Lin grabbed her keys and had just reached her car when a park service truck pulled up with Neal and a very wet Sparky ensconced on the front seat.
“I’m so sorry,” Lin greeted them, grabbing a beach towel from the shelf and throwing it around the wet dog. “I fell asleep and didn’t hear my phone. Just found your message.” She rubbed Sparky vigorously as Neal began to strip off his wet clothing.
“This seems to be happening on a regular basis,” he grinned, now down to his boxers. “At least, this time I’m not wet through to the skin.”
Stopping to put Sparky on the enclosed porch so that he could dry more, Lin followed Neal upstairs, catching him up on the news that Billy Thornton had been arrested and Ken Parker was coming over to talk to Matt and to them later.
“I’d better shower first,” Neal said. “I ‘d sure love to have something hot to drink when I’m done.”
“I’ll put on some coffee,” Lin said as she turned to go back downstairs.
While she waited for the coffee to make and Neal to finish cleaning up, Lin checked the grocery supply with dinner in mind. Once again, the cupboard was almost bare. Maybe they’d better plan to eat out and perhaps Matt Johnson would like to join them. She shared this idea with Neal as he joined her in the kitchen.
“Fine,” he said, “where do you want to go?”
“Well, Tim’s Bar and Grill is supposed to serve excellent barbeque, and that’s one dish you don’t want to miss on your visit; I think we should go try it. In fact when I talked to Tim earlier I told him I’d bring you.”
Neal rolled his eyes and grinned at her, “And, by the way, you might have a chance to talk to the proprietor again?”
Lin smiled, “Maybe, we’ll see.” She got more mugs from the cabinet and put some cookies she had found on a plate. They heard a car pull into the driveway as their first visitor arrived.
Matt Johnson shed his wet jacket before ascending the stairs to the main floor. “What a day,” he remarked. “I drove through rain off and on all the way from Richmond. It looks like it might be over now—sun’s trying to peek through.”
Lin welcomed him and suggested that they sit on the porch. Neal had turned on the gas logs to dispel the chill. The rain did seem to be ending and the sun was trying to peek through the clouds to the west promising a lovely sunset to come.
Matt welcomed the hot coffee and took a handful of the cookies from the plate Lin had placed on the coffee table. “ I didn’t stop for lunch,” he explained, “wanted to make sure I was on time at the medical examiner’s office.”
“What did he have to say?” Lin was eager to know.
Matt grimaced, a somber expression on his face, “It disturbed me,” he admitted. “I’d sort of assumed that Dorrie just decided to go for a walk, got stung and probably slipped and fell into the water, but there was more to it than that.” He hesitated reluctant to go on.
“Ken Parker told us the local police were considering reopening the investigation,” Lin spoke, breaking the silence. “ He thought there might be factors that contributed to her accident, maybe negligence, in fact, he should be arriving soon to talk to you.”
“I’m glad Sara isn’t here to hear this,” Matt offered, “but the ME told me Dorrie had sex within 24 hours or so of her death,” he swallowed hard, “there were drugs in her system as well—pot and some sort of heavy-duty tranquilizers. He said it was surprising that she was able to take a walk anywhere, much less on a rough trail in the woods—she would’ve been seriously hung over, definitely impaired. Maybe that’s why she forgot or lost her epipen. Apparently she drove herself to that trail in that condition.” There was a catch in Matt’s voice and Lin saw that he was fighting back tears. “I thought Dorrie had given up all that stuff. Guess coming back into her old environment got her in trouble again.”
Lin thought about the implications of these findings, recalling that Billy had told her he and Dorrie had gone out to eat and come back to his place to “talk” on Thursday night. She decided not to mention what she knew right then, Ken was coming and he would probably have more information. Instead Lin changed the subject. “What about her car? Are the authorities sure she drove it herself?”
“Sheriff Midgett told us when we first met with him that it was in the parking lot at Nags Head Woods locked. They never found her keys. She probably lost them in the water when she fell, I guess. They towed the car and got it unlocked. I’m using the valet key that was in the glove box. I assume they searched her car, but apparently there was no indication anyone else drove her there.” Matt’s stress was still evident but the tears had stopped.
