"Thank you for being here. First let me shock you by saying a past student, Bert Roberts of Myrtle Point was murdered a few days ago. We, upon investigation, discovered his body this morning. It appears that the same modes' was used as with Carmen. Therefore, we believe it to be the same killer.
A person of interest on our list is Randy Warren who was a student here back in 2007 as a junior. We're looking for similar physical characteristics of like students who might be related to his social level. The person we believe who committed the murder is five-seven and one hundred fifty pounds with short brown hair and eyes the same color.
On Sunday, another shocker coming, Carol Newman was attacked in her apartment in Reedsport. She fought the perp off and he ran away. She confirmed the physical description, but in this case, he wore a ski mask.
Okay, we are thinking that the killer is preying on the five cheerleaders of my senior class. Carmen, Vicki, Carol and I are four with Nancy Ropper being the fifth. Nancy lives in Eugene. She currently has a security guard with her.
Our sketchy information is that the killer most likely was in the pep club and had a secret longing for us cheerleaders. Our perp would not be noticed in a crowd. He'd be quiet and unassuming. It's possible that a few of these, forgive me, nobodies, hung around together. We're looking for help in going through the year books and if there was a pep club list that would help a lot.
I can tell you that Randy Warren left here as a junior and entered the army after he turned eighteen. He was medically discharged a few years ago. He was diagnosed with severe mental problems. The last we know of he landed in Portland airport and disappeared thereafter. That's all I've to say for now."
Stacy sat down and the principal, Rob Lewis said, "Let's let the staff that wasn't here in 2007 go home. Others put your heads together and our librarian will get the year books. I'm not sure about the pep club. Can anybody here enlighten me?"
"I was the staff pep club officer for that year. I've a list in my computer. Give me a few minutes and I'll be right back," said Mrs. Violet Waters.
While she was gone, the old staff talked back and forth. Stacy and Vicki sat there patiently waiting for a bit of news to come forth.
Mrs. Waters came back in and made some copies of the list. After she passed the list around she said, "I remember Randy and Bert very well. There were four of them that seemed to be a club of sorts amongst themselves. Yes, I noticed they were or had eyes for our short skirted cheerleaders. The other two, let me see here, ah, yes, Stanly Rovers and Felix Townsend. I'm at a loss as to what happened to those two students. Wait! One more who seemed with the others: Erin Wilson. He is a waiter at the Golden Eagle."
"Stacy and Vicki, I heard rumors that those five names mentioned met secretly to talk about some weird cult stuff. All that new about it discounted any idea it was threatening," said Mr. Wilbur a history teacher.
Both Stacy and Vicki stood up with Stacy saying, "We want to thank you all for you much needed help. I can't say how, but from what you related to me today has a big impact on the case."
At the station Stacy related what had transpired at the high school. Even though Bert Roberts was dead, the list had five remaining. The surprise was Erin Wilson whose car, most likely, was the old one seen at Bert Roberts house in Myrtle Point. Another interview was needed to clear a few things up. "We need to interview Erin's girl friend. I'll do that in a quiet non threatening setting," Stacy said.
"Let me see what those two names, Stanley Rovers and Felix Townsend tell us," said Ben. While he was saying that, a call came in for Rory. Rory moved off to listen.
When he came back he said, with eyes shining, "My office called and our computer tech said we need to come to North Bend and see what is on Bert Roberts's computer. He said, 'It will really open your eyes up."'
"Well, what are we waiting for," said Stacy. "Vicki, you can come with me or stay here with father. It's up to you."
Vicki looked at Stacy and saw the look in her eye. "I'm with you Stac. Too many suspects for my liking. I'll stick with the police. Besides I'm curious to see what he had on the computer."
"Excuse me," said Flo at the doorway, "here's a fax for Ben.
All stood up to leave as Ben looked over the document quickly. "It appears we have three other rape/murders with the same modus operidi across the state. There's once each in Eugene, Sweet Home and Roseburg. All within about two and half hours from here. In my mind we're looking at a serial killer."
