What Goes Around: What Goes Around Read online

  Chapter 1

  Rachel’s sitting patiently in her car waiting for the stores to open. Her friend’s bundle of joy made her grand appearance at six in the morning and she wanted to buy something special for the baby. Not sure what she should get, she decides it’d be a good idea to make a list of possibilities.

  “It’s such a beautiful spring morning.” She thinks. Glancing around the parking lot she sees the robins chirping happily in the bright morning sun while the smaller birds scavenged around for food on the cold, wet ground. Taking a deep breath, she smells the sweet aroma of spring flowers as the gentle breeze blows thought the open window.

  “I wish it would stay like this all the time.” She thinks enjoying the heavenly scent. Hearing a gunshot off in the distance, she springs up in her seat. She sees a lanky man stumbling towards her.

  “Please help me.” The man begs weakly as he slides down the hood of her car. Glancing up, she sees a tall, beefy figure running towards the woods. Jumping out of the neon she runs to the injured man. She sees he’s lying face down on the pavement. A large amounts of blood’s beginning to pool around him. Putting her nursing skills to work, she began a quick assessment. She sees that his pulse’s weak and he’s barely breathing. She starts evaluating the severity of his wound.

  “Can I help?” An elderly woman asks, as she wobbles towards her.

  “Call 911.” She instructs, handing over her cell phone.

  “Good thing I didn’t take my emergency kit in the house.” Rachel thinks, scooping it out of the backseat of her car.

  “The ambulance is on the way.” The lady says, handing her the cell phone.

  “Good, grab the gauze out of the backpack and hand it to me. She instructs. The shop owner starts opening the packages when they see the ambulance pull into the vacant parking lot.

  ”Thank god.” Rachel exclaims as she continues to put pressure on the wound. Within a few minutes two paramedics ran over to her, she quickly begins giving them a report.

  “Thanks Rachel, we’ll take it from here.” One of the EMT’s informs her, gabbing equipment from underneath the gurney. Happy to be relieved of her duties, she walks to the bathroom to get cleaned up. When she returns she sees Joe climbing out of his cruiser. He’s been a part of the police force for 24 years, and a family friend for nearly as long. She’s been shadowing him and his partner Jerry on the days she wasn’t working at the hospital. In a few more months she’ll be able to take the test for her PI license.

  “What did you get yourself into now?” Joe asks.

  “You’ll never believe it.”

  “When it comes to you I’ll believe just about anything.”

  “I’m sitting here minding my own business when I hear a gun shot. I try to locate the source when I see a guy collapse in front of my car.”

  “Did you see anyone besides the victim?”

  “Yes, I saw a guy run toward the woods.”

  “Can you describe him to me?” He asks, grabbing his notebook out of his jacket pocket.

  “He’s around six three, and has a muscular build. He has long stringy black hair. He’s wearing a striped jacket and jeans.”

  “Do you recognize the victim?”

  “No, should I?”

  “He is Carlos Maroni, and no I will not allow it.” He states firmly.

  “Allow what?”

  “You’re not going to help me on the case, it’s too dangerous.”

  “You said that with the last case too, but if you remember correctly, I was the one who put the evidence together and captured the murder.”

  “Yeah, and you’re lucky you wasn’t killed in the process.”

  “Luck nothing. I knew what I was doing. Joe rolls his eyes. Here we go. He thinks.

  “No, the real reason you don’t want me to help’s because you don’t want to be shown up by a girl, again.”

  “God, I wished I hadn’t mentioned PI school to you.”

  “It’s a little too late for regrets now.” She replies, hopping in her car.

  “Aren’t you’re supposed to be shadowing still?”

  “Shadow me then.” She laughs, starting the neon. Seeing he didn’t have much of a choice, the detective quickly jumps in.

  “I Figure we’ll check out the woods. If we split up we can cover more ground. I’ll go north and you go south.” She instructs pulling up to the edge of the dense forest. Grabbing her camera from the backseat, she begins exploring.

  “Hey, I found something.” She yells.

  “What is it?”

  “A fresh footprints.” She snaps a picture.

  “Look over here.” She excitedly runs to the piece of torn material.

  “This has to be our killers.” She takes another picture.

  “I’ll call the forensics team.” Joe says, taking the cell phone out of his pocket.

  “I’ll keep looking. Hey, I found the crime scene.” She yells, standing over a pile of bloody leaves.

  *****

  Luigi walks up to the heavy wooden door and knocks, looking up from his desk his father silently waves him in the room. Seeing he’s on the phone, the young lad sits down on the black leather couch and waits.

  “I’ll reimburse you for all your traveling expenses and any other expenditure you encounter. Of course I’ll include a hefty bonus for taking care of this matter for me. Ok, talk to you soon Frank.” Hanging up the phone, Bruno turns towards his son.

