Chapter 13: A Commotion

Chapter 13  starts with a commotion outside Regis Cahan's office.

Many Cones is a podcast novel based on true crime. The murders inspiring this crime fiction took place 30 miles from Chicago in Northwest Indiana, and captivated the area from the initial brutal crime scene all the way through and beyond discovery of a shockingly bizarre motive.

Regis Cahan was distracted by a commotion outside of his private office. He was with a client. The client looked askance at him. A silence developed between the two as the external noise overtook their matters. Cahan said, “Excuse me,” left his desk and casually rushed to the reception area. He closed the door behind him, ensuring separation between the inner and outer sanctums.  

As Cahan neared his secretary, he heard, “I don’t have time for your shit, I want to see him right now.” The speaker was a stocky Hispanic teen trying to maintain a threatening glare towards the petite, well endowed curator of Cahan’s office. She was not cowering. He looked bullyish and juvenile.  

“What is your problem?” Cahan demanded. In a voice and attitude that quieted even Ricardo Morales. For a moment, anyway.  

“I have an appointment to see you. Now. I don’t even want to be here but this stupid bitch called me...”   

Regis immediately jumped in, “Stop it! That’s enough!” The volume and intensity of his voice shook all parties, even Regis. His hands were at his sides and he resisted raising them for fear of trembling. In the same voice, he yelled again, “Sit down and shut up. Don’t say another fucking word to or about this lady.” He had somehow calmed the shakes. A split second occurrence. When he pointed at his secretary, the aim was true and still.  

“I am with someone. When I finish, I will see you. We will conclude our business; if I hear another fucking sound from out here, I will throw your ass in jail. Do you understand me?”  

Morales snarled “Yes, I understand you.”  

“Good.” Cahan looked at his secretary as he said good and continued, “I apologize for the demeaning language. I can assure you it will not occur again.” He turned and stared at Ricardo, who shrank perceptively into his chair. Cahan maintained his stance for a few seconds, and when he was satisfied that his secretary was in no danger, returned to his abandoned client.