Mystery and Crime Fiction posted June 18, 2021 |
The clock is ticking....
On the Edge of Deception Pg 56
by Begin Again
After suffering the consequences of a physical beating from her father with a belt, Beth Culbertson decides she will not take any more abuse and runs away. Still, the father has a different story to tell until he's discovered dead.
On the other side of town, Ty lies in a hospital bed, falsely accused of drug trafficking, hijacking, and so much more. The proof of his innocence lies murdered on a dark country road.
Can either case be justly solved?
***********
What just happened? My entire case was flushed down the toilet.
Jack Flanigan stood on the courthouse steps, confused and angry. He watched his big promotion walk happily down the concrete steps and disappear inside Hank Armato’s Mercedes. Beth Culbertson was free. He was not convinced she was guilty, but his boss was, and that’s what mattered. Every attempt he’d made to contact Judge McKay failed. Finally, the bailiff informed him that the judge had left because of a family emergency.
Now, what am I supposed to do? Stroll into my office and say, ‘Oh, by the way, McKay tossed out our case?’
I’d rather be nailed to a cross.
“Excuse me, sir.” A young man tapped Jack’s shoulder from behind. “The gentleman in the black SUV across the street asked me to give you this note.” He handed him a folded yellow paper.
Jack hesitated. Another yellow note.
He reached out and took the 4 x 4 note, and thanked the young man. His eyes stared at the vehicle, but the tinted glass prevented him from recognizing the driver.
He opened the note and read:
Don’t worry about today. Much more significant things to discuss. I would appreciate it if you would take a ride so we can talk? Garth Woodman, Federal Bureau of Investigation
“What the hell, why not?” Jack inhaled and expelled the air out fast. “Can’t get worse, can it?”
Maybe I should reserve judgement on that comment.
He descended the stairs, checked traffic, and crossed to the vehicle. Garth rolled down the window, smiling. “Perfect day for a ride in the country.”
Jack climbed into the SUV, but his mood was still gruff, “Easy for you to say. Your note blew my entire case out of the water. Couldn’t even get a word with the judge.”
“Hang out with me for a little while, and I promise your career is going to skyrocket.”
“You’ve already set off fireworks.” Both men laughed.
“By the way, I am Garth Woodman, FBI Undercover.”
“I’ll reserve the nice to meet you. I’m Jack Flanigan." Jack extended his hand to Garth. "State's Attorney, though I'm probably about to be unemployed."
“Not in this lifetime,” Garth chuckled. “Unless you want to be.”
**************
“This looks like a ghost town. Where the heck are we?” Jack looked around the small town as they drove through toward the vineyard.
“The town of Cobdon. Home of the triple-decker cheeseburgers, a vineyard, and of recent, the headquarters for my FBI Unit.”
“How does O’Shea not know about this?” Jack was amazed. “Or does he?”
“Come on inside and meet a few of my friends. It’s a close-knit group with tight lips.”
Hank and Ric were standing outside the door when the two men approached.
“These two are in on this too?” Jack glared at both of them. “Neither one of you thought to give me a heads up this morning? Some friends you are.”
“Sorry, Jack.” Hank apologized. “It just wasn’t safe to let the cat out of the bag.”
Ric added, “You’ll understand, Jack, as soon as you hear everything we’ve learned recently.”
“Come on. Let’s go inside and bring him up to speed.” Garth pulled the door open, and everyone filed inside. After a few other introductions, the three men informed Jack of everything, including O’Shea, McKay, Nancy, Beth, and everyone else involved.
“I don’t know how you kept this under wraps this long, but I think someone in that courthouse is going to leak something about today’s events. Where’s O’Shea? Who’s keeping an eye on him?”
“Brian McCallister. For the most part, he’s been able to avoid O’Shea, but he’s lived under a cloud of waiting for that day a favor would be called in. He’s more than willing to work with us. He’s invited O’Shea to the country club for a round of golf, dinner, and drinks with his cronies. That should keep him busy.”
“I know this town, Garth. I’d say move the meeting up till 9 AM. Waiting till the afternoon is taking a big chance.”
“We’re moving Amanda and Nancy in the morning, but I imagine we can work it all together. Since I am not sure who we can trust in Columbia, I’m calling in all our available teams. Most will be arriving tonight.”