  “How can anyone possibly believe he’s my dad, we look nothing alike.” Luigi thinks surveying the old man’s rugged appearance. The doctor who delivered him and his twin brother Tito decided to admit the truth, on his death bed. He told Luigi how Jack Maroni his biological father paid him to switch the Greco’s dead baby for his mothers, so he wouldn’t be forced to take responsibility for the illegitimate twins. Luigi didn’t believe the doctor at first, but after doing a DNA test on Bruno, he knew the doctor’s telling the truth. Angry that he’d been lied to all these years, he confronted his real father, even showed him the DNA comparison. Jack Maroni admitted to his maid gave birth to twins, but claimed they were both stillborn. Still not convinced Luigi insisted on a DNA test. Of course it showed that Maroni wasn’t his father. He figures the rich bastard paid to have the results rigged and thought about doing another test on his own, without Maroni’s knowledge. He later decided it wouldn’t do any good, because he’d only deny it again. If he pushed to hard Jack would probably have him and his brother killed. He thought about confronting Mr. Greco, he figures Bruno deserves to know the truth, but decided playing his son will be worth the small fortune he’ll inherited when the old man passes. Besides, it’d break his heart if he knew the truth.

  “Did you take care of the books for me?”

  “Yes, according to the bar’s records, it’s been doing exceptionally well this past year.”

  “You made sure the records match the bank deposits?”

  “Down to the last penny.”

  “I’ve taught you well and one day when I’m gone the business will be yours and Tito’s.”

  “I think it’d be a good idea if I handled the business side of things, let him collect the profit.”

  “That’s a wise decision, son.” Years ago the doctor’s told the family that Tito has a learning deficit. The specialist believes it’s the result of oxygen deprivation at birth. Unwilling to accept the diagnosis, Bruno tried everything he could, to teach him the business. Despite his boundless efforts, he soon realized it was too much for him to grasp. Since then he’d give Tito small, simple tasks. One’s a five year old could handle. These insignificant errands, made him feel important, like he’s doing his part in the business.

  “I have one
more thing for you to take care of, before you leave for Italy.”

  ****

  The police station sat on the north side of town just off of the town square. It’s a small older building that had its share of charm and ghosts. Occasionally the officers would smell a hint of pipe smoke drifting down the hallway. This aroma’s thought to be from the city’s first chief of police, He’s the only officer known to walk around the station with a pipe between his teeth, and according to city legend, he promised the town folk he’d keep the men in check, despite his retirement. A century later he’s still living up to his word.

  “Hey Jerry our stalker’s back.” Joe says, walking into the police station.

  “How are you stranger?”

  “I’m fine, thanks. I hope you’re ready to work on our new case.”

  “A new case, boss?” Jerry asks confused.

  “Yeah, miss troublemaker’s sitting in her car at dollar general, when Carlos stumbled out of the woods with a gunshot wound to the chest.”

  “Please tell me it’s not Carlos Maroni?”

  “I’m afraid it is.” Joe answers. The Maroni family is a social elite, whose connections stretch all the way to the state capital. So their investigation has to be thorough and swift, before the higher ups become involved.

  “I thought we’d visit the family at the hospital while we wait for forensics to process the evidence.” She instructs. Jerry looks over at his partner, with a frightened look on his face.

  “She’s all yours pal.” Joe informs him, slapping him on the back.

  “Guess I wore the old man out trudging through the woods.” She laughs.

  “I’m not tired; I just need to check out a few things at the station.”

  “That’s a lame excuse, boss.”

  “Let’s get the show on the road.” She orders, tugging her partner’s arm.

  “Bossy little thing isn’t she?”

  “Oh, you haven’t seen anything yet.” Joe laughs, kicking back at his desk.

  *****

  Walking out into the bright afternoon sun, the detectives soon realize the day’s become unseasonably warm. After his eyes adjusted to the change, Jerry began scanning the busy hospital parking lot, hoping to find a family member lingering about.

  “I can’t believe the Maroni’s! Leaving their son alone in the hospital, not knowing if he’ll live, or die.” Rachel says climbing into the squad car.

  “They’re a strange bunch. They believe in love and honor and all, but if you disgrace the family in any way they’ll turn their backs on you in a heartbeat.” He explains.

  “What could he possibly do so wrong that his own family refuses to see him? Wait, they wouldn’t hire someone to kill him, would they?”

  “It’s hard to say.”

  “Well, I guess we should visit the family, find out what’s going on.” Seeing the cops pull out of the hospital Leo grabs his cell phone and quickly dials his partner’s number.

  “It’s me. I wanted to let you know the one who saw you run into the woods is a cop.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “Yes she’s at the hospital talking to the Maroni’s with the fat cop.”

  “Take care of her for me.”

  “My fee’s double cause she’s a pig.”

  “Fine, fine.”

  I’ll take care of her tonight.”

  Chapter 2

  Rachel and Jerry pull up to a beautiful two story Brick home centered on acres of lush green lawn. Looking around they see a few of the grounds keepers busy maintaining the older flower beds while others planted seedlings for the upcoming season.

  “The Maroni’s hold a lot of social gathers.” The detective explains getting out of the car. Looking up toward the house they notice Mrs. Maroni sitting outside on the porch. She’s yelling at one of the slower hired hands, as the two stroll up the walkway.

  “You may go now.” She says, seeing the officers walking up the sidewalk.

  “Mrs. Maroni, I hate to bother you in such trying times, but I need to ask you a few questions.”

