Murder Mysteries # 4

by Waggoner, Robert C.

  Back at the Office

  It was just after 4 pm when Stacy walked through the door that led to the smiling face of Emma sitting at her desk. "Here are a couple of messages Stacy. Also, Dan called saying he'd be back later tonight sometime. By the way, how's it go with the captain," asked Emma.

  "Come to my office and let's discuss what I heard and why I feel about the meeting with Shawn Lewis. I'm not sure what to make of it. On the surface it sounds all peaches and cream, but beware of the first bite, my mother always told me."

  Emma followed Stacy to her office. Both sat down rather hard expressing the long day it had been. The two messages made Stacy lift an eyebrow. One was from Dr. Marsha Stone and the other from a Bishop Alex Fairweather from Pennsylvania. It was very late back east so Stacy decided to wait until morning to call the bishop. She was excited to talk to Marsha again. She answered right away. "I suppose you already heard the news," asked Marsha.

  "I could fake it and say, what news, but yes, I know you're coming. I'm excited and if you're happy, I'm happy."

  "Well the university just wouldn't take no for an answer. Then a mysterious caller told me the local pathologist in Eugene is retiring. I'm a shoe in for the job. I called and we negotiated. The university up the ante and whala I'm on my way," said an excited Marsha.

  "It will be like old home week Marsha. The only one missing is Rory. He's over in Bend preparing for a winter of sliding down the ski slopes. We put our relationship on hold. I'm just too wrapped up in this new job to carry on a romance. He took it fairly well. Now how about a place to live. I've a two bed at my apartment if you need a place for awhile," said Stacy.

  "They're putting me up in a motel for awhile. But thanks Stacy. Let's see how it goes. I've got your phone number now so I'll call when I arrive and the smoke clears."

  Emma came back with a mug of tea for both. Stacy told her about Marsha coming and then went on to tell her the meeting with the captain. Stacy took a sip and said, "The captain is one cool customer Em. He went on to state that there was not a problem turning over the case to a US Marshall. He'll fax over the reports, or so he says. Tomorrow you can call to see what the holdup is about 10 am. The last thing he did was give me a heads up on his Lieutenant Ace Harmon. It appears he was reluctant to hand over a case already in process. I'd best be careful for awhile. For the time being, I'm having Dan drive me around, take me home and pick me up in the mornings. I really don't trust a detective who uses 'Ace' as a nickname. Especially when he has a nice name like Allen Harmon. Let's close up shop Em and I'll call the bishop first thing in the morning. Oh, I almost forgot, I'm going to call Pastor Plenty to inform him of what's happening. Just a minute Em, or prepare for closing might be a better idea."

  Pastor Plenty answered with a pleasant voice. Stacy said, "Pastor Plenty, the case of the body discovered in your pew has been officially transferred to my jurisdiction. Tomorrow I'd like to interview the ones who opened the wooden crate. What time would be good Pastor?"

  "I can ask the men to be here at 10 am if that is good for you?"

  "That will be fine. I'll see you tomorrow and hopefully we can find the killer of the poor soul in the crate," said Stacy.

  "Thanks for calling Stacy. You know we had a very similar, almost identical body show up at one of our churches in Allentown. This scares me something awful. I feel it's a black mark on our church somehow. It feels like a sect is sending us a warning. Okay, I'll see you tomorrow. By for now."

  Patty sat back drinking her tea while Em stared off into space. Stacy, with a fleeting moment realized Em was in love with Dan. What she didn't wish for was a conflict arising from an office romance. There was nothing anyone could do to prevent two people enjoying each other. As quickly those thoughts came, she returned to the case at hand. With a multitude of thoughts racing around in her head, she thought it best to go home and have some dinner.

  Her tea finished, Stacy stood and said, "Em let's close the doors. I'm going to drive home, but when Dan arrives, tell him to pick me up at 7 am. I'll not take any chances with a too proud detective looking for an ax to grind. I'll tell you what Em, if that guy so much as looks at me wrong, I'll have his butt in a sling. Make a note Em for me to call Portland and run a check on Allan [Ace] Holden. I'm sure we can find some skeletons in his closet."

