Secrets in the Shallows (Book 1: The Monastery Murders)

by Karen Vance Hammond

  The deputy began patting the boy down and found only a wallet and car keys in his pockets.

  “No,” Carter retorted.

  Unlocking a storage drawer in the table, Sheriff Johnson grabbed an evidence bag and opened it for the deputy to drop them inside. He then wrote the contents’ information on the bag before sealing it. He returned the bag to the drawer and relocked it.

  “Do you feel like doing yourself or anyone else harm?”

  “Yeah, I feel like kicking your ass,” Carter sneered viciously.

  Williams grabbed the boy’s left wrist and pulled it sharply up between the young man’s shoulder blades, as to resemble a chicken wing. With a sharp movement forward, Williams slammed Carter against the wall and sarcastically asked, “Do you still want to hurt me, boy?”

  Grasping Carter’s wrist, Deputy Williams shifted the young man’s other arm behind him, and handcuffed him. “You’ll get your stuff back once you’re released, if it’s not needed as evidence for the case.”

  Holding Carter by one arm, the deputy opened the door and guided the young man out into the threshold. They headed towards the reinforced steel door that lead to a more secure area of the building. Sheriff Johnson followed close behind and reiterated, “Like I said, you may want to talk after you get some quiet time to think.”

  Carter replied, “Sheriff, I didn’t do anything.”

  The sheriff took out his key card and swiped it in the reader by the doorway. Immediately, a loud buzzer sounded as he opened the door. “We’ve got 48 hours to find that out. Don’t we, Carter?”

  CHAPTER 19

  Early that evening, Katy stood in front of her full-length mirror in a black cocktail dress with matching high heels. She ran her hands down her waist as the dress hugged her hourglass figure and cascaded down her thigh. The dress flared out when she turned around, allowing a racey glimpse of her leg.

  Katy walked over to her dresser and opened the lid to her jewelry box, retrieving a pair of dangling diamond earrings. John had given these to her for their third year of dating anniversary. She fastened each one to either earlobe and then added a dainty diamond necklace around her neck. She stood back and admired herself in the dresser mirror. This jewelry set really looked stunning and accentuated her lovely facial features as well as her slender, long neck.

  Patting her blonde hair gently, Katy replaced a strayed strand of hair back into her beautiful French twist. Picking up her favorite perfume, she sprayed a mist into the air near her neck. She loved the light floral scent as it drifted by her nose.

  Katy grabbed her full-length faux fur coat as she pulled it on and walked to the landing at the top of the stairs. She glided down each step as she made her grand entrance into the living room.

  Julie’s face lit up with pride as she saw her daughter. “Is that my Katherine? Oh, Katy, you look gorgeous!”

  Her father, George, folded up a local newspaper and grinned. With a long, drawn out whistle, he asked, “Where are you going, Miss Warsaw?”

  Katy twirled around like a model and said, “Well, John is taking me out to The Lighthouse for dinner.”

  Julie put her arm around her daughter’s shoulders and asked, “Do you think he’ll finally pop the question tonight?”

  “Oh, I don’t know, Mom. Probably not.”

  Taking his eyes off the television, her brother, Jason, wiggled his way to the edge of the couch and wiped his mouth. With a slight grin, he laughed and said, “Maybe he’s starting to see how annoying you can be, sis.”

  Katy rolled her eyes at Jason and replied, “Not as annoying as little brothers are.”

  Bored with all of the wedding talk, Jason shifted back on his side and looked at the TV. Almost immediately, he had completely tuned out the rest of his family as he immersed himself in a show.

  “Well, if I get the ring tonight, you guys will probably see it in the morning. Can you imagine me being officially engaged?” Katy looked at her hand and imagined a large diamond on her finger.

  “Sweetheart, are you sure you want to get married in June and not late summer?”

  “Mother, we have been over this a hundred times. I want to get married in June at the Wattsville lighthouse, and then honeymoon at The Island.” Katy leaned forward, “In June ... You know? It comes after May and before July, Mother.”

  “Well, it may be windy and cooler, and it’ll still be in the mud season,” she stated as she made her way towards the kitchen.

  “I don’t care, Mom. We can all wear rain boots and slickers for all I care. That’s where we first kissed, and that’s where I want to marry John.”

  Julie replied, “All right, once you’re ready to, we’ll talk to the wedding coordinator and see where we can put everyone in rain boots and slickers.”

  “It will work out, Mom. Don’t worry. Besides, he hasn’t even asked me yet.”