“Nancy will have to call Peter. She can say the guy is antsy and he wants the meeting earlier. Hopefully, Peter will go for it.” Ric checked to see if anyone disagreed.
“Sounds good. See if you can get that taken care of Ric. I’ll notify my teams of the change in plans.”
************
“Beth, could I talk to you before your friends arrive?” Bert looked nervous.
“Everything okay?” Beth asked. “You look like something is bothering you.”
“Maybe I’m a little nervous.” Bert smiled at the teenage girl. Beth had been through so much, and Bert hoped it was behind them now. “Come sit on the couch with me, please.”
Beth walked around the end table and plopped on the sofa, startling Bert. “Oh, I’m sorry. Guess I didn’t think how hard I might land.”
Bert laughed. “It’s okay. You were just acting like a kid.”
“I’m sure something like that will be frowned on in a foster home. Time for me to grow up, I guess.”
“You’re grown up enough, Beth. The last few weeks have been more than even an adult should have to face. Relax and enjoy yourself.”
“So, what did you want to talk to me about? Did I do something wrong?” A thought crossed her mind and Beth’s eyes flew open.”They aren’t already sending me to a foster home, are they?”
“No, honey. The court has appointed me as your legal guardian, if that’s okay with you?”
“Okay?” Beth squealed and threw herself into Bert’s lap. “It’s better than okay. It’s awesome. That is if you want me, I mean. They aren’t just making you because I’ve been with you lately, are they?”
“You silly girl. I asked to be your guardian.” Bert picked up Beth’s hands and folded them into her own. “Beth, I would like to start adoption proceedings if that’s something you would like.”
“You mean…” Beth started to cry and Bert pulled her toward her, wrapping her arms tightly around the teenage girl. “We’d be a real family?”
“Yes, that’s what I would like. Would you?”
“Yes, yes, yes. Oh, Bert, I couldn’t think of anything better than being a family with you.”
“Me either. Now you better get ready. Everyone should be here soon, and you can tell everyone if you want to.”
“Tell them. I want to shout it from the rooftop.” Beth laughed and hugged Bert again.
Beth hurried off to change while Bert got the cake box from the kitchen. She opened it up and set it on the coffee table. The round cake was frosted with pink and chocolate icing and miniature yellow flowers. The words read Welcome Home.
It wasn’t long before the house was filled with people, music, and laughter. It had been a long time since they’d all felt this relaxed and happy. The pizza party was a huge success.
“Quiet everyone,” Ethan yelled. “Beth has something she would like to say.”
Everyone clapped and cheered before she could speak. They were all so excited that the charges had been dropped and she was no longer under suspicion.
“I want all of you to know how grateful I am. You, Ethan, for rescuing me that first night.” She looked fondly at Ethan.
“And for my best friend supporting me.” Beth shared a hug with Rachel.
“And for proving my innocence.” She shyly smiled at Paul Marietta and then hugged Hank, Ric and Gigi. "I wish Amanda was here, because without her testimony, I might still be in jail."
“Because all of you are so important to me, I thought you should be the first to know that Bert has asked me to live here permanently.” Beth waved her hand toward the cake before moving to stand by Bert. “But the best news is, drum roll, Bert is starting adoption proceedings. She’s going to be my new Mom.” Turning, she hugged Bert, adding, “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” Tears were running down their faces as they hugged. Everyone clapped and yelled and gathered around to offer their congratulations. It was the beginning of many good times to come.
*************
At 10 PM, during the local news, the broadcaster announced that all charges had been dropped against Beth Culbertson related to the assault and murder of her father, Dwight Culbertson. The reporter stated that details were sketchy, but the court reported a credible witness provided new information clearing the teenager. Her lawyer, Paul Marietta, has requested that his client’s privacy be respected.
After suffering the consequences of a physical beating from her father with a belt, Beth Culbertson decides she will not take any more abuse and runs away. Still, the father has a different story to tell until he's discovered dead.
On the other side of town, Ty lies in a hospital bed, falsely accused of drug trafficking, hijacking, and so much more. The proof of his innocence lies murdered on a dark country road.
Can either case be justly solved?
