Everyone's a Suspect

1.

New York City is a place where one can expect the unexpected. When the city shows its ugliness it is not a pretty sight, and when New York turns violent it is often brutal.

It was a late March night in the Big Apple. Many New Yorkers were enjoying the unusually mild weather. During the day the temperature reached seventy-two degrees. It was still in the mid-sixties at a quarter past eight.

Peter Goldstein was working late in his midtown office. A partner in a prestigious securities firm, he made an astonishing living with an annual income over four million dollars. That amount did not include bonuses and other perks.

Peter was in his early fifties, but his boyish features made him look much younger. Divorced with two grown children, he kept in close contact with his son and daughter. His ex-wife was no longer a part of his life. The couple had an ugly divorce six years ago. Peter saw Janice only once or twice a year and as far as he was concerned it was too often.

Peter Goldstein walked into his luxurious office after using the men’s room. When he entered the room, Peter became surprised by the figure sitting in his chair. Scowling, he approached the familiar party.

What are you doing here? Goldstein asked in a harsh tone.

I think you know why I’m here, Peter. We have a lot to talk about. The other person spoke in a relaxed, confident voice.

We’ve talked about our problem. The issue is settled. Now if you’ll excuse me, I still have some work to do.

Don’t ignore me, Peter. You know what I want.

Goldstein quickly responded, You already know my answer. So, just get the hell out of here.

Peter Goldstein’s eyes popped when his uninvited guest pulled out a gun. Before he had a chance to speak, two shots were fired into his chest. He fell to the floor immediately and was dead within thirty seconds.

The killer looked at the body, and walked out of the office. The perpetrator did not rush while exiting the area. There was nobody else around who could have seen the killer leave. A silencer was used so no shots would have been heard.

The murderer got off the elevator and walked out of the deserted building, putting away the gloves that were worn. The security guard who watched the place had vacated his post, too busy kissing and fondling his girlfriend in an empty office. The killer knew about the guard’s secret.

While walking along the Manhattan streets, the killer smiled at several people who passed by. The murder went off as planned, everything would work out now. The killer arrived home twenty minutes later, unaware the getaway had been seen. The witness had plans to make the murder of Peter Goldstein into a blessing for himself.

Peter Goldstein didn’t expect to get killed tonight. He was totally unprepared and paid the ultimate price. New York is a cruel place for people who make mistakes.

2.

Detective John Napoli arrived at the building located at Forty-Fourth Street and Park Avenue around nine-thirty the following morning. The secretary who found the body was hysterical. She told the uniformed officers who were first on the scene about her discovery.

Napoli looked at the dead man. A large pool of coagulated blood surrounded the body. The detective saw the gunshot wounds near the victim’s heart; the cause of death apparent. Now if only the killer confessed, Napoli would be happy.

The medical examiner was also at the scene. He told Napoli that he would run all of the necessary tests at the lab. Napoli thanked him, and turned to a uniformed officer named Al Jenkins.

What did you get from the lady? Napoli asked the patrolman.

Jenkins answered immediately, Nothing much. She came to work and found her boss dead on the floor. She freaked out and called it in. She seems too upset to talk about it.

I’ll take her statement later. Thanks.

Sure, Detective, Jenkins said.

Napoli looked up and saw a familiar, but unexpected face. He knew the man worked in the securities field, but the name of the business had slipped his mind.

Hello, Mr. Martinez. I’m surprised to see you here.

My God, John. This is so unsettling; I can’t believe Peter’s dead.

Did you know the victim? Napoli asked his father in-law.

He’s Peter Goldstein, one of the partners at the firm. He was also a close friend. I feel so terrible.

Detective Napoli was shocked to see tears form in Charles Martinez’s eyes. John had known his father in-law for only seven months. While they didn’t see much of each other, John still thought he knew a little about the man. Napoli never expected to see him cry. Charles was usually cold and distant, never showing any emotion. Now, John realized he didn’t know everything about his wife’s father.

The first meeting between the men was a disaster. Charles disapproved of his only daughter dating a cop and told her so. His uneasiness with the situation worsened when the couple got married. He always wanted the best for Maria. For him, that meant marrying a wealthy and powerful businessman. A detective in the New York Police Department did not impress him much.

John’s mother in-law was no prize package either. She devoted most of her time working with charitable organizations after retiring from her position as a high school teacher. Mrs. Martinez’s family wasn’t a major part of her life. John’s wife was used to her parent’s lack of affection. She was never close to her family and didn’t care what they thought about her choice to become a cop or marry one. Napoli knew he had to focus on the murder at hand. He couldn’t let his personal ties get in the way of the investigation.

Detective Napoli continued to question his father in-law. When was the last time you saw Goldstein?

I left the office at six-thirty last night. I told Peter to have a good night. He was working late, as he often did. Peter was always the last one out of here.

How long had you known the victim? Napoli pursued his questioning.

Peter was with the firm for fifteen years. He became a partner ten years ago and was extremely dedicated to our business. Martinez’s voice cracked while he spoke.

