The Original Alibi (Matt Kile) Read online

  The Original Alibi

  A Matt Kile Mystery

  by

  David Bishop

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents have been produced by the author’s imagination or have been used fictitiously. Any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, or to any actual events or precise locales is entirely coincidental or within the public domain.

  THE ORIGINAL ALIBI

  This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you’re reading this eBook and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

  Copyright © 2012 DAVID BISHOP. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical without the express written permission of the author. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials.

  The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

  Cover Designed by Telemachus Press, LLC

  Cover Art:

  Copyright © Shutterstock/41452420/Dmitry Suzdalev

  Published by Telemachus Press, LLC

  http://www.telemachuspress.com

  David Bishop may be contacted through his Internet site:

  http://www.davidbishopbooks.com

  ISBN: 978-1-938135-49-1 (eBook)

  ISBN: 978-1-938135-50-7 (Paperback)

  Version 2013.01.04

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Note to Readers

  Who Murdered Garson Talmadge

  About the Author

  Praise for: The Original Alibi, a Matt Kile Mystery

  From Authors and Readers:

  There are many very good mystery writers out there, but in my view, Bishop is rapidly moving into the top rank. His work is detailed without being wordy, his plots appropriately twisted, yet subtle, and he is always accurate when it comes to police work. Mystery plots that hold a reader’s attention are very difficult to concoct, but Bishop seems to do it in his sleep. “The Original Alibi,” is his latest.

  Gerald Lane Summers, author of Mobley’s Law, A Mobley Meadows Novel.

  *

  This witty novel whisks readers into an expertly plotted story populated by well drawn characters with tantalizing glimpses of danger lurking just beneath the surface. Matt Kile is smart, human and very, very funny; a man with his own rules and sense of honor. Bishop leaves us hungering for the next installment in the Matt Kile mystery series.

  Kim Mellen, reader.

  *

  If you like your coffee black, whiskey straight, and private investigators with a questionable past, you’ll love this new release Matt Kile tale, The Original Alibi, from David Bishop.

  Toby Neal, author of the Lei Crime Series.

  *

  Praise for: Who Murdered Garson Talmadge, the first Matt Kile Mystery

  From Authors and Readers:

  Bishop takes you from California to Paris at a non-stop pace and mixes in the dead man’s grown children, an ex-wife’s bitter sister, international arms dealers and the FBI. All presented from Matt’s point-to-view and written with dialogue that’s crisp, action that’s suspenseful and a plot filled with a few twists you’ll never see coming. It makes for a can’t put-it-down story you won’t want to miss.

  Cathi Stoler, author of Telling Lies.

  *

  The dialogue is crisp and distinct, breathing life and sincerity into each of the characters. This was my first foray into David’s work and I enjoyed it greatly. I can’t wait to read more. Recommended!

  *

  Bishop does a great job in this murder/mystery, keeping you guessing until the very end. The characters are likeable and the pace is fast. Most importantly the ending is definitive and satisfying, leaving you yearning for what trouble Kile gets himself into next. Fans of JA Konrath, John Locke, and Rick Murcer will find Bishop’s style to their liking.

  Atul Kumar, author of Seven Patients.

  *

  Five Stars for David Bishop’s carefully plotted and beautifully written mystery!

  *

  I LOVED this book! It was refreshing. It was captivating; it was funny and had some twists I didn’t expect. I absolutely adored the style of writing!

  *

  If Who Murdered Garson Talmadge is the first in a series of Kile novels, then all I can say is bring on the next one!

  John C. Berry, author of A Night of Horrors.

  *

  Who Murdered Garson Talmadge is a spellbinding mystery told in an easy, entertaining style. Matt Kile is a character who is immediately likeable, even with his warts. The other characters are the kind you’d like to have at your next party, well, most of them. The author, David Bishop writes to keep you guessing and keep you reading.

  *

  I really liked this book. Would give it 10 stars if I could. The characters are likeable, especially the main character, Matt Kile. I liked his doggedness in getting answers to his questions. I also liked his euphemisms for describing sex!

  *

  Author David Bishop was recommended to me by a trusted friend and I am glad she did. While I don’t normally read mysteries, I decided to read Who Murdered Garson Talmadge. I was thoroughly drawn into the story and the life of the main character, Matthew Kile, and can’t wait to read more.

  *

  At times I felt like answering him.

  *

  You will love all the characters, especially the ones you are supposed to hate. Great job David Bishop, I will definitely be reading more of you in the near future.

  *

  The rambling interior monologue alone makes this book a must read! Top that with a murder out the starting gate, a labyrinth of plot twists with colorful characters at every turn, and you have a first class detective novel!

