In the Blink of An Eye by Jerry Baggett (ebook reader for surface pro TXT) 📕

on the island, as well as Redondo Beach, before the incident. That’s one of the places we’ve asked the sheriff to keep tabs on. Our guys have not seen either Hans or a similar vehicle since your accident. They’re a lot of red trucks, but none fitting the description of our suspect vehicle.”

Hunt cleared his throat, forcibly. “I need another cup of that coffee. You’ve gone over everything we have on the owner of that club, with nothing new. Might have to wait until we get what the FBI has on him. He has clubs in San Diego, Long Beach and San Francisco, two more in Atlanta, and Savanna, on the east coast. Of course, the one here on Catalina Island. A sizable operation, I would say.” He tossed the report on his desk. “There are a few things there that piqued the curiosity of our undercover team. How does he manage all those places of business without ever leaving the local night club? Let’s see if we can answer some of these curiosities about Mr. Harvey Marino and his clubs.”

He gulped down half of the lukewarm coffee. “You’ve talked with Samantha Brooks and her friend, Commander McGowin, a few times, haven’t you?”

“I have,” Margie said. “I expressed our gratitude for their timely assistance. Samantha calls our office every day, checking on your condition. She’s curious about the identity of the young woman whose body they dragged onto the beach. My suspicious nature has me wondering if there might be more than just her curiosity that she’s not talking about. She’s very likable and well known there on the island.”

“I don’t think she’s hiding anything but I’d like to have a background check done. She and the commander may be able to get inside the bar and nightlife scene, something we’ve been slow to penetrate. Every time I run across those two, its late evening. See what you can find out. The commander’s an open book at this point, as a military officer. I want everything we have on our young nurse and her doctor.” Hunt washed down several pills with a large gulp of coffee. “Samantha denied having a lot of patients with addiction problems in the doctor’s practice. We know other doctors have reported a steady increase over the past three years.”

Margie waved a file folder. “While they were putting you back together, we received the coroner’s report and more information on the young female victim those two pulled onto the beach. I prefer that it be you who releases the victim’s identity to Samantha.” She flipped through the report. “The victim’s name is Mira Langham, of San Diego. She dropped out of the University of California, San Diego after becoming addicted to cocaine and, later, heroin. She got mixed up with the wrong crowd her senior year of high school, pulled away and entered college. There, she remained clean for two years until she met an older man while working as a bar maid on summer break, at a club in downtown San Diego. With him, she returned to the wild side of life, working at various jobs in the local clubs. Like so many young, attractive women, she played on her youth and beauty to get where she wanted to go. Drug addiction soon forced her into prostitution. Undercover agents in the area knew her as an attractive drug user and suspected high-price prostitute.”

She turned away. “Here’s the best part. She definitely worked out of Harvey Marino’s club in San Diego, Chief. One more breadcrumb leading us to that club owner and his nudie bars.”

Chapter 15

Commander Dick McGowin looked over the fully loaded four-year-old SUV. Not a hell of a lot to show for twelve years of a man’s life, he thought. He finished the last of his morning coffee and started the engine for the drive from San Diego to Long beach. He decided to put his belongings in storage there until his plans came together, or not. He hesitated for several minutes without moving, then, went ahead with the call. He felt his hand tremble with nervous energy. “Hi Sam, Dick McGowin. Are you free to talk for a few minutes? I know you’re seeing patients. You may be with the doctor.”

“Go ahead, Dick. Make it as brief as possible. We’re quite busy.”

“I thought you should know this. I ended active duty with the navy in an exit interview at the Pentagon and flew back to San Diego today. I’ve been given thirty days terminal leave. Reserve status begins after that, and I’ll continue flying with the navy reserve. As a matter of fact, the reserve move is a promotion to full commander.” He’d expected a more positive response. Now, he was unsure about how far he should go with her, while on the phone. She could be standing next to the doctor. “I’ve arranged a meeting with Dammit and Robbin for later this week, to finalize the job of chief pilot for the medical corporation controlled by Robbin. The new position will not interfere with my flying status in the naval reserve. I felt a need to share this with you immediately.”

He heard a weak reply, “Thank you. I also plan to rent something temporary on the island until the dust settles around our developing relationship. Being close will help us see how the popcorn pops out, without commitment. I hope you agree with my plan.” He heard her sharp intake of breath and waited.

She spoke briefly to someone else. “Yes, thank you.” She returned to Dick. “I’m thrilled with your decision to stay close. No doubt you’ve given the matter a great deal of thought. I trust your good judgement and look forward to seeing you.”

Getting behind the wheel had given him time to think. He felt comfortable with his plan to find a temporary rental, with secured parking, in Long Beach, the practical place nearest the