Chapter 25

For Internal information Only

Georgia Bureau of Investigation File 89-201

Summary: The investigation request from Richmond County Sherriff’s department into the multiple homicides of: Lynn Albris, Bernie Philips, Cindy Taylor

And multiple suspicious death of: Roger and Helen Lambert.

Cause for Request: Insufficient resources within Richmond County to investigate multiple murders. Possible drug trafficking related. Central character with all five deaths (two ruled possible sabotage of Propane Gas within residence) an 18-year-old son, and a 20 year old daughter of Roger and Helen Lambert. All incidents occurred within a ten-day period in a county that sees an average of 3 homicides per year. Possible links to criminal actions in Augusta and Atlanta. No Suspects. No apparent drug traffic ties. No White Slavery ties.

Other Agency investigations current or past:

FBI/IRS investigation into actions of son, Henry (Hank) Aaron Lambert, listed as sole owner/ Operator of Multiple LLC’s within the Augusta area and extensive property ownership in Augusta and in Richmond’s County GA. Ownership of these LLC’s are registered with state and U.S. Customs as import/export entities. Investigation did not yield solid information to continue the investigation at this time.

Principal also inherited the property of the former family house that was destroyed in the fire that killed Roger and Helen Lambert. Currently represented by

Referred to GBI by Detective Sgt. Merris, Richmond’s Sherriff’s department.

Other Information:

During the timeframe of all the fatal events, The Principal (Henry Lambert) was listed as present in Augusta, some 50 miles away from the scenes. Interviews indicated the individual that had no prior knowledge of the incidents, had no knowledge or contact locally after the incidents. DHS attempts to find suitable housing for this (at the time) minor were blocked by Natalie Benson acting as attorney for Mr. Lambert. Prior involvement by Ms. Bensen in Mr. Lambert’s affairs was unknown. The Financial arrangements between Ms. Bensen and Mr. Lambert are unknown, buried in Client Privilege. All investigative contact with Mr. Lambert must be through Ms. Bensen. Ms. Bensen is a current Member of the Georgia Bar association in good standing and with very high criminal and contract experience.

Current Location of Principal is 1030 Broad Street, Augusta Ga. Interviews are on location at 1030, as dictated by his lawyer. The Lawyer prefers all questions faxed to this location in advance to allow preparation for response.

Georgia Bureau of Investigations, Decatur Ga.

“What kind of piece of stinking shit is this?” Larry Wilcox asked his superior.

“Larry, this is a request for assistance on a multiple murder in Richmond’s district. The local investigator has hit a brick wall in the investigation, and they don’t have the resources to dig into it. It’s hit the hundred eighty day “Cold Case” trigger, and the investigator will help you with his notes so far. There are a couple of wrinkles on this that may be interesting.”

“Ok. So who fits rule one?” Larry asked.

“They had an adult son, and an adult daughter. She was at college at the time, and he was at his business address at Augusta at the time. She has roommates and he has multiple witnesses. For both of them, they had just buried their parents who were victims of a gas leak and explosion of the family house. Both were the beneficiaries of life insurance and the insurance on the home. And both of them put it into separate accounts. Neither of them used it as spending money.”

“Drugs or other activities? Gambling? Anything?” Larry asked.

“No sign of either. Son has a thriving business in Augusta.”

“At eighteen? What is he, some prodigy?”

“Could be. I heard that FBI and IRS came and tried to budge him on some tax stuff. But were sent away with their tails between their legs. Evidently their lawyer is a real piece of work. She sent the entire investigative team packing with a single interview and a detailed work session.”

“Who was the investigator with the FEEBS?”

“Hot shot Jerry McAlister.”

“Shit. She sent him packing. Broad has some real stones and some real knowledge.”

“Evidently, she attracted him a lot. She’s dating him now seven months later.”

“Conflict Of Interest?”

“He says that the case was closed with No Process. But you know how that is with the feds.”

“Honey dipping?”

“I doubt it. Give him a call.”

Thirty minutes later, “Jerry McAlister.”

“Jerry, this is Larry Wilcox at GBI. Do you have any interest in a case with a Henry Lambert?”

