Decade: late 1940s

IT WAS A DARK AND NOIRY NIGHT

by PearlAnn SnowStar

Kathy looked at her reflection in a floor mirror by her bed. She was dressed in the latest 1940’s style. She wore a black velvet hat with a wide brim in front and back. Her hair was curled at the ends properly, set in a pageboy style. Her long-sleeved black dress had a rounded collar and was mid-calf length. Her black nylon stockings had the seam in back that went straight down her legs. She wore black pumps with a nice small bow on the top of each shoe.

She sighed. She grabbed the red lipstick and applied it, then reached for her black clutch purse and walked out the front door of her apartment. She looked up and down the hallways before locking her door.

She was going to take the stairs but wondered if that would be too dangerous.

All right, elevator.

She walked over to the elevator and pushed the button.

The elevator doors opened. She noticed a man leaning against the back wall. He was probably in his 40s or 50s with a bald spot on his head and dressed in work clothes that were almost too big for him. He leered and whistled at her.

She immediately regretted not taking the stairs, and walked quickly away, murmuring, “Sorry, I forgot something” as she did.

At her apartment door, she turned around and noticed he did not get out.

She waited until she heard the elevator doors closing before going back to the elevator. She pressed the button. This time, when the doors opened, there was no one inside.

She got into the elevator, pressed a button, and was relieved to see that the elevator didn’t stop but went straight down to the first-floor lobby.

When the doors opened, she walked as fast she could out of the building and hailed a cab.

* * *

A man who had the face of a lion and furry paws put his ‘Dick Tracy’ hat on the hat rack. He looked around his office. There were loads of papers and books scattered all over his desk, with an old leather chair that had seen better days pulled away from the desk. The chair’s wheels were so scuffed they squeaked when he moved it.

He looked up as someone knocked on his office door.

The dame is here already?  Right on time.

“Enter.”

She walked in and he wanted to whistle at her. She looked spectacular.

She gave him a quizzical look as she asked, “Detective Vinnie Spade?”

“Katherine Chadwick?” he replied.

She nodded.

There was a chair, much nicer looking, that was in front of his desk, and he motioned for her to sit down.

“I’d rather stand. And you could call me Kathy.”

Oooh, that voice and her good looks were a deadly combination.

Vinnie smiled. “Then just Vinnie to you.”

She looked around the office, then back at him. “You’re not like…”

“Other men? Nope, I have what is called the hairy cat look. Does it bother you?”

“No, it’s rather…pleasant.”

I’ll bet, babe.

“Do you mind if I sit?” He promptly sat down in his chair.

“Look, maybe this was a mistake. Maybe the police were right.”

“And maybe the guy you thought was following you thought you were someone else. Yeah, right.”

She went over to the chair and sat down, placing her purse on her lap. He waited for her to take a deep breath.

“When ya called me, you weren’t sure if you should see me.”

She nodded her head yes.

“So, Isaac Newsome is a pal of yours?” he inquired.

“Yes.” She spoke in a whisper. “My father recommended him as my chauffeur and bodyguard when I was in school. He’s very…”

“Street smart. Yeah, I know. And not the type upper-class folks would usually hire.”

“My father met all kinds of people.”

“You know, Isaac’s great in a street fight.”

She nodded her head. “My father was looking around for someone he could trust to keep an eye on a young college girl.”

“College, huh? That’s unusual.”

Make a note, Vinnie, this dame is smart. Maybe too smart.

“Well, I wanted to help my father out at his law firm, not as a clerk, but as a lawyer.”

“I bet.”

“My father met Isaac at a police station. My father was there because he got robbed as he was walking to a store. He noticed Isaac talking with some of the other officers and was curious about him. The detective who was working on his case called Isaac over and introduced him to my father.”

Vinnie smiled. “I met Isaac in a back alley. Long story. Anyway, I found out that he was an honorably discharged Army man, with his own self-defense business.”

“I called him before you. He said he was in Chicago helping a friend out. He mentioned that you would be the perfect person to help me in my situation.”

He laughed. “Yeah, I bet. I got into a scuffle in that alley and he popped up to assist me in taking care of a few thugs. Best friend ever.”

He looked at her. “But we aren’t here to discuss a mutual friend. You mentioned that your father died and after the funeral, you noticed that you were being watched, even followed.”

