Page 47 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

“Okay, I’ll come home early to take care of this. I’m sorry this happened to you,” said Brad.

“Does something like this happen often?” she asked.

“No. But this is an exceptional case involving a crime family. Nick’s wife and child are under protection,” said Brad.

“I think you need protection yourself,” said Morgan.

“A security company is set to do some extra work on my house this week. I’m sorry you got caught up in this ugly situation. It’s best for you to stay away from there. But I don’t think anything further will happen. Nick will know I have to go to the authorities, yet he will have made his wishes known.”

“I’ve never thought of family law as a dangerous occupation,” said Morgan. “I won’t rest until I see you.”

“Thanks. I’ll handle things from here tomorrow morning and then come to Ellenton to take care of the money. Did you count it?”

“No,” said Morgan. “But I’m guessing that it’s at least several thousand dollars. I dropped the envelope, and the two Dachshunds went after it, tearing it open. That’s how I know there was money inside.”

Brad laughed, easing the tension. “Dogs. What would we do without them?”

“Blue and Caesar are becoming co-conspirators,” she said, feeling better at hearing his laughter.

“I’ve got to go,” said Brad. “Thanks for taking care of the dogs, and once again, I’m sorry you got caught up in this. See you tomorrow as soon as I can.”

Morgan ended the call, satisfied with Brad’s response. She knew he was a decent man. He’d just proved it.

Lying in bed with not one, but two Dachshunds and an easy-going Lab lying on the floor by her side of the bed, Morgan thought of how complicated the system of law could be. She’d thought family law would be a challenge, but with emotions running deep on either side of an issue, it could be a trickier situation for all.

###

The next day at work, she received a phone call from the Chief of Police, requesting that she bring the money to the station at her convenience and identify the man who had given it to her.

She left the office and went home to retrieve the money. She’d give the dogs a chance to run a bit in the yard and then leave.

Morgan took care of the dogs, then she headed to the police station. She knew where it was, but she’d never been inside. A heavyset older man with gray hair cut in a military style, Ron Marcus, the Chief of Police, was well-known and well-liked in the community.

When she walked into his office, the Chief was intimidating, greeting her with a smile and a steady stare. She couldn’t be sure, but it seemed like he’d sized her up for all kinds of information a practiced investigator might find helpful before he asked her to have a seat.

“Brad Hamlin told me you had quite an interesting day recently when a representative of the Carelli family confronted you,” the Chief said.

“Yes. The man was very scary. When he handed me the manila envelope for Brad, I had no idea what it contained. My dog and one of Brad’s dogs got hold of it when I accidentally dropped it. That’s when I knew it contained money. A lot of it.”

“May I have the envelope?” the Chief asked.

“Certainly,” she said, handing the torn envelope to him. “I kept the original envelope in case you might need it.”

“Smart thinking,” he said. “I have photographs of a few men associated with the family. I need you to take a look at them and tell me if you see the man who came to Mr. Hamlin’s house.”

The Chief laid four photographs of different men on the desk in front of her. “See him here?”

Morgan identified the man in no time. She’d never forget that face.

“He’s well-known. I’m not surprised,” the Chief said. “What kind of car was he driving?”

“I’m fairly certain it was a Cadillac SUV, black with tinted windows. I was too upset to get the New Jersey license plate number. I just know the plate had at least two ones on it.”

“Excellent. Thank you. Mr. Hamlin told me about the threat of being watched. I’m glad you decided not to stay there at this time. Mr. Hamlin also told me that he has hired a security company to install extra cameras and alarms throughout the house and around the property. Until that’s done, I’ve ordered my men to keep an eye on the house periodically. Where are you staying now?”

“At my apartment in the garage at Ashley and Mark Biddle’s house,” said Morgan.

“Ah-h-h, lovely property,” said the Chief. “I believe I have everything I need from you, Ms. Riley. Thank you for your cooperation. If you see or hear anything suspicious, please call 911 immediately.”