Marshall Foreham
"Well – what do you think," asked Stacy.
"I like it," said Emma as she looked around seeing what the others would say.
Angie said, "Me too. I wonder what the professor might say?" Angie looked at the doorway seeing Sharon with an over six-foot man standing in behind her.
"Come in please. Better yet, as we've run out of room, let's use a bigger conference table. Follow Sharon please and we're right behind you," said Stacy as all stood slowly walking to the other room.
Each took a place that felt comfortable. Stacy waited until all had seated then she took a place so as not to denote her leadership as a Marshall. Professor Gethall looks at ease and poised to lend his expertise to the discussion upcoming. Stacy passed him her draft to look at while she said, "Professor I presume you've been privy to the publicized dialogue between the killer and myself."
"Yes I've read and listened to all on both the newspaper and TV. I'm following it very carefully. I've a feeling he's very close to our given area. This appears a fine opportunity for someone in my field to study all facets of the case. May I ask why you're taking the proposed direction I've read and now see in front of me?"
"Ever since the first e-mail I received I've been running by the seat of my pants." Emma and Angie broke up laughing completely breaking the tension. Ben just shook his head while Dan smiled thinking that statement came from a resident of Bandon by the Sea. The professor looked around the table just a little tiny bit bewildered. Later he would acknowledge where and why she voiced that description of how she viewed her approach to the case at hand. Stacy continued:
"It appears to me that this assassin is making a statement that he wants made public. For some reason he's severely irritated that workers with many years of service that have excellent benefits of retirement coming should retire. Apparently after a period of time, he chose to help them retire by assassinating. He also wants his work publicized to witness the results. Additionally he's pitted his intelligence against my success solving homicides. Would you care to comment on what I've said and what you've seen so far professor."
"Please call me Ron. After our introductions here I see all of you refer to each other by first names. Okay, I took a great interest in your publication of his profile. I presume Angie and other formed that profile. From what I read in front of me you are both challenging him and trying to accept the idea of receiving professional help. It's my opinion you're on the right track.
He's a bit educated from his writing so we can assume he'll see the hundreds if not thousands of elder workers retiring beginning after Christmas and especially after the New Year. It's entirely possible he'll stop his killing smiling inwardly that he did his job very well. However, if he is hooked or has become addicted to shooting humans, wow, what then is any body's guess.
Will he be willing to accept professional help? Humm – well – I think not. The reason is he would be opening himself up to criticism and ridicule. If he has a family, and I think he does, what will they do while he is in prison. How do they live on who's income. I guess you could provide assistance to sweeten the deal. Or relocate all to another state.
Lastly, like you I wonder if he'll kill again regardless of what transpires via the written word. I feel he'll sit back and gloat for some time to come. You all know it was over twenty years before they caught the Green River killer up in Washington."
Angie said, "It seems we are all of about the same idea that surrounds this case and what we might do in the future. I think we must be careful we don't piss him off and he runs out shooting a few more just to make a point. I think we ought to take an informal vote as to whether we should present an aggressive policy with the attachment of professional help."
"I'll stick my professional neck out and agree with Angie," said Ron. "I will add that you've some highly regarded government thinkers back east at your beckon call Stacy." He left that hanging as expected Stacy thought.
"What changes would you make Ron in the rough draft of this document," asked Stacy.
"Why tinker with it. Go publish it and let's see what happens. I think all that underlies this assassin, the written word here will not change his thinking to a great degree. If he was leaning to hang up his weapon then this will give him an excuse. If he feels the need to be emboldened with the written word, nothing we can do or say will change anything. In the final analysis, we're dealing with a warped mind that nobody can tell you the cause of causes of his motive to kill," said Ron.
"Many thanks for coming Ron. I feel much better having had all of you here to discuss a terrifying experience that is, most likely, a long ways from being over." The meeting broke up with Stacy returning to her office to send a copy to Connie for her perusal. She would follow that up by a phone call. Meanwhile, she called up Cathy to see if dinner could be arranged before she left for Bandon.
