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    Vegas Vigilante Murders: Jim Richards Murder Novels, #13
    Vegas Vigilante Murders: Jim Richards Murder Novels, #13
    Vegas Vigilante Murders: Jim Richards Murder Novels, #13
    Ebook194 pages3 hours

    Vegas Vigilante Murders: Jim Richards Murder Novels, #13

    By Bob Moats

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    Someone is murdering men who abuse their wives or children. After four deaths it starts looking like a vigilante is loose in Las Vegas. Deacon is running the case as Lynn has been told she is going to Quantico to train with the FBI, leaving Deacon alone to catch the killer. He turns to Jim for his help and the two go off to track down the vigilante. Is it a local doctor, bent on revenge for helpless victims of abuse? During the case, Jim and Penny become guardians of a young girl left an orphan by the vigilante, can they handle a child in their household? On the side, Trapper is assigned to a case to follow a woman suspected by her husband of gambling their life savings, but how is she dropping thousands of dollars a day if she has no funds. It’s up to Trapper to find out and why his case ends tangled up with the vigilante murders. Will Jim and Deacon solve the case before more murders of pimps and lawyers gets out of hand, and they need to tie it all up before Lacey and Mac get married.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBob Moats
    Release dateMay 11, 2014
    ISBN9781498984010
    Vegas Vigilante Murders: Jim Richards Murder Novels, #13
    Author

    Bob Moats

    Detroit area resident, Bob Moats, has been writing short stories and plays for as long as he can remember. He has lost most of his original stories, typed or handwritten, in the numerous moves he has made from his hometown of Fraser, Michigan to Northern Michigan, to Las Vegas and back to Fraser, where he now lives. Moats became one of the causalities of unemployment a year ago, and had time on his hands to finally pursue a life long dream of writing a full blown crime novel. Thus was born the first book, "Classmate Murders".What followed was a series of seven books starting with "The Classmate Murders" which introduces the main character, Jim Richards, who has to admit he has become a senior citizen, reluctantly. Richards, one day, receives an email from a childhood sweetheart asking for his help, but by the time he reaches her, she has been murdered. His life turns around and he is pulled into numerous murders of women from his high school who he hasn't seen in forty years. Along with a friend of his, Buck, a big, mustached biker, they go off to track down the killer before he can get to one former classmate, Penny Wickens, a TV talk show host who Jim has just fallen for while protecting her. The killer is also murdering the women right out from under police protection, driving homicide detective Will Trapper crazy, and he slowly depends on Jim to help. There's humor, suspense, wild chases across suburban Detroit with cops, classic cars and motorcycle clubs; murder, mayhem, a good amount of romance and a twist ending.Jim and his crime fighters, continue in the other books, traveling to Las Vegas twice, back to Detroit and out to New York to solve murders involving dominatrix; mistresses; Bridezillas; magic and strip clubs.Book titles: Classmate Murders; Vegas Showgirl Murders; Dominatrix Murders; Mistress Murders; Bridezilla Murders; Magic Murders; Strip Club Murders and Made-for-TV Murders.

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      Book preview

      Vegas Vigilante Murders - Bob Moats

      Table of Contents

      Vegas | Vigilante | Murders | By Bob Moats | Re-edited March 2013

      What people are saying about the Murder Novels by Bob Moats

      Extra special thanks to:

      Re-edited March 2013

      Vegas Vigilante Murders | By Bob Moats

      Jim Richards Family of Readers

      Vegas

      Vigilante

      Murders

      By Bob Moats

      Re-edited March 2013

      Copyright © 2014 by Bob Moats.

      All rights reserved.

      Rev. 0410141105

      This book is licensed for your personal use only. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

      No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author's rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

      This is a work of pure fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

      ISBN – 978-0-9903138-3-0

      For information and address:

      Magic 1 Productions

      P.O. Box 524, Fraser MI 48026-0524

      Website: http://murdernovels.com

      Cover by Bob Moats

      Other Jim Richards series books by Bob Moats

      (In Series Order)

      Classmate Murders

      Vegas Showgirl Murders

      Dominatrix Murders

      Mistress Murders

      Bridezilla Murders

      Magic Murders

      Strip Club Murders

      Made-for-TV Murders

      Mystery Cruise Murders

      Talk Show Murders

      Sin City Murders

      Black Widow Murders

      Vegas Vigilante Murders

      Area 51 Murders

      Mortuary Murders

      Hypnotic Murders

      Sunshine State Murders

      Blue Suede Murders

      Honky Tonk Murders

      Dark Carnival Murders

      Lipstick Murders

      Pasta Murders

      Talent Show Murders

      Shyster Murders

      Campground Murders

      Network Murders

      Reunion Murders

      Big Apple Murders

      Kennel Murders

      Trick or Treat Murders

      Santa Murders

      Wiseguy Murders

      For a preview or to purchase a book, go to http://murdernovels.com

      What people are saying about the Murder Novels by Bob Moats

      Every now and again you stumble upon something wonderful on the internet. Bob Moats' Classmate Murders is an excellent blend of Elmore Leonard and Philip Marlowe sensibilities, with an unexpected hero well into his sixties, downsized from his job and forced into an early retirement he can't afford. The character is easy to relate to, the story itself a wonderful suspenseful ride with a cast of interesting characters, and damn if it isn't some great detective writing. If you like your crime novels gritty, with a touch of biker sensibility and a side of arthritis, you'll love Bob Moat's work.

