Affair With A Gambler

"Your daddy is definitely right about that honey," I agreed.

"I heard the men, who came to talk with daddy, say some bad men hurt
mommy. Is that true?" she asked.

"I don't know about that honey. I wasn't here when the men talked to
your daddy," I said trying to duck her question.

"If bad men hurt my mommy, can you punish them. Mommy said you could
do anything. Can you punish them?" She began to cry and fell into my
arms. I cried along with her. We were locked in that strange embrace
for a long time. When she had cried out, Winthrop took her back
upstairs to her nanny.

"I guess you will want to be going now?" Winthrop said upon his
return.

"Winthrop, I know you are a powerful man in this town. I think I want
to read the police reports on this incident. Could you arrange that
for me?"

"I suppose I could, but frankly Ed I would rather you left town," he
said. It was possible her knew more than I had given him credit for
knowing.

"I understand that, but I don't think I am quite ready. I need to
understand this and until I do, I am not leaving. Now you want me gone
and I frankly want to get home. The easiest way for both of us to get
what we want is for you to authorize me access to the police reports.
If you do, there is no reason to believe you will ever see me again."

"That is pretty much what I want, so sure I will call a friend. Wait
here." He was gone a few minutes then returned with a strange look on
his face. "They refused. It seems that I am a suspect, they wouldn't
release the information to an agent of mine until the investigation is
complete." He paused and paced the floor. "For God's sake, how can I
be a suspect. I mean I loved my wife and she was brutally murdered not
to mention the other. How can they think I had anything to do with
that."

"Calm down Winthrop. The husband is always a suspect until the thing
is cleared," I explained.

"Maybe, but I am not going to take this lying down," he snapped.

"You should do two things right now. One, call your lawyer for some
advice. The other is to tell me everything so that I can understand.
When I do, I will leave you alone. The cops won't tell me, so you are
going to have to tell it again."

He was lost in thought. I don't have any idea how fast his mind works
usually, but it was slow today. He paused for a long moment. "Call me
Win, everyone does."

"Win get with it, call your lawyer and get some advice you trust. You
certainly don't trust me," I said.

"Actually I do, but you are right. I think I will call him first." He
left the room without excusing himself this time. He returned ten
minutes later, "Martin the family attorney is on his way over. I think
we should wait for him. If I have to tell it again, I only want to do
it once.

It was a very long twenty minutes before Martin rang the bell. As with
me, Win answered the door himself. They stayed outside in the hall
mumbling or for at least ten more minutes. When Martin entered the
room, I was surprised to find him younger than either Win or I. He
held out his hand and I shook the cold mackerel.

"Win has explained your interest in this incident, but I personally
don't understand," he said.

My fuse is always short, but today I had run way past the limit to my
patience. "Look Win, I assume this man works for you?" Win nodded.
"Then the decision is yours. I am not going to explain my interest to
this man. Either you talk to me, or you are wasting my time. I would
rather hear the story from you, but believe me I will damned sure find
out what happened here that night. Frankly it doesn't make you look
too good, being afraid to talk to me."

"Who is this man Win?" the shyster asked.

"Councilor, no one rattled your chain, so sit the fuck down," I
demanded.

"I will not," he declared.

"Then counselor, I will give you a couple of minutes to phone your
dentist, because you are damned sure going to need some work. Now why
don’t you shut your fucking mouth." He saw the blood in my eye so he
shut up. If he had threatened to call the cops, I would have kicked
his ass. I might have been older but I was also a lot more
experienced.

"Now Win, either talk to me or tell me to leave, because we are
wasting time and I have things I want to do," I demanded.

"Okay, but please stop threatening people. I am just as upset as you,"
he informed me.

"Win, let's get this over with so that I can get away from you and
your friends."

"Four nights ago, around eight, Emma and I were preparing to leave for
a dinner party. They must have been waiting for us, or they just
happened to be on the porch when we opened the door. There were two of
them and they pushed us back into the house. They each had a pistol of
some kind. The herded us to this very study. They tied me with that
silver tape, then forced Emma to open the safe. They sorted through
the safe taking the cash and some securities. Of course, they took
some of Emma's jewelry. She had much of it stored in the bank vault.
Most of the jewelry wasn't terribly expensive, but it had some value.
When they had the contents of the safe Emma demanded that they leave.
One of them slapped her, she fell. They raped her in front of me." I
could see him coming apart, so I allowed him a pause to collect
himself. "On the way out the door one of them turned and shot her.
They fled and I remained taped to that chair over there for a long
time. I had to stare at her body for what seemed like hours until I
came to my senses. I knocked the phone off the hook and pressed the
emergency call button with my nose. The alarm company came first, then
the police."

