The Day After Tomorrow_ A Novel - Allan Folsom [243]
“The company was called Microtab and based in Waltham, Massachusetts. At the time, it was controlled by a privately held company called Wentworth Products Limited, of Ontario, Canada. The man who owned it was”—McVey squinted at his handwriting—“Mr. James Tallmadge of Windsor, Ontario. Tallmadge and the board of directors of Microtab—Earl Samules, Evan Hart and a John Harris, all of Boston—died within a half-dozen months of each other. The Microtab people in 1966. Tallmadge in 1967.”
“I never heard of a company called Microtab, Mr. McVey,” Scholl said. “Now, I think I’ve given you enough time. Mr. Goetz will entertain you while I return to my guests. Within the hour the proper attorneys will be here to answer your warrant.”
Scholl pushed back his chair and stood, and McVey could see Goetz sigh with relief.
“Tallmadge and the others were involved with two other of your companies.” McVey kept on as if Scholl had never spoken. “Alama Steel, Limited of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Standard Technologies of Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Standard Technologies, by the way, was a subsidiary of a company called T.L.T. International of New York, which was dissolved in 1967.”
Scholl stared in amazement. “What is the purpose of this recitation?” he said coldly.
“I’m simply giving you the opportunity to explain.”
“Just what is it you wish me to explain?”
“Your connection to all these companies and the fact that—”
“I have no connection to these companies.”
“You don’t?”
“Absolutely not.” Scholl’s retort was crisp and edged with anger.
Good, McVey thought. Get mad. “Tell me about Omega Shipping Lines—”
Goetz stood up. It was time to stop it. “I’m afraid that’s all, Detective. Mr. Scholl, your guests are waiting.”
“I was asking Mr. Scholl about Omega Shipping Lines.” McVey’s eyes were locked on Scholl. “I thought you had no connection to these companies. Isn’t that what you told me?”
“I said no more questions, McVey,” Goetz said.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Goetz, I’m trying to help your client stay out of jail. But I can’t get a straight answer from him. A moment ago he told me he had no connection to Microtab, Alama Steel, Standard Technologies or T.L.T. International. T.L.T. International controlled those companies and is, itself, controlled by Omega Shipping Lines. Mr. Scholl happens to be the principal stockholder of Omega Shipping Lines. I’m sure you see what I’m getting at. It’s got to be one way or the other. Mr. Scholl, you either were involved in these companies or you weren’t. Which is it?”
“Omega Shipping Lines no longer exists,” Scholl replied flatly. Clearly he had underestimated McVey. His a persistence as well as his resilience. It was his fault he hadn’t given Von Holden his head in killing him. But that was a situation that would be rectified soon enough. “I’ve given you all the consideration you asked for and a great I deal more. Good evening, Detective.”
McVey stood up and took two photographs from his jacket pocket. “Mr. Goetz, would you mind asking your client to look at these?”
Osborn watched Goetz take the photos and study them.
“Who are these people?” Goetz said.
“That’s what I’d like Mr. Scholl to tell me.”
Osborn watched Goetz look to Scholl, then hand him the pictures. Scholl glared at McVey, then glanced at the photos in his hand. When he did, he started, but quickly covered it.
“I have no idea,” he said, directly.
“No?”
“No.”
“Their names are Karolin and Johann Henniger.” McVey paused. “They were murdered sometime today.”
This time Scholl showed no emotion at all. “I told you, I have no idea who they are.”
Handing the photos to Goetz, Scholl turned and started for the door. Osborn looked to McVey. Once he was through it, it would be the last they would see of him for a long time, if ever.
“I appreciate your taking the time to talk to us,” McVey said quickly. “I also know you appreciate the fact