“Yes, but I brushed it off, at first. My father was a good lawyer for many corporations. There were always photographers and press at many gatherings that he went to with my mother. I remember going to some when I was a little girl. Then my mother died. It was just before my acceptance at law school. That was hard.” Her voice softened.

“Yeah, well, it seems you did good. Your address is in a great neighborhood.”

“This morning, there was an odd man in the elevator. He leered and whistled at me. It made me uncomfortable.”

“But you got into the elevator anyway, right?”

“No. I waited for the next one.”

Yup, smart dame.

“And you live alone, no roommate?”

“I’m fine with being by myself. I’m very independent.”

He looked her up and down. “That could also get a young lady like yourself in trouble nowadays. No husband or children?”

“No. Most of the men I went on dates with went out with me because of my father’s wealth.”

“You could have moved into your dad’s place when he died.”

“The mansion was too big for one person.”

“Really? You could have hired security and perhaps rented out some rooms. Unusual for a gal to be alone.”

She glared at him. “I don’t see what’s wrong with wanting to live alone.”

“For a guy, no, but a hot dame like you…”

She stood up. “Are you going to help me or insult me?”

He stood up and laughed. “Take it easy. Please, sit back down.”

She did, and he walked around the desk. He shoved a few books to the side and sat down on the edge, close to her.

“So, you said that after the funeral and some time off, you went back to the firm and got back to work.”

“Yes, I mostly help out women who need legal assistance to open a business. A few days after my father died, I returned to the law firm. A week later, Mark Paterson, my father’s former business partner, wanted to meet with me about my role in the firm. Mark and I agreed on a date and time.

“At the meeting, Mark was there with his father. I was advised that I could take a buy-out from the firm and just enjoy my life, even find a man to marry and have children. That shocked me. Mark used to encourage my eagerness to work, even though I did not need to. His father also encouraged me to take the offer.”

“Did you?”

“Not then.” She looked outraged. “At the time, I felt that they would never be as helpful to my clients as I was. We women have been having a hard time after the war, in case you haven’t noticed. Many were fired from good paying jobs so that the men returning would have employment.”

Great a protofeminist. Rosie the Riveter is now Lucy the Lawyer.

“Hey, no offense.”

She calmed down. “I continued to take care of my clients, but I noticed that my client base was getting smaller and smaller. The receptionist, a man named Tom Gunnerson, was someone I suspected of directing my clients to Mark or to others at the firm. I didn’t have proof, but if it was true, I wasn’t going to let them stop me from doing my job.

“I contacted Alan Taft. He’s our family’s lawyer. We discussed what was being offered to me. I also took some time to reflect. I noticed that the clientele who were referred to others in the firm were being well taken care of.

“I also realized that it’s a lot of work to take care of Chadwick Corporate Law Firm and try to serve any clients that came my way. Someone mentioned to me that the District Attorney’s Office was looking for lawyers. I went over there, applied, and got the position. I contacted Mark. I advised him of some changes I wanted to be made to the offer. He agreed to those changes. I signed the offer we agreed on and left the law firm in his control.”

“Yeah, Joe Macmalcom is a fine DA there.”

“Joe told me that I was a bonus. He said he had a backlog of cases that needed my skills. He also needed someone women were not afraid to talk to.”

“Of course.”

“He told me I was the right ‘man’ for the job.”

He chuckled.

“If I was going to give up the firm, I wanted to keep working at something that made a difference in people’s lives, especially women’s. Mark was competent enough to take care of the law firm and the others there seemed happy to work for him. I really wasn’t happy about letting it go, but it was the sensible thing to do. I got to talk with some former clients of mine, and was told that they were happy working with Mark and the others.

“I now understood why my father was so busy all the time. I wanted to be a lawyer, not a business owner. At least, not now.”

“You could have hired an assistant to help you out.”

“Yes, that would have been another option, but I also wanted to try something new. After my father’s death, I reflected on many things. For some reason, it felt right to go to the District Attorney’s Office.”

“Really? I know it doesn’t pay much. Must have been a good settlement.”

“Yes, it was. It also gives me a chance to help others who might not be able to afford a private attorney.”

No wonder this dame has no guy. Most guys would be afraid of her.

“OK, well, I can see that you must be one hell of a lawyer. You said that it took you about six months to settle into your new position and apartment. During those months, you felt as if you were being watched, but you thought it was the press?”