He stopped as if he thought he were through. Not by a long shot was he
through. I noticed the lawyer taking notes. "I need a sheet of that
paper counselor." He handed me one, but it was obvious he would rather
have cut my hand off. "Now, Win I need to ask you some questions. I
know the cops probably asked you the same ones, but I need to know.
Who knew you were going to be leaving for dinner at that time of
night? I asked."

"Anyone who knew we were going to the dinner could have guessed when
we would leave. No one could have known exactly," he informed me.

"Not good enough Win. No one in their right mind would hang around on
your porch for a half hour while you two got ready to leave. How would
they know exactly when you were going out the door."

"I don't know."

"Okay take it easy, go back over exactly what you did that night.
After you were both dressed."

"Well, since I was driving, I got my car keys, then waited for Em in
the hall. When she came out, we went straight to the door. Then it
began." He started to get lost again so I quickly interrupted his
thoughts.

"You didn't set your alarm before you opened the door. Why is that?"

"The alarm is set from the outside after the door is closed. It can be
set from the inside, but Emma constantly forgot things and had to run
back in. the timer delay is just a pain in the ass."

I could agree with that. I don't own an alarm, but I know about them.
"Something warned those men that you were on your way out. Do you turn
off lights when you leave or turn on the outside lights."

"Of course the drive lights. I have those small knee high, low watt
lights that line the drive. I turn them on as I open the outside door.
The switch is by the door."

"Okay they hide in the bushes by the porch, when the lights come on
they climb onto the porch to wait for you. When the door opens, they
push you back into the house. That works, but who knew that you would
be alone in the house." He looked like I had lost him so I asked. "Do
you have servants that stay in the house at night."

"Oh, I see what you mean. No they all leave after dinner, around
seven. All except the nanny. She has Monday nights off. It is her
regular night off."

"Okay, so far we have someone who knew that the nanny was off on
Mondays, and someone who knew you would be going out for the evening.
Which I assume you wouldn't ordinarily do on the nanny's night off?" I
asked.

"Never, as a matter of fact, we weren't even planning on this dinner
until the Simmons family invited Sarah for a sleep over."

I made a note about the Simmons family. I added it to my Nanny note.
"The drive lights could have been a stake out observation. Have you
noticed any strangers or strange cars hanging around?" I asked. He
shook his head. He wouldn't have noticed. People like Win are not
suspicious by nature. "Win, when they forced you into the study did
they know where the safe was located or did you point it out to them?"
I asked.

"They knew. I don't know how, but they knew," he said.

"Did you give the police a list of your household staff? I asked.

"Yes," he replied.

"Did you include anyone who might have been fired recently?" I
continued.

"Yes, is the safe significant?" He asked in return.

"Probably, I assume not too many people knew its location?" I asked.

"Probably all the servants. Maybe a handful of business associates,"
he replied.

"You gave the police their names I assume?"

"Yes I did," Win replied.

"Have there been any strangers in the house? You know, termite people,
inspectors of any kind, gas or electric company people?"

"None," Win said.

"Would you know if there had been?"

"Maybe not, I can ask the house keeper. She is the one here during the
daytime," Win suggested.

"Would you do that now please?"

When he had gone, Martin said, "Mr. Edwards, we got off to a bad
start, and I am sorry. I am surprised that you know so much about
this. Are you an investigator?" he asked. "No, I just know a lot of
crooks. I know how they think," I replied.

"The housekeeper says that she hasn't seen anyone." Win said as he
came through the door.

"Okay is there an alarm on the safe?"

"Yes, but it is tied to the house alarm, since we had never set the
house alarm the safe alarm was never turned on," he admitted.

"Has anyone from the alarm company been around recently? You know to
check or service the system?"

"No, I would have been told about that, and there hasn't been."

I closed the study door. "Win, my guess is that knowingly or
unknowingly, you, Emma or someone on your staff gave the men
information. They needed a lot of information for the robbery. They
knew too much, not to have been informed. Only one thing makes it look
bad for you."

"What is that?" Martin asked.

"Winthrop is still alive. If they killed Em so she couldn't identify
them, then Win should be dead. If killing Em was part of the plan,
then Win is a natural suspect."

