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Heimlich VonVictor
Heimlich VonVictor
Vigilante

Jul-25-2009 17:35

"This book was written by Heimlich VonVictor & describes true events that occured during his time as a detective." As he finished these final words on his manuscript he dropped his pen onto the desk. He had just referred to himself as a detective in the past tense for the first time in his life.

He didn't want to believe that it was over, but when one takes pen to paper and scribes one's life story as a matter of record, there was a sense of finality to it.

He picked up the stack of papers before him, each page a piece of a life he would never get to live again. He looked up at the framed newspaper article celebrating his 100th case solved as a detective. It had already started to yellow and fade.

He walked over to the cabinet and pulled out a bottle of gin and a glass. Even if it was a bittersweet occasion, it called for a celebration, and that meant a good Tom Collins.

He looked up at the plaque on the wall that his agency presented him upon his retirement.

"Retirement! Psh! That's rich!" he grumbled out loud to no one in particular. He remembered the exact conversation.

Eric had called him into his office and said it very clearly, "Heim, you're a liability. Some of the stunts you've been pulling lately have got the other detectives mighty scared."

He had tried to brush it off, "I'm a liability!? Do you realize how much money I pull in for this agency each year? You should be down on your hands and knees thanking me for being able to make bank!"

Eric sighed at him, "Heim, I can't keep you on. The Baltimore incident was the last straw. We'll let you retire, and we'll let it look like it was your decision to do so. We'll keep it out of the papers."

What choice did he have? He had put on a grin, went to the dinner, accepted his plaque, and faded into obscurity.

He was reliving this oh so favorite of memories when the phone rang. Startled, he dropped his drink on the floor and the glass shattered.

Replies

Joseph Zeo
Joseph Zeo
Tale Spinner

Jul-28-2009 11:31

"Patient is suffering from a concussion." The doctor said while scribbling on Zeo's medical record.

"Will he wake up soon?" Vulkie asked, worried.

"He may wake in the next hour, or ten years later. Even when he does, the blood clog in his brain might still be troubling..."

"Blood clog?"

The doctor took Vulkie into a medical lab and turned on a light box. "What you're looking at, here, is the inside of Lieutenant Zeo's head. The medical application of x-ray technology is relatively new, but look here. This patch should not exist in a normal brain. Fortunately the lieutenant does have a pretty thick skull. Let us hope that this will turn out to be a minor injury only. The brain is very tricky; we're just not sure with our limited experience right now."

After the troubling talk with the doctor, Vulkie returned to Joseph's room, expecting to see the unconscious man laying in bed. However, she was surprised to find herself to be in an empty room.

* * *

Zeo steadied himself with the phone on the wall. Just a few minutes ago he woke and found himself to be in the hospital. Besides a bit of dizziness, Zeo felt perfectly fine. He was desperate to find out if Vulkie and Heimlich were safe. Zeo left the room and finally found a public phone way down at the opposite wing. Suddenly he saw two telephones, but it merged back into one soon after. Zeo told himself that it was nothing.

He dialed for Vulkie's place, no answer. Where could she be at this time in the evening? He wondered. He decided to call Heimlich. Maybe the two were together. He would love to know what they discovered at Kobetz's place; with the bribery he just received, Zeo was more than certain that this was a frame-up.


Joseph Zeo
Joseph Zeo
Tale Spinner

Jul-29-2009 22:57

"Hello?" VonVictor's cautious tone of voice came through from the receiver.
"Heimlich? It's Joseph."
"Oh, it's you!" Heimlich sounded relieve. "I heard from Vulkie that you were in a comma?"
"No I'm fine. Where is she?"
"She was in the hospital. You didn't see her?"
"I'm sure she's around then. How was your search at the Kobetz's?" Zeo asked.
"Beside cockroaches, there was a peculiar button under Kobetz's worn couch." VonVictor replied. "It has a NKVD symbol etched on it."
"The Russian secret police?"
"I believe the country's called the Soviet Union now."
"What does people like them has anything to do with people like Kobetz?" Zeo was astounded. Could the rumor be true then? Was Sergei just a scapegoat?