"Hey what you doing Cathy. It seems like so much has happened that the holidays are going right by me."
"I knew you'd call. Marsha and I want to have dinner with you tonight. Times short for sure. If you've time let's do it."
Laughing Stacy said, "That's why I called. I'm going down to Bandon as my father is back in town. I'm so happy to see him again. What time you want to meet?"
"Let's do it early if you can so I can relieve my poor mother babysitting. Marsha and I were thinking going back to that Mexican restaurant for a tasty margarita."
"I can most anytime now. I have to call Connie and I'm free. It's after four now so I'll have Dan drop me off at your office around close to five."
"Sounds good Stacy. Everybody is leaving early here so no big deal if we clear out before closing time."
With the arrival of three strawberry margaritas' the first order of business was how Cathy and Marsha's relationships were progressing. Cathy said, "The kids are warming to him. For me it's not fireworks, but I still feel a little lusty and in return he pleases me no end. I'm still holding my breath a little. Let's see what happens after the New Year and into the spring."
"I don't know how to comment Cathy. I just want you to be happy and your kids growing up warm and comfortable with a family around. And now what about you Marsha?"
"Winter school vacation is super nice. We've been spending a lot of time and evenings discussing many things. I revealed to him that I used to paint and he was shocked at first. Then came clean saying he had studio at home of his own. We've some plans on outing this spring for landscape painting. I feel good girls."
"Well, that leaves me out, but I'm okay with that. I could do a weekend of sex with Rory, but he's busy with his new friend. I'm not a one night stand girl, but lately I feel the need of some loving," she said blushing as their dinner arrived.
After dinner, hugs of friendship given, they went home. Stacy had called a taxi and felt a little lonely going home to an empty house. While ridding home her cell went off. "Well Tall Man Merry Christmas."
"You too and I was wondering what your plans were over the holidays."
"My father and Fran came back from the Southwest bored with the sunshine. They are back in Bandon and I'm leaving in the morning for a few days vacation. How about you?"
"I should say nothing surprises me but Candy up and left me this morning. She told me she couldn't live with me having another woman in my life. I was shocked and told her she was the only woman in my life. Then she told me I talk in my sleep about you. I laughed and said you threw me over for your career. She said, maybe so but if I was thinking about Stacy while making love, she resented that idea. Anyway, never mind. I'm having Christmas with my folks."
"I'm sorry Tall Man. I know it's a long drive, but you could either drive down or fly down to Bandon for a day or so. I'd like that if you can swing it."
Rory wasn't stupid and he caught the unspoken words very clearly. He said, "I'll drive as it's almost as fast as flying. I'll leave before daylight Christmas morning. My mother might not be too happy, but such is life. See you before noon Christmas
Super."
"Take a hot shower, run for an hour, drink a glass of milk, warm and not hot. Go to bed and have some sweet dreams. Good night as I'm in front of my house with the meter running on the taxi."
-18-
Stacy called her father and told him she would be there the following afternoon. She did not mention Rory coming, but that was no big deal. With a bit of reluctance she checked her mail finding nothing there except a message from Connie. She said to have a nice holiday and they would talk after Christmas.
Early the next morning she was working out knowing that she would be absent for a few days or more from the health club. Stacy was wary of developing a relationship with the manager Pete Poncy. He seemed nice and friendly, but on occasion had a wanting in his eye when he saw her. The person she really did not care for was the clean up dude, Rodger Sparks. He made no bones when looking at her. Unlike some of the other females, Stacy wore only loose fitting attire rather than skintight stretch gym wear. For the most part she just went about her routine quickly went home to shower.
However, this morning Pete had a nice smile and wished her a happy holiday season. Stacy returned the greeting with smiles on both faces. On this particular morning not many were working out as Christmas was just around the corner. A half hour later, sweating, with Rodger Sparks leaning on his broom drooling while watching her work out, she finished leaving in a hurry.
Dan arrived as she skipped on down her stairs to the parking lot. He had a nice smile with a morning greeting. "You seem on the bubble," said Stacy fastening her seat belt.
