Intimate Relations, Rebecca Forster [best ereader for manga .txt] 📗

Gray Webster's taut stomach rippled under her tight sweater. It was the only sign that she was amused.

"I thought that only happened in the movies," she said. "Taking someone to the station."

"'Tis known that fiction is informed by fact," Finn said.

With that, the Right Hand did what was best for the left. She escorted them to a small, glass-enclosed room. Inside was recording equipment, but there were also four chairs.

"Wait here," Gray said.

She returned as the hands of the clock struck two-thirty. Her entrance was as impressive the second time as it had been the first. The man that came with her had, Finn was sure, been exactly like her at one time. His posture said he was still an animal on the prowl and ready to take on any challenge to his territory. Yet, having been the king of the jungle for so long, there was also a gracefulness to his manner. He did offer his hand.

"Jeremiah Stotler," he said as he shook those of the detectives.

Finn and Cori gave their names even though Gray had probably filled him in. In fact, she probably memorized their badge numbers despite the fact that the detectives flashed them briefly her way. The important man took a seat. Gray stood in the corner. It was Finn who gave the introduction, and Cori the overview of the inquiry.

"Mr. Stotler, we're going to be asking some personal questions," Finn said when he took over.

Cori's eyes flitted to the Right Hand who looked back at her. The important man smiled. That said it all. He could count on the Right Hand. Whatever she heard, whatever sins he confessed, would never go beyond this room. She was that loyal. Her loyalty was grounded in the firm knowledge that her boss would destroy her professionally should she disappoint him. Cori's eyes went back to the star of the show.

Jeremiah Stotler was not a classically handsome man, but he did well with what he had.  Bev had him beat by an inch or two in height. He was slim, but Cori didn't think it was from exercise. She had a feeling that the man was a very disciplined eater. Age? Between fifty-five and sixty-five. Who knew? His hair was thick and sprinkled with grey.  It was neither too short nor too long, too straight nor too wavy. His face was clean-shaven and on the gaunt side. When he smiled, Stotler looked like everyone's favorite uncle. He was the guy you would go to with your worst problems, the man who would make it all okay with mom and dad.

His hands were narrow, his nails manicured. The clothes he wore hung so well it was a sure bet they were bespoke. And then there was Jeremiah's voice. Melodious and clear with the slightest undercurrent of a dictatorial tone.

"I'm sure you've been told that my schedule is tight. If you don't mind, I'll fill in some of your blanks right now.  If I miss anything, and we still have time, I'll answer your questions." There was that smile again, but barely a breath was taken before he said, "And if you need follow-up, you can contact Gray. She will put you in touch with my lawyers. McMann, Tate and Tate. You'll be speaking to the general partner, Tom McMann."

Gray gave a slight bow as if honored to be Stotler's pack mule.

"Since that seems agreeable, let's begin. I know a young woman was killed at an Asylum event at The Brewery. Yes, I am a gold seal member of Asylum. I pay $75,000 a year for my membership. That includes all open parties. This was not an open party. I found out about the incident because the Asylum administrators are very thorough. Gold seal members were all notified by Ali Keyes, the owner of Asylum, if anything untoward happens."

Stotler turned his head as if to look over his shoulder. He never completed a full swivel. Gray stepped forward to hand each of them a piece of paper.

"This is Ali's direct number and the address of his private offices. I assume you will be discreet with this information. "

Cori opened her mouth to tell him the man in question had been contacted, but Jeremiah Stotler's full attention seemed to have rendered her mute. Finn had the fleeting thought that the man must be a Svengali to have such an effect on the two women in the room. He never raised his voice, nor did it take on a harsh tone. Still, there was nothing more heady than power.  He would not stop for anything or anyone, not even for a homeless man being beaten to death as Finn had. He was not a man who would ever be put upon by a crowd of haters. Poor Beverly. How she must have despised that Finn's one moment of heroism had made him a pariah. What she wanted was the hero, the conqueror, the guy in charge. Finn concluded that Jeremiah Stotler was like the lines painted on the floor of his studio. His life was about his destination, and he never veered from his path. All the riches go to the man with the blinders.

"The evening of the incident was a private affair." Jeremiah said. "As I understand it, the purpose was pleasure while awaiting the unveiling of some new tech. It was held so close to the vest that even Gray could not find out what the product was or who issued the invitation. Beverly was there at my behest. I personally asked Ali to include her."

"Why?" Cori asked, sliding the question into his narrative.

"Because she and I are very close, and I trust her. Because I am a gold seal member. Because she is a beautiful woman who is comfortable with men of means. Because she was smart enough to know what information I needed. I wanted her to find out what was going on."

Jeremiah turned his eyes on Finn. The detective saw nothing special in them.

"Beverly told me