When Shelly was thinking about new curtains, you went with Suzy to see about the new curtains. I'm sure you heard Harry hand a pistol. When the outing was scheduled, when the curtain business came up, you snatched his pistol.
The story of the diarrhea almost had me sold, but then nobody else had any problem. However, that doesn't mean it couldn't have been something you ate the night before. Well, that's about it for me Maria. What do you have to tell us?"
"I've not much to add. He was a devil in disguise. I knew he was sexually molesting Anita. Also the decline in my attendance was scary. It was time for him to go. I'll miss this place and I hope the seniors will be happier," said a proud Maria Topaz.
Murder by Delivery
Surprise Package
It always seemed to US Marshall Stacy Foreham, following a case, a large letdown occurred. This last case was no exception. A week had passed and then another week went by. The rainy season came as named: The Pineapple Express. It was the beginning for some, the time of depression for others, as heavy black clouds hung over their heads with the feeling of the world upon each individual in the Willamette Valley of Oregon.
Emma Skyler, secretary and confidant to Stacy, came in while her boss was in a gloomy mood. "I brought you a fresh copy of the Guard that has an interesting story about a church that received a dead body in a packing crate. They left the address out but it says the church is Methodist run by Pastor Plenty."
Stacy sat up straight and with renewed blazing light grey eyes, quickly read the front-page news. "This is the church I've gone to for three times Em. I met the Pastor while out walking one night. He's a lovely smooth voice that makes you want to have faith in everything. It says here that the pastor ordered some new pews. They were made out of solid oak and expensive. The pews were packed in a wooden crate for safety and protection against damage. When the pastor's staff took apart one crate, a body lie on the seating portion of the pew. Strange is really the word to use here. The body appeared male and middle age. A request to the shipping company only revealed the fact they picked up the crate in Portland at a warehouse. It hasn't been let out to the news media where the pews were made."
"At least it gives us something to talk about," said Em. "I've no idea what the Eugene Police Department has in the way of detectives. I'd guess they've a homicide staff to take care of any murders."
"I think I've been remiss in not going there to introduce myself. I really never gave it a thought. Let's keep an eye on the case as it evolves. Meanwhile, I've a request from K-falls to pick up a prisoner in Grants Pass then transport her to K-falls. I think Dan is suited for that job. On your way back to your office Em, ask him to step in for a minute. You know, I think I'll call Ben Razor over at the state police and ask him about Eugene's homicide department."
A Back Door Peek
Stacy gave Dan the paper work on the prisoner pickup and delivery for the next day. After that she called Detective Ben Razor, her former partner when she was in Bandon and he was stationed in Coos Bay. Their third partner, Rory Caltex, was also transferred to Bend, Oregon. The downside was a breakup of a fine homicide team with a perfect record of solving major crimes of murder. Because of their notoriety, Stacy was chosen for a vacant newly established US Marshall position in Eugene. She accepted with self-confidence.
Meanwhile, Ben and family were unhappy in the southern region of Oregon. A vacancy came open in Eugene for a detective. Stacy informed Ben; he applied and was accepted.
Rory Caltex, left alone, tried to maintain a relationship with Stacy, accepted the separation with a deep loss. He was transferred to Bend.
"Good morning Stacy. The dismal days are upon us. What's up this awful late fall day," asked Ben who always sounded pleased when Stacy called him.
"Emma gave me the local rag which had a headline about a dead body found in a crate at a church. I attend that particular church and met the pastor before when I was out walking one night. I thought him a nice man and very friendly. Anyway, that piqued my curiosity about the Eugene Homicide Department. I wonder what you know about it; if anything," asked Stacy.
"Not long ago we had a luncheon meeting with their detectives and ours; including the captains. I really can't tell you much as I was introduced to a few of them, but know nothing about the pros and cons surrounding the staff. Let me dig around and ask Lance. He seems a fountain of information around here or around these parts of the valley. I'll get back to you when I know something," said Ben hanging up.
She sat thinking and decided to call Cathy Miller, the Medical Examiner's investigator. Stacy and Cathy worked well together during the last two cases of homicide. Cathy picked up right away. "Somehow I knew it would be you Stacy. With the paper just hitting the stands with the front page news of the murder at the church, you'd want to dig around a little."
"You're soo right," said a gleeful Stacy. Cathy was fun and always cheerful. Stacy continued, "I attend that particular church and the pastor is really a cool guy. Not to mention darn fine looking with a dreamy voice. But seriously, it got me wondering about the local homicide detectives here in Eugene. What do you know or have heard about the department?"
"I think they're about typical. They've some young one and old one's mixed. Let's see, I think there're six detectives that work major crimes. Can't remember how many work vice, robbery things like that. Let me check a bit deeper and let's have lunch at your place today."
"Sounds good to me. Chinese is on the menu. I'll ask Em to pick some up at noon," said Stacy hanging up.
Stacy was startled as her direct line to her boss, Connie Wilson from the Justice Department, was calling. "Good morning Connie," said Stacy. "No, wait, afternoon back east."