She nodded her head. “Yes. That’s because it was sporadic. During those six months, I managed to get my father’s mansion sold. I got a good price for it. Two weeks ago, my friend, Jennifer, contacted me and wanted to go out and celebrate, so we did. I met her at a restaurant in my neighborhood. We had a wonderful time. It was as we were leaving that I noticed a strange man watching us and following us as we walked to my place. We walked just a few blocks and she noticed him still behind us, trying to ‘pretend’ he wasn’t following us, so we hailed a cab.”

“Well, it was late at night, and a pair of good-looking, maybe rich dames…”

“I know, maybe it was some guy that wanted to rob us. But I started to feel as if I was being watched every day. So I wondered if this person was the one who was spying on me.”

“Maybe it was a reporter. Society dame, you know.”

She shook her head no. “I’ve been around reporters and, trust me, I knew he wasn’t one. Plus, his looks. And most reporters quit if they can’t get any worthy news and rarely try again later.”

She paused, then continued. “Also, for the last few days, I noticed that things were misplaced in my apartment. I thought that maybe I had forgotten that I moved the items. So I started to take notes and I found that I wasn’t mistaken. Someone was in my apartment moving things around. I discussed this with Joe. He advised me to change my locks. I did that, but I still felt as if the new locks were not working. That someone was coming into my apartment, moving things. Plus, I still felt as if I was being watched before and after work. Especially coming home from work, whether I walked or took a cab. Then…”

“Then?”

She started to fidget. “This is why I went to the police station two days ago. I was working late. I walked out of the DA’s building and was about to hail a cab when a man grabbed my arm. I didn’t recognize him. I screamed. He let go of my arm and ran away. Of course, people looked, but didn’t ask me if I was OK. Luckily, a cab came by and stopped, with the driver asking me if I needed a ride. I jumped into it, happy that a cab was available so quickly. Then, as we were going home, I felt uncomfortable. I really looked at the driver and thought I knew who he was.”

“Who did you think he was?”

She looked into his eyes, looking frightened. “I realized it was the same man who had followed Jennifer and me from the restaurant. A man who I thought had given up, as I did not see him for a while after that. I was so scared. I knew we were close to my building, but I didn’t want to take any chances. So I told him to stop and let me out.”

She closed her eyes. He couldn’t help it, he reached over to touch her hand. She jumped.

“I’m sorry…”

“No, it’s me. I’m still shaken up by this.” She stood up and paced. “He wouldn’t stop. I remembered what Isaac taught me. He often gave me tips, in case something happened. One of them was ironically about being in a car and the driver won’t stop when you asked them to. He told me that when I could, to open the door and get out. So, when the driver slowed down, that’s what I did. He noticed and stopped the cab. I ran across the street.”

“You were lucky you weren’t hit by a car.”

“Yes. Anyway, I made it into a store and hoped he wouldn’t follow me. He didn’t. I bought a small item and then walked the rest of the way home. The next day, at work, I mentioned what happened to Joe and he told me to go to the police station and make a report about the cab. But the police told me that they thought he didn’t hear me telling him to stop. They asked me if I paid him for the ride. I couldn’t believe they asked me that. I told them I was terrified he was going to take me to a dangerous place. I had to quickly get away. They asked me if I remembered the cab number.”

“Did you?”

“No. I also told them that I thought this man was following me for a few weeks.”

“And they said it could all be a coincidence, right?”

“Yes. Plus, they even checked with the cab companies to see if anyone skipped out without paying. As if I was the criminal. But, for that day and time, no cab company reported anything.”

“Did you mention what happened at the police station to Joe?’

“Yes. The police also told me that I should probably get a guy to take me home from work.”

“What did Joe say?”

“He said he would do it, but I said no.”

“Why not?”

“He’s my boss. How would that look? Besides, after the police station, I did manage to get home without further incidents. Now, when I take a cab, I make sure I look at the driver and get the cab number. Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that someone, maybe this man, was still watching me.”

“So you want me to be both bodyguard and detective?”

“Yes. I want you to be the one to pick me up and take me home. While I’m working, I need you to find out if Mark has something to do with this or if maybe, just maybe, it’s some pervert. Or maybe it’s some deranged newsman. I also need you to keep an eye on my place and…”

He held up a hand. “This is like twenty-four hours round-the-clock investigation and protection. That’s going to cost you.”

“Money is no problem.”

“Of course not.”

“Don’t you have assistants you trust to help you out?”

He chuckled. “I like working alone. But I do have a few people I can trust to help me with this.”

