“Just goes to show you the difference between Philadelphia and Lancaster. We may have some big city problems, but the people here still have old-fashioned values.”
“Did he say what he wanted to talk about?”
“No. We’ll just have to wait until 11:00 to see what he’s so anxious to get off his chest.”
Both detectives filled the time before their appointment by going through the autopsy report again and the initial report on the evidence collected at the crime scene. Neither found anything in the evidence report that would lead them toward a suspect. Maybe their chat with Richard Powers would shed some light on this murky case.
At 11:00, Richard Powers arrived. The two detectives showed him into an interview room. After advising him of his Miranda rights, he declined to call a lawyer. Mike began by asking the obvious question: “Were you the person Mary Parker saw leaving Dave Flanders’ house on the night he was killed?”
“Yeah, I was there at that time. Stephanie was all over me Thursday night about lying to you Detective. I thought the best thing to do was to come in here and tell you exactly what happened.”
Max leaned over the table, pen in hand, ready to take notes as Richard talked. “Why don’t you tell us what happened.”
Richard gathered his thoughts, took a deep breath and started. “You know we took Sandy to our house when she was released from the hospital on Tuesday. I had a tough time watching how carefully she moved around. She didn’t want her mother or me to see how much pain she had, but we knew.
“I went to work on Wednesday, but couldn’t concentrate on anything, so I went back home. Sandy was taking a nap. Stephanie took that opportunity to tell me Sandy was not going to press charges against Dave for the attack. I went ballistic. Stephanie tried to calm me down, but all I could think about was how he had hurt my daughter and he was going to walk away without even so much as a night in jail.
“Stephanie told me Sandy and Dave had agreed she wouldn’t press charges if he gave her an uncontested divorce.” Richard’s voice had risen and his anger increased with each word he said.
Mike knew he had to calm Richard down, so he told Richard Sandy had told him and Max the same thing when they went to see her on Monday to get her statement. “I decided I would take her to the house to pick up her things when she was ready so I could make sure Dave wouldn’t be there. Max and I both tried to talk her into filing charges, but she said she didn’t want to live with the guilt if he was sent to prison and something happened to him. She just wanted to move forward with her life, and she wanted to make a clean break with Dave.”
“Yeah, Stephanie said the same thing. It didn’t make any difference. As far as I was concerned, he was getting away with almost killing my daughter. I spent the rest of the afternoon stewing over it because I knew Sandy wouldn’t change her mind. We ate around 5:30 and after dinner, I told both my girls I had to go out. Stephanie gave me a worried look, but Sandy just said to be careful and helped her mother clean up.
“I went to Dave’s house. When he answered the door and saw it was me he tried to slam it in my face. I was able to push the door open because I’m a lot bigger than him, so I walked into the living room and slammed the door closed. He looked petrified. Part of me enjoyed his fear. He started to yell at me to get out of his house. I wasn’t about to leave until I told him what a waste of space I thought he was.
“So I started to talk and the more I did, the more arrogant he got. Can you imagine? He tried to tell me it was my daughter’s fault he had stabbed her. Wrong thing to say! I snapped and punched him in the face. When he got up off the floor I punched him again. After the third time, I told him to stay on the floor because every time he got up I would knock him down again. He shouted he was going to sue me and his father would see to it I went to jail. It was then I realized what a pathetic person he was. All the anger drained out of me. I turned around and left.”
Max asked Richard if he remembered what time he left.
“Not really, I drove around for a while and didn’t get home until sometime around ten. Sandy had gone to bed, but Stephanie had waited up because she was concerned and wanted to know where I had gone. I told her what happened. We agreed we wouldn’t say anything to Sandy. Then we went to bed.”
“What time did you go to bed, Mr. Powers?” Mike asked.
“We watched the eleven o’clock news and then headed up. I know I’m probably in trouble for hitting Dave, but I’m not sorry I punched him. He had it coming. I hit him. I did not kill him.”
