| General Fiction posted August 18, 2024 | Chapters: |
...8 9 -10- 11... 
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Another Crime Unfolds
A chapter in the book Spirited Justice
Spirited Justice Chap 10
by Begin Again
| Background "Beauty, Brawn, or Brains" was a global platform showcasing women's diverse talents, yet murders, accidents, and deceit haunted the pageant worldwide. Was there a common link or merely coincidence? |
"Angelo, what the hell is going on?"
"Carlos, slow down. Catch me up to speed. What's got you so fired up this early in the morning."
"Early? It's almost noon, you worthless baboon."
Angelo glanced at the clock and confirmed the morning had slipped away while he was lost in thought. "Guess I was so busy I didn't see that morning had come and gone."
"Busy in bed with some broad?"
"Don't I wish, but you didn't get all steamed up to talk about my love life. What's going on?"
"I got a call from a friend who mentioned that he'd seen Jose in the States. My son didn't mention anything to me, and neither did you. What are you two up to?"
"Carlos. I swear I didn't know Jose was coming to the States. I saw him at the airport with some men, but no one said anything to me about him being on the jet. I'm guessing he was in the cockpit, and your pilot was paid handsomely for keeping his mouth shut."
"You want me to believe that Jose was a stowaway on my private jet? You didn't check?"
"Why would I? I had no reason to suspect he would do something like that. If I did, I would have told you." Angelo took a deep breath, wondering if he should mention that the men didn't look too friendly. He decided against it at least for now. "He didn't even look at me, Carlos. He was busy with his friends."
"I don't give a damn what he looked at! You're supposed to be my eyes and ears, Angelo! I'm about to close a huge deal on some cattle and I don't need Jose doing something behind my back. He's my son, but it pains me to say this, he can't stay out of trouble. I pay you quite well to make sure he does. This is unacceptable!"
Angelo sighed. He didn't like babysitting a thirty-five-year-old playboy, but after what he saw at the airport, Carlos might be right this time. "I'll find out what he's up to, Carlos. But understand, I didn't —"
Carlos interrupted him, his tone was icy. "You better, Angelo. Because if Jose gets to your lawyer friend, things might get ugly."
Angelo's eyes closed as the moment on the beach with Naomi flashed through his mind again. "I know. I'll take care of it."
"You better!" Carlos paused and then his voice became threatening, "Angelo, you screw this up, there won't be a next time. It's your job to keep my son out of trouble, especially in the States."
"He's a grown man. I can only do so much."
"Then, for your sake and Jose's, it better be enough."
The call was disconnected.
Angelo picked up the cup of coffee and drank, making a face. Cold coffee wasn't doing it for him. He walked to the cupboard and took out a bottle of bourbon and a glass. "What the heck! It's afternoon."
*****
"Make yourself at home." Hilda tried to sound casual, but her voice wavered. She quickly picked up a few scattered pieces of clothing she'd tossed aside, trying to tidy the apartment.
Johan put his hand on hers as she clutched her shirt and bra. "Relax! Your apartment looks lived in. You should see mine. Well, actually, no one should. It's a mess."
"Do you need to hire a cleaning woman?" Hilda removed her hand from his and dropped the clothing on the chair.
"No, it's not that kind of mess. Just work stuff. Books and papers are everywhere. With your research, I thought your place might look the same."
"My research? I didn't know you —"
Johan covered his tracks. "Your parents — they mentioned it when they said you were entering the pageant. They are so proud."
Hilda grinned. "Of course, they would have told you and everyone else they talked to. I guess I hadn't thought about it."
She moved toward the kitchen, eager to busy herself with preparing breakfast, hoping to steady her nerves.
Johan followed her, his steps slow and deliberate. He studied her every move as she gathered dishes, a frying pan, a loaf of bread, and eggs from the refrigerator. The sunlight streamed in through the window, casting a warm, soft glow. He leaned against the counter, his eyes never leaving her.
When she returned to the refrigerator, he slipped up behind her. His chest brushed against her back, and his breath touched her neck as he offered, "Let me help you." Before she could protest, he reached into the fridge for the orange juice. He whispered against her ear, "You smell good."
Hilda froze, her heart pounding in her chest. The closeness, the warmth of his body against hers, sent shivers down her spine. She felt the heat rising to her cheeks as her mind scrambled to find a response. Finally, she stammered, "Th — thank you."
