The Hemp Papers

Chapter One

Change was in the air. Alan and Cathy married the week before their friends, Jason and Marie from Santa Fe, so it was a busy month for Robert and Julia Forrester. All of their friends who helped with previous investigations were now married including detective Louis and Officer June.

Now that all our family friends are married what should we do? Julia asked. Retire?

Retire? Are you kidding? Do you want to retire? Robert asked.

Julia and Robert were private investigators who fell in love two years earlier. They were now married and managing their business from Albuquerque. Julia worked for Robert when she lived in New York but she finally managed to get him to notice her and the rest was history.

No, but I do have some news, she said with a smile. She had just come out of the bathroom.

What now? Another girlfriend from New York has fallen for someone in New Mexico and is moving here?

Cathy Hogan, who was now married to Alan Hogan, was Julia's roommate in New York City and the couple lived less than a mile away from them. Alan started an Internet business called Geek Mingle where computer nerds could meet others of the same species. The site went international and eventually sold stock on the NYSE making Alan an overnight billionaire.

We may have another roommate soon, Julia said, still maintaining her smile. She loved it when she kept Robert in the dark. He was good at figuring out things and always seemed to be a step ahead of everyone.

What are you talking about? By now Robert was a little frustrated and had no clue regarding a new roommate.

Julia waited and just looked at Robert, hoping he would figure it out. All of a sudden Robert jumped up off the couch and yelled.

You're pregnant! Really, you're pregnant!

Julia smiled and said nothing. She wanted Robert to go through the range of emotions like she did when she found out ten minutes before. The pregnancy test still lay on the bathroom counter with the blue band indicating she was positive for the test.

How long have you known? Robert's voice was so loud, Carla, the cook came running from the kitchen to see what was the matter.

Robert looked at Carla and shouted out the news. Julia's pregnant and we are going to have a baby.

"Que bueno, señor Robert. Children are the life of a family. I'm so happy for you."

By now Robert had to sit down on the couch and collect himself. He knew they would eventually have children and now that day had finally arrived.

I found out just now. The pregnancy test is still on the counter in the bathroom. I felt different about three weeks ago and bought the pregnancy test yesterday.

Is that why you mentioned retirement? Robert asked. Maybe you can retire but I still have several cases to close.

By now Carla was on the phone to her sister who worked at Alan and Cathy's home. Is it okay that I tell my sister, Julia? I can tell her not to tell Mr. and Mrs. Hogan and let you do the honors.

Sure, Carla. Tell her but I want to call Cathy myself.

This is such good news, I feel like I'm going to be a grandmother, Senora Julia.

*****

What? When did you find out? Cathy took the news with as much excitement as Julia expected.

I felt strange and bought the test yesterday. I waited till this morning to find out and now I know.

This is so great, Cathy said. How is Robert taking it?

He's as excited as Carla. She feels like she's going to be a Grandmother and Robert might need a beer to go with his breakfast just to calm down.

This is so fantastic. Do you need anything or should we go somewhere to celebrate?

How about you and I go out and visit baby departments. No drinking for me until the baby is born and stops breastfeeding. I also need to buy a few books so I'm not completely in the dark about this.

I'll come by and pick you up, Cathy said. I'm so excited for you. What time?

Give me a couple of hours. We'll have lunch in town and get some real 'girl time' together.

See you soon, Cathy said. She then hung up.

Chapter Two

Michael Burrows had to go out of state and find someone who could help him. The information he discovered regarding the senator from Tennessee was too damaging to investigate where he worked. The food and drug companies could not be trusted nor anyone else in Washington, D.C. As far as Michael was concerned, everyone was on the take and his job might be in jeopardy if information got into the wrong hands.

Mr. Burrows worked for the Federal Government in the Cyber Department, helping to find irregularities in the screening of food products grown in the U.S. He could trust one friend with this information.

Bruce, I need to find someone who can help me, Michael said.

Bruce Miller was Michael's college roommate and they kept in touch over the years. Both went to the University of Oregon and trusted each other with their lives. Bruce now lived in Colorado.

Slow down, Michael. Something happened at work, didn't it?

.

Yes, and I can't talk to anyone about it at all. There is too much at stake and it involves state congressmen taking bribes. I called you because your state could be affected if this scam is uncovered.

I'm not sure I want to know what it is, Michael. You always get riled up over all that government stuff and lose a lot of sleep when something turns up. What is it you want me to do?

I need to find a private investigator to do some research and they have to be from somewhere other than D.C. I can't trust anyone in this town.

