FIRST STEP MURDER Page 3

  “Something smells good Jose! Well, I see you drove straight through Aunt Rachel.”

  She got up and hugged Harpers neck, “you look terrible.” Tears ran down her cheeks.

  “Thanks, please don’t cry you’ll get me started again. Father would have called us something, vulgar with crybabies at the end.”

  “Sit down I’ll get you a cup of coffee, what’s this,” Rachel asked, looking at a legal pad on the island top where they sat.

  “Their obituary, I’m going to fax it to the Herald and the Globe this morning.”

  Rachel read it, and then put it back down on the counter, “it’ll take up half a damn page.”

  “Good, that’s what I was shooting for. I’m sure we’ll be flooded with phone calls and visitors today, word spreads fast.” Harper finished her breakfast, “I’m going up to put on some makeup and dress, you can pick out a room for yourself Aunt Rachel.”

  * * *

  Four days later the funeral was held at Park Street Church near Beacon Hill, and Boston Common. There was standing room only. The Boston Police Department was there in force along with Veteran’s groups, politicians, and hundreds of others. The area around the church was shut down for the day because of the traffic. After the ceremony the motor cade drove to Forest Hills Cemetery for the grave side service complete with a twenty one gun salute. There seem to be no end to the people that came up to Harper to give their condolences. The whole time Richard Mathis stayed close.

  The day after the funeral, neighbors and friends stopped by and brought food and everyone asked what they could do. Harper and Rachel were polite but the unscheduled visitors and food that got thrown away was getting old fast. Jose’ was staying back at his small apartment at the stables and had closed and locked the gates. It was his idea to discourage people from just dropping in. Harper and her Aunt sat on stools around the tall island in the kitchen eating fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and macaroni with cheese from the local Littleton franchise.

  “So, are you going to stay,” Harper asked? “Quit that fucking teaching job and we can have the rest of your stuff shipped, you said you didn’t have anyone keeping you there. Come on old lady I need you, believe it or not I’m getting use to you and that sunny disposition of yours, you’re just like dad.”

  “Me, you sound just like him, and I’m eight years younger than your father. I wouldn’t call forty an old lady, and what am I going to do here, get another job teaching runny nosed brats?”

  “You don’t have to do anything you can be my personal assistant. I can write it all off as a business expense. I’ll even buy you a car, come on Rachel I want you to stay.”

  “You know Harper I wish we’d been closer over the years. Hell I wish I’d been closer to Clayton we never even called each other on our birthdays. If it hadn’t been for your mom we probably would have never talked to each other. I guess we just weren’t raised that way, but I want to make up for that now, so as long as you need me I’ll be here for you.”

  The two women hugged.

  “I love you Aunt Rachel.”

  * * *

  A couple months later, Harper rode her motorcycle down to the stables. She parked just outside the breezeway and saw Jose’ raking out a stall at the far end.

  “You know when the horses hear you ride up on that thing they get excited, they think they’re going for a ride. You haven’t been down here in a long time, I swear I think they miss you, so have you come to work them out,” Jose’ asked?”

  “I don’t know Jose’. I was thinking about quitting, I’m just not as excited about competing without dad there anymore.”

  The sound of a vehicle pulling up to the front gates got them both wondering who it was, there were only a few people that had the entry code, but as soon as Harper saw the black truck she knew it was her trainer, Walter Keys.

  “I didn’t get to talk to you after the funeral Harper. How you doing Jose,” Walter asked?

  “Trying to talk Harper into working these horses out, they think she’s given up Walter.”

  “I really liked your mom and dad Harper, if I didn’t I would have never agreed to be your trainer. I just can’t imagine that he’d want you to give up competing. I think he’d kick your ass for even thinking about it. Listen, I came out here today because The New England Equitation Championship in Springfield is next week. You and Neck Rider are already qualified. I want the three of us to go and take first place. I think it’d be good for you. Think of it as a tribute to your mom and dad.”

  Harper spent the rest of that morning and the early afternoon working with Neck Rider, and some of the other horses. Jose set up the jumps and before Walter left she had renewed her interest. As soon as the trainer left, Jose put Neck Rider on the hot walker. Harper got a call on her cell phone from Aunt Rachel at the house. There was someone wanting entry, she rode the motorcycle to the gate and saw Richard Mathis, her father’s minority partner. He sat in his expensive sedan and after she punched in the code to open the gate she took off on one wheel for about fifty feet before the front touched the ground. Under the carport at the house Harper waited for Richard to park.

  “What brought you out here Richard?”

  “I wanted to talk to you about something. So you’ve been riding?”

  “Yea, there’s a big meet next week, I’m already qualified so I thought it’d take my mind off, well other things.”

  “I’m glad you said that. Let me take you and your aunt out to dinner tonight.”

  “You’re too dressed up. We might go, if you take off the jacket and tie, maybe roll up your sleeves. There’s a steak house over on Great Road, it’s no big deal but they serve a good steak.”

