A Fine Mess

Chapter 30

Gil listened as Jarlayne related her conversation with Davis Tubbs, unaware that Howard was listening at her door. His mind raced to form lines of strategy he could use in Brian's defense.

"He insists that I wait until whatever he's sending me arrives. It's supposed to come by courier in the morning."

"How did he know where to send it?"

"Please, Gil, the man's a computer spin-head. It wouldn't be a problem."

Gil humphed his way past her patient scolding. "He didn't tell you what it was?"

"Nope. But a hundred will get you a date with me it's some kind of insurance."

"And after you get it he wants to meet?" Gil deliberately ignored her offer.

"That's the plan, Gil. I think our Mister Tubbs is hoping to pull something off before he spills the beans and disappears."

"You think he's blackmailing whoever ordered the tapes?"

"I have no idea what it's about but since that's how he got into this, you might not be far wrong."

"Can you arrange for me to be at the meeting with you?"

"That'll have to be seen after I get this mystery package."

"Great work, Jar, keep me posted."

"Ooooh Gil, what an image-"

"Goodbye, Jarlayne."

•••

Davis packaged up the copies he'd made along with an explanatory letter and then taped a separate letter to the front reading: Open Me First. This was to inform the woman that unless something happened to him she was not to open the package but keep it in a safe place. He called the courier company and left the package downstairs with the superintendent for pick up.

Bases all covered, he thought happily, shucking his shirt and shoes and slipping on his slippers and the robe he'd filched from the hotel in Barbados one forgetful vacation ago. The fridge yielded one half bottle of wine and with the remainder of a chunk of creamy Havarti, Davis established himself in front of his TV and relaxed for the first time in weeks. He had no intention of meeting with the P.I. that was just a ploy to keep her on ice and buy more time. He would contact Mrs. Weston, aka, Janet Smith first thing in the morning and dictate his terms. By then the Brighton woman would have the package and he would be protected in case she and her friend tried anything.

The arrival of Howard Tillman did little to make Davis's hard sought reverie enjoyable. Not letting him in was definitely not an option and once inside, deceit was a bad choice of attitude. Davis hoped that the courier had picked up his package from the super.

"I know what you've been up to Tubbs, so let's not beat around the bush, eh?" He strolled around the room checking through doorways and closets after Davis let him in. "Where is the material you planned on blackmailing Mrs. Weston with?"

"I'm not blackmailing anybody," Tubbs said with a trace of truth, since he hadn't actually negotiated anything. "I did the work you wanted and that's it." He flopped back down in his chair and picked up his wine glass.

"What about your meeting at the Bellville?"

"I never met anyone at the Bellville." How the hell did he know about that?

"I know, I was there."

"So what the hell are you talking about then?"

Tillman picked up the wine and poured some more into Davis's glass and then took a swig from the bottle.