Justice Served: A Barkley and Parker Thriller by R. Barri Flowers Read Free Book Online

attack. “I wouldn’t want to put it in
the hands of some damned shrink whose only real interest is in the
bottom line or how much advice we can afford—”
    “Well, I was thinking more of a family
counselor,” Carole said defensively, “rather than a psychiatrist.
They have experience with child and family issues and could assist
you in better understanding your options. Many offer reasonable
rates for their service. If you like,” she added reluctantly, “I
would be happy to recommend someone I know who’s very professional
and truly believes in what she does.”
    Vivian tilted her head. “I suppose it
couldn’t hurt to give it a try,” she said unenthusiastically.
    Carole gave her a hopeful smile. For some
reason the conversation made her want to reassess her own feelings
about marriage and children. Not necessarily in that order.
    Only right now there seemed little time for
either.
    Would there ever be time in her life for the
things she truly wanted or needed?
     

CHAPTER NINE
     
    The bar was dimly lit and two blocks away
from where Roberto Martinez’s shattered remains were found. Ray
entered, suspecting Martinez had been there last night to celebrate
his unexpected freedom. Martinez’s blood alcohol level had been
high enough to make him legally intoxicated.
    It wasn’t much of a place, but by all
indications Roberto Martinez wasn’t much of a man either. But that
still didn’t give someone the right to be his executioner.
    Ray approached the bartender, a wide-bodied,
balding, dark-skinned man in his late thirties. “Do you remember
seeing this man in here last night?” he asked him, holding up a mug
shot.
    The bartender studied the picture. He
scratched his pate and lifted bulging eyes. “Maybe,” he said in a
coarse voice. “You a cop or something?”
    Ray showed his identification. “Homicide.
Portland Police Bureau.”
    The bartender looked again at the mug shot.
“Yeah, he was here. What’d he do?”
    “It’s what was done to him,” responded Ray
cryptically. “Name’s Roberto Martinez. Was found beaten to death in
an alley a couple of blocks from here.”
    The bartender’s nostrils flared. “Damn,” he
muttered thoughtfully. “Too bad—”
    “Did he have any trouble with anyone in
here?”
    “Not that I recall. Had a few drinks and
left.”
    “By himself?” Ray asked.
    “Yeah. I think so.”
    “Could he have left with a woman?”
    The bartender considered this. “Not many
women hang out here, man.”
    “So that would make it easier to remember any
who had, wouldn’t it?” Ray pressed.
    The bartender grinned, sporting a shiny gold
tooth. “Now that you mention it, there was a lady here last night.
But she wasn’t with him.”
    “Tell me about her.” Ray looked at him
intently.
    “Tall, fine looking black woman,” he said.
“Stacked from head to toe. Had long blonde braided extensions. Wore
shades like she had eye problems or something, ‘cause it sure as
hell ain’t ever too bright in here. Sat right over there—” He
pointed to the end of the bar.
    “Was she alone?” Ray asked.
    “Near as I could tell, though she had plenty
of men who didn’t mind keeping her company.”
    “Did that include Roberto Martinez?”
    The bartender shook his head. “Nah. I think
the dude was too busy getting plastered to notice much else. Or
anyone else, including her.”
    Ray regarded him. “Do you know when she
left?”
    The bartender rubbed his nose that looked as
if it had been broken once or twice. “Come to think of it,” he
said, “I think she left right after he did—”
    * * *
    The Cool Breeze restaurant was in Southwest
Portland, specializing in ethnic cuisine. Cops and lawyers, along
with artists and writers, frequented it. This night most tables
were occupied.
    Ray and Nina sat in a booth opposite the
window, platters before them filled with grilled chicken, collard
greens, yams, and buttered biscuits.
    “I think we may be on to something,” hummed
Ray,