He Was Just A Janitor

 

 

It was a dark and stormy day . . .

 

“What the hell do you mean, you don’t have any more information about this guy?  Well Robinson, you better get something quick, I don’t want the District Attorney’s office bugging me all day for information.”

 

“But Captain, I’m telling you we don’t have any criminal information about this guy yet, or where he got his money.”

 

“Damn it Robinson, a guy dies of unknown causes and you find over $100 thousand in cash at his home.  Then you tell me there’s no indication where in the hell he got the money.  There’s something wrong with this picture and I need some answers,” the Captain said.

 

“Have someone check for any past robberies over the last year in the State.”

 

“OK”

 

“Do you know where he worked?”

 

“Yes, He was a janitor.”

 

“Oh great, we got janitors making millions now!  Maybe Police Captains should be paid millions too.  OK Robinson, go talk to this guy’s boss, and see if he knows anything.  Meanwhile I‘ll call the Coroner’s office and have them run an autopsy on the guy.” The Captain yelled, as Ed headed out the door.

 

What a shitty morning this turned out to be, Ed Robinson thought to himself, as he left the police station and jumped into his unmarked police car.  He had promised Sue that he would take her to lunch and now that looked impossible.

 

Reaching for his cell phone, Ed called Sue at her office, “Sorry honey, I need to get some information for the Captain ASAP, so I need to pass on lunch.”

 

“Darn it Ed, I wanted to stop by the jeweler’s store to show you the ring I picked out.  Can’t this case wait until tomorrow?  What’s more important, your work or our relationship?”  Sue asked.

 

“Come on Sue, you know I love you, but the Captain wants me to get some information so the DA’s office stays off his back.”

 

Sue continued, “What’s this ‘big’ case you’re working on, that’s more important then me?

 

“It’s not a big deal, just some janitor died and the Captain wants me to get some background information for him.”

 

“Oh great Ed, you would rather work on some dead janitor case then take me to lunch.  Now I see where I stand.” Sue said as she was about to turn off her cell phone.

 

“Wait a minute honey, how about supper tonight, we can go downtown to that cozy little restaurant on Third Street.  How about I pick you up at your apartment around five, five-fifteen?” Ed pleaded.

 

“Oh all right, but be there by five, I have a little surprise for you.” Sue said.

 

“Deal.” Ed said, as he turned off his cell phone.

 

“Dead!“ John said, with a little shock in his voice.

 

“Why in the hell did he die now, I‘ve got a big meeting here in two days, and this place needs to be clean.”  He continued, “Damn it all, now I need to find a replacement.  Can’t rely of these people at all to get a job done when you need it.  Always let you down at the last minute.  Unreliable bastards, should fire them all.” He continued.

 

“Anyway, why bother me with this Officer, shouldn’t you be talking to his wife or family.” John said.

 

Stepping closer to John‘s desk, Ed said, “Unfortunately, the man died without a wife, or family, as far as we can tell.  And I was hoping you would be able to tell me something about him.”

 

“I don’t know, I’ve been here for less then one year.  Normally I don’t associate myself with the janitors at the various places I work.  As school Principle, my job is to motivate the staff; janitors just sweep up at the end of the day and go home, not a lot to motivate there.  Right?”

 

“Listen officer Robinson, I need to go to a lunch meeting right now, can you talk to Betty, my secretary, maybe she can help you?”

 

“Sorry John, but I’m investigating a death, which may also be a homicide.  In addition, there might be other criminal activity involving a lot of money.  So I’m asking for your cooperation in helping me get some information on this guy.”

 

“I already told you that I don’t know him.  I mean OK, I may have seen him walking around the building a few times.  But frankly, I never paid that much attention to him at all,” John said.

 

Then he asked. “How much money are we talking about, Officer?”

“Over $100 thousand dollars was found at his home early this morning,” Ed said.

 

“Over $100 thousand dollars, holy shit! Where did he get that kind of money?  I knew we couldn’t trust these kinds of people.  They are always stealing from someone else.  I’m glad he’s dead so he can’t steal any more money.” John said.