Murder Mysteries # 4

by Waggoner, Robert C.

  "I was sent out here to brief you and to answer any questions you might have," said a now more staunch Shawn Roberts.

  "I've read all the reports and now it's time to turn over some rocks. Please use a phone and call your boss the bishop for the names and contact numbers of the 'regents' of the Methodist Church back east. If that doesn't work for you or the bishop, then I'll report to the my superiors at the Justice Department that you and the church are refusing to assist in a murder case directly involving your church. I also understand that a connexional structure exists within the church. It's from there that major decisions of policy are made. That who I'm looking to for answers."

  "I'll make the call from Pastor Plenty's church. I'll let you know what the bishop has to say. Thanks you for your time Marshall." Em walked both out to the front door and then hurried back exclaiming:

  "You know how to cut to the chase Stacy. Lord have mercy. You've stirred up a hornets' nest for sure."

  "In or when a crime of murder has been committed, the gloves are off. Let's see what develops. I think they'll pass the buck to the bishop and then try to sweep all of it under the rug. It could very well be that three fine looking people died for a cause that lacks a real power base at this time."

  Stacy was a bit hot under the proverbial collar. She was pacing around her office mulling some things over when a call came in on her cell. It was the supervisor from Salem saying he was at the church now. She told him to please come by her office when he'd finished. Also if he saw something rather remarkable, take a picture please.

  After hanging up, she had a hunch and called Cathy. Cathy was free her secretary said. "Hey Stacy, what a nice pleasant surprise Dr. Stone is. She'll make this place rock and roll. What up doc?"

  "If you're not busy and Marsha will let you go for a while, come over for a chat please," asked Stacy.

  "No problem. She's tied up in a meeting and I’m twiddling my thumbs. I'll be there in ten minutes."

  Subtle is Deceiving

  Cathy had no more than entered Stacy's office when she heard, "I think this victim here in Eugene and the two in other in Texas and Pennsylvania are gay. I'm saying this to you in complete confidence. I just need to bounce it off someone not directly connected to the case. Of course, the question remains why, but for now I'm running with that assumption they're gay."

  "Okay, so they're gay. Why haven't they shown up on a missing persons report and why would somebody kill three gays. The only reason I can think of is they're threat to somebody or to some organization. Also we need to discover why they were mutilated concerning ID. Somebody wanted their ID unknown and undiscovered. For the life of me I can't figure out why somebody hasn't screamed missing persons."

  "I'll tell you what I'm going to do Cathy. I'm going to take the facial pictures of the dead victims and splash it across the media for help identifying our victims."

  "What a good idea Stacy. That will shake the hell out of whoever is behind the murders."

  "The church folks sent a representative to brief me on the homicides regarding the church. His name is Shawn Roberts. He's an assistant to the bishop back east. I'm sure he's about to come back after our not so good a morning meeting. I'd like it if you were here to give me your take on this guy. I don’t like to use the word sleazy, but he seems a little crude around the edges. Hang on while I phone him at Pastor Plenty's church."

  Cathy hurried to the bathroom and kitchen for a drink of something while Stacy made a call. After grabbing two bottled juice drinks, she went back in the office. Stacy was just putting her phone down when her special direct phone to DC rang.

  Stacy listened while Connie talked. She said, "We put a man on Harmon to monitor his movements. He's to report to a special investigator if any change of location occurs. If it appears he's taking some aggressive action against you, he's to inform you immediately. His ID is Bill B. Just be alert Stacy. He's a side kick that is similar in old traditional ways. We are also watching him discreetly. His name is Stead Wilson. He was spotted going to Harmon's house. He was there for over an hour. That's too long just to stop by and say hello. Now one more thing. Bishop Fairweather called screaming into my ear. He told me you demanded the names of the people who dictate policy and funding for the church. Let me get back to you as I see a light flashing calling me to some slight emergency."

  Stacy said to Cathy, "My boss says they've a tail on Ace Harmon. He's a buddy with the strange name of Stead Wilson who is hanging around him. Anyway, back to our church guy. He'll be here shortly and then we're off to the autopsy."

