Murder Mysteries

by Waggoner, Robert C.

  She looked the walls over seeing faded art work mostly religious in nature. She sat quietly and listened to the increasing rain falling on the roof and running down the gutters. It was time to leave and visit Robin again.

  Robin was happy to see her. It made her feel important and worthwhile. If asked, she'd answer, 'No I haven't been to church since Sunday'.

  Stacy refused any hot drinks. She asked, "Can you think about anybody else besides the pastor who might want Jonas out of the way?"

  "Golly sakes Stacy, I can't think of anyone who didn't like Jonas. The opposite is true of the pastor. I think we all realized the top was going to blow off the church sooner rather than later."

  "Did you know Jonas was dying of cancer," asked Stacy.

  A shocked look on her face answered the question. "No, really? I had, or, we had, no idea he was unwell. He seemed full of energy all the time."

  "What is your relationship to Hazel Alberts; are you friends?"

  "I'd say we're friends, but not close friends. Most of our chatting is done at church and once in awhile we run into each other at the supermarket."

  "Is there anyone else that you know of who might have been a victim of Pastor Arnold, be it boy or girl," asked Stacy.

  "I've given that a lot of thought Stacy. About a year ago, a family named Miles Trenton was strong church goers. They had two children around young teens or so. They were dirt poor, as we say. I heard they moved to Coquille quite suddenly. Several of us wondered why they up and moved out of town so quickly without a word to anyone. Felix thought the pastor had put his hands where they didn't belong to the girls of Miles and Carol."

  Stacy stayed awhile longer trying to develop a better picture of the church and its members. As she visited, not so far away, Pastor Arnold drove into church smiling a little bit. He felt better now that Leo was onboard to help him through this trying time. He parked and dashed, if a fat man can dash, into the church making a straight line to his office.

  Unknown to him, a car was sitting on the street idling with the wipers swishing back and forth. The occupant looked at his watch and would wait twenty minutes before making his move.

  At precisely 11 am on Thursday, a man first went to the tool shed, which was left open, took a rope off the wall. He then went to the back door and silently walked in and down the hall to Pastor Arnold's office. With the rope over his shoulder and a handgun in his right hand, he walked in the office. Arnold looked up seeing the gun and said, "Oh my god it's you."

  He said, "Yes, it's me. First, open up a document and I'll tell you what to type." He waited until Arnold was ready. "Now type, 'I'm sorry for all the past troubles I've caused. Pray for me' and make a copy and sign it." Arnold did as he was told.

  "Please don't hurt me. I'll leave town," he blubbered.

  "Come with me Arnold and bring that plastic visitors chair with you. It would be foolish of you to try anything stupid. Now pick up the chair and let's go to the bell tower rope area."

  "Look, I didn't murder Jonas and what are you going to do with me," said a blubbering Arnold.

  "Whether or not you killed Jonas is no concern of mine. What you've done to the church and its members is my concern. It's time to meet your maker pastor. So if you have prayers to say, best start saying right now."

  He followed the slow moving Arnold to the bell rope. He said, "Now sit down on the floor while I tend to some rope tying."

  Arnold did as he was told. Tears and begging for mercy touched stone cold ears and feelings. The man stood on the chair, tied the rope to the bell rope. He then made a noose. When Arnold saw the noose he was openly moaning.

  "Get up you fat bastard," the man said. "Stand on this chair and take it like a man. You've touched your last innocent child Arnold."

  Arnold crawled to the chair. The man had to help him up onto the chair. "Put the noose around your neck," said the man. "That's good Arnold. Now if you've any last prayers of forgiveness, speak now." He gave him one full minute and then kicked the chair out from under his feet. Arnold with his hands free, tried to pull himself up, but lifting close to three hundred pounds was impossible. He died while kicking his feet in the air.

  It was all over in a few minutes. The man watched until the last spasm occurred. He turned and went out the way he came. He looked at his watch as he started the car. It was 11:18 and time to go back to work. He drove off humming a nameless tune.