  On the way home, after a supermarket stop, she watched her mirror close. She realized it would be difficult to know if someone was following her. Ace would be driving an unmarked car. However, just out of safety or curiosity, she made a few unnecessary turns to see if anyone followed her. Nothing. She chided self and went home to fix dinner.

  Ace Harman was veteran of twenty five years on the force. He'd worked hard to be where he was today. Upon reflection, which was his major downfall, he lived in the past, no snot nose wanabe investigator was going to usurp Ace. No way Jose, he thought as he shook out an unfiltered Lucky Strike. With a flick of his Bic, he sucked down a lung full. He turned his head letting the smoke roll out of his window while he watched US Marshall Foreham climb into her SUV at the supermarket.

  Ace didn't follow her right away, but sat smoking and reminiscing about the old days. He shook his head wondering how women wiggled their way into a man's world of crime detection. He shook his head and took another unhealthy drag off his cigarette. That drag triggered a coughing fit. After seeing stars dancing in his head from lack of oxygen, he left the parking lot to drive direct to the Marshall's apartment. He wanted to see what apartment she lived in. When he had that information, Ace would plan to make life for Stacy Foreham a little miserable.

  Dear old Dad

  Putting the last touches on a baked rice-chicken recipe, Stacy went to the living room to give her father a call. He answered right off saying, "How's' it going my daughter?"

  "I wish I knew how to tell you how it's going dad. I've been thrown a curve ball by my boss assigning me to a homicide case that you may have read about. It concerns a body found in a wooden crate that contained a new pew for a church. Lying on the pew was a male with all of his ID missing. His fingerprints and dental were removed."

  "Yes, I did read about it and now it's your case?"

  "Yes, it appears that at least one similar case happened back east with the same Methodist denomination. Also it appears there maybe more. Because the two cases are extremely similar, the east coast Methodist bishop calls the Justice Department. The Justice Department, my boss, called me. It looks like it's a federal case and not a local isolated crime."

  "Are you experiencing any turf wars with the local homicide department," asked dad.

  "Not sure about that just yet. I did have a meeting with the Eugene Captain Lewis today. He assured me no problem, but that remains an open sore until I feel it has been healed. I expect some trouble and I'm having Dan cover my back for a while. Wherever I go I'll be driven by Dan."

  "Good thinking. You know, something is nagging my old brain. It concerns pastors who were openly gay demanding a chance to preach the gospel. Also, the idea of same sex marriages piqued my attention. You could be digging into something that is very hateful with staunch traditionalists," said dad.

  "It's funny dad but I was thinking along those same lines. I've a phone call to return from the bishop in Pennsylvania who began this campaign for federal assistance concerning a possible country wide crime spree."

  "While I twiddle my thumbs at the office, I'll make a few calls and see what I can dig up for you," said father.

  "Thanks dad and how's life in Bandon?"

  "Same thing, different day is all. It's been so quiet around here. Now me and Fran are seriously planning our trip to the Southwest. Let's talk again soon Stacy," said father hanging up.

  Stacy ran to the kitchen to check on her chicken dinner. After sticking a meat thermometer into the breast, it was ready to eat. She took it out, sat it down when her house phone rang. She answered politely. The voice on the other end said, "You'd best pack up and get out of town little girl." And he hung up.r />
  Stacy looked at the silent phone and thought, like hell I will Ace. You'd best pick out a new tie for your retirement party which is coming sooner than you think. She hung up the phone.

  Bishop from Allentown

  The next morning, Dan was waiting in the parking lot for her. He had a big grin on his face as she entered his SUV. "Hi Dan."

  "Hey Stacy. Looks like we're back chasing the bad guys again. How would you like me to help," he asked pulling out onto the road.

  Dan, I've a strange assignment for you for a day or two. When we get to the office, let's have a meeting with all of us. I'm also a little busy, so would you call Ben over at the state police office and see if he's busy. If not busy, ask him to come see me. I've to call a bishop back east first thing this morning. It's official we are the lead investigators on the packing crate murder. The call to the bishop in Allenton PA is to see if the same crime we have here is a duplicate of the homicide they experienced a while back."

