Murder Mysteries #3

by Waggoner, Robert C.

  Before Stacy could respond, her cell went off. She saw it was Flo and answered it. "Stacy I got a call from the dock saying that one of the charter boats is on the way in with a homicide in the sleeping quarters of the crew. He has a filet knife buried in his chest is what Captain Lois Lambert reports."

  "Father, sorry I have to go as there has been a crime committed onboard one of the charter boats here in town. Let's continue this conversation later."

  "No problem Stacy. I've all the time in the world. Also I'm a happy guy too." Stacy waved and jumped into her SUV with her phone in hand. She called Rory Caltex to pick up Ben Razor and to alert Dr. Stone of a possible homicide that occurred aboard a charter boat based out of Bandon. "Here we go again Super Sleuth," said Rory. "Is it a given the victim is dead?"

  "The report is a fish filet knife is sticking out of his chest. Also his eyes are staring at the ceiling lifeless. I'm sure it is a homicide. Meet me at the dock."

  Stacy drove to Old Town and parked in a large parking lot reserved for tourists and visitors. With her murder bag and after she'd called Dan Swollow to secure the boat when it arrived, she hustled to the docking area. About thirty minutes later she saw the charter boat Albie coming past the jetty to the dock area. With the tide coming in, the charter boat would be about level with the gangplank.

  By the time the charter boat arrived, Stacy had had time to plan where to interview the crew and passengers. The simple fact was the killer was onboard the boat as it nestled into the dock throwing ropes to dockside crew members of the Rod and Reel Charter Service.

  The Rod and Reel had a warehouse next to the dock area that would work at as an interview area. Some tables and chairs would be needed, but Dan could borrow from the Senior Center a couple of tables and folding chairs.

  By the time the boat had docked, Stacy had the name of the company that had chartered the boat. She'd also found out the company's secretary was aboard. That was the person Stacy wanted to see first to obtain a list of the company personnel onboard.

  Stacy called her father to borrow his truck to move the tables. At the same time he told him what had happened and what was transpiring. He said he'd be down with the tables after he picked them up with his truck. He'd call James Fletcher, the youngest policeman on the Bandon force to help him.

  As the drama unfolded on the dock, so was the increase of the curious gathering around for a glimpse of the victim. If you asked an observer what he or she wanted to really see, and they told the truth, it would be to see the body with the knife sticking out of its chest with blood running all over the place.

  Dan was stationed on the boat as Stacy led the charter party to the warehouse. The crew would be interview also. The boat crew, including the captain was four or five. All were locals from the Bandon area. Stacy was hoping that their young eyes had seen something or had heard anything that might lead to the apprehension of the killer.

  There weren't enough chairs in the warehouse to go around. Stacy said, "Ladies and gentlemen let me have your attention please. We've table and chairs coming very soon. Please be patient. As a group of suspects, under the circumstances of a homicide, we've to ask some very personal and private question to flesh out the killer. One of you murdered, from what I hear, the CEO and major stock holder Lane Axle. So be prepared to answer any and all of our questions. Two more detectives are on the way and will assist in the interviews. The coroner and pathologist will arrive along with the CSI team. Your fingerprints will be necessary to determine whether or not they match any on the murder weapon. I assume that all of you are most intelligent and educated to know to wipe off the murder weapon. However, these days high tech has come a long ways and even a partial is now used to ID a perp." Stacy had been watching for any reactions of the suspects when she mentioned the fingerprints on the weapon. She didn't see anything out of the ordinary.

  Bonnie was standing next to Brad on one side and Fran the secretary on the other. Bonnie was thinking about what would happen now that her father was dead. Brad was thinking the same thing and as matters of fact, all were quietly pleased he was gone from their lives permanently. However, what they didn't know was by the time the interviews were completed and the subsequent follow up questions in Portland, the stress of being a suspect would age them appreciably.

