Murder Mysteries Series six

by Waggoner, Robert C.

  Norm saw Phil turn around and poke the fire with his brass poker. Norm figured that Phil had told him all that he knew about that night in question. He said, "You've been a big help Mr. Sheldon. Another question please. In the past have you ever seen or heard any male visitors to Rose and Linda's house?

  Phil looked at Jessie who looked at Debra. It was clear that Phil was going to let his wife answer that question. Jessie answered, "Well, on a rare occasion, late at night, probably after Rose – ah – went to bed, we'd hear a car drive up and a door close. One time – I got a little curious—and went out back to see if someone was sneaking around. When the next time a car came, I quickly went out back and peered through the bushes. I could see it was a man, but that is all I could tell about him. I usually go to bed around midnight and on that occasion, I saw his car was still on the street. I never knew what time the man left or the car left."

  Debra said, "You've both been a big help. Another question please. Have you lately heard any parties from the state park?"

  "No nothing like that have we heard. Later on this summer you can hear some groups having fun. However, the park people keep the noise down."

  Norm asked, "Do you or have you seen any person or persons come from the state park side of the river to the river itself?"

  "On a rare occasion I've seen some kids come down a trail to the river. They never stay long and leave as it's rather boring I'd say. I do spend a lot of time outside in the summer time fussing around the yard."

  Norm stood up and smiling shook Phil's hand and gave a grateful nod to Jessie who had risen from her easy chair to see them to the door. Norm noticed the fire was dying down and wondered if Phil would keep it going or let it go out.

  In the car, Norm said, "Let's go see the park people and see if our two retired deputies are on the job."

  20

  James and Eric were in the parks office chatting with the park attendant Russ Amert. Norm smiled seeing three older gents sitting around chatting while drinking coffee. Both James and Eric jumped up when they came through the door. Norm said, "Sit down guys. Take it easy and what have you found out so far?"

  The introductions were made and it was evident that Russ Amert was no man's dummy. His eyes were clear and sharp. On the surface it looked like the state had chosen the right guy for the job. "I'll tell you what I told Jim and Eric Norm. It was a quiet time around here on the night in question. However, that doesn't mean somebody couldn't have taken the old trail down to the river, or for that matter, parked here, then walked to the beach and up the river. I made a copy of our visitors for two days before the crime and a day after. All of our visitors were from out of town and most were seniors."

  "Thanks and I wanted to hike down the trail again as the time before was raining. Now I'd like to see it again. Anyway, we'll leave you all to hash it over." Both left and Norm led the way to the trail down to the river.

  When they arrived at the bank, Norm showed Debra the skid marks down into the river. They were still fairly fresh and very plain to see. But one thing puzzled her and she said, "Norm, if our killers came this way, then the car door theory is out the window?"

  "Well yes and no, I think. A couple things might have happened. One might be that one guy came in the car to take all away after the crime, or the car door was a red herring. Or they maybe something we are missing or not looking for in the right direction or area."

  "I see and now what do we do Norm?"

  "Let's follow up on the computer and see if we can find out who her late night friends were," he said while back tracking up the trail to their waiting SUV.

  Inside her SUV, she said while buckling up, "There's more than meets the eye with our victim. I guess one expects a handicapped person to just sit around and do not much of anything. However, when upon investigating into a person's history, all kinds of things emerge. It's not difficult to understand a pretty young woman wanting some male attention. My God we all do – oh—sorry, didn't mean it that way."

  A lipless smile crossed his mind as he said, "None taken Debra. But the attention one seeks is not taken to the point of violent extremes such as this case. I think a good job for you would be to dig back in her school years and see if any old flames popup that are in this area currently working or ……."

  "I'll get with Rose and she'll know where Linda went to school and possibly who she hung out with during those years. Meanwhile, I'll go to our situation room and make some calls. Oh, by the way, I told my superior we needed someone to answer the phone. He gave me a phone number of his niece who is currently taking some university courses on line. I'll ask her to come in and we can talk to her this afternoon if you'd like?"

  "I like and that might keep your superior from nosing around; don't you think?"

  "The thought didn't escape me Norm. I agree with you and the less we see of him, the better for us."

  "I asked Beth about a contractor to plug up the gaps in my house from the wind. Not only is it a bit chilly, but it sounds like a haunted house with whistling noises. Lord knows what it sounds like during one of your winter storms."

  "She'll do right by both of you. She knows most everybody and if she recommends someone, well, you can count on that person to do a good job."

  Norm looked at his watch as they parked off to the side at the restaurant. He looked off to the west and saw nothing but grey with white streaks streaming by overhead. It looked like it should be raining, but no precipitation was coming down; at least not at that moment.

  Inside Beth was busy preparing her lunch special. On a small freestanding white board he saw her write: "Hot roast pork sandwich with all the trimmings" It made him hungry just reading it. He thought he'd best be careful as this fine food he'd been eating would put some weight on his lean frame. He waited for her to finish and as she turned around said, "My cousin will be here for lunch today Norm. He's a fair man who guarantees his work. Besides, his mother and I do our canning together and believe you me, nothing escapes our lips at that time about any and all the people we know. My cousin wouldn't dare not do a good job."

