Moon Shot

by J. Alan Hartman

  “Nice and slow. Hands high.”

  He came out first, his head turning from side to side as he scanned the darkened room.

  “Step away from him Mrs. Byoyack, but not too far.”

  She sheepishly moved from behind him, her hands trembling.

  “Why the setup, Byoyack? Why me?”

  He cleared his throat. “Your reputation, Pomeroy. With all your kills, you would’ve made a great addition to our Death Day accomplishments.”

  “Let me guess. You had a tracking device on you?”

  He nodded.

  “And you threw all that money at me, just so you could get me alone and kill me?”

  He tilted his head. “Hell, I’ve got plenty of money.”

  “Had,” I said, and I shot him. The slug ripped through his thin body as though it was tissue paper. He had the damnedest surprised look on his face as he crumbled to the floor.

  Tami jumped slightly as she uttered a low scream.

  I stood, stepping forward.

  She had great recuperative powers. Her face went from horror, to fear, to something pretty close to lust. She licked her lips and even in the darkened room they seemed to glisten. “Wow, this is unexpected, but it works out perfectly for us, wouldn’t you say?”

  “You mean you and me, and all your husband’s money?”

  She was coming toward me, arms at her sides, beautiful, inviting. “Can you think of a better arrangement?”

  “Just one,” I said, and I put a slug between her ample breasts.

  Goodbye Moon

  By Mary McCarroll White

  Jay Taylor had always been fascinated by space. He remembered his father reading stories to him about the moon when he was a small boy. On his tenth birthday, he was given a telescope and thought it was the best gift he had ever received. One night when he was looking through his telescope, he asked his father what would happen if the moon fell off its orbit. He remembered his father had laughed and said that could never happen. It was impossible.

  Years later no one seemed surprised when Jay became a space scientist and landed a job at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. His interest had always been the moon’s surface and its activity. Tonight, he was working late at the Space Flight Center and could not believe what he saw. Carefully, he checked his calculations and the high-resolution images from the lunar reconnaissance orbiter camera several times, but could find no explanation for what was happening on the moon.

  In August 2010, scientists discovered tiny trenches on the moon surface called graben, indicating that the lunar crust was being pulled apart at these locations. The moon was in a state of global contraction, slowly shrinking because of the cooling of a still hot interior.

  But what Jay saw in February 2013 was something even more spectacular.

  In spite of the urge to tell someone, to shout this remarkable news to the world, he knew it would have to wait until Dr. Evans could review his findings, certain that this discovery would guarantee the promotion he had recently applied for. After placing the information he had collected on Dr. Evans’s desk, he went back to the computer for one last look. Simply amazing, he thought.

  Standing up, his body felt stiff from hours spent in front of the computer. At thirty-two he was determined to keep his body in good physical shape. After work he usually went to the health club, but decided to skip his routine workout tonight.

  Two days ago, he had told Joyce that he wanted to end their affair. Since his wife and two boys had left for Chicago, Jay missed his family. The house had always been filled with noisy activity. Now it was eerily quiet and Jay felt a great sense of loss. Anna, his wife, had been very patient with the long hours he spent at the Space Center, but a lack of communication on his part had driven them apart. Now reflecting on their happy times together, he decided to call Anna and ask her to come home.

  Earlier, he had sent Joyce a text message saying that he would stop over tonight and pick up a few things he had left there.

  Ready to leave, Jay slipped on his leather jacket and pulled a woolen hat down over his ears. His grandmother had knitted the hat for him and he thought he would never wear it, thinking that a white hat edged with bright blue stars was more appropriate for a young boy. But the weather was cold, and since he had suffered several ear infections this winter, he thought it wise to keep his ears covered. Today was the first time he had worn the hat.