“I am dating his lawyer. That’s my only interest. IF they are smuggling heroin, or bombs, or guns or white slavery then nobody knows of any such activities. And the way that place is set up, I wouldn’t think them capable of it.”

“How so?”

“Larry, we tried a surprise meet and seek on them last year. And we got schooled. Every question we had they had answers and documentation on before we asked. Even the “knock off balance” stuff. I had two of the best investigators in our office, including one of the guys that broke through the books at BCI going over with us, and we got nothing at all. The main discovery was that the kid is the brains behind the business, and each of the people there is working their buns off to keep him happy. I have never seen such loyalty in any group, not even from the stories of the Mob in the 50s. And it isn’t from fear. They are almost some kind of cult. Including my girlfriend.”

“We are looking into the murder of the three girls in Richmond County and the explosion of the house that killed his parents. All of this is too coincidental. I got handed this investigation. How did it get stuck?” Larry asked.

“I realize that the usual rule is “Find who benefits first and then follow the money” but I have to say that Hank isn’t behind the deaths. He was really broken up and he breaks out in tears any time anyone wanting to talk about them. I think that the business is the only reason he is not in a nut house. He got a hardship graduation because he already passed his finals in his first semester. This kid’s a Bill Gates level superstar in the antiquities business and he’s doing big bucks in the jewelry business too. I will tell you this, though.”

“What?”

“If he knew who was behind it, I don’t’ think you will ever know. This kid is surrounded by legal, business and has a former homicide cop living in the building running his security for his businesses. Plus a lot of guys doing engraving and other stuff. He ever finds out who did this, and gets to them, there are a lot of resources that will help make them go away. Including me.” Jerry said.

“Upright or horizontal?”

“Whichever comes first.”

“Damn, you are cold. Doesn’t justice mean anything?”

“You kill three girls and blow up a house to kill a person’s parents, and you tell me how you feel.”

“So, you think this is a Cold Case in the making?”

“Like Jimmy Hoffa. Whoever did this will be buried. And wont’ be dug up.”

“Mob?”

“Nope. This kid is so clean he squeaks. I have it on good authority that the mob is afraid of him. Seems that unfortunate things happen to any street hustlers who try to cause issues, and the three ladies are bad news. Paula is a highly regarded Program manager with both PMP and a degree in Business administration. Natalie is a former Law Clerk for Judge Sirica, and she has her JD and is a member of the Georgia Bar association. Grace is a legal historian and was a law clerk for Thomas. And all three are like artificial mothers to this kid. He’s no typical teenager, he remembers everything. But he has a lot of stuff he’s doing and working on. And the custom jewelry and furnishings and garments he’s working on are fast growing. He’s got people flying in from Houston, Miami, New York and Chicago to get fitted for some of the formal wear. The suits are Armani quality, and I have to admit that they stretch my wallet. But boy do they wear well. I also must admit, I feel smarter when I am in one.”

“What do you suggest, Jerry?”

“Put the file in the bottom drawer of your desk and leave it. If I hear anything I will call you.”

The first thing that came to Larry’s mind is that the feds are sandbagging this for some reason. But a look up in the business sections and a call to the local news outlets all say that H.A. Lambert’s the place to shop if you have money to burn.

“I guess I have to go to Augusta this weekend.” He thought to himself. Need to zero out the credit card first.

Another Lonely Monday

It’s lonely waking up by yourself. Maggie and Carrie both were back at school, having left on Friday night. Wendy and her chaperone, Melissa Gordon, were both back in Seattle and she was starting classes next week as well. Carrie’s mom Helen was with Peter and Grace, I guess. She had been spending a lot of time with them lately and it was good. She almost saw them as contemporaries, not for the old farts that they were.

I smiled when I thought about that. One of my favorite authors was a Sci Fiction guy. He did one work that was kind of heavy and I remembered the first chapter really well. “The young think about now. The mature think about the future. The old think about the past.” It went something like that. I guess I tripped past the young and into the mature mindset. I needed to get ready to deal with the future.