      Review by M. Jones, author 314 CRESCENT MANOR

      I went online this morning and read your book. I thought at first that I would only read a few pages, but got sucked into it and read all 11 chapters. You are a very good writer! I read quite a bit and often pick up Airport paperback mysteries to read on a plane. Most of them are dreadful, with obvious plots. Classmate Murders is a much better story than most.

      Ray Zink, Entrepreneur, Minn.

      I got up to chapter ten of the Classmate Murders and decided then to buy the next two books. ... Just finished your third book, the Dominatrix Murders. I thought it was the best one of the three, didn't want to put it down till I finished it. I looked forward to see how Penny would greet (Jim) every day after her show. Keep the books coming can't wait for the next one.

      A. Norris, retired Naval Corpsman

      If you like mysteries and action then don't miss reading this book...

      Jan Schneider, avid mystery/crime reader

      ––––––––

      I've had the pleasure of meeting Bob Moats, he is the author of several murder novels with the first in the series being The Classmate Murders.  He gave me the opportunity to read The Classmate Murders which I found to be totally enjoyable.  I must say the author weaves a wicked story plus his humor is a hoot!  I shall not go into the plot because I don't want to ruin the read, but the novel will catch your interest within the first few pages. I recommend reading The Classmate Murders"!

      Doug Hardin, Author of HIDDEN AND IMMINENT DANGERS

      Extra special thanks to:

      Special thanks to Val Brooks who edited this book and for her great suggestions.

      Re-edited March 2013

      Thank you to all the people who purchased this book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it for my faithful readers.

      The Jim Richards Family of Readers is listed in the back of the book.

      Vegas Vigilante Murders

      By Bob Moats

      ––––––––

      Chapter 1

      The normal looking house on the far eastern edge of Las Vegas was dark that morning. A solitary light was burning in the hallway outside the bedrooms on the second floor, the light glowing into the open door of Jessica's room.  The adorable ten-year-old child huddled on her bed while her father, Leo Meyer, beat her. Her whimpering and cries only made it worse as her father was even more enraged by her sobs causing him to assault her tiny little body harder.

      Shut up! he screamed close up in her face as she tried to bite her lip to silence the sobs coming from her bruised throat where moments earlier he had nearly strangled her. Shut the hell up or, so help me, I'll make you wish you were dead!

      Maybe she isn't the one who should be dead, came a soft voice from behind Leo. He paused in his tirade on the girl and turned quickly to see a dark figure silhouetted in the doorway. The light from the hall shone brightly behind the man, his face darkened by the lack of light in the room. Leo reached over to turn on the small lamp resting on the child's bed stand to illuminate the stranger.

      The person was dressed all in black clothing—black combat boots, black cargo pants and a black vest that made him look like he was part of a SWAT team. The man's face was hidden by a black mask reminding Leo of an executioner from medieval days.

      Who the hell are you? Leo’s words slurred from the over indulgence of alcohol he had consumed all night. Get the hell out of here. This is my house. You have no business being here!

      The mystery man stepped backward into the hall and said softly, Make me leave.

      Leo stood the best he could and staggered towards the figure, more enraged than when he beat the girl. I'll show you who will make you leave, he said, spitting out the words.

      The figure turned from the door and was gone. Leo ran out and saw him standing by the stairs. Leo charged the man, but when he got to him, the dark figure grabbed Leo and with a vicious swing threw Leo down the stairs. Leo rolled and bumped downward until he came to a stop on the floor. The man came down the stairs and checked Leo. He was still moving. The stranger gave his head a sharp twist, snapping it in an unnatural direction.

      He checked Leo's pulse. There was none. Seconds later the dark figure had vanished from the house.

      The Las Vegas Metro 911 dispatcher answered the call and heard a small sobbing voice asking, Please help me. I think my daddy is dead.

      ~~*~~

      The sun hadn't even risen yet, but already my darling Penny was having fits about what to wear for her talk show today. She was having three big name male hunks on her show promoting their movie filmed in Vegas. I sat on the edge of the bed as she flitted around the room pulling clothes from the closet over to Willy's chair. Willy, our ever-faithful toy Yorkie, was still on the chair trying to finish his sleep and didn't seem to be bothered by the ton of clothing piled on him.

      I checked to see that he didn't suffocate, turned to my wife and said, Why don't you just go on the show naked? I'm sure they would love that. My statement was followed by a shoe being thrown at my head as I retreated to the kitchen. I was trying to make some toast when Willy came flying in. I wasn't sure if he was alerted by my presence in the kitchen or chased out by Penny.

      I was sitting at the snack bar munching my toast as Willy munched on his kibble when Penny came out wearing a short tight black dress with a string of pearls and long dangling earrings. Around her waist was a wide gold belt and she had matching gold high heels, spiked.

