by Kieran York
Royce nodded in agreement. “That’s the problem. Cal had a great deal of anger pointed at him. Grace, Emma, Nita, Tony, Otis, and maybe Luther. I know I don’t buy Luther and Tony’s disagreement as being down to a fellas shoving match.’”
Nick stood and took the towel from around his neck. He wiped his face, then frowned. “My take on it is there might be something sinister about Tony and Luther. No one is excluded including the women. Because it was a shooting with minimal blood spray, nothing to indicate a fist fight prior to the killing – it could have been a woman that killed him.”
“No sign of an altercation makes for a tough crime scene to give up the secrets,” Royce interjected. “The only fingerprints and trace DNA belonged to family, employees, and customers. Otis Brull’s fingerprints were on the desk. He said he handled the gun, and leaned over on the desk when he screamed at Calvin.”
“However, the gun was wiped clean.”
Pausing, Royce surmised, “This may be one of the most difficult to solve crimes in Timber County. Well, there’s the other unsolved case - Jane Doe.”
Nick pulled two bottles of water from a small refrigerator. “I know the deputies might not understand why you’re interested in this old case. But I know how much it means to you.” He threw one bottle to Royce. Then he poured some of his water into a bowl for Chance.
Royce caught the bottle of water. The coolness felt good. Midsummer in Timber wasn’t as hot as the weather in Denver, but being nearer the sun often made it feel very warm. “Nick, it does mean a great deal to me. And speaking of deputies, did you get a list of deputies to replace Tanner? Not that Tanner can be replaced.”
“Tanner was a great cop. Oh, by the way, are you going to switch and have Terry down in Timber with you? Give me the rookie?”
“We can switch around and have them both ride with different deputies as well. But since Terry seems happy up here, it’s good for her to base out of Crystal. She respects you, Nick. So let’s not rock the apple cart.”
“You’re sounding a lot like your Gran. Apple cart.” They laughed. “Well, then you should be the one who decides on which deputy to pick.”
“I have complete confidence in your choice.”
“I’ve interviewed a couple candidates. One was with Denver police for over a year. His commander said that he was way too happy to be a city cop. But he might work out fine in a smaller community.”
“Did you like him?”
“Royce, I can’t imagine anyone not liking him. The guy is always smiling. I wrote down Mr. Sunshine on his resume.”
“You don’t think he’d be tough enough?”
Nick considered his words carefully. “I’m not sure we should rule him out for being friendly. His preliminary record is immaculate. They’re emailing his complete resume to you. Well, he was the highest rated rookie I interviewed.”
“Have him call Wanda so she can set up an appointment with me. Does he have another name, other than Mr. Sunshine?”
Laughing, Nick answered, “Sammy Dawson.”
“That’s promising,” Royce said with shrug. “At least his given name isn’t Chuckles.”
Chapter 18
“You’re in here bright and early, Royce.” Nadine greeted Royce as she entered the Timber City Times.
“I wanted to get an early start.”
“Gwen’s working on an editorial, slash, blog. She thought she could do that better in the confines of her bedroom. She’ll be over later.”
“I just wanted to talk about the case.”
“Can I help?” Nadine inquired.
“Do you know much about Rasp Meadows Crossing? Who might own the land?”
“I remember back in the seventies or eighties when there was some kind of mineral rights question about it. Gwen was on the city council, and she searched. We finally came up with deeds from back in the 1800s. It was given to the Ute Nation. Thirty years ago, when they were digging around, the Ute Nation wanted everything hush-hush. The tribal chief determined that some of the members didn’t want it brought to light. There was a fear that it might end up part of a casino deal.” Nadine was flushed with excitement. “They understand the magnificence of this country. It was more important that its ownership became hidden. So nobody talks about it. The area remains pristine for as long as the original stewards of this land can fight off commerce and greed.”
“So Gwen and the council decided to assist by not going into details?”
“Folks speculate about it, but for now that land is safe from being disturbed. Indian wisdom protects it.”
Royce smiled. “And Gwen’s purposely faulty memory assists?”
“As City Council President, she signed on the temporary regulatory mineral rights that would be put in place. However, she had put more conditions within the contract than the mineral companies wanted to deal with. They did their deals by going around the land. The corporations hated Gwen. She never cared. There wasn’t a thing that could be done. She told them that the records search was still ongoing. For the past thirty years. And we hope for three hundred more.”
“No one knows anything. Yet things are exactly as they should be.”
“Precisely.” Nadine frowned. “You said a couple questions.”
“Do you know anything about a company called Cute-Exec?”
“Gwen probably knows more. All I know is that it’s an online gun dispensary. Also that it’s a part of Wagner Guns. We checked it out when the corporation forms were published.”
“Do you think Calvin was shady?”
Nadine chuckled, “I’ve got no firm proof to show that he wasn’t.”
***
Although Royce had intended to pay Otis another call, she drove directly to the Wagner Ranch. Chance was excited to see the horses. Royce lowered the vehicle’s window. “Look but don’t touch,” Royce insisted. Chance let out a whine, but then stuck her head out the window and pouted.