"Joseph, I must ask you a question. Vulkie couldn't find Kobetz case file in your office. Do you still have it?"
"No, the prosecutor took everything away earlier today, but I have a good memory. What do you want to know."
"What was Kobetz's motive?"
"According to the witness statements from the neighboring couple, Nikolai and Ana Romanski... um, forgot Kobetz's birthday twice in a row..." Zeo said sheepishly.
"And you convicted the guy based on that!?" Heimlich bellowed.
"Hey! I had over twenty cases on my desk, and I've seen sillier motives." Zeo protested. In truth, he knew he may have walked into a setup blindly this time. "Somebody called the station and tipped us off, saying they saw Kobetz rushing out of the Romanski household with a bloody knife."
"Let me guess, the person who tipped you off was the same neighbor..." Heimlich said. He didn't wait for the obvious answer. "The prosecutor have pushed the case up. The arraignment is scheduled first thing tomorrow morning."
"Tomorrow morning!!? But you've got nothing but a suspicious button in Kobetz's flat." Zeo added.
"You don't need to tell me that," Heimlich said, "But I do have a few tricks up my sleeves. I'm just not sure if this will fly."
"Don't worry, I'll get you a new witness statement tonight!"

Heimlich VonVictor
Heimlich VonVictor
Vigilante

Aug-1-2009 18:32

Heim slammed his fist down on the table, "Your honor! You cannot be serious."

Judge Haliwell adjusted his glasses. He was a stout man of about 60 and was nothing if serious. He cleared his throat, "Mr. VonVictor, I'm quite serious. Mr. Cambridge has raised a valid objection. You gave no notice that Ms. Thorne would testify before today's arraignment. You used to work with this very prosecutor's office, and you should know that this falls into the scope of unfair surprise."

Heim felt his head begin to pound, "You honor," he pleaded, "Lieutenant Zeo went to great pains to reopen this case and bring us this witness who will give eyewitness testimony contradicting that of Mr. Vladmir Bjarkhov."

Haliwell hardened his gaze at Heimlich, "Counsel's motion to exclude Ms. Thorne's testimony is sustained. I have before me a second motion to exclude a button allegedly found in Mr. Kobetz's apartment?"

At this Cambridge stood up. He was a few years younger than Heim and had always resented him for leaving the prosecutor's office. He cleared his throat, "Yes your honor. This evidence was logged in yesterday as being collected by Lieutenant Zeo, however I have a sworn statement here from Officer Eric Marvington that Mr. VonVictor was given the keys to Mr. Kobetz's apartment yesterday before the police searched it again. Mr. VonVictor is licensed to collect evidence as a private investigator, but if he entered the defendant's apartment while acting as his attorney, then he should have had another detective with him!"

The crowd erupted into murmurs and Halliwell slammed his gavel down, "Order! Order! Counsel is this true? Did you enter the defendant's apartment by yourself?"

Heim stared at the judge defiantly, "Yes it's true," he said very matter-of-factly, "I did enter my client's apartment with his permission. I searched the apartment for anything of relevance and alerted police."

Heimlich VonVictor
Heimlich VonVictor
Vigilante

Aug-1-2009 18:33

Halliwell shook his head and sighed, "Do you mean to tell me after all of your years arguing cases you don’t see a problem with this?”

Heim shook his head defiantly, “I had no choice your honor. An attempt was made on my police contact’s life. I did not want to risk anyone else getting hurt. I have a responsibility to zealously defend my client and in order to do that I had to gather evidence that the police weren’t looking for!”

Haliwell slammed his gavel down, “Counsel’s motion to suppress the button is sustained due to an improperly executed search.” he barked as he once again adjusted his glasses, “And Mr. VonVictor if you pull a stunt like that again I will have you disbarred and your PI license pulled. Take that tone with me again and I will hold you in contempt.”

Heim began to sweat. His evidence was gone and the judge was obviously not siding with him. Improperly executed search? That was supposed to be the defense’s best friend! Why was it going against him here?

Haliwell cleared his throat again, “I’ll hear the prosecution on bail now.”

Cambridge stood up and stared straight at the judge, “The people are naturally opposed to bail in this case. The defendant is charged with stabbing and mutilating two Russian nationals. Furthermore when he was arrested, a portion of his window had recently been broken. We believe he was trying to flee arrest hence the amended charge of resisting arrest.”

The window! Heim turned to Cambridge, “Mr. Cambridge! The shattered glass from the window, where was it found?”

Cambridge rolled his eyes and opened the report, “It was found on the carpet on the inside of the apartment. Any more questions Mr. VonVictor?”

Heim smiled, “If the defendant had tried to escape from the inside the shattered glass would be on the outside!”

Heimlich VonVictor
Heimlich VonVictor
Vigilante

Aug-1-2009 18:34

Cambridge’s eyes widened as he looked at the report again, “I guess you’re right! He must have forgotten his keys and broken the window to get inside the night before! Your honor the people move to drop the charge of resisting arrest!”

Haliwell stared daggers at Heimlich, “So granted. Now back to the matter of bail. Mr. VonVictor do you have anything to say on your client’s behalf?”