  Harper took a shower and changed into a pair of jeans and a button up shirt with a collar. She pulled her straight, long, blonde hair back into a high pony tail and wore her best boots. Rachel wore a conservative dress and sandals. She flirted with Richard, he was only six years younger but before the evening was over it was obvious to Rachel he was attracted to Harper.

  They sat at their table in the restaurant having coffee, after their steaks, Harper had a piece of apple pie.

  “I want you to come with me to a business dinner Harper. I have a meeting with Dan Harland, your father and him were business associates and friends. He has a small piece of property just outside the city limits, and he wants to build a mini mall, twelve units. He already has lease commitments for half of them, and I need your help to sell him on us doing the job. He’s talking to two other development companies, other associates of Harland’s hoping to get his work since your father died. I think meeting you would convince him to stick with us.”

  “I’m kind of busy Richard, with the horses and competing.”

  “You’re the principal owner of the company now Harper. I don’t think I can get the job without you being there. Come on one look at you and he’ll be eating out of your hand.”

  * * *

  The next day Harper was at the stables early and worked out all the horses, she put Neck Rider through his paces as her trainer, Walter Keys, looked on smiling.

  “Did you see him Walter,” Harper said as she slid off the excited horse, “He cleared all the fences by at least a foot.”

  “Very impressive, he looked like he was flying over that rail fence and water feature. I’ve never seen you so focused. Just remember don’t rush him, he’ll feed off your excitement so be calm and confident.”

  Harper had to hurry after her workout with the horses to shower, put on makeup, and dress. Richard waited downstairs talking to Rachel, he declined a mixed drink. The look on his face said it all when Harper came down the stairs, her long blonde hair hung loose around her bare shoulders. She wore a semi-short black dress with black spike heels that only made her legs look longer. The low cut front showed plenty of cleavage and the small spaghetti straps went over her shoulders and crossed over her bare back. With heels Harper was about the same height as Richard.

  “Wow, very i
mpressive, you’re beautiful” Richard said. He wore an expensive black Italian suit, shoes, and sported a short military style haircut.

  “Damn Harper I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in a dress,” Rachel said. She ran to get her smart phone and made them both stand together for a picture. Rachel had to get Harper to stand a little closer and put her arm through his.

  On the drive into the city she spoke with excitement about the coming event and how well Neck Rider was doing.

  “So you didn’t tell me, where we’re going,” she asked?

  “I made reservations at Bistro du Midi, I hope you like French food. It’s probably too nice a place to meet Dan Harland just to get a mini-mall contract but I wanted to impress you.”

  Harper let the comment slide by, “I know the restaurant it’s across from the Public Garden, down the street from Chinatown. I’ve always wanted to go there. French food, all that butter and cream sauce, what’s not to like.”

  They valet parked in front of the restaurant, the attendants and every male inside the plush waiting area starred at the tall beautiful blonde. Dan Harland and his wife immediately approached the stunning couple and introductions were made.

  “Ms. Lewis it’s nice to meet you, and I offer my condolences,” said Mr. Harland, “we’re really going to miss your father, he was a good friend.”

  “Well I can insult you a couple of times and call you some crude names in front of your wife if it’d make you feel better,” Harper said.

  Mr. Harland laughed, “You are your father’s daughter. He was a respected and honorable man without question despite his colorful language. Richard, I’ve already made up my mind, I wouldn’t trust anyone else so let’s enjoy ourselves without talking business tonight.”

  Dan’s wife was several years younger than he was, and was severely lacking in IQ. It was obvious he hadn’t married her for her ability to carry a conversation. On the way home Richard had all but convinced Harper to come with him again in a few days, he had to meet with the CEO of a major grocery store chain for an opportunity to site develop and build three stores.

  Through the front black iron gates Richard drove up under the covered area next to Harper’s truck and Aunt Rachel’s new Audi. He quickly got out meaning to open the door for her but she beat him to it.

  “You were going to open the door for me? You’ve gotta be kidding, I’m not that type of girl Richard, I’m very low maintenance, independent.”

  “I had a great time tonight Harper.”

  “Me too Richard,” he stood close to her at the side door, “well, are you going to kiss me or what,” she asked?

  Richard smiled, he put his hands on her hips and leaned forward just a little nervous. As soon as their lips touched Harper put her left arm around his waist and her right hand on the back of his neck and kissed him hard, then let go just as fast.

  “Goodnight Richard.” Harper walked into the kitchen and locked the door behind her. She left him standing just outside smiling and wondering what had just happened.

  CHAPTER THREE

  “Mr. Samuels, your 2:00 o-clock appointment is here,” his secretary said. Rayna had been his personal assistant for fifteen years.

  “Thank you Rayna send Mr. Molina in please.”

  Mr. Molina came in and after shaking hands sat in front of the desk.

  “Mr. Samuels it’s an honor to meet you, thank you for agreeing to hear my proposal.”

  Mr. Molina took out a folder from his briefcase.