  "Okay, got it," as they pulled into the undergrounded parking. "The K-falls assignment went well. I was warmly accepted. It would seem that the former, if there's a former Marshall was not friendly. Anyway, I'll call Ben right away after we end our meeting."

  Somehow Stacy knew Emma would be there with hot water and coffee already made. She realized that Dan had probably dropped her off first and then came to give her a ride. Never mind she thought as she quick stepped to her office. Em followed and Dan so joined at the round table.

  "Last night," as she set her tea mug down, "I get a phone call telling me to 'pack my bags and get out of town little girl' It was a male voice with a smokers accent. I'd bet a dinner of your choice it was Lieutenant Allan [Ace] Harmon. Captain Lewis warned me about him as being the one to hold a grudge. Okay Dan, you're my driver and bodyguard. He might be full of experience, but I feel he lacks the smarts anymore to compete with the younger generation. I feel he's too caught up in the past to see the future. I'll take him down," Stacy said with a strong voice of confidence.

  Dan, see if you can discover what car or cars Ace Harmon drives. When you discover what car or cars, we'll put a tracking device on it or them. I want to catch him red handed watching me. The phone call was just a warm up for this guy. Next I'll call Rhonda in Portland to run a check on our Allan Harman. Any questions?"

  "Where can I find or get a tracking device," asked Dan.

  "Oh, we've some in the safe. Emma can provide you with two. Be sure and sign out for what you take. Connie said they're kind of fussy about that end of things."

  Stacy stood up moving to her desk to call Bishop Alex Fairweather. Dan and Emma hurried off to begin the day's work.

  Bishop Fairweather came on line rather promptly, Stacy thought. What Stacy didn't know was the good bishop was more than portly. Most all of his work was accomplished at his desk. Walking was a difficult proposition for Alex. He told everyone he had possessed bad genes from all the potatoes he had eaten with pork gravy. Also, God forgot to give him bigger feet.

  "This is Bishop Fairweather speaking," he said into the phone.

  "This is US Marshall Foreham from Eugene, Oregon returning your call bishop."

  "Yes, indeed Marshall. Now that who is responsible for the unfortunate homicide in your state has been established, let's get down to business. But first give me fax number so I can send the reports to you. Generally speaking, and the specifics will be forthcoming after you've read the reports, we had an exact case here in Allentown about three months ago. The case went unsolved. In Texas we had a similar, but not an exact case at one of our churches in Plano. We'll also send you the reports on that homicide.

  Okay now on to other things. I've a church rep in the air as we speak flying to Oregon to brief you and Pastor Plenty. We have no doubt these murders are church related in ways we don't understand or know about."

  "Thanks for the reports that are coming. I do want to ask you about what you might suspect Bishop Fairweather. Is there a movement against the traditionalist as regards the recent events such as open gay movements and gay marriages?"

  "Marshall, we could speculate about any number of things that have affected our church and will affect our church in the future. We are adamant against sanctioning gay marriages. We do have some gay students who aspire in becoming pastors. The church hasn't made a final decision about that end of things. Let's leave it here for the time being Marshall. Our representative will be there before dinnertime. After you've been briefed and studied the reports, feel free to call me again. Good day to you Marshall."

  Stacy wondered how the same conversation would have played out if she were male. Smiling she went to Em to alert her to prepare for a wheelbarrow load of documents being faxed from the church.

  Dan poked his head out and said Ben was on his way. He also said he'd bring some muffins."

  "Sounds good to me. I forgot breakfast this morning. At 10 am we've a meeting with Pastor Plenty and his volunteers who opened the crate which held the body. You can drive Dan."

  "I like driving. Ever since I was a kid, driving was the main thing in my life. I worked hard beginning at thirteen and by the time I was sixteen, had enough money saved for a beat up old car my uncle had. In a way, I suppose driving led me to the police departments. I could see walking by a police car all the cool things inside and lord do those cars have power to spare. Anyway, I see Ben coming. I'll get him cup of coffee and how about you?"

