Page 69 of Private Pleasures

“I have his cell number,” Dr. Sam said, trying not to laugh.

“Think he’s got it on?” the cop asked.

“He always has it on,” Dr. Sam said dryly. “He’s an important man in his business.” He pulled his own cell from his pocket and punched in the number.

“He’s a jerk, as far as I’m concerned,” Lieutenant Barker said.

“Jeff? It’s Dr. Sam. Will you please come out? No one is going to hurt you, and you’re just adding charges to the ones Heidi is filing against you.” He listened. “Hang on a minute, and I’ll tell him.” Turning to the police lieutenant, Dr. Sam said, “He says he’s not coming out until he speaks with his lawyer.”

“And when the hell is that going to be?” the cop demanded. “You tell him to get his ass out here now. He can call his lawyer from the station.”

“Jeff, listen, you can call Kramer from the station. The whole neighborhood is in an uproar, and the local news trucks are already beginning to arrive on the scene. You’ve taken a simple matter and turned it into a spectacle worthy of P. T. Barnum. For God’s sakes, think of your reputation, and that of your firm.”

“Ask him if he wants his front door broken down,” the cop said.

“Jeff, listen to me. How about if Lieutenant Barker and I come in with a couple patrolmen, okay? I’ll go with you to the station house.” He listened, and nodded. “Alright, Jeff. Just the lieutenant, two cops, and me. I’ll tell him.” He ended the call.

“Thanks, Doc,” the lieutenant said.

“He says he wants time to get dressed once you’re inside,” Dr. Sam said.

“No problem. I hope you’re not a good friend of this guy. He’s a real piece of work, if you don’t mind my saying so. Wife in the nursing home unconscious, and he’s bringing the girlfriend out from the city to sleep in her bed. A real sweetheart, this guy.”

“You won’t get any argument from the others here on the court,” Dr. Sam said. “It’s Nora we all love. Jeff? A real putz.”

“Funny how the wife was found like that, isn’t it?” the cop noted.

“I’m Nora’s doctor, Lieutenant. When she was found, there was absolutely no sign of any injury, internally or externally. She was in a locked house and there was no sign that anyone other than Nora Buckley had been or was in the place.”

“What do you think the girl sees in him?” the cop continued, curious, and obviously anxious for a little inside information.

“Money. Power. A stepping-stone for her career,” Dr. Sam replied. “Listen, when we get inside, can I talk to Jeff?” His cell rang, playing the theme from the “Peanuts” Christmas special. “Dr. Sam. Okay.” He turned to the cop, who was grinning.

“I like ‘Peanuts’ too,” the police lieutenant said.

“Jeff says come in now,” Dr. Sam replied. “You didn’t answer my question. Can I talk to him?”

They walked to the front door, and it swung open. Jeff Buckley was in pajamas and his robe. He said nothing.

“My men will escort you upstairs to dress, Mr. Buckley. When you come back down, I’m going to read you your rights. Okay?”

Jeff nodded. He was pale, and looked a little flushed to the doctor.

Sam Seligmann reached out and took the man’s wrist. “A little fast. Calm down, Jeff. You’re only upsetting yourself.”

“I left a message on Kramer’s voice mail. Why hasn’t he gotten back to me?” Jeff said to no one in particular.

“Because he isn’t up yet maybe?” the doctor replied. “Get dressed, Jeff. You’ll feel better when you do.”

“What the hell are my partners going to say about this? That damned little bitch has made one hell of a mess for me,” Jeff whined.

“Mr. Buckley, please go upstairs now. Or would you prefer to go to the station in your pajamas? I don’t give a damn personally, but either way in ten minutes you’re out of here, sir. But I think you would prefer to be seen at your best,” the lieutenant noted.

Jeff turned and, escorted by the two patrolmen, went upstairs.

The other two men walked into the living room and sat down.

“You can talk to him when he’s dressed, and before we take him out of here,” Lieutenant Barker said.