"Don't you want a description of them?"

"Not unless you know where to find them? Atlanta has several million
people. The cops are better equipped to handle this?" I admitted.

I stood and shook Winthrop's hand. I held it in both of mine, then I
looked him in the eyes. I hope you aren't involved in this because I
would hate to kill Sarah's father."

He surprised me by understanding. "I'm not, but I'm glad you loved her
that much, because she loved you that much." I broke the hold and
headed for the door.

"Ed, I'll have the driver meet you in the front." I waved over my
shoulder and went out the door. I looked at the bushes as I waited for
the driver. They were thick and tall enough to conceal two people.

I only had a moment to think about the implications before the driver
pulled the big Ford into the drive. I climbed into the rear. He had me
at the airport as the sun began to set. I checked my truck out of the
long term parking lot. I then began the long drive home.

During the next six hours, I alternately cried and cursed. I cried at
the memory of Emma and cursed my stupidity for not having forced the
issue between us on a hundred different occasions. I though
occasionally about Sarah, but tried not to dwell on her. She would
grow up a rich pampered child. One, who would never know any want.
There was no need for it to be any other way.

I made it home after midnight. I fell into bed and slept solidly for
nine hours. The time was well after two p.m. when I awoke. I ate a
late lunch, then thought about all that had happened for yet another
few hours. It was bedtime again. It seemed that I had done no more
than think of Emma and Sarah for the last two days.

Things returned to normal as much as possible during the next couple
of weeks. I received a clipping in the mail which informed me, the
grandson of Emma's house keeper had been charged with the murder of
Emma. He had killed Emma because of some slight she had given the boy.
It seemed the kid had some kind of an emotional problem. He had
actually been the trigger man. His friend was as disturbed as he. They
both were junkies of course.

It took over a year for them to come to trial. After a few weeks of
evidence, including some from a couple of psychiatrist, one was found
not quietly by reason of insanity. The other was found guilty of
second degree murder. Of course the trigger man was the one found not
guilty by reason of insanity. The other junkie was given twenty five
years to life.

The junkie was sent to the state hospital. He would be reviewed every
six months until he was judged sane. At that time he would be released
back into the community. The verdict drove me nuts. I couldn't believe
that someday that shit would walk the streets and Emma would still be
dead.

Then a month before by fifty-fifth birthday I was diagnosed with
terminal lung cancer. It had been five years since Emma's death. I
refused all treatment for the rapidly progressing disease. I got a
note for Win along with a clipping showing the asshole who killed Emma
on an field trip from the hospital.

I called Win immediately. "Win can you find out when that asshole is
going to be on another of his outing?" I asked.

"I suppose, why?" he asked.

"You don't want to know. Just do it, but do it so that it can't be
traced back to you," I advised.

"Ed, you aren't going to do anything foolish are you?" he asked.

"It won't be foolish, believe me," I advised him.

I drove to Atlanta on a Friday night. I drove straight to Win's house.
I dropped a box with him for Sarah. Then I drove on to a small town
fifty miles south of Atlanta. I waited outside the hospital until the
bus left the gates. I followed it until it turned toward the state
park. The minimum security inmates were headed for a picnic on the
state park grounds. I passed the bus and arrived at the camp grounds
before it. I hiked with the suitcase up the trail to a spot
overlooking the picnic shelter to be used by the hospital.

When they arrived I was so out of breath that I hacked and coughed a
long time before I could settle into the scope. Through the scope I
watched him move among the other patients. He was easy to spot, he was
half a foot taller than any of the others. I assembled the dear rifle
and waited for a clear shot. It didn't take long, my target moved into
the open with a hot dog in his hands. I aimed carefully took a deep
breath and fired. I worked the bolt quickly and settled the scope on
the spot where he had stood. I saw him sprawled on the ground and
fired into his body again. I shot him five times with the powerful
deer rifle. I left the rifle on the ground, then walked to my truck.
No one stopped me, they didn't seem to care.

Before I left my home, I had converted a handful of the diamonds to
cash. I used the cash to purchase a ticket to South America. The
doctors in the hospital here tell me that it won't be more than a
couple of weeks. I wanted you to have this to open when you open the
box. Call this a kind of graduation present. Your dad will hold it for
you until that time. I never knew you Sarah, but I loved you because I
loved your mother. Since you were a part of her, it was easy.

