Neal readily agreed, “I think I’ll take a hot shower first, get the kinks out of my back.”
***
It was after five when Lin returned from her walk. First she’d spent some time with Eloise when she picked up Sparky. The older woman had apparently known something of Neal’s plans for she’d greeted Lin with a smile and a “Did you say yes?” After admiring the beautiful ring, she’d also wanted to discuss plans for the Christmas party, still two weeks away. Lin suggested that they get together sometime during the coming week to finalize some details.
Sparky had greeted Lin as if he’d been her own dog for years, and she’d been gone for a week or more, at least. The lively dog jumped up, placing his front paws on her shoulders and licking her chin with gusto. She had to laugh. Nothing like a dog to make you feel wanted and welcomed. Maybe I need a pet, she mused.
Eloise had only provided short walks for the dog during the weekend, so Lin took him through the neighborhood and down toward the Wright Memorial, choosing not to go quite the whole way. After returning to Kate’s street, actually a circle, they’d taken the long way back to the house. Now Sparky seemed ready for a good drink of water and a rest.
Lin found Neal upstairs, stretched out on the sofa in the office fast asleep. He was snoring gently. I guess he really was tired, Lin thought to herself; he did do all the driving, and we really didn’t get much sleep last night, even with sleeping in.
She went downstairs quietly and rummaged around in the freezer for something for supper. She found a frozen pizza and chose that. She decided to fix some sort of appetizers to add to the meal. Even though they’d had a huge breakfast, they’d not eaten since. She was getting hungry and felt sure Neal would be too.
By the time Neal came downstairs, she’d concocted some black bean dip to go with corn chips and had found a jar of spicy salsa to add. She poured a beer into a frosted mug for Neal and a glass of red wine for herself. “This looks great,” Neal eyed the tray Lin had prepared as he pulled her into his arms for a long kiss.
“It feels good to be able to call you my ‘fiancé’,” he gave her a big bear hug. “How was your walk, I didn’t hear you come in, guess I was more tired than I realized.”
“I left you snoring on the sofa,” Lin teased. “ Are you hungry?”
“Indeed I am,” Neal declared, “let’s take this stuff out to the porch.”
Lin grabbed the tray while Neal took the glasses and they joined Sparky on the glassed porch. The sun was beginning to set, and although the weather was fair, the temperature was dropping so Neal lit the gas logs.
Lin was eager to spend some time thinking about recent happenings. Somehow the fact that they had been followed on Saturday had to be connected to prior events, Dorrie’s death, Connie’s murder, the arrest of Billy Thornton—she just wasn’t sure how all these things fit together, but she felt certain that they did fit and that the earlier death of Liz Frazier was, most likely, part of the picture also. She had brought paper and pencil to the porch and now she enlisted Neal’s help in organizing her thoughts.
“I think we need to make a list of the people involved in this story and the facts we have uncovered about each of them. I plan to talk to Ken Parker tomorrow, about our being followed; maybe I could share some other things with him as well. He might be more receptive now that we know we were followed on Saturday. I realize he thinks I’m trying to do his job but…”
“I’m not sure what he’ll think,” Neal seemed skeptical, “but it can’t hurt to try, I suppose. I remember your famous lists,” he smiled, recalling earlier events.
Lin began organizing information they had regarding each person involved. Soon they had a relatively long list of information. While Neal went to put their pizza in the oven, she reviewed what she had written:
Liz Frazier
· Killed about 10 years ago, stabbed and left in her home that was burned
· Robbery thought to be the motive. Liz had found some possibly valuable jewelry near a shipwreck made visible during a storm
· Case was never solved. Dorrie Johnson was considered the prime suspect.
Dorrie Johnson
· Liz’s roommate at the time of her death; she went missing about the same time as the murder occurred
· A troubled young woman, into the local party scene, including drinking and drug use
· According to Dorrie’s family, she got her life together and completed school. She had a successful career.
· Dorrie returned to the Outer Banks recently, supposedly to make amends with Liz Frazier. She’d left owing Liz rent money and wanted to repay her.
· During her visit, Dorrie had been at Tim’s Bar and Grill where she learned Liz was dead and she was the prime suspect.
· Dorrie visited Liz Frazier’s family. She paid her debt to Liz’s mother. She talked to Connie, Liz’s sister, about the crime and recalled an argument Liz had with a boyfriend whose name Dorrie couldn’t recall.
· Dorrie had mentioned possibly going to Manteo to see if something would jog her memory of the boyfriend’s identity and maybe locate him
· A shopkeeper in Manteo did recall Dorrie coming in on Friday, but he was unable to help her as he had only been in business there a few years.
· Dorrie visited Billy Thornton to talk about Liz. Apparently they had dinner together and returned to Billy’s apartment for the evening.
· Dorrie was found dead in Nags Head Woods. The death was ruled accidental and was due to a severe allergic reaction, possibly to a bee sting.
· Dorrie had strong drugs in her system at the time of her death. She also had sexual intercourse with 24 hours prior.
· There was bruising on Dorrie’s arms and shoulders including a strange set of marks that seemed to match an object found in the mud nearby. Did she perhaps land on this object as she fell? The item was identified as a type of bee cage. Perhaps it was also used as a box for bait. Does this object have any significance?