Secretly Lin wondered how carefully the car had been examined. She seriously doubted there’d been any sort of real investigation into this death, at least not initially. Again, she decided to wait for Ken to talk about this.
“Let me put on a fresh pot of coffee,” she offered, “ I think I hear Ken’s car coming in and we’ve almost finished this pot.” She was happy to escape to the kitchen. Seeing Matt’s discomfort was unsettling.
Neal got up quickly and went down to greet Ken Parker and Matt Johnson excused himself and went to the restroom, maybe to further regain his composure.
Neal reappeared shortly with Ken following, his tall frame filling the doorway. By that time Matt had returned and Neal took charge of introductions while Lin finished setting up the coffee maker. She decided to hunt further for more snacks as Matt had made a serious dent in the plate of cookies. She found a can of nuts and some crackers. There was a small block of cheese left so she sliced that to add to the snacks, regretting her neglect of the grocery shopping.
By the time Lin returned to the porch with the food, Ken was busy talking about his own take on the medical report. He had a copy spread out on the coffee table so Lin placed the food on a side table and returned to the kitchen for the coffee pot.
Ken talked quietly, but seriously, for at least the next half hour. No one else spoke. Lin could scarcely contain her questions but she managed to do so as Ken outlined the same findings Matt had mentioned earlier but with more precise detail. He had an actual copy of the report, including photos that he kept covered until he was finished talking.
“I know you’ve talked to the ME,” He spoke to Matt, “but I wasn’t sure whether or not you had viewed the photos, or if you wanted to.”
Matt swallowed hard, “He offered but I didn’t want to see, then. I think I want to now though, I think I’m ready.”
Ken passed him the photos. “You know about the evidence of sex and the drugs. There was bruising around her arms and shoulders but none in the vaginal area. If there was a sexual assault it was probably of the date rape variety or,” Ken hesitated, “it could’ve been consensual like Billy Thornton claims. He’s admitted he had sex with Dorrie on Thursday night but says it was entirely consensual, and she left shortly after. He claims there were no drugs involved but… we did find some pot in his apartment—nothing else though. Of course, if he had other drugs he could’ve gotten rid of them or maybe he used them all that night.”
Matt was shuffling through the photos Ken had passed to him. Once again, he appeared to be fighting back tears as he looked at his daughter in death. “If the sex was consensual,” he almost choked on the words, “then why are her arms so bruised?”
Ken Parker was obviously trying to remain professional; however, he was clearly sympathetic to Matt’s plight. “ We aren’t entirely sure, but it’s possible she tried to break her fall by grabbing or bumping into trees. There’re some pretty big trees in that area but since she was—er under the influence she probably bounced her way from tree to tree. If she’d been sober when she fell…” he didn’t have to complete the thought.
“If she’d been stung it wouldn’t have made much difference,” Matt shook his head, “not unless someone was there to help her get to a doctor.”
He stacked the photos and placed them on the table. Lin picked them up, “May I?” Ken nodded that it was ok for
her to look.
Dorrie’s face looked pretty much as Lin had remembered it, but she hadn’t paid much attention to any bruising. She remembered that Dorrie’s body had been partially covered by the swamp waters so maybe these bruises were hidden or covered by her clothing. She recalled that it was a cool day so she would have worn long sleeves. She examined each photo carefully including those of Dorrie’s back. The only frontal bruises were on her arms and shoulders. One bruise on her upper arm caught Lin’s eye. It was oddly shaped, sort of an oval shape with darker lines across it. Maybe that was more of a scrape than a bruise, she thought. Dorrie’s entire back was dark with lividity.
“The body had been there for awhile when you found it,” Ken answered the unasked question. “The discoloration on her backside tells us she’d been lying there for several hours.”
“Mr. Johnson,” Ken turned to Dorrie’s distraught father. “The ruling of death due to an allergic reaction, most likely to an insect bite or sting, still stands. The question is whether someone contributed to her drugged condition. That would be negligence, if we could prove it, and I’m not at all sure we can. The standards in civil court are less rigid; however, so if you choose to bring a lawsuit this evidence might help your case.”