"Time is by a mechanical clock and not a human factor when working for the government. I just wanted to forewarn you that some discreet inquires have been made concerning our possible involvement in the recent case of a body being discovered in a packing crate. It was found in a church that had ordered some new pews, is my understanding. What do you know about the case?"
"Only what I've read in the local newspaper. I did call the state police and the medical examiners investigator to see what the locals might be doing with the investigation. But really, I know nothing except the church happens to be my church of choice. I do know the pastor a little."
"The inquiry came in from a high official in the Methodist Church and I mean very high. I know what you're going to say if we become involved on their turf. You could make some enemies in a hurry. Let's see what develops and if you hear something, call me soonest. Oh by the way, you're making some heads turn with the solving of your last two cases. I'm told by people who reside in the clouds, nice work Marshall."
Stacy hung up feeling a bit proud. After seeing the time was just past eleven, she called her father in Bandon. He was still the resident Chief of Police wanting to retire. However, they hadn't be able to locate a replacement as of yet.
Flo, the Girl Friday answered the phone. "Oh so nice to hear your voice again Stacy dear. How is living in Eugene?"
"So far so good Flo. Dan is happy and even though Rory and I are not a couple just now, I'm fine. Is dad around?"
"Yes, hang on a minute. He's still doing the yellow pencil and legal pad thing."
"Hello dear daughter. We're having a regular storm making Smiling Sam hide inside his house. What's new in your neck of the woods," ask Chief Phil.
Stacy had fond memories of Smiling Sam. He was either directly or indirectly a participant in several cases around Bandon. Also he was an old friend of the family. His love of life was fishing off the jetty. She missed all of them.
"Nothing in particular dad. Just checking in with you seeing what is what. You made a plan yet for sunny Southwest?"
"Can't leave here until they find a new chief. Not sure what the hang up is. Maybe it's the popular location and the big city atmosphere," he said with a chuckle.
"How you and Fran doing along with the wood shop?"
"Doing well and I've too many orders to fill now. I told the mayor come Christmas I'm out of here regardless of a new chief or not. He said he'd get right on it. Man, being a politician must really suck," said dad.
"Well, no new case here these days. You know Rory is over in Bend now. We or I broke it off at least for the time being. I've way too much on my plate to have him occupying half of it. Oh, I found a new church nearby I like it a lot. Funny thing happened tho – a wooden crate shows up with a dead body in it. Go figure. Well dad, gotta go. Love to you and Fran."
Chinese Fortune Cookie
Dan decided to take off for Grants Pass today rather than leave real early the next morning. That left Stacy, Emma and Cathy for lunch. The conversation was around the dead body in the pew. "I called the city spokesperson about what is happening and she told me not much. Because we'll do the autopsy, she did say that the finger prints had been filled off and no teeth were seen in the mouth. The body is on the way to the morgue now. Why the delay is beyond me. As far she knew, the captain hadn't formally assigned the homicide detectives to the case. She also thought that was a little unusual. Pass the beef chow yuk please," said Cathy.
"Here's one for you to think about, what if the victim was part of organization that was lamenting the fact of left wing rightness. There're many right wing groups using violence against decent people. What I mean is, why would somebody go to the trouble of trying to eliminate any possible way to identify a person. But on the other hand, wouldn't a right wing group want the victim known. I only remember the mob hiding the victims ID," said Emma.
"Good point Em. Why indeed file off the prints, yank out the teeth, but to hide the ID. But, girls, what if it was a red herring to confuse the investigators," said Stacy.
"Here's our fortune cookies. Readem and weep," said Cathy. "You first Em; Stacy next and me last."
"You'll find happiness in a fruit jar," read Em laughing until tears came. "Let me tell you a quick story," she said wiping her eyes with her hand. "My great grandmother told this story and had my grandmother pass it down to all the females. She told how she found her man. A neighbor stopped by to visit. She asked him if he'd like some canned fruit on a cold day in winter. He said he would. She went to the root cellar and brought up two jars of canned fruit. One was peaches and the other was pears. She opened both and he ate the peaches first and then the pears. He smacked his lips and asked who put up the fruit. My great granny said she did. He said, dropping to one knee, will you marry me?"
"I believe any story about the old days," said Stacy opening her cookie. "'A hidden surprise is waiting for you.' Now what does that mean? My last surprise was seeing Rory walk down the trail to the Amazing Tree. Never mind. Cathy your turn."
"Okay here goes, 'A new comer will amaze you.' Now I could use someone new in my life. Especially if it was a male. I've not said anything up until now. But I could use an ear or two. My husband walked out about six months ago and left me and the kids to fend for ourselves. Yes, I make enough to support us, but as you both know, a working mother has her hands full. That's why I'd welcome a good man into my life."
Both Stacy and Emma felt for their new friend. "Cathy are you divorced or just separated," asked Stacy.
"We're divorced now and he sends child support regularly. But the kids miss their father. Or at least a male in their lives. Never mind. Well, I'd best get back to work. Thanks for lunch and the listening part."