Stacy was quiet all the way to North Bend thinking about the ramifications of a serial killer. The FBI usually stepped in to muddy the waters. But before that happened, maybe, if they were lucky, could solve the case. Stacy felt sure it was the pep club that was responsible for the crimes committed. The future would prove she was almost correct.
In North Bend they listened to a young computer tech who said, "I discovered a message to a reader that had the title of, "In case shit happens." It wasn't hard to hack in. Apparently security was very important to him. I've printed out the message
I'm either in prison or dead. It really doesn't matter which one. The fact is nobody will miss me. My parents are gone and there's no family left but me. Ever since high school our club has been my family. But recently, Randy has become even more unstable than usual. When he came back from the service he seemed rather laid back. He was taking all kinds of meds. But then he began to run out and didn't replace the meds which were keeping him semi-sane.
At our last meeting, after Randy left early with a splitting headache, we voted to eliminate Randy from our club. We put a number in a hat and drew. I was the lucky draw.
I want it known that I mourn the loss of the love of my life Carmen Littlefoot. For years she haunted my dreams taunting me to make love to her. It didn't turn out like my dreams, but I left my sperm in her sweet pussy. I used one of Vicki's kitchen knives to keep Carmen from marrying and being a wife to somebody other than me.
One more thing. The Cultery Club, if I'm gone, will slowly dissolve. Either that or it will be taken over by wanabe guys like us. Here is the website to see who we really are. www.theculteryclub.com.
Bert Roberts signing off.
Everybody sat in silence after reading the document. Just when you thought the case was starting to show some ending, a curve ball is thrown to retire the batter; or in this case, the reader.
The computer tech sat waiting with the screen of the computer open to the website of the aforementioned document. Across the top of the screen, flanked by long butcher knives dripping blood was the name of the site:
.
THE CULT-ERY CLUB
Founding Members:
R.W. RED EAGLE
B. R. SPARROW HAWK
E. W. SEAGULL
F. T. BLACK CROW
E. L. CARRIER PIGEON
S. R. BLUE ROBIN
____________________________________________________________
Recent Events:
Sparrow Hawk achieved his lifelong goal. We congratulate him. He now resides next to the Chief upon reaching our highest level. We have four at the highest level. We predict the other two will join us very soon.
Old Events:
Shall remain confidential.
To subscribe to our club e-mail us at: [email protected]
Basic Requirements:
[note: don't bother to apply if outside the requirements]
Age: 18 – 25
Sex: M
Height: Max 5' 8"
Weight: Max 150
Appearance: plain face no distinguishing marks or tattoos anywhere.
Shoe size: Max size 8
Glasses: No but contacts okay.
Unit size: max 4 inches.
Single
____________________________________________________________
Personality is vitally important. The club member must not be showing or an extrovert. We like the term: Nerd-Geek-Shrimp and so on.
Entry fee is negotiable.
"
Stacy was the first to speak, "I thought nothing shocked me, but this might be the first time. We can see by the initials that they match our names we have as suspects. Secondly, if Carmen was the fourth, then that too matches their count. However, the coatis' interrupts with Carol negates their actual count. Now what do we do?"
"Darn good question Stacy. If we go back and find that in Roseburg, Eugene and Sweet Home DNA then we obtains DNA from our suspects……what say you," said Rory.
"Certainly we can do that, but how can we willingly get their DNA," asked Ben.
"Furthermore, where is this Randy dude," asked Rory. "Can we assume he's in Eugene somewhere with either Felix Townsend or a friend?"
"He might be sleeping in a car on some logging road for all we know," said Stacy. "Let's begin locally and see if we can break Erin and his girlfriend. Next would be Stanley Rovers of Empire. We need these guys to confess or spill the beans. We need to do a bad cop/good cop with these guys," said Stacy.
"Let's sleep on it," said Ben. Tomorrow, I'll find Stanley Rovers.