  Stuffing several scientific magazines into his briefcase, Jay turned off the lights and headed for the exit. Just as he reached the back door, he felt the first blow on the back of his head. The blows kept coming. Over and over again the assailant struck his victim, watching long red stripes appear in the blue and white hat. Satisfied that the scientist would not survive, the assailant grabbed Jay’s briefcase and fled. At eight thirty, a security officer discovered the body and dialed 9-1-1. Within minutes, paramedics arrived and pronounced Jay Taylor dead at the scene.

  Having been notified by Security, Greenbelt Police Chief Philip Riley and Detective Marvin Jonas arrived at the Center shortly after nine o’clock. Director Dr. Carl Evans was there to meet them.

  “Oh, this is a tragedy,” said the director sadly. Our security officer found Jay’s body and dialed 9-1-1, but there was nothing the paramedics could do.” He paused and turned away from Jay’s body. “Mr. Taylor was married with two young children. I don’t think his wife is at home. Jay said she was spending time with her family in Chicago.”

  “Do you have a number where she can be reached?” Chief Riley asked.

  “Her brother, Alex Shafer, should be here in the morning. He’s in charge of maintenance. I’ll try to contact him tonight.”

  Taking a quick look around, Marvin spoke up, “I don’t see anything that looks like the murder weapon.”

  “Go ahead and check the other areas,” said the chief.

  “I’m on it,” called Marvin.

  The chief, a middle-aged, lanky man with dark curious eyes turned to face Dr. Evans. “Do you know of anyone working here who would have had a motive to murder Mr. Taylor?”

  Dr. Evans shook his head. “No, not that I’m aware of,” answered the tall, distinguished-looking man. “Jay worked closely with a group of three scientists, and as far as I know he got along quite well with them.” After a brief pause he added, “But that’s odd. I don’t see Jay’s briefcase. Jay always carried a briefcase.”

  “Are employees allowed to take information out of the building?” the chief asked.

  “Confidential information must not leave this building. However, our scientists may carry general information or certain notes about a current project they’re working on if it’s not top secret.”

  I need to find that briefcase, thought the chief.

  Just then a photographer arrived and the two men stepped aside so that she could begin taking photos of the crime scene.

  “Is there any way someone could enter the building without being seen?” Chief Riley asked.

  “Definitely not! Security is very tight. An employee needs a personal card to swipe in order to gain entry and we have an around the clock security officer on duty.”

  “Is the security officer who found the body here?”

  “No, he left after the paramedics arrived.”

  “Well it looks like an inside job.”

  “I find it difficult to believe that one of our employees could be capable of such a heinous crime.”

  The chief frowned. “I must tell you Dr. Evans that right now all of your employees are suspects and that includes you.”

  “I understand,” mumbled the director, pushing a tuft of white hair from his sweaty brow.

  “But fortunately, I have an alibi. I left the Space Flight Center a little after five and had dinner at the country club. I was still at the club when notified by security.”

  “We’ll check on that, but first we need to establish a motive. Could you please tell me what project Mr. Taylor was working on?”


  “He was working on several projects, but one that captured his interest was the moon’s surface. He seemed fascinated with images taken by our lunar reconnaissance orbiter camera.”

  “Then maybe that missing briefcase could be a clue.”

  “I suppose that’s a possibility, but there could be another reason why Jay was murdered,” said the director.

  The chief’s ears perked up. “And what might that be?”

  “Jay mentioned some problems at home. He didn’t elaborate, but at one point he said that he and his wife might be separating.”

  A sudden commotion interrupted their conversation. The forensic team had just arrived and the chief decided to continue his investigation in the morning.

  “Thank you for your time, Dr. Evans. Could you please ask the scientists working with Mr. Taylor to be here tomorrow at nine?”

  “Yes, I’ll notify them right away.”

  Marvin, a short man with a ruddy complexion and dark bushy hair, returned to the crime scene out of breath. Because of a sweet tooth, he was carrying a number of extra pounds. “I couldn’t find the weapon. From those multiple head wounds it could have been a crowbar or a sledgehammer, but unfortunately, the hat prevented any blood spatter.” Marvin raised his eyebrows. “That’s a weird pattern on his hat.”

