by Sioux Dallas
“We were just talking about that, Miss Rutherford.”
“Liam, stop that. Please call me Hannah. Well, would the two of you like to join us at the Cypress Room? It will be on me because I like to treat my staff for special occasions.”
“I would love to join you, Miss R - er, Hannah, but you don’t have to pay for me.”
“Shush. No more of that. If you come as a member of our party, than you’re one of us. Then I can count on you two?”
Victoria and Liam looked at each other, grinned and nodded.
“Hooray. Thank you.” Hannah left and went back to her office to call her daddy. He, of course, accepted. She promised to call him later with particulars.
The six of them; Hannah and her father, Andrew Rutherford, Brian Harmon, Herb Mueller, Victoria Stallard and Liam O’Brien gratefully gathered around a table to share Thanksgiving. Andrew asked a blessing and they passed the family style dishes around. Turkey, stuffing, dressing, candid sweet potatoes, potato salad, broccoli, snow peas, glazed carrots and rolls. Coffee, iced tea, or soft drinks were offered and hot cider came after the meal. Choice of pumpkin pie, mince pie or apple pie was offered. Everyone chose pumpkin, some with whipped cream.
Herb left the table first to drive to Brian’s house and park two blocks down. He came along the alley and in the back door. In that manner, if anyone was watching Brian’s house, Brian would be seen coming home alone.
Two days after Thanksgiving, Herb and Brian were awakened, at two fifteen in the morning, by loud bangs on the front door. Herb held a pistol in his hand but stayed back out of sight while Brian eased to the door. He looked out carefully, but could see no one. He finally opened the door, holding his foot at the bottom so he could shut it quickly. No one. He opened the door fully and found a hatchet stuck in the door.
“Don’t touch it,” Herb spoke. “If we’re lucky there’ll be fingerprints on it.” Herb still stayed back out of sight because he was sure someone was out there staying out of sight just to observe Brian’s reaction. Brian kept himself as calm as possible. Holding a table napkin, he worked the hatchet out of the door and stepped back inside, locking the door behind him.
Shades were kept down at night, or when lights were on in the house, so that one could not see into the house through the windows.
Brian was shaking as he laid the hatchet on the dining room table. “I’m so thankful my babies are not here in the house. If they were here, and in danger, I would not be able to think about myself.”
Herb finally convinced Brian to let him call a friend of his who was a detective on the city police force. Regardless of the time of night, Herb called Alan Turner and ask him to come to Brian’s house. Alan was driving an unmarked car and wearing jeans, a sweatshirt and a denim jacket. Any one observing would just see a friend coming in. Herb called Hannah.
Alan was shocked and angry when he heard the entire story and saw the hatchet. “Mr. Harmon, with your permission I’m going to start a search of records on Thomas Chandler.”
Brian was frightened and concerned. “Officer Turner, I’ve hesitated to bring this before the police for -- well frankly --I don’t know whom I can trust. Too, I wasn’t sure they would feel there was enough to be concerned about. But now he’s showing that he means business.”
“He’s showing he’s a psychopath and very dangerous. We need to stop him before he involves innocent people and makes the situation much worse and heartbreaking. Mr. Mueller has done the right thing by staying with you, but keeping hidden. As long as Chandler thinks you’re in a hopeless, helpless situation, he’ll be more inclined to act where he can be apprehended. Hopefully before he kills his own wife,” Turner stated.
Hannah leaned forward. “Officer Turner, do you think we should inform his wife and maybe warn her in some way?”
“I don’t know the woman. She might listen to you and she might resent you and decide to work against you. Let me have her observed, talk quietly to neighbors, friends, or whomever we can find. We need to build a profile of her, also. We don’t even know if she’ll believe us. It must be done subtly, so that Chandler is not feeling that he is being pushed in a corner and acts in an irrational manner. Please allow me to handle her.”
“In other words this is going to take time, and we must stay low key and be patient,” Herb stated.