  Julie crossed her arms and laughed, “It’s amazing what we can argue over. You’re right. We’ll worry about it after he asks you.”

  * * * *

  Sheriff Johnson sat at his office desk studying photos of Timmy Fields’ body. Taking a deep breath, he ran a hand over his face and sat up in his chair. Picking up his phone, he pushed his assistant’s extension.

  “Hello, Barbara. I need you to try your best to get a hold of Dr. Peter Balkan with the State’s forensic team.”

  In the adjacent office, Barbara searched through a stack of messages and pulled out one. “Sheriff, I do have a message here from a Peter Balkan from with the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. Do you want his number?”

  The sheriff leaned back, breathed a sigh of relief, and then said, “Oh, yes! That is great! Thank you very much.”

  Barbara repeated the number to the sheriff, and he dialed the number on his cell phone.

  “Peter Balkan, speaking,” a self-assured voice said.

  Apprehensively, Sheriff Johnson stammered, “Doctor Balkan?”

  The man replied, “Yes, how can I help you?”

  “This is Sheriff Johnson over in Wattsville. I imagine you’ve heard about the Timothy Fields’ case?”

  “Yes, Sheriff. I heard that you may need me to help your team out?”

  “Yes, Dr. Balkan, it would be very appreciated. We don’t deal with murders very often. It is going to be important for the case to have someone who is experienced in homicide forensics.”

  Peter asked, “When would you like me to come?”

  Surprised to get such a fast response, Sheriff Johnson couldn’t speak for a moment. He knew that Peter Balkan was recognized as a seasoned examiner with the state’s Chief Medical Examiner staff in Augusta. Dr. Balkan had been interviewed for many newspaper articles, as well as had several articles featuring high-profile cases that were published in medical journals.

  “As soon as possible, Doctor. We could use your expertise tomorrow if you can make it. We still are processing the body and where it was found. When are you available?”

  Dr. Balkan chuckled and replied, “I can be there in the morning if that would work? I just finished a major case.”

  “Thank you so much. That would be great!”

  “Send me an address where to meet you, and I can be there by mid-morning. Does that work for you?”

  “Absolutely. I’ll see you then,” Sheriff Johnson replied smiling. “Have a nice night.”

  “You too.” With those words, they both hung up the phone.

  After looking at his watch, Sheriff Johnson stood up and began gathering his things. As he put on his hat and picked up his coat, his cell phone rang. Quickly, he answered it, “Hello?”

  “Sheriff, I found out something we need to check out further,” Deputy Shamberg replied on the other end of the phone.

  Setting his coat back down, the sheriff replied, “Oh? Then enlighten me, Deputy.”

  “Did you know that Herbert had purchased some life insurance for Timmy six months ago?”

  Sheriff Johnson set his travel mug on the desk and smiled slightly. Leanin
g on the edge of the desk, he said, “Oh, really? I’ll have to ask him about that. Could be nothing, but you never know.”

  “Yes, sir. I figured we’d need to check it out at least. I’ll bring you the paperwork I found in the morning. Are you heading out now?”

  “Yes, I was just about to leave for the day.” The sheriff wiped his brow and stood back up. “Oh, Dr. Balkan with the Chief Medical Examiner office is coming from Augusta tomorrow to help us with the Fields’ case.”

  “That’s great news, sir. I hope he can help us catch the guy who did this.”

  “That’s the whole point of bringing him in. Everyone I’ve spoken with about him says that he’s one of the best in forensics.”

  “I imagine tomorrow will be a busy day so you should get some rest while you can, sir,” the deputy said.

  Picking up his mug, the sheriff replied, “I’ll do my best, Deputy. Thanks. Have a good night.”

  With that, Sheriff Johnson hung up his phone and tucked it away in his pocket. He whispered to himself, “I really hope we catch that sick killer soon. It’s heartbreaking to deal with such a young victim’s family. I am so glad Dr. Balkan is going to help us. It will make a big difference.” He put his coat on again and flipped off the light as he headed out the door.

  * * * *

  John parked in the driveway at the Warsaw home. Nervously, he checked the left inside pocket of his jacket and drew a deep breath. He got out of his car and adjusted his tie. Then he sauntered up the sidewalk to the porch. Without knocking, John cracked opened up the front door and said, “Knock, knock.”

  George looked up from his newspaper and got up out of his chair. “Come on in, Counselor.” He held out his hand and winked at John and whispered, “Got the ring?”

