as Harrison had no true friends. Everyone in his inner circle was an acquaintance and prospective business associate. No doubt his selection was more business than sentimental. On the other side of the aisle was Mary’s overweight roommate. Standing beside Mary in a teal blue bridesmaid’s gown, her plumpness was apparent. Mary herself was stunning. Her wedding dress was not traditional in that it had no train but it was elegant. Only a few classmates, teachers and Mary’s parents attended the ceremony. Martha and Tucker Richards sat on the front row beaming as if it was the wedding of the century.
There was no time for a honeymoon as Harrison was eager to report to work. He and Mary spent the night in the local Ramada courtesy of the Richards and left for their future early the next morning. Upon their arrival Harrison left the job of setting up their small apartment to Mary and began his career with McKay & Johnson. Harrison quickly proved his worth in the financial arena and rose through the ranks rapidly. Within five years he made vice president, the youngest in the history of the company. And when the CEO and president, Charles Turnberry, died suddenly of a heart attack the choice of successor was apparent. At thirty-eight Harrison Michaels became the twenty-second CEO and president of McKay & Johnson.
Chapter 1: Meeting the District Attorney
The funeral director was busy at his desk but immediately rose when Harrison walked in. “I’m Harrison Michaels,” he stated without his usual forcefulness. Harrison looked like a shell of his former self. That his clothes looked traveled in evidenced the fact Harrison came to the funeral home directly from the airport. “Mr. Michaels, please come in.” The small man standing before Harrison was anything but intimidating in his inexpensive but decent suit, yet he spoke softly knowing any misstatement would wound Harrison even further. “I am truly sorry for your loss. My name is Walter Davidson.” The two men shook hands and Mr. Davidson looked directly at Harrison. “Before we can address the arrangements for your wife there appears to be a problem.” A nod of Mr. Davidson’s head directed Harrison to the other man in the room, a rather large man sitting in the office in a gray suit.
It was not often District Attorney Jeffrey Taylor made a personal appearance. While Jeffrey Taylor understood he was a servant of the people he certainly did not consider himself one of the people. Jeffrey Taylor considered himself to be above the common man. His position as district attorney only enforced his opinion of himself. The district attorney was considered one of the most powerful men in the county. He had tremendous resources at his disposal and could direct them at anyone he chose. Jeffrey Taylor relished the power that came with his office. But he all too well understood the reality of his position. When the wife of someone as universally powerful as Harrison Michaels’ had just died, politics, if not sheer survival, dictated Jeffrey Taylor handle matters personally, especially when what was first reported as an automobile accident has just turned into a murder investigation.
“Mr. Michaels, Jeffery Taylor. I know this may not seem the appropriate time but I need to speak with you on a matter of utmost importance.” Mr. Taylor had risen and approached Harrison as he spoke. Unlike Mr. Davidson, Jeffrey Taylor did not appreciate the situation Harrison was in. His approach was direct and strong, likely stemming from his own insecurity and not an attempt to get an upper hand. Harrison’s reaction was second nature given his personality, and he quickly emerged from his weakened state and went on the offensive. “I can not imagine what would be that important but I can have my attorney here in fifteen minutes.” Harrison had stepped directly to the District Attorney and deliberately crowded in on his space. His eyes were piercing and never deviated from Jeffrey Taylor. Jeffrey backed away and ducked his head slightly. “No sir, Mr. Michaels, I don’t think that will be necessary. I need to discuss some evidence we have discovered surrounding your wife’s death.” Jeffrey’s attitude was definitely softer and he resembled a schoolboy who had sassed a teacher only to feel the sudden and harsh rebuff. Mr. Davidson used that moment to excuse himself from the room but couldn’t help but smile as he walked down the hall.
Having gained the upper hand, Harrison took control of the impromptu meeting. He sat in one of the chairs placed neatly in front of Mr. Davidson’s desk and motioned for Jeffrey to take the other. The two men sat next to each other in the office for a moment before Mr. Taylor began explaining the problem. It appeared the officers investigating the accident scene noticed some paint marks on the front left fender of Mrs. Michaels’ car. Not a lot was made of it at first because of the tremendous damage to the car. However, after the car was removed from the hillside and taken to the impound yard, the officers resumed their investigation and realized the paint on the side of the car did not match the railing the car crashed through. The paint appeared to be from another automobile. The paint used on highway railings was a different grade and this paint had a gloss pigmentation, the kind used to give an automobile that distinctive shine. It was either a case of hit-and-run or deliberate and intentional murder. The District Attorney’s office had no idea which at that time but one thing was for sure, a crime had been committed.
Jeffrey paused for Harrison to assimilate this information. Harrison felt a sudden sense of nausea but maintained his composure. He knew better than to show any sign of weakness. Jeffrey Taylor thrived on pounding on those weaker than him and Harrison had to remain in control of this situation. “And?” Harrison asked, knowing this wasn’t all of the information Jeffrey had to give. The commission of the crime was the reason for Jeffrey Taylor’s visit at this inopportune time before any arrangements could be made for Mary’s funeral. “We need to have an autopsy performed on your wife.” Mr. Taylor’s words were deliberate but surprisingly subtle. As he looked to Harrison for a reply he could tell the words were still reverberating in his head. Harrison’s face was blank and for the first time he looked away from Jeffrey. His expression was somewhere between misunderstanding and disbelief.
It was not necessary for the district attorney to have a family member’s permission to perform an autopsy in a criminal investigation, but Jeffrey Taylor knew at this moment he was correct in his judgment. He also knew that the thoughtfulness of his actions would be long remembered by Harrison. Jeffrey would not have to mention it at election time; Harrison would simply contribute to his campaign. Politics: Jeffrey Taylor wrote the book on it. He watched Harrison for a moment then spoke. “Mr. Michaels, I hope you understand I would not be telling you this if it was not absolutely necessary.” Harrison, woke from his stunned state, and quickly agreed to the autopsy, thanking the district attorney for his thoughtfulness. Not wanting to prolong the meeting, Harrison stood and headed toward the door. Halfway out the door, he turned and informed Jeffrey Taylor there were questions, to which he wanted answers: Were there any leads? A suspect? Motive? Jeffrey explained it was too early in the investigation to know anything positive. However, he assured Harrison this case was high priority in the district attorney’s office and its best investigators and attorneys would be working the case.
Harrison then asked when he could get Mary’s personal items from the car. “I don’t think you should be bothered with that, Mr. Michaels. Why don’t you allow me to handle that for you?” Jeffrey stood and walked to the door next to Harrison. Placing his hand on Harrison’s arm, the District Attorney explained the contents of the automobile had to be cataloged and any personal items would be delivered to Harrison’s home or office. Besides, the car was not something Harrison needed to view. The collision was traumatic and the damage extensive. Harrison thanked Jeffrey again and left the office looking for Mr. Davidson. Although he could not finalize any arrangements he was determined to see Mary. Mr. Davidson was not far down the hall, patiently waiting for a sign the meeting in his office was over. When the door opened he had begun making his way back toward the office. When they met, Harrison explained his desire to see Mary before he left. Mr. Davidson nodded and led him down the hall through a set of double doors to the back of the funeral home. Adjusting his wire rim glasses, Mr. Davidson explained that Mary’s body would have to be moved to the county morgue for the autopsy and that he would handle the move personally.
As they entered the back room Harrison braced himself for the worst. The
