Chapter Sixty-Two
Durandt followed Lee through to the kitchen where he kissed the neck of a woman standing in front of the oven. He smiled then knowing that Lee’s life had turned out all right. He had always wondered what had happened to him and he was meaning to find out when he transferred to Yorkdare Bay two months ago.
“Who’s this?”
“Marella, this is Durandt Black, he’s a detective from Yorkdare Bay.”
“Hi …” Marella looked suspiciously at Durandt as he sat down at the counter.
“I’m sorry for my early arrival but I’m investigating a case of attempted murder.”
“And that led you here?”
They all turned at the sound of Kelley’s voice who stood in the doorway with Grace on his hip. She always went to wake Kelley when she woke up and they found it humorous that she preferred Kelley to Mason in the mornings.
“Could we talk in private?” Durandt looked pointedly at Grace.
“Grace, go wake Daddy and tell him we have a visitor.”
Kelley kissed the top of her head before putting her down on the floor. She narrowed her eyes at Durandt and then ran up the stairs to Mason’s bedroom.
“I recognize you from your photo.”
“What can I help you with, Detective?”
Kelley remained standing where he was as Lee and Marella watched them in turn. Lee cleared his throat and then handed out mugs of coffee.
“You’ve been named as a suspect in the attempted murder of Petey Johnson a week ago.”
“I haven’t been to Yorkdare Bay in two years, we’re actually moving back soon.”
“Can you tell me where you were on the night of the seventh from ten pm to eleven pm?”
“He was with me. We were at Blue’s Bar.” Mason squared his shoulders next to Kelley’s and they all stared at Durandt Black.
“And before that? It’s a two-hour drive to Yorkdare Bay from here but it can be done in less with no traffic and speeding.”
“Have you checked the cameras for my car since I just told you that I haven’t been to Yorkdare Bay in two years?”
“No, we haven’t checked the cameras yet. I had to verify your alibi first.”
“Why was I named? I didn’t try to kill Petey Johnson, why would I?”
“It’s common knowledge that Petey Johnson was involved in the death of your girlfriend six years ago.”
“Six years is a long time to wait for revenge.” Kelley’s features didn’t change once and no emotion showed in his eyes.
“The brake fluid hoses were punctured and completely drained, something like that doesn't happen accidentally. He then received a text message summoning him home. His car rolled and he stated that he saw you, that you said payback’s a bitch and then left him on the side of the road.”
“Was Petey drunk? I’d be surprised if he was sober. I’m not friends with Petey Johnson but Juliana’s death was an accident.”
“Detective Black, you can verify Mr Alexander’s alibi since Mr James has already stated their whereabouts for the night in question. If Mr Alexander is a suspect I suggest that you contact his lawyer for an appointment and notify him of his rights before questioning him.”
“It was just a simple conversation, Lee.”
“As Mr Alexander’s legal counsel, I have to insist on you calling me Mr Munroe since this simple conversation sounds a lot like an interrogation to me. Mr Alexander has answered all your questions and I’ll have to ask you to leave now. You can contact me if you have anything further for him.”
Lee’s tone was professional and both Kelley and Mason were looking at him with new eyes. Marella stood next to him smiling proudly as he stepped forward and Durandt lifted his hands into the air.
“Thank you for your time, Mr Alexander. I can show myself out.”
They all stood with bated breath until they heard the front door click and then Lee went to check. He returned and nodded his head as Kelley smiled at him.
“Look at you, Mr Lawyer.”
“Did you do it, Kelley?”
“Should he be answering that if you’re his lawyer, Lee?”
Marella turned towards Mason. “Client Lawyer confidentiality.”
“Not if he admits to a crime then his lawyer has to report him or risk being disbarred.”
“Mason’s right, I can’t perjure myself. What I can say is that I hope this person who did this covered his or her ass and left no trace like driving his own car into Yorkdare Bay and back to St. John’s City.”
“Let’s say this hypothetical person didn’t use his or her own car and left his or her phone in St. John’s City and wasn’t seen by anyone.”
“Then I’d say that this hypothetical person is in the clear.”
“Lee, close your eyes quickly.” Lee smiled and then closed his eyes. “Did you do it, Kelley?” Kelley nodded his head at Mason and Marella’s eyes widened.
“Okay, cut the shit, I know Kelley did it and it’s not like I’m ever going to report him or be disbarred because I’ll make sure nothing comes of this.”
“Shit, Kelley.” Marella swallowed nervously as Kelley sat down.
“I bought an old sedan with no papers and used that to drive to Yorkdare Bay. I left my phone in the Escalade here so if they trace my phone’s signal it’ll bounce from an office building across the road from a nightclub. I used a burner phone and texted Petey after I cut his brake lines. I followed him down the street, watched him write his car off and then told him that payback was a bitch. I drove back here, got to Blue’s in time for Mason’s call and you know the rest.”
“That’s cold and calculating, Kelley. I feel sort of proud right now.”
Marella’s head snapped towards Mason’s and she shook her head. “You did it real smart, you won’t get caught, why wait six years though?”
“If I did it right after, all fingers would’ve pointed to me, Petey hit his head, the text was erased from his phone and I can’t be put at that location. My alibi is air-tight and people will think he’s imagining things, just like I want them to. Now they’ll just think Petey’s got a grudge against me and that will help when the next phase of my plan starts.”
“What next phase?”
“What plan?”
“All in good time, guys, I won’t make you accessories to anything.”