      Are you going out clubbing or hoping to entice one of your stars today? I asked.

      She stuck her tongue out and said, I have to project an image of glamour for my viewers. She bent down to get a pan from the bottom drawer in the stove, riding her dress up and exposing her lace underwear.

      The only thing you're going to project is those great black panties you're wearing. I smirked.

      She quickly stood, realizing what she had done, looked at me for a moment and went back to the bedroom, whacking my arm as she passed.

      She settled for a white silk blouse and a slightly longer skirt that wouldn't expose her to the lecherous panderings of her guests. I smiled at her as she stuck her tongue out again. She poured water in the pan and set the burner to heat the liquid. She then poured the oatmeal in as the water rolled and steamed.

      So what are you going to do today? she asked me.

      I have a small case to find out if a wife is gambling the family savings away. Her husband can't quite seem to be able to follow her since she only goes out while he works, or so he thinks. I have to sit out front of the house and follow her to see if she is playing games of chance with their life savings.

      Sounds like fun. Don't get distracted by all the lovely women in the casinos.

      I keep my focus on the case, not the bevy of beauty found around the high rollers. Actually, most of the women in the casinos are ordinary wives or plain Jane types. The really good looking ones are in the private rooms for the big spenders, the whales.

      Well, remember the beauty you're married to. I don't want to ever find you chasing a skirt without a case behind it.

      Yes, dear. Oh, Buck picked up a new account for his guards yesterday. They will be guarding all the Gas-N-Go stations around Vegas. It should be very lucrative for the firm.

      How do you guys split up the money from all your ventures?

      All income goes into one account and then we get a salary. It's all for bookkeeping and taxes, but we are investing in a bit in property, speculating on expansion of the casinos.

      You'll lose your shirts.

      Thanks for that nod of approval. Shouldn't you be going?

      She looked at the clock, wolfed down the rest of her oatmeal, grabbed her purse and briefcase, kissed my nose and headed out. I heard the garage door open and her car drove out the drive, setting off the driveway alarm. I went over and reset the thing then returned to my toast.

      I dressed and got Willy ready for Lacey to pick him up and take him to our office. I had to go directly to the client's house to tail his wife so I wasn't going into the office right away. About ten minutes later the drive alarm went off again.  It was Lacey. I reset the alarm again and then set the thing for twenty minutes to allow me time to leave.

      The doorbell rang and I had Willy in his purse, his head sticking out of the opening, watching the door for Lacey. I opened the door, Willy yipped at Lacey, and she yipped back. I know she's a little childlike sometimes but I really believe she can communicate with Willy.

      Good morning, Lacey. How are you today?

      I'm great. Mac got home around six this morning from his guarding the car dealership and we had breakfast together. He said Buck may put him on the gas station detail, which would be nice. It's a day job so we can see each other more often, she bubbled.

      That's great. Nothing like passing each other going to your respective jobs.

      Yep, we now get about two hours together evenings and mornings. Not much time to do anything other than fool around. She blushed after she said that.

      I understand. Sex is a healthy part of a relationship. I smiled.

      Yes, but Mac doesn't like to rush, so our times together are spent fooling around and not getting much else accomplished. She blushed even redder.

      Okay, go before you start looking like a tomato. I laughed.

      She thanked me, took Willy in his purse, and went off. I gathered up my camera case and a few other things I would need then went to the door just as my cell phone rang. It was Lynn. Usually when she called me early in the morning, it was police business and she wanted to ask me for advice. Although she and Deacon were talking about getting married, so I wondered if it could be about that.

      Hello, Dick Tracy. How are you this morning and what murder do you have for me to solve? I said.

      You have a son so you may know more about children then I do. How do you get a kid to talk when she's frightened out of her skull?

      Okay, start at the beginning.

      We got a 911 call this morning from a child saying her father was dead. When the first responders got there, they found him at the bottom of the stairs, dead, and the little girl was too frightened to talk. I would call child protective services, but I don't like those people. I have no experience with children and since you act like a child most the time, I thought you might help. Besides you're the grandfather type so she might relax around you.

      Thanks for the grandfather comment. I'll remember you in my will. I have a follow the wife case but I can put it off one more day. Where are you?

      In my office. We brought her here and I think it frightened her even more.

      I thought a moment and then said, I have to swing by the office for something and I'll be in shortly. I hung up after she said she'd wait. I thought I might need a weapon to relax the child. I was going to pick up Willy.

      **

      Chapter 2

      I breezed into my building lobby and found it empty but found Lacey in Trapper's office taking dictation. Trapper grinned when he saw me and said to Lacey that he would finish the letter later. I picked up Willy who was bouncing around my feet.

      Sending letters to your mom in Michigan? I asked with a smirk.

      Got to keep her informed of all the goings on here in her hometown. I'm hoping she may convince her husband to move back here so she's not so far away.

      I'd like it if my mother would move here, but she doesn't like the heat. She prefers the cooler Michigan weather. I hated the freezing cold in the winter and the damp humidity in the summer. At least here it's dry and fairly constant.

      I thought you had a case to go on this morning.

      "I

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