Nathan March Investigations - Book 2: Murder, After the Fact - episode 1
Episode One
Beautiful and flamboyant Collette Dickenson, an internationally famous psychic, is dead. All her life Reggie Dickenson shunned the publicity her estranged mother’s death has now brought on her and her statesman-like father, who had raised her out of the same limelight that her mother felt so comfortable basking within.
Unknown to them, her funeral was planned as a gala by Collette herself, only six months earlier with her attorney’s assistance. Therefore, what should be a very private event for Reggie and Martin Dickenson threatened to become a media circus.
Since her death was under questionable circumstances, the press was ruthless in its pursuit of a story. Their interference threatened to ruin any chance for sanity at the viewing and funeral service, where hundreds were expected.
According to Reggie, the only good thing Collette Dickenson had done for her husband and daughter was to introduce them to a wonderful man by the name of Nathan March, who Collette had contacted about assisting him with his investigations.
On meeting each other, both Martin and Nathan found they had a great deal in common as both had made a fortune in business and both enjoyed the same level of humor and interest in law and justice. Also both admitted they were type “A” personalities trying to change and they both vigorously declined Collette’s use of her abilities to assist them in any matter.
Martin was so grateful when his friendship with Nathan March continued after his divorce from Collette who was no longer able to cultivate friendships due to her chaotic schedule of travel to clients worldwide, every year.
Now with Nathan looking into the matter of Collette’s bizarre death, in response to his close relationship with a member of the Atlanta Police Department, Martin and his daughter sincerely hope that some semblance of normalcy will be restored into their lives.
However, the weeks ahead prove that evil trapped inside people, seldom takes a vacation and the effects of that evil generally curses the lives of those it touches, despite their innocence or guilt!
“I really hate these things,” was the sentiment expressed by the gentleman occupying the backseat of the Rolls Royce Phantom, as it finally came to a stop.
Crowds of people waiting outside being held within velvet-roped off areas, strained their necks to get a better look at the arriving attendants, as cameras flashed every few seconds.
It made the man arriving wish he hadn’t given into his friend Detective Peter Ryan of the Atlanta Police Department’s Homicide Division. However his help was requested following the death of internationally-known Atlanta psychic, Collette Dickenson and he couldn’t refuse.
There were audible gasps as the man with close-cropped salt and pepper hair, alighted from his position in the rear of the luxury vehicle. Tan and healthy looking, his 6‘6“ medium-framed body moved with a fluid gait, as he modeled his well-tailored navy pin-striped suit worn over an immaculate crisp white shirt and stripped tie, to perfection. His sunglasses obscured very penetrating hazel eyes, and as he drew himself to his full height an aura of invincibility that always accompanied him, spoke well for him before he’d even uttered a word.
The black-haired blue-eyed driver was younger and his thickly-built six foot tall body did justice to a black Armani suit. As others before them had, he handed over the keys to a valet and then opened the door to the Celestial Slumber Funeral Home in Atlanta, Georgia for his employer, a well-known and highly-respected private detective, named Nathan Marsh.
Security guards allowed March and driver Mickey Stone, to pass only after verifying their names on the invitation list for the private viewing.
Tact was uppermost in Nathan’s consideration while initiating this particular investigation, because of the sensationalism surrounding it and the people involved. His knowledge of the deceased was scanty and even that was courtesy of his acquaintance with her ex-husband Martin, who he first met when he responded to an invitation to dinner at the Dickenson home.
During that dinner Collette insisted that her metaphysical talents would be far more accurate than the standard methods Nathan currently applied during his investigations. When Nathan gently rebuffed Collette, Martin Dickenson and his daughter Reggie endeared themselves to him by agreeing with Nathan’s assessment of his enviable level of success. They became friends and had stayed on Nathan’s Christmas card list each year, since then.
Collette’s exploits after her divorce from Martin intrigued Nathan including her romantic liaisons with some of the most fascinating men in the world, which included a popular movie actor, an organized crime boss and a passionate affair with a former member of Israel’s Knesset.
Despite the large number of invited guests it didn’t take Nathan, flanked by Mickey, very long to locate Martin Dickenson and his daughter Reggie. They were standing to the left of the gold-toned coffin joined by Collette’s live-in companion Armand Oulette. Nathan took his place in line as the family received numerous expressions of sympathy from each of the attendees.