I only met you the once, but I promised you something and I never lie
to a beautiful lady. Not once in my whole life. Inside the box you
will find some stones, and some letters your mother wrote me once upon
a time. Be careful how you convert the stones to cash. Save the
letters, someday you will understand, maybe not at first but someday.

I close my eyes even now and I see her sitting on that crummy old
pier. I see the ocean breeze blowing red hair into her face, and my
eye's fill with tears. I can feel her touch on my skin and hear her
voice on the breeze. I loved you mother, and now I love you.

I wish for you the same things your mother would have wished for you.
I wish that you find true love, and that you not turn your back on it
while searching for dreams that are no more than ashes. Read your
mother's letters and search for that kind of love.

Ed. E. Edwards.

PS. Emma's letters were not dated, so I have numbered them in the
order she wrote them. I am sorry they are so soiled, but I have read
them many times before you.

Ed,

Thanks for a lovely time. I know I am lousy about writing so I am
going to leave this under your pillow. I hate to leave you but the new
job calls. I have to go out into the world and make my mark. (Ha) I
wish I could stay in this wonderful place with you, but I promised
myself I would make it to the top. Love ya. Em.

Ed.

I love your beach and I love you, but I can't stay I wish I could. I
can't find anyone like you. Especially not in that phony land by the
Potomac. God when we make love, I am more real than I ever could be in
Washington. I want to stay with you, but I have this force driving me
on to do wonderful things. I love you. I have to run the cab is here.
Love ya. Em.

Ed,

Why can I only write to you as I am leaving. I hate that about myself.
I think it is that once I leave here, I dare not admit how much I love
you. I know you don't want me to go, but I must. I would go crazy in
this beautiful place. I have worked so hard and my dreams are so
close. My only regret is that our dreams are so different. Hell our
lives are so different. I am sorry but I must go. I do love you. Em.

Ed,

I did so enjoy your visit Please come back to the big apple again
soon. I loved showing you off to my friends. I think they understand
now why I don't just settle for any of these jerks here. I love and
miss you already and you haven't even left yet. Please don't give up
on me. I am close to having what I want. Maybe when I get it, I can
return to you for good. I have to hurry to slip this into your bag. I
love you. Em.

Ed,

Damn you, why won't you come back to New York with me. I know you love
me. I know that you would be happy there with me. You know I won't
come here to stay, so why shouldn't you come to New York. I promise I
will make you happy just come to New York. Please come stay with me. I
wake up nights longing for the touch of your body. Hell I even long to
hear you snore. I love you, You are always welcome in New York, so
please come. Love Em.

Ed,

I finally have begun to understand way you won't leave this beautiful
place. Why should you come to New York with the dirt and slime when
you have heaven here. I loved the ocean as I always do. I love the rum
and cokes on the pier. I love the walks on the beach. I even love
being covered with sweat. God what a wonderful place you have here. I
only wish I could be satisfied. Something seems to be driving me
toward a fate I can only guess. I expect someday to be Ted Turner. You
know, own the news world. I love you, but the cab is here. Love ya.
Em.

Ed,

As usual I lack the courage to tell you anything face to face. I am
going to slip this into your suitcase before you leave here. I know
you are hurt by my upcoming marriage to Winnie. He is a good man and
at least I get a lot of what I want from him. That wasn't fair. You
gave me everything I would take. I just want a different life than the
one you live. Winnie can give me the best of that life. I promised I
would still come see you and I will. You have to believe me, I have
not stopped loving you. I could never stop any more than I could stop
breathing. I just need the things that Winnie can give me. I hope you
understand if not today, then before my next vacation. Love ya. Em.

Sarah, I am sealing the last few letters in this envelope. These are
the notes your mother wrote to me after she married your dad. I think
maybe they are too private for you just now. Someday you should read
them. She talks a lot about you in them, but wait till you can
understand your mom. Ed E. Edwards.

The plane from South America landed at the airport terminal a few
miles from High Point Two people stepped from the long black
limousine. One was a tall thin man with grey hair. He stood tall and
straight. Those who witnessed the event would have described him as
distinguished looking. Beside him stood a girl about ten or twelve.

A sealed metal casket was removed from the cargo hold of the airplane,
then carried to the rear of a hearse not be six men, but by a
forklift. The driver was guided by the driver of the hearse as
together they worked the metal box into the shiny black hearse.

"Be careful with that," the older man said.

"Daddy, who is in the casket?" the girl asked.

"A most remarkable friend," the man said.