· Dorrie apparently drove to Nags Head Woods but would’ve been considered DUI based on her autopsy results. Her car was found in the parking lot.
· The clerk at the Holiday Inn where Dorrie stayed reported that she seemed fine on Friday morning, not appearing to be drugged or hung over. This raises questions about when she took or was given drugs.
· Had Dorrie used or been given drugs while with Billy Thornton? She likely had intercourse with Billy, was this case date rape? Was there negligence that contributed to her death?
· Dorrie’s car had been parked at Nags Head Woods. The keys hadn’t been found with her. The Sheriff’s department towed it. Her Dad picked it up. The Kill Devil Hills police checked the car and found only her father’s prints.
· Dorrie’s prints were not found on or in her car. If she’d driven herself to Nags Head Woods they should’ve been evident. Who drove her there?
· There are unanswered questions about Dorrie’s activities and contacts, especially on the Friday before her remains were found on Saturday.
Connie Frazier
· Talked about her suspicions regarding her sister’s murder.
· Had expressed her view that Billy Thornton had killed Liz, not Dorrie Johnson, but she had no proof of this.
· Was at Tim’s Bar and Grill on the Saturday night following Thanksgiving. Drank heavily, argued with Billy Thornton and accused him of killing Liz. Billy left the bar in anger.
· Connie left a short while later. Was apparently attacked by someone as she was leaving and was beaten. She was killed and her body tossed in the dumpster.
· There were witnesses to her argument with Billy but none reported seeing her killed.
Billy Thornton
· Local pawnbroker and friend of Liz Frazier
· Investigated at the time of Liz’s death but was cleared as he had an alibi
· Admitted to having a “date” with Dorrie Johnson, said he really liked her
· Was seen arguing with Connie Frazier the night sh
e was killed and left Tim’s in a rage
· Arrested and charged with Connie’s murder
· Police are considering charges related to negligence in Dorrie’s case, possible date rape charges
Mike___________
· Works for Mark Simon at gallery in Manteo
· Followed Lin after she visited the gallery
· Followed Lin and Neal as they traveled down the Banks. Left at the ferry landing on Hatteras Island
· Does he hang out regularly at Tim’s Bar and Grill?
· Was he hired by someone to harass and intimidate them? Possibly Billy Thornton
· Could he have seen Dorrie at Tim’s or in Manteo?
· Could he have seen Connie, Neal, and Lin at Starbucks?
· Could he be the prowler at Kate’s house? Was he the person who threatened Lin?
Even though he’d contributed to the list as she wrote it, Lin gave it to Neal to read through. “Should anything be added?” she asked, “or have I put anything down that we don’t know?”
Neal perused the list and put it on the table, “It looks good to me. Where you’re not sure of your facts, you’ve put questions—questions that need answers, I might add.”
He sat back in his chair, “It’s surprising how much you’ve learned, and seeing it all on paper really shows that. There are some key unanswered questions here.”
“And I fully intend to find answers to those questions, or make sure someone does?” there was a glint of absolute determination in Lin’s eyes.
Chapter 20
The following day dawned clear but chilly and breezy. Neal was scheduled to work all day at Fort Raleigh. The full archeological team was due back this morning and expected to put in a full week, the last before the universities closed for the holiday break.
“I expect I’ll be pretty busy all week,” Neal said as he dressed for the day. “This will be my last opportunity to work with this team as I’ll be back at NAU when they return. I’m really enjoying these guys, and I think we may turn up some really good artifacts, provided this weather holds and we can actually work all week.”
Lin smiled at Neal’s enthusiasm. She was happy that he’d found something he really enjoyed to participate in while he was here. Her own schedule at the park was a bit lighter. She was expected to lead field trips only on Tuesday and Thursday; beyond that she’d made no specific commitments. That was likely a good thing as Eloise was on her case about getting ready for the upcoming holiday party and she needed to begin planning food for a houseful that would be descending on them in less than two weeks. She was excited about having her family come, thrilled that they would have a chance to get to know Neal better, and happy to have some time with her grandkids. Lots to do but well worth the effort, she concluded. She and Neal had decided that they would wait until the family had arrived to tell them about their engagement. Lin thought they’d be happy with that news.
“I’m going to get started making plans for the holidays, you know meals and such, and I must make time soon to get together with Eloise about party plans, but today I’m going to make some time to talk to Ken Parker. I want to know if he has found out who was following us. If he’s willing to talk to me, I’m going to share that list we made,” Lin added.
Neal bent to kiss her goodbye as he headed for the door, “Just be careful and try not to tell him what to do,” he winked and hurried out before she could respond.
It was still early so Lin decided to have another cup of coffee before she went upstairs to shower. She let Sparky out in the yard and settled herself on the porch to enjoy the view. A pair of Great Blue Herons was feeding in the edge of the marsh. Several graceful white egrets were also there. There were two small sailboats skidding across the sound in the stiff breeze. No wonder Kate never wants to leave here, Lin thought. This is such a beautiful spot. She sipped her coffee and let her thoughts wander through the things she wanted to accomplish today and the rest of the week. A busy time, holidays, she thought, but a good time too. She didn’t notice that Eloise had come over until she heard a tap on the porch door.
