The Major's Wife. Anthony Whyte

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СКАЧАТЬ I have to check out all possibilities,” Sharkey said.

      “That possibility would be like me asking you that since you’ve got a gun, are you going to go out, and start shooting someone who didn’t threaten your life,” Andy said, shaking his head. Sighing, he continued. “That wasn’t Vaughn, detective. He’s confident and ultra-cool under pressure. At least he was until…”

      “What about someone who did not like the good captain?” McAlister asked.

      “I would be hard press to find that person. I don’t know anyone who didn’t like him. Just because he was a great aviator and soldier doesn’t mean he was a bad guy, detective. Everyone that knew him respected and love him—it wasn’t fear,” Andy said, sounding annoyed.

      “Were you there at the bar when he fought…? I think it was The Blue Oyster, couple Saturday nights ago?” McAlister asked.

      “Don’t recall. But I think four weeks ago we were just getting back into CONUS,” Andy said, looking at his wife. He paused reflectively and continued. “Am I right, honey?”

      “Yes, you guys touch down late Saturday evening on base,” Mrs. Gatlin said.

      “Did King mention any fights that occurred at the Blue Oyster Bar?” Sharkey asked.

      “No… Not ever. None. Nada. Vaughn would’ve told me if it was anything serious. But he never mentioned any fights.”

      “What about your other friend, ah…Brown?” Sharkey asked, referring to his notes.

      “Captain Brown was promoted and left for Fort Hood early this morning, but I can give you his number or yours,” Andy said.

      “Appreciate that, Lieutenant,” Sharkey said, taking out a business card.

      “He’s a captain, detective,” Mrs. Gatlin said.

      “Well, thank you both. If either of you remembers anything else that you think may help us—” McAlister started but was interrupted.

      “How’s Diana holding up, detective? We tried to contact her since Sunday evening and still haven’t heard anything,” Andrew said.

      “She’s doing her best under the circumstances. She was in the stationhouse earlier. Thank you for seeing us,” McAlister said as they walked out.

      “I just wish you can catch whoever did this real soon. Good evening, detectives,” Andy said, visibly shaken.

      “Thank you for your cooperation. Can you be honest? I can see that you genuinely care for Vaughn, but I gotta know this, were they having any kind of problems between them or anything like that?” Sharkey asked.

      Captain Andrew Gatlin stared with the ferocity of a heat-seeking missile. Sharkey became the target and braced himself to meet the pending explosion head-on. To solve a crime, Sharkey knew had to ruffle a few feathers. It was a parting shot in the dark, and he waited for some type of result.

      “They seemed fine… go through typical ups and downs, but that’s any marriage. And with the added stress of the war, life can be pretty tough at times. I’m speaking as a spouse whose husband goes off to defend this country’s interest. His life is on the line. And so is mine. It’s not an easy thing to handle most of the time. And some people resort to all kinds of means and ways to escape the tense reality. Not Diana. She was steadfast in her convictions. And did her best to help our soldiers. Perhaps you should talk to Dr. Janopolis. She has provided counseling to them and us,” Laura Gatlin said.

      It was clear to Sharkey that she was speaking from her heart, and he said, “Thank you, I will. Dr. Janopolis, right?”

      “Yes, she’s a renown psychotherapist who has done spectacular work,” Laura added.

      “This therapist is in our local area or—”

      “I’m sure you can access her locally, but her practice is in Kentucky around the Fort Campbell area,” Laura said.

      “Well, thanks for all your help. Ah…you’ve both been accommodating,” Sharkey said.

      “But I don’t think Diana would’ve anything to do with her husband’s murder detective,” Laura Gatlin said.

      “I never said she did. I’ve just gotta ask the tough questions. Thanks for your time,” Sharkey said.

      Andrew Gatlin sighed and said, “Good evening, detectives.”

      After leaving the ranch-style house, the detectives sat in the car, looking around the neighborhood. Sharkey seemed deep in thoughts as McAlister started the ignition.

      “Nice couple,” McAlister said.

      Sharkey remained silent while the unmarked car rolled out with McAlister at the wheels.

      “I reckon we can go visit an oyster bar,” McAlister said.

      Following up on Diana’s statement regarding the incident at the bar, the detectives pursued the lead. Sharkey checked in and found out that the tips coming in on the hotline were leading to dead ends. McAlister pulled to a stop outside the Blue Oyster.

      The detectives walked across the street and disappeared inside the bar. It was early, and there were only a few people in the place. They sat at a table and waited for a waiter. Both detectives spent the next few minutes silently observing the area. Finally, a waiter approached.

      “Two beers,” Sharkey said.

      “One beer and ginger ale with lemon,” McAlister said with a smile.

      “And bring us a pail of that good oyster,” Sharkey smiled.

      The detectives enjoyed the food, and after paying the tab. McAlister smiled at the waitress and said, “Your service was excellent.”

      “Thank you so much, and y’all come back. You hear?” the waitress smiled.

      “You’re pretty good. It seems like you’ve been doing this for a while, huh?” McAlister said.

      “Oh, no, sir. I just started about two weeks now. I’m a fast learner.”

      “So is there anyone who’s been here…for say over six weeks?”

      “It’s best you ask the bartender. He’s been here the longest, and he knows everyone around here. Are you a detective or somebody like that?” the waitress asked McAlister.

      “I am someone like that,” McAlister said.

      Then McAlister began chatting it up with the waitress. She was pretty and held McAlister’s interest. Smiling, Sharkey said, “Don’t forget to get her number, lover boy.”

      Sharkey walked to the bar and left a bug in the bartender’s ears before leaving the Blue Oyster bar.

      CHAPTER

      6

      By the time the retired general touchdown in Enterprise, Alabama, not only didn’t the police have any further leads, but they also had failed to question the in-laws. The victim’s father’s СКАЧАТЬ