Not Easily Conquered

Another Reboot?
I know, I know. This will be something different.

Oh? What is it?
Film Noir.

Intriguing. How will you handle this?
You'll see. Just keep an eye out for all the changes. And if you have any suggestions of your own feel free to make them.

Guess the question now is when?
Soon.
 
The Giant Killer
A Not Easily Conquered Story

Men are rather reasoning than reasonable animals, for the most part governed by passion.
-Alexander Hamilton, April 16th, 1802.
Part 1
Frozen Music
Chapter 1
Independence Day
Arnold, Ontario, 1999
Friday, July 2nd, 8:17 am.
It was almost time for the briefing and Alexander Hamilton (no relation to the president as far as he knew) was running late. As he entered the briefing room of the 14th precinct, he knew that there would be questions.
As soon as he sat down, Ken Jorgenson moved his seat closer. While Hamilton was not short at 5'11", Jorgenson towered over him at 6'5".
"Don't start," Hamilton said as Jorgenson sat down beside him.
"What?" said Jorgenson with a smile. "I'm just happy that you managed to convince your wife to give you some. After all, sex is supposed to be a relaxation aide."
Hamilton kept looking for the captain. "Keep this up and I'll put you on report. Again."
"Just stating facts, Alex."
Hamilton turned. "Here's a fact for you: my sex life is none of your concern."
Jorgenson put up his hands in surrender. "I'm just saying. Anyway, there's a new transfer. Word is that she puts out like a pro."
"Get your mind out of the gutter, Jorgenson. Remember the last time you did that? One more and you'll be of the force."
"Oh, I know. I'll go slow this time."
Captain Irene Lemieux entered the room with a new cop. She sat across the aisle from Hamilton and Jorgenson.
Lemieux cleared her throat. "All right. First a big 14th precinct welcome to Detective Josefina Arturo. She just transferred from Traffic Division. She will be partnered with Hamilton. You know what today is. Independence Day is a highly dangerous time. Especially when it falls on a weekend. A lot of drunks today. If you see any, call them in. Alright, Jorgenson, Kenilworth, Robbery/Homicide at a gasoline station on Whitethorn Road. Willis, Szmanda, Home Invasion off Jarvis. Hamilton, Arturo, body found in Victory Park. That's it. The rest of you get back to your reports."
 
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I have not the previous story so I am not sure of the POD. Look forward to see how this may play out.
 
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Chapter 1 Cont.
"Alright, Arturo, let's go. We can take my car."
Arturo looked at him with skepticism.
"What?"
"How do you know we shouldn't my car?"
Hamilton smiled. "'Cause you don't have one." At her look he said. "I saw you come in. You were riding a bike."
Arturo walked by him. "You would too if you worked traffic."
As they made their way to Hamilton's car, they passed the 60 star American flag in the entrance hall. Once they got in the car, Hamilton turned on the radio.
"-ning we are talking about the recent jobs report and how America seems to be in the grip of a recession. President Hartnell has said that the measures passed by Congress last May will take some time to have an effect. My next guest disagrees. Ian Wallace is the Libertarian Governor of Jefferson and a candidate for the Liberty Party nomination for President in the 2000 election. Good Morning, Governor."
"Good Morning, Matt."
Arturo looked at Hamilton. "You always keep the dial on ANS?"
"I like to be informed."
"Great, of all the people I could be paired up with I get the stuffed shirt."
There was a slight pause at this.

"Look. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say that-"
"Forget it. It's the same reaction my wife gave me when we first met."
Governor Wallace was speaking now. "President Hartnell's policies are going to lower us deeper into recession."
"There are those who say that she is just waiting for the economy to turn the corner for her to do anything more drastic."
"Nonsense, Matt. If the economy was going to turn the corner it would have done that already. It's been two years since this crisis started and nothing of substance is being done."
Hamilton looked briefly at Arturo. "So tell me about yourself."
"Well, I was born in Hermosillo, Sonora, 27 years ago. My family moved here when I was 10. I wanted to make a difference and I wanted to help. That's why I became a cop."
"Must have been difficult moving to a new state."
"Not really. I mean I still have family down there but this is my home now. What about you?"
"I'm 39 years old. I come from a long line of cops so I was expected to follow the same path. I have a beautiful wife and three great kids. I can't really complain."
"The family pressure to join the force must have been intense."
Hamilton shrugged. "Not really. My dad always said that he would support me. So long as I didn't do anything stupid. At first, I wanted to be a soldier. But after want happened to my uncle, fighting in the Pacific against the Japanese....No thank you."
"He died?"
"No. He got his legs blown off in '74. Anyway, we're here."
 
So it seems TTL the US has 60 states. At least one Mexican state, if not more, and I am not sure where TTL Jefferson is located. The US was at war with Japan in tbe 70s. A female president in the 90s.

Look forward to more.
 