  Stacy asked who was the company secretary and Fran raised her hand timidly. "Would you please use my desk, until the other desks and chairs arrive, to make a list of the company employees who were on the boat? And to Captain Lois the names of your crew please."

  It was then that Rory and Ben arrived. All heads turned to see the two men walk in. Stacy said, "Let me introduce you to two detectives from the Oregon State Police. The tall one is Rory Caltex and his partner next to him is Ben Razor. We'll be dividing you up into groups and as soon as the tables and chairs arrive, we'll begin our interviews. If you need a restroom break, a police person will go with you." Stacy looked up and saw her father come in looking grim as usual. With him were James and two volunteer firemen to carry the tables and chairs. Stacy introduced the Chief of Police who scanned the charter boat party with piercing grey eyes. He turned and nodded to his daughter and left.

  Fran gave Stacy the list of the company employees along with Bonnie who was listed separately as a stock holder and daughter of the deceased. Stacy scanned the list and looked up interrupted by Dr. Marsha Stone resident pathologist and coroner of the county. Stacy acknowledged her arrival and turned the list over to Rory as she went out to visit with Marsha.

  The List of Suspects

  1. David Cornfield: Office Manager

  2. Brad Igeres: Vice-President of Operations [son-in-law]

  3. James Button: Software Developer

  4. Felix Munster: Software Developer

  5. Fran Whitmore: Executive Secretary to the CEO

  6. Joy Farmer: R & D

  7. Edward Duncan: Marketing Manager

  8. Rufus Brown: CFO

  9. Bonnie Igeres: Daughter of the victim.

  Rory saw there were nine on the list so he would take three and Ben three leaving Stacy with three. After that they would interview the crew of five, including the captain. Stacy would have the captain and Ben and her would take the four crewmen; however it worked out.

  Outside, near the gangplank, Stacy and Marsha chatted about the crime. "Marsha, from what I know at this point is they're from Beaverton working for a software company known as Extell. The dead man is the CEO and major stock holder. I really don't know more than that. I'll leave you to your work. Oh, the time of discovery was around 2 pm. Lois; the Captain told me he was not warm or cold to the touch."

  "Okay and I'll give you an update later. You've got your work cut out for you with this one. Good luck." Marsha said as she crossed the gangplank with her photographer. The CSI team was onboard doing what they did best. Stacy walked back to the warehouse to begin the interviews.

  Interviews

  Rory had scheduled Stacy to interview the daughter Bonnie and her husband Brad Igeres. Stacy chose Bonnie first. Sitting down across from one another both women took stock of each other. Stacy saw a nice looking middle aged woman with intelligent eyes looking back at her. She sat with correct posture and obviously she was from a wealthy family. A pearl necklace with matching earrings along with a diamond wedding ring would wipe out Stacy's bank account for years to come. However, Bonnie seemed pleasant enough waiting patiently for Stacy to ask some questions.

  Stacy decided to hit her between the eyes. "Ms. Igeres, you're the daughter of the deceased?"

  "Yes I am," said Bonnie. "Please call me Bonnie detective."

  "Okay Bonnie, did you murder your father by sticking a fish knife in his chest?" Stacy was looking for a reaction that she never received. Bonnie never batted an eye. Stacy saw a small, almost infinitesimal grin on her thin lips.

  "Nice try detective, but in this case, even though I wanted my father to retire, I didn't kill him. However, it doesn't surprise me he was killed. All of our 2
00 plus employees are hanging by a thread with their jobs on the line. Our company is in deep financial trouble. You'll soon learn this as all of us has a motive and all of us had opportunity."

  "Please tell me more Bonnie. I realize you probably don't know much about the personal lives of your boat mates and company staff, but what about the idea Extell chances of recovery with your father absent."

  "With the crash of 08 and the slow recovery, our company has suffered like a lot of other companies have. With proper management we produce a product that we're very competitive with other producers around the world. We've some great personnel who work well within the salary range for us to make some profit. However, we need our employees happy so they can produce, but my father held them back with a giant thumb not letting our staff perform with new ideas. Simply put, he was stuck in the past with no hope for the future."

