Murder On The Mainline - S01 E25

Story 1 day ago

Murder On The Mainline - S01 E25

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 25

Mike goes out to the parking lot and starts the Mustang. He pulls in by the side of the shops and loads up his laundry, luggage and briefcase then heads home. It's Thursday and he doesn't have any more runs this week. He drives out through Mission and home to Abbotsford. He glances over at Jeff's but all is quiet.

It’s nearly suppertime so he smells food cooking before he goes up into the kitchen. Marlene come to the door and cautions him to be quiet as he climbs the steps to her. He kisses her then whispers, "Kids asleep?"

She points at the living room door and whispers "Nina."

She beckons for him to follow her outside so he goes down the steps to the side door and goes out with her.

"I might as well tell you right off the bat. I’ve been sleeping over with Jeff since you left. Nina's been sleeping in our bed."

"What? How come?"

"The police came with a search warrant on Tuesday and went through the house then went over and went through Jeff's place too. He is furious. I don't think they found what they were looking for but they brought back your briefcase. They didn't seem too happy. Jeff doesn't know what they were looking for but Nina told me. Jeff doesn't know she told me. She went in to work yesterday and said they did nothing to her. She says it was the same today."

"So why's she here?"

"She doesn't know where else to go. Jeff won't leave her alone. He keeps insisting she tell him what is going on and she won't say anything because he might report you both.

I've been sleeping over there to try and soften him up, but no luck so far."

"Sounds like you've had a fun week. Does she go home to change."

"She brought a bunch of her stuff over. It’s in our bedroom. I suppose she'll want to sleep with you tonight."

"Might be a good idea. She'll need some comforting."

"If I know you, she won't get much sleep. You better comfort her as well."

"What do the kids think is happening?"

"I go over after they've gone to bed and try to get back early. So far, no problem."

"When do I get a chance to sleep with my wife again?"

"Right now, if you want? I can turn supper down."

"I think you mean more than sleep, don't you?"

"It would be nice. I miss you and your ways. Jeff is so nicey, nicey, if you know what I mean? You still have a lot of the savage beast in you."

"So, did the gendarmes leave any message for me, other than the obvious keep out of our business?"

"Nothing. I was surprised they didn't have anything to say to Nina. She thinks you destroyed all the papers, but I know you better. You've still got them, haven't you?"

"The less you know, the less they can get out of you."

"You've got them. Somewhere."

Mike goes back into the house and Marlene follows. They find Nina in the kitchen at the table with a cup of coffee.

"Marlene has told you? Jeff was threatening me with divorce yesterday. This morning he was a little calmer but when I came in tonight he just glared at me. He won't talk."

Mike sits beside her and says, "Nina, I can't see you two going through this because of me. We are going to have to tell him about the file."

"Because of you? He's putting me through this because he feels so guilty about having an affair. He's just a big baby in many ways. He’s pouting because he was caught. He's such a sensitive man, not at all Marlene's type. I still love him dearly and he will get over this in a few days, I'm sure. Marlene is good at soothing him down, anyway. Are you finished for this week? I expected you home last night?"

"Yeah, I don't think I'll have any more runs this week. I can get some work done on this case tomorrow, maybe."

"You’re still going to work on the murder? I thought they might have scared you off. Would you like some coffee?"

"Sure, thanks. They never said anything at work? Are they still allowing you to do the work for the investigation team?"

"No changes, yet. I'm sure they're watching me. Have you heard anything new? I guess you couldn't. You've been on the road."

"I talked with one of the suspects this afternoon, but not a real intensive interview, although he told me some things that I didn't know before." Marlene is setting the table around them so they go to the living room and sit on the couch side by side with their coffee.

"You talked to Tony, right?"

"Yeah, I finally caught him but only for a few minutes before a meeting. Do you ever have access to drug investigations?"

"Routinely."

"Has Tony's name ever come up in conjunction with drugs or the Vietnamese drug connections in Vancouver?"

"I don't recall it, but if he was a secret informant or under investigation undercover, the files are kept by the investigating officer under lock and key. They do their best to protect their sources. You think he's involved with drugs?"

"I have a report that suggests that."

"RCMP report?"

"No. I don't think so."

"How can you rely on it then?"

"There are other reliable sources than your bosses."

"Oh."

"I'll be checking it out tomorrow."

"Please be careful."

Marlene comes in and says supper is ready. She calls Richard from his room and sends him to find Shelly and Janet. By the time Mike gets washed the rest are at the table. He sits down and has supper at home. "I wonder what Jeff's eating tonight?"

Marlene speaks up, "He's dining out regularly now."

Nina says, "Probably steak and baked potatoes. His favorite food."

Richard pipes up, "We should go and eat with him."

Shelly says, "I want steak."

Janet doesn't say anything.

Mike says, "I'm sorry I asked."

The food is great. Marlene is a marvelous cook. Some light chatter occurs during the meal but not much. Everyone is busy eating.