chapter 13

Arnold ran George Standstill’s name through the computer and got no results. There were no warrants or convictions on his record. His last known address was his parent's house.

“Geez, that this guy do? He must have walked into the Bermuda Triangle?” Arnold stood up and shook his head.

“I don’t know,” Michele said. “But someone has got to know what happened to him.”

“I’m sure someone does.” Arnold huffed. “ But who? I don’t know where to look next.”

Michele thought for a moment. “Say, is there any way of pulling the names of all of his co-workers at the Davidson’s spa?”

Arnold raised an eyebrow. “You know, I can’t believe I didn’t think of that.” He paused a moment and smiled. “You want to take a ride to the Davidson’s house? Partner.”

Michele smiled. “That sounds like a plan.”

Once they were on their way to visit the Davidsons Arnold said.” You know, I want to apologize.”

“For what,” Michele exclaimed.

“Be 'cause you were right. There might be some merit to your theory about why I wanted to work separately.” Arnold sighed. “I think subconsciously I was being petty because you asked a question during the interview.”

“Why,” Michele said bluntly.

“I don’t know. Arnold banged his hand on the steering wheel causing Michele to jump. “I guess I felt you were undermining me. I’m sorry” He glanced at Michele.” We are partners. and we are in this together. You have every right to ask questions as well.”

“Look, I’m sorry too. The way I was acting at the beginning of this case I thought maybe you lost faith in my detective skills.”

“What do you know.” Arnold smiled. “We both made mistakes. The price of being human.”

Michele smiled and playfully shook her head. “I didn’t know you were human.”

“That’s what the guys from Area 51 told me.” They both laughed.

Once they arrived at the Davidson home they got out and walked to the door. Arnold knocked. “Are you ready for round two?”

“Why yes I am subject four for one,” Michele said in a silly voice.

They smiled but then turned serious when the door opened. Parker Davidson stood before them. “Oh great, just what I needed.”

“May we come in?” Arnold asked bluntly.

Parker snorted.” Like I have a choice.” He stepped aside and motioned them in.

Arnold and Michele stepped in. Arnold turned and faced Parker.” Mr. Davidson. We’ve had a few developments in the case that we would like to talk to you about.”

Parker shook his head and walked away. “follow me.”

The detectives did just that. They all sat down. “Is lily here?”

She’ll be right back. She went out to Taco Bell.”

“Arnold nodded. “That’s okay. We can start without her.”

Parker clasped his hands behind his head and slouched. “So what can I do for you now?”

“We know you took Izzy in as a favor for reverend Westley. We know You eventually adopted her.”

Parker shrugged. “Good for you detective.” His tone was snarky. “It still doesn’t explain what you want.”

“We want the employee files of your spa when George Sanderstill worked there.”

Parker’s eyes went wide. “Why the hell would you want those?”

“Because we know you fired him, and now we are trying to find him.”

Parker through up his hands up and then slapped his leg. “I don’t understand. “That was almost thirty years ago.”

“Because Izzy was his sister.” Arnold said boldly.

Parker stood up. “What the hell are you talking about? Her last name was Bancroft.” He shouted.

“Sit down Mr. Parker,” Arnold demanded. Parker sat down slowly as he glared at Arnold.

Arnold studied Parker’s reactions closely. “Wastley told you her last name was Bancroft Because he didn’t think you would take her in you knew who her parents were.” He paused to let that revelation sink in. “We think maybe George is getting revenge for you firing him.”

Colored drained from Parker’s face. Wait, You think he killed Nathaniel?”

Arnold slightly nodded. “It is one of the avenues we’re exploring. We know after you let him go he developed a drug habi_”
“Now hold on a sec.” Parker demanded. “He had a drug habit before I fired him.”

Now Arnold had a confused look on his face. “What are you talking about?”

Parker let out an exasperated sigh. “ I was making a surprise visit to my spa. When I walked into the break room I caught George doing lines on the table.”

“Why didn’t you fire him then?”

“Because he begged me not to.” Parker looked down and then at Arnold. “I guess I felt sorry for him. I guess his parents weren’t very loving. according to him, it was like they were rigged and cold. He felt alone, even when he was with them.” He shrugged his shoulders. “If you ask me I think he wanted to get caught. I really think he wanted me to tell his parents. You know, to get their attention.”

“Then why would he beg you to not fire him?” Arnold asked thoughtfully.

“I don’t know, maybe he didn't want to admit the truth to me.”

Arnold thought about it for a moment but before he could reply Parker continued. “And I think that is why he stoled the money.”

Arnold thought about how to proceed next. “Did you know Nathaniel had an encounter with him?”

Parker just shook his head.

“According to his book George confronted him and Izzy. They got into a fight. I guess Nathaniel knocked him out.”

“I didn’t know anything about that.” The look on Parker's face said he was telling the truth. “So then where has he been all of these years?”

“That we do not know.” Arnold paused. “And like I said that is just one theory.” He stood up.” Thank you for time, Mr. Davidson.” He walked towards the door. Michele got up and followed.

“What are the other Theories?” Parker shouted.

Arnold opened the door and then turned around. “We’ll be in touch.” Arnold walked outside. When Michele stepped outside He shut the door. As they walked away they heard Parker shout. “What the f**k.”

“Leave him hanging on,” Michele said as they walked towards Arnold’s car.

“What can I say.” Arnold opened the passenger door. When Michele sat down he continued.” I’ve got an evil streak. He heard Michele giggle as he shut the door.

Once he started the car and began to drive away. He stopped when he saw a Pink BMW approaching. It stopped next to him. The window rolled down. “Detectives,” Lily said politely. “What are you doing here?”

“We came to Get your employee files for your spa. Tell Parker I need them by tomorrow or “I’ll get a court order to go through every file On hand at the premises.”

As he drove off Michele said.” Boy, you do have an evil streak.”

chapter 14