Don Scribner’s Blog Actor, Screenwriter, Songwriter, Singer

more of the book

Not at all fazed, Sam yawned again.  “Of course it’s being documented.  This is a murder investigation and something you say now may help us later.  It’s so easy to miss the tree in the forest.  And, a couple of detectives are…”  He pointed to the mirror.  “I’d like to ask you a couple of personal questions if it’s alright.”

Robbie put on his best smile.  “Doesn’t mean I’ll answer.  You understand.”

Sam hinted at a quick smile.  “You did have a physical relationship with Miss Mitchell.”  Robbie stared straight ahead.  “How long did it last or was it still going on?”

Robbie chuckled.  “What we won’t do for friends.”  He forced another chuckle.  “That’s extremely personal don’t you think?  But, my wife recently filed for divorce so I’ll answer.  Physical relationship… yes, we had one of those and it was sweet.  She was game for anything.  And, I mean anything.  She could have made some money in that area.  Actually, she did, didn’t she?  I kept her around.”

“You kept her around until the end, right?”  It was easy to see that Sam realized he may have crossed a line with Robbie and softened the question.  “What I mean is you gave her opportunities for employment and friendship… always.”

Robbie accepted that as a compliment, seemed less tense and rode with it.  “I did.  I gave her opportunities and friendship and she gave me…”  He leaned back with his hands behind his head.  “She gave me her charms.  Life’s a two-way street Detective.

Whitey pushed his notepad in front of me.  Piece of work, isn’t he? I enjoyed reading it, but it didn’t make me feel better.  All I could think of was ‘How could Teri be with him… ever?’

Sam then turned his head and looked directly at the mirror as if he could see us.

Whitey leaned into me and whispered again.  “Watch this.  Sam’s about to spring.”

“How well do you know the guy she lived with in Orange County… the guy with the BMW’s?”

“I didn’t know him well at all.  He didn’t really care for me.”

“Something against attorneys?”

Everybody laughed at that including Sam.

Robbie had his smug look now.  “Against this one for sure.”  Robbie fed off of Sam’s tell me more look.  “She spent more time with me than him.  She was there because of that big house and a new BMW.  But, it was in Orange County and she detested Orange County.  She found it all boring… business boring she said, including him.  She used to call me and beg to go on a trip.  She’d go anywhere anytime.”

“What about that last guy, the one before her husband.  Saltz.  What’d you call him… the salt shaker?”