  “Yeah, it looks like a small flag.”

  The chief sighed. “We’ll wait and see what forensics comes up with. You know I was surprised when Dr. Evans mentioned Taylor’s marital problems. Taylor told Evans that he and his wife might be separating.”

  Marvin winked. “Oh, I’m sure he’d rather have that as the reason for Taylor’s murder instead of some corruption going on at the Center.”

  “I think that’s a fair assumption. Come on, let’s go, Marvin. We have to be back here tomorrow by nine.”

  “Let’s stop at the diner for coffee and Danish.”

  “Not tonight. I promised Sally I’d be home early.”

  *

  At nine o’clock, Chief Riley and Detective Jonas returned to the Space Flight Center ready to question the three scientists.

  “Two of the scientists have arrived,” said Dr. Evans. “I informed them of Mr. Taylor’s death and they were shocked to hear such sad news.” He pointed to a door on the left. “They’re waiting for you in that office. Do you want to question them together?”

  “No,” answered the chief. “One at a time, please.”

  “Then I’ll ask George Fisk to step out and you can question Jason Pratt first.”

  When the two men entered the office, they noticed a short African-American man with a wreath of black curls standing inside. He seemed nervous; his eyes shifted up and down. After introductions and handshakes, the chief said, “Have a seat, here,” waving his hand toward a leather chair in the corner of the room. Marvin and the chief sat down in straight-back chairs in front of him.

  The chief began: “We understand that you worked closely with Mr. Taylor. How did you two get along?”

  “First, let me say I was shocked to hear that Jay was murdered.” After a slight pause he continued. “We got along reasonably well, but we were both very competitive. Every time I received a patent, Jay worked hard to get one too, and he usually did. We were always trying to outdo one another.” Jason shrugged. “But there was never anything nasty about it. Competition goes with the territory here.”

  “Are you happy with your job at the Space Flight Center?” Marvin asked.

  “Yes, but I’m anxious for the next step up the ladder. Jay and I had applied for a new position, a promotion. We were both waiting for a decision to be made.”

  Marvin gave Jason Pratt a Mona Lisa smile. “Well, it looks like you’re going to get that job.”

  “I wouldn’t kill for a job!” Jason shouted.

  “Do you know anyone who would want to murder Jay Taylor?”

  “No, I do not,” answered Jason.

  “Where were you last night after you left work?”

  “I dined at the New Deal Cafe with some friends. We were together until about eleven o’clock. They can vouch for me.”

  “We’ll check that out. I want you to stop at the station and give us a written statement,” said the chief. “Be sure to list the names and addresses of your friends.”

  “Yes, I’ll do that.”

  “You can go now,” said the chief.

  Jason Pratt left quickly.

  “What do you think, Chief?”

  “I think he might be telling the truth. I don’t think a guilty person would have mentioned the promotion. That would have established a possible motive. If his alibi checks out we can cross him off the suspect list.”

  George Fisk was next. He entered the office and approached Chief Riley and Detective Jonas timidly. George was an older man, probably in his fifties, with a stocky build and sparse, fine-textured brown hair.

  After the usual pleasantries, George took the seat that Jason had just left.

  “George, can you tell us something about your relationship with Jay Taylor?” Marvin asked.

  “I was sorry to hear he was murdered. Jay was a hard worker, totally consumed with his job and constantly studying images of the moon. It was like those lunar images hypnotized him. He spent a lot of extra hours here. That was one of the reasons his marriage wasn’t working. He confided in me about his home situation. I think because I’m older, he probably thought I was wiser.” George shook his head. “But I wasn’t wise enough to keep my money in my pocket. Jay borrowed fifteen thousand dollars from me seven months ago and said he would pay me back, but he never did. I finally told him that I needed that money to buy a car and I gave him a month to pay up.”

  “How long ago was that?” the chief asked.