Johan lingered. Before finally stepping back to allow her to turn around. He handed her the orange juice with a smile. His fingers brushed hers as she took the carton. "I love quiet mornings like this. Things just seem special, don't you think?"
Hilda allowed her eyes to look at his. Her defenses crumbled under his gaze, making her feel wanted — needed — in a way she hadn't felt in a long time. A small voice in the back of her mind warned her to be careful, but she couldn't help but be drawn in, like a spider to its web.
She lowered her eyes when she answered, "It does feel — nice."
Johan's smile widened, and he stepped closer again. His hand rested lightly on her shoulder, and his thumb brushed her collarbone. "Let's enjoy this moment, Hilda," he said softly, his voice comforting yet alluring.
She swallowed hard. The line between danger and desire blurred as she nodded. Her heart was swept up in a whirlwind of emotions.
As quickly as he'd lured her in, he set her free. "Where's that breakfast you promised me, woman? A man could starve to death."
He laughed, and Hilda laughed with him before busying herself with making breakfast.
As they sat down to eat, the small kitchen filled with the aroma of freshly made coffee, scrambled eggs, and bacon. Johan's eyes strayed numerous times to Hilda as he enjoyed the food. While he sipped his coffee, he asked, "So, this pageant? I hear it's quite a prestigious event. You must be excited to present your research there."
Hilda's eyes lit up, her enthusiasm bubbling to the surface. "Oh, absolutely! It's been a dream of mine to present some of my work. The professors and other researchers I've been working with believe my findings could be a major breakthrough in the cancer department."
Johan leaned forward, feigning deep interest. "That's incredible, Hilda. It sounds like you're on the verge of something groundbreaking. I'd love to read your papers. It's not every day you meet someone with such an impressive mind."
Hilda's cheeks turned a rosy shade, clearly flattered by his attention. "To be honest, I didn't do it all alone. I was chosen to present it, but there were others, too."
"You are too modest. Your professor —" He faltered, searching for a name. "Oh, I've forgotten his name. I met him at your parent's home."
"Professor Higgins? He was at their home? I wonder why —"
Realizing he was on dangerous ground, his eyes narrowed slightly, and his expression turned to concern. "Or it might have been at the university. I'm not sure. But I do remember him talking about you and all the long hours you'd put into the project."
Puzzled, she added, "I thought it was all to remain hush-hush until after the official presentation."
"Well, he didn't actually say anything about the research. He merely mentioned what a diligent student you were and how you loved your work." He leaned back in the chair, sipped his coffee, then nonchalantly asked, "You do keep those papers in a safe place, right? You wouldn't want anyone to get their hands on them."
Hilda nodded, a proud smile on her face. "Oh, absolutely. I've hidden them in a place no one would ever think to look. Not even Klaus knows about it." The mention of her brother jogged her memory. Her eyes went to the clock. "Oh my, it's getting late. We really should —"
Knowing where the conversation was headed and determined to detour it, he reached out for the orange juice and knocked it over. The liquid spilled across the table and onto his shirt. "Blast it!" he muttered, standing up and wiping at the stain with his napkin. "I'm so clumsy sometimes. Do you mind if I use your bathroom to clean this up?"
Still feeling the effects of his earlier flirtation, Hilda shyly nodded. "Of course, it's down the hallway. I'll get something to clean up the table and floor."
With his shirt half-unbuttoned, revealing his chest, he smiled charmingly, "I'll clean it for you after I work on the stain on my shirt."
"No, you go, and I'll get this." She couldn't tear her eyes off him as he headed down the hallway. He glanced into her bedroom and saw her pageant gown hanging on a hook, but no signs of paperwork or even a computer.
"Carlos, slow down. Catch me up to speed. What's got you so fired up this early in the morning."
"Early? It's almost noon, you worthless baboon."
Angelo glanced at the clock and confirmed the morning had slipped away while he was lost in thought. "Guess I was so busy I didn't see that morning had come and gone."
"Busy in bed with some broad?"
"Don't I wish, but you didn't get all steamed up to talk about my love life. What's going on?"
"I got a call from a friend who mentioned that he'd seen Jose in the States. My son didn't mention anything to me, and neither did you. What are you two up to?"
"Carlos. I swear I didn't know Jose was coming to the States. I saw him at the airport with some men, but no one said anything to me about him being on the jet. I'm guessing he was in the cockpit, and your pilot was paid handsomely for keeping his mouth shut."