  -Nine-

  Stacy, meanwhile, went to Coquille to see about finding Miles Trenton. If the girls were teens then school would be the best place to find them and their home address.

  At the high school she found both girls after they were summoned to the office. Stacy asked if there was someplace quiet to talk. She was shown a conference room where teacher/parent met.

  Both girls were really shy. Betty was the older by a year than Linda. To Stacy they were both nice looking girls. She said, "Girls, we're investigating murder in Bandon. I promise to keep your statements confidential. Did Pastor Arnold ever touch you inappropriately when you were church members?"

  Both girls hung their heads for a moment and then Betty's chin came up and said, "Pa said we were to never talk about it to anyone. We kept it a secret for too long now. Both my sister and I were molested by Pastor Arnold. The worst part was when he took videos and still pictures of us. Please don't tell our parents."

  "Girls, I promise not to tell anyone outside of law enforcement officers. He'll be brought up on charges and put away for a long time. I thank you very much. Here's my card if you ever need someone to talk to, call me please," said Stacy.

  As soon as she got in her car, her cell rang. Rory said, "We're on our way Stacy with warrant in hand. However, lunch first?"

  "Okay,'' she said, "Let's change up and have some pizza. I'm in Coquille now and be back at the station in 30 minutes.

  Stacy called the station and asked Flo to order a giant pizza for all who were in the station. If giant wasn't enough, then make it two.

  On the way back, following the Coquille River on a twisty road, Stacy wondered what goes through a perverted mind such as Arnolds. Indeed she'd studied many cases of pedophiles and so on, but each time she thought about it, the blacker it became. It seemed like her mind went dark and she felt hate entering her being. Now with this very case in her back yard, it made her almost physically ill.

  However, by the time she dropped down the hill into Old Bandon and then up again to New Bandon, she felt much better. Actually she was very hungry for a change. She saw Rory's SUV parked in front and felt a twinge of happiness knowing he was there.

  When Stacy walked in the smell of pizza was enticing. A few of the resident officers were standing around wolfing down the pizza and all nodded their thanks; including Dan who had a bad case of the Stacy's on his mind. Stacy took a large slice and between bites told Ben and Rory the morning's events. Even though it hit close to home, the Betty and Linda story just confirmed their mission today.

  Rory was feeling confident and when he could spend every day with his crush, life couldn't get much better. In less than ten minutes the wonderful day crashed around all of them. Rory parked in front seeing the pastor's car in its usual place. The front door was closed but not locked. Rory led the way and no sooner did he enter than he sucked in a lung full of air seeing Pastor Arnold hanging from the bell tower rope.

  "What time is it," asked Ben.

  "It's 1:12 pm. I'd best call Marsha." He walked over and felt the arm that was hanging down. "He's still warm to the touch. This must have just happened. If we hadn't been eating pizza, he might still be alive," said Rory.

  "I'll call Dan and have him tape off the area again. Meanwhile, let's be careful where we walk. If it's suicide, then maybe there's a note in his office," said Stacy.

  Ben was looking hard at the rope and chair. The rope he remembered from the tool shed and the plastic chair from the pastor's office. Something was bothering Ben. The chair appeared too far from the feet. It looked like the chair h
ad been kicked out from under him rather than Arnold stepping off to the side. Of course, his heavy weight might have something to do with the chair being far off to one side.

  Rory went to the office after he called Marsha. He too wanted to see if a note was left for other's to read. He found Stacy pinching one corner of an A-4 paper reading the short script. Rory leaned over her shoulder and read the contents. He took his time as he loved the smell of her shampoo. Stacy wasn't born yesterday and smiled thinking he was getting away with a sniff of her being. "Well, what you think Rory, suicide or homicide."

  "Good question Stacy. This whole case seems rather bizarre to me. First we have a gardener hanging from the bell rope and now we have the church pastor hanging from the same rope. The gardener was dying from cancer and only had a short time to live. I'd think Jonas should have been the one to kill the pastor; not vice versa. How about you Sherlock Stacy?"