  A knock on the door by Em announced the arrival of Pastor Robbie and Shawn Roberts. Stacy and Cathy both stood up, but neither smiled. Pastor Robbie looked like he'd been beat up as dark circles radiated around his eyes. Shawn said, after sitting down heavily, "My bishop says that he'll deal with your request through Washington channels. That's all I've to say at this time."

  "Mr. Roberts, take this message back to the good bishop. Tell him I know that all three of the victims are gay. You can also tell him I'm like a pit bull, once I've sunk my teeth into something, I don't let go. Good day to you."

  Stacy was keen to see what affect that statement about gays had upon Roberts. It did take a small hit as his eyes gave him away. He tried to recover quickly, but it was too late as he saw Stacy smiling at him. Pastor Robbie looked like he was blindsided by a drunk in a bar. Stacy vowed to talk to him personally. He was a good man that was caught up in a serious crime that involved his church.

  Autopsy

  Before Stacy left she instructed Em to have DC run a check on Shawn Robert. "I want everything there is to know about him since childhood."

  "I got it Stacy. Oh by the way the Salem woodworking guy came by and left some pictures. He was in a bit of a hurry, but said he'd talk to you tomorrow. He told me indeed someone had removed the nails and staples two times. One more thing, Dan called and said he and Ben would be back by around 6 pm. He said a few things to discuss. The two guys who drove the truck, disappeared."

  Stacy and Cathy left together. They had time so they walked to observe the autopsy of the pew victim. On the way they talked about normal things outside of their jobs. Cathy said "You know we went to church last Sunday. Me and the girls had a good time. The kids had never been in church before and when a hymn was sung, they looked around as if seeking a place to hide. I laughed and so did some people around us. Afterwards we went to the pizza place. It was a good time. It felt kind of peaceful."

  "In my small town of Bandon, everyone knows everybody. It feels a little rigid or stiff like. I never could relax when we went to church. But here in Eugene, it feels like one is closer to feeling the spiritual world. Pastor Robbie preaches well. I sure hope this doesn't have any long term serious affects on him."

  A Special Surprise

  Dr. Stone was excited like a kid in a candy store. She marveled at how wonderful the nice new facility was. In her office, they sat talking while drinking their favorite drinks. "I think I could get used to this Stacy. Well, no use letting the time be wasted, let's go ladies."

  After changing into cotton uniforms, in case of contamination, they met where the autopsy was to take place. Marsha was chatting with her new staff that seemed eager to please. The body lies on the table with a green sheet covering.

  Stacy and Cathy stood off to the side to observe and if something unusual came up, they'd be right there to see the what and where. Marsha knew that the investigators would love some way to ID the body. For that reason, she was even more methodical than usual. She made note of moles or any growths that might seem abnormal. Scars too were indicators a doctor may have performed a recent operation.

  An hour later, when the autopsy reached the pubic area they struck gold. Marsha looked up and Stacy came over to the table. "Look at this Stacy. The 'John Doe' has a tattoo on the underside of his penis. It's small, but use this magnifying glass to read it." Stacy bent over the table and while Marsha held up the unit saw: 'For Paul'.
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br />   "We hit pay dirt Dr. Stone," said a happy Stacy. "I knew the victims were, or at least this victim, was gay. I wonder now if there's any evidence to discover in his anus."

  "We'll find out very soon Stacy," said Dr. Stone.

  Cathy gave Stacy a high five and they left to change back to their regular clothes. After changing back Stacy said, "Would you mind either walking me back or giving me a ride to my office. I still don't feel safe with that Ace character or his buddy loose out there. He's got anger enough for a whole town."

  "Let's take my car and swing by the sweet shop. I feel like a piece of carrot cake."

  "Good idea. It's times like this I miss Rory as he'd always have an excuse to find something to eat regardless of the hour, but usually after something important had happened," said Stacy.