“How quickly did you and Stephanie fall asleep?” Max asked.
“I was awake for hours. Even though she pretended to sleep, I knew Stephanie was awake until at least two because the last time I remembered seeing was 1:50. Shortly after I finally fell into a fitful sleep.”
Max made some notes and then asked “Will Stephanie corroborate your timeline?”
“Yes.”
“Has a date been set for Dave’s funeral?”
“Sandy wants to have it on Tuesday.”
“Okay, Mr. Powers, we’ll wait until Wednesday to talk to your wife. You may face assault charges, so I would suggest you consult an attorney.” Max got up from the table and signified the interview was over. Mike got up also and took Richard to the lobby. When he returned he sat at his desk and said to Max, “Well, we now know who was the mysterious man Mary Parker saw. It really doesn’t get us any closer to finding our killer.”
“We’ll do our due diligence and interview Mrs. Powers. While we’re checking on taser sales we’ll see if anyone in the Powers’ household ever bought one. Sometimes women use them for self-defense. I believe his story, Mike. He’s a father who has a lot of guilt because he didn’t protect his daughter. I believe he roughed up Dave, but I don’t think he killed him.”
“I sure hope you’re right, Max. Sandy doesn’t need any more grief right now.”
CHAPTER 22
On Tuesday afternoon, services for Dave Flanders were held at the funeral home. A short memorial service would follow a two hour period during which the family would greet those wishing to offer their condolences. Mike knew what she had planned, but as he watched Jason, he got the distinct feeling Sandy had not shared her plans with him. Dave’s mother Sarah and Sandy stood near the front of the room to greet mourners and talked in hushed tones to each other. Jason was standing in the back of the room greeting people he knew as they arrived.
Dave’s urn was placed on a table next to the podium and was surrounded by vases of daffodils. A TV to the right of the table played a slide show of pictures depicting the stages of Dave’s life. Mike had decided to take a seat in the back so he could watch the door as people came and went. His parents and sisters had already paid their respects and taken seats in the middle of the room. Mike was not surprised to see the bulk of the people coming in were older, confirming the fact Dave had few, if any, friends. The younger people appeared to be Sandy’s friends and co-workers.
Sandy had asked her parents’ minister to conduct the service and told him to keep his remarks about Dave to a minimum. He followed her wishes. Although short, the service was touching and ended with those present singing “Amazing Grace”. The mourners filed out while Sandy and Sarah spoke to the funeral director. Jason walked over to them and put his hand on Sarah’s elbow to let her know he was ready to leave. She pulled her arm away discreetly and told him she wasn’t ready to leave yet.
He looked at Sandy and said in a businesslike way, “Where do you intend to bury my son?”
Sandy ignored him until she had finished thanking the funeral director. She then turned to Jason and in a calm voice said, “I am not going to bury him Jason. Dave did not want to be buried. He felt it was a waste of good real estate. I’m sure you can understand wasting good real estate, Jason. I have asked Sarah if she wants to come with me when I scatter his ashes on the Susquehanna. You are welcome to come if you want.”
Jason was not prepared for this news. He was angry he had
not been included in the arrangements and now this woman was calmly telling him his son was not going to have a final resting place. “What do you mean he’s not going to be buried? You didn’t give me a chance to object to the obscenity of his being cremated and now you’re telling me he’s not going to have a grave?”
“It was Dave’s request, Jason. I lived with your son for seven years and in the good years we talked about everything, including our final arrangements. Dave was claustrophobic. Did you know that? I can tell by the surprised look on your face you did not. He didn’t want to be placed in a casket. He loved boating on the Susquehanna and wanted his ashes spread there. I intend to make sure his wishes are carried out. You may come if you want. I don’t care either way. I will let Sarah know when I have arranged for a boat.”
Having had her say, Sandy said goodbye to Sarah and left the funeral home. Mike caught up with her as she met up with her mother in the parking lot. “I heard what you said to Jason. Are you okay?”
