THE IRON SHIELD

Chapter IV

IV

Eckhart sped off to the police station. "How can that be? The numbers being the same and all," asked Powell.

"I don't know. But I'm going to find out. He pulled into the parking garage and they raced into the elevator to the third second floor. Commissioner Franklin was waiting for them. He handed them a folder. "Seems this Monopoly killer lied to you. He's claimed more victims. Six to be exact."

"This can't be." Eckhart scanned through the file. It was true however. It hadn't been an hour yet. "We've also discovered a DNA match on the card that was on the victim. It matches Arnold Jones, the CEO of Independence Tower. I have no idea how his DNA got on it, but I'd like you to go down there talk to him." The words his Eckhart and Powell like a brick wall. This did not make sense at all. They did what they were told and drove down to IndependenceTower which was several blocks down. Once at the tower, Eckhart parked in the underground parking garage. They proceeded to the glass elevator and rode to the top floor. It did take a few minutes, but it did not bother Eckhart. It was kind of peaceful. For Powell on the other hand, it seemed long and dreary. He was not a patient man.

The elevator reached the top floor. The view was extraordinary. They could see every building in the city. They could get a glimpse of the ocean, but it was faint and the tall buildings did not help. Eckhart led the way to Jones's office with Powell following. Jones was standing next to his secretary's desk discussing matters. "Arnold Jones, we need to talk."

"Do you have an appointment?"

"Detective John Eckhart, and this is my partner Detective Roland Powell," he held up his badge, "I have a few questions to ask you." Jones sighed.

"In my office." The three stepped into his office and closed the door behind him. "What is it you wish to discuss?"

"First off, where were you last night between midnight and two?"

"I was at home sleeping. What is this about?"

"Can anyone confirm that?"

"My wife, no one else."

"Mr. Jones there has been series of murders in this city by a madman who has left Monopoly property cards on the victim and has claimed to kill someone every hour until his demands are met. He has therefore lied to us because six more have been killed before the first hour was up." Jones was speechless.

"That is terrible. I wish I could help, but I'm afraid I have nothing to do with it. Why do you suspect me?"

"Your DNA was found on the card of the first victim. And you have no idea how that happened?"

"I told you I don't know."

"Do you know of anyone who would want to frame you? Any enemies?"

"Oh, I don't know. Other businessmen who are jealous or upset over business dealing, I don't know."

"What kind of business do you do exactly?"

"Anything from trading to baking to shipping."

"Have you ever done business with Palmer Industries?"

"Oh, all the time. They are one of our most popular businesses to deal business with. We trade and ship their products all the time. The military is constantly asking for equipment, weapons, and vehicles."

"I see. Well, thank you for your time. We'll be in touch." Eckhart and Powell left his office and proceeded to the elevator down to the parking garage. "Something just doesn't feel right."