“I’m not sure,” Matt Johnson seemed stunned by what he had seen. “I’ll have to talk to Sara, to our attorney; I’m planning to go back home tomorrow.”
“Could you possibly stay over one more day?” Ken asked. “I understand the Sheriff released Dorrie’s car to you and we’d like to have the chance to examine it. Might be useless at this late date but still…”
“Sure,” Matt seemed to be beyond caring. “I’ll call Sara. If she’s ok, I’ll stay. What time should I bring the car to you?”
“The earlier the better,” Ken explained how to find the Kill Devil Hills Police Station and then rose to take his leave.
Neal spoke up, “We’re going out for barbeque if you’d care to join us?”
“Thanks,” Ken responded, “but I need to get home, another long day.” He gathered the report and turned to leave.
“You’ll join us, won’t you Matt?” Lin felt he really shouldn’t be alone right now.
“Sure,” Matt responded with no enthusiasm, “I’d like to talk to Sara first though.”
Lin directed Matt upstairs to the office where he could find some privacy and then took Sparky outside. The rain was completely gone now, and the sun was painting the western sky with brilliant pinks and golds that reflected on the choppy waters of the sound in a dance of light. So much ugliness in such a beautiful place she thought, reflecting on all they had just learned.
Chapter 15
The parking lot at Tim’s Bar and Grill was crowded for a Wednesday evening. Matt had followed them so he could drive back to his hotel directly from dinner. They managed to find spaces near the rear of the building. Lin couldn’t avoid glancing at the dumpster area as they exited the car and headed into the restaurant.
Most of the customers were in the rustic dining area. Lin observed that there were only a few patrons in the adjacent bar room, at least from what she could see from their table. She recognized that Tim was serving as bartender. Perhaps he would come into the dining room later. She really did want to ask him about what happened on Saturday night, but she tried to focus her attention on dinner.
All three of them ordered the barbeque and it was as good as advertised. Lin entertained Neal with a discourse on the comparisons between eastern North Carolina and the western part of the state when it came to barbeque sauces. Of course Neal didn’t fully appreciate all this, even though Matt Johnson, being from the Tarheel state originally, backed up her account. Before their meal was ended the mood was somewhat lighter. Matt had even managed a few laughs.
After they had all declined dessert, Matt insisted on picking up the check. “You’ve been such a great help and support for us. I really can’t thank you properly.”
“I was glad to do whatever I could,” Lin smiled. “I’m sorry I couldn’t do more. There are still some big gaps in Dorrie’s activities while she was here—especially on Friday. I just wish I knew what she did that day, if she followed through on any of her plans.”
“From what Sgt. Parker shared with us, I’d say she was so hung over she was lucky she didn’t wreck her car or get picked up for DUI. Actually, I could wish she had been stopped, maybe then she’d still be alive,” Matt was serious. “She probably thought she could walk it off, maybe she was just trying to get some fresh air. I’m not sure I’m going to tell Sara about all of this. She’d be devastated to learn that Dorrie had been using drugs. We thought this stuff was all behind her,” he sounded stoic, “but I guess it wasn’t.”
Lin thought to herself—What if she didn’t take the drugs voluntarily? What if it was date rape? She didn’t raise these questions with Matt. He had all the facts and would have to decide for himself what action to take, if any.
“Guess, I’d better get back to the hotel,” Matt sighed. “The earlier I can get to the police station tomorrow the better off I’ll be. Hopefully, I can get away from here later in the day. I need to get back to Sara.”
When Matt had departed, Neal turned to Lin, “Are you ready to go?”
“Not quite,” she confessed. “I’d like a nightcap. Why don’t we go to the bar for some Irish Coffee?”
Neal sighed, “No interest in talking to the bar tender?” She smiled her response.
They went into the small bar room, choosing a booth in a back corner.