Heim felt the energy rushing through his veins. He wasn’t done quite yet. “Your Honor if Mr. Kobetz had forgotten his keys that night why were they placed in the evidence locker along with his personal effects when he was arrested?”

Cambridge opened his mouth to speak, but Haliwell slammed his gavel down before he could get a word in. “I have had quite enough of you Mr. VonVictor! You are now in contempt of court! Baliff please take Mr. VonVictor into custody. As for Mr. Kobetz, I find sufficient evidence to hold this case over to trial. Bail is denied. Defendant will be housed at Rikers Island pending trial.”

Heim felt his arms forcibly thrust behind him and the cool metal of the handcuffs on his wrists. What he didn’t feel was the note being slipped into his pocket. The one he would read only moments later in his cell that said plainly, “Your judge is on the take. There is a prisoner at Rikers with orders to kill Kobetz tomorrow.” He sat there in his small cement prison waiting. Waiting for what he didn’t know. Maybe someone would bail him out. Maybe the judge could be convinced to let him go. In any event one thing was sure. He had to break Sergei Kobetz out of jail before his transfer, with or without the help of his friends.

Vulkie3
Vulkie3
Haynes

Aug-2-2009 10:44

It was all on the newspapers as I read them : "Local sleuth/attorney arrested during conviction Russian Mobster". That's the title they gave to the case of Kobetz's conviction for trial.

As I visited Heimlich at the local police station,he slipped me the note he got and with some more scribbles on the back. "I'm stuck here for a while Vulkie. Joseph musn't be involved in this,it would ruin his reputation and his life. You need to free him. Think of something,please. I'll manage it here,but Kobetz won't last to see the next day. He's getting sliced today in the evening. But he's being transported also today,on 4 pm. Think of something. Now go!" Heimlich said and he asked for a cigarette and lighted it.

As I was walking on the street,with 3 hours left for Kobetz's transportation,I thought of a nice plan. I asked some friends of mine if they could help me and I thought of a plan.


***********

4 pm.

As the truck drove towards the docks,I drove my car past the truck and barricaded the only way to the docks. Some friends of mine blocked the back of the van,so it couldn't reverse. I pulled a tommygun,as soon as I got out of the car and yelled to the guards : "Let Kobetz go,then nothing will happen to you." They reluctantly gave me the keys to the back and I opened the back,while some friends covered the guards with their tommyguns. "Don't try anything funny" I said.

As I opened the door,I saw Kobetz sitting on a bench. "Who are ghou?" he asked. "A friend of Heimlich's. Now,get out. It's time to get you to a safe location" I replied back.

As we started our car,my friend had already left the scene and so we drove off. The guards called for back-up and soon,a heavy chase was going on in the streets of NY.

As I tried to get rid of the police chasing me,Kobetz commented : 'Gha,you NY-ers can't drive,that's for shure". I was angered by that reply and made a sharp turn towards city hall.

There,the police had barricaded the way.... (cont)

Vulkie3
Vulkie3
Haynes

Aug-2-2009 10:55

As I looked in the mirrors of my car,I saw the police had also barricaded the other way. "Get out of the car,with your hands up. You're surrounded" A policeman screamed into a speaker. As I looked forward,I saw it was Joseph that screamed into the speaker. "Great Joseph,just great. You're playing your part nice and tight". Kobetz was getting nervous "Zhis will not whork lady. We can't escape."

I laughed and commented " You said NY-ers can't drive? Watch this" as I pressed the gaspedal down to the metal and I drove towards the city hall barricade. "Watch out!" Joseph screamed and everyone ducked away. I made a sharp turn,just before the barricade,went the other way and drove to the left side,into an alley.

"He's getting away,get him!" Joseph yelled in the speaker and everyone stepped in their cars and gave chase.

As my motor roared with excitement,Kobetz laughed. "Gha,you did fery well lady. You can drive,I take my comment back" he replied and laughing still about it. "Thanks Kobetz" I replied and at the end of the alley,I took a right,driving towards Sami's. The billboard outside waved a little,but when we drove by,it was waving heavily,almost clapping out of it's frame.

The sounds of the policecars came near and we drove towards the bank and took a right. We couldn't lose 20 policecars and it was getting a bit hot on our trail. "They're really persistent aren't they?" Kobetz asked me.

After we crossed the whole town,I saw my gas tank was almost empty. "We've got a little bit of juice left in the tank Kobetz." I replied. And so we headed for a bridge that almost opened. The engine roared and we sped with 100 miles over the open bridge. All the policecars stopped and so I could get Kobetz to our safehouse.

