Murder Mysteries #3

by Waggoner, Robert C.

  Also we're going up to Portland to continue our investigation of the charter boat homicide. I'll go to the Justice Department and talk with those folks bout the Marshal job while I'm there. We leave in the morning. I'm a little tired dad so will take a shower and check my e-mail. I'll see you at dinner time?"

  "Yes, and what would you like for dinner," he asked.

  "Something simple and not heavy on the tummy please. A chicken salad is always on my list and especially during the summer months." Stacy looked up and saw Fran arrive. She waited to say hello and then went for a shower.

  City of Roses

  On the way to Portland, before anyone perused the financial reports, Stacy told both Rory and Ben about the interview with Fran Whitmore. "I decided to be a friend to her and share some woman experience with horny old men. I told her about one time when I was in college and then she opened up about Lane Axle. Long story short, over the years, the sexual harassment and pleas mentally took its toll. She began having blackout periods. When I asked her about maybe she might have killed her boss, she told me she experienced a blackout period while below. She didn't deny she might have taken a knife and plunged it into his demented heart.

  The poor woman is a wall flower without any sexual experience with men. The threat he'd never give her a reference kept her coming back each day to face his wrath. I think under the circumstances I'd kill the bastard too."

  "How much do you think Rufus plays into this homicide knowing he's a close friend of Frans," asked Ben.

  "In looking at his family life, I see his wife is kind of sickly and requires a caregiver most of the time. His kids are gown and scattered across the country. We can assume his conversations aren't very stimulating at home. Therefore he has Fran to share his and her troubles with," said Stacy.

  Rory said, while pulling onto I-5 near Cottage Grove, "The daughter and her husband the smooth talking VP who will, no doubt, slide into the CEO chair very soon now, are high on my list of who did it."

