Chapter 17
“Where is Jasmine, Mr. Pace?”
Leon answered carefully that the woman had recently left his employ. He did not know where she was. Patiently, he explained that the woman was distraught over her boyfriend’s disappearance and needed a change of scenery. Perhaps she went home to her folks, he speculated.
Detective Jones was not amused.
“People around you are dropping like flies, Mr. Pace. First Damon Fields, then the robbery suspect we told you about, and now your employee. Aren’t you afraid you might be next?”
“I won’t dignify that with an answer, detective. Perhaps it’s time to call my lawyer.”
“Perhaps it is. But be advised that this investigation will proceed regardless of your lawyer’s presence.”
Leon’s lawyer arrived in a short period of time, and the questions resumed.
“Our research indicates that Mark Pace was the last person seen with Damon Fields. Can you confirm that?”
The lawyer interrupted immediately. Jones understood that the time for preliminary games was over. The meeting broke up quickly, and the detective left for the District Attorney's office, preparing to file charges against Mark Pace. They didn’t have hard evidence, but it was time to shake the tree a lot harder. Especially since it now appeared that Damon Fields body would never be found.
Jasmine had indeed gone home to her folks. She was out of options. Her parents were surprised but happy to see her. She waved off their questions and stated there was nowhere else she’d rather be. Until the police showed up.
On the one hand, Detective Jones was happy to find Jasmine alive. You never know with this case, he thought. But on the other hand, Jasmine was not being particularly helpful. It was time to ramp up the pressure.
“Are you aware that Mark Pace has been indicted by the grand jury in Damon Field’s disappearance and probable murder?”
She seemed to shrink before his eyes.
“No,” came the meek response.
“Do you want to be next?” came the harsh answer.
“No.”
“Then talk to me. Give me the real story for a change.”
Finally, it came out. The seduction of clients. Plying them with drinks. Passing information to Damon and Mark. Her suspicions about Damon’s death. The information was relayed in a jumble so fast that the detective had to stop her and tell her to slow down.
Once she was done, the detective had real evidence. Mark and Leon Pace had both obstructed the murder investigation. Now the D.A. could charge both of them, declare Damon Fields dead in absentia, and get the ball rolling in court. Upon further investigation, there would be extortion charges too.