Murder Mysteries #3

by Waggoner, Robert C.

  Stacy almost laughed, but said, "Let's let the case against you rest for a few hours. I'll discuss it with the prosecutor who is outside as we speak. You can go home now Mr. Brown, but don't do anything foolish."

  ~~~

  Rory was up against one smart lady, he thought, as he had just finished reading Bonnie Igeres her rights. With her was a nattily dressed lawyer from one of the better law firms of Oregon. Bonnie herself was nicely dressed, but a little conservative for her age. She was, in Rory's mind very qualified for the job of running the company.

  Rory first asked, "Ms. Igeres, when the captain of the fishing boat, Lois, gave off a scream of astonishment seeing a body with a knife sticking out of its chest, you came in but Lois told us you didn't seem surprised or shocked at all. Why was that?"

  "Each of us detective shows emotions in their own way. I know this sounds crass, but it really didn't surprise me someone killed him. In this day and age, murder seems to be in vogue. My father literally has no friends; only enemies. I guess I'm similar as I've no friends outside of my husband."

  "From our standpoint, Ms. Igeres, you stand the most to gain from his death. Therefore, as evidence by you and your husband sitting in the galley next to the sleeping quarters, gives you plenty of opportunity and with the results of his death, motive. With those two substantial things we're seriously considering filling murder charges against you and your husband as an accessory. Tell me why we shouldn't change you Ms. Igeres."

  The lawyer said, "Please excuse us for a moment detective. I need to discuss a few things with my client."

  "I'll step out, but have to leave an officer here with you. I'll return in five minutes with the prosecutor." Rory left the interrogation room with a small smile. He went to the restroom and returned after a cold drink of water.

  Back inside, after sitting down, the lawyer said, "I'm speaking for my client detective. She wants to add a few snatches of conversation she overheard on the boat. After that, it will be up to you to either charge her or let her go."

  Bonnie said, "I overheard Fran and Rufus talking about what a delight it would be for the Old Man to never open his eyes again. I couldn't hear what Fran said, but Rufus I heard plainly say, 'Now would be a good time to do it Fran dear' and for the first time in my memory, I heard her laugh and saw her nod her head in the affirmative. Now detective, either charge me or let me go."

  Rory contemplated the situation while locking onto her steel grey eyes. He never looked down and said, "Under the circumstances, with the new testimony you just gave me, and because you're not a risk to us for flight, you are free to go." Rory stood up and watched them leave. He asked the officer to bring in Brad Igeres please.

  Brad came in looking a bit older than the last time Rory saw him. He also seemed a little stressed for a usually calm and collected Brad Igeres. It was evident by the more pronounced lines around his eyes and mouth. Rory decided to treat him like a prime suspect. The same lawyer was with him as with his wife. Rory read him his rights and afterwards said:

  "Is it correct Mr. Igeres that you and your wife were sitting in the galley when the captain came in to ask Lane Axle if he wanted to fish for salmon?"

  "Yes, that is correct."

  "After she went in and saw the body with a knife in its chest she screamed. Your wife came in to see what the fuss was about, but you, Mr. Igeres never came in or moved. I find that rather puzzling that you didn't go see what the scream was about. Why didn't you follow your wife into the sleeping quarters' or did you already know what lie in there." asked Rory.

  Brad looked at the lawyer and then back to Rory. "My first thought was the old guy had had a heart attack. I'm not an ambulance chaser detective. I could easily wait for a report from my wife. I see where this hasn't any relevance germane to the death of our CEO."

  "I'm not here to argue with you Mr. Igeres, but let's let a grand jury decide whether or not it's germane." said Rory.

  "Yes, it may come to that detective. Regardless, we need to put this whole thing to bed and the sooner the better. I for one, and my wife for two, think it was a female who did the murder. We heard snatches of conversation from Rufus and Fran, but nothing that we could swear to as a direct statement that they were going to kill the old guy. It all maybe a moot point as our bankers and lawyers are fighting hard to keep our company solvent. Risk is not in the vocabulary of bankers these days."

  "Mr. Igeres, now is the time to come clean and if you know or if you had a part in the demise of Lane Axle, you could make deal with the prosecutor who is outside this room just waiting to talk to you. What say you about that idea," asked Rory.

  Brad cocked his head and listened to the lawyer whisper into his ear. A long thirty seconds later Brad said, "I'll take my chances with a jury. You can charge me or let me go," said an angry Brad.

  "No charges for now. Like your wife, we feel no risk of flight," said Rory standing up noting the interrogation was over.