  "What did he think about retirement or any other options," asked Stacy.

  "He wouldn't consider retiring or selling off some stock to bolster our company with some fresh cash. He'd slightly over 50 % of the company and if he sold off some stock, he'd relinquish control. That would result in the board letting him go replacing him with my husband Brad."

  "Okay I got it Bonnie. Now let's get to the fishing trip. Enlighten me on the day's activity once you boarded the boat."

  Bonnie told her about her father not feeling well and only wanted to fish for salmon in the afternoon. At, or about the time of discovery of his body by Lois, they, Brad and her were sitting in the galley sipping some wine. The scream from Lois alerted her to see what happened in the forward bunks where her father was sleeping. When she arrived, a knife stuck out of his chest. The restroom or heads were next door to the bunks and anyone could have access to where he slept before or after using the heads.

  Stacy said, "That's enough for now Bonnie. If, you didn't kill him, then who did?"

  "Like I said earlier detective, any of us could have done it."

  "I'm sure we'll have follow up questions when we travel up to Portland for a deeper look into the lives of our suspects. Please don't leave town."

  Stacy asked for her husband next watching Bonnie walk with head held high to a row of chairs where other staff members waited to be interviewed.

  Brad sat down with eyes of a nature that showed this man had warmth with character. Stacy liked that about a man; as that was a characteristic of her guy Rory.

  "Mr. Igeres, tell me why you didn't kill your father in law. I understand you'd take over control of the company with him gone. I'd say that makes you our prime suspect; wouldn't you?"

  "I guess if you say so detective Foreham. I read about you and have seen your picture on TV. You are fast becoming known as the detective who always gets her man. I'm happy to say I didn't kill the old geezer; but not sorry to see him out of the way. I can understand his reasoning, but old people should not be selfish. Step aside when the time comes. Be gracious with an open mind. This guy was wealthy and could have spent his remaining years doing all kind of things."

  "How about your financial situation Mr. Igeres, are there any problems?"

  "Please just call me Brad as everyone else does. Not really as I was born with a silver spoon and my wife has a 20% interest in the company left to her by her mother. My wife and I live rather simply. My life is my work and she enjoys volunteering at the Y in Beaverton."

  "Who stands to lose the most if your company goes bankrupt Brad?"

  "I'd say all would suffer during these economic times were having. Our software developers are particularly having a hard time as they are younger and over extended. Also, not to lead you off with a red herring but at least two our staff was complaining of his sexual harassment. I'm sure when you interview our two women who were on the boat; you'll see why I mention it."

  "Going back to opportunity where you'd be the main man if Lane Axle was gone, why shouldn't we think that maybe both of you, your wife and yourself, murdered Lane Axle to save the company."

  "I'm 45 years old detective. Sooner or later I'd be running a company regardless whether it was Extell or XYZ Company. It's true that I'd be rather young for a CEO, but nowadays that age is acceptable. I think it would be foolish of a person in my present stage of life and position to murder the boss so I could become number one. Right now this is a learning time for all high level executives struggling to keep their companies for going down the drain. I'd say by the time I reach 50 I'll have the experience and confidence to run any company regardless of the economic conditions."

  "That was quite a speech Brad. However, once I get on the scent, I seldom lose the trail. Thanks for the background and I'll be seeing you in Beaverton.

  Stacy looked over at Rory who flashed a look to the waiting seats where the crew members were all sitting together and the lone company person: Fran Whitmore. Rory nodded that he'd take Fran and she could have the crew. Stacy agreed.

  Stacy walked over and asked who wanted to be first. Lois said, "I'll go first then on down the line." She pointed at first the one next to her and on down from there.

  "Long time since we talked," said Stacy to Lois.