  "Yes, a tea would be good and ask Em to come in. Let's make sure everybody is on the same page of this complex case coming.

  Set the Stage for Ace

  Ben had a smile along with a sack of muffins, when he entered the office. Stacy warmly greeted Ben. "How's the home front coming along Ben," asked Stacy while they took their respective seats around the table.

  "We settled the school fiasco and also the housing dilemma. The wife is happy, kids sort of happy and me, I'm always happy. Here's one for you. I tell the captain you called and needed my assistance. He said, quote: 'She has more power than I do detective. Check in once in awhile so if somebody is looking for you, I'll know what to say'. I sort of feel sorry for him. His physical condition is not good, but he's so stubborn not to give it up and retire. Be that as it may, what's up Stacy," asked Ben.

  With a mouthful of muffin, she held her hand up for a wait sign. "I had a meeting yesterday with the captain of the Eugene police……….." and she related what transpired and the heads up on Ace Harmon. She went on to tell Ben about the phone call last night. Last, she related what she wanted from Dan to do with Ace.

  "Of course I can't prove that it was Ace that called me, but that doesn't leave many who even know I'm in town. What do you suggest Ben," asked Stacy.

  Stacy totally realized Ben didn't like being put under the gun, so to speak. However, this was a legitimate question related to his job. "Stacy, let's put a tail on him. I think we can justify the expense and to make sure we're not in a grey area, a call to your boss might be in order."

  "Good idea and while I'm making the call right now, would you call Rhonda in Portland. Ask her a complete background check and if possible, obtain a copy of his police file on Lieutenant Allan Harman. His record must be in a computer system somewhere. I want all the dirt I can get on this person. Alright, use Dan's office Ben and I'll call my boss in DC."

  Connie picked right up. "I'll not guess Stacy so let me have it straight out," said a chuckling Connie.

  Stacy recapped the story about Ace and the captain meeting. The she revealed her plan concerning Allan Harman. She guessed the stickler might be the tail if the person was caught following him. However she said, "Stacy, we'll get a recording device on your phone. Right now all we have is your say so and he could easily deny the charge. The tracking device is a good idea. Make sure Dan doesn't leave his prints on it. The record search I'll handle that one from her and fax it to you. That way it can't be traced. We can use Homeland Security as an excuse.

  On the safe side, I'll send a Marshall from somewh
ere to tail the person in question. I'll have someone fax the daily report to you. Let me say this, if it's true that Lieutenant Harmon is harassing you, his days are numbered. Okay Stacy go get the bad guys."

  Pastor Robbie

  Stacy was almost late. Pastor Plenty was standing outside the church waiting for her. When he saw her exit the SUV he broke out in a million dollar smile. They shook hands warmly while walking inside. He led both to the back of the church to a storage room. In the room was the wooden crate, along with the pew just as they'd left it. The only difference was the dead body was missing.

  "Here it is Stacy. Nobody has touched or moved it since it was delivered. These two guys are church members who were dismantling the wooden crate. The tall one is Francis and the shorter one is Ed. We are at your disposal Stacy," said Pastor Robbie.

  They all shook hands. Stacy introduced Dan to Pastor Robbie. "How was the crate delivered," Stacy asked.

  Ed said, "It came in on a rental truck from Portland. Two guys were aboard. We helped unload and Pastor Plenty signed the paper work. After that they left. It sure seemed normal to me until we opened the crate up."

  "I've seen the pictures Pastor, but what can you tell me about his clothes? Were they from, say Walmart or from somewhere on Fifth Ave. New York," asked Stacy.

  "I'd say more high end than like a mail order department store. The shoes were wing tip Florsheim as they're my favorites. Very nice dress slacks and shirt. High end causal, I'd say in today's world of fashion," said Pastor Robbie.

  "Is this the first time you've purchased new pews Pastor," asked Stacy.

  "Yes, I was authorized to buy six new ones. We had three delivered, which this is one of the three, and the other two are in the church."