And I was dealing almost constantly with people who were talking about their history and the past and how things used to be done. And they wanted to turn back the clock. They thought that the past was safe. What was coming wasn’t. I broke the mold with a lot of my ideas and the actions I supported.

“Grrrrr.” I said out loud as I walked to the shower. Time to get moving or I will be as stony as the people I was arguing with.

After the shower and downstairs to Delores’s office and check out the desk. It was ten to eight so no rush. Dropped into Natalie’s office and woe and behold, she had company.

“Good morning, Nat. And it’s Jerry, isn’t it? Are we in trouble?”

Natalie blushed bright red. Hmm. Gentle nudge. “So, what do I owe the pleasure of your company this morning?”

“Jerry and I were just visiting together. He was interested in where I worked slaving away for you eight hours a day and thinking he wants that same sort of job. He works twelve a day six-day week. So, for him this is a vacation.”

“Well, he will have to sign a lot of NDA’s before working here. But I guess you could use some help. Cut your hours back to five a day. Enough of me. What is going on around here?”

“Nothing since the council meetings. I think Peter has something he wants to talk with you about and we have a ten o’clock meeting with Paula and Jeffery to work out some things.”

“Ok. Here or in the meeting room?”

“Lounge.”

“Ok. I’ll head that way anyway. Maybe I can mooch some breakfast. Nice seeing you again, Jerry.” I said on the way out. And saw Delores just coming in.

“Nat’s got company. Outsider. Be careful.” I said on my way past.

“Same fella as last night? Aww. Is she doing the walk of shame?” Delores asked.

“No idea. But if she is getting some, I am happy for her. And how about you?” I asked.

“Now Hank, you want me right now?”

“Nice idea. Maybe later. I am going to the Lounge and mooch early food. Want me to send something up to you?”

“No. Got mine a while ago. Get going, boss. Everyone wants to see you.”

Chased out the door again.

Two cups of Brazilian coffee later, with some fresh bagels with crème cheese and spiced ham later and I was ready to meet with Paula and Jeffery. And so were they.

“Hank can you talk some sense into this woman?” Jeffery said.

“I tried to talk her out of marrying you but she wouldn’t listen. What is happening now?” I asked with a grin.

“One bedroom with two kids. I know that there is going to be growth for each of them and I remember my resentment at not having my own room.” Jeffery said.

“And I said that I didn’t want to move. I’m happy where I am and you should be too.”

“Ok. I see the beginnings of the thing that I am worried about.” I said.

“What’s that?” Paula asked. Jeffery looked at me with the strange eyes of “Huh?”

“OK. Kids are almost six weeks old. First off, you are moving. Up to the fifth floor and into the two-bedroom rear location. Kids get their own room, and you have yours. OK?

“What about our place?”

“We will see what that becomes later. And you two have another task.” I said.

Both looked at me with attention. How did I keep getting this look from my people? “We have two little people who are growing. Soon they will grow a lot. First crawling. Then walking. Then a whole range of behaviors. And sooner or later we have to look at school. That’s five years down the road. Time to look at permanent residence is now. Not later. Start looking for good upper-class locations with good schools, shopping and other things. So that I can have Sylvia and Michael look for Leylines below the surface and how to rearrange them to your next home. We want to have power infusion close to where the power people are on site two.”

“You want our kids to be familiar with Magic early?” Paula asked.

“Yes. For a lot of reasons. We don’t know what the being above the Fumeral did to them in utero. They may mature early. In any event, we need to prepare them to live with parents who are power mages because I don’t think you guys are going to retire early.”

“So, we have to look at real estate. How soon?” Jeffery asked.

“Yesterday would work for me. Tomorrow is busy but next Sunday is ok.” I said.

“What do we look for?” Paula asked.

“Something with four bedrooms, one to be an office, a large garage, and a place where we can bring a fumeral up into the detached artist studio.”

“How much can we spend?” Paula asked with a smile.

“Not more then we have in Brazil.” I said. “SunTrust will mortgage it. I know the banker real well.”

“Should we look for linked properties? Ones where others like us can also buy and live?” Jeffery asked.”

“Might as well. If we have to we can build our own subdivision. Call it The Witch Way.”

