Postage Due -Long Listed ONC2022

Chapter 14

Warren read the manuscript half-heartedly, making one or two alterations, his attention somewhere over the rainbow. The return to work had been greeted with a list of overdue projects and an admonition to speed read. The problem being, Lynne was constantly in his mind, like a floater in the eye, there but not quite able to focus.

When his phone rang he grabbed it hopefully; the feeling dashed when he heard a man's voice.

"Mr. Warren Daly?"

"Yes, can I help you?"

"My name is Peter Stinson, I was Press Secretary for Bradford Aitkens."

Warren sat back, flags and bells waving and ringing.

". . . Yes?"

"I wonder if we could meet, I think it would be prudent, considering the recent newscasts."

The warnings increased. "Meet about what, exactly?"

"About, say five-thirty at the Longman's club. Just ask for me." the call ended.

Recent newscasts. Warren wondered why it was Bradford's side that wanted to talk. Grainger would never have mentioned him or Lynne. It had to be about Sabbi, and that suggested the envelope.

The Longman's club was an elegant sports bar with plush furnishings and muted personal TV screens. The bowls of nuts were pistachios and cashews and the beer was imported. Peter Stinson lifted a hand and waved Warren toward the private booth.

"Pleased you agreed to come, Mr. Daly."

"I have other plans this evening so let's cut to the chase."

"Very well." Peter described a scenario involving the finding of the envelope, which was surprisingly accurate, and the subsequent discovery of the contents, contributing to Minister Bradford's heart attack, as well as the theft of papers from the hotel.

"That's your story." Warren said.

"Oh, and the finding of a body – I forgot that part." Peter shelled a nut and popped it in his mouth.

"How do you know about a body? The only way you could know would be if you knew Sabbi." Warren leaned toward him. "You had him killed! You guys knew he was planning on sabotaging your plans to discredit Grainger, and you tried to stop him. Problem was, you never found out what he had until it was too late."

Peter considered Warren. His theory was bang on, making him a very dangerous threat. His connection to Sabbi, would mean accessory, and that was not on - at all. Three people could make that connection. Sabbi's partner, Lynne Kirk and the man across from him. The most dangerous source at the moment was in hospital, presuming he hadn't already told the police.

"Was there something else?"

"It would make our business much more amenable if you would turn over all the material you have with respect to the hotel. I know you made copies, Mr. Daly - it's an instinctive act."

"I sense a thin tissue of a threat, Mr. Stinson. We don't have any business, and you are dead wrong in this case. The only copies I made were of the papers we found and your pal Sabbi got those." Warren slid out of the booth and adjusted his jacket. "I have another engagement, so this meeting is over."

Peter watched him cross the room and go out the door. He knew Warren had lied. "There will be another, Mr. Daly - soon – you can bet on it."

****

The busy elevator stopped at the fifth floor and several people made their way out in different directions. Peter followed some other visitors, keeping an eye out for the room number he had been given when he phoned. A nurse emerged from the room he wanted, pushing an IV stand, and he dawdled until she was well down the hall, then slipped inside.

Edric was busy adjusting his bed and Peter walked straight over, grabbed a pillow and shoved it over his face. Because of his leg casts, Edric couldn't move around, and his struggles became weaker and weaker until they stopped. Quickly, Peter lifted him toward the far side of the bed, placed his face on the pillow and lowered the bed so that it looked like he tipped over and suffocated. That was his hope anyway.

When the corridor looked safe, he stepped out and went straight to the stairs and down a floor, before catching the elevator to the lobby.

****

The body was right where Edric said it would be, and when identified, a meeting of detectives was held in the squad room.

"Wendell Parkhurst. He was an MP in the current government's caucus, and if this hits the papers there will be one hell of a shit storm, particularly after Aitken's death."

The Captain aimed a finger at the room. "The Chief and the mayor are hard on this, and that means walking on eggs. No press, no gossip, no leaks of any kind. Am I clear?"

The room responded as one.

Papers were passed out with descriptions and information for each team of two.

"Southall and Lewendowski have lead on this. All info passes through them to me. Got it?" Again another chorus of agreement. "This is also time sensitive so no foot dragging. That's all."

"I think we need to speak to our friend again, Lew, see if he knew it was a political hit. There might be more to this than we know."

"Detective Southall? An officer came up and handed him a message. "Hospital called. Your witness died this morning. They're still investigating the cause."

"I'm just hearing this now!" The detectives traded stunned looks and dashed off down the stairs to their car.

****

Lynne pulled to the curb and dug out her phone, listening as Warren asked for a pickup.

"Is this a legitimate fare, Warren, because I have one already waiting."

"Just let me ride with you until you get there. I've got something you need to know right away."

"Be on the street and running, Warren. I haven't got time to waste. You can jump in." She hung up and wheeled around to his street.

Warren was doing a slow jog when the cab pulled up, and he jumped inside.

"You really thought I was going to pick you up on the run." She laughed at him in the mirror.

"Yeah, well. Listen, this is important." As she drove, he told her about Peter Stinson and the veiled threat, cautioning her to be careful. She pulled over and waited while he got out.

"Can I see you again, Lynne? Maybe a dinner or something?"

"I have to get going . . . call me later." He closed the door and grinned – hope springs eternal, he thought.