You meet the prime suspect in this chapter. Some more clues fall into place. The mystery continues to build. Some people might find the last scene a little disturbing. I apologize if you do. Thanks for all the reviews. Keep them coming.

Chapter 4

The Tipton had never been a hotspot for homicide, which was unusual. Big name hotels were usually notorious for high profile murders that stem from the American elite partying too hard and making dumb decisions. Nick could only remember two homicides that had occurred at the Tipton. One several years back when a famous model and actress was found stabbed to death in the Imperial suite. The killer had been an emotionally unstable former boyfriend, who just so happened to be the heir to a shipping empire. He pled guilty to a misdemeanor and served nine months out of a twelve month sentence. The other one had occurred a year back when another high power young actress was strangled to death during a wild party held by a senator's daughter. The killer had been a bellhop. He got the death penalty. Now Abby Pierson's murder. Besides those three it was usually all quiet on the Tipton front.

Curtis Landon was sitting in a basement store room that had been cleared out to become a temporary interrogation room. Curtis' lawyer, a conniving little weasel named Edwin Mercer, was already meeting with him. Nick felt his blood boil when he saw Mercer.

"What the hell is he doing here?" asked Nick. Green sighed.

"Landon called him right after one of the uniforms questioned him. Someone has a guilty conscience," replied Green.

"Damnit. The last thing we need is Edwin Mercer getting in the way," moaned Nick as he and Green walked into the room. Mercer shot up when he saw Nick.

"I don't think so, Sutton. You're not allowed to question my client," snapped Mercer. Curtis grinned at Nick.

"I'm the head detective on this case," explained Nick as he leaned against the wall. Mercer sat down.

"You and my client have a history. You can't be trusted to act rationally in this investigation," complained Mercer.

"Whatever history we have has nothing to do with this investigation. Besides, Mr. Landon hasn't even been accused of anything yet," replied Nick as he and Green sat down across from Curtis and Mercer. Mercer was about to say something but Curtis put a hand on his shoulder.

"It's OK, Ed. Let Detective Sutton stay. His dead wife has nothing to do with this," sneered Curtis. Nick felt his blood boil. He clenched his fists as Curtis smiled.

"Ask your questions, Detectives," exclaimed Curtis as he leaned back in his seat and ran a hand through his dirty blonde hair.

"How long have you worked here, Mr. Landon?" asked Green.

"Almost a year now," answered Curtis, not talking his eyes off Nick.

"They hired you despite your criminal record?" asked Nick. Curtis shrugged.

"I was charged with possession of illegal narcotics and a bogus assault charge over fifteen years ago. I'm a changed man," replied Curtis.

"You were the prime suspect in a murder investigation!" snapped Nick. Green put a hand on Nick's shoulder to calm him down. Curtis grinned at Nick.

"This interrogation is over. Detective Sutton, I will be filing a motion to have you removed from this investigation. Good day," exclaimed Mercer. Since there was nothing to charge Curtis with, he was free to go.

"Don't leave town, Mr. Landon," warned Green. Curtis winked at Green as he followed Mercer out of the room. Nick waited for them to leave before standing up and kicking his chair.

"Son of a bitch. If this guy didn't do it, I'll paint my ass pink," growled Nick.

"Jumping to conclusions already, Nick?" asked Green.

"Oh come on, Claudia. You know he's guilty to. He was so smug and calm about this whole thing," exclaimed Nick.

"Unfortunately that won't hold up in court," explained Green. Nick sighed as he leaned his head against the wall. First his wife and now Abby Pierson. Nick swore to himself that he would nail Curtis Landon for killing Abby Pierson. One way or another, he would bring Curtis Landon to justice. Even if it meant his badge.

…………………..

Carey watched as nurses changed the bandages on Cody's stomach. One nurse frowned when she saw that Cody wasn't producing an adequate amount of urine. The bag which was collecting Cody's urine was only about a quarter full. It should have been half full. No need to panic yet though. Dr. Franklin, Cody's surgeon, had assured Carey that this was only a minor setback. Cody's surgery had gone very well and his stomach would be better in no time. His mouth would need work but the damage wasn't as bad as initially though. Thank God.

The nurses finished their work and left Carey to be alone with her son. Carey sighed and sat back down next to Cody's bed. She took his hand in hers and squeezed. She smiled as Cody gently squeezed back. Carey looked up when she felt someone standing in the doorway. Moseby was leaning against the door frame.

"Mr. Moseby. What are you doing here?" asked Carey. Moseby walked over and looked down at Cody.

"I wanted to come see how he is. Any change?" asked Moseby.

"Surgery went very well. His urine production could be better but other then that he's fine," explained Carey. Moseby nodded as he sat down next to Carey.

"Police have about three major suspects. They're confident that they'll make an arrest soon," explained Moseby. Carey nodded.

"Have you talked to the Piersons?" asked Carey.

"Mr. Tipton called them personally. He's going to pay for Abby's funeral arrangements. He's also agreed to pay Cody's medical bills," replied Moseby. "He feels so guilty about the whole thing."

"It's not his fault that this happened," replied Carey.

"I know. But he feels he should be able to trust his employees," explained Moseby.

"How do we even know it was an employee?" asked Carey. Moseby sighed.

"We don't for sure. But it seems unlikely that a total stranger off the street walked into the Tipton and did this without being noticed," reasoned Moseby. Carey sighed. She and Moseby sat in silence as they watched over Cody, hoping for some sort of justice.

…………

Zack yawned as his usual nurse, a gorgeous pediatric resident named Nikki, changed the bandage on his wound. Nikki had been with Zack since the start, even being on the surgical team during Zack's surgery. She put up with his flirting and even sometimes jokingly returned it.

"So how does your stomach feel, Zack?" asked Nikki as she finished up.

"OK. Sometimes it feels weird but mostly it's OK," replied Zack. Nikki nodded as she wrote something down on a chart.

"Do you take care of my brother?" asked Zack. Nikki shook her head.

"I don't work the PICU. When he comes down here, I will," answered Nikki.

"How is he? Do you know?" asked Zack as he sat up a little.

"From what I heard he's fine. His condition wasn't as bad as first thought," answered Nikki. Zack nodded. He felt himself growing tired. Before he knew it, his eyelids closed and he drifted into sleep. Nikki smiled and left, moving on to her next patient. Outside late night Boston began to get drenched by a downpour.

……………

Curtis Landon entered his studio apartment. He had left the TV on that morning. Curtis took his jacket off and hung it up. He opened the fridge and took out a beer. He finished it off in one gulp. On the TV, the news was doing a spot on the Tipton murder. Curtis sat down on his futon and watched. The reporter was saying the cops had several suspects but Curtis knew they didn't have a clue. The only one who really knew what had happened was Sutton. Curtis sighed as he reached into his pocket and pulled out his latest treasure. As the rain fell outside, Curtis held the lock of Abby Pierson's hair up to his nose and breathed in deep.

Next chapter: Cody takes a nosedive, Tyler and the monster, Nick meets Carey, and Zack and Nick.