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“Oh, not a problem. These are not ordinary times we live in. Now, I can add “Murder Mystery to my resume.”
“That should look good for your next job,” I say, trying to end this conversation on a lighter note.
*** People say money is not everything, but I am glad money is still something to some people. I offered a pretty penny, and I got a copy of the recording of the Martin interrogation.
I can’t wait to hear this recording . . . just waiting for Tony.
“Sorry to keep you waiting, love. My belly seems to take offense to that seafood sandwich you made me.”
“I ate the same thing, and my tummy is fine,” I say grumpily, not in the mood for chit-chat. “Ready?”
“Yup.”
I click on the link and settle back in the chair with a grumpy, irritable sigh.
*** “Good afternoon, Mr. Copperfield. I'm Detective Jenkins, and this is my partner, Detective Rodriguez.
“Hello. I’ve been sitting here for hours. What’s taking so long?”
“Sorry about the delay. We needed to get our ducks in order before coming in. I’m sure you know why you are here. I believe you are just the man to help us with an open case.” Detective Rodriguez starts.
“I don’t see how I can help.” Martin’s voice is distant, calculated and measured. I can’t believe this is really happening.
"This afternoon, you met with a person of interest by Biscayne Bay, Jimmy Gutierez. May I ask what your business was with a known criminal?”
“That is none of your business. You have kept me here for over three hours waiting. Tell me if I am under arrest so I can call my lawyer, or let me go home.”
“Maybe it would be best if you call your lawyer. This case is too important to mess up. We don’t want to talk with you and then have things thrown out in court because we didn’t do things correctly. I am sorry for the long wait. Before we go any further, let me just confirm you were read your Miranda rights, right? You know you don’t have to talk to us, and you are free to call a lawyer, but you can also elect to talk to us without a lawyer present, for that will definitely guarantee that if all checks out, you will sleep in your own bed tonight.
“It is nearing 7 PM, and the bail office closes at 8 PM. If you don’t make that cut-off tonight, you will have to stay in till Monday, I’m afraid.”
“This is preposterous. In what world is this right.”
“Sorry, we’ve just been inundated with work; we couldn’t get to you sooner.”
It goes on and on, both Martin and the detectives posturing, getting nowhere.
“Ok, this is getting out of hand. Maybe we should all take a break. You've been quite uncooperative, Mr. Copperfield, and it is not helping you or us. You know what . . . I will show my hand in the hopes it will speed things up a bit. We have evidence linking you to an attempt on a man's life.” Detective Jenkins says.
Martin, sounding defensive, says, “I've told you, I have no idea what you're talking about. What the —.”
“Time is running out for you, Martin. We can make this easier if you just come clean.” Detective Jenkins cuts him off.
“I swear to you, I don’t know what you are talking about.” Martin’s resolve seems to be cracking.
“Okay. Let me see if we can help you out. Put your hand palms up on the table in front of you.”
“Why?”
“So we can see if we can let you go now. We’ve already wasted a lot of time here. It is obvious you ain’t gonna talk,” Detective Rodriguez chimes in.
There is a lot of noise in the room, but nobody is talking; then Matin’s voice cracks.
“What the fuck is this?” Martin bellows
“You’ve been caught red-handed.” Detective Rodriguez retorts, not bothering to hide his revulsion for his prey.
“That envelope that Jimmy gave you? We doused it with a chemical that turns red when activated. Now . . . are you ready to talk?
