Today is a good day to solve a murder, Donny thought as he awoke. Rambling out of bed, he was off to take a shower, while Eric started breakfast. After toweling off, Donny admired himself in the full-length mirror attached to the bathroom door. He took pride in his appearance, even if it seemed a little self-centered on his part. Moving to the sink, he began his daily routine of shaving, styling his hair and so forth. Finishing, he’d join Eric in the kitchen.
Eric prepared fat-free blueberry pancakes, with fresh-cut strawberries on top, black coffee and a small glass of fresh squeezed orange juice.
After eating, the two kissed as Donny headed out the door for the office. Now, if he could get through another day with the dyke from hell, he thought.
As Detective Smith strolled up to his office desk, he spied Detective Jones standing nearby, holding a small box. As he sat, she placed the box in front of him.
“Have a Krispy Kream donut,” she said. “They’re fresh from the oven,” she continued, trying to make amends for her weekend early morning visit.
“No, thank you,” Came Donny’s snide reply, still a bit miffed.
She shrugged her shoulders as she went to her desk. “So, where we headed next?” she said, trying to engage him in conversation. Donny made no reply.
“Okay, I’m sorry, is that what you need to hear?” Angel blurted out.
Donny pretended not to hear her. Moments later he spoke. “We need to visit the hospital where that guy Butler worked and interview the staff there,” he said as if nothing had occurred between them.
They made their way to the old unmarked cruiser and Donny drove them in the direction of the hospital, which was across town.
Angel spoke first. “Well, can you believe it?”
“Believe what?” he asked while momentarily eyeballing her.
“Our last names, Smith and Jones. Kinda odd, wouldn’t you say?”
“Whatever,” he replied, not sure what her point was.
“So, Donny, who’s your roommate?”
Shifting uncomfortably in his seat, he said, “I don’t discuss personal things, period.”
“Oh, now I get it, some stud screwed you and then dumped you. It’s cool,” Angel said.
“Hey! Nobody dumped me!” Donny shot back, his voice strained with agitation.
“Well don’t have a hissy-fit,” she said in her condescending tone.
“Hey, not that it’s any of your business, but I happen to be involved with a really wonderful man.”
“Don’t flip out, I was just wondering, you know, since we’re partners and all.” Angel tried to sound apologetic.
“I don’t feel comfortable talking about Eric.”
“Your little butt-buddy is named Eric, how cute,” she chuckled.
Donny cringed; he couldn’t believe he let his lover’s name slip out.
“So, you guys into anything kinky, like bondage or S&M?” she persisted.
Donny glared over at Angel. “What is your problem? Don’t you understand I don’t want to talk about us!” Fuming as his blood pressure began to rise. He was so caught up in the heat of the moment he inadvertently drifted across the center line into oncoming traffic.
“Watch out!” Angel yelled as she grabbed the steering wheel and pulled them back safely into their lane, as horns blared past them. “Okay, okay, I’ll shut up before you kill us, pussy boy.” Angel pretended to zip her lips shut.
Donny gripped the wheel tightly as he concentrated on the road. Both remained silent for the duration of the trip.
Arriving at the hospital, Donny was now calm and in control once again. The volunteer receptionist sent them to Father Andy’s office. The detectives entered through the open door leading to the outer office.
Nora Teel, Simon’s mother, was at her desk reading a murder mystery novel. She looked up as the two approached. “May I help you?” she asked in her pleasant, sweet voice.
“Yes ma’am, I’m Detective Smith and this is my partner, Detective Jones,” Donny said adjusting his tie.
“Alias Smith and Jones, wasn’t there a TV show by that name?” Nora inquired of the officers.
“I wouldn’t know,” Donny responded as he looked over at Angel.