  ~~~

  Next to Rory's room was Ben who had Joy Farmer on the hot seat. She was alone not sporting an attorney like the Igeres' were. Ben read her the rights and she nodded and said for the record, "I understand my rights."

  Ben asked, "We examined your financial records Ms. Farmer and if the company failed, you'd be in some major difficulty. Therefore, with the past history of Lane Axle's sexual harassment against you and the financial personal crisis you face, we feel that we may file murder charges against you. Tell me why we shouldn't file charges?"

  "That's a good question Detective. I almost wish now I'd killed the bastard. Yes, I'm in deep financial trouble as you say. If the company returns to viability, then I can refinance and continue my worthless life. For three years I've fought off his advances. Fran has had it worse than I. I'd look harder in that direction if I were you detective. Also daughter and husband team are two faced power hungry brokers. However, with those two at the helm, I can live with that arrangement. I can't point a finger detective and say he or she did it; or they did it, but I know I didn't do it."

  "Let's look at what, if anything, you over heard on the boat fishing that day that could enlighten me to a clue of sorts," said Ben.

  "Rufus has a rather deep voice and I did hear him speaking with Fran about wouldn't it be nice to have the old guy out of the way. I couldn't hear Fran as the noise of the boat motor interfered. I also saw in the galley Brad and Bonnie pointing to the forward buck area. That's about it detective."

  "Don't leave town, as the saying goes. We'll let the prosecutor decide what to do next. For the time being, you're free to go," said Ben standing up admiring what a fine looking woman she was.

  A Pow Wow

  After all the suspects had left, the three detectives and the prosecutor met for a round table talk. All sat quietly listening to the recorded interrogations. When all interrogations were heard, they took a break to think about what they'd heard. Rory was hungry as usual. Snacks were had from the food vending machines. Nothing was very tasty, but it would tide them over until dinner time. After a break they went back to discuss the interviews.

  The prosecutor said, "We've a possible case against four. Those four are Rufus Brown and Fran Whitmore and the husband and wife team of Brad and Bonnie Igeres. Joe Farmer is removed from the list at this time. Let's take Fran Whitmore for starters.

  She's obviously affected by some mental trauma brought on by her position as secretary to an evil sex predator. Her black outs are easily explained, but don't reveal if in fact she murdered the victim. Indeed we need to have her evaluated and we can do that at State expense. If we're to charge Fran and Rufus it would be her for doing the actual killing and him as an accessory.

  The victim's daughter and her husband are side by side with Fran and Rufus. They are both very close to being charged with murder. A grand jury is required in their case. Okay, for the time being, let me take our recordings and meet with my staff and higher ups. I'll get back to very soon. In the meantime, keep an eye on the status of the company which
in turn will reveal movements of the daughter and her husband.

  I'll have a schedule for Fran Whitmore by 10 am tomorrow. I'll call the captain with the time and place. Let's call it a day detectives," said Riley Softwood.

  After a short meeting with Captain Sidney, the three detectives went to dinner. All three were mostly talked out and tired from the stress of the day. However, after half way through dinner, the food revived them. Rory said, "I still like the daughter/husband team for the murder."

  "I really don't know Tall Man," said Stacy as she savored the tasty cob salad. Ben had no comment. His steak sandwich was almost gone when Rory flagged the waitress for a cake dessert. Stacy had some ice cream as well as Ben. Afterwards, Ben went swimming and as Stacy begged off company, Rory followed Ben.