“For the first time since I met him, I was not intimidated by Jason. It seems Dave’s death has also set Sarah free. She told me she will be moving in with her sister tomorrow and filing for divorce. She feels a lot of guilt for letting Jason get away with the way he raised Dave. I gave her the name of Dr. Wells. I don’t know whether Sarah will call, but Alice has already helped me to start the healing process. I asked her if she would like Dave’s urn. She said she would let me know after Dave’s ashes are dispersed. I do want to thank you, Mike, for all your support. It’s been a heck of a way to get reacquainted.”
Mike was a little surprised by the attempt at humor. He leaned over and hugged Sandy and whispered he would help her in any way he could. “My friend Joe has a boat he uses on the Susquehanna each year. If you want I can give him a call. I’m sure he would be willing to take you out unless you have someone in mind.”
“I was going to rent a boat, but I would appreciate it if you would ask him.”
“I will. Any particular time?”
“No. There’s really no rush now. The memorial service is over, so whenever it would be convenient for your friend.
”I’ll let you know as soon as I talk to him. Is there anything I can do for you now?”
“No thanks. I’m going back to Mom’s and Dad’s and crash. I feel like someone pulled the plug and let all the air out.”
Stephanie helped Sandy into the back seat of the car, turned, thanked Mike for coming and all his help since Sandy’s attack. “I know you want to talk to me, Detective. Thank you for waiting until tomorrow.”
“Can you come to police headquarters tomorrow around 10:00?”
“I’ll be there.” She got into the passenger’s seat and watched as Richard came out of the funeral home, nodded to Mike, got behind the wheel and drove away.
Someone tapped Mike on the shoulder. When he turned around he was surprised to see Jason. The man had big time attitude and Mike saw he was going to be the recipient of it.
“Once again, Mr. Flanders, I am really sorry about Dave.”
“I noticed it didn’t take you long to move in on Dave’s wife.”
Mike was taken aback by the comment because it was almost identical to the one Dave made when Mike called to tell him he was bringing Sandy over to pick up her clothes. He didn’t make a comment when Dave said it, and he didn’t feel the need to comment now. “Can I help you with something Mr. Flanders?”
Jason’s body language was screaming anger and arrogance and he was barely able to keep his voice controlled as he looked at Mike and demanded “What is happening with the investigation into my son’s brutal murder?”
Mike told him everything he could, which was nothing. “We are currently following all leads.”
“I don’t want to hear the usual drivel. I want to know who killed my son.”
“Mr. Flanders, as soon as we have something I can share, I will. Right now, we are looking into several leads, but I can’t divulge what they are.”
“Can’t or won’t?”
“This is still an open investigation, sir. I have shared all the information I can.”
“How long have you been a detective?”
“Two weeks.”
“And you’re in charge of this investigation?” Jason asked incredulously.
“No, I’m part of the team. My partner, Detective Davis is the lead investigator. He spent 15 years as a detective in Philadelphia.”
“I’m giving you both a week to find the murderer. If you haven’t arrested anyone by then, I am going to rattle some cages and get someone competent leading this investigation.”
Mike had reached his limit with Jason. He realized it might be the man’s grief talking, but he didn’t appreciate the threat. “Listen, Mr. Flanders, we can’t manufacture evidence or pull a suspect out of thin air. We are following every lead and will continue to do so until we have identified the perpetrator. Threats will not make the process go any faster. I will be in touch when we have something we can share. Once again, I’m sorry for your loss.” Mike turned and left Jason Flanders standing alone in the parking lot.
CHAPTER 23
He had been watching the comings and goings since the family arrived. He had gotten here early so he could get a good spot to observe, but not be observed himself. He wanted to see who showed up for the farewell to a small, mean person whose death only enhanced the human race, not diminished it.