  “Three weeks ago. I told him yesterday that he only had one week left and he told me I’d get the money, but to get off his back. That really made me angry.”

  “Where were you last night after you left work?” Marvin asked.

  “I went straight home. I watched TV and after the eleven o’clock news I went to bed.”

  “Can anyone verify that?” said the chief.

  “I guess not,” answered George.

  The chief looked George in the eye. “Did you kill Jay Taylor?”

  “Absolutely not!” George shouted.

  “You can leave now, George, but we may have more questions for you at another time.”

  “Well, how about George?” Marvin asked, when George was gone.

  “So far he’s the only one that can’t give us an alibi, but my gut tells me he was on the level with us.”

  “Yeah, I agree,” said Marvin. “Think about it. He’d never get his money back if Taylor was dead.”

  The chief smiled. “Touché!”

  “I wonder what’s keeping the next scientist,” said Marvin. “I’m getting hungry.”

  “I’ll go and see,” said the chief, opening the door and stepping outside.

  As the chief walked down the hallway, he saw Dr. Evans with an attractive young woman by his side. She was tall and slender with blond hair, and eyes that looked red and puffy.

  “Chief Riley, this is Joyce Hartford, the scientist you were waiting for.”

  Somewhat surprised because he had expected another man, the chief extended his hand.

  “I’m sorry I’m late,” she said, taking his hand into hers. “I’m not feeling well today.” Tears welled up in her eyes and she reached into her purse for a tissue.

  “Let’s go in here,” said the chief, leading her into the office.

  Marvin stood up and extended his hand.

  “I’m Detective Jonas. Please have a seat, Miss or is it Mrs. Hartford?” Marvin asked.

  “It’s Miss,” she answered, “but please call me Joyce.”

  When they were seated the chief said, “Joyce, I understand that you worked closely with Jay Taylor.”

  A flood of tears streamed down Joyce’s face and Marvin offered her a box of tissues. After she wiped away her t
ears, she said, “Yes, we worked together for three years. He was a brilliant, totally dedicated scientist and a wonderful human being. We were good friends in the beginning, but soon that friendship turned to love.” Her voice became softer. “I knew he was married and we stopped seeing each other for a while, but it was so difficult having to work closely with him every day.” Joyce took a deep breath. “Two days ago he told me he wanted to end our affair. He was going to try and work things out with his wife. Last night he sent me a text saying he would stop over after work and pick up some of his things. I knew something was wrong when he didn’t show up. I called his cell, but got voice mail. I was so worried that I didn’t sleep all night. And when Dr. Evans told me Jay was murdered, oh my God, I couldn’t believe it. I still can’t believe it!”

  “Can you think of anyone who would want Jay Taylor dead?”

  “His wife knew about the affair. Although we tried to be discreet, her brother, Alex, caught us in an embrace and told her about it. When she asked Jay if it was true, he confessed. Then she said that she was going to leave and spend some time with her family.”

  “Dr. Evans told us that Jay’s brother-in-law, Alex Shafer, works here. Did he ever confront you about the affair?” Marvin asked.

  “Yes, one day he took me aside and told me that I had ruined his sister’s life. I just walked away without commenting. Later Jay said Alex’s behavior didn’t surprise him because Alex was always very protective of his sister.” Joyce reached for another tissue. “A few weeks ago, Jay told me Alex grabbed him by the shirt and told him he better do right by his sister or pay the price.”

  Deciding to go in another direction, the chief asked, “I understand that Jay had a keen interest in those lunar images. Do you know why?”

  “Something struck him odd about those images. He didn’t tell me what it was. He just kept studying them.” Suddenly, Joyce’s body went limp and she let out a sigh. “I’m so tired.”

  “You can leave now, Joyce,” said the chief. “If you can think of anything that will help us in this investigation would you please call me? I’ll give you my card.”

  “Yes, I will. I hope you can solve Jay’s murder. He didn’t deserve to die.”