  “I expected as much, detectives.” Mrs. Maroni replies annoyed.

  “Does your son have any enemies?”

  “I couldn’t say. He’s been living with that whore wife of his for years.”

  “What’s her name and where does she live?”

  “Adina Ricci. She and her children live in that appalling trailer park. Neither of her little imps has the Maroni blood thank god.”

  “Do you know if he has a gambling, or drug problem?” She inquires.

  “I imagine my son has both, since he hangs out with trash these days.”

  “Do you know any of their names?”

  “No and I don’t care to either. I’m sure that gold digging wife of his could tell you everything you want to know. Now if you’ll excuse me detectives, I have a dinner to prepare.” She says, standing up.

  “Is Mr. Maroni at home?” He quickly asks.

  “No, he left for a business trip a few hours ago, won’t be back until Friday. I assure you officers, he won’t be any assistance to you either. Neither of us spoke to our son in over two years.”

  “Why’s that?” The detective questions.

  “He disgraced the family name the day he married that woman. Now I really must go.” She states, walking in the house.

  “How can any parent hate their kids so much?” She asks climbing into the car.

  “That’s the Maroni’s for you.”

  “Well, I guess we better go talk to Adina.”

  “Now you’re in for a real treat.” He laughs, starting the car.

  “Why do you say that?”

  “Let’s just say she’s one you won’t soon forget.” As a rookie, he’s called out to her residence on several domestic violence calls. He’d arrive to see her, a petite Italian lady beating the crap out of her boyfriend of the week.

  “Yep, you won’t forget this little spitfire.” He laughs. Pulling up to the driveway, they notice two young children playing in the dirt outside the old broken down double wide. Seeing the squad car, both kids ran inside the house, screaming something in Italian.

  “Wow, he fell from grace hard.” She replies, opening the car door.

  “What the hell do you want?” A short, heavyset woman spat from the top of the broken porch.

  “Are you Adina Ricci?” The detective questions.

  “Adina Ricci Maroni.” She corrects.

  “We need to ask you a few questions about your husband’s shooting.” Jerry informs her.

  “He’s dead, what more do you want to know?”

  “We’re sorry for your loss.”

  “His death’s a blessing to all of us.” Puzzled, she glances at her partner. The detective continues to question her

  “Does he have any rivals?”

  “He has lots of them. They come to the house every day demanding money.”

  “Can you give us some names?”

  “I don’t know their names. I figured it wasn’t any of my business.” She spat, nervously looks around the neighborhood.

  “Do you know any friends we could talk to, maybe get a little more information?”

  “He doesn’t have any friends. He used to, but then he screwed them out of a lot of money.”

  “Can you give me their names?” Seeing something across the street, Adina gets a terrified look on her face. Rachel glances behind her, but doesn’t see anything.

  “I’m not answering any more stupid questions!” Bolting inside the trailer, she slams the door shut behind her.

  “We need your help to find his killer.” Rachel yells through an open window. No one answers

  “Please, help us!” She begs. Adina didn’t reply.

  “The man who shot Carlos could come after you next.”

  “Get the hell off of my property before I file a lawsuit against the police department for harassment!” She screams.

  “Now I know what you mean, Jerr.” He laughs.

&nbs
p; *****

  “What did you guys find out?” Joe asks as they walk into the police station.

  “Absolutely nothing.” She replies, collapsing in the chair.

  “I wouldn’t say nothing. We did find out that everyone’s glad he’s dead, including his parents.”

  “Well Tito will be happen to know he did the world a favor.”

  “Tito, who, Joe?”

  “Tito Greco, the DNA at the crime scene confirmed he’s our killer.”

  “Do you want us to pick him up, boss?”

  “I’ve already sent officers to his home. I would’ve sent you Jerr, but I didn’t want a repeat of the arrest you made at the Grecco home a few years ago. I’m still surprised the city wasn’t sued over your stupid stunt.”

  “What happened?”

  “He decides to barge in their home guns a blazing in the middle of the night. The old man gets mad, and starts mouthing. Jerry decides to show him who’s in charge.”

  “Yeah, and the captain put me on desk duty for four long months. Then I had to follow up with therapy and anger management classes for another four months.”

  “You’re lucky he didn’t can your ass.”

  “I was a dumb rookie, trying to prove myself.” He states defensively.

  “I think it’s best for everyone if you work the sideline on this one.” Looking up, he sees the two officers he’d recently sent to pick up Tito walking in the precinct, empty handed.

  “Where’s Tito, Larry?”

  “He isn’t home. His father said he and his mother’s visiting a sick relative in Italy. He told us the two left last week.”

  “That’s impossible; his blood’s all over the crime scene.”

  “He gave me a receipt for the plane ticket.” The officer hands him a small piece of paper.

  “Make sure it’s legitimate, Jerr.”

  “Larry’s right boss Tito’s on the plane. He filed a report against the flight attendant, said she’s sexually harassing him.”

  “Is Tito a twin?” She asks. Jerry began searching computer records.

  “According to the records Mrs. Greco did give birth to twin boys. Wait, there’s a death certificate. Luigi, the second boy was stillborn. The twins are her only children listed.”

  “He didn’t take a flight back?”