"This will be our hideout for now. Mr. VonVictor is in custody,as you know,but a friend of mine will get him out,asap!." I said

"That's good. Ghank you for freeing me out of jail" Kobetz said. (Cont)

Vulkie3
Vulkie3
Haynes

Aug-2-2009 11:03

Just as I was making some stroganoff for Kobetz,Heimlich walked in with Joseph. "Mr. VonVictor,I want to ghank you that you do believe me,that I'm innocent" Kobetz said and shaked Heimlich's hand.

"Mr. Kobetz,it isn't sure yet. We got evidence that proves your innocence,but we still need to convince the judge. Since we freed you from imprisonment,the judge will not believe us. We need another way to convince him. But you're lucky to still be alive. If it wasn't for Vulkie's actions,you would be dead right now. Someone set a trap at Riker's Island for you,to be killed" Joseph said.

"Why,very much,thank you for saving my life once more then." Kobetz replied and walked into the kitchen and gave me a small kiss on my cheek. I blushed and thought of Ace and quickly came to business once more again.

"Mr Kobetz,there is a shower here. I assume you want to fresh a bit up? There are also some clothes for you,new and fresh." Heimlich said and he led Kobetz towards the bathroom. "We want you to be comfortable as you wish,but we can't manage to do everything that you want." I said and Kobetz nodded.

******* Dinnertime*******

As I made sure everyone was seated and with a glass of wine in their hands,I scooped some stroganoff up. First for Mr Kobetz,then for Heimlich,then for Joseph and then for myself.

Kobetz smelled how the stroganoff was and replied "Gah,just like home. You would make excellent wife for me." Kobetz said. "Sorry Mr. Kobetz,I already got a boyfriend. Otherwise,I would consider it" I replied,laughing about it in my thoughts.

As everyone ate their stroganoff,I looked at them. Heimlich was already done and took a cigarette out,for a smoke. Joseph soon joined him and Kobetz asked Heimlich for a cigarette.

Heimlich gave an annoyed look and grunted. He usually didn't "give" cigarettes for free,but he made an exception for Kobetz.

And so,we waited for Joseph to tell us what to do, as Joseph was sinked in his thoughts....

Joseph Zeo
Joseph Zeo
Tale Spinner

Aug-3-2009 18:41

"Who slipped Heimlich the note back in the courthouse?" Zeo thought aloud. Everyone looked at him. "If someone wanted to kill Kobetz, they could've done it anytime. They could've slit his throat when they drugged him."

"What? I waz dragged?" Kobetz exclaimed!

"How else did you think you could wake up with the murder weapon in your hand, just as the police came barging into your house?" Vulkie filled in. "Anyway, Joseph, what you're saying is that, someone wanted to kill Kobetz in prison for a reason?"

"That's one possibility... They may have wanted to make it look like a suicide, and put all the blame on Kobetz and close the case."Zeo induced.

"You said 'one possibility', what's the others?" VonVictor asked as he blew some smoke rings.

"The other possibility is... we may have played into the hands of real murderer. Whoever slipped you the note wanted us to do something about it, and we did. Now Vulkie's gang, including you, young lady, your faces are all over the wall in our headquarter. If the police finds out Heimlich and I are also involved, we're all going down for it." Joseph concluded.

"You mean the real murder wanted us to get our hands dirty, so that..." Vulkie trailed off.

"Yes, and I really don't know what you guys were thinking, going behind my back and pulling this stunt!" Zeo said.

"Oh don't go all high and mighty on us, Mr. Lieutenant! What else could we have done? We didn't tell you so that you can keep your nice shiny badge! Anyway, you did say it is just a possibility, so Kobetz still could've been killed on Rikers, and the blood will also be on your hand, Mr.-Police-officer-who-wrongly-accused-an-innocent-man!" Vulkie shouted.

"Kids, pull yourselves apart! Don't you see this is exactly what the real killer want us to do?" Heimlich stated.

Everyone was silent.

Joseph Zeo
Joseph Zeo
Tale Spinner

Aug-3-2009 18:47

"First thing tomorrow morning, I will go down to the courthouse and try to find out who were on duty during Kobetz' arraignment this morning. We may find a friend, or a truly evil foe." Zeo said quietly, staring at the floor. "I suggest that Vulkie stay away from public eyes for a while, I don't want to have to pretend to chase you all around town again, and make sure your friends do the same."

Zeo left Vulkie's safe house immediately afterwards. She was right. How could he accused them for acting rashly when they had all the intention of preserving his name? Zeo lit another cigarette and inhaling deeply. He made sure he was not being followed and quickly slipped home. Tomorrow he would have another eventful day.

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