Free Fall

It was ruled a suicide.

When Coldham Fintan Noose III, nick named Fin, heard about it he was totally shocked and didn’t believe Kenneth Loesing had killed himself.

Fin knew Kenneth Loesing pretty well. Their relationship had been a difficult one. Both were self-assured, ambitious and leaders. They could be arrogant, selfish and stubborn. While Kenneth was conservative Fin was liberal. Fin was in his late twenties when Kenneth Loesing died, aged 66.

Kenneth Loesing was balding, grey haired, craggy faced and blue eyed. Fin was light ash blond and blue grey eyed.

They had met four years earlier. Fin started working for Kenneth Loesing under a pretense. He was a burglar and after a piece of jewelry belonging to Mr. Loesing.

The new driver was too own minded in Kenneth’s opinion and due to this they were at logger heads.

Later he found out Fin wasn’t what he claimed to be and was angry and upset about it. Thank goodness Fin kept his cover intact and Kenneth believed Fin was a security specialist.

Fin started discreet inquiries if Kenneth had been near bankruptcy, indebted, involved in shady business or had martial problems. Nothing came up, so Fin was convinced something else must have happened.

Kenneth was on a business trip in Singapore, when he “committed suicide”. He had checked in at his hotel – when it opened in the 80s it had been the tallest hotel in the world – a few days earlier.

Fin had spent part of his honeymoon at the same hotel and knew that all guest rooms had balconies. He didn’t believe Kenneth jumped. Had it been an accident? Some underestimated how vertigo inducing the height could be and simply fell. Or had something more sinister occurred and Kenneth had been pushed or forced to jump? Fin was puzzled why someone would want to kill Kenneth. Fin was sure Kenneth had made enemies during his career or even in his private life.  He could be quite brash. Was this enough to kill him? Fin couldn’t let it rest and since there was currently no new job waiting for him he decided to go to Singapore himself and investigate.

Fin took his wife and daughter with him and booked into the same hotel as Kenneth had. Interesting enough some of the hotel staff recognized Fin and Frieda. They were delighted Fin and Frieda had grown their family and spoiled Casey.

Fin spoke with the receptionists, dropping casually that he knew Kenneth Loesing and that his death was a tragedy. He found out Kenneth had been a regular and made no signs during his final stay to be depressed and behaved like always: demanding, a bit rude, but generous with tips.

Fin heard from the check in staff that Kenneth’s favorite bar was on the top floor. He checked out discreetly which staff members had dealt with Kenneth.

One of the bartenders remembered seeing Kenneth with a lady, who could have been his daughter or granddaughter. Fin guessed she must be quite young. According to the bartender the lady was about 5 ft. 7 in. tall and had caramel colored hair. She was thin and attractive.

Fin was puzzled. Who was that mysterious girl? Kenneth’s mistress? Fin wondered if maybe back of house knew more. He thought the house keepers wouldn’t trust a male, so he asked his wife to speak with them. Frieda took her time to gain the trust of the ladies and gentlemen. At first the mostly Filipino staff didn’t trust Frieda. It was unusual for a guest to be interested in them. When Frieda had gained their confidence she dropped that she had heard about the recent suicide and wondered what the staff made out of this. Firstly and not surprisingly jumps occurred more or less frequently. They agreed with their fellow employees and Fin. There hadn’t been any indication or reason why Mr. Loesing would have killed himself. He had behaved as usual. Mentioning the young woman in Kenneth’s company the staff got shy. They didn’t want to speak about that. Finally Maribel agreed to talk. They met at a café. Normally Frieda was a coffee lover, but for some reason she couldn’t take the smell and felt nauseous, so she did forgo her usual cuppa and ordered mint tea instead. She was glad Maribel wanted to sit on the patio. The smell wasn’t as intrusive there. “So, the lady staying with Mr. Loesing, was she his wife?” Maribel shook her head. “No, I have met Mr. Kenneth’s wife and children. I know what they look like. Ms. Anna is around 15 years older than the missy.” “So the girl was Mr. Loesing’s mistress?” “My mates and I believe so.” Based on Maribel’s description Frieda made a sketch of the woman. Maribel advised a few changes. By the end a clear picture emerged.