***********
What just happened? My entire case was flushed down the toilet.
Jack Flanigan stood on the courthouse steps, confused and angry. He watched his big promotion walk happily down the concrete steps and disappear inside Hank Armato’s Mercedes. Beth Culbertson was free. He was not convinced she was guilty, but his boss was, and that’s what mattered. Every attempt he’d made to contact Judge McKay failed. Finally, the bailiff informed him that the judge had left because of a family emergency.
Now, what am I supposed to do? Stroll into my office and say, ‘Oh, by the way, McKay tossed out our case?’
I’d rather be nailed to a cross.
“Excuse me, sir.” A young man tapped Jack’s shoulder from behind. “The gentleman in the black SUV across the street asked me to give you this note.” He handed him a folded yellow paper.
Jack hesitated. Another yellow note.
He reached out and took the 4 x 4 note, and thanked the young man. His eyes stared at the vehicle, but the tinted glass prevented him from recognizing the driver.
He opened the note and read:
Don’t worry about today. Much more significant things to discuss. I would appreciate it if you would take a ride so we can talk? Garth Woodman, Federal Bureau of Investigation
“What the hell, why not?” Jack inhaled and expelled the air out fast. “Can’t get worse, can it?”
Maybe I should reserve judgement on that comment.
He descended the stairs, checked traffic, and crossed to the vehicle. Garth rolled down the window, smiling. “Perfect day for a ride in the country.”
Jack climbed into the SUV, but his mood was still gruff, “Easy for you to say. Your note blew my entire case out of the water. Couldn’t even get a word with the judge.”
“Hang out with me for a little while, and I promise your career is going to skyrocket.”
“You’ve already set off fireworks.” Both men laughed.
“By the way, I am Garth Woodman, FBI Undercover.”
“I’ll reserve the nice to meet you. I’m Jack Flanigan." Jack extended his hand to Garth. "State's Attorney, though I'm probably about to be unemployed."
“Not in this lifetime,” Garth chuckled. “Unless you want to be.”
**************
“This looks like a ghost town. Where the heck are we?” Jack looked around the small town as they drove through toward the vineyard.
“The town of Cobdon. Home of the triple-decker cheeseburgers, a vineyard, and of recent, the headquarters for my FBI Unit.”
“How does O’Shea not know about this?” Jack was amazed. “Or does he?”
“Come on inside and meet a few of my friends. It’s a close-knit group with tight lips.”
Hank and Ric were standing outside the door when the two men approached.
“These two are in on this too?” Jack glared at both of them. “Neither one of you thought to give me a heads up this morning? Some friends you are.”
“Sorry, Jack.” Hank apologized. “It just wasn’t safe to let the cat out of the bag.”
Ric added, “You’ll understand, Jack, as soon as you hear everything we’ve learned recently.”
“Come on. Let’s go inside and bring him up to speed.” Garth pulled the door open, and everyone filed inside. After a few other introductions, the three men informed Jack of everything, including O’Shea, McKay, Nancy, Beth, and everyone else involved.
“I don’t know how you kept this under wraps this long, but I think someone in that courthouse is going to leak something about today’s events. Where’s O’Shea? Who’s keeping an eye on him?”
“Brian McCallister. For the most part, he’s been able to avoid O’Shea, but he’s lived under a cloud of waiting for that day a favor would be called in. He’s more than willing to work with us. He’s invited O’Shea to the country club for a round of golf, dinner, and drinks with his cronies. That should keep him busy.”
“I know this town, Garth. I’d say move the meeting up till 9 AM. Waiting till the afternoon is taking a big chance.”
“We’re moving Amanda and Nancy in the morning, but I imagine we can work it all together. Since I am not sure who we can trust in Columbia, I’m calling in all our available teams. Most will be arriving tonight.”
“Nancy will have to call Peter. She can say the guy is antsy and he wants the meeting earlier. Hopefully, Peter will go for it.” Ric checked to see if anyone disagreed.
“Sounds good. See if you can get that taken care of Ric. I’ll notify my teams of the change in plans.”
************
“Beth, could I talk to you before your friends arrive?” Bert looked nervous.
“Everything okay?” Beth asked. “You look like something is bothering you.”
