Just before Elisa was murdered, she was here in Bend with Beth rock climbing. Then she told Beth she was leaving town. The next thing Beth hears she was murdered by the friend and lover rock climber named Homer Fillmore of Gresham, Oregon. I called Gresham and indeed a driver's license is had by a Homer Fillmore, but the photograph of him is an older man and not a younger guy. Obviously it’s a fake. I guess the rest of story you are well aware of.
"Where did she get her money, I wonder," said Stacy.
"I did ask her and she said that a Rick Warden of back east was a wealthy investor who gave her a very generous divorce settlement. According to her, she'd some evidence he liked little girls. She looked rather smug and proud of herself."
"Well, we need to check the story about the producer Randy and his boyfriend. Also, another interview with Lois after we see the roommate of Randy as I think there's something more to said or be had about this story," said Stacy.
The Fog Lifts on the Coast
It was after lunch time before the fog lifted in Florence revealing a prone body lying on the beach. A tourist couple walking along with their poodle dog when the dog pulled on the leash smelling something to its liking, which turned out that the mayor of Florence, Matt Holden was clearly dead with two holes in his head that showed through his sparse white hair.
The local police were notified; then the local police called the Oregon State Police who in turn called Rory Caltex in Portland at around 4 pm. By 4:30 the three detectives were on the way to Florence.
Rory had called to see if Dr. Marsha Stone could perform the autopsy and or transport the body to the morgue in Eugene. He told Stacy and Dan, "It appears the mayor was shot in the head twice. I'm told this appears as a contract killing similar to Elisa Stromer. He was jogging on the beach as usual and someone shot him in the head from behind. Then it looks like another shot to the head from close up to make sure he never saw the light of day again."
"It would seem that our hit man is keeping busy. I wonder what the going rate is these days," asked Stacy.
"I tried to find out and the best information came from our undercover guys in Portland saying fifty grand is the going rate. Seems a little step to me, but what do I know," said Ben as they entered I-5 south to Eugene and then east to Florence.
"We need to fuel up the SUV and me too somewhere along the way. It could be a long night," said Rory without his usual big smile.
Rory's cell went off so he handed it to Dan who listened and then afterwards said, "They're taking the body to Eugene for the autopsy. Dr. Stone will assist as I understand it. Probably ruffled the feathers of some grey haired old man who walks with a stoop," said Ben.
"I'd rather be in Portland seeking the story on our producer and his roommate. What is possible is that it was years ago when Lois had her so called meetings with Randy. What I'm saying is he may not have been gay or he may have been a closet gay. I doubt there's much difference when oral sex if preformed whether it's male or female," said Stacy as Rory pulled off the freeway for something to eat.
"I'll not discount that Super as it may have been at her insistence to boot," said Rory.
Lava Beds
All of the area around Bend, Oregon is volcanic. Driving down the road there's evidence of huge left over lava flows looking dark and evil along the way. Also Bend sits right at the foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range. It really is a hot spot for tourist and the locals alike. Skiing, hiking, fishing, white water rafting, golfing and just to the east is the natural desert just waiting for some eagle eye nature person to see life in a almost waterless environment.
Phil Matrix had crossed over the Cascade Mountains to see Beth in Bend. He was curious as she seemed to be holding out on him. However, he'd go in like it was old times and then see what happened. Phil was ready to release a little pent up tension with sex and maybe a rock climb the next day
When Phil pulled up to the security gate the guard recognized him and passed Phil right through to the carport behind Beth's SUV. He took his overnight bag and went up the stairs to her living area. Phil did appreciate the fact this was one nice place with its construction of mostly local wood.
Beth greeted him with a shear see through gown of some sort. He'd have to agree she had a fine body, but the brain was lacking in any kind of a meaningful relationship that he could see. It was true she was good in bed, but Phil was looking for something more than just sex. Besides the fact she was just way too possessive. When she found out he was having an affair with Elisa she went ballistic. He told her to just wait it was business so she shut up. Now he figured correctly she had something to holdover him. Little did she know this would be her last fling of this world.
"I've some Oregon wine for you to try Phil," Beth said wrapping her arms around his neck planting a big old wet kiss on his thin lips.
"I'm ready and really hungry too," Phil said taking off his light jacket.
"The BBQ is ready with steaks that have been marinating for hours. Let's move to the kitchen area where the deck is."
True to her word, the steaks were great and the wine even better. He endured the sex part while afterwards sleeping like a log.
The next morning they had a light breakfast at the IHOP and then went rock climbing to an area that was for advanced climbers only. On the drive out to the climbing area Beth said, "I've never asked Phil, but are you a contract killer? It's obvious you killed Elisa as the reports describe you very clearly. I could care less and that just makes our relationship just that much more exciting."
Phil was listening and wondering what he was really going to do with this information he was hearing. One problem would be if she didn't show up back home and the police started searching for her, the gate guard could ID Phil very easy. However, did he really care if he was ID?
Maybe, and he liked this one best, word would go out that Beth and he would take a trip to Europe rock climbing. Yes, that was the plan.