Nita flapped open the door with a rage. “Sheriff, haven’t you got anyone else to bother? For God sakes, arrest Otis. He was there, fighting about the gun that he thinks is his, but should go to the Cal’s estate. He was the last person to see Cal alive. And you’re here calling on me in the middle of the morning.”
“I don’t know that you didn’t kill him. I’m attempting to exclude you as a subject. Would you rather I wait until you’re the last one standing, then I can charge you by process of elimination?”
Nita stormed outside. “It’s annoying. I’m the bereaved widow.”
“For all I know you’re the black widow.”
“I’m sure you checked on my former husbands.”
“Nita, until I’ve got the facts, expect these little visits. Unless you’d like to come into Timber and be interrogated? We’ve got an interview room. We refer to it as The Box.”
Defiantly, her head lifted and her chin jutted out. “Sheriff, people in these parts are getting upset at the way you’re badgering the family. Tony said you’re making his life miserable, too.”
“Tell me about Cute-Exec?”
“I only deal with the ranch and concerns of the horses. The firearms are completely in the domain of Calvin’s first family.”
“Tell me what you know about Cal and Tony’s online business.”
“I have no earthly idea about it. Cal told me to keep out of their business. He told Grace, Tony, and Emma to keep their noses out of my horse business.”
“You mentioned that Tony’s hobby is drones. Emma mentioned that he spends a fortune on his drones. Tony rarely goes into the gun shop. Is the online business so good that it supports Tony’s hobby?”
“I don’t know!” Her voice was crass, vindictive. “Tony does not answer to me.”
“Fine. Let’s turn to your business. I have it on good authority that Cal was disappointed in the fact that your business is constantly running in the red. I’m wondering how all these hobbies are being supported. I’m pretty sure funds from Wagner Gun Shop aren’t being siphoned off from
Grace’s careful eyes. I can only guess, but my best guess is that Grace holds the reins of the gun shop, and holds them tightly.”
“It is half her business. So ask her.”
“I want to know what you know, Nita. Then I’ll ask Grace, Emma, and Tony what they know. Then I might have a grasp of the situation.”
Nita smugly replied, “Ask them.” She then gazed blankly back at Royce.
Royce perused Nita’s perplexed face for many moments. She then looked out at the half dozen beautifully groomed horses that galloped behind the fence. “Something isn’t making sense about this entire thing. You’re not answering my questions about your business. So let’s get back to Cute-Exec.”
“Tony is a computer geek. Drones, tech crap, women, and hot cars that impress women.”
“And your expensive business is ready to sink – without an infusion of funds. Money that Calvin had provided is no longer available.”
She gave a sigh of exasperation. “Damn, I’m not tipping the ranch over into the red on purpose. It was overextended because of some investments I made. Champion mares. I want to save my ranch.”
“Cal’s insurance money will go a long way to greening up this ranch.”
“I didn’t have any reason to kill him. Cal was taking me on a vacation. We had laughs together. He knew I could get this thing turned around.”
“He wanted things turned around right away. He was finished funding what he considered a losing prospect. Am I right?”
“He might have mentioned he was done. But money has never been a problem before.”
“Tony. He must have enough money to keep himself in his hobbies. They’ve got drones that are selling for thousands. I saw a couple listed for nearly four grand. He drives a luxury sports car, a truck and a Jeep. All sparkling new vehicles. Has all the accouterments of being a spoiled kid. Throws money away. Entitled. Is Cute-Exec paying for everything? Did Cal skim off enough to keep feeding the horses?”
“You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about, Sheriff.”
“I’m trying to find out. What about Cal’s friendship with Luther Sumner? And Tony’s dispute with Luther?”
Her mouth wobbled. “What dispute? They’re friends.” She quickly became guarded again. Sensing that Royce’s silence had caught her up in a lie, she regrouped. “I’m guessing they’re friends.”
“How about Cal?”
“I think he saw Luther at his brother’s funeral. They aren’t friends.”
“Are you Luther’s friend?”
“He’s a jailbird. A creep. Why would I be interested in him?” Her expression was one of disgust.
“Where’s Tony?”
“Probably playing with his drone of the day. It upsets my horses. So he’s not on the ranch. Probably out at the Crossing. He’s probably crashed a quarter million bucks worth of those toy airplanes.”
Royce displayed a dubious frown. “Really? That’s big money.”
“You’re right, those things cost two to four, and more grand each. What you don’t realize is that he crashes them at the rate of one or two a week. At least my horses are still alive.”
Leaving, Royce was glad to see that Chance was at attention. “I hope you took notes, Chance. Questions, and no answers. An online gun dealership called Cute-Exec.” Royce recalled that Nick had said that part of the website catered to women.
Royce suddenly threw her head back and roared. She would never consider buying a pink gun. No one she knew wore crotch protectors. She didn’t sleep with an assault rifle under her pillow. If they had rainbow colored pistols, she might consider buying one. However, she would never consider purchasing it from a company called Cute-Exec.
***
Driving the weaving road to the Crossing, Royce saw the drone directly above her vehicle. It followed her. She saw the oversized truck, then watched as Tony came into sight. He was enjoying his unnerving chase.