Chapter 1 Cont.
After exiting the car they made their way to the pink tape. As they reached it a young woman of about 15 approached from the other side wearing a crime scene suit.
"Hey, dad."
"Hey, Yuna. What have we got?"
"An old guy. It's kind of messy and gross."
She looked at Arturo.
"Oh, Yuna, this is my new partner Josefina Arturo. Detective Arturo, my daughter Yuna."
"I'd shake your hand detective, but evidence."
"I understand. What else can you tell us?"
"The new coroner wants to tell you himself. He's right through there."
Going under the tape, they made their way to the body and the person leaning over it.
Arturo called out. "Are you the coroner?"
"Better hope so, hadn't you? Otherwise, I'm making one hell of a mess of your crime scene."
He stood up and look at the two of them. "Dr. Orlando De Bryn."
Hamilton introduced them. "What have we got?"
"White male late 60s to early 70s. Decapitation is the likely cause of death, though I'll know more when I do the autopsy."
Arturo looked around. "Any sign of his head?"
"No. Though the killer probably took it."
There were crime scene technicians all over the place taking conmeds and searching for clues. Hamilton looked around from where he stood.
"Time of death?"
Doctor De Bryn stood up. "Between 11 and 1 last night. Found his wallet in his front breast pocket. He's Clifford Maxwell Sr."
Hamilton and Arturo looked at him. Arturo spoke first. "You're certain?"
"As certain as I can be without his head. I'll take his finger marks they're still on file from that little incident he was involve in the '40s. If it's him I'll identify him."
Hamilton smiled. "Alright, thank you doctor."
"I'll have the autopsy results later today."
There was a shout. Hamilton and Arturo went over. They saw a lab tech picking up the head from the body across the way.
Arturo and Hamilton looked at each other. This confirmed it. The case would involve one of the most powerful families in the country.
 
Chapter 2
How the Other Half Lives
11:31 am
"Let's go over this again," Hamilton said.
"Why? If they have nothing to hide, they have nothing to fear."
They were sitting outside the Maxwell House. It had taken 45 minutes to get here and now Hamilton wanted to make sure that things were perfect.
"I know. It's just that I know the family."
Arturo looked at him askance. "Then you should recues yourself. On the other hand, it's not as though we found evidence that they are involved."
"True. But there is something else."
"Oh?"
"My sister in law is Sabra Nicholson. Her and Clifford Maxwell Jr.-"
Arturo groaned. "They're our senators."
"Exactly. It doesn't help that Sabra is of the Liberty Party and Maxwell is a Conservative Party stalwart. I just think that we need to be careful in how we approach this."
"What do you know about them?"
"Only what Sabra's told me. That Clifford Maxwell Jr. takes after his old man and that his younger brother William is now going to take over the company with the old man dead. Other than that, about the same as you. What do you know?"
Arturo looked uncomfortable. "While I was working traffic, there was a hit and run. William's car matched the description of the car that sped away. I could never prove it but I have a hunch that he was involved."
They opened the car doors and went to the mansion's front door. Hamilton rang the front bell. After a few minutes, a maid opened the door.
"Can I help you?"
Hamilton and Arturo got their badges and introduced themselves.
Arturo spoke before Hamilton did. "Are the Maxwells home? We need to talk."
"What's this about?"
Hamilton smiled. "We have some bad news."
"Is it about Master Clifford Sr.?"
They nodded.
"Very well. Please come in."
They entered a grand hallway with floor to ceiling marble.
The maid said, "I shall inform the family of your arrival."
She went up a grand staircase, with fancy wood banisters, swept up to the single landing. There was a crystal chandelier hanging above them. Hamilton washed his face with his hand and stopped just below his moustache. He noticed one of the many paintings on the wall. It was large and depicted a British redcoat presenting his sword to an American general. The name, in scrolling letters on the frame said:
Lieutenant Governor Cramahe surrenders Quebec to General Schuyler, September 2nd, 1775.
 
I am still hooked. Thanks for the updates. New connections between the partners and the case. I am sure even more will be revealed.

So the US, if even for a short time, wone Quebec. I wonder if Arnold live and if so, if this may butterfly his becoming a Traitor.
 
