Deceived by Stella Barcelona Read Free Book Online Page B

Landing Craft, the unique boat that enabled the United States to develop a winning strategy for World War II. Coveted invitations for the gala, on ecru paper with engraved, royal blue lettering, and red lined envelopes, have been hand-delivered to select locals. In addition, public officials, military men, and veterans from around the country will be attending. Other attendees will include World War II historians and celebrities who are students of history. A patron reception is being held at the Bartholomew mansion on Saturday, July 2nd. The Infamy Wing will be open to the public on Sunday, July 4th.
    How fucking pretentious, he thought. The myth of HBW Shipbuilding Enterprises was built upon lies. He held the cards that could expose the lies, but the final play would be dictated by George Bartholomew Jr., Andrew Hutchenson II, and Claude Westerfeld, the three current members of the HBW board. The men who so proudly bore the names of their ancestors. He believed that those three men would comply with his extortion demand. They would pay him so that there was no tarnish on the HBW legend, so that the legend remained for future generations. Once he had their money, and destroyed them by killing their loved ones, he would simply walk away. He would disappear. He would never have to work again.
    He would rest.
    Finally.

     
     
     
     
    Chapter Three
     
    Upon returning to her office, Taylor shut her office door and drew a deep, calming breath. At least the District Attorney was out of town. It would be easier to remain composed in a phone call than in person. She called Connor, thanked him for the offer of a permanent position, but informed him that she had to decline. Framed diplomas were easy to remove from the walls. Desk accessories fit into two packing boxes. A crystal set that included a paperweight, letter opener, vase, and clock, given to her as graduation gifts by Andi and Collette, went into one box after Taylor wrapped each piece in paper.
    Don’t think , she told herself. Get through today. Don’t think about what you’re leaving, or where you’re going .
    She typed a short memo regarding her observations of the Morrissey interview, the trip to Smithfield’s house, and ended with Brandon’s list of alibi contacts that he had provided after the interview. She proofread the document, but instead of seeing words, she saw high cheekbones, jade green eyes, and Brandon’s attempt at appearing nonchalant when answering Joe’s questions about his initial contact with Lisa.
    Joe’s questions had hinted at past problems with law enforcement, while Brandon’s responses had indicated a lack of faith in the NOPD. After a few computer searches, she found news articles that explained both Joe’s questions and Brandon’s responses. Two years earlier, news accounts stated that Brandon had killed, in self-defense, an intruder who had entered his Old Metairie home on Northline Street. The residents of the quiet, secluded neighborhood were panic-stricken at the violence. A few days before the incident, the NOPD had issued an arrest warrant for the man who died, due to his alleged involvement in a murder-for-hire scheme. He had eluded capture. No charges were filed against Brandon.
    A current-day news search revealed the latest media account of Smithfield’s murder. Taylor’s eyes were drawn to Lisa’s photograph. Earlier in the day, when Taylor had first received the assignment, she had only managed to find Lisa’s driver’s license photo. The media had printed a larger photograph that looked more current. Lisa had sleek, dark-brown hair, blue eyes, and a fresh smile. She’d been pretty, in a natural, studious way. She’d been twenty-six. One year younger than Taylor. Tears welled in Taylor’s eyes as she remembered Michael’s cries. Now she understood that he was missing his mother, that he’d never know his mother’s love.
    God. How awful.
    If only she could work in the D.A.’s office longer. Maybe she could