"Now I remember," Erin said, "his name is Randy……..ah, yes, Randy Warren."
Rory was on the phone to North Bend with the name and approximate age. He saw Ben on another phone talking to someone. It wasn't a long conversation and Ben hung up shaking his head. Stacy was still talking to Erin when a call came in for Rory. Rory listened for a full five minutes and then said, "Fax that down here to Bandon. I'll get back to you in a short while."
With a nod from Rory, Stacy sent Erin on his way home with big thanks for the help. After he left Rory said, "This guy Randy Warren has all the makings of being our prime suspect. He was kicked out of the military being classified as mentally unstable. He attacked a female officer and almost raped her. She escaped and he claims no memory of the incident. He was evaluated and medically discharged in 2011. His home address was listed as Reedsport, Oregon. His physical description fits the perp very closely. It lists him as five foot eight inches tall and one hundred fifty pounds. Brown hair and brown eyes. A picture of him is on its way. Let's run him through DMV and see what happens."
-Four-
At noon Vicki woke up with a hangover. Like Stacy, Vicki seldom had any alcohol to drink. When the clouds in her head went away, she came back to earth knowing where she was and why. She staggered to the shower and a half an hour later called Stacy for a ride to the station.
When Stacy picked her up she said, "I don’t know what your father gave me, but it knocked me clean out. I hate him and love him at the same time. The hangover is not good, but the sleep I needed. What's up girl? Any hot news?"
"Yes, and no. We have a good lead on a person of interest. Do you recall a student a year behind us in school by the name of Randy Warren?"
"Nope. Doesn't ring a bell with me. But I do have a student named Randy, but can't remember his last name.
"What's he look like," asked Stacy as they pulled into the police station.
"Humm, not sure, but give me a little time to work out the mess inside my head and I'll tell you."
Rory and Ben were waiting as the rain began just inside the doorway. It was lunch time. Surprising, all were hungry including the chief. They, after a coin toss, settled on a deli in Old Town. Rory was rubbing his hands together in anticipation of a pile of German potato salad. Rory drove with the chief riding shotgun and the remaining three in the back. By the time they arrived at the deli a full blown fall storm was reminding the residents that they still lived on the Oregon coast.
Inside smelled like fresh baked bread with an onion undertone. Vicki seemed to have recovered and wanted to hear about the interview with Erin Wilson. She was trying to place Bert Roberts but came up empty. Ben was re-reading the file on Randy Warren. Stacy, on the other hand, was letting things develop. After lunch she was going to call the other two cheerleaders Carol Newman and Nancy Ropper. Carol lived in Reedsport and Nancy up in Eugene.
But now it was time to enjoy some fresh sourdough bread. She decided on albacore tuna. As much as she detested the over fishing of tuna, once in a while was justified. She also went with the German potato salad. Rory smiled when he saw that. Stacy poked him in the ribs with her elbow saying, "Just because I'm having German potato salad means we have similar taste Tall Man."
''I like wishful thinking Stacy. I'm keeping a close eye on you. I think this psychotic guy is going after the cheerleaders of Bandon circa 2007 or thereabouts. Guys like him are hard to catch. They make no friends and are loners for the most part." Everyone paid for their own as it was hard to wait for all to pass by one at a time. Rory moved off to join the others. His foot long sub was brimming with almost one of everything on it.
Later back at the office both Rory and Ben dug into the search for Randy Warren and Bert Roberts of Myrtle Point. Ben was working on Randy and having no luck. His last known address was Reedsport over two years ago. A state policeman checked on the address and no one had heard of him before. The DMV came up empty as well. No driver's license and no cars registered to him.
Rory was dogging Bert, who had a late model Honda, but no color was noted, but a license plate number was had. Rory called for a state wide APB. The inconvenience was nothing compared to murder.
Ben was delving into the military medical personnel who had specifically dealt with Randy Warren. It required some persuasion, but he finally located a doctor who had seen and treated Randy Warren. Dr. Snodgrass said, "Yes, detective I remember Randy Warren very clearly. It doesn't surprise me he's committed a crime. There wasn't a lot we could do for him. If he took his medicine he would be pretty much non violent. However, his meds were not cheap. Anyway, he talked a lot about Reedsport, Oregon his home town. He did mention a small town by the sea where he went to high school for a year. I've his record in front of me. He told me when he was in high school, his classmates in PI class made fun of him because he was small in all respects detective."