The outer office was a modest-sized room with walls of faded walnut paneling, with slightly worn brown carpet. Nora had a green foam-padded chair on rollers, which seemed out of place with the rest of the office décor. There were four large filing cabinets along the right wall. Many pictures of her family adorned her desk. There was a small electric typewriter. No plants, yet one large picture of an old civil war sailing ship hung over the file cabinets. A large wooden door led into another office about three times the size of her office.
Father Andy’s office had a medium sized oak desk, containing a telephone, fax machine, and a portrait of him shaking hands with the bishop. There was an elegant, high backed, brown leather desk chair, along with several tan file cabinets, and a medium-sized, brown leather sofa. Two more brown leather recliners were adjacent to the sofa. An oak coffee table sat in front of the sofa and a large fish aquarium was mounted near the desk.
Many bookshelves, containing volumes on psychiatry, theology and psychology lined one entire wall. The golden-brown carpet matched the paneling, which gave the office a surreal aspect. Hung on the wall behind the desk was a large, golden crucifix. To complete the imagery, a rather huge portrait of Jesus Christ was hung next to it. One had the feeling of a Holy Sanctuary upon entering.
“How can I help you detectives?” Nora asked with a curious expression on her pudgy pink face.
“You would be…?” Donny asked, pulling out his pad.
“I’m Nora Teel, Father Andy’s personal secretary. Am I in some sort of trouble?” she asked as her face turned a shade whiter.
“No ma’am, we’re investigating the homicide of James Butler.”
“Yes, I heard the dreadful news on the radio. I was so shocked to hear someone had murdered poor James. He was such a good man, and a very hard worker. I don’t know how they will ever find someone who can fill his shoes. I said a prayer for him, for God to open his heavenly arms and welcome James into his loving kingdom.”
Angel peered over at Donny and rolled her eyes, unable to take in all the religious mumbo-jumbo that just spewed forth from Nora’s mouth.
Donny ignored Angel and remained professional as he continued. “We’d like to ask you a few questions, if you don’t object?”
Nora smiled and tugged at her long-sleeved dress as she gave Detective Smith her full and undivided attention. She was more than willing to cooperate with the police. Her genuine sincerity came through as she spoke. “Oh, of course, I’d be happy to answer your questions if I possibly can. Please have a seat.”
They sat as requested, making themselves comfortable. Donny adjusted his tie as he started with his questioning. “How long did Mr. Butler work here?”
“James worked here almost two years, one of our very best RNs, if not the best. We’ve been very proud of his performance.” She gushed.
“Were there any staff members who didn’t like James Butler? Someone he might have had trouble with recently?”
“Everyone liked James, well, except for Doctor Lerner. They didn’t have a very professional relationship, I’m afraid,” she said.
“Doctor Lerner?” Donny quizzed.
“Yes, Doctor Linda Lerner, she’s on a two-week suspension right now.”
Angel cut in. “Why was she suspended?”
“Father Andy and her disagreed on Simon’s treatment plan. She lost her temper and he was forced to take disciplinary action against her,” Nora stated.
“What is Father Andy’s real name?” Angel asked in a gruff tone.
“Why, that would be Andrew Crawford, the head of the hospital.”
“Who’s this ‘Simon’ character?” Angel prodded.
“He’s my son, and he’s very disturbed. But he’s getting the best care possible under Father Andy.” Her voice beamed with joy.
Donny interjected, now that he felt Angel was off track, and his suspicious nature now became aroused. “So James Butler and this Doctor Lerner didn’t get along?”
“Oh no, they had a huge fight the other day. I was coming off the elevator onto the fifth floor, and I heard them arguing.” Nora loved to gossip, and couldn’t wait to tell her story to the detectives.
“So, what were they fighting about?” Angel asked, butting in again.
“Doctor Lerner accused James of raping my son, Simon, and she said if it were true, she’d have him fired and personally see that he was prosecuted as well,” Nora said.
“How did Butler respond to her threat?”
“James told her he never assaulted Simon, that he was making it up to get released,” Nora rattled on excitedly. “That if she didn’t back off, they’d find her body floating in the river.”
