Murder Mysteries # 4
by Robert C. Waggoner
Smashwords Edition
Copyright 2014 Robert C. Waggoner
Stacy Foreham US Marshal
"Murder up Blue River"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rude Awaking
US Marshall Stacy had hardly made her mark in her new bed when a call came in from her office informing the new Marshal that she was being asked to consult on a case.
Stacy looked at her bedside clock which glared at her flashing 7 am. Stacy had been burning the candle at both ends setting up her new office. Ironically, Rory's father had recommended a fine secretary who was burned out at her job with the local police department. Long story short, after a visit in Salem, Stacy offered her the position after she told Stacy that regardless of Stacy's young age as a boss, that was no problem with her. Her desire was to be part of the operation, not just a go for this and that.
Stacy drove her new SUV to the office to find a plain-clothes detective from the Oregon State Police waiting for her. He shook her hand and said, "I'm Detective Lance Campbell. My captain told me to find you and ask if you'd be so kind to assist us in a kidnap-murder case."
"Well, I've not even got my feet wet here in this office detective, but that's what I've been employed to do."
"Your reputation precedes you Stacy Foreham. My captain and North Bend's captain are good friends. Let's sit down and I'll fill you in."
Stacy turned to Emma and said, "Em, grab a pad and join us please."
"Before I forget it Stacy, Dan Swollow called to say he'd be here in about a week."
Stacy nodded that she understood. "Tell me what you've got Detective Campbell," asked Stacy.
"First off call me Lance, not Detective Campbell. The boys used to give me a hard time thinking I was descendant from the Campbell Soup Co. Okay; this case is a bit sensitive as it concerns a kidnapping of a high-ranking official's daughter here in town. She was brutally murdered up in the small town of Blue River."
"I'm not familiar with any 'high' level officials in Eugene Lance. Of course privacy is tantamount in any case involving kidnap and murder. However, to discover a killer or perpetrator, an investigator can't pussy foot around thinking about whose toes might get stepped on? Your captain and my superior are political figures specially hired to deal with the politics. You and I are the ones who track, suspect, and hopefully charge a perp with the crime they committed. That's why were called investigators. Now Lance if you can see where I'm coming from and where I'm going, then I suggest you take what I've said to your captain for either a beginning or an end before the beginning.
"I'll be right here in the office all day putting order to disorder. Emma has what we've or I've said in her notebook. And by the way, this little speech I made has nothing to do with you Lance. In fact, I'm looking forward to working with you."
"I'll say one thing Stacy, you don't mix words. I'm not sure how my captain is going to react, but either way it's no skin off my nose one way or the other. I don't think I need a copy of what you said Marshall. It's tucked away right in front for quick recall. I'm positive I'll be back within the hour. See you later and it was a pleasure meeting you."
After Lance went out the door, Emma said, "How about a cup of tea Stacy. I think I'll add a shot of whiskey to my coffee. I've never heard a conversation so rewarding in my life! My lord, what will we be doing next week: looking for work probably."
"Was it that bad Emma," asked Stacy accepting a mug of tea from her. "Like my father says sometimes: the truth hurts most of the time. And at other times it feels good. Well, this time it feels good. I'll not hunker down and suck eggs for some police captain who plays me like a fish on a line. Let's look at it this way, if this case involves kidnapping and murder, first comes the kidnapping. Does the victim's family pay the ransom and not tell anybody of an official nature? If so, the ransom is paid and it's statistically proven murder follows a kidnapping regardless of a ransom payment or not.
Here we probably have a family who didn't call in the officials, like the FBI, counting on the fact money talks and kidnap victim walks. Now we see family paid and daughter is murdered. They don't want public exposure because it would make them look foolish. The family wants the case solved, but solved under the table. No way happens in my book of rules as an investigator. Murder usually brings out all the dirty underwear of the victims family. Nothing is sacred or private. Sure an investigative team can be discreet with the best of intentions, but in the final analysis, central figures are blatantly exposed sometimes."
"You should lecture at the university Stacy. I've never hear it put that way before. Now I wonder who the 'high official' really is," Emma said walking back to her desk to start the real work of the day. Meanwhile, Stacy went to her office to make order out of disorder. She'd boxes of office stuff that she'd ordered and didn't know what to do with most of it. While she contemplated and mostly forgot the earlier conversation, her cell reminded her that Rory usually called about this time of morning.
"Tall Man you're right on time as usual. The days are nice here as fall is not far off. What's up doc?"
"So as not to be a pest, this weekend I could motor up if you're free," said a wishful thinking Rory Caltex.
"I'm not sure about that as a detective from OSP came by wanting me to look into a kidnap-murder case up the McKenzie near Blue River. Hey, by the way, what do you know about a Detective Lance Campbell and his captain?"