"Do you have his DNA on record Dr. Snodgrass," asked Ben.
"Yes we sure do. We started doing that many years ago about the time of the Gulf War. Give me your fax number and I'll send it right away."
"I realize patient confidentiality and such things, but can we get a copy of his file without a court order Doctor?"
"I'm afraid not detective. However, when you obtain an order I'll be prompt in sending the file."
Ben thanked him and hung up. By now he had everybody's full attention. He filled in all that was related to him and especially the DNA information. Stacy jumped on the phone and called Marsha to find out when she would send the DNA from the perp to the lab in Portland.
Dr. Stone said, "I'm just starting the autopsy now. Her parents are here and ID the body. I'll call you back in a few hours. Bye."
"She'll call us back later after the autopsy is performed. Carmen's parents are there as well as the boyfriend. I should be there, but I'm chicken I guess," said Stacy leaking a tear for Carmen.
Now it was waiting time. Stacy walked to the window to watch the storm beat the hell out of the surrounding plants. Vicki was nodding off in a chair with her head on the table. Rory was admiring the view from where he sat while Ben kept reading about Randy Warren.
It was hard to think about what a psychopath might do or where he might go after being discharged out of the service. One would think home would be the best place, but where was home for Randy? The high school was closed until Monday. The college was also closed until Monday. Frankly speaking, they three detectives were sitting there doing nothing much at all. Stacy in particular hated to waste any time. The school records would provide an address for Bandon during Randy's time at school. Unless he changed his name SWOCC should have a record of him if he was or had been a student.
While they waited a picture was faxed showing a somber looking Randy Warren in an army uniform. Stacy was looking at a stranger and after she woke up Vicki, she too had no idea who this guy was.
Marsha called and said, "Carmen was three months PG. She died at around midnight Friday night or Saturday morning. We have good samples for DNA and will put an express rush on the findings. She died quickly Stacy. The guy must have some long places where the skin is missing. She fought the bastard, but lost the fight."
Stacy relayed the news and Rory called the prosecutor for a court order to release the medical records from Randy Warren. After that, Rory and Ben went home. Stacy and Vicki went home as well. It was waiting time.
-Five-
Sunday was spent watching movies and listening to the storm showing off its power over man and his animate objects. The fireplace was percolating and a stew was simmering making the house smell good.
Stacy, early Sunday morning first called Carol Newman in Reedsport. She and Stacy we're friends but not as tight as she was to Vicki. In fact, Carol Newman, if a person looked closely, would see a perky nose slightly above horizontal. For some reason, she never let anyone get close to her. Where friends would hold hands and such things, Carol remained just a little distant. This wasn't to say she wasn't friendly and nice, quite the c
ontrary, she was very personable.
She and Stacy were friends on FB and kept in touch. Carol answered the phone rather sleepily. "Wake up girl," said Stacy. "You're late for church."
"Foreman you're a bitch, you know that don't you," said Carol in a friendly tone coming awake quickly."
"It takes one to know one Carol. On a serious subject, and this is no joke girl, Carmen was murdered early Saturday morning," she let that sink in. "She was staying the night at Vicki's. Vicki is fine and staying with me."
"Are you serious; of course you are detective Foreman? She and I were never close, but we got a long well enough. I heard she was going to get married to some nurse guy she worked with."
Yes, Cliff Riverside is his name; and Carmen was PG too. Now, listen up girl, it's entirely possible this wacko is targeting us former Bandon cheerleaders. In the last week prior to Friday night, Vicki was being stalked by some guy from her college to home in Bandon. She has night class on Tue and Thur. It shook her up pretty good. The only thing she identified was a late model silver car with the back license plate light off. Have you noticed anything like that lately?"
"No, but I don't pay much attention, but from now on I sure will. This is scary Stacy. My uncle is a policeman here in town. He'll keep an eye on me. What else do you suggest?"