  *

  I found it hard to put the book down as I didn’t want to miss all the excitement! I highly recommend this book! A great read! Enjoy!!!

  Novels by David Bishop

  For current information on new releases visit:

  www.davidbishopbooks.com

  Currently Available:

  The Beholder, a Madd
ie Richards Mystery

  Who Murdered Garson Talmadge, a Matt Kile Mystery

  The Woman, a story of an ordinary woman facing extraordinary circumstances

  The Third Coincidence, a Jack McCall Mystery

  The Blackmail Club, Jack McCall Mystery

  The Original Alibi, a Matt Kile Mystery

  Money & Murder, a Matt Kile Mystery, short story

  2013-2014

  Death of a Bankster, a Maddie Richards Mystery

  Find My Little Sister, a Matt Kile Mystery

  The Schroeder Protocol

  The Red Hat Murders, a Maddie Richards Mystery

  Murder by Choice

  To be notified when each of the above titles are available:

  Send your email address to, [email protected]

  For more information on books and characters visit: www.davidbishopbooks.com

  Each forthcoming novel will have a new list of titles and dates.

  Dedication

  This novel is dedicated to Jerry and Sue Little, Frank and Linda Evans, Harry and Karen Evans, friends lost on the sea of life. Also other friends no longer seen due to relocations and career changes; including, but not limited to, Paul and Marsha Visage, Bill Wark and his wife, Fred Leetch and his wife, Steve and Jan Shanks, Dan and Jeanne Nelson, Adam and Patsy Bono, John Meng and his wife, Richard and Melanie Houser, Bill and Mary Lee, Loy and Ellie Brooks, Tom and Diane, Richard and Toni Yaskowitz, Jim and Nancy Chapman, Dick Rice and his wife, Roger and Nancy Nelson, Lou and Diane Giordano, Bill Holl and his wife, Jim and Sue Bulgrin, and Judy New among others.

  I would also like to acknowledge others who have become an extended family to me: Jennifer and Andy Rose, Hayley, Autumn, and Emma, as well as many others who have found their way into this man’s life, enriching me by their presence, goodness, and affection. And last, but certainly not least, this book, as with my others, is dedicated to my sons and my grandchildren, nieces and nephews, my sister Diane Kilby, and brother, Bill Bishop. I would also like to acknowledge all my former Kiwanis brothers in Durango, Colorado, I miss you guys.

  My special thanks to the wonderful people who read early drafts and made suggestions which greatly enhanced the story: Martha Paley Francescato, Lynne Holmes, Kim Mellen, and Jerry Summers. Recognition is also due Britt Sylvester who provided technical expertise that was a great help in putting this story together. I appreciate your friendships and your talents.

  The Original Alibi

  A Matt Kile Mystery

  Chapter 1

  “I believe that’s your phone, dear,” the woman’s husband said. She stopped walking and fished her cell from the pocket of her windbreaker.

  “Hello, Mrs. Yarbrough,” said a voice into her ear. “I see you are enjoying your first early evening walk on the beach with your new puppy. She’s such a cutie. Have you and Mr. Yarbrough named the pooch?”

  “Who is this?”

  “It doesn’t matter. What matters is that you stay on the line after what is about to happen.”

  “What are you talking about?” Mrs. Yarbrough demanded, “Who are you?”

  The leash Mrs. Yarbrough held went limp. Her white poodle slumped to the sand. “Robbie, what happened? Snookie is, I don’t know, she’s just … down.” Mrs. Yarbrough held her cell phone as if she no longer knew she had it in her hand.

  Robert, her husband, bent down. His knees displaced the sand next to Snookie. “She’s dead, Mel. I think Snookie’s been shot.”

  Melanie Yarbrough began bouncing on her toes, frantically waving her hands. She dropped her phone onto the beach, then bent down next to her husband and touched Snookie. He took her in his arms while she sobbed softly.

  Several minutes later, Robert Yarbrough picked up his wife’s cell phone, shook off the sand, and had started to close the top when he heard a loud voice. He held the phone to his ear. “Hello?”

  “I’ve been waiting. Sorry about Snookie. It was necessary. You should know I took no pleasure in it.”

  “Did you do this?” Mr. Yarbrough asked. “Who the hell are you?”

  “To your left, near the partially burnt log, I’ve left a box for you to use to take Snookie home. It’s the right size. The inside has a soft new towel. It should do nicely.”

  “You shot Snookie? Why?”

  “Take Snookie home and bury her in your wife’s garden. You will hear from me. In the meantime, be glad you were not walking your newest grandson, Bobby, named after you, I presume. Your wife sometimes walks the little tike on a leash just as she walked Snookie today. I will know if you say anything about this, to anyone. If you do, Bobby Junior will be my next target.”

