The Passwords: Part 4

After a series of ominous clicks, the safe door opened. He had been correct once again! Brian opened the door wider and looked into the safe.

He removed a notebook, two manila folders stuffed with papers, and two CDs in a jewel case. Brian skimmed through the notebook reading occasional passages. He soon realized the importance of what he had found. The evidence of a deadly crime.

Brian closed the safe and then moved the bookcase back into position. He next placed all of the books back into the bookcase. He wanted to set everything into its original place. Once done, he picked up the materials that had been in the safe and left the house.

Once in his car, Brian drove off, headed back to his hotel, oblivious to the car following him.

About an hour later, Brian reached the Marriott. He parked his car and then went to his room. In his room, Brian began to look more closely at the materials he had found.
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Rocky called his employer. “The Secondary left the house carrying a few items, what looked like a notebook and some folders. He has now returned to the hotel. Tonight we will move on him unless he tries to leave before then.”

His employer replied, “It sounds like he recovered the evidence from the cache. Very good. Be discreet but make sure you get the materials. Report back once you have him in custody.”

“Understood.” Said Rocky.
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The death of Nathaniel Baxter Forman had been the lead item in newspapers all over the world. His apparent heart attack , despite no prior history of heart problems, had been perplexing. Nathaniel had generally been very healthy and had lived an active life. Yet the doctors had found nothing to indicate that foul play had been involved.

Brian was mesmerized by what he read. The death of Nathaniel had been murder. The entire plot was laid out in the materials before him. Along with sufficient information to prove the veracity of the allegations.

Nathaniel had made his fortune investing in oil, banks and vineyards. The vineyards had been his passion. He had been a very well known wine collector as well as a philanthropist to wine-related causes. He had also been well known for his public battles with his only son, Silas.
Silas had originally been an embarrassment, a drunkard involved in a few high-profile arrests. Nathaniel had gotten Silas into several top-notch rehabilitation facilities though it was almost two years before Silas found sobriety. With that sobriety, Silas changed and started to become mildly anti-alcohol. As time passed, he became a more fervent opponent of alcohol.

He actually called for a legal ban on all alcohol. He circulated petitions to outlaw alcohol sales, to close down bars. He became an activist, a fanatic. And turned against even his own father.

Silas demanded that his father destroy his vineyards and stop promoting wine. Silas took matters public, hitting the talk-show circuit and news programs. He publicly blamed his father for many ills related to alcohol. As time went on, Silas became even more vehement.

Nathaniel was a patient and understanding man. Nathaniel had previously given much support to programs fighting alcoholism and drunk driving. Yet it was not enough for Silas. Eventually, Nathaniel’s patience for the antics of Silas began to wear out, as anyone would, and he threatened to disinherit Silas. Within two weeks, Nathaniel was dead.

The information Brian possessed stated that Silas had murdered Nathaniel, before Nathaniel could alter his will. It outlined exactly how Silas accomplished the vile deed and provided the means to prove his involvement.

There was no question in Brian’s mind what he should do. Nathaniel had been in San Francisco when he was murdered. So Brian would turn over everything to the local police. It was nearly dinner time so Brian decided to wait until the next day to go to the station.

Brian called for room service and then switched on the television
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The sun had set an hour ago. Rocky said to his partner, “We move now. We take him alive if possible.”

Without a further word, the two men exited their vehicle and walked towards the door to Brian’s hotel room.

To Be Continued...