  Inside her motel room, she turned on the a/c to high as the room was quite stuff. Stacy had almost forgotten she'd emailed back east and the Portland Marshalls office. But she took a refreshing shower first. After turning down the a/c she booted her laptop. Sure enough, there were two emails. The first was from Connie back east. It said:

  Dear Stacy,

  I was happy to hear from you. I'm also happy you decided to join our team of US Marshals. I'm sure we can accommodate your requests concerning our new Eugene office.

  I'll fly out in August to meet with our Oregon staff. We've a lot of work setting up a new office, but with you being our center piece, it will make the job a little easier.

  I talked to Jake Holden and he assured me that in no way would he interfere in the Eugene operation. You'll be the head person in the Eugene office. It will be up to you to hire your staff. Details will be given when I arrive.

  So, for now, welcome aboard. Any questions don't hesitate to email me.

  Regards,

  Connie.

  Stacy sat back in the unforgiving wooden chair and gave the whole thing her thoughts. Her first thoughts were Rory and how he would adjust and or react to the new future. After she thought about it for just a short time, she decided that he'd just have to adjust or be left in the dust. She giggled with the sounds of rhyme in her unspoken words.

  This is a major undertaking that would require all of her attention for months to come. She considered his reaction to her rejection, in his mind, but in not hers, for the distance between them, both physically and mentally. A knock on the door startled her. A peep saw a pineapple Hawaiian shirt collar high and realized it was her Tall Man. She opened the door and went back to her hard chair. Rory followed her in and sat on the bed looking like a little kid who'd done some mischief somewhere. Stacy looked at him and said:

  "Tall Man why are you moping around lately?"

  "I feel like I'm losing you, but I know it's not another person," he said.

  "I've decided to take the offer with the US Marshal program. We'll have an office in Eugene. The boss lady Connie is coming out in August to sort things out. Nothing has changed between us Rory. This is a major undertaking for me career wise. I hope I'm making the right decision. Anyway, now that dad and Fran is a couple, he needs the space as well. So stop worrying. You must have known this was going to come up in the future. Let's hear what you have to say."

  "I don't know what to say Stacy. I just know how much I love you and always will. Ben says sit back and let it develop. I guess I'm like the hungry bird who takes what crumbs come his way. If we have a free weekend, then I'd like us to spend the time together. If there's a major crime in my/our area, then we continue to work together. How's that sound to you?"

  "Not bad Tall Man. Now that conversation is out of the way, how about we get naked and bruise some lips," she said coyly.

  The Cats Out of the Bag

  The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, they went to the State Police Station. Stacy had made up her mind to call the prosecutor, Riley Softwood, and tell him who she thought murdered Lane Axle. After sleeping on it and then discounting one by one all the fishing party, it came down to Fran as the perp and Rufus as the whisper in her ear to do the deed.

  Both Rory and Ben listened while she talked to Riley. Both knew that if she came forward and ID the guilty party, then it was a done deal. After hanging up she said, "I'll go with Fran to the mental hospital down in Salem. I suggest we pack our stuff and go to the State Hospital. I'll ride with her in a state car. First we'll go to her house and pack some toilet articles and under clothes. After that we head south."

  Stacy rode with a state driver to Extell's place of business. Stacy told the driver to wait for her as she went inside to talk to Fran. The receptionist told Stacy where she could find Fran Whitmore. She took the elevator to the fourth floor and found Fran at her desk. She looked up and smiled when she say Stacy.

  Stacy smiled back and said, "Fran can we go someplace and talk. I'm sure you must have a break room where we can sit and chat a bit."

  "Sure follow me. There's not much going on anyway. I'll have the receptionist field the calls. Just a minute please.