  “I represent an offshore investment group and we’d like to make you an offer on the property you own at Well Street and Broad. I think you’ll find it very hard to turn down. I’ve personally checked what other similar properties have sold for not only in Boston but also in New York City and this offer Mr. Samuels is ten times those purchases.”

  “Mr. Molina I agreed to see you today not to entertain your offer for the property, but to explain why no amount of money would be enough. The Samuels family goes back to before the tea party here in Boston. That piece of property is some of the last left to be developed.”

  Mr. Samuels got up and walked over to another table in the large office and unrolled a set of blue prints. Mr. Molina joined him in front of the table.

  “You see Mr. Molina this is my family’s legacy here in Boston, I’m going to call it the Samuels center. An office building and civic center for the performing arts, the top two floors will be private use, one floor will be the new offices for the Samuels Erecting and Heavy Equipment Company. The other a personal residence, you see I have all the money I need. This will be my legacy to my descendants that follow, just as other influential founding families have done here in Boston.

  “Well thank you Mr. Samuels for seeing me, and I’ll explain what you’ve told me to the investment group. I wish you all the luck on your center’s development sir.”

  The commercial real-estate attorney, Manuel Molina, left the building and called the phone number he’d been given to contact his employer. He’d been paid a lot of money to make the presentation and he didn’t even know who was behind the group of investors, or the man he was calling.

  “I’m sorry sir, but Mr. Samuels will not sell to anyone for any amount of money, I can assure you of that.”

  Manuel Molina explained the story and described the blue prints and vision of Martin Samuels to the man that had hired him.

  “Mr. Molina, you’ll have the opportunity to make the offer again, you’ll be hearing from me soon.”

  * * *

  “Cartwright Arms, how can I help you?”

  Ex-Navy Seal Ronald Beale worked for a large gun shop and dealer in Tennessee, custom builds, repairs, and sales, he was the most experienced man in the shop.

  “I’d like to speak to Ron Beale,” said the deep voice on the phone.

  “This is Ron what can I do for you?”

  “You can step up and help your commanding officer. This is your Lieutenant Commander Ensign Beale.”

  The line was quiet for a moment.

  “How’d you know where to find me sir?”

  “I know where all my boys are, and what they’re doing Ensign.”

  “If you’re calling about Ensign Walker I already know he’s dead. Do you know anything about that sir? Anything about the circumstances of his death sir, they said it was a head on car crash.”

  “Ensign Walker came to me for help, he was a drug addict and an alcoholic, his wife and two daughters were living in public housing starving to death and victims of local gang members. He took the lead in an operation for me, and now his wife and daughters are living in a nice house in the suburbs with a nice car, and I’m taking care of them. And now I have a problem that requires a special person with certain skills Ensign Beale.”

  “My specialty was stealth entry and termination sir.”

  “I’m well aware Ensign. I need a man to assist in another operation. I need someone to take the first step soldier. There’s someone trying to harm your commanding officer Ensign Beale. I’ve chosen you to take point on this and eliminate the threat, and it needs to look like suicide.”

  “Where, and what’s the man’s name sir.”

  “Boston, the man’s name is Martin Samuels. He’s the CEO of Samuel’s Erecting and Heavy Equipment Company.”

  “I’ll take the lead sir, text me the information, leave everything to me.”

  * * *

  Three days later Ronald Beale sat in his pickup truck down the road from the office of Samuel’s company’s building. Martin Samuels was sixty five years old, his wife had died three years ago from cancer and he had never remarried. He had two sons that worked with him in the business both of them had tried to convince their father to sell the remaining piece of family property in the city and retire.

  Ron followed him to a condo building down by the river he watched the car pull into an underground garage. He drove past and parked his truck in a parking lot down the road and waited until dark. Then he walked to the condo buil
ding and took the face plate off the entry key pad to the garage. He worked the interior electronics until the gate opened. He put the face plate back on and looked in the garage until he found the car, the number on the parking space corresponded with the unit on the tenth floor of the twenty story building.

  Ron rode the garage elevator up to the tenth floor. He took off his boots and jammed one of them into the slide to hold the door open and keep the elevator on that floor. He found the right number on the door and picked the lock. Ron hit the sleeping older man in the head, and carried Martin Samuels back to the elevator then up to the roof. With the man’s unconscious body over his shoulder he walked to the edge of the building and eased him over.

  * * *

  In the early morning hours barricades were set up around the covered body of Martin Samuels lying on the sidewalk. There were three patrol cars with their lights flashing and two officers kept the occasional car moving along. Detective John Walker pulled up in his unmarked Crown Vic and approached one of the deputies near the body.

  “What do you think officer?”

  “Looks like suicide, no ID on the corpse, he must have come off the roof. No windows open that I can see from here.”

  Detective Walker lifted the sheet that covered the body. He looked around for any bystanders that might be able to identify the deceased. An older man walked up with a small dog on a leash.

  “Excuse me sir do you live in the building,” the detective asked?

  “I do, Jasper always wakes me up early to go out, you’d think the damn dog has an alarm clock, 6:00 am and he starts barking. Do you think that’s someone from our building?”