Digital photos taken of Collette Dickenson over the years, with various national and international celebrities from all walks of life, were tastefully displayed in a video slideshow that ran continuously throughout the viewing and gave her the status of a former member of the elite class. However Nathan was privy to the truth behind the hype. Due to his friendship with Martin and Reggie he knew the fantasy lifestyle’s cost to everyone involved except Collette, who had even planned her dramatic funeral service down to the last detail.
The Dickensons were from Boston’s aristocracy and on Martin Dickenson, the only child in his family, hung all the hopes and aspirations of his parents. Yale educated with more than a modicum of business success under his belt, he stood over six foot tall with streaks of premature grey hair and hooded blue eyes that only took second place to a smile that could only be termed awesome, because it drew attention to a very full mouth.
For generations it was custom for members of the Dickenson family to volunteer for public service, therefore Martin volunteered to teach Business 101 at the Junior College. There he met a blonde-haired beauty named Collette Marie Curran, a Liberal arts student who was taking his class. The attraction was instant and after that semester was completed Collette left the Junior College and was moved onto the Dickenson estate in one of the small cottages. She anxiously attended the more prestigious University, with all tuition costs defrayed by Martin. Once college was behind her, Collette married Martin and the rocky relationship began to Martin’s disappointment.
Martin’s mother was delighted that at least the few family members she had met at the wedding from the Curran side of the family, appeared to be well-educated with refined taste and admirable sensibilities. Since Martin was always the epitome of gracious behavior and Collette was always shamefully soliciting attention, his family believed that he and Collette would never have married at all, had she not been pregnant with Reggie at the time, and over the years that opinion never changed.
Collette’s new social standing gave her “psychic coming out party” a legitimacy that few in her field would ever have had the right to expect. However, Martin hated every metaphysical discussion she held in his company. He was even more disgusted when his family friends believing they were expressing their approval of the woman, provided her with contacts that increased her notoriety considerably.
As a couple, Collette and Martin continued to mingle amid the upper crust for nearly nine years until an amicable dissolution of their marriage brought about by Collette’s steadfast infidelity confirmed by a local private detective, gave Martin the opportunity for complete freedom from her.
At Collette’s viewing, Martin Dickenson saw Nathan approach him and his arms went around the man he respected so highly.
“Thank you so much for coming Nathan,” he said in an anguished tone.
“I am so sorry to see you under these circumstances Martin,” said Nathan.
Reggie Dickinson reached for Nathan and held him in a sincere embrace while whispering. “Oh Mr. March this is an absolute nightmare.”
“It’ll be over soon Reggie,” whispered Nathan.
Reggie Isabelle Dickenson didn’t realize the presence she projected with very little effort. A younger clone of her late mother, at slightly over five feet five inches tall, her natural blonde hair, enormous blue eyes and a pouting mouth decorated a beautiful heart-shaped face that few could ignore. Her well-toned and curvaceous body set the twenty-four-year old apart from most other women, just as her mother had before her. oweve
However, it was Reggie’s intention to obtain the best education possible so that she could utilize it to fulfill her and bring respect to her father’s name. To that end she had earned her doctorate in History, making her able to teach on her own schedule while she wrote for several Historical periodicals and worked on a Historical novel.Hi Her outstanding characteristic was her honesty but what most people noticed was the way she moved with her head held high, exhibiting a dignity and a natural graceful bearing which she attributed to her father’s side of the family.
“You’ll stay with us for the next few days, won’t you please Mr. March?” Reggie pleaded.
“Yes Nathan, we both need your good company, now more than ever,” said Martin sincerely.
“Mickey and I would be honored,” said Nathan.
“Then you will join us at our home tonight won’t you, and maybe we can talk for a while before bed,” said Reggie.
“Of course,” said Nathan.
Once he extracted himself from an emotionally distraught Reggie, Nathan moved on to offer his condolences to Armand Oulette, Collette’s live-in lover of over a dozen years. One would guess that even in better times this man appeared brooding and indifferent. Dark and swarthy, he stood six-foot-four inches tall with his enormous chocolate brown eyes his most dominant facial feature. Nathan noticed his ability to make everyone work for his attention and thought it almost admirable as he approached him.