"You want me to believe that Jose was a stowaway on my private jet? You didn't check?"
"Why would I? I had no reason to suspect he would do something like that. If I did, I would have told you." Angelo took a deep breath, wondering if he should mention that the men didn't look too friendly. He decided against it at least for now. "He didn't even look at me, Carlos. He was busy with his friends."
"I don't give a damn what he looked at! You're supposed to be my eyes and ears, Angelo! I'm about to close a huge deal on some cattle and I don't need Jose doing something behind my back. He's my son, but it pains me to say this, he can't stay out of trouble. I pay you quite well to make sure he does. This is unacceptable!"
Angelo sighed. He didn't like babysitting a thirty-five-year-old playboy, but after what he saw at the airport, Carlos might be right this time. "I'll find out what he's up to, Carlos. But understand, I didn't —"
Carlos interrupted him, his tone was icy. "You better, Angelo. Because if Jose gets to your lawyer friend, things might get ugly."
Angelo's eyes closed as the moment on the beach with Naomi flashed through his mind again. "I know. I'll take care of it."
"You better!" Carlos paused and then his voice became threatening, "Angelo, you screw this up, there won't be a next time. It's your job to keep my son out of trouble, especially in the States."
"He's a grown man. I can only do so much."
"Then, for your sake and Jose's, it better be enough."
The call was disconnected.
Angelo picked up the cup of coffee and drank, making a face. Cold coffee wasn't doing it for him. He walked to the cupboard and took out a bottle of bourbon and a glass. "What the heck! It's afternoon."
*****
"Make yourself at home." Hilda tried to sound casual, but her voice wavered. She quickly picked up a few scattered pieces of clothing she'd tossed aside, trying to tidy the apartment.
Johan put his hand on hers as she clutched her shirt and bra. "Relax! Your apartment looks lived in. You should see mine. Well, actually, no one should. It's a mess."
"Do you need to hire a cleaning woman?" Hilda removed her hand from his and dropped the clothing on the chair.
"No, it's not that kind of mess. Just work stuff. Books and papers are everywhere. With your research, I thought your place might look the same."
"My research? I didn't know you —"
Johan covered his tracks. "Your parents — they mentioned it when they said you were entering the pageant. They are so proud."
Hilda grinned. "Of course, they would have told you and everyone else they talked to. I guess I hadn't thought about it."
She moved toward the kitchen, eager to busy herself with preparing breakfast, hoping to steady her nerves.
Johan followed her, his steps slow and deliberate. He studied her every move as she gathered dishes, a frying pan, a loaf of bread, and eggs from the refrigerator. The sunlight streamed in through the window, casting a warm, soft glow. He leaned against the counter, his eyes never leaving her.
When she returned to the refrigerator, he slipped up behind her. His chest brushed against her back, and his breath touched her neck as he offered, "Let me help you." Before she could protest, he reached into the fridge for the orange juice. He whispered against her ear, "You smell good."
Hilda froze, her heart pounding in her chest. The closeness, the warmth of his body against hers, sent shivers down her spine. She felt the heat rising to her cheeks as her mind scrambled to find a response. Finally, she stammered, "Th — thank you."
Johan lingered. Before finally stepping back to allow her to turn around. He handed her the orange juice with a smile. His fingers brushed hers as she took the carton. "I love quiet mornings like this. Things just seem special, don't you think?"
Hilda allowed her eyes to look at his. Her defenses crumbled under his gaze, making her feel wanted — needed — in a way she hadn't felt in a long time. A small voice in the back of her mind warned her to be careful, but she couldn't help but be drawn in, like a spider to its web.
She lowered her eyes when she answered, "It does feel — nice."
Johan's smile widened, and he stepped closer again. His hand rested lightly on her shoulder, and his thumb brushed her collarbone. "Let's enjoy this moment, Hilda," he said softly, his voice comforting yet alluring.
She swallowed hard. The line between danger and desire blurred as she nodded. Her heart was swept up in a whirlwind of emotions.
As quickly as he'd lured her in, he set her free. "Where's that breakfast you promised me, woman? A man could starve to death."
He laughed, and Hilda laughed with him before busying herself with making breakfast.
As they sat down to eat, the small kitchen filled with the aroma of freshly made coffee, scrambled eggs, and bacon. Johan's eyes strayed numerous times to Hilda as he enjoyed the food. While he sipped his coffee, he asked, "So, this pageant? I hear it's quite a prestigious event. You must be excited to present your research there."