"Lance I know a little. He's a good guy, but a on the lazy side. He's waiting for his retirement to come around. Now Captain Richard Louver is another story altogether. He's darn good at what he does, but look out for his climbing gear. Word is he looking at Salem as a final resting place. My father said in the old days, the under five year policemen would go around singing a tune that was popular at that time. She was Frank Sinatra's daughter Nancy. Her tune was: 'These Boots are Made for Walking.' Other lyrics were: 'These boots are made for walking and they're made for walking all over you.' Something like that. I looked it up on YouTube one time. It's strange, but appropriate for guys like that Captain Louver."
"My boss and I discussed this very thing. She agreed that her job was the political side and my job was to investigate. I've a feeling this captain wants an investigator to catch the perp, but do it without involving the tail side of the coin. Regardless, it remains to be seen what will come back from Captain Louver. I'll keep you in the know Tall Man and as it's been a few weeks since you tortured my lips, come on up."
A Red Face Captain
"Who does that bitch Marshall think she is," shouted a livid Captain Louver after he listened to what his weak kneed detective told him. If I'm not mistaken, if we ask a US Marshall for help, they are obliged to accommodate us."
"Captain sir, it's not that she doesn't want to help us, in fact I think she does want to help. The problem is she thinks because the victim's father is a prominent citizen, that she'll not be able to ask the right questions. She, as I see it, wants a free hand without politics entering into the investigation."
"Make an appointment with her detective. I'll go visit her on her turf. If she's the new US Marshall, I need to have a working relationship with her. We've a sensitive case, as you well know. If an investigator starts digging around, lord knows what vile smelling facts might surface. What I'm saying is, it's entirely possible, Clancy Lane made a big mistake dealing direct with the kidnappers of his daughter. He should have called in the FBI. Regardless, now a lovely co-ed is dead and with such a high profile murder, the media will have a field day," said a downcast Captain Louver.
Detective Lance made the call. An appointment was scheduled for 2 pm. He went to his captain's office, knocked and entere
d. "You're set up for 2 o'clock captain."
"I did a little background on this Marshall, detective. She's no slouch, that's for sure. Yes, she's young, but a proven entity by her impeccable record so far. Captain Blaine told me she is damn good and to beware of her brain. He also said that dynamite comes in small packages. The last thing he told me was to make friends and don't try to second guess her. Well, if I give her enough rope, maybe she'll hang herself," said a more relaxed Dick Louver putting his hands behind his head while leaning back in his special ergonomic office chair.
Dick Louver injured his back some years ago chasing a perp over a backyard fence. The perp did a fine high hurdle, but an overweight Sergeant Richard [Dick] Louver crashed doing some major damage to his back. He was relegated to a desk job. From that position, he climbed the proverbial ladder to the captain's office.
After agreeing to a meeting with the state police captain, Stacy went back to work organizing her office with the help of Emma. It seemed to Stacy that she and Emma hit it off very well. She'd a lot of experience. Stacy was a good listener. Fortunately or unfortunately, neither Stacy nor Emma wondered which one was the best to determine the politics of Eugene, Oregon.
Emma being from the Salem area and Stacy a newly appointed person from the coast lacked any knowledge of what was going on here in Lane County's biggest city. Stacy realized that she'd need some information about such things as the mayor, university president, city manager and a host of others who ran the city.
What didn't interest her in the least was being a 'Creamer'. A Creamer was someone who wanted to rise to the top of the power pyramid. It made her shudder thinking about it. What she didn't need was a power struggle with the Captain of the Oregon State Police in Eugene. It was Emma who said:
"Stacy just do what you think is right and proper. I'm sure your boss lady from back east will back you up. From what you've told me, she takes care of the politics and leaves the investigation to you. Let's see what this captain is all about. Meanwhile, how about some early lunch?"
"You sound like my boyfriend who is always hungry. Its worse when there's a murder case we're working on. He wants to stop and eat every two hours! You've not met him yet, but he'll be here Friday night or late afternoon. Okay, lunch it is. What should we do about it? I'm for a yummy pizza; how about you?"
The Two O'clock Faceoff
Captain Louver and Detective Campbell walked into the new offices of the US Marshalls building. As it turned out, and fortunate for Captain Louver to recognize the fact he was walking into a US government office building. He also was hit with the realization that a US Marshall was waiting for him inside. Regardless of his misconceptions that the US Marshall was a young woman who would be better placed behind a desk, welcoming an important state police official rather than a highly appointed investigator. He was reminded that he should not live in a world of prejudice; but rather in the 21 century of ability, not appearance or sex.
However, after many decades of life, Captain Louver still hadn't learned his lesson fully. He was about to meet his match and then some. The result was he left somewhat bruised but no permanent damage was visible.
Emma greeted the captain and detective. "Follow me please," said Emma leading the two
police officers down the hall to Stacy's office.
Walking into the office Captain Louver tried to have a pleasant look on his face. Stacy stood up and with a smile held out her hand for a greeting. The captain, a little surprised, found a small hand with a firm grip. She came around the desk to a round conference table that had seating for about six.
Emma was sitting down with her notebook poised to record Stacy's first meeting. Stacy was at ease, but to the contrary were both state police visitors. Stacy decided to take the captain off the hook but saying, "Captain Louver, if we're to work together we need to define some common ground for starters."
