The Children's Corner

Chapter 55

"He shouldn't be wearing white after Labor Day," Ryan comments pointing at a white-suited man emerging from the elevator.

Kate follows his gaze. "That's Leland Joffrey, who owns Prints O'Plenty. He just flew in from Hawaii."

"He could have worn a Hawaiian shirt. At least it wouldn't be white," Esposito offers.

If you guys can stop doing your imitations of Ross Mathews," Kate ripostes, "I need to interview him." She waves at the new arrival. "Mr. Joffrey, I'm Detective Kate Beckett. Thanks for coming in. If you follow me, I'll get you settled."

Kate ushers Joffrey to a seat in Interrogation. "I'm sorry, I can't put you somewhere more comfortable. Unfortunately, our lounge is in use at the moment. But can I get you a cup of coffee?"

A superior smile creeps across Joffrey's narrow lips. "I've become accustomed to Kona. I don't suppose the N.Y.P.D. keeps any of that around."

Kate returns his smile. "You'd be surprised at how well-stocked we can be. How do you like it?"

Joffrey hesitates for a moment. "Milk and a dusting of cocoa powder."

"Coming right up."

Kate says silent thanks for Rick keeping up the luxury breakroom supplies. The unexpected availability of premium brew rattled Joffrey. Later, she can thank her husband for that in person.

Kate delivers Joffrey's requested beverage, takes a seat opposite him, and opens her folder. "Mr. Joffrey, I understand that you own a number of Prints O'Plenty locations."

"That's correct, Detective. At present, 17 across the country. That includes my unfortunate loss in New York."

"Oh, so do you plan to re-establish that particular franchise?"

Joffrey fidgets slightly. "Perhaps. I have some matters to settle first. That's why I'm in New York."

Kate nods. "I understand. But I'm wondering how familiar you were with operations at that particular store?"

Joffrey's hand tightens on his mug. "I'm not sure I get the thrust of your question."

"For example, did you have any involvement in selecting the staff? Were you acquainted with any of the personnel?"

"I have a human resources firm that hires my managers. Then, management takes care of hiring the rest of my staff."

"And do you meet with your managers?" Kate presses.

"We have monthly video conferences. I very rarely have any in-person interactions."

"So other than your meetings with the manager, you never met any of the employees at the New York Prints O'Plenty?" Kate inquires further.

"That's correct, Detective."

Kate flips through several pages in her folder. "How about Chloe Lambert, the woman who died at the Greenery? Were you acquainted with her?"

"I don't believe we ever met."

"I understand that you maintain a residence in New York, Mr. Joffrey. How much time do you spend in the city?"

Joffrey's jaw tightens. "I don't see how that's relevant, Detective."

"Well, you made a considerable investment in Prints O'Plenty, Mr. Joffrey. Many business owners like to look in every so often and see how things are going. And, considering that you have a home in the city, I'm surprised that you didn't."

"The home is an investment too. I spend very little time there."

"That's a bit peculiar, Mr. Joffrey. Given the high tax rate in New York City, I would think you'd want to get something for your money."

"I prefer a better climate," Joffrey insists, his face reddening. "Really, Detective, I have very little to do with what happens in this city. I don't know what else I can tell you."

"All right, Mr. Joffrey," Kate allows. "We're finished – for now. But can I reach you at your city residence if I have any more questions?"

"I can't imagine what those would be. But you have my cellphone number."

"Yes, Mr. Joffrey, I do." Kate gestures to L.T. "Officer Tolliver will escort you downstairs."

As he's researching Chloe Lambert, Rick picks up Kate's call on the first ring. "Did you talk to Joffrey?"

"He just left. And I'm not sure what, but he's hiding something."

"Well then, let me give you a hint. Leland and Lambert go way back. They attended Windsor Prep together, then they both went on to college in Buffalo."

"Joffrey told me he didn't like the climate in the city, but he would have been up to his ears in snow in Buffalo. What else? Anything about a relationship between those two?"

"How about that they were prom Queen and King at Windsor? They also lived in the same dorm. But they had different majors. He was in the School of Management. She was in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences."

"If Joffrey wanted to go into business, I get the School of Management. But how would Chloe go from Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences to selling plants?"

"Kate, are you kidding? Some of the most potent – and pleasurable – drugs originate from plants. Cannabis is the most current case in point. But wars were fought over opium. Ancient assassins were thought to use hashish. What better place for a drug development operation to go unnoticed than your friendly neighborhood plant shop?"

"If that's what was going on at the Greenery, no wonder Joffrey would have wanted to distance himself from it."

"And I wouldn't be surprised if he had something going on in Hawaii, home of Maui Wowie, either," Rick adds. "We've been thinking about insurance, but drugs can be a much more substantial payday."

"So Joffrey could have had nothing to do with the fire, but he's trying to cover up something a lot bigger," Kate speculates. "Which brings us back to Amy and Stockard. Maybe they picked up on what Chloe was doing somehow and didn't like it. That would account for their exaggerated expressions of concern at her death. But they're both into animals, not plants. How would they know?"

A plaintive meow emanates from the next room. "Oh, could you hear that pitiful keen?" Rick queries. "Felicia's lost her catnip mouse again. After school, Lily will probably crawl around and find it for her. But I think in the meantime, she's going through withdrawal. Oh, Kate, that's it! Animals can get high on plants just like people do. They can also die from eating them. Maybe Amy or Stockard noticed Chloe selling green stuff that would be dangerous to animals and decided to see if they could kill two birds with one stone – not that they'd want to kill birds. Or perhaps Chloe's demise was an unexpected bonus of the Prints O'Plenty fire."

"Chloe's death could have been a surprise if they didn't know she would be there at night. It would depend on whether they scoped her out. But either way, I have to talk to both of them again. I only need one of them to crack. That will give me leverage over her partner."

"Which one do you think is most likely to break?"

"I don't know. I've never seen them interact. I'll get them both in. Then I can throw a bunch of questions at them together and see who dominates the duo. Once I figure that out, I'll separate them and concentrate on the weak link."

Images of Kate in the box flit before Rick's eyes. "I'd love to observe that particular Beckett masterclass. It should be an impressive sight."

"I just hope it's successful. But first, I'll see how the timing works out to get Amy and Stockard in here. Then, if we get lucky, maybe you and I can double team them."

Rick rubs his hands together in anticipation. "I will anxiously await your call to arms."