  From a Simmer to a Boil

  Stacy made sure they'd enough goodies to go around. Dan and Ben were due back at anytime. "Believe it or not, my father is not only a good cook, but can bake as well. He loved to make carrot cake. He joked saying it was the only cake that was full of nutrition. When I was a kid, I believed him. I do miss his cooking though. Hey I hear Dan and Ben coming. Let's see what they found out about what happened from Portland to Eugene transporting the wooden crate."

  Two plates, two mugs of coffee, Ben said, "The owners of the warehouse don't have any of their own trucks. They require the owner of the package or item to come pick it up. They cite the problem with insurance, employees and so on. What they do provide is a list of delivery companies to the recipient. They told us that it's usually the first one on the list they call for pickup. We did find out that to be on the top of the list is a little grease the palm business. Anyway, the two people who picked up the wooden crate have worked for this trucking company for a couple years. I suspect some insider information to someone, who subsequently followed the truck south. Knowing truck drivers, they stopped for coffee and pie somewhere down I-5. It was then they were bribed to turn their heads and with a fist full of dollars, after the delivery, went into hiding or left the country. The rest you can imagine what happened. A body was placed in the crate. Nailed back and delivered to Eugene."

  "Well so much for that end of things. What we did discover at the autopsy was a clue to what the individual was. He'd a tattoo that said his unit was for Paul. He was gay and now we can set the media abuzz with finding Paul. If my boss will agree, we'll splash the three pictures across America." Dan saw Stacy's eyes turn cold and she continued, "However, I fear a real can of worms is coming. This or these homicides are related and that relationship has the church written all over it."

  Stacy cell told her it was Marsha calling. "I'll send a report later, but there was indeed signs of anal penetration in the John Doe. Because you're still at the motel, how's about a prime rib dinner or something else you might desire tonight," asked Marsha.

  "Let say around 7 pm and I'll call if something comes up. I need to report this to my boss. That really shouldn't take long."

  Ben said, "I'll mosey on home Stacy. Call me when you need an expert. I can see the road ahead is full of potholes and at the end is a hornets' nest just waiting for you to poke it with a stick."

  "Thanks Ben, but you know, we travel the same road. It's up to you to watch my driving down rough roads," she said laughing while walking Ben to the front door.

  In her office, realizing it was late, but such was the situation that needed talking about with Connie. As usual she answered right away. "Let me speak first and then it's your turn. Our man says Harmon is holed up in his house. The drapes are drawn part way, but he sees some movement once in awhile. His partner just drove up with a pizza and a six-pack of beer. Now it's your turn."

  Stacy related all that had taken place today. When she came to the part of the tattoo and her statement to the church rep, Connie could be heard taking in a slow deep breath. "Stacy, you stuck your pretty neck out with the church, but I too think you're on the right path. I like the idea of putting the victim's pictures on the media. The bishop is still hot, but such is life. I'm not one to philosophize but change is evitable over time. Without change I wouldn't have ice cubes for my scotch. To try and suppress change is like trying to prevent the sun from rising each day. If indeed the church is behind the murders of wanabe gay pastors, the good Lord might not help them. If for example, it's just a renegade faction, they might skate to preach another day. Keep at it Stacy. Our job is catching the bad guys. Good night."

  Breaking News

  At dinner, over a nice wine, Marsha said, "The cause of death was by strangulation. We're doing a drug tox and of course DNA. His age is around late thirties or forty. He was in good shape. Another subject Stacy. How are you doing with your new job?"

  "It's a bit overwhelming Marsha. My first case involved a kidnapping-murder by an official high in city government. It was political as all get out with the Captain of the State Police riding in his pocket. I took the both of them head on and was supported by my boss. I was baptized into much bigger circle than before in Bandon and the Coos Bay area. I'm doing okay. Rory and I had a good thing, but the separation changed all of that. I had to go my own way. He agreed, reluctantly, and is now over in Bend. My apartment is fine except that wacko lieutenant Harmon went a little crazy and plaster of paris my drains. I guess when you look at everything; some folks would wonder why I'm still sane.