“Well spoken. This is not the movies where a crime is solved in an hour. Be prepared for it to be days or even weeks.”
Brian moaned, “I miss my babies and it isn’t fair to me or them that we must be separated. Thank God for wonderful in-laws. I love them dearly. They feel the same about me and my children.”
Hannah stood up. “In the meantime, we do have other clients and obligations to others. A prestige law firm has hired me to do some important research for them. That, too, cannot be accomplished overnight. Eventually it might mean I must make some short trips out of town. I’ve come to the conclusion that I must hire more detectives. I don’t hire just anyone that appears interested. I have the Sheriff investigate them thoroughly. We need qualified helpers, not wannabes. Thank you for including me tonight and I will be available for any assistance I can give. I hate to give Herb up for an indeterminable amount of time, but it is necessary. Good night everyone. Stay safe and have faith.”
Brian, Herb and Alan continued talking and making plans for the most safe, feasible way to trap Thomas Chandler without violence or involving an innocent person.
Alan finally stood and yawned broadly, stretching his arms and arching his back. “Sorry, fellows, but I’m really tired. This must be a sure clue to old age because I used to go all night and work the next day. Of course Uncle Sam put a kink in that when he took me in the Army and sent me off to help win the Gulf Storm. Yeah, sure. You know how much winning I did? Just the same as all the other poor sleezers.”
Herb jumped up and thumped Alan on the back giving him a manly hug. “I just can’t thank you enough for coming out on such short notice and in the dead of night. Remember, we’re trying to keep this as low key as possible.”
“Please accept my gratitude and know you’re welcome here any time,” Brian said sluggishly.
Alan laughed. “I know someone else who needs to go to bed. Good night and try not to worry. We’ll work this out in a safe, legitimate way.”
Herb stayed back out of sight while Brian closed the door and locked it. He and Herb again checked that all doors and windows were locked, the alarm was set and shades were drawn. Then they went to their own rooms and prepared to get some rest.
Chapter Twelve
The December air in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina was pleasant ranging from low to middle sixties. Hannah started out on her early morning run admiring the magenta sunrise. In spite of all that happened, she still didn’t feel that she was in a great deal of danger.
Thinking about the investigative work she was doing for a prestigious law firm, and of Brian Harmon’s problems, she didn’t hear a runner coming rapidly behind her. Without warning she was tackled from behind and an arm came around her throat. A raspy voice, obviously faked, reminded her that she was butting into something that didn’t concern her.
Desperately trying to talk, she strangled out, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. What do you mean?”
A harsh laugh answered her, but suddenly the man was up and gone, running across a neighbor’s lawn and to a back alley. A hand helped her up and a concerned voice asked her what was going on.
Hannah blearily looked into the face of a police officer. “I just happened to be driving down this street and saw in the distance that a man in a hooded sweat suit had someone on the ground. It looked like a fight so I picked up speed and he ran when he saw me coming.” The officer looked concerned and angry.
“I don’t know who he was. Didn’t get to look at him because he stayed at my back. It was unexpected and I didn’t have time to defend myself. Did you see what he looked like?” Hannah chocked.
“No, I’m sorry. The ho
od was up until I couldn’t see anything. I could just see he was a big man, not fat, just big. Much too big to be attacking you. Do you have an enemy, or have you been receiving threats?”
“No. Oh, wait. Several weeks ago I had a late night phone call which stated that I should stay out of things that were none of my business if I wanted to live and if I wanted my staff safe.”
“Your staff?”
“Yes. I own and operate the Lost Cause Detective Agency.”
“Oh, yes. I’ve heard of you. Didn’t you, at one time, work as a police officer on our city force?”
“Yes, but to the best of my knowledge, I didn’t make any enemies while I worked there. I left with everyone liking me and willing to work with me.” She gave a weak laugh. “At least to my face.”
“I’ve heard nothing but good about you. Let me help you. Why don’t you get in the car and I’ll drive you home, or do you need to go to the hospital?”