“Do you think Butler raped your son?” Angel continued, watching her face for signs of deception.
“No, Simon is a pathological liar, he’ll say anything to get his way. Even as a child, always lying.” She sighed.
Rejoining the questioning, Donny asked, “Is Father Andy in his office?”
“No sir, he would be up on the fifth floor, substituting for James until he can find a suitable replacement for him. Do you wish to speak with him?”
“Yes, and we’d like to have a word with your son, Simon, also,” Donny replied.
Nora telephoned the nurses’ station. Father Andy answered and gave permission for the detectives to be admitted to the locked unit. They were escorted by Nora, who unlocked the elevator panel when they arrived on the fifth floor.
The doors opened, revealing the elderly man who was the director of the psych hospital. Father Andrew Crawford was sixty-one, and white. His excessive alcohol consumption over the last several years had started to take its toll. Standing a little over six feet, he walked slightly hunched over, and was a rather thin man for his height. He had a full head of silvery-white hair which he combed straight back. Black-framed glasses with thick lenses almost hid his pale-blue eyes. Age spots dotted his forehead and hands.
There was a small, neatly trimmed mustache of white hairs, which extended only to the corners of his sagging mouth. Dressing conservatively, he wore a white buttoned short sleeve shirt, covered partially by an old brown sweater. Accompanied by light-brown slacks, with matching shoes. No socks. Only on special occasions did he wear his priest-collar. He waved to Nora as the elevator doors closed.
Extending his right hand in greeting, “Well, Detectives, how may I help Hot Springs’ finest?”
“Your secretary told us about the threats made between Doctor Lerner and James Butler, and about the suspension. You have anything more you care to tell us?” Donny asked.
“No, not really, just that James was an excellent RN, and that he will surely be missed around here. And, that I truly believe in my heart, Linda Lerner had nothing to do with his death. They weren’t seeing eye-to-eye on Simon Teel’s treatment plan, but not to the point of murder,” Father Andy said, his voice filled with remorse.
“We’ll need to speak with Doctor Lerner; can you provide her home address for us?” Donny asked.
“Oh, yes, of course, I’ll call down and have Nora provide you with it on your way out.”
“Before we go, we need to speak with Simon Teel if that’s possible?” Donny asked.
“Oh, I’m sorry, but as his doctor, I must state for the record that at this time, he’s in no condition to be questioned by the police.”
“Are you saying that as his psychiatrist?” Angel chimed in.
“Yes, he’s not coherent enough at this time to answer questions. Once he becomes more stable mentally I’ll advise your department.”
“All right then, let us know when he’s improved.” Donny said.
“Anything else I can help you with?” Father Andy asked.
“No, I don’t think so. You have any more questions, Detective Jones?”
“Yeah, what’s that Simon guy in for? Is he psychotic?” she asked bluntly.
Donny wheeled around to face Angel. “I can’t believe you just said that. Do you know how insensitive that sounds?” he scolded.
“Whatever,” she said, rolling her eyes.
“Sorry Father…we’re leaving now,” Donny said.
Father Andy set the elevator to descend to the first floor after the detectives stepped inside. “Have a nice day,” he said as the doors closed.
Donny stared at Angel as the elevator started down. She felt his gaze upon her, yet decided not to engage him verbally. Sensing he was spoiling for a confrontation. They went by Nora’s office and picked up the address for Doctor Lerner. Angel was surprised. Once in the car, Donny was totally professional, and played it as if nothing had happened.
A short time later, arriving at the address, they pulled into a circular drive, and stopped at the front double doors. The beautiful Victorian-style house was large, and the manicured lawn was painstakingly landscaped.
“Looks like the doc has cash coming out her ass,” Angel noted. As Donny pushed the doorbell, chimes were heard to play a melody of ‘Moon River.’
Angel, as usual, banged on the door with her fist, which caused Donny to look away, shaking his head in disbelief at how crude she was.
