A Detective's Heart

by Sioux Dallas

  “Now I remember,” Beth screamed. There was a small clunk and a loud plop. Silence.

  “Beth? Beth? Are you still there? Are you okay? I’m coming home.”

  Chapter Four

  Connie Ackerman ran into her apartment with Ben Goodman hot on her heels. They found Beth lying unconscious on the floor with the phone buzzing as it hung, down the wall, off the hook.

  “Beth. Wake up.” Ben gently slapped her face while Connie wet a white tea towel to rub Beth’s face and wrists.

  “Is she all right, Ben?”

  “I don’t know yet. You said she had amnesia and now she has lost consciousness. What caused her to have amnesia?”

  “I’m not sure. When she rouses, maybe she’ll be able to tell us.” Connie didn’t want to tell how she found Beth until she knew more about the entire situation. Ben was a friend, a new attorney, but the less people know about Beth, the less she would have to explain.

  “Connie, call 9-1-1. With amnesia Beth may have something very serious and we’re not medical people. We can’t help her. Does she have health insurance?”

  “Yes, the same that all of us have who work at the courthouse.”

  “Then please make the call.”

  Connie made the call and then placed a rolled-up towel under Beth’s head. I’m glad Beth had a chance to clean up before she had to be taken to the hospital. I need to find her bloody clothes and put them away until I get a chance to ask for advice on how to help her handle this.

  “Excuse me a moment, Ben. I’m going to run back to the bedroom and get her handbag. She’ll need her medical cards and maybe her driver’s license.”

  Connie ran back and found the shoulder bag where she had left it on a chair. She hurriedly picked up the bloody clothes and placed them in a laundry bag from the bathroom. She stuffed the bag into the towel closet in the bathroom and hoped she would not get into trouble because of this.

  Ben had opened the door for the paramedics as Connie came back into the kitchen. “May I ride in the ambulance with you? Beth has been very sick and will feel more secure if she sees me when she wakes up.”

  The two men looked at each other with raised eyebrows. “I guess it’s okay,” one answered. Jeff will be in the back with you. I’m Alan and I’ll be driving.”

  Connie turned to Ben. “Ben, do you mind following and bringing my car? I’m sure I’ll need it later.”

  “No need to ask. I’ll be happy to do what I can.”

  “Oh, and Ben, maybe you can ask Jerry to help you. I left Beth’s car in the restaurant parking lot last night. There will be too many questions from the wrong people if it’s left there long.”

  “I’ll take care of it. Don’t worry about a thing except helping Beth.”

  Thank God I’m the only one who knows about the bloody clothes, Connie thought as she climbed into the back of the ambulance and took Beth’s hand.

  Dr. August West came into the waiting room to find Connie slumped in a despondent pose. “Miss Ackerman?”

  “Yes.” Connie jumped up at full attention. “How is Beth?”

  “Miss Corelli is doing well physically. As you said she does have amnesia. I will call it selective amnesia meaning. She has had a traumatic event and has elected to put it out of her mind sometimes these last a few hours, or even days. In rare instances they may last for weeks. Miss Corelli seems to be in excellent physical condition so I’m going out on a limb and guess that it will not be more than a few days before she decides to join us. Then we shall find out what caused her to shut out the rest of the world.”

  He smiled. “Do you have any questions? Since you are not a relative, I can’t give you any more information than that.”

  “Beth is like a sister to me. We have been friends for years; went to school together, work together and socialize together. I need to know all you can tell me. I’ll be with her when she recovers and I will need to be the best help she needs. She has no relatives here.”

  “I appreciate that, but policy is policy,” he chuckled. “I don’t always agree, but my hands are tied. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have other patients.”

  “May I see Beth?”

  “If it will make you feel better. She won’t even know you’re with her because we’re keeping her under light sedation. I’ll tell the nurses to allow you to sit with her as long as you don’t disturb her.”

  “Oh, I’ll follow orders. I want to be with her. I’ll sit quietly and read. Tomorrow I’ll being needlework and do something with it. Thank you, Doctor.”

  Another day passed slowly as Connie agonized beside Beth. She hardly left her side to shower and change clothes. Ben came each day and was worried about Connie.

  “Connie, they’re taking good care of Beth. You need to take better care of yourself. If you get run down and collapse, you’ll be in here and you sure won’t be any help to Beth.”

  “You’re sweet, Ben, to be concerned. I appreciate it, but everyone must understand I’m not leaving her until she recovers completely.” She didn’t dare tell them that she was afraid for Beth that she might say something either while she was out or if she woke up and didn’t know what had happened.

  The third day Beth’s eyes fluttered; she moaned and became restless.

  Connie called a nurse to check her.

  “She’s fine, Miss Ackerman. She’s just waking up. It’s possible this will all be over in a few hours.” The nurse left and Connie took Beth’s hand.

  “Beth. Beth, can you hear me? It’s time to wake up. Please open your eyes and look at me. Come one, Beth. You can do it.”

  Another soft sigh and Beth opened her eyes. She looked around puzzled and focused on Connie.

  “Oh, hi there, Connie. Where am I?”