A Curve Ball from Pastor Plenty
That night Stacy sat watching the news on TV. She was eating a chicken salad with egg and cheese. Her dressing of choice was olive oil and vinegar, with a splash of real lemon. She listened while the newscaster said, "The body in the pew at the church remains a mystery as we come on air tonight. Authorities are baffled as to who the victim is and where he was put into the wooden crate. We do have some information that the pews are made out of Northern California Black Oak. A lumber manufacture in the Ukiah area of Northern California have verified that boards of pew size have been shipped to plant in the Salem area.
We discovered a put-up plant that follows a preset of specifications to make and put together pews for a church. We can't say for sure, but we strongly suspect that the pews from the church came from Salem. Let me repeat, authorities here are not saying anything about the case at this time." Stacy changed the channel to a movie she'd scheduled to watch.
However, it would be a fairly long time in the future before she watched that particular movie. As she finished off her salad and placed her bowl in the sink, her cell phone jingled.
She didn't recognize the number so answered it politely. "Hello."
"Hello Stacy Foreham, this is Pastor Plenty calling. I'm very sorry to disturb you tonight. I'm sure you have heard or read about a very strange occurrence at our church. The body of a man was found when we opened up the wooden crate. Anyway, I thought I'd warn or enlighten you to the fact our Northeaster headquarters in Pennsylvania has been advised from higher up to called the Justice Department to see if a US Marshall could be used to investigate this unusual case. From what little I know this is not the first case of this type. I hope our church has not compromised you in any way."
Stacy forgot the dreamy voice and was assimilating what he said. For her to enter this case would be tantamount to almost suicide with the local homicide department here in Eugene. You talk about stepping on somebody turf or playing field, this would not be nice at all. She'd be an outcast forever here in the city when it came to a working relationship with the local police department. The reality might be physical harm and a plan to run her out of town. No this wouldn't work at all.
"Pastor Plenty, I thank you for calling and giving me a heads up. I can't see me entering into a crime that was committed in the city; or at least discovered in the city. That investigation is the responsibility of the local homicide department. I'm sure they have qualified detectives to investigate the case," said Stacy giving a chance for Pastor Plenty to respond.
"I totally understand. The bishop is splitting hairs as I see it. He said the crime of murder was committed outside of Eugene and that would make it a federal case. Anyway, I'll let you go and hope to see you in church this coming Sunday. Good night Stacy."
Cleaning up her dishes she thought, this looks like the die is cast. I'll probably get a call tomorrow informing me to look into the case. What do I say? I'll not be thrown to the wolves. If I'm to live and work here, I can't be an enemy of the entire Eugene police department. Lord have mercy, she thought ironically afterwards of Pastor Robbie. Well, sleep on it girl. Maybe things will look brighter tomorrow.
A Storm with no Rain
A nice fall day greeted Stacy as she went down the stairs of her apartment to her waiting SUV. A slight wind from the southwest was blowing, but it was just windbreaker coat day.
Having gone to bed early, it was just past 6:45 when she pulled into the underground parking at her office. After turning off the security she put on some hot water for tea. She barely arrived at her desk when the private phone from Washington rang. A foreboding-cloaking device enveloped her.
"Good morning Stacy," said a cheerful Connie. "What I expected and you hoped would not transpire, has happened. I've just come from a meeting with the FBI, Homeland Security and a high official from the Methodist Church. It's been decided that a US Marshall would take the lead in this homicide case. Now before you become upset, let me continue please. I've talked with the captain of the Eugene police force, Shawn Lewis. He's agreed that it would not be a problem with his homicide department if you took over. They've enough on their plates as it is. He totally assured me that his detectives would not think you're invading their space. What do have to say Marshall Foreham?"
"That's an easy thing for him to say and maybe easy for him to believe, but those detectives who've already put in some time on the case, are or will be jealous. That will spill over to the rest of the police force. In a short time I'll be persona non grata around this city. I'm not sure I want my life
to live that way Connie. I can see parking tickets upon my windshield -- Patrolmen tail gating me wherever I go. You must see that this is not a good idea Connie."
"I take your point Stacy. We all know that infringement upon another agencies sacred territory happens all over this country. We've so many bureaucratic agencies that overlap and fight for position we seem to forget the idea of solving a case for the good of the average citizens. I would have assigned Jake Holden to the case, but he's tied up with a robbery-murder case in Beaverton. I suggest you pay a visit to Captain Lewis and maybe to the homicide department. If you still see impending doom, call me back so we can attack this from another direction. With the assembly plant of the pews in Salem and the body delivered to Eugene via Portland, the territory fits you best. Let me know Stacy."
Stacy went to the kitchen in a slight daze. Here it was not even much after 7 am when it seemed like a big fall storm hit her office. Well, nobody said it would be all peaches and cream, she remembered hearing her mother telling her homework was a necessary evil.
A full mug of hot water was taken back to her desk. A bag of green tea was draped over the side. Emma came in rather down in the mouth. She said, "Dan never called me last night. I thought sure he'd ring me up. Maybe he went out cruising the bars."
Murder Mysteries # 4 Page 15
