The Hunt

Six

"Where to?" Mark asked as we went into the car,

"DuPont Circle, in Georgetown. It's 780 Connecticut Avenue." I answered putting the reference in the GPS device.

"Bet all the media will be gathered there, probably Kellie will be as well. This will affect the elections, as far as I know this guy was a possible candidate for the Democrats."

"So, this kind of thing goes by inheritance? It's sort of funny, if you think of it." 

"Great families have great expectations. I remember Kellie told me Congressman Vernon was about to retire, he's almost seventy by now. Anyway, there are two other precandidates." Mark answered.

"Kellie should watch her back, you could take her place in any moment." 

"Ha! No, she's a way better political journalist than I will ever be. But yes, I like this kind of things. If we finally don't move, I might run for Mayor."

I looked at Mark, rather surprised "Would you? That will mean leaving the force."

"I told you, I'm tired with this. I don't enjoy my job the way I used to."

"But quitting? You're an experienced detective, Mark, more than most of people at the station. Have you thought of becoming an instructor at the Academy?"

"I appreciate that, Dana. It all depends on what Kellie's plans are. I wouldn't mind moving to New York, we have some good friends there."

"But second parts aren't usually as good as first ones," I teased Mark "Seriously, if you go, Jack and I will miss you."

Mark said nothing and smiled lightly."That must be the house," he finally said when we arrived to Georgetown.  As expected, a large crowd of journalists and TV reporters had congregated in front of the house hoping to get an image or a declaration from Congressman. 

"This is disgusting," I said after crossing the policial line. Down the hall I recognized Congressman and  Major Greenshaw talking. The usually powerful image of Congressman had vanished, now he was only a man carrying an unbearable and invisible burden over his shoulders.

"This way, Detectives." Detective Chief Wilkins was waiting for us and led us to the victim's bedroom. "He was found by his wife, she had just arrived from California."

We stepped into the room, where Vernon's body was lying on the bed. He was naked, just like Bennett, and just like in that case there were no traces of violence the bedroom. Everything was in its place, as it the man was sound asleep instead of murdered. 

"When was the last time they talked?"

"Last night, Mrs Vernon called him at seven and he said he had an appointment with a customer. He worked as a lawyer in Holland Connelly and Crosby, he was about to be made managing partner. She called again this morning before boarding but got no answer. At first she thought he  would be busy and didn't worry but when she landed and still had no answer, she began to worry. "

"Did she miss anything from the bedroom?"

"Not at first sight, but probably the laptop. Still, she thinks it could be in the firm." 

"The laptop? " Mark and I exchanged glances 

"Just like Bennett. We'll have to find a connection between Bennett and Vernon. Now, let's leave the forensics do their job."

A woman went out of a room. She was in her early thirties, and exudated elegance and glamour despite her painful expression. She had dark long hair arranged in a high tight bun and dark blue eyes ."Detectives." She whispered. Her voice was low and soft, almost inaudible. 

"We're sorry for your loss, Mrs Vernon."

"Christine." She shook vigorously our hands "Thanks Detectives."

"We need to make you some questions, but if you prefer us to wait until tomorrow."

"No, no. It's fine. I just want you to catch whoever killed my husband." She took some time before going on "I phoned Arthur yesterday, we talked for maybe ten or fifteen minutes and he wasn't worried , or at least he didn't sound as if he were. He said he had a meeting with some customers and he assured me he would go to the airport this morning. When the plane landed and he wasn't there, I thought he would be occupied at the firm. Then, when I arrived and I...I." She began to cry again, but even then she couldn't hide her natural elegance

"This will be all for now, Christine. But we will need your fingerprints, to compare them with the ones in the house." Mark sounded as soft and caring as possible.

"Yeah, yeah, I will. And you would probably need my DNA too." 

"Thanks so much, Christine. If you remember any other thing please don't hesitate in containing us." I gave Christine our card and we walked  out of the house.

"This is weird. Two dead men , both of them had their laptops stolen and both had an appointment with a customer."

"We'll have to ask judge Greenwood for another warrant to get access to Vernon's email account.   Probably that will help us find a connection between Vernon and Bennett."

"I will call her right now," I said. "Shit, I forgot to read the file about my sister, she's arrested in California."

"What the fuck? She won't have the nerve ask for your help, will she?"

"I don't know, but will have to talk to her all the same. And no, last thing I want is helping her.  But despite everything, she's my sister. "

"I know, but when was the last time you saw her? In your mother's funeral service, two years ago? As far as I know from the things you told me, she has never behaved like a sister, so wh6 should you? Forget her once and for all."