Even after Lisa and I were married, there were times when I thought of you and that weekend.”

  She put her hand over mine. “The weekend we just spent together was something special. I’m glad we didn’t waste time going to the Cape and back. What part did you like best?” she said, with a mischievous smirk.

  I could finally look her in the eyes without fear. “You.”

  “Do you want to come over to my apartment for a night cap?”

  I took another deep breath. “I probably won’t want to leave though.”

  “That saves me having to tie you up.” She put the mischievous smile back on. “Speaking of tying you up…I was thinking of going away over one of these upcoming weekends back to the cabin in Topsfield. Do you have any interest?”

  I looked into her blue eyes. “Do you think we can capture what we missed that weekend?”

  “Why don’t you let me worry about that? Hopefully the towels are still the same as they were that weekend.”

  I had been carrying her image in, or out of, that towel for years. I felt her tugging at my hand. “Come on Scott, we’re wasting precious time. I have to get up early in the morning.”

  I thought about the doughnuts – maybe I could get a discount if I paid for several dozen ahead of time.

  Maggie smiled and blew a kiss as we flew by her, and out the door. Then she gave me the thumbs up sign and I winked at her.

  Chapter 19

  Mike received Mercedes’ call giving him the address for the Nielsens’ and the meeting time. He could tell that Scott and Mercedes most likely spent additional time together, as Scott was the last one in this morning, bringing with him two dozen doughnuts.

  It was strangely quiet in the office today. Scott was in and out of the office working on Mr. Strong’s project. Holly was completing an investigation. Bill was off playing with the MIT computers. Paddy was with the AG getting an earful of what Nielsen’s missing son meant to him.

  Paddy was strangely quiet on the drive to Brookline to meet with Mercedes and Larz Nielsen. That gave Mike some time to think about the approach to take with the investigation. He wondered how Paddy was going to bill the project, where it was out of the country.

  *.*.*

  Mike spotted the brass sign with the address Mercedes had given him. The wall along the street was a combination of old stone pillars with steel fencing in between. The house was not visible from the road. Entering the driveway, he noticed the security gate was in an open position. He drove up the winding driveway, spotting Mercedes’ white T-Bird under the portico. She was already there, which was good.

  Paddy finally commented, “I don’t think we have to worry about the investigation payment, do you?”

  “No, I would say we might all want to join in this investigation…it is in Bermuda you know.”

  Mike could hear the Westminster chimes ringing inside. An elderly man with gray hair and a white coat greeted them. “Good evening.”

  Paddy spoke before he could. “Yes, I’m Paddy O’Brien and this is Mike Miller. We have an appointment with Mr. Nielsen.”

  “Yes he’s expecting you. Your associate, Ms. Strong, is already in the study with Mr. Nielsen. Please come in. I’ll take your coats.” He took our coats, hanging them in the vestibule closet. “Please, if you will follow me.”

  There were many artifacts in the vestibule, hallway and study. “Excuse me Mr. Nielsen; Mr. O’Brien and Mr. Miller have arrived.” Mercedes and Mr. Nielsen immediately stood.

  Mercedes introduced us. “Mr. Nielsen I would like you to meet Paddy O’Bri
en and Mike Miller, gentlemen, this is Mr. Nielsen.” After some quick handshakes, Mr. Nielsen waved at the other two chairs facing his very large antique desk.

  “Gentlemen, I appreciate your coming to discuss my son’s disappearance. First, would you care for a cocktail?

  They both replied, “No thank you.”

  “Well, please let me begin. Ms. Strong has been very helpful. I’m sure she is walking a fine line between her official duties and her sympathy for my dilemma. I appreciate her recommendation of your office. Victor Young has given me a glowing report on how professional and thorough your office is. I need a separate investigation into my son’s disappearance. Although Ms. Strong has been very helpful, her hands are obviously tied. I don’t want her to jeopardize her position by overstepping her bounds.” He stood up and looked out the window behind his desk.

  “I am going to share some things with you that I have not shared with Ms. Strong. I feel you need to know as many facts as I can provide to assist you in exploring all avenues of my son’s disappearance.” He sat back down, handing us two photographs. “These are my two sons. Nils is the blond and Nigel has the darker hair. These are my only children. My wife died about ten years ago.” He waited, while we both looked at the photographs.

  He shared, “I have a very large import company and several Scandinavian furniture stores. Suffice it to say we have done very well—perhaps too well. The following is a little hard for me to convey, but I feel you need to know these details.” He stood up again, walking over to the small bar to our left.

  “Please join me, I could use a cocktail. Mercedes, what can I make you?”

  “Thank you Mr. Nielsen, any bourbon on the rocks would be fine.” He proceeded to put some cubes in two glasses and poured a dark liquid from a carafe. He handed one of the glasses to Mercedes. “Please gentlemen, the scotch is on the left, vodka and gin in the center and the bourbon on the right.” They poured their drinks and sat back down.