"Don’t drive at night. Make sure someone is with you at all times. You're living in an apartment right?"
"Yeah, Mellisa Ford lives me. She works the same hours as I do. We have a dead bolt on the door."
"Does the name Randy Warren ring any bells in your empty head girl?"
"Nope, don't recognize the name."
"Here's a description: he's five eight and one hundred fifty pounds with short brown hair and same color eyes. Nerdy looking guy. Be aware and observant. I'll send you a picture of the guy via your smart phone," said Stacy.
Next she called Nancy up in Eugene. Nancy still lived at home with her parents. She was an only child and had a hard time cutting the umbilical cord. She worked for the phone company. Stacy caught her eating breakfast. Like with Carol she explained the situation as it stood at this time.
"Lord have mercy Stacy. You know I'm not a strong person and to think someone might stalk me is frightening. My father made me practice shooting at the pistol range and I carry pepper spray. What else do I need to do Stacy?"
"I'll send you a picture of a suspect we're looking at. But regardless, be aware at all times. Don't go out at night alone. If you have some vacation time coming, take a trip to Disney Land."
"I'll talk to my father. I make good money so maybe I'll hire some security to protect me."
"Good idea and have a nice day."
Rory came down a little after two pm. He was just in time for lunch. He brought some French bread with butter and garlic. He said at the door, "I guess with garlic breath I'm out of luck huh?"
"I don’t know, maybe by the time you leave it will be acceptable," she said coyly. "Come in and I'm sure my father would like some male voice for a change.
Rory saw Vicki watching TV with Ray. He followed Stacy into the kitchen. He said, "Smells good. There's nothing better than to walk into a house that has the good smells of homemade cooking."
"I agree Tall Man. How about a cup of coffee?"
"Sure, wouldn't say no to that idea. How's Vicki doing?"
"I'd say better than could be expected. There's nothing harder than losing a parent and sure, it's no picnic losing a friend, but after a parent, calluses are formed.
"I know someday I'll face that tragic time, but meanwhile, while we're young enjoy life," Rory said taking a hot cup of coffee from her in a mug. Stacy was having tea. She sat at the kitchen table and he followed suit. This would give both an opportunity to talk freely without others being around.
"I contact the other two cheerleaders this morning. They're being vigilant and on alert."
"We still haven't reached Bert Roberts and we've had an APB out for almost a full day. Before I came here I drove by his house in Myrtle Point and it looks closed up with nobody home for a long time."
"I hope we can locate both of them very soon. I've a bad feeling that something is going to happen soon. What's Ben doing today with his family?"
"It's storming so he said they'd stay home after church."
"The journalists have been ringing Vicki's phone asking for an interview. I told her to tell them we'd have a news briefing Monday from the station at five pm. Is that good for you?"
"I don't see why not. Ben is hot to get a court order on Randy's medical and we need to locate this Bert feller guy. I too have a bad feeling about this guy Bert rather than another homicide. I fear that too, but if they're careful, maybe we can get lucky."
A silence occurred for a few seconds and the next sound was Rory's phone going off. He listened while playing with his coffee cup. He said, "Where did you find it? I see. Well, impound it and have it gone over by the CSI team. Get back to me soonest you can."
Rory was in thought and Stacy waited patiently for him to speak. He looked at her and said, "Bert's car was found up at Winchester Bay. There was no sign of him. It's a silver Honda and they specifically looked to see if the license plate light worked and would you believe it, no light. Now what do you think about this new development."
"More details please," said Stacy.
"The car was sitting where charter fishing customers park. The windows were not full of spray indicating the car was probably parked there within the last twenty four hours. It's my guess he abandoned the car. Where Bert Roberts is remains to be seen."
"I or we need the yearbook from the office. Let me see who is patrolling right now." She thought for a few minutes and continued, "James is patrolling. Let me call him."
While she was making the call, they moved to the living room. Ray turned off the TV and Vicki perked up from the sofa. When she heard the name Bert Roberts, no idea or the name didn't bring back any memories of a classmate.
After giving Officer James the request to pick up the yearbook, Stacy asked Vicki, "Do you remember a student by the name of Bert Roberts in any of your classes?"