  “But what do you want? Why us?”

  “All that will be made clear. Do not fret needlessly. There will be no more violence if you do as you’re told. What will be required of you will not be difficult. It will not cost you any money. And it will be painless, if you follow orders. We’ll talk soon.”

  The phone went dead.

  Chapter 2

  Eleven Years Later

  “Don’t forget, boss, we got a ten o’clock appointment. It’s eight now.” Axel handed me the morning paper, and put down a tray holding a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice, a carafe of coffee, two cups, and a small plate of buttered English muffins.

  It was pleasant enough sitting on the balcony, a little chilly but that’s why they made robes.

  Axel had been working for me only a couple of weeks, but we’d known each other for years in a very different setting. We were cellmates during my four years in state prison. I looked up. “Isn’t that my shirt you’re wearing?”

  “Yeah.”

  “And my belt, why are you wearing my belt?”

  “You wouldn’t want your pants to fall down, would you, boss?”

  “No, of course I wouldn’t. And before you set up any more of these appointments, let me remind you I write mysteries. I don’t handle cases in real life.”

  “You was a homicide dick and a good one from what I hear. And you got yourself a PI license.”

  “I wanted to prove I could get the license after the governor pardoned me. I write murder mysteries.”

  “Aren’t you cold out here, boss?” Axel wrapped his arms around himself, gripping his biceps. “You wanna go inside?”

  “It’s a little nippy, but I’ll stick for a while. I do wish they made robes in various lengths. No reason they can’t.” I’d been six-three since the eleventh grade but over the years robes kept getting shorter.

  Axel had been inside close to forty years, during which he became as sweet a senior citizen as you’ll ever know. Forty-one years ago, a half-million dollar payroll had been taken by a lone gunman, without violence. The jury had found Axel guilty. Axel had never changed his claim of innocence, but he has sometimes winked at me when the subject came up. The fact they had never found the money is likely why they held onto Axel over the years, while letting out younger hard-asses because of the overpopulation of prisons. For his last five years he had been an administrative assistant for the warden, doing a lot of his online research. Axel was a whiz using computers. I helped his parole along with the promise of a job.

  In these first few weeks, his duties included trips to the dry cleaners and doing the home laundry and keeping the place clean. Axel always kept our cell neat, and he carried that forward to caring for my condo. I had to go with him to shop for groceries because Axel wasn’t up to speed on driving anymore. He planned to take care of that but hadn’t as yet. As you can see, his job description lacked clarity, it would evolve or so we imagined.

  Unfortunately, we wore clothes similar enough in size for Axel was an even six feet. For each wearing, he had hand-altered my slacks by rolling up the pant legs. He also adjusted for our different waist measurements. I wear size thirty-eight. I’m guessing his at thirty-six, maybe thirty-four because he had my belt two notches tighter, which meant there would now be his-and-mine cinch marks in the leather.

  “Boss, yo
u remember that movie where Jack Nicholson’s character said, ‘never waste a boner and never trust a fart.’ Well, that man was a prophet.” Then Axel rushed inside. The Bucket List was a wonderful movie, but I didn’t like him quoting that line while he was wearing my slacks. I settled back and looked at the newspaper with an eye out for Axel’s return.

  A few minutes later, Axel came back out. I felt some relief from his still wearing the same pair of my pants. He ran his hand across his mostly hairless head, and then wiped that hand on the backside of my pants.

  “You helped save Clarice Talmadge,” he said, as if he had never left the conversation. “I kept up with that story before you got me sprung.”

  I looked over at a gull circling past the balcony just off the railing. “I didn’t get you sprung. The parole board was about to release you anyway. You’d been in long enough. I just tossed a job offer in the mix. That’s all.”

  “That’s what tipped the scales.” Axel looked over at the gull that squawked while making its third pass.

  Axel was sort of like a friend you took under your wing after he had spent thirty to forty years in a coma. I knew why the gulls, there were three now, were squawking. Axel sometimes threw pieces of bread out over the rail and, with me out here, he hadn’t this morning. Feeding the birds was against building policy. I’d have to speak to him about it, but for now I couldn’t refuse him the kind of small pleasures he had been denied for decades.

  “You got out because you were no longer a threat to society, maybe to my wardrobe, but not to society.”

  “Well, that don’t change the brilliant way you saved Clarice Talmadge’s ass and, from what I’ve seen in the hallway, I’m glad you did, although from what I hear the woman’s not the swiftest card in the deck.”

  “Now where did you hear that?”

  “From Clara Birnbaum down on my floor, the former school teacher, she says Clarice spells Cincinnati with an ‘s.’”