CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Morgan had just placed three dog bowls on the kitchen floor, loaded with their supper, when her cell phone rang.
“Hi, Morgan? What’s up?” asked Brad.
“I had a terrible experience this afternoon with a man who claimed to be a friend of Nick Carelli’s,” she said and waited for a response from him.
It was quiet for a moment, and then Brad said, “What did he want?”
“To give you some money. What’s going on?” Morgan was certain he would never take a bribe or be paid off for something he did, but her pulse pounded with apprehension as she waited for him to speak.
“I know exactly what he wants, and he can’t buy me off,” said Brad. “I’ll have to report this, hand over the money to a proper authority, and recuse myself from the case. Before moving here, I was representing Nick’s wife and son in a custody hearing.”
“The man who delivered it was scary,” said Morgan.
“He told me that they’d be keeping an eye on you.
That’s when I packed up your dogs and brought them to my apartment.
They’re eating dinner now. All the dogs seem content to be here.
I was too frightened to stay at your house, and I don’t think you should go there yourself until things are settled.
You’re welcome to stay here. It’s a little crowded but very workable. ”
“Okay, I’ll come home early to take care of this. I’m sorry this happened to you,” said Brad.
“Does something like this happen often?” she asked.
“No. But this is an exceptional case involving a crime family. Nick’s wife and child are under protection,” said Brad.
“I think you need protection yourself,” said Morgan.
“A security company is set to do some extra work on my house this week. I’m sorry you got caught up in this ugly situation.
It’s best for you to stay away from there.
But I don’t think anything further will happen.
Nick will know I have to go to the authorities, yet he will have made his wishes known. ”
“I’ve never thought of family law as a dangerous occupation,” said Morgan. “I won’t rest until I see you.”
“Thanks. I’ll handle things from here tomorrow morning and then come to Ellenton to take care of the money. Did you count it?”
“No,” said Morgan. “But I’m guessing that it’s at least several thousand dollars. I dropped the envelope, and the two Dachshunds went after it, tearing it open. That’s how I know there was money inside.”
Brad laughed, easing the tension. “Dogs. What would we do without them?”
“Blue and Caesar are becoming co-conspirators,” she said, feeling better at hearing his laughter.
“I’ve got to go,” said Brad. “Thanks for taking care of the dogs, and once again, I’m sorry you got caught up in this. See you tomorrow as soon as I can.”
Morgan ended the call, satisfied with Brad’s response. She knew he was a decent man. He’d just proved it.
Lying in bed with not one, but two Dachshunds and an easy-going Lab lying on the floor by her side of the bed, Morgan thought of how complicated the system of law could be.
She’d thought family law would be a challenge, but with emotions running deep on either side of an issue, it could be a trickier situation for all.
###
The next day at work, she received a phone call from the Chief of Police, requesting that she bring the money to the station at her convenience and identify the man who had given it to her.
She left the office and went home to retrieve the money. She’d give the dogs a chance to run a bit in the yard and then leave.
Morgan took care of the dogs, then she headed to the police station. She knew where it was, but she’d never been inside. A heavyset older man with gray hair cut in a military style, Ron Marcus, the Chief of Police, was well-known and well-liked in the community.
When she walked into his office, the Chief was intimidating, greeting her with a smile and a steady stare. She couldn’t be sure, but it seemed like he’d sized her up for all kinds of information a practiced investigator might find helpful before he asked her to have a seat.
“Brad Hamlin told me you had quite an interesting day recently when a representative of the Carelli family confronted you,” the Chief said.
“Yes. The man was very scary. When he handed me the manila envelope for Brad, I had no idea what it contained. My dog and one of Brad’s dogs got hold of it when I accidentally dropped it. That’s when I knew it contained money. A lot of it.”
“May I have the envelope?” the Chief asked.
“Certainly,” she said, handing the torn envelope to him. “I kept the original envelope in case you might need it.”
“Smart thinking,” he said. “I have photographs of a few men associated with the family. I need you to take a look at them and tell me if you see the man who came to Mr. Hamlin’s house.”
The Chief laid four photographs of different men on the desk in front of her. “See him here?”
Morgan identified the man in no time. She’d never forget that face.
“He’s well-known. I’m not surprised,” the Chief said. “What kind of car was he driving?”
“I’m fairly certain it was a Cadillac SUV, black with tinted windows. I was too upset to get the New Jersey license plate number. I just know the plate had at least two ones on it.”
“Excellent. Thank you. Mr. Hamlin told me about the threat of being watched. I’m glad you decided not to stay there at this time.
Mr. Hamlin also told me that he has hired a security company to install extra cameras and alarms throughout the house and around the property.
Until that’s done, I’ve ordered my men to keep an eye on the house periodically. Where are you staying now?”
“At my apartment in the garage at Ashley and Mark Biddle’s house,” said Morgan.
