Murder Mysteries #3

by Waggoner, Robert C.

  "Well we need proof where the money went Mr. Stromer. Regardless of your travels, it would be easy for you to take or have cash delivered to a contract killer for payment," said Rory.

  "Come on detective they don't give out receipts in Vegas," said an exasperated Vic.

  "Look Mr. Stromer, you had means, money, and opportunity; live in major city and deal with the crime laden community; and the motive, income from your wife's estate excluding her life insurance. As it stands at this time she is worth close to a million without the life insurance. Are you ready to tell us what really happened," asked Stacy.

  "Don't answer that Vic," said Ron his attorney. "Either charge my client or let him go detectives as we're through answering questions for today."

  "Don't leave town and be available if we need you Mr. Stromer. We'll let you know when serve a warrant of arrest that we're serious as you being our prime suspect," said Rory.

  At the TV Station

  Stacy wanted to talk some more to Rose Bettermen. Maybe if she was having an affair with the rock climber, it was entirely possible there might be more having a run at a very popular and beautiful news lady.

  Rosy was in her studio tiding up as she had a while before the temporary anchor news girl showed up for a makeup setting. Rosy gave Stacy a warm greeting and asked how she could be of help.

  Stacy asked, "We know Elisa was having an affair with a rock climber guy who killed her by pushing her off a large rock called a sea stack. It was witnessed by a well known local man. The autopsy revealed she'd not long before she was killed, had sex. We're wondering if she was having an affair with her rock climber friend, how about any rumors that she might have a friend here in Portland."

  Rosy was frowning and thinking hard for a few seconds and then said, "You know Stacy, Elisa after she'd found some excitement climbing rocks and making friends, kind of went overboard a little. Yes, there were rumors she was 'available', if you know what I mean. But I can't imagine any of those would put a contract out on her, but stranger things have happened."

  "I think I'm just fishing Rosy. I do want you to return in time and see if you can remember when Lois Nettles first started as the news anchor here. She claimed Randy Lester was demanding free sex for the job. He denies that accusation vehemently. What do you know, if anything about what Lois was claiming he was doing?"

  "It's no secret around here Stacy that Randy is gay. He thinks we don't know, but we all do. We don't care he's a good boss and we like him. If anyone was demanding sex it was Lois as she was and maybe still is a nymphomaniac. I know even some of our cameramen were doing her. Forget her charges Stacy."

  "Thanks Rosy and we believe him and you too. Lois will get her due pay later in life. Meanwhile we are leaning towards Vic Stromer as our leading suspect."

  "He's a low life bastard, from what Elisa told me. He never left any marks on her face or arms, but I know he was pounding on her. Then it all stopped when he found his girlfriend."

  Late Night Dinner Meeting

  After Rory had updated Captain Sidney who said he'd discuss the case with the prosecutor and to check with him in the morning, the three detectives found a nice motel to take a rest in. While having dinner, Stacy called Smiling Sam for a idea she had.

  After he heard the compete plan he jumped in with both feet and one wounded leg. He said he'd be on the next plane to Portland come morning.

  After dinner Stacy called Randy about the whole idea of capturing the contract killer. He told her the station would do anything to help bring the killer to justice.

  Rory said, "Enlighten me as to what you've planed Super Sleuth."

  "Simply put, we put Sam's face on the TV with him showing a facsimile of the killer. After that the killer will know Sam can ID him. Said killer goes to Bandon to shut his mouth permanently. A trap is laid and Sam will spring the trap to catch the bad guy. Simple huh?"

  "Kind of dangerous for Sam isn't it," asked Ben.

  "I think he can handle it. He said he'd develop a plan and tell us all about tomorrow when he got here. He loves the danger and the excitement. Like he says, "We all got a go sometime. I'm ready anytime the big guy says let's go Sam!"

  "Okay guys, I'm a little bushed so am going to take a long sleep. Call me around 8 am. Good night all, said Stacy as she left the dining room for her motel room.