Frieda and Fin discussed how to proceed. They tried first to see if the receptionists knew the mistress’s name. Unfortunately they didn’t. Fin and Frieda dismissed the idea to check with Singaporean immigration. They didn’t want to draw attention that they were investigating themselves. So what could they do? Frieda thought of going to contact Kenneth’s family. Fin wanted to engage friends of his to hack into the US Department of State to locate her. Frieda didn’t believe the young woman was American. She thought Kenneth’s lover was Australian or New Zealander. They agreed on calling Patsy Loesing, Kenneth’s mother, with whom Fin had a good relationship.

Patsy was surprised to hear from Fin. He wasn’t the most loved person of the Loesing’s. “Mrs. Patsy, my condolences.” Fin offered. She burst into tears. Kenneth was only dead a month. It was hard on Patsy. She always had believed she would die before her son and couldn’t believe he had committed suicide, but he must have done it, because he had obviously jumped.

Normally Patsy was strong and didn’t show much emotions, so she was a bit embarrassed about her crying on the phone. “Mrs. Patsy, I don’t believe Kenneth killed himself.” “He must have done it…” Fin had debated with himself before calling if he should be straight forward. Knowing Patsy he thought she would prefer honesty over beating around the bush. “Did you know Kenneth had a girl staying with him in Singapore?” Patsy’s free hand went to her mouth. “I had no idea!” “Well, I suspect she was his mistress. I’d like to talk with her, since she was probably the last one to have seen Kenneth alive. Do you think your family might be able to help identify her?” “I’m not sure, but I will check.” Fin explained he had a sketch of the person and Patsy promised to sweet talk her daughter in law Anna to have a look and she herself would too of course. Anna didn’t want to hear anything about it. “I fucking don’t care what Mr. Noose wants! My husband is dead and Mr. Noose has nothing better to do than accuse Kenneth of having an affair!” “Remember when he worked for us he was always honest.” “He lied and he’s doing it now again! I bet he’s gloating about our misfortune.” “He lied to protect us. Don’t forget the Wallenstein branch of the family wanted to harm us and Mr. Noose was here to protect us. Otherwise he never lied and was a good employee. I trust his instincts.” “If it really means so much to you, go ahead and invite him!” Anna gave in, but she wasn’t happy at all.

Fin, Frieda and Casey travelled to Dallas, where the Loesing’s lived. Fin returned to the mansion, feeling tense, sad and guilty. Fin could guess he wasn’t going to be made very welcome and he could understand it.

As expected he was let in by Florence Durazo, the housekeeper, and led to the living room. All the family members were there. Fin was a bit wary of the youngest son Javier, who had kicked him the last time they met. Thank goodness Javier gave him only icy stares like Anna, Wylie and Johnny, the oldest sons, did. The only welcoming faces were Patsy’s and Adrien’s, the youngest and only daughter of the Loesing’s.

Patsy looked at the sketch first. She shook her head. “No, I don’t recognize her. Sorry.” She handed it to Anna, who briefly glanced at it and said. “Nope.” Johnny, who was fifteen denied ever seeing her. Fin gave up hope. The family probably didn’t want to face that Kenneth had been cheating or they simply didn’t want to help him because of their shared past. Wylie identified the unknown person. “That’s Sarah Condos. She was at the guest lecture my dad gave about oil, environment protection and why it is safe to drill in National Parks, like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska last year at his Alma Mater. I remember her so clearly, because she sat beside me and blew Dad kisses. I was wondering why she would do that…” The seventeen year old had now a better idea. He had already guessed that his dad might have had affairs before Sarah. There had been signs, but Wylie had been too young to understand it.

From then it was easy. Sarah was Australian and had been an exchange student at the University of Dallas when Kenneth Loesing had given his lecture for the Economics department. She had returned to her native Australia, but not to her home town Adelaide. She now studied in Sydney.

Checks confirmed Sarah had been in Singapore at the same time as Kenneth.

To get a better picture of Sarah Fin wanted to observe her, so he had to get a visa from the Australian Embassy.  He was relieved when he got it and finally could be on his way.

Sarah Condos was quite active. She went to her classes every day and to Aikido training twice weekly and worked three times a week as a waitress at a greasy spoon. Weekends Sarah met with friends or stayed home.

Fin watched her closely and couldn’t detect that she was upset about Kenneth’s death.

When Sarah was at university Fin broke into her flat. It was easy peasy. The flat was chaotic. Fin thought it was sad, because the contemporary design of the furniture and airy feel of the rooms didn’t fit with the dropped clothing everywhere, dirty dishes in the sink and the strewn books, papers and magazines around the living and bed room. Fin searched in the untidy environment. Fin nabbed the most actual diary and checked out the photographs he found. Some showed Kenneth and Sarah together in different locations. In a few they were kissing, confirming they had had an affair. He took photos of those.