“Come in,” she opened the door for her neighbor, “how ‘bout another cup of coffee?”
“Perfect,” Eloise replied. Lin went into the kitchen and poured another cup for herself and one for her guest.
“I don’t want to bug you, I know you’re busy, but I do want to get things lined up for our Christmas party as soon as possible. It’s less than two weeks away now and both of us have other things to do. You’ve family coming and so do I.” Eloise was a paragon of planning and efficiency. She’d brought her calendar and a small notebook along.
Lin would’ve happily postponed thinking about all this, but she realized that Eloise had a point. If they got a head start things would go more smoothly. “Let me get my calendar and we’ll make some plans,” Lin smiled as she headed for the kitchen.
An hour later they both had several dates marked and had made lists of things to do. Cooking and shopping chores were divided up and “to do” lists were made. By the time Eloise departed, Lin already felt tired, and her day hadn’t even begun.
By the time she had showered and dressed for the day, things didn’t seem so overwhelming. After all her daughter Lucy and daughter-in-law Erica would be coming, and while they couldn’t help prepare for the party, they could and would help with other holiday meals and plans.
First things first, she thought, as she grabbed a jacket and headed out. I’m heading to the police station, and hopefully Ken Parker will be available and willing to talk.
Before she went to the station, she decided to stop by Tim’s Bar. It wasn’t time for the restaurant to be open, but it was already ten so someone should be there. Maybe she could learn something.
There were a few cars parked near the rear of the lot as Lin drove in. She parked near the main entrance. It was locked, of course, but she knocked loudly, hoping someone would hear her. When no one came she walked around back, hoping to see someone or to find another door. A young man was emptying garbage into the dumpster.
“Is Tim here yet?” Lin asked.
“Yeah, but we’re not open,” was the response.
“Could you please tell him Lin Hanna is here, and I need to talk to him, it’s important?” she pled her case.
The young man looked skeptical, but nodded and went back inside. In a moment he reappeared, “Tim says go ‘round front, he’ll let you in.”
By the time Lin arrived back at the entrance, the genial bar owner had the door open. He invited her in and asked if she’d like a coffee. He indicated a booth in the corner so she seated herself. When he returned, he had a tray bearing two steaming mugs of coffee and a plate of freshly made doughnuts.
Lin rolled her eyes, “I just ate breakfast. These look great but I can’t possibly eat more right now. I’ll enjoy the coffee, though.”
Tim shrugged as he bit into the warm pastry, “That’s ok. I’ll put some in a doggie bag and you can take’em with you. What can I help you with today?”
Lin described for Tim her experience with this “Mike” person who had apparently followed her both in town and on the weekend trip. She described the truck and asked if Tim knew anything about this person.
“I’d have to say yes,” he responded quickly, “ that has to be Mike Clark. He drives an old model black pick up, and he’s a regular around here. If you’ll recall, I told you he was the one who told Dorrie Johnson about Liz and about how she was the main suspect. He hangs out here all the time—works in town but lives here at the beach.”
Immediately, Lin did remember her earlier conversation with Tim and the mention of that name. “Was he here the night Connie was killed?”
“I think so, yeah, yeah he was,” Tim nodded.
Lin continued, asking what Tim knew about this Mike Clark, whether he might be dangerous in any way.
Tim was thoughtful. “I don’t see Mike as a big time ‘bad boy’ or anything but he might be willing to follow someon
e or try to scare them, if the price was right. He’s sort of a loner, doesn’t have much to say, seems sullen and angry a lot of the time.”
Tim’s characterization went along with the impression she’d had observing Mike at the gallery and as he’d followed them on Saturday.
“Well, I’m pretty sure he’s the guy who followed us, and I think he might’ve tried to break in at the place we’re staying,” Lin explained. “I’m on my way to the police station right now, but if he comes in, I’d appreciate your not mentioning that I asked about him.”
“You got it, Ms. Hanna,” Tim smiled, as he took a brown paper bag from behind the counter and began loading it with the uneaten doughnuts. “You be careful,” he added as she left.
Lin felt sure she now had a positive identification for Mike Clark, but she proceeded to the police station anyway. She wanted to try to talk to Ken Parker, hoping to convince him that he needed to look into Dorrie’s Friday activities more closely. She planned to share her list of facts and questions.
The receptionist at the station was the same young officer they’d seen the day before. She greeted Lin with a warm smile.
“Sgt. Parker thought you might come by,” she reported. “He said he wanted to talk to you.”
Lin was surprised at this welcome after Parker’s earlier reaction to her activities, but she happily followed the young officer down the hall to the conference room. She was forced to decline the offer of more coffee, however. She’d already exceeded her quota of caffeine for the morning.
She’d only been there a few moments when Ken Parker entered the room. He didn’t say anything at first but his demeanor seemed more relaxed and friendly than the last time they’d spoken. He arranged some files on the table and then extended his hand in greeting.
Sandrift: A Lin Hanna Mystery Page 22