He hadn’t intended to kill Dave Flanders when he arrived at the house that night, but he didn’t regret the outcome. Once someone gets a taste of bullying a woman he starts to enjoy it and the level of violence continues to escalate. Flanders’ attitude proved he had already bought into the fabricated story of self-defense he had told the police, thus absolving himself from any guilt or responsibility in the attack. When Dave turned his back, he drew the taser from his pocket and shot Dave between the shoulder blades and quickly tied him up before he could recover. He had taken the first step and knew what he had to do.
And so here he stood, watching. He hoped it wouldn’t take long for Sandy to get on with her life. Dave’s father would be a problem in the future because he was used to controlling people by withholding support and money. Just a different form of bullying. Like father, like son.
He needed to keep his eye on the investigation. He didn’t think he had left any evidence behind, but only time would tell. He might have left some DNA on Dave’s shirt where he had dragged him down the steps to the basement and then tied the shirt around his head as a gag. Even if they could get DNA, his profile wasn’t in the system, so they would have to identify him before they could use the evidence to prove his guilt. Any hair would be the same. Fingerprints were another story. When he was searching for a plastic bag to put the knife and hatchet into, he found the box of plastic gloves. He put on a pair and then wiped everything he could remember touching, but he might have missed something.
Before he left, he decided to check upstairs to see if there was a home office because he had gotten an idea. Sure enough, the small bedroom on the second floor had a desk with a laptop. Keeping the plastic gloves on, he typed and printed the message he would leave downstairs with Dave. He did one last check in the basement and then left the house with the bag of evidence. He would go back to his normal life until an opportunity presented itself to get another abuser off the street. After all, he had made more than one copy of the note.
CHAPTER 24
Stephanie Powers arrived at the station at 10:00 o’clock sharp. Mike and Max showed her into the same room where they had interviewed her husband. They did not have to inform her of her Miranda rights because she was not a suspect in the murder of Dave Flanders.
Max started by thanking her for coming. “How is Sandy doing?” he asked to try and make her feel at ease.
“She’s relieved the funeral is over. She’s feeling stronger each day and is determined to get back to her classroom by the beginning of May.” Stephanie turned to Mike and asked, “Have you been able to l
ine up the boat yet, Mike?”
“I’ll be talking to Joe tonight. He’s been working out of town but he’s returning this afternoon. I told Sandy I would be in touch after I talked to him.”
“Okay. We appreciate all your help since this whole mess started. Now, what do you need to know from me.”
In an attempt to lessen Stephanie’s anxiety, Max asked her about her husband’s movements on the day Dave Flanders was killed.
Mike closely watched her body language as she spoke, looking for any sign she was lying to protect her husband. “Richard came home from work early on Wednesday because he said he couldn’t concentrate. Sandy was taking a nap, so I took the opportunity to tell him she was not going to press charges if Dave gave her an uncontested divorce. Needless to say he was furious. When Sandy got up I started dinner. It was probably around 4:00 o’clock. After we ate, Sandy helped me clean up and Richard said he had to go out. Sandy told her Dad to be careful and I just watched him walk out the door.
“He didn’t come back until almost 10:00 o’clock. He told me he had gone to Dave’s and ended up punching him several times. Richard said the cops would be coming to arrest him for assault in the morning because Dave’s parting comment was ‘I’m going to sue you, and my father will make sure you go to jail’.”
Mike gave Stephanie a chance to catch her breath. “Did he go out again?”
“No. We went to bed after the 11 o’clock news. I tried reading, but couldn’t concentrate. Richard pretended he went to sleep, but I knew he didn’t. I finally gave up and turned off my light, but at 2:00 o’clock I was still trying to get to sleep. It was probably shortly after two when he fell asleep because I could hear him snoring. We didn’t get up until around eight. Richard decided to go to work and Sandy and I made an appointment with a real estate agent to look at apartments on Friday.”
Splintered (Mike Campbell Series Book 1) Page 10