"I think we've got the two mothers coordinated for the holidays. Both think their the backbone of the family. Especially Em's mother knowing she's about to become a grandmother. I had some work ahead of me -- I'll tell you Stacy. Em was great and backed me to the hilt. Parents forget that we are grown up and lead our own lives. Well, with a little tact – I wished – I told each our schedule. Tact is not among my make up but I got my point across," he said pulling into the underground parking at their office.
Sharon was at her desk with a Santa hat on looking very nice. Emma was in the back with the callers. Stacy wanted to review the results before leaving for the coast. Stacy was in the kitchen when she heard a familiar voice out front. She smiled and after pouring her mug of tea, looked up into the wanting eyes of Rory Caltex. "Surprise and hope you won't throw me out on my ear. I brought a basket load of stuff for breakfast. Am I welcome or should I go to a corner and pout?"
Laughing she replied, "Tall Man you always surprise me and this is a nice surprise. I'm famished and I'm sure the rest are too."
Sharon took the basket, plates and drinks into the big conference room where the callers were preparing a round of canvassing used car lots. As all the callers were young women, Stacy noticed half stood or sat there with mouths open staring at the tall good-looking man with a gleaming smile. Sharon was included in the mix. After introducing Rory they went to her office for a call to Connie after Emma brought in any leads on vans. "I don't see many hits Em. So far we've, according to your figures, covered about half the car lots. We'll let go till noon and then send the girls home for the holidays."
"Sounds good. I think we'll strike gold after the holidays. Excuse me as I need to set up our answering service for a few days during our absence."
Rory was still munching away at the round table as Stacy rang up Connie. "Connie, we've nothing to report at this time. When I come back we'll publish the document we sent you unless you have any corrections or additions to it."
"Not right now Stacy. Let's chat in a few days after Christmas. I hope the assassin remains silent and doesn't stir. The reports coming in say Oregon had been hit hard by a downturn in Christmas sales. However, the major stores say all is as it should be with valet parking and other measures to insure public safety. Anyway, have a nice holiday Stacy."
Stacy sat back and looked Rory who had finished by almost licking the plate. He looked up and smiled. She shook her head as his smile would melt ice in Siberia. "Well, Tall Man what's your plan, as if I didn't know?"
"If you know my plan or wish, then what's your answer or thoughts?"
"Where will we stay when we get there; is the question. I'm not sure about dad and Fran having us sleeping together in the same bed in their house. Any ideas?"
"How about a motel, or is that not a good idea?"
"Let me think about it for awhile. They have the motor home sitting outside and we might use it to shack up in. Oh, by the way, your new friend pulls stakes and leaves you high and dry, and then you ring up an old flame hoping for what – a little sympathy or lovin?"
Rory was taken aback at first. Then he realized she was making jest of him. He replied, "You got me there. I could have tucked my tail and went to my parents and cried on my mother's shoulder. She'd pat my back and whisper sweet things into my ear saying how ungrateful she was. Frankly speaking I took a big chance showing up on your doorstep with my hat in hand. Now wait – I know this is not a beginning or a continuation of what is clearly past, but if it can be enjoyable for a while then Merry Christmas."
"Let's go my place and I'll pack a few things. Go say good bye to Dan and staff while I make a personal call that is not for your ears." He quickly stood and left the office. Stacy dialed up Cathy.
She answered in a heartbeat. "I knew it was you before it rang. What's up Stacy?"
"Guess who walked into my office this morning?"
"You're kidding me. What happened to the freckle chest that he fell in love with?"
"She got tired of his talking in his sleep about me. I don't blame her at all. If a man friend did that to me or I should say, I heard him calling out for an old girl friend, bye bye buddy boy."
"So I presume he's going with you to Bandon?"
"Yes, and if I'm being a little selfish that's just too bad. I need a man right now and he's as good as any."
"Marsha is busy right now but I'll tell her later. Have a good time and we'll see you on the backside of Christmas," said a happy Cathy.
