The Perfect Alibi (Robin Lockwood #2)(44)

“And why is that?”

“He’s a big fan of Agatha Christie. He’s even got some of her mystery novels in his office. And,” Kellerman said, pausing for dramatic effect, “he also has a biography of Christie on his office bookshelf.”

“So?” asked Getty, who looked genuinely puzzled.

“Christie’s maiden name was Miller. She married Archibald Christie in 1914. In late 1926, Archie asked Agatha for a divorce because he was in love with another woman. On December 3, 1926, the Christies quarreled and Archie left the house. That same evening, Christie disappeared from her home. Her car was later found on the edge of a chalk quarry along with an expired driver’s license and clothes.”

“I’m still not following you, Rex.”

“Christie’s disappearance was big news, Paul. Rewards were offered for information, over a thousand police officers, fifteen thousand volunteers, and several airplanes searched for her. Arthur Conan Doyle even consulted a medium.

“Then, ten days later, Christie was found at the Swan Hydropathic Hotel registered as Mrs. Teresa Neele, the surname of Nancy Neele, her husband’s lover. Christie never gave an explanation for the missing days, and two doctors diagnosed her as suffering from amnesia.”

“You’ve lost me,” the DA said.

“I think Armstrong killed his partner. Then he remembered Christie’s disappearance and decided to fake his own disappearance and claim amnesia like Christie did.”

“Well, Rex, that’s, uhm, interesting, and a very creative theory, but I don’t see where that gives you probable cause.”

“What about the DNA? It’s Armstrong’s blood under Nylander’s fingernail. They fought, Paul. Armstrong killed Nylander during the struggle. That’s why he ran away. He panicked and ran. Then he faked amnesia to cover up his crime.”

“The DNA is interesting.”

“You learned about Occam’s razor in college, right?”

“Sure. In a complex situation, the simplest explanation is probably the right solution.”

“Exactly. Armstrong and Nylander were alone in the office during the time span the ME set out as the parameters for the murder. There’s no evidence anyone else was in the office after the receptionist left. All the employees were at a party, and they can alibi each other. But Armstrong has no alibi for the time of the murder.”

“What about a motive? As I recall, everyone says that Nylander and Armstrong were the best of friends, and Armstrong repeatedly told people that he owed everything to Nylander. Hell, Rex, I know Doug, and I’ve seen him and Frank together at parties and bar functions. I’ve never heard a word about any animosity between the two of them.”

“Even good friends fall out.”

“If they have a reason. According to the receptionist, Armstrong was in a great mood when he came back from Seattle. What made him turn into a homicidal maniac moments later?”

“I don’t know. But something happened. Think, Paul. Armstrong’s blood is under Nylander’s fingernail, and Armstrong had injuries to his face when he was brought to the hospital. That’s proof they fought.”

“Or that Doug was attacked by the same person who killed Frank. Doug Armstrong is an influential member of the bar and most probably a victim of the same person who murdered his partner. I’ve got to see more before I let you go after him.”

“Don’t get hung up on motive, Paul. We don’t have to prove motive to get a conviction. There’s not a scintilla of evidence that anyone but Armstrong and Nylander were in that office when Nylander was murdered. It’s Armstrong, Paul, I know it. Once he’s under arrest, I’ll get his motive out of him. Let me go to a grand jury with this. Let’s see what they say once they hear all the evidence.”

The stress of being the Multnomah County district attorney had exhausted Getty and destroyed his health. He was tired and he didn’t have the energy to fight with Kellerman.

“Okay,” Getty said. “Run it by the grand jury. But get someone working on a motive. If you do get an indictment, keep it quiet and don’t make a move before you tell me everything you’ve got.”

Kellerman stood up, anxious to leave before Getty changed his mind. “Thank you, Paul. You’ll see. You won’t regret this.”





CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX


Robin worked out before going to the courthouse, where she had a short appearance. Robin had the law on her side and had given the judge a brief supporting her position before arguing. The district attorney didn’t support her argument with a single case, so Robin didn’t have to concentrate too hard while the DA droned on. Instead, she passed the time thinking about last night’s lovemaking with Jeff.

Robin didn’t sleep around, and she’d had very few lovers, none of whom were as adventurous as her investigator. Actually, when she thought about it, Jeff was as good an investigator in bed as he was in the field. That thought brought a smile to Robin’s face and a scowl to the DA’s, who was insulted by the idea that her argument was amusing her adversary.

The judge ruled in Robin’s favor. To celebrate her victory, she treated herself to a latte on the way back to her office. When she walked into the reception area at nine thirty, an attractive blond woman stood up.

“Miss Lockwood?” the woman asked.