I have a friend who knows someone. I'll call him and get the investigator to call you. Shall I give him your private cell?

Yes. Don't have him call me at work. It might be best you don't know the situation. I don't want any of my friends getting hurt, especially you.

Michael, I'll get on this right now. Stay calm and keep your head down. You took a big chance moving to D.C. You have skills in what you do and I don't want you to get fired for whistle-blowing. That shit happens all the time in D.C.

Thanks, Bruce. I knew I could count on you.

We'll talk later, Michael. Bye for now.

Bruce hung up and made a call. "Hello, Carl I need your help. Can you tell me about that guy you hired last year from New Mexico? I may have a job for him.

Chapter Three

Should we start converting a bedroom into a baby room, Julia? I've never had a kid and have no idea what comes next.

I've been pregnant for three weeks, Robert. We have plenty of time. Let's get through the first trimester and then start making room decisions. I want to find out the sex first, which will help when choosing a color for the walls. Julia remained calm while Robert showed more emotion than she had ever seen coming from him.

I need to focus my mind on something during this waiting period. What do we have on the books right now?

We might have to wait for Peggy to get here. She said she'd be finished with classes and here by ten. The office is practically run by her now.

Peggy was Robert's computer expert assistant and a student at the University of New Mexico. She replaced Alan Hogan after he started his Geek Mingle dating site. It was now a year since she started to work for Robert.

She graduates next month with a degree in Computer Science and wants us to come to the ceremony. We could be the closest family she has, Robert.

Doesn't she have parents living in Albuquerque? I heard her talk about her mother once.

Her dad died two years ago and her mother is in a home. Something about having Dementia and she needs full-time care because the condition is critical. She may not have many years left.

I had no idea, Robert said. What does she want to do after graduation? Do I need to start looking for another assistant?

Believe it or not, she wants to continue working for us. She told me she could make more money working for a company in an office with cubicles, but she'd never have as much fun as here, taking down the bad guys.She said that? Yes, and she may be single soon. She and her boyfriend don't see eye to eye on her decision to continue working here. He was counting on Peggy to get a high paying job and help him get through med school. In secret, Peggy told me she was glad they were splitting up.

Why's that? Robert asked.

She felt he was depending on her to make his dreams happen. Peggy doesn't want to be the only one responsible for his well being and is ready to move on.

Peggy worked for Robert when he took down The Company that did illegal trades on the NYSE. She also helped Robert and Julia capture Marcos, the stun gun killer, and put away Poppy who ran a kidnapping ring and illegal gun trade in Paris. Peggy knew she would never experience anything as exciting as working for some company doing market research or something else requiring her skills.

Wow, she really likes us, Robert said. How long do you think she wants to work for us? Eventually, she might find the love of her life and settle down.

Funny, Robert. We found each other and you haven't settled down. We'll see what happens after the baby arrives. We could set her up on a medical plan and give her a raise. She'd like that for sure.

Let's look into that. Also, I know having a child will change everything unless you want to bring him or her along when we have to travel on cases.

"You could be on your own, Robert. Peggy and I can handle things from here while you run around getting your passport stamped in foreign countries.

I may need a travel assistant to replace you. At least someone who speaks French.

Just make that person a male. I'm not sharing you with any other woman and that's final.

No way would I work with any other woman than you, Sweetheart, and that's final for me as well.

*****

Peggy arrived at the office and listened to the office voice mail. There was a call from an old client of Robert by the name of Carl Salle. Robert helped the man in a case involving an ex-wife taking his child across state lines without permission. Robert not only found the woman but testified for Carl allowing him to have complete custody of the young boy. The ex-wife would only be able to visit her son in supervised settings along with a child counselor.

Robert, do you remember a Carl Salle? asked Peggy. He seems to be an old client of yours. I pulled up his file and saw it was before my time working here.

Yes, he's from the D.C. area. The case involved his son and an ex-wife. She's a little nuts and needed boundaries regarding the son. He now has custody of the boy.

He left a message and wants you to call another man about a possible case.

Did he leave a number and a name?

Yes, the name is Michael Burrows. The number is a D.C. area code. Nothing is mentioned about the case so maybe I should call and get some details first?

"That's okay, Peggy. I'll call the man. You have plenty to do and I need the distraction right now. Julia having a baby has really put me on edge.

Here is the number. Are you going to call him now?

Might as well.

Robert dialed the number and waited. After the fourth ring, the call went to voice mail.

This is the number for Michael Burrows, please leave a message.