  Ben said, "Rory, I've got a sister who lives not far from here. I'm going to visit her so here is the card for our door. I've no idea what time I'll be back or even if I come back before breakfast. Have a good night partner!"

  Rory saw the smile on Ben's face as he left the dining room leaving Rory alone with his thoughts.

  Their rooms were side by side. Rory took a shower first and then afterwards, dressed casual, slipped out his door and quietly rapped on Stacy's door. In a few seconds it was opened into a dimly lighted room.

  All Stacy had on was a T-shirt and white panties. She never said a word climbing into bed. Rory quickly shucked his clothes and slipped into the other side of the bed. He reached out his long arms pulling her towards him mumbling his love for her. Stacy reached out for the back of his head to draw him down to her lips. Her breath was coming in rapid order and soon Rory was matching her breathing.

  Both wanted to savor the time and to enjoy the act of making love to the one they cherished. This wasn't just sex for sex, but real passion as Rory took his large hand to work his way under her T-shirt for her rather smallish breast. He gave no notice to its size but felt the rock hard nipple enlarging as he played with it.

  Stacy had explored his mouth with her tongue and afterwards, lay back to let him fondle and make her moan with his mouth on her breasts. She felt herself moving her hips and Rory slowly moved down her flat belly to the fine hair of her pubic area. From her breasts he worked his way down using his lips as he went. Finally he came to the junction that led to the center of the love world. A half hour later they both lay on her bed panting and totally satiated. He asked, "Stacy are you okay with our relationship these days?"

  "My God Tall Man you just sent me to the moon and then ask such a crazy question. Of course I'm happy. I warn you though and that's not to suffocate me and for sure to leave me some operating room. A relationship has it place and time; work has its place and time: respect both, my sexy guy."

  Smiling Sam Revisited

  Smiling Sam was waiting in the 'Passenger Pickup' area when they arrived at just after 9 am on a rather smoggy day for the region. Regardless, Sam had an ear to ear grin on his face knowing he was going to play the leading role in the "Bandon by the Sea" drama. He climbed in next to Stacy in the backseat as Rory drove off to a restaurant for a breakfast meeting. Sam requested a Denny's as he'd not eaten at one for years. Stacy said, "You can have whatever your old heart desires Sam. Let's hope it's not one of your last meals," while laughing the inappropriateness of the joke. However, that was the kind of joke Sam liked.

  "I read where some scientists and doctor are claiming that if you're older than 65 you should eat more animal protein. Well, I'm qualified so this morning it's sausage, cheese and all with a 3 egg omelet."

  "Now there's a man after my own heart," said Rory. "I'm with you Sam."

  "Whoa, hold your horses Rory. The study said only for over 65 and for younger a low protein diet is best. Sorry bout that. I think I owe my old age and being in reasonable shape to not having smoked or drank much. The guys I knew who did that all have had heart problems, among other ailments."

  "My father was a heavy smoker and loved his highballs," said Ben. "He died of heart failure at 59. My mother is doing fine at age almost 70 now."

  "I’m happy my father doesn't drink or smoke. After losing my mother to cancer, I'd be lost without my father. Being alone without parent's sucks for us youngsters," said Stacy as they pulled into the parking lot.

  After they ordered, Sam said, "This is my plan. Tell me what you guys think of it. I'd say the killer will come after midnight. My bedroom is directly in front of the entrance
door across the small living room. I always have a night light for having to get up a few times at night to ease the bladder bulge. A mannequin is in my bed facing the wall and not the doorway. The killer sees me and slowly walks towards the bed with his pistol in hand. I'm sitting in a corner beside my dresser mostly out of sight. I've an extension cord running from my nightstand to where I sit. I plug it in casting light in the room. I say to him, 'Freeze or die'. I think he'll turn quickly and try to shoot the voice. I'll give him both barrels of my 12 gauge shotgun. End of bad guy. So what do you guys think?"

