Murder Mysteries #3

by Waggoner, Robert C.

  3. "This killer wouldn't dare try to silence an old timer like me."

  4. "It's obvious he can't shoot straight as he shot me in the leg and not a vital area."

  5. "Only a coward would push a woman off a sea stack to her death."

  6. "I might be old, but the killer is young and not wise like us old guys."

  "This should get his ire up. Remember Sam, once this begins there's no stopping it. There's still time to back out if you so desire. I'd hate to see an empty chair on the jetty. It's up to you Sam," said Stacy as an assistant came in with a fax that showed a composite of the boyfriend of Beth in Bend. What was amazing that Sam's description was almost the same as the security guards. She showed it to Sam, who scratch his chin and nodded his head.

  "Thanks for the opportunity to back out Stacy, but I'm in for the ride. Regardless of how it turns out for me, I hope the guy no longer breathes our sacred free air he's stealing. We need to literally bury this guy. I just wish we could catch the broker guy that is making money arranging for people to die."

  The director came in to say that the tape interview would commence in about twenty minutes. Rosy grabbed Sam for a last minute powered of the face and a hair spray to tie down his wispy silver locks. Stacy thought he looked good

  Coastal Discovery

  Ben and Rory walked out of the local hardware store after talking with the owner who'd been living in Florence all his life. His story amounted to this: He knew of a small group of businessmen who resented the fact the mayor was pro business. The members had for years desperately tried to reason with the city council to limit growth in favor of maintain a natural balance of growth with the environment. Few would listen to possibly change their minds on pro growth. The hardware owner wrote down the five names on note pad. He handed it to Rory who thanked him saying, "I wish there were more of people like you Henry. I'll not argue that a balance is needed for all mankind to live in harmony with nature. However, to have someone murdered to satisfy an end to a means is not right."

  Rory showed the list to Ben. Ben saw five names:

  Arnie Lever [leader]

  Bill Meanders

  Roy Blissful

  Hank Cornfield

  Steve Arnwold

  All were native of the Florence region. Arnie Lever was the big boss of the group of five. He'd been a land owner from the beginning. He'd made his money in the timber industry and retired very wealthy indeed. The same almost could be said of the other four well off individuals who owned property and buildings through the Florence city and area.

  Rory thought it about time to visit the leader Arnie Lever to apply a little pressure that they were on to his game. Arnie lived not far out of town up the Siuslaw River towards Eugene. He lived far enough out of town to enjoy warm days without the onshore wind of the Pacific Ocean.

  His home was on the lee side of a fairly large hill protected by evergreens and the rise of the hill behind it. His large office sat overlooking the river through a giant plate glass window. Arnie sat behind the desk making his visitors squint from the light coming in the window behind him. Both Rory and Ben were cognizant of this so moved their chairs off to the side presenting a scowl on the face of Arnie.

  Rory got right to the point: "Mr. Lever we have it on a fairly good source that you and your group of associates conspired to have Mayor Matt Holden killed. I realize we can't prove it yet, but let me assure you we'll not stop digging until we make a connection that you and your group hired a contract killer to murder the mayor. We'll begin by tracing the money flow. You're old and don't realize what computers can do these days. Have you anything to say?"

  "Not much young feller. I was setting chokers long before you were born. Try to pin the murder on me is a waste of time. Trying to trace my spending is a waste of time. Interviewing my friends is a waste of time. You coming here is a waste of time. Anything more you want to know here is my attorneys card. My housekeeper will see you out. Good day detectives," said a grim faced portly Arnie Lever.

  Ben said, "Every town or place has a Arnie Lever living there. They think they're next to God, but in fact closer to the Devil. The mayor was 72 and it looked like Arnie about the same age. Why can't an older guy with money like Arnie just leave well enough alone? He should be on the deck making model airplanes or something like that. I'd like to think that people run a town or country and not power hungry tycoons thinking they know best. Almost makes me angry," said an always level tempered Ben Razor.