This is Robert Forrester. I was given you name from an old client of mine, Carl Salle. He said you might need some help with a problem and to give you a call. Please call back at your convenience.

Robert hung up. He phone rang five seconds later.

Hello, this is Robert Forrester.

Yes, hello. This is Michael Burrows. I heard your message. I'm sorry but I have to screen my calls right now.

Well, Mr. Burrows, what can I do for you? Robert started to get a funny feeling in his stomach.

Can we meet? I can fly to you or pay for your flight to Washington, D.C. I can't discuss anything over the phone.

Robert could detect panic in Mr. Burrow's voice. What is easier for you?

Maybe I should come to you, Mr. Forrester. D.C. is full of people spying on each other and I've never been to the Southwest. Carl said you lived in Albuquerque. Is that right?

Yes, I do. When do you want to meet? I can free up my schedule and meet when you're available.

Is tomorrow too soon? I have to get someone working on my case as soon as possible and Carl said you are the best investigator he has ever used.

I do my best and have a few years under my belt. Can I recommend a hotel for you in town and a place to meet? Robert was not going to have a stranger visit him at his home.

Please do. I can be there by tomorrow afternoon and then meet for dinner.

The Hotel Albuquerque is close to Old Town and the Church Street Café is a good place to meet. Call me when you get to town and we can arrange a time to have dinner.

I'll book my flight right now and call when I get to town. Thank you for your time. I hope we can work something out and see if this is a case you'd be interested in.

I'll look forward to meeting you, Mr. Burrows. We'll talk tomorrow.

Robert closed his phone and looked over at Peggy. Can you find out any information on a Michael Burrows? He lives in D.C. so he probably works for the government in some way.

I'll see what I can do, Robert. Should I get on this right away?

Yes, he's coming here tomorrow so I want a little background on him before I walk into a meeting. He knows a previous client of mine but I still can't be too careful.

I'll get on this right now. Peggy stayed in the office and Robert went out to the pool area to let Julia know his plans.

Guess what, Sweetheart. I may have a case in Washington, D.C. A previous client recommended me and he's flying out tomorrow to meet. I'll have dinner with him in town and find out what he wants then.

He's coming out here to discuss the case and have dinner?

He seems nervous and didn't want to discuss anything over the phone. Said something about D.C. having too many people listening in on each other. He didn't feel safe meeting in Washington.

Where are you meeting for dinner?

Church Street Café.

Bring me that Chili Relleno dinner I like. Carla is off tomorrow and I don't feel like cooking for one person.

You've got it. Anything else?

We have plenty of ice cream so I think we're good.

Ice cream? Are you having food craving already?

No, but a little ice cream after a Mexican meal always tastes good.

Chapter Four

Senator Hopper's office. Can I direct your call?

This is Zeke Thompson. Can you have the senator call me when he has a chance? I need to speak to him right away.

Yes, Mr. Thompson. I'll leave him a message. He usually does follow-up calls after lunch so you should be hearing from him then.

Thank you. I'll wait for his call.

Zeke hung up and turned to his partner, Ralph. He'll call after lunch. Do you want a beer while we wait?

No, Zeke. This is important. We pay this guy every year and he has us on 'call back'. What the hell?

This is a state senator, Ralph. He has lots to do besides hearing about our complaints. We have to be patient. This is Tennessee and he is the head of the committee that deals with agriculture. We have to wait. He usually calls me on a private line so relax. It may take a while.

What do you have to eat around here? Ralph asked.

Zeke and Ralph were marijuana growers in Tennessee and operated in a small town near Knoxville. The Blue Ridge area of their state produced a huge amount of the illegal drug and both men made a good living from their labors.

Just warm up the pizza we had last night. There's coffee in the pot and cold cereal as well.

Zeke grew marijuana since the late 90's and knew the ins and outs of large-scale production. Ralph started growing weed in 2000 and now teamed up with Zeke in providing the crop to wholesalers. Each year the state of Tennessee voted down marijuana for medical use and that suited the two growers just fine.

Did you hear how the vote went? I heard they voted down the medical marijuana bill again. I guess Hopper is doing his job. If they ever made weed legal we could lose a lot of income.

Zeke poured himself a cup of coffee before answering. The vote was six to two. I don't think Tennessee is going to make it legal for a while, as long as we have Senator Hopper on the committee for the Department of Agriculture. If it becomes legal he doesn't get paid by the growers.

I heard the state is throwing around the idea of term limits. If that goes through then we have to elect another senator who is looking for a little side income, Ralph said.