“Ah-h-h, lovely property,” said the Chief. “I believe I have everything I need from you, Ms. Riley. Thank you for your cooperation. If you see or hear anything suspicious, please call 911 immediately.”
“Will do,” said Morgan, getting to her feet. The visit to the station had made her even more anxious to see Brad.
###
Morgan was working at her desk when Brad appeared, accompanied by a partner, who followed him into his office.
She stood, unsure about her next move. She wanted to run and greet him with a hug, but with the other partner there, she felt she couldn’t.
The intercom on her phone buzzed.
“Yes?” she said.
“Morgan, can you please come into the office. I need you as a witness and want you to take any necessary notes on the discussion about what happened at my house,” Brad said.
“Okay, I’ll be right there.” She picked up her tablet and went into his office.
Standing beside the other man, Brad said to her, “How are you?”
“I’m okay,” she answered, letting her gaze travel over him to make sure he was healthy and unhurt from anything that might be amiss. “How about you?”
“I’m fine. Glad to be back,” he answered in a soft voice that was husky with emotion.
The partner, Joel Smithson, stared from Brad to Morgan and back again. “What’s going on?”
“It’s been a trying couple of days,” said Morgan. “Frightening, really.” She was embarrassed by the sting of tears.
“We’re dating, Joel,” said Brad. “No one needs to worry about us. Morgan and I are professional enough that it won’t be awkward.”
Joel gazed at them both. “I get it. I don’t think it’ll be an issue.”
Brad went behind his desk and offered chairs to Joel and Morgan. “Let us tell you what has happened, Joel. You need to be aware of this. Morgan, why don’t you start?”
She cleared her throat. “Yesterday after work, I drove to Brad’s house to take care of his dogs.
We’d agreed I would stay there for two nights while I oversaw his pets and my new Dachshund, Blue.
It seemed easier that way. I was in the driveway about to unload my things when a dark SUV, a Cadillac, I think, drove into the driveway.
The driver demanded to see Brad. When he realized he wasn’t there, he told me to tell Brad that he was a friend of Nick Carelli’s and handed me an envelope.
Then he said they would be keeping an eye on Brad.
I hurried into the house. I didn’t know what was inside the envelope until the two Dachshunds got hold of it and tore it open. ”
“That’s all the man said?” asked Joel.
“Yes. He was scary both in the way he acted and the way he spoke,” she said. “Today, I took the money to the Police Chief and identified the man in a photograph in his office. I’ve been here working, waiting for any news.”
“While I was in New Jersey working on another case, I contacted the judge handling the Carelli case and informed him about what had happened,” Brad explained.
“I’m representing Nick’s wife and son in a custody hearing.
His wife wants to leave the family and wants their son with her, away from the family’s activities. ”
“Understandable, but tough to pull off,” said Joel. “Especially with a son.”
“Although she’s in an untenable position due to Nick’s behavior, she’s willing to fight for what she wants in every way possible.
We have enough proof of his abuse of her to make a case.
He pretty well neglects the son because Nick has been using drugs.
I have a feeling we’ll win at least temporary custody.
The money was just to get my attention. The message is that there would be more coming if Nick won the case. ”
“You were right to go directly to the judge,” said Joel. “The police have the money. What else can we do?”
“At this point, nothing,” said Brad.
“But the driver of that car warned me that they would be keeping an eye on Brad,” said Morgan. “That’s when I packed up the dogs and took them to my apartment. No way did I want to stay at the house if they were going to be spying on it.”
“I understand,” Joel said. “Are you safe at your house, Brad?”
“I have a crew installing a very sophisticated alarm system throughout the house and around the property,” said Brad. “They should be done in a day or so. The dogs are effective guard dogs, but I want to be able to capture anyone on film if they try to do something.” He glanced at Morgan.
She was satisfied, though, inwardly, she hated the idea of his having to do something like that.
“Is there anything I need to do for the firm?” asked Brad.
Joel shook his head. “Just keep me informed. We’ll discuss it at our next meeting, but until then, it appears you’ve taken all the necessary steps. I appreciate your honesty.”
“Okay. The custody hearing will take place next week,” Brad said. “It’s my understanding, Mrs. Carelli and her son will be away for Thanksgiving at a safe place.”
Joel stood, and Brad walked him to the door, leaving Morgan in her chair.
When he returned, Brad took hold of her hands and pulled her into his arms. “I’m sorry you had to be part of this mess.” He lifted her chin and planted his lips on hers.
Morgan clung to him, relieved to have him safely home. She wondered if she’d ever be able to relax until the hearing was over.
When they pulled apart, Brad said, “I hope you don’t mind that I was open with Joel about our dating relationship. I was making sure it wouldn’t be a problem for you. I know you’ve been concerned that it might end your job here.”
She hugged him tight. “No man has ever fought for me to be happy. You know I want it to work out between us, and you’ve allowed us to have that time.”
They kissed once more, then Morgan straightened her blouse and went back to her desk, prepared to work. Humming a happy little song wasn’t against anyone’s rules.