A Snowy Night

Part 12

By Kellie

When Ross returned from calling Blake, Michelle excused herself and headed towards the ladies room. She strolled right past Danny muttering as she went by, "I think you have some explaining to do." Since his mother seemed engrossed in her conversation with Roger for the moment, Danny followed Michelle to the hallway outside the restrooms.

"Would you like to fill me in on what’s going on in there? So far, every time you’ve plotted to get things going our way, it’s blown up in our faces. I’d like to know exactly what’s going on and how Roger is involved before this goes any farther since it’s my life on the line," Michelle angrily whispered.

Danny knew she needed some answers, but he needed to get back to see what was going on between his mother and Roger. "Sweetie, trust me on this one – it’s going to work."

"Danny, you’ve involved Roger Thorpe. I know that he doesn’t get involved in anything unless there’s something to gain for himself. What did you promise Roger and why did you get him involved?" Michelle inquired.

"That’s a question I’d like to hear the answer to myself," Ross piped in as he joined the couple in the hallway.

"Michelle, you remember the night Ben was killed – when you got home from the cemetery – you told me about Roger Thorpe and how your mother was his friend despite the fact he was disliked by everyone. After hearing his name, I started getting curious – I knew that I had heard his name before with regards to the business. I asked Dietz if remembered anything about the man. It seems that my mother had some dealings with him not long after my father died. Dietz didn’t give me any details. When I left the church this morning, I called Blake and asked her if she would give me her father’s number. I told her that I had found out about Carmen’s previous business relationship with him and I needed to know more. To make a long story short, I called Roger and explained to him that my wife was Maureen Bauer’s daughter and told him what my mother had done. Basically, I asked him for advice on dealing with Carmen. He said that Carmen had double-crossed him years ago and he wanted to help you for Maureen and see Carmen pay. He told me what surveillance equipment to set up at the table and said he’d be on the next flight out."

"Roger never forgets a person who double crosses him. I wouldn’t want to be in Carmen’s shoes when he’s done with her. I been on his wrong side before, and it’s not pleasant," Ross replied. "We need to get back and enjoy this show – two master manipulators trying to outdo the other. Things are going to be very interesting."

Danny watched as Ross and Michelle returned to their table. He resumed his place at the bar and popped the earpiece for the listening device on the table in. Roger had managed to get Carmen to begin ranting about how much she hated Michelle because of Mick’s death. Danny listened as she described in detail all the things she had done or attempted in order to break up his marriage. His blood was boiling after hearing about the set up with the bearer bonds in San Cristobel, but he managed to maintain a calm façade. Finally, Carmen began to talk about Ben and the plot with Theresa.

"Carmen, my dear, I must say you’re definitely gone the extra mile to get Michelle out of your son’s life. I can’t imagine what one would do to top all the things you’ve already tried unsuccessfully. I do believe you’re stuck with Michelle for a daughter-in-law," Roger smirked.

"Don’t be so sure, Roger. I’ll be rid of that Bauer girl yet."

"Based on that gleam in your eye, I’ll bet that you have another plan already in motion – one associated with this trial I’m sure. How many jurors have you paid off to insure a conviction, Carmen?"

"Now, I wouldn’t do something like that – besides that would be too easy for Danny to uncover. Michelle will be convicted based on irrefutable evidence, thanks to me," Carmen bragged.

Danny turned towards the bar to hide the look of victory on his face from his mother as he listened to Roger steer Carmen right into a confession.

"Roger, I killed Ben when I caught him forcing himself on my daughter. Quite by accident, I found out that Michelle had no alibi for the time of the crime when I was eavesdropping on her and Danny. Since she had publicly threatened Ben’s life, she was the perfect candidate to take the fall. All I had to do was plant the bloody gloves in her room and pay off a maid to say she saw Michelle exiting Ben’s room around the time of the murder. Perfect, wouldn’t you say."

"My dear, you are a master." At that moment the waitress arrived with Carmen and Danny’s lunch. Roger rose and leaned down and kissed Carmen’s cheek. "I will definitely see you after court to celebrate. I see my son-in-law across the room. I need to go speak with him about seeing my daughter."

Danny pulled himself together, slipped the earpiece out, and returned to the table. Carmen still had no idea about the video cam and listening device in the floral arrangement on the table. She would definitely be the one squirming - in court this afternoon when Roger was called to the stand and the tape was put into evidence.



Chapter 13-14

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