Plenty of those around in government, Ralph. This state is not going to change the way they do things for a while. Just relax. Even if weed does go legal, Hopper can make us the official growers and we still get paid. Just not as much.

Zeke knew that the legalization of marijuana for medical use and recreation would mean the crop sales would be taxed and distributed through clinics. Prisons would be emptied of petty users spending three to five years for using the drug. State income through taxes would increase but not for politicians like Senator Hopper.

Have you done any practice flights with your new toy, Zeke? I'd like to know where some of those other fields are located. Ralph referred to the drone Zeke purchased three months before.

I've used it several times and know where a few fields are. Hopper wants us to check out the location of a new grower. The senator says he hasn't paid into the protection fund yet.

I think there are two others like him located in the middle of the state, Zeke.

Hopper said if I can get my drone to carry some of that new fungus spray, we can take out those plots before they bud. Hopper will get us the spray. We just have to figure out how to reach those fields and put those people out of business.

Let's take it out for a flight today and attach the surveillance camera so he can see who we're dealing with.

Good idea, Ralph. We have the approximate location of the fields, thanks to the local cops, but need to pinpoint the exact location. I don't want to spray any fields that are paying for protection.

I agree. Let's finish breakfast and hook up the camera. We have a little work to do. We still have to figure out how to use a sprayer attached to a drone. Once we have that figured out we can hit the new growers in our area.

Zeke and Ralph finished breakfast and went out to the barn to hook up the camera. They had to keep their business safe from anyone coming into their area and not playing by the rules.

*****

Senator Hopper sat at his desk eating lunch and listening to the calls on his answering machine.

Sally, when did this call come in from Mr. Thompson?

About ten this morning. I told him you'd call back after lunch.

The senator reached into his desk, grabbed the burner phone and called the number attached to Zeke's name. It rang twice before someone answered.

Hello.

Zeke, this is Hopper. My secretary said you called.

Yes, we are getting close to hooking up the sprayer to the drone. We need that chemical to test it on a few plants to make sure it works.

That's fine. I'll have a driver deliver it to your barn where you live. I have to give you a number to use in the future. I can't have any calls coming into my office. We have to keep our relationship quiet. If anyone finds out about us, then everything can go up in smoke and we don't want that to happen, do we?

No, we don't Mr. Hopper. It would not be good for either of us. Zeke knew the senator would be in deep shit. Receiving bribes and paying off law enforcement to keep the cannabis growers safe would mean years in prison.

Good. I'll have the driver give you the private number when he delivers the spray. Let me know how it works on that field in your area. There may be a few others. When I get their location I'll let you know.

Fine. Talk to you later, Senator.

Chapter Five

Michael Burrows landed in Albuquerque late in the afternoon and rented a car at the airport. He then drove to the Hotel Albuquerque and checked into a room on the tenth floor. The view of the city below with the mountains to the northeast was breathtaking. He sat by the window and wondered why he never visited this part of the world before. It was beautiful.

He placed a call to the front desk. Can you tell me exactly how far I am from the Church Street Café? I have to meet someone for dinner and according to my Google map search it seems to be within walking distance.

I think you can get there in ten minutes, Mr. Burrows. Church Street is a small side street and some of those buildings date back to the Spanish occupation of the area.

Does it cool off here at night? If so, I might need a jacket, right?

We're over five thousand feet in elevation so the temperature does drop after sunset.

Sounds like jacket weather. Thank you. Do you have a dining room? I plan on staying here for two nights and I don't like to walk too far in the morning to eat breakfast.

We serve a wonderful Continental breakfast till noon and then lunch and dinner are served in our dining room near the gift shop. We try to give our customers everything they need in the hotel.

Thanks again for your help. Michael hung up and made a call to Robert Forrester.

The phone rang three times before Robert answered. Hello.

Mr. Forrester, this is Michael Burrows. I'm checked into my hotel and know where I need to go tonight. Are we still on for this meeting?

Mr. Burrows, good to hear from you. Of course. How do you like the Southwest so far?

I'm a little surprised with all the mountains nearby. I expected more desert and warmer weather.

The altitude changes that for life in Albuquerque. When the Spanish settled this area they looked for places suitable to withstand the heat of summer. Santa Fe is another high-elevation town and was once the Spanish capital.

I'll have to read up on the area. After I talk to you I may stay another day just to look around.

We are different from the east coast, or the west coast for that matter. I suggest a drive to Santa Fe tomorrow and take a look around. It is one of my favorite communities in the area.