They were half way to the climbing area when Phil said, "Let's go to Europe and rock climb. Are you game Beth darling?" He'd stopped and was turning around.
"I'm game as hell," said Beth. "Let's go back to my place so I can get my passport and a couple of changes of clothes."
Two hours later, the security folks informed, the utilities taken care of, the banker notified, they drove out of Bend heading to Madras then on to 197 to Dufur.
Phil said, "We'll go to my place first to tell my dear old mother what we're doing. Besides I'll show you some of our orchards and our hotel. You'll love it Beth. I'd say from here about 5 hours or so. I'm not sure, but sit back and let's enjoy this lovely early summer day."
"How about a little blow job Phil for the road? I love giving head while a man is driving down the road."
"Hey if it makes your day, go for it. I think it best if I keep both hands on the wheel though."
Apple Orchards
Just before Dufur, Phil said, while turning off the highway onto a dirt road, "Just up here a ways is our first orchard we purchased more than ten years ago. I've a little shack still sitting there where I'd sit keeping the deer from grazing on my young apple trees."
"How many orchards to you have honey Phil," asked Beth.
"I think we've now over 1000 acres of fruit trees," said Phil as he pulled up to a wooden shack as the sun was going down the west side of Mr. Hood. "Come see my shack where I spent countless hours protecting my investment. Remember those words Beth: protecting my investments.
Standing just in front of the old wooden shack, Beth turned and looked at Phil who had pulled out a pistol that was pointed at her head. "Jesus you're going to kill me, aren’t you?"
"I'm just protecting my investments Beth. Is there anything you want to say before you meet your maker?"
"Yes, as the big tears began to roll down her cheeks. I was the one who put a contract out on my friend Elisa. I didn't know you were the hit man, but she was stealing you away from me. Why do you have to kill me Phil. I'll never tell as I was the one
who hired you in the first place. You can have that information to keep me from talking."
"Sorry Beth it doesn't work that way," said Phil as the bullet went between her eyes. Phil got a shovel and then buried her behind his wooden shack. After that he went home to see his mother.
Phil was thinking that there was just one other who could ID him and he was that old guy on the cliff. Soon it would be time to take him out too.
Mayor Holden Held for Examination
All the principals met at the morgue and agreed that morning would be best to perform the autopsy on the mayor. This was brought up by the resident pathologist Art Mootley who appeared about the same age as the mayor. Art walked stooped like he was working over a customer on his stainless steel table. Rory wondered how many bodies this man had cut up.
Stacy was busy chatting with Marsha who was somewhat happy to have a break coming up here on state expense. "I don't see much in the way of anything shocking Stacy. He was shot two times in the head. No exit wounds so that does indicate a smaller caliber pistol. Because we never found the bullet from Sam, we've nothing to compare ballistics with. Besides this guy is a pro and probably tossed the pistol to the fishes in the river."
"As my father would say: 'slippery as an eel' and just as dangerous I would say. Oh well, we keep digging and something will turn up. I do have a plan that will flush him out, but I hate to risk the life of a civilian. Besides, even if we stop this guy, there's another one to take his place. This never ends Marsha," said Stacy.
"We keep on doing Stacy what we do best. Regardless if another takes his place the idea now is to stop him from doing his gruesome business again. I know what you're thinking and I'm sure Sam would jump at the chance to be in on the scheme you have planned. What say we all go have something to eat as it's getting rather late wouldn't you say?"
A Small Discovery at the Examination
The next morning at 10 am all were gathered around waiting for the famed Dr. Mootley to begin his art work. Marsha was dressed for the part acting as his assistant; much to the resident pathologist's chagrin. However, the state police demanded she be there as she was the first in the beginning of the hired killings.
Dr. Art Mootley went to work while all eyes were on the body. Nobody expected anything out of the ordinary. However, upon examination of the brain, a cancerous tumor was discovered. Marsha said later he had but less than two years before he was dead from the cancer.
After that when his was opened up, it was also discovered he was full of cancer and why he didn't have any pain, strange things do happen. Marsha again said he had less than six months to live.
What it boiled down to was that someone went to a lot of trouble for nothing. If they'd left well enough alone, he'd been dead by Christmas. Somebody spent a lot of money for nothing," laughed Marsha.
Back to Portland
Driving back to Portland Rory said, "How ironic life is sometimes. I'd like to see the look on their or his or her face when they find out if they'd waited a few months the mayor would have died of natural causes. Well, I'd say Woodburn for lunch my fellow detectives; what say you all?"
"I stick with you Rory so I never will go hungry," said a chuckling Ben with a stifled laugh from Stacy.
"I'll call the producer Randy guy and after we talk to his roommate we'll chat with him again. Meanwhile, don't make me laugh as I try to reach his roommate, Norman Brownstone.
Norman was expecting the call and was very friendly. He said to save some trouble finding their place he'd meet them at the IHOP at the I-5 and I-205 interchange. Stacy knew where that was and they set a time for 3 pm.
Next Stacy called Rosy to have another interview with her. She'd know what the sexual persuasion of the producer would be if anyone did. Rosy didn't answer to Stacy left a voice mail.
