We were halfway through the first week of September, our new school term would begin on the next Monday. Chase and I would be expected to board in that first week as we became familiar with the routine. The boys we would bunk with would be our roommates for the entire term, anytime we stayed overnight on campus. I knew there would be occasions that would make it necessary to board from time to time. Carter and John would not be boarding, they were too young. A student had to be eight years old in order to board even intermittently. Allowances for younger students would be made in weather emergencies.
I found myself looking forward to starting the new school year, the prospects were quite appealing from a knowledge standpoint. I hoped it would be a good group and we would find many friends there.
Chase and I discussed the new term often and we were both hopeful.
"This has been a really great summer Chase, the best part was you," I uttered quietly.
"Thanks Jem, you were the best part of my summer too. It's been a pretty weird couple of months though. I mean Benny or Nate, whatever you call him, he's a different guy now.
We've made more friends around our own neighborhood than I ever expected. Jean-Paul for one. And look at Carter and John, they've both changed so much. Augie was a neat kid but he wasn't anywhere near Carter's intellectual match and John might be even smarter than Carter," Chase observed.
I think they're both very smart, but in different ways. John is like my dad, analytical and precise, Carter is more artistic and it shows in the way they build things with the Legos. Carter adds a touch of style to what they're building," I responded.
"It's kind of a set of complementary skills, maybe they'll pick up stuff from each other but their basic characters are really similar, at least from what I can tell, Chase added.
"I think you're right," I concluded.
We lounged in the big swinging hammock a bit longer and then went in to raid the kitchen.
*****
Mike sat with Frank Foyle and Shirley Mason
"Well boss, Shirley has the budget, evidence and notes all collated for the prosecutor. Forensics has done all they can do, the M.E. has released the bodies for burial. Tammy Reardon remains unclaimed. Scott already signed off on the budget. I've never seen an operation go so smoothly before. But with Shirley being the central documentarian I can't think of anything that has been overlooked," Frank observed.
"Well I can't take any credit for that. Shirley, having you on hand as case coordinator has made a tremendous difference, I'll only take credit for having the good sense to bring you on board," Mike replied.
"I'm really glad I could contribute to a major case right off the bat, keeping an eye on documentation and budget are key factors in a successful outcome for prosecuting the suspects our detectives identify. I'm really proud to be part of that," Shirley responded.
Well I've been informed by Lev Gaines that because of the case we have against Marina Hobart, her attorney has convinced her to take the deal offered as it stands. She'll allocute in front of a judge and be placed in hospice care for the remaining months of her life. She's really going downhill fast so Lev is asking for an early calendar," Mike put in.
"You know we have six more homicide investigations that are stalled and another three nearing a point where a suspect will be charged. Miranda and I have pursued the same approach to those investigations as with the high profile case. And of course there will be others. So what's on the agenda next Mike?" Shirley grinned.
"I suppose it's time to kidnap Herb and get ourselves to the Castle so Scott can have his moment," Mike suggested.
"This ought to be good, I hope they used the good caterer this time," Frank quipped.
The Castle wasn't choked with news vans, since the press conference announcing the completion of the serial case and identifying suspect and victims a pool agreement had been struck with the networks and independent stations to cut down on the congestion at crime scenes and press conferences. One camera crew did the video work and a few reporters would ask the questions. Questions which had been arrived at by consensus among news editors. A departmental video crew was also on hand for internal use.
The small portable stage was set up and the podium had been sufficiently mic'd to cover TV and Radio broadcasters. Print news photographers and reporter teams were also present, all told, there were less than twenty journalists present.
Scott Sommers took the podium in his dress uniform, and began a short speech recounting the events of the past few weeks.
"And now there are a few changes that need to be made in the bureau which we shall attend to now. Capt. MacGregor please join me on the dais," Scott requested.
Mike climbed the three short steps and stood alongside Scott. Mikes new dress uniform was without a badge or rank symbols.
"Captain Macgregor, you have not only reorganized the homicide bureau in a month's time, but your leadership has led to the arrest of a serial killer suspect and at least five corrupt law enforcement officers. You have inspired the detectives under you command and stream-lined the operation of the bureau. I'm happy to say you've exceeded my expectations by a long shot and it gives me great pleasure to present your new badge and rank insignia, Major MacGregor," Scott announced triumphantly.
Forty deputies and command staff applauded as Mike received a small flat case from Scott and opened it. A new seven pointed star with the rank of major replaced his original badge. It was every bit as well executed as his captain's badge. On either side of the badge were three silver stars also indicating the rank of major. Someone tapped Mike on the shoulder and when he turned his head the tap came from his own father Caelan Mac Gregor. Caelen first removed the badge from the case and placed it on Mike's uniform above his left jacket pocket. He then applied the new stars to Mike's collar and the deed was done. There was more applause and Mike stood with his father who was wearing the proudest expression anyone could manage.
Mike glanced out at the crowd and saw Minnie, John and Jem. Then he spotted Jeff, Art, Madeline, Chase and Carter.