  "The money had to come from somewhere Ben. I doubt if they had 50 grand in cash stuck in a coffee can. Besides, the cash would have to be a bank to bank transfer. I think his lawyer is up to his neck in this contract killing. Let's go see the lawyer and put some fear into him. I see his office is in Eugene," said Rory driving east bound to Eugene.

  Action: Take One!

  "I'll not use your last name Smiling Sam, but as I understand it you were, on the sad day of our dear friend and colleague Elsia Stromer was murdered, in Bandon, Oregon on a cliff peering through a telescope at two people on a large sea stack. Is that about right Sam," asked Andy Weaver the 6 o'clock news anchor.

  "Yes, that is correct Andy. Once a year the coast has some extremely low tides revealing a lot of usually surf covered sea life. Also he makes some of our giant sea stacks available for climbing or inspection. I'm too old now to run around the beach so I watch the low tide from a bluff area that is about 75 feet above the beach."

  "On this particular day Sam, what did you see on the top of the famous Table Rock?"

  "I saw two people who were wearing scuba wet suits on top of the rock fighting. I could see them fighting as both had arms flying everywhere. It became clear that one was backing the other one to edge of the stack. It was then I sucked in a lot of air as I saw a body falling through the air to land on a smaller, but still big rock causing instant death. I could see through my scope she landed on her back. It was a her as I could see her longish hair hanging over the rock. I panned back up seeing a man looking over the side of the rock. He must have been satisfied as he stood up gazing across the beach seeing me sitting in a chair with an object in front of me. He immediately took off running down the stack, dove into the incoming water then he ran like a fast fox down the beach towards an area where you can access the beach on a trail that follows a creek."

  "What happened next Sam?"

  "I called the police alerting the authorities that I'd seen a murder being committed. They were quick to respond. I began taking my scope stand down when I looked up and saw a car parked on the Beach Loop Road with its window down and an arm sticking out holding an object which I recognized as a pistol. I dove for the ground as I felt a sting in my leg then heard a shot. After that two more shots were fired hitting the ground next to me. A siren was heard so the killer took off."

  "Where were you shot," asked Andy?

  "In the calf. The bullet went clean through so no problem."

  "Now Sam, can you identify this killer," asked Andy.

  "Yes, no problem. When he stood up on the rock, my telescope clearly captured his physical form. Here is a drawing that a professional artist drew from my description," said Sam holding up to the camera the large drawing of the killer.

  "Aren’t you afraid by publically showing this picture that you put yourself in danger Sam?"

  "Indeed I'm a bit scared, but when they catch the guy, I can eye witness him. I also understand it that he's been identified in Bend as a boyfriend of a girl friend."

  "Here is that drawing from another witness," said Andy holding the drawing up side by side with Sam's drawing. "As you can see both are uncannily similar. Now Sam, do you have anything to add tonight?"

  "Yes, I do. It'll be nice to be back home tomorrow so I can sleep in my own bed. Next, I thank the local police for keeping an eye on me. This killer wouldn't dare try to silence an old timer like me. It's obvious he can't shoot straight as he shot me in the leg and not a vital area. Only a coward would push a woman off a sea stack t
o her death. Lastly, I might be old, but the killer is young and not wise like us old guys."

  "Thank you Smiling Sam. You're our hero and with our fine detectives hot on his trail, soon he'll be behind bars. We take this moment to share with our viewers a few seconds of silence in memory of our dear Elisa," said a distraught Andy Weaver.

  Snippy Lawyer

  While Sam and Stacy were flying south to North Bend, Ben and Rory were waiting in Attorneys Rick Trumpet's office. Both were aware they were being purposely on standby, but unless Rory wanted to make it official, and he could do that, patience would be needed. However, at the end of almost an hour, Rory stood up to make an issue as he strode to the reception desk. The girl hurried to make a call and soon both detectives were ushered into a rather stark office.

  No handshake was forthcoming and then Rory said, "You know Trumpet, you are about to try my patience. I'm within my rights to haul you to our office for a statement. Now is the time to cooperate, or find yourself needing a lawyer to post bail for obstruction of justice. Do I make myself clear?"