"I'll locate both Felix Townsend and see if he knows where Randy Warren is," said Rory. "Okay, I'll give you a ride back home Stacy and Vicki."
-Eight-
The next morning at nine Stacy with Officer Dan banged on Erin Wilson's door. The rain was steady along with the wind. He lived in a small house on the east side of Old Town. It was lucky for Stacy and Dan that the door or front of the house faced east. The wind and rain was sailing over their heads.
A sleepy eyed Erin answered the door in his boxer shorts and a sweat shirt. His eyes popped open wide seeing the two police persons looking at him with unfriendly faces. "Come in out of the rain. Take a seat where you can. I'll put some pants on and be right back," said Erin. Dan followed him into the bedroom to make sure he didn't slip out the back or reach for a weapon. Dan saw a girl in his bed sound asleep.
Back in the small musty smelling living room, Stacy fired off the first question, "Tell me about you and Bert, Erin. Also, before you answer I need to read you your rights. This is not a chat session. Your car was seen at a murder site in recently." Stacy read him his rights, but Erin was stoic being not unfamiliar with the procedure.
"I've nothing to hide detective. Bert and I are friends and have been since high school. We play computer games at his house."
"When was the last time you saw him," asked Stacy.
"About a week ago, I think. I'm not sure.
"We found Bert Roberts murdered in his house. The death occurred either Friday or Saturday. You need to substantiate your whereabouts. While you think about that, wake up your girlfriend for some questions I have for her."
By now Erin's eyes were wide open and he looked nervous. It was one thing to be a sex offender, but quite another to be suspected of murder. He jumped up and went to the bedroom. Fully ten minutes later a very plain skinny young woman came out of the bedroom in a pink bathrobe. Her blonde hair was put up in a pony tail. She wouldn't or couldn't meet Stacy's eyes. Erin told them her name was Wena Flowers.
"Relax Ms Flowers, you're not suspected of any crimes to our knowledge. This next question Erin and Wena is directed at both of you. What can you tell me about the 'Cult-ery Club', Seagull and Wena?"
Dan said later the look on Erin's face was complete astonishment. Stacy had nailed the guy. His mouth opened but nothing came out. Wena looked at him wondering if he had swallowed his tongue. Stacy could tell she'd no idea what was asked.
"Well Erin, Seagull, Wilson, we're going to charge you with the murder of Bert Roberts, aka as Sparrow Hawk. Witnesses have you at his house about the time of his death."
"I, I, haven't killed anyone—Stacy. Oh my God, our house of cards is crumbling. That no good Randy really spoiled a good thing. I'm sure Stacy it was he who killed Bert."
"Erin, let's go to the police station and you can make a statement for the record. For safety, Officer Dan will cuff you as its policy. If you can help our case and other cases, the prosecutor will deal with you. Wena, go back to bed."
While Stacy and Dan were interviewing Erin, Ben Razor was in Empire at Stanley Rover's duplex. Similar to Erin at nine am, Ben woke a sleepy Stanley Rover up. Like the 'club requirements' Stanley fit the perfect size of the members. With Ben was a patrolman that dwarfed both Ben and Stanley. State Trooper Al Mercury stood well over six foot and at least two hundred fifty pounds of pure muscle. He stood smiling down at Stanley. "May we come in Stanley," said Ben showing him his detective shield.
Stanley stepped back, in defense and out of intimidation. Ben quickly walked in followed by 'Big Al'.
Stanley was dressed in sweats top and bottom. He sat in a recliner, but on the front edge. Ben sat on an old sofa. Big Al stood by the door. "Mr. Rovers, we're investigating several homicides that are directly or indirectly involve you and some of your friends. Before I begin my questions, I must tell you your rights. Do you understand what I'm implying?"
Ben saw eyes bigger than saucers open up. It was clear and obvious this guy had never been questioned by the police before in his life. "I think, think…I.. I.. do," he stuttered.
"Okay, Stanley, or should I call you 'Blue Robin'?"
