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From the Files of Merrick Dylan: Space Detective

Tonight’s Episode: The Case of the Black Shoe

Act Three

My place was a safe house I rented out for cases like this. It was in the Quality Hill neighborhood of New Kansas City and it was a nice, safe area of town. It was also secure. We arrived in the lobby and were greeted by Smitty, the door man and night security man. Smitty was a nice kid, but about as sharp as a wet bowling ball. I liked the kid because he kept things quiet.

–Good evening, Mister Caruthers,” said a way too perky Smitty who was chewing gum way too enthusiastically.

Miss West looked a bit confused at the name change, but there was good reason for that. Smitty walked us over to the security desk. He produced a small package and handed it to me. Smitty also handed me a pen and a clip board.

–You’ll have to sign for that, Mister Caruthers,” said Smitty. –Wow. Peregrine Caruthers. What a cool name. Sounds like a detective from a old pulp novel, eh Mister C?”

–It certainly does, Smitty. Oh…this is for you. Thanks.”

I slipped twenty five bucks into Smitty’s jacket pocket.
In a sense Smitty was in my network and on my payroll. He didn’t ask too many questions and twenty five bucks a week was enough to keep him quiet. Smitty stood there smacking his gum almost to the point that it was annoying.

–So who’s the looker, Mr. C,” asked Smitty.

–I am sorry, Smitty,” I replied. –This is Veronica West. She is going to be my new administrative assistant. Miss West, this is Smitty. He is the guy who runs things around here.”

–Pleasure, Miss West.” Smitty pumped Miss West’s hand. –Damn glad to meet ya!”

–Well, Smitty,” Miss West replied. –I’m damn glad to meet you too.”

–I’m sure ya are, honey! Well, you kids have fun. Just call down here if I can get ya anything.”

Miss West and I walked to the elevator. Smitty headed back for his security desk and reumed reading a Shadow comic book. I hit the button for the fifth floor. When I caught Miss West’s eyes, she had an eyebrow raised.

–Administrative assistant? Peregrine Caruthers? What the hell kinda bull was that down there,” asked Miss West.

–Look Miss West, I rent an apartment here as a safe house for clients in trouble like you,” I explained.

–My line of work tends to get me in a lot of trouble. The alter ego is for your protection. Or would you prefer the goons that trashed your house track you back here?”

–All right, Mister Dylan. I’m sorry. It’s been a long night.”

The elevator stopped. We stepped out. A short walk down the hall and were at apartment 4B. I opened the door and let Miss West in. She walked around the place, nodding her approval at the style and décor. I gave her a tour of the place.

–You’ll find everything you need here,” I told Miss West. –There is food in the ice box, fresh linens, and you will be safe here. I’d advise you to lay low for awhile until I get back. If you need anything, call down to Smitty and he will take care of you. Can I get you anything before I go?”

–No, thank you,” replied Miss West.

I opened the small package. It was a box of new business cards. I gave one to Miss West. She took it and smiled. The card was on a white stock with a simple art deco type font in black ink. It read simply:

Merrick Dylan
Space Detective
(555) 662-1709
New Kansas City, Earth

–This is my number. I gotta go, but I will check on you later. Get some rest,” I said.

–Oh wait, Mister Dylan. I have something for you.” Miss West reached in to her handbag and gave me a small plain packet in which was a sizable amount of cash.

–What’s this,” I asked.

–I’m paying you double your fees. I know my father will appreciate you helping me and getting to the bottom of this whole affair,” Miss West responded.

–Where does a gal like you get a load of clams like this?”

–My father is a wealthy man, Mister Dylan. But I do a little nude modeling at the Art college to help pay the bills. I am afraid that grants and donations can only take a girl so far.”

I didn’t hear a word after –nude modeling at the art college”. I stood there trying not to think about it, but it was hard not to. The only thing that brought me out of my pre-teen school boy thoughts of what naked women looked like was a touch on my arm.

–You seemed to be lost in thought for a moment,” said Miss West. –What were you thinking about?”

–I was thinking I need to take some classes at the Art College,” I responded.

If there were a camera in the room, this is where I would mug to it and give a devilish smile. But there was no camera. Just some cheap paper and the cheap ink printed on the pages of this dime store pulp novel you people find yourselves engaged in.

–I gotta go,” I told Miss West. –Lock the door behind me, and Miss West do not let anyone in here except for me and Smitty.”

–Got it. Good night, Mister Dylan,” Miss West responded.
–Good night, Miss West.”

–Please, it’s Veronica okay? My friends call me Ronnie.”
I nodded turning to leave. I heard the door shut tightly and the click of the lock. I called O’Shannigan and had him send a couple of his men to Miss West’s house. It was now an official crime scene. O’Shannigan was not happy taking a call from me at the wee hours, but he also put up with it.

I pulled out my little black book and looked through my network of contacts, sources and informants. One stood out from the crowd. I knew I had to start with him. I looked at my watch. It was a little after 3:00 am and in this business that means the night is just getting started.


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