“I know I’m assuming I’m safe in my office. And Joe has someone go with me when I need to meet clients outside the office. As well as going to the courthouse.”

“Are you working on any dangerous criminal case?”

“Not really. Joe is checking into the cases I previously worked on. Most of those were domestic battery and minor misdemeanors. And the suspects in those cases are more interested in beating up the wife or girlfriend, not coming after a District Attorney.”

“You would be surprised.”

“So, can you help me out or should I go elsewhere?”

He grinned. “I might have to stay over at your place every now and then.”

He noticed the icy glare in her eyes.

“Only when necessary, of course.”

“That is not proper.”

“Maybe you should find another place?”

“In this city? That could take time and I’m not letting someone scare me into moving away or quitting my job.”

Of course not.

“OK. I’ll take your case. Let’s discuss the details.”

* * *

Kathy sat across from Joe, in his office. Joe held his head in his hands. He clearly was concerned.

He looked at her. “Kathy, I know you love your freedom and I know you can take care of yourself. But…maybe you should take a few days off and stay with a friend. And this guy you hired…”

“Detective Vinnie Spade.”

“Yeah, right. A PI.”

“Joe, what was I to do? I know someone has been in my apartment. I know I’m being followed.”

“Well, I managed to get hold of my friend, Detective Hughes. A real-life honest police detective. He said he would be able to check things out when he got some free time.”

“When he had free time.” Kathy got up. “Joe, Vinnie…”

“Oh, now it’s Vinnie?”

She glared at him.

He put his hands up. “Whoa, whoa, take it easy there.”

“He is working on my case. Plus, he has a young lady named Jamie Arrowhood checking my place out and staying there when I work.”

“And nothing was stolen?”

Kathy rolled her eyes. “No. And I would like you to know I like her.”

“It’s only been a few days and you like and trust her?”

“Yes. I worry about her when she leaves my place when I get home.”

“Well, according to Detective Hughes, this PI…”

“Vinnie.”

“Yeah, Vinnie, he’s a bit shady. Detective Hughes thinks he has killed maybe one or two people since he got his license but can’t really be sure.”

“If he did, it was probably in self-defense.” Kathy sat back down.

Joe chuckled. “Who knows? Anyway, Detective Hughes said you could have done worse. As long as he doesn’t drag this thing out so he can get more money from you.”

“He’s not. I’ll be checking in with him today.”

“You know, when you first told me that you hired this PI, I got really concerned.”

“You sure did. Usually, I don’t like it when you start checking things out behind my back. However, this one time, I can accept it. It’s like another confirmation I got the right man on my side.”

Joe shook his head. “I still think you’re overreacting.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Don’t get all riled up again, but maybe the cab guy didn’t hear you say stop.”

“How can you explain the fact that he was the guy following Jennifer and me from the restaurant?”

“It could be that you think it was the same man.”

Kathy got angry and started to get up.

“OK, OK, sit back down, please. It’s just, you know, even with the cases you deal with, witnesses can be mistaken.”

“I am one hundred percent sure it was him.”

Joe sighed. “All right, just don’t get all swoony over this PI.”

“Joe!” Kathy was shocked.

“Well, I know how you gals like to go for the bad boys.” He grinned.

She gave him a look and he started to look through a file in front of him.

“Well, then…don’t mean to change the subject, but I also needed to see how this Anna case is going.”

“You’re changing the subject.”

“Yes, as now we have to quit talking about your personal life and suspicions and do our real work.”

“What if it turns out that I’m really being followed? That I’m in danger?”

Joe paused. Finally, he spoke. “Then God help that man, because if there is no solid evidence, I have my ways of making sure he won’t bother you again.” He cleared his throat. “Now, I see here that Anna found a friend to live with?”

Kathy nodded. “She said that her friend’s name is Mary and that she lives in a brownstone owned by a couple named Jacob and Margaret Wells.”

“She said her husband’s last name is Paracelsus? Is that really his last name?”

“That’s what she told me.”

“Have you checked out this couple?”

“I arranged a meeting at the brownstone today with them.”

“And according to Anna, her husband recently tried to poison her?”

“Yes.”

“I see she has a son.”

“Yes, she said she hasn’t seen him for twenty years. He was ten when she left her husband and he wouldn’t let her take her son with her. She was so afraid of her husband that she just left and contacted Mary. Mary brought her to the brownstone where she’s been living, along with others. One day, she happened to be in a store and noticed her husband was there, as well.”