“Ah, I finally get to meet the only man who could have successfully competed with me for Collette’s affections. She followed your career quite closely sir,” said Armand without humor and with great respect.
“I’d like to extend my sympathies Mr. Oulette. I hope your grief will be shortened by the warm memories you both shared over the years,” said Nathan.
“You are very kind indeed, Mr. March,” Armand responded.
Collette Dickinson’s open coffin was only a few steps away when Nathan lowered himself onto the kneeler in front of the coffin. The fact that no expense had been spared to enhance the appearance of the corpse was obvious by the perfect make-up, hair style, nail color and clothing Collette wore. However, with the trained eyes of an investigator, Nathan noticed the careful attempt to cover a grimace on the face of the deceased.
He immediately sensed that Collette had not died instantly, instead she’d endured some fear according to the forced expression of peace that had to be literally pasted onto her face. Nathan knew that Detective Peter Ryan probably had the photos to prove how right he was, and as Nathan stood it was Detective Peter Ryan whose eyes he met as he came toward him in the crowd.
“This is my least favorite event to attend,” said Detective Ryan, “but I needed to follow up on a lead or two. Believe me Nathan this time especially I could use something, anything clear and precise to go on because so far nothing‘s coming together on this case,” said the frustrated detective.
Shaking his outstretched hand, Nathan said “Well Pete you’ve still got all of your hair, your teeth and fingernails so Mary must be treating you well.”
“That she is my friend and yes she is still the living doll I made four kids with in six years. Also I mustn’t fail to live up to my reputation as a braggart, by not telling you that the proceeds from her third children’s book, paid the mortgage on our house off last month,” Pete responded.
“How’s that sister of hers doing,” inquired Mickey Stone as he sauntered up to the two men.
“Mickey you had a narrow escape from that one. Her fourth marriage lasted six months and she’s looking for number five,” said Pete
“Please forget I asked,” said Mickey.
“I thought the least I could do is to bring you two to a late lunch and while you eat, I will fill you in on some of the gorier details of this case. The funeral‘s scheduled for four o‘clock, and unfortunately it‘s open to the public,” said Pete.
“Tonight promises to be my first opportunity to discuss Collette’s death at length with her family members. They’ve invited both Mickey and I to stay with them a few days,” said Nathan.
“Good, I know how well you get people to talk Nathan, so I’m sure we’ll have lots to discuss later,” said Pete.
Slipping away minutes later, the three men headed for lunch. The lanky brown-haired blue-eyed detective stuffing his face liberally with the Guacamole salad he ordered at Rancho Del Rio Mexican restaurant, was an exact opposite of Mickey whose thicker build including muscled arms, made wearing even a well-tailored suit always a bit uncomfortable.
“I don’t know how things work in your neck of the woods Nathan, when it comes to celebrities, but I sure hope I never catch another one of these cases for the rest of my career.
“Everyone wants special privileges, special accommodations, and even Mrs. Dickenson’s servants requested lawyers before answering any questions about anything including her client records and her laptop, which by the way are the only things missing from her room,” said Detective Ryan.
“Well from her facial expressions in the photos you showed us, although Collette had to be conscious in her final moments, she didn’t put up a struggle against her killer or killers,” said Nathan.
“Which could mean she was self-medicated before her attackers struck,” said Mickey.
“To hear her staff tell it, the lady never touched anything but natural supplements. They swear down to the last one, that absolutely no drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes, were in this lady’s repertoire. She relied solely on chamomile tea to get her relaxed and sleepy, and that they swore to me,” said Pete.
“In all the photos you showed us on the way here there was a small amount of blood considering the deep gash in her neck,” said Mickey.
“That’s right which had the M.E. hinting that perhaps her heart had already stopped when her throat was cut,” said Pete.
“Well I did notice that the fingernails on both her hands were dug into the sheets quite deeply. That along with a grimace that her makeup’s covering today, both indicate to me that she felt some level of pain for some length of time, prior to her death,” said Nathan.
“Wow Nathan, that’s a great catch, I never noticed that at all,” said the detective seemingly awed by the news.