Chapter 2 Cont.
"I got that painting a few years ago," said a voice from behind Hamilton.
He turned around to see Clifford Maxwell, Jr., a man in his late 40s, of average height and weight, with Black hair.
"Senator, I'm Detective Alexander Hamilton, this is Detective Josefina Arturo. I suppose your maid told you why we were here?"
"Kendra is my mother's maid not mine. I live in Jenkins. But yes, she did say that it was something to do with my father. Is he alright?"
"Is the rest of the family in?" asked Arturo. "We'd rather everyone hear this at once."
Maxwell bowed. "Of course. This way."
As they moved down a hall, Maxwell started to talk. "Maxwells have been involved in Ontario politics and industry in one way or another since we became a state in 1789. We even founded the capital city of Arnold. Do you know who the city was named after?"
After a few seconds he said, "Benedict Arnold. Who knows what might have happened had lived. But he did die helping to conquer Acadia, so there is that. Here we are."
After entering the office, Maxwell introduced his brother William (a slightly younger, plumper version of Clifford Jr.) and his mother Irena (who had an imperious air to her).
Irena spoke first, in accented English. "Good morning, detectives. Have you found my husband?"
They looked at each other and Hamilton said "Yes ma'am. He was murdered. He was found in Victory Park this morning."
"Good God," said William. "Who did it?"
Arturo stepped forward. "That's what we're trying to find out. Is there anyone that you know that might want to hurt your father?"
"Well," said Maxwell. "I suppose you will look at us."
"How could you say that, Clifford, as thought any of us would kill father. Could be a disgruntled employee or former employee. I'll get you a list of all the workers I think might have had cause."
Irena nodded. "What about the heads of the company?"
William stopped. "Yes. I suppose. Alexis Komnemnos and Laura Pierce were angry with father."
Hamilton raised an eyebrow. "About what?"
"They think that the company is not doing enough to help it's workers. They want to increase wages across the board. Father disagreed. They opened it up to the board, of which I am a member. We were working on a compromise."
"So now you stand to inherit the company."
Irena smiled. "Only after my death will William inherit the company."
Arturo then asked the obvious question. "What was he doing in Victory Park last night?"
The Maxwells looked at each other nervously. Maxwell Jr. spoke first. "Father has, had, been showing signs of dementia, Jensen's Syndrome."
William stood up and started pacing. "We have been trying to keep it secret. Look he turn 70 last week and he is, was, past retirement age. We tried to talk him into retirement but he wouldn't see reason."
"It doesn't answer the question, Mr. Maxwell."
Irena put up a hand to silence William. "The truth is detective, we don't know. My husband, he likes, liked to take long walks. Sometimes he passed the park. Now is that all?"
Hamilton nodded. "For now. Is this his office?"
Maxwell nodded. "Yes. Have a look around."
"We'd also like to talk to the servants."
Irena said, "We shall send them up right away."
 
Chapter 2 Cont.
After the family left the office, rather reluctantly on William Maxwell's part, Hamilton and Arturo started searching for clues. There was a board with the heading proposed mergers on it. Among the names were: Kaiserliche Deutsche Stahlwerke, one that looked like it came from Russia and-
"The Armenta Oil Company?" Hamilton said.
Arturo looked up from a datebook she found in a desk drawer. She came over. "Why would a multinational manufacturing company be interested in an oil company from Gran Colombia?"
"I heard that Armenta wants to be allowed to drill off Cuba," Hamilton said.
"Still doesn't explain it. Anyway look at this: Maxwell Sr. noted in his datebook that he was meeting someone named K.E. last night at 11:00. Unfortunately, it doesn't say where, but I'm guessing-"
"Victory Park."
Arturo nodded. "Could be a payoff or tradeoff of some sort."
Hamilton stroked his chin. "Either way, we'll have to find K.E., whomever that is. They may have witnessed what happened."
"Or caused it to happen."
"Indeed."
The door creaked open. Two young women, the maid from before, Kendra, and a cook, who looked very nervous. Kendra spoke first. "We are the only two servants in the house. Mistress Irena said you wanted to speak with us."
Arturo said, "Yes. And have you been told why?"
Kendra looked sad. "Master Clifford Senior has been murdered."
Hamilton nodded. The cook seemed to not notice what was said. "Is she alright?"
Kendra looked at the cook. "Oh yes. She just speaks Mandarin." They then started talking in Mandarin.
After a minute, they turned back to the detectives. Kendra spoke for them. "Master Clifford Senior rarely talked to us. We were just servants to him. Jun cooks, I clean. That was the extent of our relationship." But she looked to the left as she said the last sentence.
Arturo asked "What about the two of you? Are you just colleagues? Friends?"
"We are cousins. I came over first, adopted the name Kendra and brought Jun over two years ago."
Arturo looked suspiciously at them.
"Is that all?" Kendra asked. "We have a house to look after."
Hamilton held up a hand. "Would you consider your relationship with all the Maxwells good?"
They conferred. "Yes."
"No problems with any of them?"
"None."
"Not even William?"
Kendra shook her head. "Clifford Jr. and William moved out of the house 20 years ago. They only visit on holidays and, in Williams' case for business meetings."
Hamilton smiled. "That will be all for now, thank you."
As Hamilton and Arturo went to the front door, they saw the family in the front hall as though waiting for them.
Clifford Maxwell Jr., stood and moved to shake their hands. "I hope you catch whomever did this detectives. If you have any other questions-"
Arturo said "Two actually."
"Yes?"
"What's the deal with Armenta Oil?"
William cleared his throat. "That is a deal that is in the final stages of completion. We bought them last month. Father wanted to expand into petroleum."
Arturo and Hamilton shrugged. Arturo said, "Your father's datebook mentions someone named K.E. as the last person he met. Do any of you know anyone with those initials?"
The Maxwells shook their heads. "Thank you."
As they made their way to the car, Arturo said, "I think the cook was hiding something."
Hamilton opened the driver side door. "Yeah. She's illegal."
Arturo was surprised. "How did you know that?"
Hamilton got into the car. "My wife grew up speaking Mandarin at home. She taught me the language when we were dating. I didn't mention it in there because you can pick up more if people think you don't know what they are saying."
"Oh."
"Now you hungry? I saw Greek place a few blocks from here."
A/N: Anyone have any questions? Comments? Concerns?
 
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