Hilda's eyes lit up, her enthusiasm bubbling to the surface. "Oh, absolutely! It's been a dream of mine to present some of my work. The professors and other researchers I've been working with believe my findings could be a major breakthrough in the cancer department."
Johan leaned forward, feigning deep interest. "That's incredible, Hilda. It sounds like you're on the verge of something groundbreaking. I'd love to read your papers. It's not every day you meet someone with such an impressive mind."
Hilda's cheeks turned a rosy shade, clearly flattered by his attention. "To be honest, I didn't do it all alone. I was chosen to present it, but there were others, too."
"You are too modest. Your professor —" He faltered, searching for a name. "Oh, I've forgotten his name. I met him at your parent's home."
"Professor Higgins? He was at their home? I wonder why —"
Realizing he was on dangerous ground, his eyes narrowed slightly, and his expression turned to concern. "Or it might have been at the university. I'm not sure. But I do remember him talking about you and all the long hours you'd put into the project."
Puzzled, she added, "I thought it was all to remain hush-hush until after the official presentation."
"Well, he didn't actually say anything about the research. He merely mentioned what a diligent student you were and how you loved your work." He leaned back in the chair, sipped his coffee, then nonchalantly asked, "You do keep those papers in a safe place, right? You wouldn't want anyone to get their hands on them."
Hilda nodded, a proud smile on her face. "Oh, absolutely. I've hidden them in a place no one would ever think to look. Not even Klaus knows about it." The mention of her brother jogged her memory. Her eyes went to the clock. "Oh my, it's getting late. We really should —"
Knowing where the conversation was headed and determined to detour it, he reached out for the orange juice and knocked it over. The liquid spilled across the table and onto his shirt. "Blast it!" he muttered, standing up and wiping at the stain with his napkin. "I'm so clumsy sometimes. Do you mind if I use your bathroom to clean this up?"
Still feeling the effects of his earlier flirtation, Hilda shyly nodded. "Of course, it's down the hallway. I'll get something to clean up the table and floor."
With his shirt half-unbuttoned, revealing his chest, he smiled charmingly, "I'll clean it for you after I work on the stain on my shirt."
"No, you go, and I'll get this." She couldn't tear her eyes off him as he headed down the hallway. He glanced into her bedroom and saw her pageant gown hanging on a hook, but no signs of paperwork or even a computer.
Once in the bathroom, he removed his shirt, using the moment to collect himself and plan his next move. He'd purposely left the door open, and in the mirror, he saw her glance his way. He smiled deviously because he now had a plan and one he would enjoy.
*****
Eleanor materialized inside Detective Donatelli's office, bumping into a small table and knocking some papers to the floor. As she picked them up, she muttered, "I must be tired. My landings are a bit out of sorts."
The room was empty except for the faint scent of coffee lingering in the air. The door opened, and Dr. Rosa Galotti stepped in, surprised to see Eleanor.
"Oh, I should have knocked. I didn't know anyone was here." She waved a folder in the air and then placed it on the desk.
Eleanor smiled politely. "I'm waiting for Matthew. Have you seen him?"
Rosa adjusted her glasses, and a slight smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "I believe Matthew and his friend are at the hospital, waiting to question the man who fell from the scaffolding."
"His friend?" Eleanor suspected she meant Danni but was surprised the doctor knew about her.
"I still don't know how he did it, but he had me believing his new sidekick was a ghost."
Eleanor's eyebrow arched. "A ghost?"
"Yeah, silly, huh? But they really had me going! For the likes of me, I can't figure out how they did it."
"Magic, I guess."
"I'm lucky I don't have this other guy in my morgue, too, according to the detective." She sighed. "Well, I've got enough work waiting for me." She turned to go, adding, "Not that they will be going anywhere." She laughed at her own joke and waved goodbye.
As the door closed, Eleanor's body shimmered and faded away. She knew the kidnapping was a ruse, a ploy to isolate Hilda, but why? Whatever the reason, the girl was in danger, and she needed to find Donatelli fast.
*****
Eleanor popped into the hospital's fourth-floor bathroom, the smell of a strong air freshener blasting her nostrils as she materialized. Quickly adjusting herself, she stepped out and rushed through the door, only to collide with Donatelli in the hallway.
"Are you lost, Eleanor?" Matthew chuckled, one eyebrow raised and a smile playing on his lips.