Her vehicle skidded to a stop. She slammed the door. “You think that’s cute?” She gave his arm a tug. Immediately the drone began a jerking series of motion.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” he screamed. The drone shattered against the ground. “I’m suing the city to pay for that.”
“And if you don’t shut your mouth, I’m hauling you into jail for harassing an officer of the law. Un-flex your muscle bound arms. I’m not impressed. Now, I want you to talk to me about your company. Cute-Exec.”
“All on the up and up. You’ve got nothing on me, Miss Sheriff.” He scoffed, “The townspeople think you’re losing it. Chasing a decades old killing. Bugging the hell out of people. I ought to get my lawyer.”
“That’s a coincidence. Your pal Luther also threatened to get an attorney. Maybe the two of you can get together and find an attorney that gives two-for-one specials.”
His steely eyes took aim. “I’m tired of your messing with me. Otis should be in jail. Or how about my mother? You don’t think sweet older ladies kill their ex-husband. She hated his guts. Sister Emma despised him because he favored me. Sibling rivalry. She’d have loved to shoot him in the belly. She even said so a dozen times. They would have gladly taken him out. How about that phony bitch with her list of dead husbands? I hope my old man got his money’s worth with that tramp. He told me he took what he wanted, whenever he want…”
Royce interrupted, “You don’t respect women. That’s not illegal. But put a foot wrong in this county, and this woman is going to put you away.”
Glaring, he then stomped away. Before picking up the downed drown, he began to chortle loudly. It was a ruthless howling laughter.
Driving down the road, Royce closed her window. She could still hear the madness of this over-indulged punk who considered himself a cute executive.
***
The young man’s face was sweetly comedic. Royce’s day had been aggravating and frustrating. Yet as she sat down at her desk and looked across at Sam Dawson, Royce felt a complete lifting of her spirit.
“Sorry I’m late,” she apologized. She reached toward his handshake. “I’m usually on time.”
“Not a problem at all.”
She quickly studied first couple pages of his applications that were in his file. “Exemplary service.”
“Thank you, Sheriff.”
“It’s a little untamed up here in the high country.”
“Down in Denver it can get rough.”
Royce wanted to dispel his happy-go-lucky demeanor with a question that would test his resolve about law. “Ever kill anyone?”
His eyes blinked. “You asked if I ever killed anyone?”
“Right.”
“I returned fire. I killed a man. I received a commendation. I’d rather this information remain confidential. Just between us.”
“You have my word.”
Royce read the last part of one of his duty recommendations. He had risked his life in order to lend aid to his partner. After dragging the downed officer to a safe place, he’d returned the fire of three fierce criminals. One was injured, one was killed, the other raised his hands and gave up. Sam Dawson was awarded the medal of heroism in the line of duty. He had saved his partner’s life. And stood his ground in a gunfire battle against three fugitives.
He said, “It happened. It’s over now. I did what I needed to do.”
“So you did.”
He smiled shyly. “I’m happy every day I’m alive.” Sam swallowed hard. “So do I have the job?”
“Yes, Deputy Dawson.” Royce shook his hand, then walked him out.
He said he looked forward to orientation, and knew he would enjoy working in Timber.
Royce was confident she would enjoy working with Sam Dawson – Mr. Sunshine.
Chapter 19
Chance had awoken on the wrong side of the bed. The police dog’s gimpy foot had started bothering her again. Since she’d jumped out of the vehicle last evening, it appeared tender to the step.
When Royce and Chance arrived at the office, the
dog plopped down beside Royce’s desk. She seemed to be bored with her semi-invalid state.
Telephone tag, Royce considered as she finished a conversation with Forensics. They were trying to see if the gun used in murdering Calvin Wagner might have been used before. Standard, one of the ballistics tech reported. Then the technician commented on the rarity, and the exceptional shape of the gun.
Royce teased that the gun was transported in an armored car. She had already been made aware that Tony considered it to be his inheritance. Otis had signed documents placing the immaculately groomed gun in the custody and care of Wagner Guns. With the stipulation that the bills owed by Otis must be paid. Or the gun would be relinquished to Cal’s heir or heirs. Checking it through county prosecutors, Royce was reassured that even if there were, and there probably would be, a court case, Otis would have the upper hand. The law would make certain that if he squared his loan, the gun would belong to him.
This would all be done after Cal’s murder case was solved, and the killer was brought to justice, tried, and sentenced. Then it could be eventually released from the evidence vaults. The case winner of the half million-dollar Colt, would be the owner of an antique gun that had taken at least one life. The gun had lived through the wild west at its most turbulent times. Destiny coupled with reality made a case that the gun had probably helped more than one soul off the face of this earth.
There was no particular reason why Royce had decided to study the notes she’d taken. She’d had it with the lack of trace evidence. Interrogating was nothing more than chatting with people that were locked into their stories. Attempting to rush Forensics on the cold case was also frustrating.
The remainder of the day she took care of the ordinary problems, caught up on returning phone calls, and finished the department’s loose ends. Her desk was tidy, and she had a strong compulsion to flee the scene.