  "I agree Tall Man. It's hard for me to fathom that a blood daughter could take a knife and sticking it into her father's heart for any amount of money or fame. But was we well know, it's happened before and will happen again. If she did it, I think maybe her husband didn't know it until later when Lois discovered the body. Time will tell. Now how about we stop at the nice restaurant we went to last time Tall Man," she said.

  ~~~

  At just after 5 pm the three detectives were sitting in Captain Sidney's office discuss the case. After hearing a recap and certain particulars, he asked, "So it would seem to me after your report that out of nine suspects you're down to three or four with a few on the sidelines. Let's hope that the sidelines, or what you've named the Subprime suspects don't raise their hand or hands saying 'I did it'."

  "I realize this might sound silly but one time I was watching a nature program that showed a pride of lions hunting. In that group, all were killers, but when it came right down to it, the Prime lioness did the actually killing. The rest also feasted. My point is that we keep an eye on all of them as anyone of our suspects could be the killer," said Stacy.

  "I've some news from the media that since the homicide, the creditors and bankers have taken a wait and see that concerns Extell's future. Our legal staff tells me that if the daughter and her husband are not charged, the company will survive, but probably in a Chapter 11 frame work."

  I don't envy you guys, but if anyone can flush this bird out, it's you guys. Let me know what I can do to help. For the life of me I feel our hands are tied behind our back. We need to catch a break. I'd say maybe that secretary might cough up a clue for us to grab onto. Okay, let's close up shop and I'll expect to be kept in the loop okay?"

  Dinner time was called by Rory ringing the dinner bell. Neither Stacy nor Ben knew a happier man when he was eating; regardless of the quality. Tonight they were at a steak house that wasn't at the top end of the five star restaurants but when they saw the place two thirds full, they decided to give it a whirl. In addition to red meat they had a variety of foods to choose from. Stacy chose a steak with a large salad. Rory naturally went for the 16oz top sirloin with all the usual items to surround the plate. Ben being a bit more conservative had a smaller steak and big salad like Stacy. It was the middle of summer and fresh vegetables were advertised by this fine eating establishment.

  Talk was kept to a minimum as it appeared all were rather beat for both the long day and the summer temps of Portland in July. Stacy was looking forward to her a/c room to send an e-mail to the man in the Justice Department she'd be talking to. She realized Rory would be pouting, but such is life. He'd best get over it and cut her some slack. She realized that he was a great guy, but right now there was a lot on her plate and it wasn't food

  They drove to the hotel and checked in. Ben, ever the cool guy gave the two love birds some space by saying he was going to check out the pool for a swim later leaving Rory and Stacy at the desk.

  On the way to their respective rooms, Stacy said, "Don't take it wrong Tall Man, but I've some things to do and also send some e-mails. I'll see you in the morning. Go with Ben and take a swim." She gave him a good lip bruiser and went through her door leaving him staring at the closed door. Rory went to his room and after turning the a/c on high, stared at the ceiling with his thoughts bouncing from Stacy to the case at hand.

  He rehashed the daughter Bonnie and her husband as prime number one killers of her father. Rory remembered very well that both Bonnie and Brad were in the galley drinking wine when Lois came down to see if her father wanted to fish for salmon. If they'd been there for an hour or so, since lunch maybe, they had opportunity at any time during the time they were in the galley. But, why make it so obvious, he rebutted. Ah, it would look very natural to see they chatting sipping wine pretending they didn't have a clue that not far away dear old dad was laying there with a knife sticking out of his heart. Okay smart guy, he said to self, what about the mentally deranged secretary Fran and her adopted brother Rufus.

  While thinking he flipped on the TV and there was no new on at 8pm. He'd have to wait until the 10 o'clock news came on. He decided to shelve the case for now and go swimming with Ben. The motel had sanitized swim trucks for exclusive use of its customers.

  He quickly undressed and armed with a bath towel and shirt to cover his bare chest, he found Ben slowly doing some laps in a nice large pool. Rory dove in and made a few up and backs. After about 20 minutes both took a break at the shallow end. Rory said, panting a little, "Ben a personal question please. Have you seen a slightly different Stacy lately rather than her former self? I realized this is a tough question, but I feel she is distancing from us in general and me in particular. Or am I just being paranoid?"

  "As a friend Rory I'll say this to my partner. I think Stacy is just maturing both as a person and an investigator of major crimes. She's gaining confidence in her ability to solve homicide cases. Simply put she is becoming very professional, but not in a negative way at all. I see her separating business from pleasure. If you want to weather the storm, ride the up and downs of your relationship with her; give her space Rory. Men are blind when it comes to trying to understand the opposite sex, but like my wife says: just come home every night and when we go to bed say: I love you. There you go partner. Okay, I'm beat so will go shower and call my wife and tell her I love her. See you in the morning."

  Stacy sat down to her laptop and composed an e-mail to her DC contact Constance Wilson. She preferred to be called Connie once introductions were made. In her mail she made it clear that she'd come aboard if there was a Marshal's office in Eugene, OR. She made it clear that she wasn't trying to play hardball and not be flexible, but at this point in time in her life, living in a large city didn't fit here style of living. She'd also made it evident that even if they failed to meet her requirements, then she was happy to continue where she was. It was the Justice Department who wanted her, not the opposite.

  She sent it off with a copy going to Jacob
Holden who was the resident US Marshal in Portland.

  After that she sent some mail to her friends. An hour later she decided sleep was rapidly approaching. Off went the lights and soon she was tucked in the night.

  Three Prong Attack

  At breakfast the next morning, the three detectives kicked around the idea of each taking a Prime or Subprime suspect to lean somewhat heavier than the last interviews. This time they would be informed of their rights and the interviews would be recorded for official records.

  Stacy would take Fran Whitmore and Rufus Brown, while Rory wanted the daughter and her husband; and Ben would take Joy Farmer. Ben thought she was holding something back.

  With that plan they went to work after breakfast driving to the State Police office to make phone calls and to inform Captain Sidney their plan of action.

  Stacy was elected to call Extell and notify the suspects of the mandatory interrogation upcoming that afternoon. Stacy called and Fran answered with a pleasant voice. After discovering she had her friend Stacy on the line, she really sounded happy.

  Stacy asked, "What is happening on the business front Fran?"

  "We're on vacation for the time being. The lawyers and bankers are behind closed doors discussing the 'what ifs,' if that is proper to say. The funeral is tomorrow and I'll be there with bells on."

  "Okay Fran thanks for that information. No who's in charge of the company as I need, or we need, to have all of you down at the State Police Station for interviews."

  "As major stockholder Bonnie is or has assumed command. Rufus agreed and she, along with her husband, are running the company."