  "Perfectly detective," said a squeaky voiced middle aged rail thin man. I was on the phone with a client. Now what can I do for you?"

  You've a client by the name of Arnie Lever. We have good reason to believe he's a prime suspect hiring a killer to murder the mayor Matt Holden in Florence. What I want to know, Rick, is if you're involved best come clean now. We're going through his financial records with a fine tooth comb. IF we see any impropriety involving you, you'll go down as an accessory. Tell us what you know and be quick about it."

  "I know nothing about what you speak of. Yes, I do his legal work but that's mostly property dealings. I'm on a retainer only. You'll find no large or even fairly large sums of money from him into my account."

  "To put you in the clear, send your financial records to this fax number. They will be held in strict confidence. Do it ASAP Rick. We need to clear you to move on to other things."

  Rory called Portland to update the captain and to alert the staff the lawyer's records were coming. Also to dig into Arnie Lever background along with the other names he spelled out for the captain's secretary. After that, they hit a roast beef sandwich drive through on their way back to Coos Bay. They should arrive about the time Stacy and Sam landed at North Bend.

  Portland Hit

  Phil was patiently watching for Vic to leave his office. While he was sitting there he was listening to the radio. The top of the hour, 6 pm headlines, had an interview with an eye witness to a murder on the Pacific Ocean in Bandon. Phil came on red alert. He listened to find out the TV station had broadcast an interview with the old man he'd shot on the bluff. Even though he couldn't see the picture, he knew it was probably a good likeness.

  He thought, I'll take care of that old guy and those security guards after this assignment. He chastised self when he was being friendly to the guards at the gate. It was time for him to see the plastic surgeon for a new look.

  Phil sat back and waited for the lawyer to leave work. What he'd discovered was this guy was a real loser with a serious gambling problem. He was also on the hook as a prime suspect for instigating the hit on his wife. However, for some reason, somebody wanted his mouth closed permanently. It wasn't his business to know why, but to seal the deal. Once again he reflected back on the last months work. He'd completed two contracts, shut the mouth of a girlfriend, and was now on his third contract with the authorities hot on his trail. He smiled thinking he liked the idea of someone chasing him. He was no rookie having done a stint in Afghanistan as a sniper.

  There was one thing he heard on the newscast that piqued his attention and that was a policeman was always watching the house of Sam. Phil wondered if that policeman knew his days were limited.

  Suddenly, he noticed Vic exit the building's underground parking in his Benz. Phil was not far behind him knowing exactly where he was going: home away from home where his girlfriend was waiting for her benefactor. Phil was dressed in a disguise as a maintenance worker complete with a tool pouch. His plan was to knock on the door, tell a story, shove the guy back, shoot him and his girlfriend. After that, close and lock the door. however, he was open to any situation that might arise.

  His next plan was to drive down to Bandon and shut the lips of one Smiling Sam who was begging to meet his maker.

  Phil parked in a vacant spot in the apartment lot knowing the ten minutes he'd given Vic to take his coat off, pour a drink and relax. Phil got out, adjusted his took pouch, which contained a silenced 9 mm. He strolled up to the second floor of the apartment and knocked on his door number 205. A woman answered the door. Phil said, "The owner called me to fix a leaky sink in the kitchen miss. Apparently it's dripping downstairs into the lower apartment."

  "I didn't know I had a leak mister. Let's go check," said Vic's girlfriend.

  Vic was in the kitchen making martinis from a bottle of Absolute Vodka. He said, "Who is honey?"

  "A maintenance guy to fix a leak," she hollered to him.

  Phil followed a nice figured young woman into the kitchen. While walking he drew out his Glock. Vic looked up and saw him pointing a pistol at him, "No………."

  The girlfriend was shocked but not for long as the next bullet went into her pretty brain. Phil made sure Vic was dead as he fired another shot to his head. Phil holstered his pistol and locked the door on the way out careful not to alert anyone.

  At his newly purchased used van, Phil drove off southbound to the coast as he had a date with an old timer for tomorrow night.

