Morning, Noon & Night

"Malkovich is probably a drug pusher. But he’s clever. They haven’t been able to nail him yet." else?’ Steve asked. ‘ police believe the operatio , is tied into the French mafia with a connection thr, ugh Marseilles. If I learn anything else, I’ll call.", Lieutenant. That’s very helpful.’ Steve put down the phone and headed out the office door. When Steve arrived home, filled with anticipation, he called, ‘?’ There was no answer. He began to panic. ‘!" She’s been kidnapped or killed, he thought, and he felt a sudden sense of alarm. Julia appeared at the top of the stairs. ‘?’ He took a deep breath. ‘ thought …’ He was pale. ‘ you all right?’ 6yes.1 She came down the stairs. ‘ things go well’in Chicago?’ He shook his head. ”m afraid not.’ He told her what had happened. ”re going to have a reading of the will on Thursday, Julia. That’s only three days from now. Whoever is behind this has to get rid of you by then or his – or her – plan can’t work.’ She swallowed. ‘ see. Do you have any idea who it is?, ‘ a matter of fact …’The telephone rang. ‘ me.

9Steve picked up the telephone. ‘?" is Dr. Tichner in Florida.

Sorry I didn’t call earlier, but I’ve been away.’ ‘. Tichner. Thank you for returning my call. Our fir Mi represents the Stanford estate."

"What can I do for yout ”m calling about Woodrow Stanford. I believe he’s a patient of yours."." he have a drug problem, doctort "Mr. Sloane, I’m not at liberty to discuss any of my patients." understand. I’m not asking this out of curiosity. It’s very important .

.."’m afraid I can’t .. ‘ did have him admitted to the Harbor Group Clinic in Jupiter, didn’t yout There was a long hesitation. ‘.

That’s a matter of record." you, doctor. That’s all I needed to know.’ Steve replaced the receiver ‘ stood there a moment. ”s unbelievable!" Julia asked. ‘ down.’ Thirty minutes later, Steve was in his car headed for Rose Hill. All the pieces had finally fallen into place. He’s brilliant. It almost worked. It could still work if anything happened to Julia, Steve thought. At Rose Hill, Clark answered the door. ‘ evening, Mr. Sloane." evening, Clark. Is Judge Stanford int ”s in the library. I’ll tell him you’re here."

"Thank you.’ He watched Clark walk off. A minute later, the butler returned. ‘ Stanford will see you now." you.’ Steve walked into the library. Tyler was sitting in front of a chess board, concentrating. He looked up as Steve walked in. ‘ wanted to see met "Yes. I believe the young woman who came to see you several days ago is the real Julia. The other Julia was a fake." that’s not possible."

"I’m afraid it’s true, and I’ve found out who’s behind all this.’ There was a momentary silence. Then Tyler said slowly, ‘ havet ‘. I’m afraid this is going to shock you. it’s your brother, Woody., Tyler was looking up at Steve in amazement. Are you saying that Woody is responsible for what’s been happening?"’s right." … I can’t believe it.’. ‘ could 1, but it all checks out. I talked to his doctor in Hobe Sound. Did you know your brother is on drugst ‘ … I’ve suspected it., ‘ are expensive. Woody isn’t working. He needs money, and he was obviously looking for a bigger share of the estate. He’s the one who hired the fake Julia, but when you came to us and asked for a DNA test, he panicked and had your father’s body removed from the coffin because he couldn’t afford to have that test made.

That’s what tipped me off. And I suspect that he sent someone to Kansas City to have the real Julia killed. Did you know that Peggy has a brother who’s tied into the mob? As long as Julia’s alive and there are two Julias around, his plan can1t work." you sure of all thist "Absolutely. There’s something’else, judge.’ 4Yest ‘ don’t think your father fell off his yacht. I believe that Woody had your father murdered. Peggy’s brother could have arranged that too. I’m told he has connections with the Marseilles mafia. They could easily have paid a crew member to do it. I’m flying to Italy tonight to have a talk with the captain of the yacht.’ Tyler was listening intently. When he spoke, he said approvingly, ”s a good idea.’ Captain Vacarro knows nothing. ”ll try to be back by Thursday for the reading of the will." – Tyler said, ‘ about the real Julia? … Are you sure she’s safet "Oh, yes,’ Steve said. ”s staying where no one can find her. She’s at my house."

Chapter Thirty-three

"The -gods are On MY side. He could not believe his good fortune. It was. an incredible stroke of luck. Last night, Steve Sloane had delivered Julia into his hands. Hal Baker is an incompetent fool, Tyler thought. ru take care of Julia myse#’ this time. He looked up as Clark came into the room. ‘ me, Judge Stanford. There’s a telephone call for you.’ It was Keith Percy. ‘?", Keith." just wanted to bring you up to date on the Margo Posner matter." ‘. Gifford just called me. The woman is insane. She’s carrying on so badly that they have to have her locked away in the violent ward.’ Tyler felt a sharp sense of relief. ”m sorry to hear that.", I wanted to ease your mind and let you know that she’s no longer any danger to you or your family! I appreciate that,’ Tyler said. And he did. Tyler went to his room and telephoned Lee. There was a long delay before Lee answered. ‘?’ Tyler could hear voices in the background. 61-=?V "Who is this?"’s Tyler.", yeah. Tyler.’ He could hear the tinkling of glasses. ‘ you having a party, Leet ‘-huh. Do you want to join just Tyler wondered who was at the party. ‘ wish I could. I’m calling to tell you to get ready to go on that trip we talked about." Lee laughed. ‘ mean, on that great big white yacht to St. Tropez?" "That’s right.". I can be ready anytime,’ he said mockingly. ‘, I’m serious.", come off it, Tyler. Judges don’t have yachts. I have to go now. My guests are calling me." a minute!’ Tyler said desperately. ‘ you know who I am?", you’re -"’m Tyler Stanford. My father was Harry Stanford.’ There was a moment of silence.