Phantom Point
by Gary Inbinder
July 1907: Chicago is sweltering, and hard-boiled detective Max Niemand has a hot, new case. A wealthy socialite hires Max to rescue her wayward artist brother from the clutches of a femme fatale and her dubious California artists’ colony. The job is lucrative, with the promise of a large bonus for good results.
Arriving on the West Coast, Max becomes embroiled in a murder case and a fight over oil rights. In the course of his investigation, he encounters hard-nosed cops, gangsters, an Old West marshal, a tycoon, a cagey lawyer, fast cars, faster women and a malevolent gold-toothed hitman. Before long, Max realizes the odds of living long enough to collect his bonus are definitely not in his favor.
Chapter 21: Lawyer Williams and Mrs. Merwin
Surf rushed onto the beach, stippling the white sand with twisted strands of green seaweed; circling terns cried overhead. Two riders raced along the shoreline, their horses’ hooves pounding the wet sand.
They both rode western style, Eugenia Merwin riding astride in a split skirt. She was an accomplished horsewoman, galloping on her fancy chestnut mare; Dan Williams could hardly keep up with her. After several minutes hard riding they pulled up near an inlet that washed into a grotto at high tide.
Williams helped Eugenia down from her lathered mare. “We’ll rest here a moment and let the horses cool down,” he said. “Then we’ll go somewhere safe.”
Years earlier, he had discovered a grotto on one of his solitary walks. It was a secluded spot he had never shared, a good place to hide treasure or a dead body. Williams took Eugenia’s hand and led her into the little cave, accessible only at low tide. The damp interior shone with an eerie blue-green light, and the ebb and flow of breaking waves echoed throughout.
He looked down into her eyes, wondering at the way they reflected the grotto’s luminous hues. Then he noticed her lips, moist and the color of pink coral. They kissed for a moment and then rested silently in each other’s arms. Williams spoke first: “I talked to Duke Placco. He’s confident he can square things with Rivers and the authorities.”
“Are you sure? Placco’s a thug, with the mentality and manners of an ape.”
“We have no choice but to trust him, up to a point.”
“Did he say what happened to Doyle?”
“Yes. Placco made Doyle an offer for the business and he accepted. Doyle’s on his way to Alaska.”
“Do you believe Placco?”
Williams shrugged and said nothing.
“What about Rogers? Does anyone know where he is?”
“Placco’s making inquiries, but so far no one knows or, if they do, they aren’t talking.”
“Do you think Rogers is working for John?”
“I’ve considered the possibility.”
“But what if he has the map?”
Williams stared at her for a moment, as though he didn’t want to answer but felt he must say something reassuring. “Even if he does, it might not matter in the long run. John’s under a great deal of pressure from his syndicate of investors, and that pressure’s increasing by the day. They’re afraid of litigation and the press. They might force him to settle on our terms, with or without the map.”
“It feels good to rest in the arms of a man who’s so clever and strong.” Eugenia sighed and rested her head against his chest.
“Not like that little pansy, Hugo Van Dorn.” Williams smiled and stroked her hair.
“No, you’re certainly not like him, or my late husband Paul.” After a moment, she raised her head, looked him in the eye and asked, “What about Virginia? Is she asking questions? Could she make trouble for us?”
Williams laughed softly and planted a kiss on her forehead. “Don’t worry about Virginia,” he whispered. “She’s as weak as a kitten. I know how to handle her.”
Eugenia smiled. “I’m sure you do. You know how to handle me, too.”
Copyright © 2022 by Gary Inbinder