  After that Stac followed her down the hallway to a small break room. Fran asked what Stacy would like and told her some juice or tea would be good. Fran opened the small refer and gave her some bottled OJ. Fran had the same. After she sat down, Stacy said: "Fran, first let me say that I'll go with you and now I'll tell you where we're going. The State of Oregon has a hospital in Salem. We'll go there today and have you evaluated to determine what is causing those black outs. Don't be scared as I'll stay with you while they see what is causing the times that you can't remember things. After we drink our juice, I'll inform Bonnie we're leaving and that you'll be gone awhile. After that we'll go to your home for you to pack some things for a few days stay in Salem. Are you with me on all of this Fran?"

  Fran had been looking directly at Stacy with eyes of hope and friendship. She said, "If you say I must then I must follow what you say. I'm ready to leave whenever you say the word. My mother will be upset, but that can't be helped."

  Twenty minutes later they were on the way to Fran's house to pick up some needed items for an extended stay. Needless to say, Fran's mother was none too happy about being left alone. However, that was inevitable regardless of the present situation. Twenty minutes later they were on the road to Salem.

  The two women sat in the back talking. Fran asked, "I'm a little scared Stacy, but I do so want to discover the truth and maybe I can eventually get my life back."

  "I hope so too," said Stacy. "Fran, did Rufus at any time want you to perform some violence on your boss Lane?"

  "I'm not sure if he directly said for me to do this or that, but he always said if something I did do to the man, he'd support me 100 %. He's a good friend Stacy. Without him I think I'd have killed myself a long time ago."

  "Tell me again what you remember that day on the boat. Go back just before lunch time when you and Rufus were at the back of the boat talking."

  "I remember him saying, or what I thought was joking, that now would be good time to have the old man die of a heart attack. I agreed with him. Then I remember him saying that the old man was alone in the crew's quarters sleeping. He said that now is the opportunity to make the old bastard pay with his life. He went on to say that near the door of the cabin was a rack of fish fillet knives that someone could easily take one and plunge it into the perverts heart. You know, I felt somewhat encouraged to follow what he suggested. That's the last I remember until after lunch time."

  "Well Fran, let's look ahead and think good positive things. Just relax when you see the doctor. He or she will probably hypnotize you to remember the blank times of your past. This stay at the hospital will likely take a long time to make you well again Fran. I can't stay for long, but I'll see to it that if can have a cell phone, we can talk on the phone once in awhile," said Stacy with complete sincerest. This was not just lip service, no, quite the contrary, it was from the heart that Stacy wanted to see Fran Whitmore mentally healthy again.

  The Hospital

  The staff was alerted and without any preamble Fran was ins
talled into her room with one other roommate. Stacy helped her unpack and hung around while they went on a tour. Two hours later Rory picked her up and they went to a motel. Ben caught a ride with a patrolman to Coos Bay and on home.

  Fran had her first session in the afternoon and then again the next morning. Stacy was present outside the doctor's office waiting. Two hours later the door opened and smiling Fran stepped out followed by the doctor. She said:

  "Stacy, I feel so much better. The doctor is so kind and seems to help a lot. I give you permission doctor to tell my friend Stacy any details she would ask you."

  "The doctor, a middle aged female with a pleasant appearance smiled at Stacy asking her to come in. An attendant took Fran away to have refreshment. Stacy sat down with the doctor in her place behind her desk. She said, "You want to know if she killed her boss. I can tell you that she did in fact kill him. She confessed under hypnosis. She has no recollection of it and she was encouraged by a Rufus Brown."

  "Is there hope doctor?"

  "Always there's hope detective. In her case, I'd say a few years of good therapy and group interaction will see her back at a work place." Stacy gave her a phone number where she could be reached.

  "Please call and update me periodically," said a standing ready to take her leave Stacy Foreham.

  Rory was waiting for her in the foray area of the hospital. He stood up after seeing her coming. They went out the door into the blistering heat of the late morning in Salem. She said to Rory, "Case closed Tall Man, let's go where it's cooler."

  Afterwards