Did he have any enemies that you know of? Is there a reason someone would want to kill him?

None that I can think of; it doesn’t make sense to me, Martinez said. Peter was well respected and liked by everybody. I can’t believe this happened to him.

Napoli added, Well Charles, if you think of anything let me know. I’ll keep in touch.

I guess I’d better inform Peter’s family. His children will be devastated; they adored their father. His ex-wife won’t care that much. They rarely saw each other since the divorce.

Detective Napoli became interested by the statement about Goldstein’s ex-wife. How long have they been apart?

Oh, it’s been about six years. Peter always took care of Janice and the kids, though.

Did Goldstein have anyone in his life lately? Napoli inquired.

Martinez answered, I never asked Peter personal questions, it was none of my concern. Now if you’ll excuse me, there are many things I need to do.

John watched his father in-law as he walked away. He thought it was strange how Charles didn’t know much about his partner’s personal life, especially since he referred to Goldstein as a close friend.

3.

Napoli returned to the Midtown South precinct before noon. He still had mixed feelings about Manhattan. He’d been working in the borough for only three months. It was a higher profile area than the precinct in Queens. Still, he missed the old neighborhood and his former colleagues. Napoli particularly missed having Maria as his partner, because he and his wife made a great team. Their professional relationship didn’t last long, but their personal one kept blossoming every day. Napoli preferred having his wife with him at home more than on the Job.

As he walked into the squad room, he saw his partner at his desk. Napoli didn’t have positive feelings about the other detective. Terry Franklin was thirty-five years old, stood six feet tall, and weighed one-hundred and ninety pounds. Franklin always had a disgruntled look on his face.

Franklin was a black man who was quite prejudiced. He always categorized people by their ethnic background. He didn’t like most whites, Asians, or Hispanics. Hell, Franklin didn’t even care much for other African-Americans. Franklin often called Napoli a Guinea or Wop. John tried to ignore the comments. He figured as long as he was stuck with Terry as a partner, he would try to make the best of the situation.

Napoli couldn’t understand why Franklin was so bitter. After all, he had a decent life. Franklin had a good job, he was healthy, and he had a beautiful family. What more could a man ask for?

Detective Franklin and his wife enjoyed their twelve years of married life so far. The couple was blessed with three beautiful children whom they adored. Charlotte was eight years old, Danielle was six, and Paulette was three. Napoli never met his partner’s family, but he had seen pictures of them on Franklin’s desk. Franklin didn’t speak much about his family or life outside the Job. John accepted this and kept their partnership on a professional level. Often, Napoli wondered if Franklin was a different man at home. He couldn’t imagine his wife putting up with such a closed minded individual.

What Napoli wasn’t aware of was the type of upbringing Franklin had. Terry’s father spewed hatred his entire life. He drilled his racist beliefs into each of his five children. While Terry’s siblings were able to live without their father’s legacy, it was much more difficult for him to do so. Detective Franklin often hated himself for having such distorted views, but he couldn’t fight off the demons his father passed on to him.

Napoli walked into the detective’s division, and approached his partner in order to inform him about the morning’s events. Franklin had to appear in court earlier, which was why he wasn’t with Napoli when the call came in.

Hey Terry, how did court go this morning?

Franklin replied, Not too good. Stupid Jewish judge ruled for my neighbor. It figures though; all you white people stick together.

Franklin had rented his basement to a young man in order to earn more income. One of his neighbors complained about the noise the guy made. Franklin told the elderly woman to mind her own business. However, he didn’t use such polite language when he spoke to her. The lady reported Franklin to the authorities because he didn’t own a legal two-family house. The judge ordered the detective to stop renting the apartment, in addition to giving him a fine.

Franklin was mad because he liked getting the extra money every month. He wanted to do something to get even with his nosy neighbor. However, he knew any type of retaliation would have to wait. If anything unusual happened now, he would get the blame for it. Maybe he would uproot the woman’s flowers in the summer. She loved her garden and would become livid if anything happened to it. Franklin kept the thought in the back of his mind.

Well, win some, lose some. Napoli retorted.

I don’t want to hear your shit, Napoli, Franklin said tersely. Anything happen this morning?

There was a murder involving a partner in an investment firm.

Probably some rich white dude. Am I right?

Napoli tried to ignore the comment from his partner. He was a white man in his early fifties. The victim’s name was Peter Goldstein.

Franklin looked at Napoli in disgust. Oh great, another Jew. They’re my favorite people, you know.

Napoli continued despite his partner’s remarks. His secretary found the body this morning. She was too upset to answer any questions. We’ll have to get her statement when we go back.

What else do you have? Franklin asked.

Well, there is one interesting thing.

What’s that?

My father in-law is also a partner at the firm. I didn’t even know it until he walked into the office. I was surprised to see him there.

Franklin chuckled at his partner’s statement.

What’s so funny? Napoli asked, somewhat annoyed.

Franklin answered, You white people always get into some shit. How are you going to tell your wife that her father is a murder suspect?

He’s not a suspect, Terry, Napoli replied.