  “You’re in Seacoast Medical facility and have been in here for a few days.”

  “Really! Why am I here? I don’t feel sick.”

  “You’re not really sick. You’ve had amnesia and would not wake up. Lazy girl. You’ve been sleeping almost three days.”

  Beth sat up. “I have?! What happened?”

  “You tell me, girlfriend. First, you know who I am.”

  “Of course, silly.”

  “Do you remember the party we attended to wish Crystal a fond farewell as she went west to be married?’

  “Yes. I’m glad it was such a great party. She had a lot of useful, lovely gifts and what a money tree.” Judge Ronald Kress had brought in a small limb with a few tiny branches. He had placed a hundred dollar bill on one branch and ask everyone present to place whatever they could afford to make a money tree for the couple. So many people had placed tens, twenties and loads of ones until the tree was completely full. When counted, there was over five hundred dollars.

  Connie quickly, whispering, told Beth of the death of Malcolm and how Beth had first had amnesia and then became unconscious. Beth nodded sadly.

  “Now I remember. I heard Malcolm calling to me, but I hurried to my car. I was in such a hurry to get away that I dropped my keys in the floor. It was too dark to see, so I had to lean over and hunt for them. When I sat up I heard a commotion. There were three men beating Malcolm. Blood was flying all over the place. I was afraid to let them know I was there so I laid over in the seat and was quiet until I couldn’t hear any more noises. I slowly sat up and got out of the car. Malcolm was on the ground and I ran to him to see if I could help him. I guess I realized he was dead. The last I remember, I held him against my chest and cried.”

  “Oh, Beth. I found you wandering around in a fog; not talking or knowing what was going on. I took you to my apartment and kept you until I decided you needed medical help that I couldn’t give.” Silence.

  “Beth, you are innocent of Malcolm’s death. However, if word gets out that you saw the men, the criminals might be afraid you can identify them and will try to kill you.”

  “Connie, what am I going to do? I must tell the police what I saw. Will they blame me or arrest me?”

  “I don’t see ho
w they can do either, but you need legal advice.”

  “I don’t want an attorney. I can’t imagine why I would need one.”

  Connie sat up straight. “I have an answer. I don’t know the woman personally, but I’ve heard great things about her. A woman, Hannah Rutherford, was a policewoman and then felt she wanted more action. She has opened her own investigative agency. We can ask her for advice at least. She can tell us in what direction to go from here.”

  “That sounds good. Do you know how to contact her?”

  “I can find out. Do you want me to make the first contact? If she is interested, she can see you then.” She was pleased that Beth agreed.

  Chapter Five

  The next day Connie walked into The Lost Cause Detective Agency. She was met by Victoria.

  “Good morning! Welcome to The Lost Cause Detective Agency. My name is Victoria. How can I help you?”

  “I need to see Miss Rutherford.”

  “Do you have an appointment or do you want to make one?”

  “Neither. This is vitally important. A young woman’s life is at stake. I need to see Miss Rutherford as soon as possible. Right now, please.”

  Herb heard the excited voice and came out to see if Victoria need a backup. “Good morning. Is Victoria helping you?”

  “She’s very kind, but it’s vitally important that I see Miss Rutherford now.”

  “I’m sorry. She’s out on a case now, but should be back around one if you can wait that long.”

  “I guess I have no choice. Please make sure that I get to see her. I shall return. I’m going down to that diner I saw to get some lunch. I’ll be back. Thank you both.”

  “Miss,” Victoria called after her. “May I have your name?”

  “I’m sorry. I’m so disturbed that I have been very rude. Forgive me. My name is Connie Ackerman.”

  On the dot of one Connie was in the agency ready to talk to Hannah. At one twenty Hannah walked in looking weary and rumpled. She nodded politely at Connie who jumped up and said, “Miss Rutherford? I must speak to you. It’s vitally important to the life of an innocent young woman.”

  “Hannah, this is Connie Ackerman. She came in earlier to see you.”

  “Please come back to my office. I need to kick off these shoes and sit in a comfortable chair.” Connie eagerly trailed after her.

  Hannah did kick off her shoes, got a glass of ice and a Diet Coke and offered to share something with Connie.

  “No, thank you. I just need your advice. I’m willing to pay you. I’m not here expecting free service.”

  Hannah chuckled. “It wouldn’t be the first time I dispensed free service. Now tell me what you’re so concerned about.”

  Connie carefully and concisely told Hannah the entire story.

  Hannah listened politely. The more she heard the more her heart ached for Beth.

  “There’s no need to tell you that it’s always best to face any situation at the first and tell the truth. Beth could have had an attorney present to advise her and protect her interests. The only trouble I see at the moment is the danger to Beth if the men who killed Malcolm hear of this and are afraid she might identify them. Of course she might be charged with obstructing justice. I’ll talk to Beth and get her statement first hand and maybe she’ll be able to tell me a bit more. In the meantime both of you keep quiet until I get a chance to talk to Beth. Bring the bloody clothes to me and remember -say nothing to anyone.”

  Connie left feeling a little better that someone in authority was looking into the situation and would advise her and Beth without telling on them.

