A Fistful of Empty Read online

Page 19


  “That’s it? My grandson can do that. I didn’t come over here to be bored, Mr. Haggerty.”

  “I know, Rosa. I asked you to come because we both know that when the simple stuff doesn’t work out, then it gets interesting. This way you’re the first to know that the simple stuff didn’t work. Then you can find the trail nobody else can see. That’s why you’re here.”

  “All right. When you get the consent, send the records to my house. I’ll call you when I’m done.” With that, she stood up, tucked her calculator under her arm, and left. Rosa never discussed fees with people. Nobody would dream of stiffing her. Who would want her having access to their books? Far better to pay her, whatever the bill.

  “That’s it. Any questions? No. Okay. Let’s get on this one.”

  Buy Mexico Is Forever Now!

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  I would like to thank the following people for the gracious donation of their expertise: Howard Miller and Christi Cherry of Howard Miller & Associates Detective Agency; Fred W. Frank and Barry Udoff of Fred W. Frank Bail Bondsman, Inc.; David Karrick of Dean, Witter Reynolds; Mark Schutz, M.D., and Officer Adam Schutz, MPDC; and especially Neil Ruther and Lew Read.

  About the Author

  Benjamin M. Schutz was an Edgar and Shamus Award–winning author, and was best known for his stories about PI Leo Haggerty. Based out of the Washington, DC, area, Schutz was also a practicing forensic and clinical psychologist, which influenced his writing a great deal. In his lifetime, he authored seven novels and a short story collection. Schutz passed away in 2008.

  All rights reserved, including without limitation the right to reproduce this ebook or any portion thereof in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of the publisher.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, events, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Copyright © 1991 by Benjamin M. Schutz

  Cover design by Rebecca Lown

  ISBN: 978-1-4804-9329-2

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