One of the commodes drew Fin’s attention. The top drawer had a lock and seemed slightly larger than the others. Fin tried to open it, but it was locked. Fin didn’t want to leave behind evidence he had opened the drawer, so he went looking for the key. He found it in a ceramic bowl in the kitchen with other knickknacks. The key fit. Fin was surprised how heavy the drawer was. When pulling it out it nearly crashed on the floor. Checking the content Fin saw different gun licenses. Underneath was clothing and weapons. Fin could identify some of them, for example a Smith & Wesson 0.357 Magnum, a Luger 9 x 9 mm Parabellum, a Harrington & Richardson 0.32 Magnum, another Smith & Wesson with a 0.44 Magnum caliber and a Remington 0.41. Fin shuddered. He didn’t like weapons. Sarah on the other side seemed to know how to handle them. Fin returned the content and drawer to its original state and brought the key back. Having seen everything Fin left.

To Fin’s dismay the pages during Sarah’s Singapore stay had been torn out, so he guessed she had something to hide.

Fin read the other entries, though, to get an idea what made Sarah tick. She seemed self-centered and concerned with her own gain. Fin didn’t mind ambitiousness – it was a trait he had himself – but there were things he would never consider doing, like stealing from his brother or friends.

Fin had experience with killing. He had murdered someone once nearly a decade earlier, having had no choice about it. The experience nearly broke him. He would kill again if necessary. He did everything in his power to avoid it at all costs, though. Another time Fin had to protect his family, so he ordered an assassination. It hadn’t been done lighthearted or had been easy. He felt about both decisions regret and guilt.

Reading the diary Fin had the impression Sarah Condos didn’t have any scruples. In fact Fin believed he was dealing with a psychopath and Sarah was highly dangerous. He was also very sure she was responsible of Kenneth’s demise. He tasked his middle man and friend Adam Granato to organize police officers in Singapore, the US and Australia to help Fin in solving the case and contacts in Malaysia and Singapore in organized crime.

Fin met Anthony Smith at the police station, where he was based. According to the information provided by Adam Anthony was 58 and twice divorced. Fin was picked up by Anthony at the reception and brought to his office.

Anthony was on the shorter side and Fin thought some fat hid that Anthony was quite strong and muscular. Fin guessed Anthony spent lots of time outside, because his face was weather beaten, making his green eyes stand out. Anthony had grey hair and a mustache. His office was tidy. There were lots of files, though.

Anthony Smith didn’t know what he should make out of Fin. It was a bit unusual to receive requests from his American and Singaporean counter parts to assist a civilian. Anthony trusted his instincts and couldn’t shake the feeling Fin wasn’t a security specialist. He could have sworn Fin operated on the wrong side of the law. Of course Fin might have changed from illegal to legal work.

Fin was respectful and used the right rank. He thought Fin was too smooth and nick named him “The Eel”.

“Coffee?” Anthony asked Fin after offering him a seat. “That would be nice, Superintendent Smith.” Returning with some awful brew he took a seat opposite Fin behind the writing desk. Fin told him his plans. Anthony wasn’t sure if Fin was crazy. “It’s risky what you are planning to do. What if she doesn’t take the bait? What if she admits killing this Kenneth, but it won’t stand up in court due to it being seen as having made a confession under duress or in the worst case she will try to kill you?” “Well, if she doesn’t confess, it was at least worth a try. I will stroke her ego, so it will be definitely not under duress and if she wants to liquidate me I hope it doesn’t work out. If it does, I died at least for a noble cause.” Anthony shook his head. An idealist! Anthony couldn’t believe it. He wasn’t sure if it was the right motive, but against better judgment he agreed to go ahead with it.

Anthony and Fin worked out the plan for the operation. Fin was equipped with a microphone, transmitter and a bullet proof west. “Try your best not to get shot in the head.” Anthony suggested kindly. Fin laughed. “Thanks for the advice. I’ll try.” 