  Just then the food arrived and the table went quiet with each member with their own thoughts. Sam dove in with relish tell us how much this was like he remembered from years ago. The waitress seem to cater to him as she brought the decaf coffee whenever his cup hit the half way mark. Stacy also saw Sam taking a long look at the waitress's backside as she walked away. She smiled inwardly thinking there's still life in that old boy.

  Stacy finished her oatmeal first and said, "Sam I like the plan. If you're comfortable with it so am I. Of course you must hit the button to activate your cell to call us as soon as you know someone broke into your house. We'll come without warning with stealth. I'm going to have a swat team nearby to assist if needed."

  Rory was next and he said, "It seems like a good plan to me Sam, but how will we know what day or night he comes? You can't sit there night after night without some sleep."

  Starting tonight I'm on graveyard shift Rory. I'll sleep during the day and stay awake at night; I hope."

  "Sam we replace you with a regular law enforcement guy," said Ben.

  "I know what you're saying Dan, but it was me that he tried to shoot on that cliff. I take offense at being shot at. I had enough of that in Korea. This is rather personal if you don't mind Ben. Besides, I'm looking for some glory here. I want a deputy detective shield," Sam said laughing his wonderful head off.

  After breakfast it was off to the TV studio. Stacy never realized that this interview would take the better part of four hours. First was makeup, then a list of questions Sam would be asked, then an artist rendition of the killer and finally a taped interview with the 6 o'clock news anchor, Andy Weaver. No doubt it would be a long day. Meanwhile, Stacy thought they should contact Captain Sidney to see what the news from the prosecutor was.

  Rory called and after he talked for awhile, came back to say, "The prosecutor talked to Vic Stromer's lawyer. Stromer will come in voluntarily and the prosecutor has offered bail in his case. He'll be in front of a judge this afternoon. Also there's still no word about Beth Warden. She hasn't used her passport since three years ago. I fear she's dead. I think he shut her up."

  "Let's get an artist's drawing of her rock climber boyfriend from the security man in Bed. Then we can compare with Sam," said Ben.

  "Good idea," said Rory and meanwhile, let's leave Smiling Sam to the studio with a ticket home. I think we should check out the Florence connection why someone assassinated the mayor. We need to ask a few questions; don’t' you think so?

  "I'd best stay here Tall Man. I need to hold his hand. You two go and I'll fly with Sam to North Bend after the taping," said Stacy.

  Hotel Dufur

  That evening, after the apple orchard event, Phil sat in the kitchen watching his mother make dinner for the customers. There were two couples and as the menu was limited, had agreed before hand to eat what was served. The word around Henny was a fine cook and not one bad review came out of them staying at the hotel.

  "So you had to eliminate her. Well that's too bad, but we've a life ahead of us and she was getting too close for comfort. By the way a call came in for you saying mail had arrived. Now help me set the dining table for our guests."

  "Okay and by the way, after I check the mail tomorrow, I need to find out if that old guy has a description of me on the sea stack. I might have to shut his lips forever sending him on his way to a higher power.

  The next day Phil left after breakfast to The Dallas to check his PO Box. It was lovely day for a drive east of the Cascade Mountains. Phil drove with his window down enjoying the warm fresh day, which was also good for orchards. He thought life was going good regardless of the few loose ends he was about to tie up.

  In The Dalles he sat in the post office parking lot looking a frontal view of a hit if he was interested. He raised his eyebrows a little when he saw it was Vic Stromer the husband of Elisa Stromer. A family hit, he thought with a slight smile. If the job was satisfied by three days from now, the fee would be 75 large. Phil sat back and thought about the job. He knew the guy was a lawyer and a gambler to boot. Elisa had told him he'd a girlfriend stashed in an apartment.

  Maybe, he thought, I'd show it a murder suicide in her apartment. Or just take him out in a parking lot or at his home. He set his next stop as Portland just an hour away or so.

  Meanwhile the news of the mayor of Florence was blasted all over the news as he drove down the interstate. He really didn't pay much attention to the news as he was concentrating how to perform the hit on the lawyer.