  "I'm happy to hear that Beth. Let me know when he arrives and I'll come down with an appetite if nothing else." He left her with a satisfied look on her cherubic face.

  Upstairs a rather plain but pleasant looking young woman sat primly in a chair waiting for someone to arrive. She jumped up when Debra and Norm topped the stairs and all three looked at each other while Debra went straight towards her. Norm heard her say, "I'm Jenny Biggs. My uncle sent me over to see you about answering the phone." Norm sat down while the two females came to some sort of agreement. He was going to leave this decision to Debra and was somewhat curious as to how she would handle the interview.

  They sat down and he heard the back and forth with typical questions and answers. In a few minutes she was offered the job. Norm was curious as to her hours when he heard Debra say that her hours would be from eight to around six. That depended on when someone else was here to answer the phone. It was understood she could do her college courses while working here.

  Later as Norm was waiting for the contractor to show up, Debra said, "You know, Jenny is working on her master's degree in psychology. She's very interested in this case with the circumstances of the recent murder of our victim. I told her after I made some phone calls that she and I would talk about the case. Do you mind if I discuss the case with her Norm?"

  "Not at all, but be a little discreet as to our suspects. If she stays with the mental side of the victim and her killers, then fly right at it. Also tell her discretion is needed as we don’t want any rumors to be written on newsprint. Ah, I hear footsteps coming. I think my new contractor has arrived."

  Benny Parsons was a slim down version of his Aunt Beth, but the same short stature was rampant in the family blood lines. He too was cheerful and talkative. He said, "I'd love to buy you lunch Mr. Payne and of course Debra is invited as well."

  Norm liked the guy straight away. He was homegrown and seeme
d honest. So far so good he thought as they went downstairs to greet the smell of roast pork with a subtle aroma of garlic and onion. Norm was a little taken aback as he saw three plates of pork specials at the table by the window. The only thing left was what to drink, he thought as he sat down glancing out the window seeing rain splattering against the glass.

  There was a few minutes of silence as the trio sampled the melt in your mouth pork. Benny looked up and said, "I know you place very well Norm [it had been decided to use first names] and the property is very valuable, but the residence needs a lot of work. If you're planning on staying awhile – he waited while Norm finished chewing – and saw him nod yes – then maybe a complete makeover might be of interest to you. Let me suggest something for you to consider. Why not make the place a two story affair with a nice view of the ocean." He waited while Norn digested both his lovely lunch and the suggestion of a total makeover of his beach cottage.

  He glanced at Debra who was playing with her mashed potatoes and wondered what she thought about the idea. Then again, he could not remember the last time he cared what any woman thought about something in his life. It scared him just a little, but after a tall glass of milk emptied in two gulps, he said, "Let's do both ideas Benny on paper. Give me an estimate on new siding and roof, along with the doors and casings. After that make some drawings, or have an architect – I'll pay for it – design a large upstairs room with a bathroom. Downstairs open it up with the kitchen and living room area as one. The two bedrooms can remain as well as the downstairs' bathroom. Take out the old tub and make a nice standup shower. The fireplace needs changing out to a wood stove. Somewhere in your plan we need a firewood storage area and a carport/garage addition."

  Debra saw Benny writing madly trying to keep up with the flow of information. She grinned knowing Benny would be going home to his wife telling her he was placing a bid on a total remodel of a beach house. If it all worked out, it would be steak night coming soon.

  Benny went to Norms place for picture taking and to take some measurements. While driving there he called his architect friend and told her to meet him at Norms place. Good weather was coming and it was a perfect time to do a major remodel while the sun shinned.

  21

  Before the three reserve deputies arrived later that evening, Debra had called the FBI office in Portland for any progress on the victim's computer. Debra and Norm were both surprised to learn they had opened the computer up and they could view her e-mail, Facebook and any other websites they so desired. Lastly they were told it had been sent back to the Sheriff's office in Newport by special delivery. It should be there around nine pm. Debra said, "I wonder who jabbed the FBI agents to move so fast. I'm thinking that maybe some of our county silver hair guys had some pull. Now I'll get the Boy Scouts on the job if I can. You know, that state park man seems just a little shifty to me. His eyes were darting here and there like he was inwardly nervous. I think he might be hiding something. What do you think Norm?"

  ''I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. He seemed acutely attentive and that the subject at hand was extremely important. However, if you've a suspicion or hunch, run a check on him. Leave no stone unturned. I did notice he had a pair of binoculars on his desk. No, I'm not suggesting he was spying on our victim, but who really knows what he delights in through the lens."

  At just before seven pm, Clint, Clyde and Dan arrived. They were introduced to Jenny and she left for home. Clint looked over his notes and said, "I talked to all five of my hydro guys either by phone or face to face. All of my guys are married and said they had never left their camp the night in question. I've some calls to make to check their alibis, but it would seem all are in the clear. I did ask and received their doctors of record. All asked why, but when I told them it could eliminate them from our suspect list, happily provided me with names and numbers."