  I’m not sure what we’re doing is lawful but I need to trust Miss Rutherford and allow her time to investigate and advise us as to the best possible action.

  Connie breathed easier and was more at peace now that she had shared Beth’s calamity with a qualified person. She was glad she had kept the bloody clothes and had not mentioned Beth’s involvement to anyone.

  “You mean she wants to talk to me?’ Beth stated with a trembling voice. “Won’t she go to the police and report me?”

  “No, silly. She is working for you and we must trust her. Now when can you meet her?”

  “Name the date and time and I’ll certainly be there.”

  “Great! I’ll call her now and make an appointment.” Connie went in the next room of her apartment to make the call. Beth sat nervously not sure that she was doing the right thing. Connie is a dear, trusted friend. I’ll appreciate anything that she and this woman can do for me. How I wish I had never seen the beating and murder. But I did and I must face reality.

  Connie came back with a big smile. “Miss Rutherford will see us at nine tomorrow morning. Now you get a good night’s sleep and I’ll fix a good breakfast for you before we leave. We’ll go together. Place yourself in God’ hands for you have done nothing wrong. Go to bed and rest.”

  Beth was so nervous that she would not have gone if Connie had not insisted. She was put somewhat at ease by Victoria’s warm welcome. Meeting Hannah was not as scary as she imagined.

  Connie recognized Beth’s nervousness and opened the conversation by reminding Hannah how she had found Beth wandering and took her to her own apartment. “I must tell you, we have not spoken of this to another soul. We are the only two who know absolutely what Beth experienced. A young attorney did come to her aid when she fainted, but he doesn’t know why or what had transpired.”

  Hannah was very business-like and friendly so that Beth became very much at ease. She told Hannah how Malcolm was a bore and had whispered unwelcome comments to her. She then told of leaving, dropping her keys and looking up to see the beating which she learned later was a murder.

  Hannah looked thoughtful. “I can understand your trepidation. It isn’t apparent whether the suspects knew they were being observed?”

  “Not to my knowledge. It all happened so quickly. They were outside a building where anyone could step out at any moment and discover them.”

  “Umm. I’m sure they left in a hurry. They probably did not look around and have no idea that they were seen. Could you identify them or recognize them if you saw them again?”

  “I don’t think so. They were constantly moving and I was in shock.”

  “I shouldn’t say this, but if you tell this to the police, someone might let it slip that you were there. The suspects don’t know that you can’t identify them and they would certainly come after you. I’m going to stick my neck out and say let’s just keep this with us three for the time being. I’ll go to the police station and ask to see the report and find out how far their investigation has gone. Is that all right with you?”

  Beth looked at Connie and raised her eyebrows. Connie nodded. “We came to you for advice and guidance. We would be stupid if we didn’t cooperate with you. What happens next?”

  “Be patient. I’ll contract you as soon as I find something to share.”

  “Great,” Connie was relieved as was Beth. “How much do we owe you?”

  “Let’s leave the talk of payment until I have something to tell you and know how much I’m going to have to be involved. Remember just us three.”

  Beth popped up feeling much at ease. “Thank you so much.”

  “Don’t thank me yet. We haven’t gotten anywhere yet.”

  “I thank you for allowing me to tell you my story and for giving me the comfort of knowing you’re on the job.”

  They left and Hannah wrote some notes and placed them in a locked filing cabinet. She then went out to the front.

  “Victoria, I’m going to run by Seacoast and check on the man with amnesia that I found. After that I’m going by the police station and read some reports. I’ll have my cell phone in case you need me in an emergency. I’ll come by here late to check on mail and any phone calls I need to answer. Herb is out on a case, so keep the phone handy in case you need help. Check all locks on doors and windows before you leave if you’re gone before I get back.”

  “Good deal, Bos
s.” She saluted. “I’m yo lil ole man.”

  “Silly. Are you trying to pretend to talk Southern? You failed.”

  Hannah laughed and walked out.

  At Seacoast Hannah was greeted by several nurses. She had been checking on the man and they were aware that she was paying the bills. She spoke briefly to the two at the nurses’ station and started walking back to Room 236.

  “Miss Rutherford,” one nurse called, “the man has gone.”

  Hannah whirled around. “Gone!?” She came back to the station. “Where did he go? Did he regain his memory?”

  The nurses looked at each other. “We don’t know any more than what is written on the medical report. All we know is that Chief Ed Wingate personally came and got him. He took him somewhere and said he would be responsible for him.”

  “Well, was the man talking and did he tell anything about himself or what happened to him?”

  The nurses looked at each other. One spoke. “As I said, we don’t know any more than is written on the medical records. There is no record of him telling anything or what his name is.”

  “Why would the Chief take him and be responsible?” Hannah asked bewildered.

  “You know as much as we do. Sorry. We can’t tell you any more.”

  “Okay. Thank you ladies. Do you know where the Chief took him?”

  “No.”

  “Sorry to bother you.” She turned to walk off.

  “No bother. I just wish we could help you. Truthfully, we’d like to know.”

  Hannah smiled at them and left. Why is the Chief interested? Where could he take him? Is the Sheriff in on this? There is only one way to find out.