Free Death Never Sleeps by E.J. Simon

home computer.”
    “I’m sure they’ll go through that pretty thoroughly. Do you know if there’s anything on it?” Michael had not really thought much about Alex’s computers, and he had never even been to the insurance office, which was just a few blocks from Alex’s home. He knew that Alex rarely spent any time there.
    Michael felt better, seeing that Donna appeared to be pretty well informed now that her mind was focused on the situation.
    “Well, Alex was no fool. His insurance office computer was strictly for his insurance records—and the cops found some porn sites. Alex would be bored stiff, excuse the pun, whenever he went to that office. And to be honest, I was never sure what he had on his home computer. The police said all they found on it was a lot of seemingly innocent personal stuff and a lot of sports.
    “Michael,” Donna continued, “the police are not going to solve this. The answers are only going to be found where the cops aren’t going to go—Alex’s real business. We can’t let them go there.”
    “I think I know the answer to this, but just out of curiosity, why can’t we let the police go down that road? Maybe they can solve this thing—find out who killed Alex and Russell and who’s out there who can kill us.”
    “Michael, well, let me think.” Donna placed her hand on her forehead, a mocking gesture as though she had a sudden revelation. “Why wouldn’t we want to just open everything up to the cops? Could it be that Fat and Skinny Lester would be arrested? Maybe I’d be too. Maybe even you, Michael. Or could it be that if the guy behind all this is more than a little crazy, then we both might wind up dead too?
    “And then there’s the money—the money Alex’s clients owed and the cash that Alex has probably hidden somewhere in our house. And I know your situation is different, but I need that money. By the way, I have torn the fucking house apart. All I’ve found so far is about a thousand bucks—pocket change—that Alex had in various places.”
    Michael had already thought of all the reasons Donna just set forth, but it was unsettling to hear it from her lips. He also knew that the slightest publicity linking him to any sort of scandal would mean a swift end to his career. As he began to sink into some sense of despair, Michael’s cell phone rang. It was Skinny Lester.
    “Michael, we’ve got trouble. Mr. Sharkey wants to meet. He wants his money. Now .”
    Michael’s first thought was to question why this had now become his problem. But he knew he had somehow walked through a door, one that had quietly but permanently closed behind him.
    “What did you tell him?” Michael asked.
    “What do you mean, what did I tell him? I had to tell him we’d meet—on Thursday.”
    “And Lester, who exactly is ‘we’?”
    “You, me, and Fat Lester. Anybody else you wanna bring is okay with me, Michael.”

Chapter 14
    Whitestone, Queens, New York
    November 13, 2009
    F or Michael, Grimaldi’s would always be his brother’s final resting place.
    And tonight, as Michael walked into Grimaldi’s, a stunned Maria met him immediately. She was standing, frozen, in front of the bar. She had apparently been on her way to the kitchen and, as she passed by the front door, saw Michael walking in.
    “Oh my God, Michael, I thought I saw a ghost. I never realized how much you resemble your brother. When I saw you walk in I thought I was going to faint. I swear, I almost lost it.” Maria ran up to Michael and hugged him tightly.
    “I’m sorry, I should have called to let you know I was coming, but I was on my way back to Connecticut from dinner with Donna and thought I’d just drop in. There’s something I wanted to talk with you about.”
    “Of course, Jesus Christ, please, sit down. How about a drink or something to eat?”
    Maria brought two chilled glasses of wine and joined Michael at a quiet table off to the side. “Here, try this. I know you enjoy your wines. This is