  Airport Reunion.

  Stacy and Sam had to wait about a half hour for Rory and Ben to arrive. All were hungry so they went to a restaurant that Sam liked. Stacy realized he was taking advantage of his delicate position and notoriety. But, nobody minded a bit that he was only slightly taking advantage of his new found stardom.

  Meanwhile, Rory and Ben updated Stacy about the interview with the Florence group leader Arnie Lever. Also, he told about the interview with his lawyer Rick Trumpet in Eugene. Ben thought it was prudent to add a little color to commend Rory on his forcefulness with the slimy lawyer. Stacy was a little proud of Rory, hearing that he was coming into his own very nicely. Even Ben liked the way Rory had performed with the lawyer.

  Because they were on the plane when the broadcast went out, and Rory and Ben were busy too, neither of the group knew how the broadcast turned out. They all agreed that Sam was probably safe for the night. However, just in case, they thought it best to house him in a motel for the evening. Tomorrow they would procure the mannequin for the masquerade coming.

  After dinner Rory thought it prudent to drive Stacy to her home. Stacy didn't argue as all were very tired from a few long days. They stuck Sam into a nice motel, then dropped Ben off at his house. After that they motored to Bandon without much conversation.

  Chief Ray was up waiting for Stacy and Rory to arrive. Rory would spend the night in Vicki's vacated room, as she had moved in with a roommate in Coos Bay.

  The chief was looking for a long story made short and Stacy provided the request. The chief said, "I saw the interview with Sam. I'm sure he'll be a target very soon. Let's all hit the rack and up early for a healthy filling breakfast."

  Preparing the Set

  The mannequin came from a clothing store in Coos Bay. Ben brought it down as Rory stayed the night in Bandon at Stacy's house. While they waited for Ben to bring Sam and the mannequin down, Stacy made ready a remote for a TV along with a bullet proof vest. Dan the patrolman was assigned to watch the house throughout the night. For his safety, Stacy decided to park the patrol car, but Dan wouldn't be in it. She was afraid that the killer would take Dan out if he sat in a marked patrol car. It was decided that Dan would use his own car and find a good place to park and watch Sam's house.

  Meanwhile, as all was pretty much ready by 11 am, it was time for lunch. Sam had tried to stay up to become used to being awake after midnight, but he guessed it went out around 1 am. He said, "I need more
coffee, but am afraid of having to run to the bathroom if I drink too much liquids. What I need is a stimulant like the young people use."

  "I'm sure we have some drugs in our evidence cabinet Sam," said Rory with a big grin. "You'd look funny with dilated eyes always licking your dry lips. What we do have, on the serious side, is a set of ear plugs that we can use to communicate with you. Every fifteen minutes or so we'll call you to see if you're still awake. You can just whisper back. I'd guess the guy will enter around 2 am."

  "Make sure the chair you sit in is not so comfortable you want to sleep, but good enough to be both comfortable and efficient to your intention. It's imperative that you don't make a sound. This guy is fast and at your age Sam, he'll be on you in a hot second," said Stacy.

  "Oh, lunch is here so I'm off line for the next quarter hour or so," said Rory.

  Night Prowler

  Phil had spent the night in Roseburg. His intention was to cruise by Sam's house around 2 pm as that would be when a lot of tourist would be out and about. He could risk two passes by without raising any suspicion, he thought. After the two passes he'd drive south and find a place to park until around midnight.

  Final Dress Rehearsal

  After lunch they went to Sam's house to dress the mannequin and set up the remote TV. Flo had a patio chair that fit the bill perfect. It was a plastic arm chair with cushions. After Sam sat down, not sound was heard from the chair as he squirmed around to get comfortable. From the chair Sam could flick the remote to turn the TV on casting a bright light from the opposite corner where he sat with his shotgun. Sam, at one time loved to shoot trap. He had a double barrel trap gun would lie across the arms of the chair very nicely. He made it clear, and nobody argued that he would shoot first and ask questions later. He felt the killer was just too quick to tell him the 'freeze' command.