“Why are you doing this, Hank?” Paula asked.

“Three reasons. You have the first. I am sure that you will by no means be the only. We need to do some diversification carefully. And kids deserve sunshine, not just day trips to the park.”

“So, occupancy is when?” Jeffery asked.

“Before the kids are five years old. That puts you all in a neighborhood, to get adjusted for a year before they go to elementary school.” I said. “Does that work for you both?” Both of them nodded and some sign of a smile began.

“Ok. Now about moving to the fifth floor. I don’t want to abandon my place.” Paula said.

“You are not. You are just moving up a little farther from the source. I am sure you will still feel warm. Especially with Jeffery next to you and the kids in another room.”

“When?” Paula asked.

“NOW!” I spoke. “I won’t give you excuses to put if off. So, either Magic it upstairs, or Have Ogernaut do the muscle thing, but I want you both moved today. Artifact charging is for the backup guys. Or me. I want you comfortable in that place by dinner time.” I said.

Paula looked shocked. Jeffery looked happy but hid it when Paula looked at him. Smart man.

“Anything else?”

“No Master Hank.” I was normally shocked to hear that. But I heard it in stereo. Hmm. Oh well.

“Now, I must go and pick on Natalie some. Evidently, she should have done the same walk of shame that you did months ago. Only she’s grabbed another lawyer.”

“I didn’t want to mention that, Hank. But her and Jerry are seeing a lot of each other.” Jeffery said.

“Good. I’ll move them into your old apartment and see what brews.”

“HANK!” Paula said with a shriek.

“Experimenting eah? Want me to do the explanations?” Jeffery asked.

“Naw. I did ok Last time.” I said. “Besides, Lech won’t let Natalie flame me.”

“I might” Paula said with some exasperation.

“No. I trust you. Besides, you have two plus a husband already to take care of. Now, any other business? All of the increase protection spells are in place, I’m sure. Any news on Abigail’s body showing up anywhere? I am sure that Nagy is pretty upset with her.”

“So long as it’s not in the U.S. do we care?” Paula said with a smirk.

“Not me, said the flea. But I do want to know what got rung out of her since the meeting.”

“Do you want us to so some “outreach” in case she needs a place to run and hide?” Paula asked.

“Would you object if I put Peter on that task? He’s never been indentured, has good strength, and a lot of backups. Plus, he is experienced with dealing with crooks.” I said.

“No. That’s probably a good idea. She won’t try to intimidate him.” Paula said.

A call from Natalie via the Lech and I was back upstairs in her office. And her red face was funny.

“Good morning again, good looking. How can I be of service?” I said walking into her office. No one else was there, so I was pretty sure it was safe.

“Hank, I want to explain about this morning.”

“No explanations needed. We do need to vet him out a little if this is going to grow into something long term, which I hope it will.”

“I’m not sure that it’s a sure thing.” Natalie replied.

“The only sure thing is taxes. How are we on that by the way?”

“Taxes are covered. Current investments and sales are totally covered for amounts for physical objects and no explanation of content of services. The Feds are happy. But there is a bit of interest being stirred up with a Georgia Bureau of Investigations query. That was one of the things that Jerry talked about last night.”

“What are they looking for?” I asked.

“Evidently the case on your Parents and your partners has gotten to a one hundred eighty-day clock, and the GBI is being tasked to assist in the investigation. Jerry was pinged about previous unrelated investigations, and your name came up as part of the questions. Evidently, I did too good a job chasing the feds away, it was noted. Anyway, the first rule in any investigation of a criminal act is “Who benefits most?”. Hence your name and your sisters name.”

“Yea, and you can’t prove a negative. Not when people want to keep digging.” I replied.

“That’s the fact. How do you want me to handle this?”

“Well, if there is a call, we do what we did last time. Only here. I am not driving to their office. Xerox copies of the previous statements and statements of my alibi and put it in a folder for when they show up. Who knows, maybe they will find something others have missed. What else?”

“About Jerry and me.”

“Natalie, you are older then I am. Take a note from Paula, and if this guy is really who you want to spend the rest of your life with, figure out how we can tell him about the Clan, Magicians, Magic, and the Fae we have here. Or figure out if you want to leave. Either choice is yours. I don’t do Slavery.”

