Chapter Fifty-Three

“I think you’d better leave, Detective Jacoby.” Jaffe was having a difficult time regaining his composure. The knuckles of the hands that were still gripping his wife arm were white. Beads of perspiration glistened on his forehead.

Jacoby didn’t retreat. “Senator, I will leave as soon as you answer my question. What do you know about the murder of Lillian Petulengro?”

“Answer the man, Stuart. What’s all this about? Why is he asking about tattoos and murders and that detestable dwarf that is always hanging around you?”

Jaffe looked like he was going to be ill but he recovered enough to mount a weak offensive. “Bonnie, can’t you see that this is a stunt dreamed up by my opponent to discredit me? There is no truth to what this man is saying.”

“Senator you can answer my questions here or we can take a ride downtown. It’s up to you.” Jacoby knew he was bluffing but he was hoping the Senator didn’t. “The way I see it you had Stone murder Petulengro before she could link you to the murder of the blonde whose body was discovered just a few miles from here. You didn’t want her to tell anyone she’d given the two of you matching tattoos. Is that the way it was, Senator?”

Bonnie pulled her arm away from Jaffe’s grasp. “You low life, son of a bitch. I hope they fry you.” She punctuated her statement by spitting into her husband’s ashen face before storming away.

The crowed which had been watching in stunned silence as the scene unfolded now parted to allow Bonnie Jaffe to pass. Cameras flashed as Jacoby handed the Senator a handkerchief. He grabbed the handkerchief and flung it to the floor. “Your career is over, Jacoby. Before I’m through, you won’t be able to get a job as a crossing guard.” He turned and followed walked off in the direction his wife had done.

Jacoby called after him, loud enough for those standing near him to hear, “There’s just one thing I haven’t been able to figure out, Senator.” Jaffe froze. “Why did you and Stone have to kill Dennis Doggett?”

Before Jacoby could react the Senator had landed a crashing blow to left jaw. Cameras flashed again as Jacoby theatrically crumbled to the floor. When he was sure all the photographers had gotten a good shot he stood up and brushed himself off and announced loudly “Senator, you’re under arrest for assaulting an officer. You have the right to remain silent…” Before he could finish, Jaffe swung at him again. This time Jacoby ducked. He took Jaffe by the elbow and escorted him very slowly out of the ballroom.