Scott broke his reverie when he asked Mike to say a few words.
"Thank you Scot, I would first like to say thank you to my family who have been very tolerant of the time I've spent away from home over the last month. When we moved here, I expected to be designing aircraft modifications but that didn't happen, instead thanks to a conspiracy between Brad Holtz and Scott here, I was convinced to take on a completely different job. It was pretty daunting initially, however I found a few key players who convinced others to take a chance and it worked. Together we managed to drain the swamp in spite of the alligators. I'm especially pleased that we've been able to reacquire some of the knowledge held by deputies that have retired, the department spent a lot of money to train these people and to just cut them loose once they reach retirement age doesn't make sense. So far that's working out pretty well. Our detectives have had two men in command that they could count on without question and those two men are here today, you will get a better look at them shortly. We have renewed working relationships with other departments and the forensic services. Those suffered under my predecessor's leadership but as I say, we have a new relationship with those entities and it seems to be working well. I can't stress enough the contribution made by Forensics and the Medical Examiner's office in the recent serial case. Officers from all the affected counties were loaned to us, to assist with the investigation. I also want to point out that it's not just me coming up with ideas, I've received suggestions from nearly all of our detectives and desk staff. This will continue to be a group effort at improving work conditions and productivity for our bureau.
Thank you," Mike finished.
The applause was quite loud considering the number of people present.
Scott remounted the podium and summoned Frank Foyle to the stage, He was promoted to Captain and this time Mike applied the new symbols of rank. Herb was summoned next, he had actually needed to buy a new dress uniform for this function but he had been assured that he would find more occasion to wear it. Herb was presented with his new Lieutenant's badge and the collar stars that indicated he was now a member of the command staff.
With that done most thought the honors had been completed, but Mike returned to the mic and asked Shirley Mason to join them.
Shirley was caught off guard but complied.
Scott handed Mike a small case.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is Shirley Mason, her title is central case coordinator and she's very good at her job, every evidence report and financial document pertaining to a case passes through her hands. She helps the detectives and task forces to keep track of evidence, cost and documentation. Something that individual detectives are less than suited for. We were glad to welcome back such a capable administrator and now it's time for some recognition." Mike handed Shirley a case. She opened it to reveal a special deputies badge. Although she was non uniformed personnel she was quite pleased to see the star. Scot reached forward and passed a leather case to Mike. Mike opened it and presented it to Shirley, it was the same flat badge that all officers were issued for carry in civilian clothes.
The four honorees and Scot faced the audience which seemed to have grown and received a rousing outburst of applause.
"Hey Scott, before we join the crowd may I have a moment?" Mike asked.
"Sure Mike, lets step in here," Scott gestured to a small storage room. "What's up," Scott asked once they were alone.
"I just wanted you to know that I'll be claiming Tammy Reardon's body. It's mostly closure for John but I feel like she earned a decent burial. Maybe you can recommend a funeral home that can handle the logistics?" Mike asked.
"I think we can do that, and Allison's is a good place to contact, they took care of my mother in law and they've done funerals for our guys and SPD when they fall in the line," Scott suggested.
"Thanks, as near as we can tell she has no relatives other than John so I'm representing him in this. She took care of a child that wasn't hers and kept him safe and separate from the street life. I think that warrants some respect," Mike expanded.
"I agree, I'll contact Jasper and it should go smoothly, just a bit of paperwork," Scott assured. "Oh, before I forget, you should go ahead and put in that claim for the money that Ms. Reardon had stashed. I presume you'll want to set up a trust for John."
"I'll let the attorney know and he can advance the paperwork," Mike replied. "And thanks, we'll set up the trust so that even if anyone pops out of the woodwork to claim him, they won't get a dime from his trust. I just figure with his brains, he's going to need a topnotch school for his degrees. He reads at a fourth grade level already," Mike shared.
So where did you two disappear to? "Minnie scolded."
"We were discussing getting the body released for burial hon, we can talk about that later. I hope you brought your mingling shoes," Mike chuckled.
Later Mike and the newly minted Lieutenant Talbert were enjoying a drink.
"Say Herb, did you ever finish reading Tammy's diary?" Mike asked.
"No Mike, I'm afraid not. Once the case was deemed a serial, I didn't have time to pursue it any further. Would you like to have it?"
"Yes, I think so. Maybe she wrote out the reason for moving out of a decent apartment and going back to the life," Mike speculated.
"You know only cops and hookers call it the life Mike, would you mind if I finish reading it first? I'd like some answers too," Herb requested.
"Sure, that's fine. It's just something I'd like to save for John. When he's old enough to understand what was going on when he was small," Mike agreed.
Great, and maybe we can finally follow up on that investment counsellor to see what kind of assets Tammy Reardon really had," Herb suggested.
Not a bad idea Herb, let's have a look into that," Mike concurred.
Two days later Mike and Herb were sitting in an office with Gavin Exeter and he was quite nervous.