  The more he thought about it, he liked the idea of taking the lawyer out as he visited his girlfriend. Chances are it was an apartment in a not upscale area where some gangbangers might be accused of the murder. All options were open.

  A Covert Meeting in Florence

  "We are free of the devil mayor," said the leader of five.

  "Yes, but our coffers are empty. If we'd waited a few months nature would have taken its course to free us of his liberal spending habits," said another member.

  "Regardless, we need to have a chat with the vice-mayor to make sure he's on the same page as we are," said the leader.

  "We need that new hotel planned axed as soon as possible. We don't need another motel cluttering our beach and with noisy tourists throwing their trash on our pristine beaches."

  "I suggest when we take power we zone the beach to our liking. We need peace and tranquility with a no growth agenda," said the oldest member of the group."

  Oregon State Police Detectives in Florence

  Rory said, "Ben I remember my father saying that years ago this town was nothing but old beach houses with blowing sand seen on the streets. Now look at it; it's booming and dollars are being spent making the locals happy. The mayor was the leader of the development, but I've heard that a faction is against the growth. We need to see if that is true or not."

  "Let's find some locals to talk to," said Ben. Maybe the hardware store or at the café where locals drink coffee," said Benn.

  Okay, sounds good Ben. You keep an eye out while we cruise the town. Man so many tourists are out and about this time of year. The dunes take a beating with so many beach combers packing off souvenirs.

  Truly Smiling Sam

  Sam was basking in glory as a flock of TV folks were busy preparing him for the upcoming taping. Off to the side an inward smiling Stacy was pleased to see him so happy, but fearful of what might transpire inside his house that was the total purpose of this exercise. Sam had given the artist a fairly good description and now they were waiting for the report from the security guards in Bend. Hopefully by comparison a good facsimile would result.

  Stacy said to Rosy, "I'm scared for his safety Rosy. You know how some old people are always thinking they are young and virile. In some cases, it almost seems like they have a death wish. I believe Sam is one of those. You know Rosy, he sits on the jetty hour after hour fishing. What does he think about for all those hours' day in and day out about anyway? Do old people like him relive their lives over and over again or is a dreaming thing. Good questions huh?"

  Stacy I too have only a father left and he sits around or wanders around the house doing or thinking what is beyond me. It could be that some old folks are in a world of their own until they move on. I know my father is not scared of dying at all. He's told me he's ready anytime the Lord gives him the go signal. A few years ago we had a old timer who did odd jobs around the station. Nobody had the heart to retire hi
m. The station paid him minimum wages by law. One day he came to me and said: "Rosy, I must go home now and retire. It's my time to hang my hat up. All of you have been wonderful to me. God bless you" and you know what, he died in his sleep that very night. He didn't have any relatives so I volunteered to see to his funeral. When I saw him Stacy, he had a big smile on his face. I believe an angel came and packed him off to greener pastures."

  "Great story Rosy. I see Sam waving at me so let's talk later," said Stacy moving over to Sam who was being coached by the person who would interview him for taping.

  "Stacy, I never thought it would be this difficult to just answer a few questions, but these guys really dig out the small details to enlighten the viewers. The guy doing the interview for real will be here in an hour or so. Then we'll have a taped session. But I'm told we can be or wrap this up by afternoon. I miss my home already. Just kidding," as he smiled at Stacy. "I'm going to use a remote to confuse the killer Stacy. I'll have my bedroom TV in the opposite corner from where I am. I'll flick it on and tell the killer to throw down his weapon. I'm sure he'll not listen and shoot the hell out of the TV, but then I'll plug the bastard. There's no doubt he'll walk into my bedroom and put at least four slugs in the fake Sam."

  "I'm still a little worried about your safety Sam. Law enforcement folks don't like to use civilians' for bait. However, here's what I think you should enter into the interview:

  1. "It'll be nice to be back home tomorrow so I can sleep in my own bed."

  2. "I thank the local police for keeping an eye on me."