"I agree Marshall. Let's dispense with the weather talk and let me tell you the facts of the case as we know them. The victim Patsy Lane is the daughter of our city manager Clancy Lane. She was abducted from the school campus at the university three days ago. A phone message to her father demanded half million dollars cash in less than two days. Well, quite simply, Clancy panicked and believed he'd get his only child back if he paid the ransom without notifying the proper authorities. His wife Patty argued that the authorities should be called in.
Clancy was instructed to deliver the money to the campground up in Blue River Lake himself, come alone, or a dead body will be found if the law is anywhere nearby. He was to place the money in the garbage can at campsite 23 and leave. He was supposed to wait twelve hours and then he would find his daughter in the tent of site 23.
Clancy, as he was told, waited the time out then drove to the campsite. When he looked into the tent, he saw his daughter lying on a sleeping bag in a dried pool of blood. Her throat had been neatly cut ending the life of a lovely twenty year old university student."
Stacy could see the hurt in the captain's voice. She guessed right that the captain and the city manager were either friends or at least acquaintances. "When was the body discovered," asked Stacy.
"Yesterday at about noon. The body has been removed to the morgue, but the autopsy is still pending. The CSI team and the county medical examiner have completed their job at the site. The site still remains with a guard on duty."
"Okay, let's discuss the issue of the victim's parent being a high profile person who clearly made a mistake. We both know that even if the FBI is called in, the chances of a kidnap victim returning alive is very slight.
I see his dilemma. Once the fact is published that he failed to contact the proper authorities, it will make the citizens wonder about his ability to make proper decisions about running a big city. It's very possible he may lose his job. Let me say this captain, losing a job is not much compared to losing a life. Indeed I feel sorry for the girl and her family, but if we're to catch the perpetrator, a lot of personal questions will be required for a proper investigation. Once the media catches the news, nothing is sacred that concerns the background and the immediate movements of the family. This kidnap-murder is big time news for any small or large city.
My God, a co-ed is snatched off a university campus and when that news hits the university, all females will feel the fear of being kidnapped and murdered. Probably a curfew will be ordered; never walk alone will be advised and the rest of the preventions they can think of.
Unfortunately for the family and the city of Eugene, a prominent member of the government is the central focus of this case. I can't see anyway but to wade in and get the job done as it needs to happen by proper methods. If the investigators are hampered by the political side of the investigation, the case will probably be filed under unsolved.
Let me state my position Captain Louver. I'm discreet and not immune to the political side of any investigation. My job is to find the killer of this young woman; if I'm told to watch out for this and that politically and can't do this or that, politically, then I decline the offer to assist in the investigation. I'll add that if it's possible to keep certain things from the public, I can do that very well," said Stacy as she sat still in the chair having never taken her eyes of the captain while speaking.
Captain Louver looked at this young woman and wondered how he came to this situation at this time in his career. It was obvious she was a darn good investigator with, at this point in time, a one hundred percent solve record to back up her bravado. What he didn't know was whether he could work with her or not. Clancy would demand or ask for all facts hidden from the press and some of those same things withheld from the investigators. Be that as it may, he said:
"Marshall Foreham," said Louver. "I ……………. " he was stopped in midsentence.
Stacy said, "Captain Louver, call me Stacy please. The title of Marshall Foreham is too formal. Continue please."
"What I was about to say is, I need some assistance to solve the case in front of us. I see -- with some
reservations -- respecting your need of having the flexibility to perform the job correctly. As it's my job to deal with the victim's family -- I'll inform him of the need to do a proper investigation regardless of the fall out that might occur.
Additionally, as you're freshly assigned here in Eugene, we must accept the good graces of having a US Marshall close by. Let's do this Stacy. If need something that needs some political maneuvering, tell me and I'll do my best to make it happen -- okay, we need your help and let me know you're answer by five pm today please," said a rather humble Richard Louver.
Detective Lance told his fellow police officers that after the meeting with the US Marshall, this was the first time he'd seen the captain lower himself to meet someone half way.
After they left, Stacy and Emma had a coffee/tea break. Emma was very happy that a Starbucks was nearby. She came back with a pair of muffins, a tall café mocha and some green tea found at an Asian market also nearby. They sat in Stacy's office talking about the captain and the case at hand. "My money is on the fact the captain will grovel at your feet to get help saving a chewing on his backside from Salem," said Emma.
"The fact is I'm an investigator and it appears I'm fairly good at it. Lord knows I'm a long ways from knowing it all, but in the meantime, when I've gathered enough information; my brain assimilates and low and behold, out pops the perp who did the crime. Hey this is good tea and a good muffin as well. You know our dispatcher, Flo for short of Florence, would bring us muffins from our local bakery in Bandon. She was and is so nice. After my mother passed away, she kept an eye on both my father and I. I miss her."
Emma saw the homesickness creeping into her new boss and friend. She said, "Stacy you mentioned your play toy is coming to visit. Tell me a little about him."
Murder Mysteries # 4 Page 1