"I'm not sure—wait—Bert Roberts---no, I'm not sure. My brain is still fuddled; if that's a word. Maybe a picture will bring back the grey cells to the front of my brain."
"Fill me in on the discovery of the car, Stacy," asked Ray.
Stacy repeated what Rory had told her and he sat thinking for a while. Stacy was looking at him hard and both Foreham's were tuned in to each other. She thought, Winchester Bay would be a good place to steal a car from. With a storm howling nobody was going out fishing or anything like that. However, a nice hotel overlooked the stormy seas inviting tourists to stay for a weekend of storm watching.
Stacy reached for her phone to call Carol Newman. The phone rang and was reported by a recording that the customer was…………. and Stacy hung up. Rory saw the look in Stacy's eye meaning she was worried now. Stacy said, "Rory call the Reedsport police and have them go to the Umpqua Apartments number 202 and have them check on Carol Newman.
Rory went to the kitchen to make the call. The first call went to Reedsport police and the second to his office to have a patrol car check at the given apartment. Rory was beginning to have a funny feeling in his stomach. Stacy followed him to the kitchen with a look on her face that spoke volumes: fear.
She said, "Rory, let's hit the road. I know something bad has happened and we need to be on site soonest we can. Reedsport is more than an hour from here."
"Don't panic Stacy. Think the worst and hope for the best. You told me Carol was not stupid and should be able to recognize danger coming. However, let's go. A life is more important than a Sunday dinner."
Stacy hurried in to inform her father what was going on. He had a grim look on his face and then he said: "It's Sunday and this is God's day. Vicki and I will say a prayer for all of you."
Five minutes later they were in Rory's SUV speeding with flashing lights to Reedsport. Twenty minute
s later Rory's cell went off. He handed his phone to Stacy. She ID herself and listened. A few minutes went by and she said thanks and said to Rory, "Carol is fine, but shaken up. She was attacked but she fought him off. She screamed so loud it scared him. He wore a mask so she has no idea who it was. After he ran out the door, she hid in the bathroom. Let's use the siren if you think we can justify the emergency?"
"I think so, but we must be careful in Coos Bay/North Bend. Tighten your belt detective. Rory hit the siren and stuck his foot in the foot feed. Stacy relaxed knowing her friend was uninjured, but mentally scared for life.
Thirty minutes later they were in Reedsport. Rory had shut off the siren, but left the colored light flashing. When they pulled into the Umpqua Apartments, two state police and three Reedsport police cars were all flashing lights. An ambulance had arrived, but Carol refused treatment. Physically she was unharmed except for some bruising that was beginning to appear on her arms.
Stacy jumped out and ran up the stairs to the second floor. The door was blocked as an attempted rape and murder was suspected. A crime scene was set up. Stacy flashed her ID and was let in to find Carol on the cheap sofa pretending to be brave. When she saw Stacy she let the tears roll letting gravity do its job. Stacy sat down alongside her wrapping her arms around Carol. She noticed Carol had been wearing a long sleeve shirt and now one sleeve was missing. She said nothing as she let Carol let the emotions flow.
Stacy gently pushed her back and said, "Tell me about it and leave no detail out. Every single detail is important. Now buck up girl and tell me how you kicked this guys butt."
"It was about one-thirty. Mellisa was going to her parent's house for Sunday dinner. She asked me to go, but I wanted to kick back and take a rest. She left about two I think. She had no more gone out the door when I heard a tap-tap on the door. I'd locked up tight after she left. I assumed she forgot something so I unlocked the door and there stood a guy with a black ski mask on staring at me with really wild eyes. I tried shutting the door, but after a few minutes of struggling he gained entrance. I ran to the kitchen for a weapon. I know now that was a dumb thing to do. He caught me by the hair and pulled me down to the floor. Like we were trained, I swung around and used my legs to kick the hell out of him. I got him once in the groin. He moaned, but kept on looking for an opening. Finally he jumped on top of me while grabbing my shirt at the shoulder. I had one leg free and gave him a push then a kick sending him to the wall. I was screaming my lungs out. He gave me the finger and ran out the door. That's it Stacy.
Murder Mysteries # 2 Page 15