“Hank, I’m scared.”

“You should be. And I should be too. You are second in command here. It will be hell to replace you. But your happiness comes first and foremost. I learned that from mom and dad. And you guys have been too good to me to stand in the way. Ok?”

“Ok. so, what are you doing today?”

“Don’t know, I have not seen the desk yet.

“Well let me know where you are. We might need to strategize on this next round of inquiries.”

“Yes mother. Anyway, let me know what you want to do with Jerry. Also, Paula and Jeffery are moving to the fifth floor to the two bedrooms in back. Kids need their own room.”

“Are you renting the room over the Fumeral as a conversion motel?” Natalie asked kiddingly.

“Might. Do you have any test subjects to work with?”

I didn’t believe it. Natalie blushed. Again. “I have to get going. If there is anything you need, ping me.”

“I will. Thanks Hank”

“You’re welcome.”

Taking the elevator to the foyer I saw that jewelry and clothing were both open. Wow, where had the morning gone? It was almost eleven o’clock. I noticed a tall, professionally dressed man walking out of the jewelry store, with a small bag in his hands, obviously one of our satisfied customers. His face lit up when he approached me.

“Mr. Hank Lambert? I’m Larry Wilcox, Georgia Bureau of investigations. We need to talk. My office is...”

“My attorney is up one flight of stairs, and after you make an appointment with her we will have our discussion here on the second floor in the conference room. Now if you don’t mind, I have work to do.””

“NO, I do mind and now you are coming with me at this time.” With that motion Larry exposed the revolver in his right-hand holster. “I didn’t come down here to cool my heels in some lawyer office. Now we can do this easy or we can do it hard.”

“By hard you mean with a subpoena, or a warrant for my arrest. Which I assume you have neither. As for that gun, are you sure it works?” I said. I was not wanting to be hauled around on a Monday. “And when you get either one of these two documents signed by a sitting State Judge, take them upstairs to my attorney and she will provide a response.”

“Kid, I don’t know who you think you are.”

“Officer, if you are one, I don’t think you are competent to make that decision regarding my ability to make decisions. Now, if you please, excuse me I have work to do.”

“Natalie, I have an officer trying to arrest me. He has not shown identification but is babbling about arresting me.” I thought to her.

“On the way. So is Paula. And Jeffery is coming out of the jewelry store.”

“Officer, do you happen to have any identification? Something with your picture and with a badge that happens to have a number on it?” I asked. I was really getting upset.

“Hank, no tomato pastes in the foyer.” Paula said in my mind. “IF you do, then you clean it up”

At that time the sound of Jeffery’s loud and penetrating voice cut through all of the talk in my head and outside of it. “Officer, If you are one, do you have your identification where it can be verified? And you are aware that you are on Private Property, that it is by convenience open for guests but that private property rules still apply.”

“Who the hell are you?” Larry said, not liking being interrupted.

“Jeffery Gibbs. Formerly of the FBI Criminal Investigations division. And Hanks lawyer will be here shortly.”

“To Hell with that, I am already here. I assume you are either Larry Wilcox or acting under his direction. So where is your subpoena or warrant? Can you produce that?” Jerry McAlister said coming out of the Lounge. I didn’t know he was there.

“You guys are all interfering with an official investigation.” Larry said to the crowd.

“Not for long. You are not going to be official that is.” Natalie said as she came out of the doorway with her portable phone. “I believe you want to take this call.”

“Who the fuck is it girl?”

“Judge Harold Bremer.

“Bull shit.”

“See for yourself.” Natalie said politely.

“This is Larry Wilcox, who is this?” Larry snarled into the phone. But his demeanor suddenly changed. And one side of the following conversation was audible to everyone gathered around.

“Yes sir. Yes sir. I was trying to ... Yes sir. Yes sir. No sir I didn’t file one, this is supposed to be a surprise information. Sir, you know that we do this all the time. Yes sir. I realize that sir. No Sir. Not at all sir. Yes, it is Phillip McGowan. Yes, he is my boss. Sir I already have the young man in Custody. No sir. Abuse of Power? Filed now? Sir how is that possible? She had one without a date and without a name waiting for one? Yes sir. Yes sir. I will immediately.”