  Both James and Dan echoed Clint's report. It would seem that the hydro racers were all celebrating the end of the races together that night. Be that as it may, Norm was waiting for the DNA to compare when the time came. Meanwhile, it was time for the direction to focus on the victim's computer and to possibly find her cell phone as well.

  They called it a night and Debra went south to Newport to pick up the computer. Norm went home. As he left by the back stairs, it dawned on him neither he nor Debra had any dinner. He reckoned missing dinner would not hurt much. Besides, he had loaded up on yogurt and had a desire for his favorite snack food in his refrigerator.

  22

  The next morning, Debra stopped by for coffee at Alicia's drive thru coffee hut. While she waited for two cars to file through, she thought about Norm Payne and what an impact he was having on her psychic. What puzzled her was the fact she did not know, if his entrance into her life was either good or bad. When she was with him, the closeness did funny things to her lower midsection. She was a long ways from being naive, but it had been, she could not remember when, she felt this way before. Usually when she had an 'urge' she went to Corvallis or Salem for a one night stay before returning home feeling half guilty and more often than not, left unsatisfied.

  It was her turn and Alicia was waiting for her. Debra ran her window down and heard Alicia say, "Well friend of mine, your cheeks are not rosy from sex, but from the damn cold weather we're having. What are you waiting for," she asked while preparing her favorite coffee.

  "Lord have mercy Alicia – give me some time -- or cut me some slack," she retorted back through deliberate coyness. "I just met him a few days ago, but I'm trying to maintain being cool and not showing any interest, but I'm afraid where I'm going at this point."

  "I've my ear to the ground and word has it he's a keeper if you can land him. Here's your coffee and send him my way. I'm keeping a special cleavage shirt in the back in case he drives up," she said laughing.

  "I've yet to catch him checking me out and wondering if he really likes girls or not," she said paying with a Jackson telling her to keep the change as she might need to buy some fresh panties if he chances through for a 'hot' cup of you know what. Debra drove off happy knowing she had a good friend in Alicia.

  At the 'Studio Office', as it soon was tagged with, Debra went upstairs with the victims computer. She put it on the table and went back down to wait for Norm to arrive. She still had her drive through coffee, but ordered some oatmeal and toast. Beth didn't mind her having brought some outside coffee in. She made ready the oatmeal and a carafe of freshly brewed coffee for Norm when he arrived. However, it was an hour before he showed up not saying a word why he was arriving at this time of day.

  Debra had gone back upstairs by the time he arrived and was going through the victim's e-mails and her Facebook account. Norm ordered a breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast. He greedily drank her nice tasting coffee hearing from Beth that Debra was upstairs. While waiting for his breakfast he took out his small notebook and pencil to make some notes.

  Beth came with his eggs that were fluffy and not overcooked. She said, "Norm how did you find my cousin the contractor?"

  "A very friendly guy and seems like he has a propensity to please the customer. I sure hope he comes within my budget as I like what he suggested very much. I've a rough idea about the cost of what he's suggesting. My father was a handyman carpenter in partners with my uncle. When I was in college I'd help them during my vacation time. However," he added with a winning smile, "I leave that profession to the professionals."

  "I know I'm being nosy, but how about your mother? What did she do back east?"

  "She worked part time at a local market store. But as you well know, the emergence of 7—11s put most small store owners out of business. After that she went into the costume jewelry business and even today she still makes some pieces. But, her failing eyesight will very soon put her into permanent retirement. My father passed on a few years back. Other than her eyesight, she gets around very well."

  "Here and eat your breakfast before it gets cold Norm. Sorry to yammer on and on, bu
t you know us women – can't stand to not know something."

  Upstairs Debra was happy with what she was gleaning out of the computer. She was surprised at how many friends and acquaintances she had. It did not take long to compile a list of close friends, friends, and the last one, acquaintances. It was a little surprising that she had more than a few male friends. However, she frowned when most of these close friends never used their names.

  She was in the middle of making a list when Jenny showed up. She was followed by Norm up the stairs. After the good-mornings were out of the way, Norm said, "We've an appointment at the coroners this morning at eleven am."

  "Oh, slipped my mind. By the way, please come here and let me show you something interesting before we leave." He sat down and in a low voice told him what she'd found. Also the beginning of a three column list. "Norm," she said, "Should we trust or assign Jenny this project I'm on?"

  It only took Norm about five seconds to say, "Let's wait on that assignment. Maybe after you're finished she can make a nice looking report for us. In the meantime, I'll drive and you go over what you have so far and where you think it'll lead us."

  Norm still had on his leather coat and his hair glistened from the incessant rain. She could detect the smell of leather and an unidentifiable after shave lotion. Evil, but sensuous thoughts ran through her head as she put on her jacket.

  23

  Norm had attended more autopsies than he cared to remember. Each autopsy examination was never ordinary, but spoke volumes to the right ears. Dr. Glen Almwist was waiting for them to arrive. The victim, Linda Blake, age twenty – nine lay on a cold stainless steel table covered by a dark green sheet. Norm and Debra had put on light cotton hospital type coverings to protect both the victim and themselves.