"I er, saw your news conference about the serial case and the one for your promotion sir, congratulations," Mr. Exeter said cautiously.
"Thank you Mr. Exeter, or may I call you Gavin?" Mike inquired.
"That would be fine, Major Mac Gregor," Gavin answered.
"Call me Mike and this is Lt. Herb Talbert, we're looking into the details surrounding the death of Tammy Reardon although you may have known her by the name Kimberly Carson," Mike began.
"Yes Kimberly Carson was my client and yes I'm aware that it was not her real name. I may as well tell you that I have many clients who do the same kind of work as Ms. Reardon. I knew her as Tammy and she was not what you might expect from the business she was in. She was actually a bright and pleasant person to speak to and she had done quite a bit of work before she contacted me. She never said who referred her to my office but I would venture to guess it was someone in the same straights as herself," Gavin supplied.
"Well as you must suspect by now we have Tammy's diary and financial statements and we have a few questions regarding those, for instance are you aware of the source of the money she was investing?" Mike asked.
"Only that she said it was a windfall and nothing more. She opened a commercial account to slowly convert the cash into a conventional asset base. If you've investigated Kimberly Carson you may already know that. It was a retail business that dealt exclusively in cash and carry. Eventually she began to buy prepaid Visa cards and ran them through the business as well. They were also convenient for living expenses and clothing, necessities such as that," Gavin carried on.
"The biggest puzzle in all this is why, if she had access to all that cash, did she move out of a perfectly good apartment and into a squat in an old industrial building. Did she say anything about someone giving her trouble?" Herb spoke up.
"She did, she mentioned a man she had known who recognized her and followed her to her residence and knocked on the door. She packed her things and presumably moved into the warehouse with her nephew. After that it was at least a month before I saw her again. She had lost weight and looked quite nervous when I saw her next. The warehouse was meant to be a temporary solution and she often stayed at hotels for comfort and safety. We had been discussing her plans to leave Seattle, in fact her plan was to leave the state. I told her that eventually the bank or the IRS would look into the accounts and the money trail and Kimberly Carson would be in hot water. She assured me that she had a plan for her new location. She also filled out forms to set up a trust for her nephew if something happened to her. When I became aware of her death I liquidated her assets and put them in an escrow account pending the trust. The problem is I don't know the whereabouts of the nephew and only have his first name to identify him. I don't know if Tammy ever had a chance to file the papers for the trust. I can tell you she started with just over three hundred and sixty thousand dollars, although not all at once, but she invested aggressively. She had more wins than losses and when I liquidated her assets they came to just shy of seven hundred thousand. I think it would have been well over a million by the end of the year. That was her target date, she wanted to start the new year somewhere else. That's really about all I know for sure, anything else would be speculation and I only do that with money," Gavin said finally.
"There is a trust being set up for the nephew, and you should receive the paperwork when it's ready. To answer any concerns you might have about legal issues, I don't work for the IRS, not that I'm suggesting that you haven't been diligent with your clientele's accounts, but someone has to help them and my impression is that you are able to make a decent living from that business segment," Mike assured.
"Well my end of the transactions are scrupulously documented and tax documents are prepared as required. The individual investors are responsible for paying any taxes owed. As for the source of the money invested, as long as I comply with reporting standards I'm in the clear. Any anecdotal information regarding my clients affairs would be privileged," Gavin replied.
"I think we understand each other Gavin, thank you for being candid where Tammy Reardon is concerned," Mike concurred.
Upon his return to the office Mike checked his mail, one from forensic services stood out. It was from Bruce Hannover.
:Hi Mike, we have the results of the DNA kit you had us process on the little boy. The indications are that Tremaine is not the father of the child. I took it a step further and ran the results through a couple of commercial DNA services and found distant relations only. There are some less than encouraging things about the report, incest has occurred in previous generations but it's well removed from the child in question. His geographic ancestry is northern European and British isles, basically Vikings, Kelts and Scots mostly, I would recommend one of the commercial sites to trace his lineage properly. Combined with what you know about the aunt you might be able to trace him back a long way.
Also thanks for the public pat on the back for my troops, you're the first head of CID to acknowledge their contribution.
Bruce :
Mike called Minnie and let her know that John had no relatives to speak of in the data bases that had been examined. It didn't mean he didn't have relatives but it would make the search quicker. Next he forwarded the file number for the forensic DNA test to child services addressed to Mary so she wouldn't have to go through the same process.
*****
Dad's revelation was good news although I already knew there were no impediments to adoption for John. His branch of that family was not particularly close and behaved like uneducated hillbillies suspicious of their own relatives, they would have seen John as a burden to be avoided. None of them would pass a background check anyway so it was a moot point. I expected that the process would gain speed with this bit of information.
It was our last carefree Friday and Chase and I took our brothers to the park and fed them from the swarm of catering trucks. We ended up carrying them the last few blocks to home, but they didn't weigh much.