Limited Affair

Chapter Eleven - James Clarke

James had stayed up all night working on the case his sister had presented to him. He had called almost all of his superiors asking for information on this person and that person until he had found the right one. Richard King, even his name sounded rich and powerful like he should be nobility. He had taken a train to Chicago and was now taking a carriage to Mr. King's estate to arrest him personally. Last night he had figured out that Mr. Dervish had recently signed a contract that would allow in the event of his death Mr. King to take over the company if he had no heirs to pass it down to. James had also found that Mr. King had recently acted on this condition and taken Mr. Dervish's company under his wing. Unfortunately, he could not use the typical approach he used with people who hired hit men. Usually, the suspect got what was desired from the death of that person before it was announced to the public that he had died. So, it would be a point for suspicion. But, since Mr. King had waited until it was announced publicly that Mr. Dervish was deceased James could not use that as evidence. Instead, James had had to work even harder to find enough evidence to indict Mr. King and bring him to court. The police officer driving the carriage stopped. James stepped out of the carriage and walked up to the front door. He rang the doorbell and the butler answered.

"Yes?" he asked.

James showed him his badge, "I need to see Mr. King, please," he requested, "My name is James Clarke. I work for the NYPD and have a warrant."

The butler frowned slightly, "Follow me." Then walked off, James followed. The butler led him to the living room where Mr. King was sitting on the sofa playing a game of cards with one of his sons. "Mr. Clarke for you sir, announced the butler.

Mr. King turned to look at James then smiled sadly, "Ah, I knew this day would come I simply didn't know it would be this soon," He glanced at his butler, "Thank you, Alfred."

As soon as the butler had left he focused back on James then held his hand out in front of him as if he were pleading. "I know you must do your duty so go ahead, arrest me, he declared. James pulled his handcuffs out but was stopped by Mr. King's son who had been sitting there listening.

He jumped up glared at James, "You can't do this! My father has done nothing wrong!"

"Actually, I can," James pulled the warrant out of his back pocket.

Mr. King's son glared at him then looked to his father for confirmation or denial.

"Son, sit down," his father said forcefully. He reluctantly sat down again and looked at James warily.

"I admit to having Charles Dervish murdered," he announced. "I will also tell you I hired Christopher Knight to complete the deed." He smiled deviously.

Mr. King's son stared at him, slack jawed.

James handcuffed him then said, "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to consult with a lawyer and have that lawyer present during any questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed for you if you so desire." Then escorted him to the carriage waiting outside.