“Well, we need more than just ‘husband’. We need his name, then the name of her son, and if she has any proof that he tried to poison her. Hmm, it seems that they were never officially divorced. Should we even be looking at this?”

“Why?”

“Well, maybe she’s mistaken. I mean, after all, she agreed to meet him at a coffee shop.”

“She wanted to know how her son was.”

“And she said he slipped the poison into the coffee, probably when she had to go to the ladies room.”

“She thought meeting him in a public place would be safe. And he seemed…different. They had a nice meeting and he explained to her that her son was doing OK.”

“Son, husband? Kathy, you know the judge is going to wonder…”

“I know. But I feel she is telling the truth.”

“Feelings are not proof.”

“Joe, she took a chance on calling me. We had a nice meeting at the bookstore by her brownstone. She mentioned that when she came back from the lady’s room, he kept insisting she finish her coffee. She waved a waitress over and asked her if she could have the coffee to go. The waitress poured the coffee into a paper cup and handed it to her. She said she thanked her, got up, and pretended to start drinking a bit of it before she walked out of the coffee shop.”

“The husband never followed?”

“She didn’t think so. She asked Mr. Wells, who’s a doctor, to check the coffee out for her.”

“And I see at least some evidence here. This is from a lab.”

“Yes, this was what she handed over to me.”

“Arsenic and another poisonous substance. Gee, if this is really from that coffee…”

“That is another reason I wanted to meet with Mr. Wells.”

“OK, verify that he did check that actual cup. And try to get some names, please. This Anna is so mysterious.”

“She’s scared.”

Joe shook his head. “Well, if she’s not a nut job but the real deal and we get more evidence, I want this guy put away. He might poison my coffee.”

She stood up and put out her hand. “My file, or at least the lab results.”

He grinned. “Easy there. Remember, we go by facts and not the feminine hoodoo.” He handed her the file.

She grabbed it and walked toward the door. She turned around and said, “It’s called intuition.”

He chuckled. “You’re like a dog with a bone. Go get them, kid! And take Edie with you. Remember…”

She moaned, “I know, I know, I’m not going anywhere alone.” She turned and walked out.

* * *

Edie and Kathy got out of a cab at a brownstone building. A child was sitting on the steps by the front door.

“Kathy Chadwick?” the child inquired as he got up.

“Yes,” Kathy answered as she walked up to him, with Edie following her.

“Who are you, kid?” Edie inquired.

“I’m Kipper. Jacob and Margaret are waiting.” Kipper opened the front door. “Come on in.”

Edie grabbed Kathy’s arm and whispered, “Be careful, could be a trap.”

Kathy looked at Edie and smiled. “Let’s go in, shall we?”

Edie went ahead of Kathy as they entered the building. They both noticed the corner where the mailboxes were. There were no names on the boxes, just numbers.

Kipper led them through the foyer to the elevator in the middle, next to some stairs.

“Jacob and Margaret are in the third-floor dining hall.” He pressed a button and went into the elevator when the doors opened. Kathy and Edie followed him in.

* * *

Kathy looked around. The Dining Hall was the size of three apartments, almost the whole floor. An older man and woman were seated at a table that was close to the elevator. They got up and walked over to them.

“I’m Jacob Wells,” the older man said, and he shook Kathy’s hand, then Edie’s. He turned and looked at the older woman. ‘This is my wife, Margaret.”

“Do both of you own this brownstone?” Kathy inquired.

“Yes,” Jacob replied as he turned to face Kathy.

“Is Anna Paracelsus here?” Kathy looked around.

“Ah, no, but Kipper will go get her.” He looked at Kipper, who got up and left.

“I do have a lot of questions,” Kathy said.

“Come, let’s sit down,” Jacob said, motioning them towards a table.

* * *

Kathy and Edie were in Joe’s office.

“I think this doctor is supporting homeless people and people who need help. I noticed that Mrs. Wells provided some information, too.” Edie smiled. “They seem so nice.”

“Ah, Edie, I have some information I need you to check on for me.” Joe gave her a file.

“More library work; you know, I hate those dusty files,” Edie groaned.

“Yes, well, it will help,” Joe said.

