Max Faraday sat down slowly, in
disbelief. “Someone was killed on my yacht?”
Nik nodded, keeping an eye on the bald 55-year old man. “It appears to
have taken place a few days ago. The crime lab is working out the specifics,
but our guess is that the victim was shot from a distance. They place the date
around June 27th.”
Faraday, a man of 5’5 and around 170 pounds, had remained calm so far.
He had not seemed at all amazed to answer his door to the police. Not exactly
expecting them, but not indignant either. “I see. This is very disturbing.”
“Had you let the victim use your yacht?”
“No. I mean, yes.”
Nik looked at Dwayne, who was walking around the living room in quiet
respect. Nik had instructed him to stay mute during the interview. The kid
wasn’t quite skilled in the art of interviewing a possible suspect. Dwayne just
arched an eyebrow at Faraday’s answer. Nik turned back to the man. “Which is
it?”
“I lent it, but not to the man you described.”
“Exactly who did you lend it to?”
“Is that important?”
“It’s a homicide investigation. Everything is important. Considering
your yacht was where the body was found, I’d say your answers are pretty damn
vital.”
Faraday held up a hand in apology, then rubbed his brow. “I’m sorry,
this is all confusing to me, and quite sudden.”
“The name, sir.”
“Ted Clayton. He doesn’t live in town.”
“Where does he live?”
“Las Vegas .
He’s a partner in a law firm there. Jefferson-Brown is the name of the firm.”
“What’s his involvement with you?”
“He’s a professional friend.”
Nik nodded. “He ever use your yacht before?”
“No.”
“We’ll be contacting him, probably today. Is he back home or still
here?”
“I believe he went back to Las
Vegas two days ago.” Faraday cast a glance at Dwayne.
“Does he say anything?”
Nik looked at Dwayne. “He’s kind of supervising me, making sure I’m not
out of line.” He then said to Behrens, “Boss, you have any questions?”
“Just one. Mr. Faraday, I don’t expect you to know this, but why do you
think Mr. Clayton lent your boat to Oscar DeBartolo?”
Nik wanted to smile, but held it in. The kid was learning. “I was thinking
that, too, boss. Well, Mr. Faraday, any guesses?”
“I left it in his care. Last time I’ll ever do that!”
“I take it you don’t have a clue?”
“None at all. If you’ll excuse me, I have business to attend to.”
“What exactly do you do?”
“I own the Starboard Casino in Carson
City .”
“Business good?”
“Always.” The standard business line. “And I must make sure it stays
that way, gentlemen. Good day.”
The two cops turned to walk out, but Dwayne stopped. Oh shit, thought Nik.
“Mr. Faraday, one more question.”
“Yes, Columbo?”
“I’m just curious about your professional relationship with Mr.
Clayton.”
“He handles some legal matters, and I put him up in my hotel when he’s
here. Anything else?”
“At this moment, no.” With that, he and Nik quietly let themselves out.
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