Ben meanwhile was acting nervous and he said, "I need to check on Beth Warden. For some reason I feel something is not right here." Ben called both her land line and cell phone with the land line saying she would be away from her phone for awhile. Ben hung up thinking what could she be doing not answering her phones. After a few minutes Ben called the Bend State Police office. He asked to have someone go by her residence and see what was what.
Stacy asked, "You think she's flown the coop Benn?"
"I think she has run off somewhere with someone. It very well could be she got mixed up with the wrong crowd or person. Let's see what her security says."
A couple of nice restaurants are at the Woodburn exit. Rory, Stacy realized, knew all the good restaurants up and down I-5. While walking into the good smelling place, she decided that if they continued as a significant other, he needed a full medical checkup. Even if the numbers were good now, later on down the middle age road and even further into senior territory, heart, diabetes, and lord knows what else would surface from his over eating.
They sat down and perused the menu. When the waitress came and Rory had ordered, Stacy rolled her eyes at the volume and content of his order. Ben and Stacy both had the special which resembled a healthy alternative to Rory's plates of greasy food.
"I see you drooling over my food Super Sleuth. I'll share with you if you don't take too much, "he said laughing.
"I want to make 30 Tall Man. At the rate you're going, 40 is about it for you. You'd best listen to the doctors Tall Man or I'll have to add Chubby Tall Man to your name."
Ben clapped his hands and Rory looked like a little kid with whom the teacher had just scolded. He said, "Okay, I'll make an appointment with a doctor after this case is put to bed. I know I over do it, but darn it sure tastes good."
"Back to business guys, she said."Lois is like a sliver in a finger: annoying. One thing we need to do is see who has replaced our dead anchor woman on the 10 pm news cast. I wouldn't think they'd recall Lois, but maybe she has some dirt on somebody. I think it's time we hit the road to meet Randy's roommate.
Norman Brownstone was sitting in the parking lot waiting for the detectives to arrive. When he saw their SUV come in, he stepped out, looking to Stacy rather apprehensive, but friendly.
With the introductions out of the way, they went inside for Rory to have some desert. Stacy gave him the evil eye, but he wolfed down some pie alamode while Dan had a spumoni. Stacy and Norman had tea. Stacy asked, "We need to clear up a few things that your friend Randy has been accused of. Please tell us how and when you met Randy and the subsequent years that have gone by."
"I'll start at the beginning. I met Randy in a bar that catered to both straights and gays. At the time he was a little mixed up as to his sexuality. The bar was packed on this particular night so he had an empty chair at his small table. I asked and he told me to have a seat. We chatted for a few hours and one thing led to another when he told me he had been forced at work to perform sex on one of his staff. He never told me who he was or where he worked. I sympathized with him and he went into some detail.
He told this had been going on for a couple years and he felt like he was going to be sick each time she had him make love to her. I guess I was a little blunt when around midnight I asked him if he might have some gay tendencies. He told me when he was in the university, some guy went down on him while he was really drunk. From then on he had dreams of men and not women.
To make a long story short, two months later, we became lovers and that was over 13 years ago. We've lived together for over 10 years. He's a great guy and does a good job at the station. I sure hope this doesn't do his reputation any damage."
"I think not Norman. At this point in time, I don't see how it affects our case one way or another. As far as we're concerned, his and your relationship is an unmentionable. We thank you for coming. Best of luck to you both," said Stacy.
Back in the SUV Stacy said, "Well, what now guys?"
"I got a text message from Bend saying the information on a Beth Warden is she went to Europe to climb mountains with her boyfriend who fits the description Sam gave us."
"Let's interview Vic the victims husban
d again," said Rory. "I know he'll have his lawyer with him, but we need to see if we can get a description of his wife's killer. Maybe he's seen a picture of him or something like that. Also we need to check out the financial records of both Lois Nettles and Vic Stromer. Let's call the office and see what they've got so far."
Vegas a Place to be From
Rory called the Portland office and talked to Rhonda who did the financial investigations. She'd just compiled her data and said, "Detective Caltex, Vic Stromer in the last three months has had withdrawals of one for 50 thousand and two others for 25 thousand each. That's a total of 100 thousand since the first of the year. Lois Nettles spends a lot on clothes and such things, but no big withdrawals are note worthy. The third one, Beth Warden is also fairly frugal, but very wealthy. However, there's a red flag that went up when I saw 50 thousand come out, but it appeared to into her stock portfolio. However, it looks a bit suspicious to me detective."
"Many thanks Rhonda. This really helps. We're coming in to interview Vic Stromer soon; we hope."
Rory called Vic and he agreed to be in the police station at 6 pm. He also said his attorney would be with him. Rory said that is your right Mr. Stromer.
Vic was visibly nervous. Rory was going to lead the interview. He made it official with a recording device. After the date and the mandatory information were taken care of he asked, "You need to explain the large withdrawals from you bank of two 25 and one 50 thousand dollars."
"I'll admit I've a gambling problem and if you'll notice the withdrawals are or they coincide with my trips to Vegas."
Murder Mysteries #3 Page 4