“Well I might as well tell you that I suspect you might have got a very unique case in this one, Pete,” said Nathan.
Knowing Nathan’s natural and very accurate intuition, Mickey asked “Boss dare I say you suspect more than one person’s involved?”
“For the time being, I believe that’s exactly the way you should handle it Pete, because if the medical examiner’s report comes back the way I believe it will, it’s going to indicate that a lethal injection of a life-threatening substance was in her system along with barbiturates, both ingested before her neck wound was accomplished,” said Nathan.”
“I guess meeting you at that forensic seminar six years ago, was a fortuitous event for me after all,” said Pete knowing that Nathan was probably right about it all.
The crowds gathered at the cemetery were held at bay by private security and two dozen off-duty police officers on paid funeral detail. However, the crowded burial scene was ridiculous with several people chanting Collette’s name and camera’s flashing in all directions as actors and actresses, politicians, news moguls, even high ranking military personnel as well as dozens of the very, very rich and famous, continued to arrive at the grave-site just before 4 o‘clock.
Reggie Dickenson clung to her father as the arms of strangers reached out for her to offer condolences.
The priest attempted several times to speak above the noise of the crowd and was only successful when Armand bellowed out a request that the crowd show some respect.
After delivering a heart-wrenching eulogy, filled with half-truths which Collette wrote for him to deliver, Douglas Mayhill, Collette’s lawyer, took his place by Martin Dickinson.
Armand Oulette seemed to ignore everyone as he genuinely appeared stricken when the coffin was lowered into the ground.
Collette’s long time secretary Lena Phelps, swayed before collapsing and was taken to the hospital suffering an irregular heartbeat according to the EMT’s, on standby exclusively for the funeral.
With seats six rows back from Collette’s family and any close acquaintances, Nathan and Mickey had a great vantage point from which to scan the members of the elite class present at the funeral without being observed. Nathan couldn’t dismiss the thought that had he been her client he would be concerned that she might have left records of his secrets, including any personal shortcomings revealed during sessions with Collette.
Martin and his daughter Reggie Dickenson were holding hands, both lost in the past they both shared when mother, father, and daughter woke early to find the perfect place by the lake to fish. Their minds were full of memories of trips to New England’s Cape Cod and the beaches that provided so many miles to roam collecting shells. They were all so young and full of passion and ambition but back then they always found time to connect and express their love for one another.
When it all stopped neither father nor daughter could remember, they only knew that when it did stop, Martin spent more and more time at the office and Reggie clung to her pets as her Mom became more and more interested in developing her metaphysical gifts.
This evening, still in a haze, Reggie clung to her father’s arm and in the company of Douglas Mayhill they were escorted safely back to Collette’s home where they would greet those invited back in accordance with Collette’s last wishes.
Nathan March knew that often the socially-prominent found themselves invited to all manner of events either to add legitimacy to the events themselves, or to elevate the status of those hosting them. For that reason it was not uncommon for him to find himself on lists for the funerals and after funeral soirees, of individuals that weren’t friends or even acquaintances of his. He regretted that some people, even dead people, needed to be identified with the upper crust if for no other reason other than the validation of their loved ones as members of the socially elite.
What Nathan found particularly sad was the fact that in order to receive enough attention to warrant a mention with a photo in the society columns, some former celebrities showed up for these events minus an invitation and feigned a misplacement of their invitation until they were given access to the affair, as a reward for their persistence.
Watching Martin and Reggie Dickenson avoid most of the guests was unpleasant for Attorney Douglas Mayhill who had put together the details of the day’s events exactly as they were dictated to him by the deceased, months beforehand. He recalled thinking even then that he himself couldn’t imagine putting such an eclectic mix of people together for any reason. It made no sense to him whatsoever.
Increasing his own discomfort was the fact that he’d bet that more than half of the three-hundred guests were well under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs as the six bathrooms on the estate seemed to stay permanently occupied.
Mickey Stone had unintentionally intervened on a young woman wearing her “Proud to be Lesbian” button and an elderly lady who found the younger woman’s see-through attire and the button’s sentiments, highly disrespectful on such an occasion. When the shouting escalated to shoves, without thinking Mickey went to the defense of the elderly lady and received a blow to his face from the younger woman. Security arrived to rescue Mickey from the situation taking the young woman away still swinging.