“Thanks ever so much, but I’ll turn that kind offer down. I don’t intend to be intimidated, especially in my own town, and I’ll not allow him to see me appearing to be weak.”
“That’s not being weak, it’s being sensible. He may be hiding around somewhere watching us and waiting for another chance at you.”
“What is, is and I’ll carry on. Thanks for the hand up, but I’ll be going on.” She smiled at him and skipping backwards gave a little wave before turning and running on.
The officer shook his head. “That’s one gutsy lady. I sure hope she’ll be okay. Well, whether she likes it or not, I’ll have to write a report on this.”
Hannah returned home, took a shower and decided to eat breakfast. She drank a glass of orange juice, scrambled two eggs and fried two slices of bacon. Leaving the bacon on a paper towel to drain, she placed bread in the toaster. Just as she had finished and stood up to rinse the dishes and place them in the dishwasher, the phone rang.
“Good morning,” she sang out thinking it was one of her staff calling.
“Have you gotten the message yet or will we have to use harsh methods?”
Her temper hit the ceiling. “Listen, you creep. I’ve done nothing that I’m ashamed of or against anyone else. If you weren’t such a coward you’d face me and tell me what you’re so disturbed over. I know a couple of good psychiatrists that will be glad to help you.”
She grumbled when the phone was slammed in her ear. “Well, hoop-te-do. If you didn’t like what I had to say, why don’t you come talk to me, or better still LET ME ALONE.” she screamed out.
She finished cleaning the kitchen, brushed her teeth and went to work.
Victoria and Herb were angry when they heard Hannah’s story.
“How long has this been going on? Why haven’t you told me about this before?” Herb raved.
“I can’t do any fighting, but I sure can scream bloody murder. I would love to be around sometime when this miserable character shows up.” Victoria shook with angry.
Herb looked disbelieving at her. “What good would screaming do?”
“It would call attention to what was going on, and hopefully cause the perpetrator to run off.” She snapped.
“I love you both for caring and don’t want to involve either one of you. I’ll do what has to be done and hope for the best. By the way, Victoria, the baddies are no longer called perpetrator. They are now called the unsubs meaning unknown subjects.”
“Live and learn,” Victoria snapped, flinging her hair as she turned quickly to go to her desk.
Herb placed an arm around Hannah and walked her to her office. “Are you sure you aren’t hurt? A tackle can cause a lot of damage. Ask any football player. Remember your own tackle some months ago.”
‘I’ve been bruised before and will again. No. Thank you for caring, but I’m all right. I just need to be more alert from now on. Sheesh. In my own hometown.” With a sigh of disgust, she started on some written reports.
“I’ve got to get back to Brian’s before that Chandler fellow shows up again. Brian won’t admit it, but he’s afraid to be alone now, and I can’t blame him. Call me on my cell if you need me.”
Herb parked two blocks below Brian and started walking up the alley. As he came within sight of Brian’s house, he saw a man sneaking down the alley and going through the back gate. Herb quickly and quietly ran to the area and looked over the fence. He saw the man was almost to the house and carrying something in his hand. Herb quickly called 9-1-1 on his cell phone and asked for emergency help. “He may have a bomb of some sort for all I know.”
Just as the man drew back his hand to throw what really was a homemade bomb, Herb yelled at him and ran toward him. The man ran around the house to the front and right into the arms of the police. These two officers had been in the neighborhood and others were coming behind them.
It wasn’t Thomas Chandler, but after several hours of questioning the man broke and admitted that Chandler had hired him to throw the bomb. “It was just to set the house on fire at the back.”
Herb stooped down to get in the man’s face. “Are you aware that this man, that lives there, has two small children? One is three and one is a year old.”
The poor man looked as if he would faint. “No. I didn’t know there were babies in the house. I was told that this man had borrowed money and refused to pay it back. The bomb was supposed to scare him, that’s all. I swear it.”