Fin chose a day he was sure Sarah Condos was working at the greasy spoon. He thought his chances of getting killed during a confrontation there were reduced. Fin took a seat at a window table. Soon Sarah approached Fin to greet him warmly and hand him the menu. “Hey, I think I recognize you from somewhere. Have we met?” Fin asked, looking puzzled. “No, we definitely haven’t met. I would remember someone as good looking as you.” Sarah flirted. “My, thank you! I can only return the complement.” Fin replied charmingly. Sarah thought she had flattered Fin, hoping for a big tip. Fin pretended to study the menu, watching Sarah covertly to sashay away. She was attractive, indeed, and intelligent. It only reinforced he had to tread carefully. He had a look at the menu. When Sarah returned Fin ordered an orange juice and the fried chicken. The food was okay, but Fin’s stomach was knotted with nerves. Sarah arrived to clear the table. “Was it tasty?” “Very good.” She was about to leave, when Fin grabbed Sarah by the wrist. “I remember now! Kenneth has told me about you and shown me pictures of you together.” Sarah frowned. “Kenneth? I don’t know what you are talking about.” “Kenneth Loesing. He was my former boss, but we kept in contact. Before he died he told me how happy he was to have found someone young, attractive and ambitious. Kenneth thought he could have both, you as a mistress and his wife.” “He was wrong about that.” Sarah spat, sending angry daggers with her eyes at Fin. “I must say I admire you.” Fin said. “Why?” Sarah tried to free herself. Fin held on with an iron grip. “You were very clever. The police thought it was a suicide.” “I don’t know what you are talking about.” “Of course you do.” “No, I don’t! He jumped, because I finished the relationship.” “How convenient. Don’t you think you helped him a bit to make up his mind?” “Why would I do that?” “You felt betrayed by him. In your imagination he was leaving his wife and marrying you. When confronted with the truth – Kenneth was never going to get divorced – you decided no one should have him.” “And how would I have been able to make such a strong man as Kenneth jump?” “Very easy. Officially you left for Australia. In reality you crossed the border to Malaysia and spent some time in Johor Bahru. I know for a fact you bought an illegal weapon there. You returned to Singapore and met with Kenneth in his room. Maybe you told him you had a rethink and wanted the relationship going again to gain access…” Fear flickered in Sarah’s eyes. “Safely in his room you managed to get him on the balcony, got out your pistol from your handbag and left him a choice: Either jump or get shot. He chose the first, playing in your hands. The police would believe it was either an accident or suicide, since there was no evidence of forced entry and nothing was missing. It had happened before, so there was no reason for suspicion.” “Wow, you have it worked out perfectly”, Sarah replied ironic, “how do you explain there is a boarding pass available in my name two days after I split up with Kenneth?” “Conveniently your identical twin sister lives in Singapore. You two exchanged passports, so your sister’s will show she has been to JB – short for Johor Bahru -, while yours has a stamp you left Singapore.” “I see you have covered all your bases. What are you? A private detective?” “No. I just couldn’t believe Kenneth killed himself and tried to figure out what happened.” “How can I insure you keep quiet about it?” Fin asked a question instead: “So is this how it happened?” Sarah hesitated for a moment. Her shoulders slumped. A sign she gave up. “I thought my plan was foolproof…” Then Sarah laughed. “You should have seen Kenneth’s face when I pulled out my Luger. He forgot about Champagne and sex on the balcony quickly!” Fin didn’t find it funny. Turning serious Sarah said: “Kenneth begged, but I wouldn’t listen. He had treated me badly – even laughed at me for being so stupid to believe I would ever be Mrs. Loesing. Nobody leaves me! I am the one, who decides if it’s over or not!” Sarah realized she had said too much. Her mind was working furiously. The kitchen! Fin had released her arm earlier, so she could easily march off. She returned minutes later with more juice. “I think we have earned our drinks.” She said. Fin didn’t trust the offering. He was lucky when plain clothed police officers arrived to arrest Sarah. It caused some stir. Anthony entered too. He said: “Congratulations.” “Thanks. Can you do me a favor and have the orange juice analyzed?”  “Why?” “Don’t you think it’s a bit suspicious Sarah offered me a glass without any charge or me asking for it?” “You are right. I’ll have tests done.”

The results showed the beverage contained rat poisoning. It meant further trouble for Sarah, who was charged with murder, attempted murder and owning an illegal weapon. Singapore and the United States wanted her extradited, which she fought with tooth and nail. Sarah won that battle and was sentenced in Australia to life without parole.

For the Loesing’s the case meant closure and they were grateful to Fin, who was satisfied he had figured out how Sarah had committed her crime and sad and angry, because Kenneth’s death had been so senseless.

©2017