“Can’t take you anywhere, Mickey,” said Nathan with a smile.
“Collette would have loved it,” said Martin Dickenson.
“You’re so right Dad, the more bizarre the behavior of her guests the more mother enjoyed them,” said Reggie.
“I think she invited some of her guests knowing that sooner or later their ability to reign in their insanity would give way to their more natural state,” added Martin.
A bit later Detective Peter Ryan lumbered over to Nathan and the others huddled together, himself looking almost overwhelmed.
“If you think things are getting out of hand out here you should be in the dining room listening to Collette’s staff trying to guess what she left each of them,” said Pete.
“You’re kidding,” said Reggie.
“Wish I were Ma’am,” said the detective sincerely.
“Put it out of your mind darling it isn’t important,” said Martin.
“Father you know I could care less about mother’s estate, but I will not sanction those hangers on who forced me to make appointments between myself and mother, now dividing up her property like vultures,” stated an angry Reggie Dickenson.
“Tomorrow’s reading of Collette’s will, will not be a pleasant experience for some,” said Douglas Mayhill.
“Are you mentioning that because you believe that I will be one of those shocked?” said Reggie quite perturbed.
“I’m sorry if my comments sounded directed at you Reggie. I did not mean them to, it’s just that if the detective’s observations are correct some people in the household are going to be very upset at the reading of the will tomorrow,” said Douglas Mayhill.
“That’s another reason for me not to be there,” said Reggie.
“What Reggie means is that our attorney, Emmett Doucette will be representing her interests at the reading of Collette’s will in your office tomorrow afternoon,” said Martin Dickenson.
“I wonder if I and my associate Mickey Stone might be able to get an invitation to the reading of the will tomorrow afternoon with Detective Ryan?” asked Nathan March.
“Of course Mr. March I’ll entertain any request approved by the Dickenson family,” said attorney Mayhill.
“I would consider it a favor,” said Mr. Dickenson.
“Then consider yourselves invited Mr. March,” said Mayhill.
The lavish soiree included the normal finger foods one expects and then like the guests attending it, there was an eclectic variety of Collette’s favorite vegetarian dishes such as polenta, organic herbed garbanzo beans, egg casserole with layers of cheese, mushrooms, and asparagus, deep fried black-eyed peas, cranberry-spinach salad, guacamole, penne w/broccoli, toasted pine nuts & shiitake mushrooms, as well as several dozen varieties of homemade breads and muffins.
Although decaffeinated coffee, tea, seltzer and sparkling water were available for the guests, Armand had insisted on serving alcohol, including wines from Collette’s pre-enlightened period which were still housed at the very rear of the wine-cellar her ex-husband had modernized for them years earlier when they were still a couple.
Nathan was glad for the wonderful Pinot Noir that made smiling and engaging in small talk with strangers less forced as he tried his level best to gauge the roles that some of her guests played in Collette’s life.
The guests were certainly eclectic with some guests appearing to be out of place, such as a group of four Catholic nuns dressed in full habits, who seemed to hang on every word coming from the mouth of a man dressed in a bright orange robe.
However, the strangest guest of all was a young woman with a shaved head, with large tear-drop tattoos under each eye, dressed in all white. She presented herself to each guest pointing to the large silver cup in her hands asking for charity. When she got to Nathan she placed the cup on the grass, stood on tip toes and kissed him, then picked up her cup and moved on.
“Didn’t know you could still blush boss,” said Mickey Stone.
“Should I be flattered?” said Nathan.
“Well that proves you’ve still got it,” said Mickey with a smirk.
“It proves that Collette’s acquaintances are definitely not all from this dimension,” Nathan responded.
“I agree wholeheartedly,” said Martin Dickenson.
At seven forty-five that evening, the event ended and the formal celebration of the life of Collette Dickenson came to an end. Reggie Dickenson and Armand Oulette had both made sure that the attendees left with their thanks for attending the memorial holding the black Gucci umbrellas or “funeral favors” Collette insisted each mourner receive as a remembrance of her.
The household and wait staff had done a remarkable job at the estate keeping up with the cleaning and rubbish collection needed throughout the three-hour affair. Security had finished a sweep of the estate and all the quarters, to be sure no guest was occupying a room anywhere.
