The Greener Field

An Invitation

When the two returned to Sarah's parents' house, they had much to discuss. Though Sarah was glad she left Jess speechless by himself at The Top of the Cove bar and restaurant, and had the chance to finally give him her mind for all he had put her through, she had to ask her friend if she felt there could be any truth to Jess' story.

"Of course, he's lying Sara. He's just trying to bring himself back into your graces. He simply doesn't want to go to jail like this deviant Derek will, if I have anything to do with his extradition to England as a psycho case. But as for Jess, I'm sure he's love to get you back in bed, little friend."

"Fat chance of that!" Sarah said wincing. "So you think what he said about Derek was true, then? About the police and being arrested here in San Diego?"

"I'll find that out. But most likely they were both in on the sex tape, sweetie. Look at it this way. This Derek is a raw creep and Jess is just a more refined  creep. I'll be getting the goods on both of them through the bureau this week. Just as soon as you identify that sicko's estate house on Google Earth and Maps. I'm sure you remember what it looked like and approximately where it was outside London on the way to Canterbury."

Yes . . . Jess told me we were in the Ashford, Kent region of countryside. Derek's place wasn't far from the main road. I remembered his long tree-lined driveway and a fountain out front."

"We'll find it. And we'll find his police records through my agency's cooperation with Scotland Yard."

"Amazing, Carrie. You're the best."

"Yes I am. Now I want you to stop even thinking that this guy's alibi holds any water. OK Sarah? Didn't you tell me he turned up the lights just when the two of you got into bed that night."

"Wow. Yes he did."

"And had he ever done that before?"

"No. And It did strike me as really odd at the time, even after drinking. I was actually quite uncomfortable because of it. Guess because of the wine I just ignored it."

"Well, let's face it Sarah. He had already won you over by his charms. In bed and otherwise, innocent one. He's a typical smooth user. But still a pathetic user."

"God, I was so stupid!"

"Forget that now. What we don't know is what he and Derek had planned to do with those tapes. Sell them to a porn site . . .?"

"Oh god, Carrie!"

"Keep them for his own sick collection. Or possibly traffic them through Derek's contacts  somehow. I'll be interested in all of that. But probably more interesting will be just what our Mr. Wonderful really does for a living."

"Yeah. He never actually told me that. At least in any detail."

"He mentioned he was involved in the high-roller betting world along with Derek."

"Exactly."

"And these guys can be some real beauties. Usually they're involved in a lot of quick money stuff. A lot of it."

"Like?"

"Drugs . . . guns . . . human trafficking . . . porn. . . murder."

"God Carrie. Jess just seemed so together to me. So straight. And so attractive . . ."

"Yup. And beneath the flower coiled the serpent, babe. You're just lucky you got out of England when you did."

"Well I'm still not out of danger."

"No it seems not. But the tide is going to turn on these two ass-bites. And real soon as I get my resources working on them. I'll be checking out Jess' story about the San Diego Police arresting Derek for theft. And his assaulting officers while being taken into custody. We'll see if anything else he told you is true.  Like his extradition back to the UK."

"Great Carrie. I can't thank you enough for all of this. I just don't know what I'd do if . . ."

"Forget it, little Sis. It's about our friendship, OK? And doing what's right. Nailing these predators. Part of my job, you know."

The conversation between Sarah and Carrie had been out on the spacious balcony of Sarah's parent's house. As they reentered the massive living room, Sarah's mother came out with an envelope for her wrapped in official-looking courier packaging.

"This came earlier for you today, darling. I signed for it. But I don't know how on earth anyone would know you are staying here."

Sarah and Carrie's eyes lit up as they looked at each other.

"Let me have that now, mother. It's something I think Carrie needs to see here, as well."

The two of them took the envelope into the kitchen and sat at the counter on bar stools. Sarah took a knife and cut through the plastic cover and then with her fingernails ripped open the paper envelope. There was a simple, typed note inside which read:

"Sarah. My name is Gunther Hoffmann. I am someone who is independently aware of your difficulties with Jess Danford. There are some urgent specifics I must share with you rather immediately. Meet me tomorrow along the La Jolla Coastal Walk before sunset. I'll be sitting on one of the benches overlooking the view. I'm in my mid-thirties, kind of red hair and beard and I'll be wearing a straw Panama Jack hat with a black band. Trust that what I will tell you may save your life. And please come alone."

Both girls read the note together.

"What the hell is this now, Carrie?"

"I have no fucking idea, Sis. This is coming totally out of the blue."

"But how did . . . he even know . . .?"

"Great question."

"Then who do you think . . .?"

"Again. It's mind-blowing, Sarah. And a real game-changer now. This could be a whole new wrinkle in this damn case of yours."

"Or . . . just Jess and Derek trying again to screw with my head."

"Possibly. It's just so out there!"

"Now Carrie. . . you don't really  expect me to go . . ."

"Yes. You're going to meet him."

"What?"

"But not alone, Sarah. I'll be nearby . . . and armed as usual."

"What are you saying, Carrie? Are you crazy? I'm going to go looking for some total stranger on the clifffs of La Jolla when I have no idea what he's . . ."

"Yes. What he will tell you. We need to know that."

"Carrie!"

"Look. If it's not Jess or that crazy Derek bastard . . . and you will know that . . . then just listen to him. What the details are he's talking about. This might be something more we truly need to know. For your prosecution against these two. This guy obviously knows where to find you, Sarah. And that's the real mystery."

"Yeah, and very scary."

"So come on. We're on for tomorrow . . . back in La Jolla before sunset."

"Oh Carrie. I just want this nightmare to end! I hate this new complication. I just don't need new mysteries!"

"Actually, you know, sweetie. It's just this sort of intrigue that led me into this line of work. I'm sorry what's happened to you, Sarah. I hate to see anyone victimized like this. But together we're going to face this thing and solve it. I'm staying here tonight. And tomorrow, late afternoon, we take that Coastal Walk. To find Mr. Hoffmann in his Panama Jack. And you'll listen to what he has to say . . . and so will I on your hidden mic. Trust me, I'll be nearby."

* * *