“OK.” Edie turned to Kathy. “If you need another person to go with you on a case, I don’t mind. Heck, if I can’t afford my rent one day, I might check out about living in that brownstone community. Seems like a nice place, although I think this Mr. Wells or Dr. Wells, whatever, is so…serious. Seems like he would be very strict about the rules for the place.”

“Thanks, Edie,” Kathy said. “For all your help.”

“Sure.” Edie smiled and walked out of the office.

Kathy sat down.

“Now, what is bothering you, kiddo?” he asked.

She took a deep breath. “I think I know who is following me and why. At least some of the reasons. Joe, I know who Anna’s husband is.”

“I don’t like the look of fear in your eyes, Kathy. Talk to me.”

* * *

Kathy was tired. It had been a long day. When the cab dropped her off, she noticed that the doorman was new. She walked as fast as she could into the building. She was glad no one was by or in the elevator.

She got off at her floor and walked towards her door, taking out her keys. She knocked three times.

“Jamie, it’s Kathy, are you OK?”

She waited. No answer. She got a sick feeling in her stomach.

She decided she was going to knock again when Jamie replied, “I…I was in the bathroom. We are OK. Come in.”

Kathy opened the door and kept her keys in her hand. She carefully entered. Sensing someone was by the door, she swung around and lunged at him.

“Now, now,” another male’s voice spoke. She stopped, turned, and saw another man holding Jamie from behind. He had a knife to her throat. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

“Let’s get the girls to the car and get out of here.” The man by the door went up to Kathy. “You going to behave?”

Kathy just nodded.

“You first then, and remember my pal will slit Jamie’s throat if you call out or do anything rash.”

* * *

Kathy’s heart was pounding as she and Jamie sat in the backseat of the car. When they had walked out of her apartment building, the person who had a knife to Jamie’s throat lowered his hand but then grabbed Jamie’s arm. He put the hand with the knife into his pocket. She noticed that only the new doorman was around, but she didn’t say anything to him. A car was waiting for them. A man followed her out of the building then walked away once they entered the car.

The car stopped at a huge building. She recognized the address on the building, 666 Sutton Street, Mark Paterson’s place. The two men quickly got out of the car. The driver opened the back door of the car and motioned to them to get out. Kathy and Jamie looked at each other.

“Don’t think of running, you two.” The driver spoke ominously. “Now, let’s go in, shall we?”

Kathy and Jamie walked into the building, the two men following them.

Kathy noticed that only Mark’s father was waiting for them.

“Bring them into the office,” Mark’s father said.

Kathy and Jamie were taken to the office.

Kathy looked at Jamie.

“I’m all right,” Jamie said, rubbing her throat.

“Forgive such rudeness, but it was the only way to get you here.” Mark’s father looked at the two men that brought them there. “Leave.”

They left the room quickly.

“Well, Mr. John Paterson, or should I say John Paracelsus, what are you going to do with us?” Kathy inquired.

He just grinned. “First, you are going to tell me where my wife Anna is. Then we shall see, shall we?”

“Not until you answer my questions,” Kathy said firmly.

“Come, come, now, Miss Chadwick, you are not in control here,” he said nastily.

“Maybe not, but I suspect sending someone to break into my apartment and follow me was not only because of Anna.”

He had a menacing grin. “Ah, so you suspect me of checking up on you?”

“Yes,” Kathy said firmly.

He sat down at what looked like a throne chair that was in front of his desk. There were no other chairs in the room.

Jamie looked at Kathy, then at John. She looked like she was ready to attack him if she was given the opportunity.

Kathy coldly looked at John. “I figured that, maybe, you were keeping an eye on me for those six months after I left my dad’s firm. Probably because you didn’t want me to revoke the contract. I had six months to do so. But I can’t quite figure out why you kept following me. Why did you have someone break into my apartment?”

“Ah, well, you see, my dear, once I was sure that you wouldn’t revoke the contract, I had another problem with you. Because of your new position.”

“Working at the District Attorney’s Office?” she asked.

“Yes, well, seems one of your cases involved a prostitute named Lucy Diamond.”

“That case? That was one of my earliest. She was a witness in a case involving drugs. She said the man she worked for, Jason, reported to a…” She paused, and a light dawned.

“Yes, Miss Chadwick, he reported to a man he called Paracelsus.”

“You’re that man.”

“Correct. There would have been no problem silencing that woman, but she disappeared.”

Kathy kept silent.

“Your witness protection program. You wouldn’t happen to know where she was, I suppose?”