  Take this case I'm working on. It reaches from coast to coast with at least three murders, of what I suspect, are gays that desire a podium to preach the gospel from in the Methodist Church. I'd guess this particular case could make or break my career. However, I'm okay with it either way."

  "I'm laughing, but I know your father wants to retire and wouldn't it be ironic if you went back as Chief of Police," said Marsha as their salads came.

  "I could live with that Marsha. There're worse jobs out there. But I'm not sure what it would do to me emotionally if I screwed this case up," said Stacy forking in her salad.

  *

  By 9 am the next day, three faces of murdered middle-aged victims were spread across the continental USA. By noon hits were coming in via a hotline set up by the Justice Department. The secret clue was the tattoo on victim number three. While Dan, Ben and Emma were sorting through the calls, Stacy was reading the background check on Shawn Roberts of Allentown, Pa.

  He was forty-one, single living in an apartment in a low rent district. He'd worked for the church and the bishop for eight years. His job title was office manager. His priors were kids stuff, such as, shoplifting, joy rides, petty crimes, but nothing major. His bank account was typical of a position such as his. Well that seems like it went nowhere, she thought.

  "I got a hot one," said an excited Dan. A guy named Paul Deveraux."

  "Call him Dan and see if he knows about any tattoos or other identifying marks. When was the last time to see him, where does he live, job and so on. Get his address and phone number. Next of kin to ID the body," said Stacy.

  Dan made the call. An excited Paul Deveraux answered right away. "That's my significant other. His name is Clancy Struthers. We both were graduate students at Claremont School of Theology. I'm using the verb were as it's obvious Clancy is dead. I can't cry anymore officer. If you'll tell me where he is I'd like to come see him for maybe the last time."

  "Paul, we are in Eugene, Oregon. Not sure of the connections, but Portland and then a short flight to Eugene will put you very close to us. We need a lot of information so I can pick you up at the airport at anytime. However, in the meantime, some information please."

  "I'll make flight arrangements after we finish. Please give me the phone number of your cell or office and I'll let you know my schedule. Now ask away."

  "To make sure you are who you say, what identifying marks on his body might we confirm your claim," asked Dan.

  "A little embarrassing officer, but Clancy has a tattoo of my name on the underside of his penis. I too have his name on mine."

  "Does he have living parents o
f siblings that could officially ID his body," asked Dan.

  "Indeed he does. They live in Vancouver just across the river from Portland. Clancy was visiting them when he disappeared. Well, actually, he had left their house going to the airport when he disappeared. That was the last we knew of him alive. There was a kind of mix up on my part and his parent's part. I thought he was staying longer and they thought he'd already gone back to school. His parents weren't real comfortable with him being gay. They rarely visited. When he didn't show up, I called his parents, but they refused to talk to me. I contacted the local police here, but they were less than motivated to make an effort to find a missing gay."

  "Have you any idea who might want your friend dead Paul," asked Dan.

  "The hierarchy of our church, detective. We gays would like to be full-fledged pastors. The church doesn't like that idea. We formed an ad hoc organization to debate the churches stance on gays behind a pulpit. But so far they've refused to debate with us."

  "Okay for now Paul. Contact us when you have travel plans confirmed. Also thank you Paul for your help," said a grateful Dan. After hanging up, Dan thought about how he handled the interview. A minute later he thought he'd done pretty well. He went to see Stacy.

  The Light gets Brighter

  Dan filled Stacy and Ben about the conversation with Paul Theroux. When he'd finished he waited for Stacy to comment. It wasn't long in coming. "From what we heard from Paul, our victim, Clancy Struthers, left his parents house to fly back to Claremont. It would appear that somebody kidnapped him somewhere between his parent's house and the airport; or maybe at the airport. Regardless of circumstances, this event took careful planning. The planning occurred from when the pew was ordered, to assembly, to warehouse, to the transportation of package to final delivery. This kind of staggers the imagination."