Mickey Stone had gotten directions to Aubrey Hills, one of the most successful and affluent residential communities in Atlanta, where Martin and Reggie Dickenson had taken residence after the Dickenson divorce. Mickey and Nathan’s next few days were to be spent as guests on the sprawling six-acre estate complete with rolling hills and meadows, and surrounded by tall enchanting oaks, magnolia and dogwood trees.
The two-story Tudor home and grounds were the epitome of House and Garden perfection. Nathan and Mickey were soon directed to the fire-placed den complete with bookcases filled to capacity and a wonderful hand painted ceiling mural surrounding an antique ceiling medallion. Reggie, dressed in jeans and a tee shirt, joined them while Martin ordered bedtime refreshments before excusing himself for a moment.
“After a flight from Vermont to Atlanta, a viewing, a business lunch, a funeral and an after funeral gathering, how do you manage to look so fresh and alert Mr. March?” asked Reggie.
“You are too kind, Reggie, because I feel as wilted as any rose ever felt. It’s only my curiosity that’s keeping me alert, I assure you,” said Nathan.
“And what is it exactly that you are so curious about?” asked Martin Dickenson as he rejoined the group in the den, dressed in a sweater and slacks and looking as if he’d taken a quick shower.
Before Nathan could answer a tray of four cups of steamy liquid as well as carrot cake topped with cream cheese and a banana nut loaf paused the conversation, while the four friends filled their mouths until they were satisfied.
“Now out with them, your questions, Nathan,” said Martin.
“Well first of all, I don’t mean to be indelicate but in your eyes Martin is it a given that the property and much of Collette’s estate will go to Armand?” asked Nathan.
“Well my best guess is that at the very least Armand will split the lion’s share of Collette’s estate with Reggie,” said Martin.
“How do you feel about that Reggie?” asked Nathan.
“It bothered me when Dad told me his opinion but now it doesn’t matter, it’s how mother died that has me sick inside,” said Reggie.
“It’ll probably be a while before all those details are made known Reggie. Hopefully your future will be a little more clear to you when the matter‘s resolved,” said Mickey.
“Homicide just doesn’t seem possible with all the people surrounding her and protecting her 24/7,” Reggie responded.
“Obviously the events leading up to her death are complicated and I don’t feel that concentrating on them will help us Reggie,” said her father.
“You’re absolutely right Martin. That’s Peter Ryan’s responsibility and mine and Mickey’s business. I know none of us are going to leave either of you with uneasy feelings about any of the details,” said Nathan.
“I wanted to interject something I’ve learned in my association with Mr. March and that is to take nothing at face value. Expect things to get foggier as a case moves along, because that’s a sure sign you are getting close to the truth,” said Mickey.
“And over the years I’ve learned that people are capable of the most outlandish behavior when they are fearful and murders are mostly the result of fear. When frightened, even the meek may become caustic in their language and the more boisterous among us may find that they are unable to express any feelings at all.
“In these matters those who we would judge as simple-minded often make extremely wise decisions, just as those considered enlightened run out of ideas. I believe that happens because those gentle hearts see things in the natural without adding their judgment, their ego, or their emotions to the situation,” said Nathan.
“Ambrose Bierce one of my favorite writers said about murder that “There are four kinds of Homicide, felonious, excusable, justifiable, and praiseworthy,”’ said Martin.
“Mr. March, right now my father sounds rather cavalier about mother’s death but believe me he was anything but cavalier a few days ago,” said Reggie.
“It’s called putting up a brave front, except now it feels like my emotions are coming from a growing numbness somewhere inside of me. I mean I was married to her for a decade in fact I was the only man she ever married. We had a child together, but today I can’t seem to muster up any authentic sadness or pity for what’s happened. It’s got me thinking that I said goodbye years ago and maybe for me Collette died way back then,” said Martin wistfully.
“Well I think my questions are best left for tomorrow when we are all well rested and able to concentrate better,” said Nathan.
“I totally agree,” said Reggie and with that each headed for their bedrooms and a welcomed night’s rest.
I like it!
Thanks Andy, it's one of my favorites. Had a lot of fun writing it. Gratefully yours, Faith.