“Maybe I’m a little nervous.” Bert smiled at the teenage girl. Beth had been through so much, and Bert hoped it was behind them now. “Come sit on the couch with me, please.”
Beth walked around the end table and plopped on the sofa, startling Bert. “Oh, I’m sorry. Guess I didn’t think how hard I might land.”
Bert laughed. “It’s okay. You were just acting like a kid.”
“I’m sure something like that will be frowned on in a foster home. Time for me to grow up, I guess.”
“You’re grown up enough, Beth. The last few weeks have been more than even an adult should have to face. Relax and enjoy yourself.”
“So, what did you want to talk to me about? Did I do something wrong?” A thought crossed her mind and Beth’s eyes flew open.”They aren’t already sending me to a foster home, are they?”
“No, honey. The court has appointed me as your legal guardian, if that’s okay with you?”
“Okay?” Beth squealed and threw herself into Bert’s lap. “It’s better than okay. It’s awesome. That is if you want me, I mean. They aren’t just making you because I’ve been with you lately, are they?”
“You silly girl. I asked to be your guardian.” Bert picked up Beth’s hands and folded them into her own. “Beth, I would like to start adoption proceedings if that’s something you would like.”
“You mean…” Beth started to cry and Bert pulled her toward her, wrapping her arms tightly around the teenage girl. “We’d be a real family?”
“Yes, that’s what I would like. Would you?”
“Yes, yes, yes. Oh, Bert, I couldn’t think of anything better than being a family with you.”
“Me either. Now you better get ready. Everyone should be here soon, and you can tell everyone if you want to.”
“Tell them. I want to shout it from the rooftop.” Beth laughed and hugged Bert again.
Beth hurried off to change while Bert got the cake box from the kitchen. She opened it up and set it on the coffee table. The round cake was frosted with pink and chocolate icing and miniature yellow flowers. The words read Welcome Home.
It wasn’t long before the house was filled with people, music, and laughter. It had been a long time since they’d all felt this relaxed and happy. The pizza party was a huge success.
“Quiet everyone,” Ethan yelled. “Beth has something she would like to say.”
Everyone clapped and cheered before she could speak. They were all so excited that the charges had been dropped and she was no longer under suspicion.
“I want all of you to know how grateful I am. You, Ethan, for rescuing me that first night.” She looked fondly at Ethan.
“And for my best friend supporting me.” Beth shared a hug with Rachel.
“And for proving my innocence.” She shyly smiled at Paul Marietta and then hugged Hank, Ric and Gigi. "I wish Amanda was here, because without her testimony, I might still be in jail."
“Because all of you are so important to me, I thought you should be the first to know that Bert has asked me to live here permanently.” Beth waved her hand toward the cake before moving to stand by Bert. “But the best news is, drum roll, Bert is starting adoption proceedings. She’s going to be my new Mom.” Turning, she hugged Bert, adding, “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” Tears were running down their faces as they hugged. Everyone clapped and yelled and gathered around to offer their congratulations. It was the beginning of many good times to come.
*************
At 10 PM, during the local news, the broadcaster announced that all charges had been dropped against Beth Culbertson related to the assault and murder of her father, Dwight Culbertson. The reporter stated that details were sketchy, but the court reported a credible witness provided new information clearing the teenager. Her lawyer, Paul Marietta, has requested that his client’s privacy be respected.
Recognized |
Beth - the sixteen yr old daughter of Dwight Culbertson
Rachel - Beth's best friend and confidant
Nancy - Owner of Last Chance and Dwight's mistress
Daisy Mae Collins - bartender, a girl about town
Ethan - upstanding, good-hearted college basketball star
Tyson - Ethan's best friend and college basketball jock, who believes in self-survival
Roberta - (Bert) Caseworker
Dan O'Shea - Police Chief
Detective Ric Santiago
Hank Armato - retired detective and currently Private Investigator
Nathan Rotello - trucking company owner
Peter Rotello - Nate's son and Nancy's co-conspirator
Garth Woodman (Jeremy) - Undercover FBI Agent
Amanda - Culbertson neighbor
Spider - a love from the past and a friend for life
Paco and Shorty - two neighborhood punks
Paul Marietta - Defense Attorney
Jack Flanigan - State's Attorney
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