“You’ll have to order at the bar,” Tim called out, “we don’t have table service here on week nights.” As Neal rose to go order, Tim recognized Lin. “Why hello, Ms. Hanna, wasn’t it? Glad you’re back. Did you try the barbeque?”
“Yes, and it was great,” Lin smiled. “If you have a few minutes could we talk?”
“Sure, just give me a couple of minutes here. I’ll get someone to come over and look after these folks,” Tim indicated the few customers still at the bar.
He prepared their Irish coffees and even made one for himself. Neal grabbed the heavy mugs and brought them to the table.
A short time later, Tim joined them at their booth. Lin introduced him to Neal, “This is the friend I promised to bring for barbeque.”
“Hope you enjoyed it,” Tim smiled. “But I’d bet good money you’re not here to ask me for my secret sauce recipe, even if I were inclined to reveal it.”
Neal laughed, “You’ve got her pegged I see.”
“I’ll have to confess. I’m wondering what happened here Saturday night—from your perspective I mean,” Lin said. “ You weren’t in the dining room but Dorrie Johnson’s father was with us at dinner. He came down to go over the medical findings related to her death and pick up her car. The police seem to think he might have grounds for a negligence lawsuit.”
Tim shrugged, “ I wouldn’t know about that, but Billy Thornton was bragging about how ‘hot’ Dorrie was when he was here Saturday night. It’s pretty well known that Billy usually has a stash of pot somewhere. From what he said, I’d guess they smoked some and then…had some hot sex.” Tim wasn’t mincing any words.
“What about stronger stuff,” Lin couldn’t resist. “Could it have been date rape?”
“I wouldn’t know, but that’s not really Billy’s style. Most of the women are ready and willing to go to bed with him, if you get my drift. He was braggin’ though and that was probably what set Connie off,” Tim shook his head sadly, “She sure didn’t deserve to get beat like that.”
Tim was obviously in a talkative mood and Lin took advantage, pressing him for more information about what happened.
“It’s really different here on weekends,” Tim waved at the sparse bar crowd. “Late on Saturday night this place is full, mostly local folks. Some drink too much, some talk too much, and sometimes that combination leads to trouble, but…” he shook his head in disbelief, “we’ve never had a death before. This is not that kind
of place. I can’t afford that kind of reputation,” Tim sounded angry.
“I know this upsets you, but it wasn’t your fault,” Lin tried to sound supportive. “I’m sure no one blames you.”
Tim nodded his agreement and continued his story, “Billy was here most all evening, drinking too much, carrying on about his date with Dorrie, how pretty she was and so on. Connie came in later, I guess after work, but she’d probably been somewhere else ‘cause she was already pretty well loaded. Started arguing with Billy, accusing him of trying to take advantage of Dorrie, and then tearing into him about her sister Liz. Connie’s always blamed Billy for Liz’s death. Sheriff talked to him way back then, and nothing ever came of it. I think he had a good alibi or something, but Connie never let it go. Saturday night she was really fired up, really upset. One of the other guys here got between them before they could come to blows. Sat Connie down in that booth right over there,” he pointed to the opposite corner of the room, “got her a cup of coffee.”
“What did Billy do?” Lin pressed on, taking advantage of the affable bartender’s willingness to talk.
“Billy? Well he still had a head of steam. Stormed out of here in a rage. I assumed he was leaving, but apparently he just went outside. Connie drank a cup of coffee and then left herself. Guess he was waiting for her in the parking lot, at least that’s what the cops said probably happened. He beat her up. Beat her and tossed her in my dumpster.” Tim shook his head. It was obvious he was still having a hard time taking all this in.
Neal had been quiet through all of this, but now he spoke up, “ Were there any other witnesses to what happened outside? Anyone see Billy beat her up?”
“I don’t really know,” Tim said. “It was close to closing time, lots of the guys were leaving about that time. I guess the police have talked to most of them. Ken Parker made me give him a list of all the folks I could recall were here. We got two entrances though. Some of them could’ve left without even seeing what was happening toward that end of the lot—the end near the dumpster. Nobody said anything to me, though.”
Sandrift: A Lin Hanna Mystery Page 16