Linda Lerner was watching one of her favorite soap opera’s when the doorbell chimed, followed by loud pounding. Heading for the door, she peered through the peephole. She could make out two strange individuals. “Who are you?!” she yelled through the door, still observing them.
Donny told Angel to stop pounding.
“Why?” Angel asked, drawing back her fist.
“I thought I heard a voice,” he said, straining to hear.
Again, Linda Lerner shouted, “Who are you? What do you want?!”
“We’re police, we need to speak with Doctor Lerner,” he yelled back.
“Hold your badge up to the peephole!”
Donny produced his shield and held it up. After a few moments, the door opened.
“How may I help you?” she asked, looking directly at Donny.
“We’re investigating the murder of James Butler, may we come in?”
“Murder? How did he die?” she asked with a look of surprise on her round face.
Donny didn’t reply to her question as they entered, instead he continued with his own. “Do you own a gun, Doctor Lerner?”
“Yes I do. I keep it in my desk at the hospital, but it came up missing about a week or so ago. Why, have you found it?”
Angel rolled her eyes as she placed her hands on her hips. “So you’re going to stand there and feed us this line of shit?”
Doctor Lerner placed her right hand over her chest, followed by her jaw dropping open in the shock of Detective Jones’ insinuation. Catching her breath, she spoke, “How dare you speak to…”
“Please, let’s not get ahead of ourselves; Detective Jones merely meant to ask what happened to your gun?” Donny interrupted the two ladies.
Doctor Lerner studied Detective Jones, looking her up and down in a menacing fashion, making it crystal clear she didn’t approve of her or her profanity. “As I said, it came up missing. I don’t know if it was stolen or what.”
“Did you report it to the police?” Donny politely inquired.
“Well, no, I wasn’t that concerned. It has gone missing before, and seems to return with no effort on my part,” she said with no reservations.
Angel abruptly cut in. “Your gun disappears and re-appears and you don’t think something’s wrong with that fuckin’ picture? Huh, doc?”
“You take your foul mouth and get out of my home right now!” Doctor Lerner roared as she opened the door. “Get out this instant!” she said, pointing toward the open doorway.
“Fine with me!” Angel’s voice came thundering back as she exited the premises.
Doctor Lerner put her hand up to stop Detective Smith from following his partner out. “You may stay,” she said, slamming the door shut behind Angel.
“I’m sorry for my partner’s rudeness, she’s new and having…”
“You don’t have to apologize; I just want to help in whatever way I can.”
“Can you account for your whereabouts two nights ago at around 12:15 a.m.?” Donny asked.
“I was home, in bed, at that time of night.” She said without hesitation. “Do you really think I’m capable of murder?”
“Can anyone confirm you were home at that time?” Donny continued.
“No, they cannot. You’ll have to take my word for it,” she said, sounding agitated.
“You had a disagreement with James Butler at the hospital, at which time you both threatened each other, is that correct?” he persisted.
“We may have disagreed on some things, but I surely wouldn’t murder him.”
“Did you take him serious when he said he’d kill you and dump your body in the river?”
“Heavens no, he was just talking tough, like most immature men do when they feel a woman has gotten the better of them. I don’t think he was capable of murder.”
“That’s all for now. We may have more questions for you later. You’re not planning any trips out of town are you?” He asked, putting his note pad away.
“No, I’m not.” She opened the door for him.
Angel was sitting in the cruiser listening to the radio. Donny got behind the wheel.
“So, what’d the fat bitch have to say?” Angel started in.
“Said she didn’t do it, and doesn’t have an alibi,” he said.
“You remember that old lady, Agnes Blakewood, said she heard two people arguing. Could have been Butler and the Doctor?” Angel wisecracked.
“I don’t put much stock into what the old lady said. Especially with her hearing problems,” Donny put forth for Angel to digest.
“Let’s go to the station and see if any of the forensics shit has been completed yet,” Angel said as Donny pulled out of the driveway.