“So, you sent someone to break into my place, and look through my things for information.”

“Apparently you hide things well.”

“Then you know that Anna could be in a witness protection program, as well.”

“Perhaps. But then, one of my men followed you to a brownstone owned by a Jacob Wells.”

Kathy noticed the anger rising in him. She kept quiet.

“I knew Jacob from a long time ago. He’s such a fool. I wouldn’t have suspected Anna of knowing anyone in his little community. But, she did. Luckily, I kept our son, Mark. However, Jacob had adopted another son of mine.”

“Oh?”

John stood up. “Yes, someone who could assist me in many ways. Oh, not a son like Mark. Not of blood. He became a Private Investigator. Helping people. He could have become someone who could have assisted me. He denied his true powerful potential.”

Kathy tried to keep her face impassive. “Assisted with what? Your drug trade that has been killing people? Getting your wife back? So that you can finish killing her?”

“Oh, much more than that.”

“What, you want to take over the city?”

John started to smile, much as a cat would when cornering a mouse. “A city ruled by fools. Fools who wanted to do good instead of letting the law of the jungle rule the streets. In all of history, only the strongest survive.”

“You’re a Nazi.”

He chuckled sinisterly. “I’m smarter than anyone. Mark started to work for your father ten years ago, working his way through law school. Every day, he came home and raved about your father’s nobility. How he was helping people. Then, just last year, after he graduated, your father promoted him from intern to full-fledged lawyer. And Mark learned about the corporate laws of this city. Through him, I found ways to find people that could assist me. People of power. And eventually, I used the drug trade to ensure I had enough profits for my future goals.”

Kathy didn’t want to ask, but she couldn’t help herself. “Did you poison my father?”

He laughed. “No, like your mother, it was natural causes. But it was perfect timing. Only you stood in my way. See, with a corporate law office, taking care of high society’s business and real estate, well, what a golden opportunity. I could not resist. I insisted Mark take me to your meeting with him, after your father died, as a…What do you call it? Notary public?”

“I was curious why Mark had you present, but hen I thought that you were his witness to the contract.”

“A contract that you did not sign at first. That concerned me.”

“I suppose it was lucky for you that I relented, after making a few changes, and agreed to the offer.”

He moved around the desk and Kathy and Jamie took a step back.

“You see, Miss Chadwick, I have to make sure everything is proceeding smoothly. It wouldn’t do to have anything go wrong. To have anyone interfere.”

Suddenly there was a loud roar, like from a lion. John moved quickly to the door and paused.

“Ah, seems the detective is here. Bright lad. Too bad.”

John opened the door and shook his arm, and a knife slid out.

“Vinnie, he’s got a knife,” Jamie yelled out.

Kathy looked at her.

Jamie smiled. “Vinnie and I live with Mr. and Mrs. Wells.”

There was another roar. Jamie and Kathy ran out of the apartment. John was on the ground, knocked out, as were the other two men.

“Police,” someone else called out.

Vinnie smiled. “I got hold of Detective Hughes. Just in case.”

* * *

Catherine woke up with a start and sat up. She turned and noticed Vincent sitting up next to her.

“I just had the strangest dream.” She reached over and hugged him. “Vinnie, Vincent…”

He put his arms around her. “Yes, babe.”

She looked at him, stunned by his response.

“I believe I shared a dream with you.” He grinned. “You looked so hot.”

She gently smacked his shoulder. “How is this even possible?”

“Well, we did watch three film noir movies in a row.”

“That’s called binge-watching.”

He kissed her forehead. “I want to write this down.”

They both got out of bed.

“Fine, I’m going to the bathroom.” She put on a robe and turned to face him. “You need to put on a robe.” She blushed.

He winked at her as he picked up a robe, which was at the end of the bed, and put it on.

She walked up to him. “Good morning, my private detective.” She gave him a kiss on the cheek.

“Good morning, my smart dame.”

She gave him a shove. “Cut that out.”

She started to walk to the entrance to the chamber. Then she paused. She turned and noticed him sitting at the desk. He had his journal opened and was starting to write in it.

“Maybe next time we binge-watch a few happily ever after romantic movies.”

He looked up and grinned. “Or read a few, shall we say, steamy stories.”

She groaned, then smiled. “At least I do know what I am going to wear this Halloween.”

“What?”

She turned around, and as she walked out of the chamber, she said, “A 1940’s black dress, hat, and pumps with bows on them.”