Let’s see. He worked with the victim, right?

They were partners.

He knew the man, right? Franklin grinned as he spoke to his partner.

Yes, Napoli answered in frustration.

Then I guess he’s a suspect. Remember, everyone’s a suspect, especially if they’re white.

That’s where you’re wrong, Terry. Charles isn’t white; he’s Puerto Rican.

Even better. Put the man at the top of the list.

Detective Napoli shook his head at his partner, upset with what he had said. Perhaps it was because of the racist remarks, or it might have been because Franklin was right in his assumption. Charles Martinez had to be considered a suspect in the murder. Napoli knew it was going to be a long, trying investigation.

4.

When John got home that evening he was greeted by Rusty, the family dog. John loved the brown German Shepherd and considered him part of the family. The Napolis agreed Rusty would remain with them after the baby’s birth. The dog would probably protect the new addition to the household as much as he would John and Maria.

After letting Rusty outside, John walked into the kitchen where he saw his beautiful wife cooking dinner. Hi, babe. John kissed Maria’s lips softly and pressed his mouth against her expanding stomach. Why are you cooking? he asked.

Because it’s almost dinner time, the glowing blonde answered sarcastically.

Very funny. You know you should take it easy; the baby’s due next month. Sit down and let me take care of everything.

Maria kissed her husband passionately. Thanks John, but no, she said. I need to do something to keep busy. I go crazy sitting around here all day.

Maria Napoli wasn’t used to staying home because she had always led an active life. She worked as a detective for the NYPD for the past two years, enjoying the adventure of the Job. At the end of the sixth month of her pregnancy, she took a leave of absence. John wanted her to stop sooner, but she wouldn’t hear of it. After being home for the last two months, Maria was ready to go back to work. She agreed to stay home for at least one year after giving birth. However, Maria wished she could change those plans. The baby would keep her busy, but she would still miss working. At least she had a computer at home to occupy her time. She thought about working on old cases from home when the time was right. It would make her feel a little better at least.

John set the dining room table while Maria kept busy in the kitchen. Peering into the other room, Napoli realized how lucky he was. He had a gorgeous, young wife whom he adored, and their first child was on the way. The house the couple lived in was accommodating for now. John was happy when he moved out of his old apartment. There was never any doubt as to where the newlyweds would live; Maria’s house was the logical choice. It was located in Sheepshead Bay, a nice middle-class section of Brooklyn. John always felt at ease in the house. He had already shared many magical moments with Maria there and was looking forward to many more.

Maria brought the chicken cutlets and baked potatoes into the dining room. As the couple sat at the table and prepared to eat, Rusty started barking from outside. The dog paced around the fenced-in backyard. He was usually put outside during dinnertime when the weather permitted. As John rose from the chair to see why Rusty was barking, the noise suddenly stopped. John figured the dog was probably getting hungry. He would mix in the table scraps with the dog food and give it to the animal when he was finished with his meal. Maria put three pieces of chicken and two potatoes on her husband’s dish. She only placed one of each on her plate.

Aren’t you hungry?

I am, but this is plenty for me. I don’t need to gain any more weight.

What are you talking about? You look great, John said lovingly.

Maria said, I’m as big as a house; I’ve never been this fat in my life.

You’re also pregnant. Besides, you’re not fat. You look terrific with the few extra pounds. John had a mischievous look on his face as he said the words.

It was true Maria had gained some weight during her pregnancy. However, it was mostly from the baby. Maria was only twenty pounds heavier than usual. John thought it was pretty good, since some women gained forty or fifty pounds while pregnant. Those women often had trouble getting back into shape after giving birth. John knew Maria would have no such problem. She would have her old figure back within a month.

How was work today? What are you investigating?

John hesitated for a moment. He didn’t want to tell Maria about Peter Goldstein’s murder, but realized she would find out about it soon anyway. If her parents didn’t inform her about it, the media certainly would.

It was a rough day. We had a murder at an office on Park Avenue.

What happened? Maria asked curiously.

Some guy was shot twice in the chest. His secretary found the body this morning. It looks like a tough investigation.

Maria noticed a look of worry on her husband’s face and wondered why he appeared so concerned. What is it, John? You look like there’s something wrong.

John let out a short sigh. The victim’s name was Peter Goldstein.

Maria gasped, Oh my God, he’s one of my father’s partners. I know the man, John. I didn’t like him much, but still it’s terrible. Did you see my father?

I asked him a few routine questions. Franklin and I have to go back there tomorrow. Maybe we’ll get a break and find the killer.

I hope so. How did my father react to the murder?

He was shaken by it. In fact, I saw him crying. I was surprised by it.

Maria said, I can’t believe it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen my father cry. He must have cared about Peter. I’ll give him a call later.

You should, John said.

After the couple finished dinner, John cleared the table, putting the plates and silverware in the dishwasher. He didn’t want to mention what Franklin had said. Why tell Maria that her father was a suspect? She probably knew it anyway. After all, she was still a sharp detective, even if she hadn’t worked in two months.