  "I'm not sure, but as each day passes, I don't think Arnold murdered Jonas. I'm not sure anyone killed him. Be that as it may, I've a PO Box for him and some letters from his daughter back in Chicago. Jonas had relatives that nobody knew of. While we're waiting for Marsha, I'm going to run down to the Post Office and see what mail Jonas received. Also a trip to the bank to see what his balance is. I'll be right back. Can I use your vehicle?"

  At the post office Stacy informed the Post Master her business. He was fully aware of the death and was going to call, he told her. He said, "Just a second officer and I'll get his mail. I've it sitting on my desk."

  Stacy saw the rain coming down with the wind picking up informing all residents another storm was upon them. The Post Master came back with a handful of letters. Stacy signed for the batch of letters leaving with a smile on her face. She sat the pile next to her leg and drove up to the bank.

  In no time she was looking at Jonas Fielder's balance of over a hundred thousand dollars. She sucked in a deep breath feeling very much surprised. However, once she thought about it, Jonas age 62, single, no house or car payments, could bank all or most of his salary. Well, his daughter will be surprised.

  Back to the church she went. Before getting out of Rory's SUV she tucked the pile of mail into her inside coat pocket. She'd look at them later, she thought as at the same time, Marsha and the crime scene team arrived.

  Of course word had leaked out, as neighbors saw flashing emergency lights, creating a handful of people with umbrellas staring at the church. Once again Officer Dan was on point keeping the curious away. Inside Marsha went about her job always being the consummate professional. Pictures were taken from every possible angle and then Arnold was cut down. Of course the rope tied to the bell rope was photographed closely to see what kind of knot was used. The noose end was left as later at the autopsy it would be removed.

  Stacy, Ben and Rory stood back and waited for a preliminary report from Marsha. There wasn't a lot to do for her so after taking Arnold's temperature she came over to the investigators. "Death occurred sometime after 11 am and before 12 noon. He died of asphyxiation for sure. All indicators prove that cause of death. I'll do the autopsy tomorrow. Oh by the way, the drug tox on Jonas Fielder was negative in all respects. His alcohol level was very high. So high most folks would have been passed out."

  "Thanks Marsha," Stacy said. "We found a note saying he was sorry and asked forgiveness in the office. It was signed by him."

  "Good luck guys see you tomorrow afternoon," said Marsha.

  It took five guys to lift the body onto the gurney. The black bag wouldn't zip up and stopped at his mountain of belly. A blanket was put over his upper body and then loaded into the van. By standers could very well tell by the size of the body coming out it was the pastor.

  Stacy and Rory went to the pastor's office. Ben went to the tool shed to see if any evidence was to be had. Stacy sat behind the desk and rifled through the paper work piece by piece. What she was looking for was something out of the ordinary paper work of a church pastor. Rory was leafing through some books on the shelf doing the same thing. They needed a clue to lead to the killer. Hopefully in the mess both on the desk top and inside the drawers, a piece of evidence might be forthcoming.

  For Stacy, the name Leo had stuck with her since Robin had mentioned it while listening to a phone conversation in the pastor office. That reminded her to check all the phone records of Arnold both here and at home. Then she remembered he had a wife. Someone had to inform the wife her husband was dead. She continued to sort paper after paper.

  She had cleaned out the center desk drawer and most clever folks, if they've something to hide, tape it to the bottom of the center desk drawer. Stacy, like a good detective turned the empty drawer over and bingo! There was an envelope taped to the bottom of the drawer. Rory came over and looked at the back of the envelope which told them nothing. They'd have to cut it loose and turn it over to see if any writing was on the front. Rory pulled out his pocket knife and handed it to Stacy. "Nice knife Rory. Wish I had one," said Stacy grinning.

  "I've had that ever since I was in Boy Scouts. It's sharp so be careful," said Rory wishing she'd cut herself so he could suck the finger. God he had it bad.