"No, of course not!" Eleanor replied as she gained her composure. "I was looking for you."
Matthew pointed at the door behind her. "In there?"
She turned her head, her eyes widening as she read the sign on the door. It was marked "MEN."
"Oh dear, my coordinates must be off," she said with a nervous laugh. She brushed a strand of hair from her face. "But I need to talk to you. It's urgent! You need to come with me."
Before he could respond, a cool and slightly mocking voice echoed around them: "Fat chance of that happening. He's zeroed in on the scaffolding victim, and his one-track mind can't think of anything else."
Eleanor's expression hardened. "Hello, Danni. Maybe you can talk some sense into him. If he doesn't get to Hilda, there's going to be another victim."
"Hilda? Isn't that the sister of the guy Matthew arrested?" Danni inquired.
"I didn't arrest him. I brought him in for questioning." Donatelli snarled, not sure where Danni was at.
Danni tapped his shoulder from behind. "Okay, but you left the guy there and raced off to the next crime scene."
"Can you two stop bickering? I'm trying to tell you that Johan has kidnapped Hilda."
"Kidnapped! And who's this Johan guy? Dispatch hasn't told me anything about a kidnapping."
"Johan's story will keep for another time. For now, we must find Hilda." Eleanor pleaded.
Matthew's smile faded. "You're serious. You think this girl is in trouble?"
"Sophia told me what happened this morning, and I believe the scaffolding accident was a diversion so Johan could get to Hilda."
"Some diversion. Doctor says his spine is damaged."
Eleanor lowered her voice. "Hilda went with Johan because she believes her parents sent him, and they went to get Klaus out of that jail of yours. But Johan has other plans. Matthew, I am sure of it."
"Then, I need to check and see if they are at the precinct."
"I was just there. I didn't sense that they were anywhere around."
"Do you know where she lives? Maybe they went to her place."
"Ask Jenna or Emily. They should have her address on file."
"Okay, I trust your instincts, Eleanor. Let's get Jenna on the phone. This guy might be in surgery for hours."
"I'm ahead of you, boss. Got the address right here." A paper floated toward the detective.
He grabbed it out of the air and looked around. "Was that necessary?"
Eleanor lowered her voice. "Hilda went with Johan because she believes her parents sent him, and they went to get Klaus out of that jail of yours. But Johan has other plans. Matthew, I am sure of it."
"Then, I need to check and see if they are at the precinct."
"I was just there. I didn't sense that they were anywhere around."
"Do you know where she lives? Maybe they went to her place."
"Ask Jenna or Emily. They should have her address on file."
"Okay, I trust your instincts, Eleanor. Let's get Jenna on the phone. This guy might be in surgery for hours."
"I'm ahead of you, boss. Got the address right here." A paper floated toward the detective.
He grabbed it out of the air and looked around. "Was that necessary?"
"Maybe!" Danni laughed. "Got to remind you that I'm still here someway, right?"
"Then, let's go." He stopped and grinned. "Sorry, but we have to take my car. I haven't learned how to fly yet."
"And the way you are going, my friend, you'll never learn." Danni snickered. "They only let the angels in and that's unlikely you'll qualify."
Eleanor rolled her eyes. "Danni, behave yourself. We've got work to do."
"And the way you are going, my friend, you'll never learn." Danni snickered. "They only let the angels in and that's unlikely you'll qualify."
Eleanor rolled her eyes. "Danni, behave yourself. We've got work to do."
 Recognized |
Dr. Rosa Galotti -- Morgue Medical Examiner
Danielle "Danni" Delahanty -- Ghost Detective
Eleanor Bennett -- Beloved Ghost Advisor
Dylan - Eleanor's nephew and art curator
Matthew Donatelli -- Detective
Jenna Bradford -- Journalist and Pageant Consultant
Emily - Jenna's faithful assistant
Naomi Henderson -- Lawyer/ex-lover of Donatelli -
Arthur Bennett - deceased lawyer, friend, and enemy of Naomi
Lila - a pageant contestant who was murdered for her research
Sophia - :Lila's sister (blind)
Max - Sophia's best friend and guide dog
Hilda - a pageant contestant and medical researcher
Klaus - Hilda's older brother and protector
Johan - a supposed friend of Hilda's family with a connection to Jose
Angelo Carter - a private investigator with a dark side
Carlos Hernandez - a Mexican landowner with power
Jose Hernandez - Carlos's son - a reckless playboy
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