Ben saw tears welling up in Stanley's eyes. Ben let a little time pass by and prompted him to speak. "I guess you know about our club," he said.
"Bert Roberts was found yesterday with a knife sticking out of his chest Stanley. He'd been dead for a few days. You need to tell us your whereabouts since last Friday. We also want to know the whereabouts of Randy Warren, aka as Red Eagle."
The stutter came back, "I.. I.. don't.t…t knooow."
"Relax Stanley. I don’t think you killed anyone. However, I think you know who did kill three young women in the last year or so since Randy was discharged out of the army. We've a homicide in Roseburg, Eugene and Sweet Home that match the recent murder of Carmen Littlefoot in Bandon by Bert Roberts. I suggest you come with us to the police station and make a statement for the record. Remember, you can lawyer up if you want to."
"No lawyer, let's go. I'll not hang for something I didn't do," said a stronger Stanley Rovers. Ben and Big Al were soon on their way to Bandon to receive a statement. As it turned out, both Stanley and Erin saw each other wondering what was going to happen to each of them.
Rory had left his apartment long before daylight to see if he could catch Felix Townsend at home. At eight am he was knocking on apartment 311 knowing Felix was home having seen his Ford in the parking lot.
A well dressed Felix Townsend answered the door with a smile. His smile faded quickly when he saw the gold shield of Rory's. "May I come in and ask a few questions Mr. Townsend," Rory asked smiling.
"I need to be at work at nine. But I've some time. Come in please," said a curious Felix.
They both sat down at a large table that sat in the living room with a computer and other late model equipment. Rory jumped right in saying, "When was the last time you were at Bert 'Sparrow Hawk' Roberts's house in Myrtle Point?"
Felix's mouth fell open. "I was there about a month ago. We had a club meeting. Why do you ask detective?"
"He was found murdered yesterday. A large kitchen knife stuck out from his chest exactly like the four other women who were murdered in the last year here in Eugene, Roseburg, Sweet Home and Bandon. Sparrow Hawk confessed to murdering Carmen Littlefoot. How many did you kill Black Crow?"
"I think I need a lawyer," said Felix.
"Let's go Felix. You can call from our police station," said a grim faced Rory. As he cuffed him, Rory read him his rights. Thirty minutes later he was being interviewed by professionals. By noon he'd spilled his guts implicating Randy Warren in all ways and in all crimes.
By late afternoon, the Cult-ery Club was a thing of the past. All suspects, Eric Lowman, who volunteered to come in, Erin Wilson, Stanley Rovers, and Felix Townsend all agreed that Randy Warren and Bert Roberts were the killers of the four women.
Now the task was finding Randy Warren who was directly resp
onsible for at least three homicides in Oregon.
-Nine-
Two days later, statements taken, deals struck, the Cult-ery Club was sent to the recycle bin. One member was missing however. His whereabouts was unknown and even the club members had no idea where he was. But in Stacy's mind, he wasn't far away and presumed she was his target. That was fine by her. She had a plan taking form and when the time was right; he'd become crab and fish food.
Stacy called Nancy up in Eugene. To make sure she wasn't a victim, regardless of her security, she needed to leave town for at least a week or two. With her gone, Randy, would make a bee line for Bandon. He had two former cheerleaders just waiting for his attention. He was smart enough to realize attacking Vicki or herself at Stacy's home or at the police station was foolish. His only recourse was to catch either one alone and vulnerable away from any population centers.
That's precisely what Stacy had in mind: show him she was ripe for the taking. The beach just south of the jetty would be perfect, she thought. She laid out her plan to her father first. He said, after hearing the plan, "As much as I don't want to have my daughter at risk, your plan seems solid. I like the idea of Rory being close by, but make sure he doesn't over react due to his affliction for you personally. I also like the idea of Smiling Sam with binoculars and a cell phone keeping an eye on you. [Smiling Sam was a retired guy who loved to jetty fish. He was the person who dragged in the detached arm in the last case: 'Murder at the Jetty']
Murder Mysteries # 2 Page 17