  The envelope cut loose Stacy using the tips of her fingernails turned it over. It was addressed to Arnold without a return address. With the knife and with a pencil being used by Rory they slide out a letter. Once it was open Stacy read it:

  Arnie, great job. Need more. Money is sent to your Bozeman account. Call me soon with a new batch of pics, Leo.

  "There it is again: Leo. We need to find this guy. He's in this child abuse thing up to his ears. It's time we called in the FBI Rory," said Stacy.

  "I agree, but now we must find a killer if we can. Arnold wasn't man enough to off himself. I think a parent is responsible for this man's death. However, the Jonas death remains a mystery."

  They gathered up what phone records that was available and left for the station. Ben stopped in and told them he would see the pastor's wife and break the news to her. After that he'd catch a ride with Officer Dan down to the station.

  At the station, Stacy removed her coat and the small stack of mail from her inside pocket. The first one she saw was addressed to Jonas in block letters with no return address. Strange she thought. She opened the letter and read it slowly:

  I write this letter to inform the reader of my last will and testament. I give all of my worldly belongings and monies to my daughter Silva Fielder of Chicago.

  I fear the cancer is running rampant and I've not long to live.

  Be that as it may, I think Pastor Arnold is scheming to find a way to remove me permanently.

  Jonas Fielder.

  "What do you make of that Rory," asked Stacy.

  "I'd say he was trying to blame Arnold for his death by suicide," said Rory with a smile.

  Stacy liked his take on the letter. She thought he was on a fast learning curve as of late. Also there had been very little sexist talk flowing out of his redneck mouth. She like that; and wanted more.

  "Well, we start all over again Stacy," said Rory as Ben walked in looking rather down. Of course telling a spouse your mate just died is not anyone's fun and games conversation. Rory asked, "Not good huh partner?"

  "No she took it hard. She thanked me and said she needed to lie down. I left promptly. I think someone needs to check on her very soon. She had that look in her eye that said: 'What do I have to live for now' kind of thing."

  "I'll drive by later when I see Hazel Alberts down town. Let's see what the gossip is around Old Town. After that I'll see if Hazel is available," said Stacy.

  "When you finish with those two, let's drive down to Port Orford and see the Wise family," said Rory. Ben, how about you—is Felix Weber and the bookkeeper on your list?"

  "Yes, I'd say all are suspects at this point in time. Also we need to interview Otis Longger as well," said Ben.

  "One final thing guys and that is the perp must have had a weapon; probably a hand gun, to force the pastor to the bell rope.
Let's ask each person that specific question," said Stacy.

  As Stacy drove off to see the pastor's wife, she thought that this would be a very long day. Oh well, I'm young, she mused as she stopped on the street in front of the small pastor residence.

  A knock on the door went unanswered. A louder knock went unanswered. Stacy tried the door and it was unlocked. She cautiously opened the door and gave a 'hello house' call. Nothing came back but an echo. Where is the housekeeper Stacy wondered. She realized that the wife was probably in the bedroom as usual. She gave another hello and no response. Stacy turned her nose as the smell of musty closed up quarters permeated the house. Secondary was the smell of medicine or was that her imagination.

  The door to the bedroom was open. The light was dim as the storm continued its relentless business. Stacy saw the form of a person laying in bed with the covers over it. Upon closer inspection, she saw first an empty pill bottle, a glass of water sitting on the night stand. Stacy spoke to her, but no answer came back. She reached out and felt her nick for a pulse, nothing, but the skin was still warm. She tired the wrist for a pulse and discovered nothing there either. Mrs. Pastor Arnold Westerfield was dead.

  When Stacy called it in, she looked at the pill bottle recognizing sleeping pills. Mrs. Westerfield was only 51 as it was later discovered. She'd been born back east of religious parents. Stacy didn't hang around long. Officer Dan came to watch over the place until the ambulance arrived. The ambulance would transport the body to Coos Bay. Bandon didn't have hospital, but did have an ambulance service.