“For your information, you were told a complete lie. This man has not borrowed money, nor has he had any business dealings with Chandler. The truth is that Chandler committed a serious crime and this man knew about it. Chandler is afraid he’ll tell on him and get him arrested.” Herb was angry.
“Give us your name, address and phone number. We’ll have to decide what to do with you,” one officer told him.
“My full name is Harold Alvin McComber. I live at 335 Pine Ave. in Garden City. I’m a fool. I have a ten year old son who needs a liver transplant. I can’t afford the cost and want to do what I can to keep my son alive. My wife is working also and her heart is breaking because we have four children and no money. Chandler came into the restaurant where I work and heard one of the other waiters ask me about my son. I told him how worried we were because we needed money that I couldn’t get. He came to me after work as I left the restaurant and told me that this man owed him two hundred thousand dollars and refused to pay it back. The bomb was a weak one he made and he said it would not cause much damage, but would scare him into paying what he owed. He offered me fifty thousand dollars for the job. I was not to hurt anyone, just cause a fire that could easily be put out. How am I going to explain this to my poor, sweet wife and children? I even sing in my church choir. How can I explain to my church why I would do such a thing? I needed the money for my son’s medical needs.” By now he was crying.
Brian and Herb felt sorry for him, but he did attempt to damage property with the chance of causing bodily harm.
Officer Fred Morrison felt badly, also, but he had a duty to perform. “I’m sorry, sir, but I have to take you in. First I need to remind you that you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You also have the right to an attorney. If you can’t afford an attorney, one will be provided for you by the court. Do you understand these rights?”
“Yes, I do. Thank you. I’ve never been arrested, but I’ve watched police shows on television and know pretty much what goes on. I also have the right to a phone call. As much as I hate to do it, I must call my wife and tell her where I am. She’ll worry if she doesn’t hear from me and now she’ll be heartbroken.”
Herb placed an arm around Harold’s shoulders. “If you sign a statement, and have it notarized, telling all that Chandler asked you to do, it will go easier on you. We have tried to get him in a place where he has to face officers of the court for some time. You will be a big help to us if you’re willing to testify against him.”
“Yes, of course, I’ll be glad to do it. He lied to me an
d put me in a position to get into real trouble. I’ll be glad to cooperate.”
Herb grinned with relief. “Sgt. Morrison, we’re so glad you’re hearing this. Please take good care of this man. Take his statement and then please send two men to bring Thomas Chandler in for questioning. Be careful for he’s a slippery customer. He’s too smart for his own good. But he’s proven to be a psychopath.”
“I shall be delighted to do that,” Fred Morrison agreed. “I’ll bring the Chief up-to-date as soon as I take Mr. McComber’s statement. We’ll send two officers to, hopefully, get him out of bed and bring him in. With all Mr. Harmon has told us and now this gentleman, we should be able to take Mr. Chandler before a judge quickly.”
They said their goodbyes and Sgt. Morrison left with his prisoner. Herb didn’t feel that he should leave Brian yet. Chandler might get away from them and come after Brian. Or he may have hired someone else to do damage. It would not be safe to leave Brian yet.
Herb called Hannah to tell her of the happenings. She was as thrilled as the men were. “I’m relieved that you arrived in time to stop the fire bombing. You’re right. Stay with Brian until this is completely cleared.”
Chapter Thirteen
Hannah reluctantly made preparations to drive down to Tallahassee, Florida and get copies of some records for the attorneys for whom she was working.
Not realizing how long it might take, she packed enough clothing for three days. Again she told Chief Wingate that she would appreciate someone checking on the office and on Victoria while she was gone. “I hope I’m not gone more than three days, but one never knows.”
She then called Herb and asked if he needed her for several days. He was doing fine and was ecstatic that Chandler was arrested and the case was building against him. Chandler had obtained a high-priced attorney, James Shipero, who had a reputation for getting even the guilty free of charges. Herb felt that all the evidence would be sufficient to convict Chandler. The prosecution was asking for a psychiatrist to give Thomas Chandler a complete test for mental stability, and for standing trial.