  "Well we wave once in awhile seeing each other pass by," she said laughing. "By the way, the grape vine has it that you and that gorgeous hunk of man detective over there are a thing; are the rumors correct?"

  Stacy's face turned a little red and she said, "Yes, I guess so, but we're a long ways from tying any knot. Okay Lois, tell me what you saw and what you heard today out fishing. If you don't know, the victim was hated by all except maybe his daughter. Each member of the fishing party had a motive. Tell me what you know."

  "I could see from the beginning they didn't like the old man. I was happy to see him go below to sleep and stay away from the others. Like most of my customers, they love to put away the spirits. These folks weren't any different. It did seem the two women, not the daughter Bonnie, were sullen and remorseful. Neither one seemed to have a good time. I try to be friendly and kind with all my customers so they do have a good time; not to mention maybe a return customer.

  I did check on the old guy two times. He had a sea sick bucket beside him. I washed it out and replaced it one time. Because I'm usually on the bridge I don't know or see what is going on down below. I can see the stern and all the folks fishing alright, but with all the coming and going anyone of those employees or company staff could have murdered the old man."

  "Did any of your crew say anything to you about the fishing party," asked Stacy.

  "No, but the crew is busy if the fish are biting good; and they were hauling in fish left and right. I never talked to the crew during the whole time we were out. I've had all but one of the crew for a few years now. The odd one is a college student from Coos Bay. He's a nice young man and does a good job."

  Stacy sat thinking and noticed Lois was watching her carefully. Stacy turned back and asked, "From your observation of the customers is there any one of them you might suspect as a killer?"

  "I wouldn't know a killer from a dentist Stacy. However, that fat guy Rufus and the secretary seemed to whisper to each other sharing some secret. The rest seemed normal to me."

  "Thanks Lois. Now I've one for you. What have you heard about my father and Fran at the Senior Center as a couple, anything?"

  "It's common knowledge around town Stacy that they're destined for each other very soon to cohabitate. I think, or we all think it's wonderful to see two seniors become good friends."

  "Please don’t pass around I asked. My father has told me a little but just enough to whet my appetite. Now if you will, send one of your crew over here to make his statement."

  A tall gangly young man sat down with his ball hat in hand not wanting to meet Stacy's eyes. "What your name please," asked Stacy.

  "I'm Robbie Stewart," he said.

  "I'm detective Stacy Foreham," she said.

  Robbie looked up and saw Stacy smiling at him. He smiled a sheepish look back and said, "I know who you are. I want you to k
now I'd nothing to do with the old guy croaking. But I did see something, well, not sure if it's important, but when I was walking from the bow to stern, I saw through the porthole a woman, the secretary, talking to the old man who was flat on his back. She was waving her arms and appeared mad as hell; but with the diesel running I couldn't hear anything."

  "Great information Robbie. How about the other guys; did they see or hear anything and pass it on to you?"

  "Freddie, the short guy over there, told me he heard the fat guy saying to the secretary that now would be an opportunity……… and that was all he heard."

  "How about who was on their lips or sober Robbie," asked Stacy.

  "The two men who seemed to be close friends were feeling no pain. The husband of the woman was mostly sober; as was his wife. The woman who was talking to the fat guy and the other woman were both sober. The guys called Ed and a David were not so hammered."

  "Thanks Robbie and It looks like your other crew members are busy with my two detective friends. There's one left so would you ask him to come here please," said a smiling Stacy.

  "Hi, my name is Steve Phillips Detective Foreham. My father is a big fan of yours. It would be an honor if you'd give me your autograph."

  Stacy turned a dark shade of red and she was happy the light in the warehouse was not so bright it would show her embarrassment to the young man. "I'm not a celebrity Steve and I know who your father is. He's a swell guy and friends with my father. Tell your father when I write him a ticket for speeding he'll have my autograph."

  "Man you're quick. I'll pass it on."

  "Tell me Steve what you saw or heard that might help us determine who killed the old timer," asked Stacy.