Bags packed and loaded for the trip, off they went south on I-5 to Roseburg where they'd take old highway 42 to the coast. Stacy was tired of the cut off through Drain down to Reedsport and then on to Coos Bay. She was looking for a change of pace and even though the road was familiar to her, she'd not been over it for a long while. Besides, as Rory mentioned, "I know a good restaurant for lunch in Roseburg." Stacy rolled her eyes remembering his love of food.
It was just after 3 pm when they arrived in a drizzling rain in Bandon. The weather made Stacy feel right at home. Looking out the window nothing had changed and when the next time came, no changes would be seen then either. Turning down her street she saw some smoke coming out of her father's wood shop. Stopping in front of the roll up door a new addition had been added to the opposite side of the shop from the house. A large carport or RV port held their motor home. Stacy jumped out as he father rounded the corner next to the house coming out to see who drove up. Stacy jumped into his arms noting he still had strength in his arms. After a few seconds they broke apart both a little teary eyed. Ray stuck his hand out to greet Rory.
"Merry Christmas Chief," said Rory. "Nice to see you back in God's country. Those folks in the south are crying for this weather, but they're so stubborn they'll never leave."
"They can have all the tumbleweeds and cactus for all that I care. I'll gladly suffer the pain of arthritis rather than sitting in an a/c motor home wondering what to do next."
"Dad I need the girls room so I'll meet you back in your shop. Is Fran here?"
"Yup as usual she's in the kitchen preparing some dinner for us tonight. I've some orders for the New Year I'll show you when you return."
Stacy hurried to the kitchen and found Fran bending over the oven placing, what looked like spare ribs into oven. She looked up and smiled saying, "Hello Stacy. You're looking well. Your father is so happy you're here and so am I. When he's happy, I'm happy. I thought I heard another male voice
. Are you with someone?"
"Yes, he's an old friend and my colleague and counterpart in Portland. He's Rory Caltex. We've worked together since I came back from school. He was a detective for the state police, but now he works for the feds like me. Our relationship has been on and off mostly due to my lack of time to carry on a relationship with a male friend. Be careful Fran he'll eat you out of all prepared food as he has a bottomless stomach. He's out in the shop with father. I need to use the bathroom so I'll be right back."
Fran went back to preparing dinner. She thought that she'd best make a few extra spuds and gravy for a growing boy. She knew Stacy loved salads so she'd had plenty of greens for her.
Coming back she said, "Fran I'm going to pop out and see dad. I'll be back to help a little later. I'm sorry to run off but I really do miss him."
"Go girl. I'm fine and used to doing this. I'll pop these spuds into the oven and join you in a while."
As Stacy entered the wood shop Rory and her father were looking at a drawing of a myrtle wood table a customer wanted built. Father was saying, "This will not be an easy job Rory. The four legs will not match as you know myrtle wood is a twisty wood. But I think I can make it look good. I'll use maple wood for the top. Ah, her she is. I've got a hard project here Stacy, but I love a challenge." Father sat down on the work table as Stacy walked around familiarizing herself from days gone by. Father continued saying, "It was a bit of a surprise that Rory came, but we're happy he's here. How about you guys staying in the motor home? Our guest bedroom is full of pottery and junk Fran brought back from Indian country. Besides it will give you some privacy." Father looked at his daughter for agreement and grinned when he saw her nod yes.
"Dad it's still a little early and I need to run to the store. Rory and I'll be back in an hour or so. Rory you can drive me please."
In the car driving Stacy told him where to go as they needed to find some Christmas gifts for Fran and father. Also she wanted to make sure they had a new mattress pad on the bed. They found a gift shop for the presents. At a small variety store they picked up the necessary bedding and some special soap. On the way back they stopped at the supermarket for some items for tomorrow at the restaurant. "Tall Man we have to work tomorrow at the restaurant where father and Fran are providing Christmas dinner for some special customers. I need some gloves for washing dishes and an apron that doesn't make me look like a senior or an old lady. You might see if they have an apron that works for you. Let's see if we can find what you need."
Murder Mysteries #5 Page 20