With that, Larry the phone back to Natalie, and said to me “I apologize for my action’s sir. But we do have this investigation to pursue, and I would like to talk with you at a time and place of your convenience regarding the events involving your parents and your girlfriends.”

“Mr. Wilcox. If you will accompany Natalie Bensen, JD, my lawyer to the meeting room, she already has a file prepared for your review concerning the date, times, and events that I was aware of when the homicide detective Merris and I spent time in review of my location, the times and the activities that I was engaged in at the time of these murders. I was unaware of them until I was contacted by agents of the Richmond County police. My statements in writing were copied then and you can have them again now. Please take them with you. And if you do find anything additional regarding the murder of my mother and my father, even though it is a ongoing investigation, I would appreciate you informing me of any actions. Now thank you. And Natalie, I’m going to the charging lab.”

There were tears on my face as I walked away. I hadn’t realized that I was crying all the while I was confronting this, Larry Wilcox. My folks had been dead for almost a year. And that time all came back to me. And the bastard that was responsible was still alive. One of them anyway.

Thoughts in a car two hours later.

“What in the hell have I walked into?” Larry Wilcox thought to himself as he was driving back to Decatur. “First, I get accosted by a lawyer and a former fed, and then I get stuck onto a phone with the angriest judge I have ever testified before chewing me up one side and down the other about due process. Then I get handed a folder with detailed identification Post it Notes on each page stating the content, the participants, and the date and the time with respect to the actions of this kid. This kid who was as cool as any lawyer I ever met all the while tears streaming down his cheeks while he gave me his formal speech to kiss off. And his lawyer was more like his mother then anything I have ever seen. And I get politely told to “Call this number and make an appointment for any future contacts. We will be available on the next business day. And all of this without a single four letter word from the people here. But a Lot from the Judge on the Phone.”

This was something like that TV Show “The Outer Limits”. Who were these people?

Getting back to his office, his boss was waiting. And it was almost three o’clock.

“Larry, my office please.” Hugh said

“Larry, close the door. Have a seat. So, where do you want to report to for the remainder of your career. I can have you working out of our satellite office in either Waycross or Bainbridge. Both are close to Florida, and you have a choice of the Okefenokee Swamp or the Bainbridge office working with the Jim Woodruff Reservation.”

“Sir, we don’t have a satellite office in either location.”

“We will be building one especially for you. So where do you want to be?”

“I have a choice?”

“Larry, I just got off of the phone with the following people in the following order. First the State Attorney General, then Judge Harold Maguire, then the director of the GBI and finally my boss. Each of them had preferences as to where your next assignment should be. These two are the nicest. It was made absolutely clear to me that no termination of you was considered. However, placing you where you could serve out your time to retirement in a nice safe location where you could not cause any more embarrassment to the legal system of the State of Georgia was paramount. It was also strongly suggested that you take remedial courses in Legal procedures and that you attend anger management. And that my performance review was under reconsideration. What the Fuck did you do?”

Larry Wilcox thought to himself quietly decided to tell his side.

“Boss, I went there to look the place over. Went into the clothing store, got fitted for a suit and did some browsing at the jewelry store. When I came out, I saw the kid walking across the foyer. It was a public place. I approached him and he gave me the brush off. I decided to do a little enforcement and suddenly the world came down on me. His lawyer hands me a phone and it’s got Harold Maguire on it. Who proceeds to ream me a new asshole. And then tells me I have been named in an abuse of official power lawsuit. They didn’t have my name. I gave it to the kid. How did the lawsuit appear with my name, badge number and everything else before she handed me that phone?”

“Are you saying that they didn’t have your name before the lawsuit was filed? How is that possible?”

“I don’t know. But either we have a major leak here, or someone is a mind reader and magician. Maybe several someone’s.” Larry said aloud.

“Call the original investigator back and see what kind of political pull this kid has. I don’t like mysteries, and this one is starting to give me heartburn.”

Monday Afternoon