  "Is Bonnie available to take my phone call," asked Stacy.

  "She's in her father's office, so let me go ask her. I'll be right back. Listen to the awful music for a minute or two." Stacy mulled the scene at the business over as she listened to some elevator music that was just awful. However, it wasn't long and Fran, half out of breath, said, "She agrees to talk with you. Hang on while I transfer."

  After making connections and the pleasantries out of the way, Stacy said, "Mrs. Igeres, I'm afraid that we need to have some of your staff, including you and your husband for interviews this afternoon. This list includes the following: Fran Whitmore, Rufus Brown, Joy Farmer, Brad Igeres and yourself. I hope this is acceptable and that we can do this without any outside interference."

  "I think we can do what you ask. I've a question though: do we need legal representation?"

  "It's up to you as this is an official statement being duly recorded," said Stacy.

  "I think I understand the situation. What time and would just after lunch being acceptable," asked Bonnie with a more pleasant voice than earlier. Stacy could tell she was in the 'power' mode.

  "That's fine. Just after lunch is good. We'll see you later and thanks," said a sweet voice Stacy back to her. That voice was to let her know the gloves were off from now on till they charged someone with the murder.

  Stacy told Rory and Ben the schedule for the afternoon shift. Rory said, "Let's digest the financial records while we wait. Let's also go to the conference room so we won't be disturbed."

  "Fine idea Tall Man," said a grinning Stacy.

  An hour later, they took a break of either coffee or juice. Rory took the coffee option while Stacy and Ben had a hit of vitamin C. Rory said, "I'm happy this place has a/c or I'd be simply miserable. I can't wait to get back to the nice fog of our summers on the southern coast."

  "Me too," said Ben. This heat takes some getting used to. It feels so heavy on my shoulders. I'd love to go skinny dipping in a pure clean cold river."

  "How brave of you," said a twinkling of the eye Stacy. "I'd be right behind you Ben."

  "All for one and one for all, my three Musketeers detectives," said Rory. "Let's hurry up so I can fill up my growling stomach. That meager breakfast was just a sample in my book."

  Back in the conference room, they began with Bonnie Igeres. There was nothing revealing there to speak of. Her husband came from a wealthy back east family. Money wasn't a problem for either of them.

  However, when Rufus Brown financial report was scrutinized, they found the man greatly over extended. Without his job he'd be on the street. As it was, he could barely see the light at the end of the tunnel. With a reorgination, he'd probably be let go. Possibly with Bonnie and Brad they'd keep him on. This breaking news indeed moves Rufus up the Prime list.

  Fran was no surprise as she appeared typical of a lot of lower middle class folks. Nothing that raised a red flag was found. However, when Joy was checked it rose a few eyebrows at how much stoke she owned. If the company folded, she stood to lose a small fortune. A check mark went next to her Prime column. She'd gone from Subprime to Prime very quickly. The next thing they did was waiting for Rory to call the prosecutor. The prosecutor had been sent a lengthy report so he was familiar with the case. He'd be at the office at 1 pm.

  With all taken care of, off to lunch they went, following a long striding Rory out the door. It wasn't long and they were back at the same steak house as before. Rory was a bit more conservative than before but made up for it with a large dessert.

  All were quiet as the afternoon would be important to the case. They were all hoping that a super prime suspect would emerge from the interrogations. However, wishful thinking is just that: wishful. Stacy realized they needed some real evidence and not just circumstantial.

  Be that as it may, Stacy was confident that Fran would bust this case wide open either with or without admitting guilt. Rufus would stand by and see her hang without throwing her a life ring. He had to protect his family and his life first and somebody else second or on down the line. Regardless of what happened today, it would be interesting, she thought.

  Interrogation Rooms 1, 2 and 3

  Stacy was in Interrogation Room 1 with Fran Whitmore just after 1 pm without an attorney. She told Stacy that there was no need of one. Besides she said, "What could he possibly advise me not knowing my mental condition. If I'm charged and convicted, then it's up to somebody to determine if I'm mentally unstable or not." Stacy thought she had a point.

  "Fran, I know that Lane Axle did horrible things to both physically and mentally. There's nothing we can take back from that experience, however, you've a lot life left to live. Now can you remember anything else that happened on that boat that you can remember between you and your boss?"

  "I've thought a lot about it Stacy. I've discussed it with my mom and have tried so hard to catch a glimpse of whether or not I might have killed him. But, I'm sorry to say that it's all a blank or dead time to me. I wish I could be of more help, but my mind blocks those bad times out. Do you have any suggestions Stacy," asked Fran with a hopeful look on her face.

  Stacy felt sorry for the poor woman. She wondered if she suggested seeing a psychologist who would perform hypnotism might reveal some of the dead time times of her life. She said, "Fran have you considered seeing a psychologist who would probably hypnotize you to help you remember some of the past experiences you're now blocking out."

  "Yes, of course I've thought about it, but the cost is out of reach for me. I can't afford the rates they charge."

  "I think the State would pick up the cost at least for a few sessions," said Stacy.

  "I'm all for it if the State will pay for my evaluation. If I did kill him, then I should face the music. I know what he did was very wrong, but to die for being a sexual pervert is a severe penalty; don't you think?"

  "Well Fran, a person like him has other sins he must atone for; not just one. I'm sure he's not high on God's list of good guys to enter the Garden of Eden. The murder on the boat was the climax he was looking for sexually. I'll check with the State to see if they'll pay for the cost of a doctor."

  They spent a few more minutes talking about the survival of the firm. Fran sounded happy that it might work out. After that Stacy went looking for Rufus Brown.

  Rufus Brown was being shadowed by a less than a name firm of att
orneys. The guy following was shabbily dressed and in need of a haircut. Stacy wondered if Rufus had stopped by lower Burnside for this guy. Once inside the small interrogation room, a faint sickly smell of sweat and tobacco emanating from the lawyer.

  "Rufus Brown, you've the right to……….." and Stacy went on to read him his rights. Then she asked, "I have in front of me Mr. Brown your financial statement. Even a neophyte like me can see you're in deep financial trouble. Because of that and the financial situation of the Extell Software Co. we are going to charge you with the murder of Lane Axle. We've no hard evidence, but we think that a jury will be convinced that you are guilty as charged."

  Stacy was watching him closely. About half way through her bluster, she thought he'd fall off the plastic chair. He stuttered and finally blurted out, "I didn't kill him but I think I know who did. Or I should say, it could be either Fran or Bonnie. Fran has severe mental problems. Her black outs have or have been known to be violent; as her mother has said to me. Bonnie and Brad were talking on the boat and I overheard them say it was about time to make the move they needed to secure the company. They left for the galley about then."

  Yes, I'm in deep trouble, but not so deep I'd kill to keep from going under. However, do what you have to do. My lawyer here says no jury would convict me."