  John patted his chest and leaned in close to his future father-in-law. In a whisper, he replied, “It’s right here in my left pocket. You want to see it, George?”

  Nodding, George said, “Hey, we’ll be right back, girls.”

  Julie walked around the corner from the kitchen. “Where are you guys going in such a rush? What are you up to?”

  George replied quickly, raising his voice slightly, “I want to show him my new lobster pots.” He led John into the workshop and quietly said, “Okay, let’s see it.”

  Sticking his hand into his pocket, John pulled out the small black velvet box. As he lifted it to George’s eye level, he reached for the lid and opened it slowly. The brilliance of the princess cut diamond immediately came alive as rainbow colors escaped from the stone.

  “Wow! John, where did you get such a fancy one?” George asked.

  Putting on his reading glasses, George cautiously picked it up to study it closer. In his hand, the proud father held the beautiful ring that represented his daughter’s future. The one-carat white diamond reflected the light and cast multicolored prisms all over his face. Seeing his own image in the white gold band, George smiled.

  “This is one of the most beautiful rings I have ever seen. I wish I could have afforded to give Julie one like this when we got married.”

  “Let’s just say, I have a friend of mine who is a jeweler in town. He owed me a favor a while back, and I knew he could find me the perfect diamond.”

  George carefully returned the ring and inserted it in the box. Handing it back to John, he asked, “Do you know how you’re going to ask her?”

  “I haven’t quite figured that out yet, but I’ve got a couple of ideas. I may drop it in her champagne glass.”

  “Let’s hope she doesn’t swallow it!”

  John and George laughed.

  “Good point. I’ll just ask the maître d’ what he suggests. I’m sure he has a lot of ideas.”

  George chuckled. Reaching out, he shook John’s hand and added, “Good luck, son. I guess I need to get used to calling you that.”

  “Thanks, George. She means the world to me.”

  George gave John a bear hug.

  “Well, you’re practically our son already.” Tears began to swell up in George’s eyes as he said, “Take care of my Katherine. Do you hear me? If you ever hurt my baby girl, I’ll sink you at the bottom of the ocean with one of my new lobster pots.”

  John had a puzzled expression on his face. Sink at the bottom? Looking at George, he chuckled, “I really don’t think it will come to that. I could never hurt Katy on purpose.”

  George and John walked back in to the living room and were both amazed at how beautiful Katy was. She twirled around and asked, “How do I look?”

  John smiled and replied, “Katy, you look beautiful.” John walked over and kissed her gently on the lips. “Yummy!...Sweetie, you smell good. What is it?”

  “It’s called, Take me, I’m yours.”

  “Oh, believe me I will!” John nibbled on her neck teasingly and said, “Mmmmmmm ... That tastes good.”

  Embarrassed, Katy giggled. “Stop! Not in front of everyone.”

  “Is that all you do?” Jason patronized them.

  Katy laughed and replied, “Yes, we walk around with our lips stuck to each other all day long.”

  John took Katy by the hand and twirled her around. “Mmmmmm Wow! You are one sexy lady. My, oh my, oh my! Isn’t my baby a knock out tonight?”

  The delicate sequins on her dress shimmered, casting soft rainbows of light on John’s face as he slipped an arm around her waist. “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship,” John mimicked in his best Humphrey Bogart voice. He chuckled and then reverted to his normal voice. “You like that?”

  “It’s not the best I’ve ever heard,” Katy laughed.

  “That’s why I’m a lawyer, and not an actor.” John chuckled as he glanced at his watch. “We better get going. Our reservations are set for 7:30 p.m..”

  John picked up Katy’s full-length coat and held it open for her to put it on. Katy slipped the coat on and grasped her small, matching clutch. John put on his overcoat and then opened the door. Holding out his elbow, he escorted her to get into the car. He smiled at her, as he admired the beautiful with whom he wanted to spend his life with.

  George and Julie gazed out the window, watching John and Katy get in his car. Julie’s eyes welled up as she realized that it wouldn’t be long before Katy would be leaving the nest.

  Lovingly gazing at his wife, George kissed her on the side of the check and wrapped his large arms around her waist. “Remember when we were dating?” he whispered.

  “Yes.” Julie turned around and looked directly at him. “I sure do... And you know what?”

  George continued to hold his wife by her waist. “What’s that?”

  “We still are.”

  Turning once again towards the window, Julie commented, “I’m so glad they’re getting married.”

  George nodded at her and replied, “Yes, he’ll make a good son-in-law.”

  Outside, the car engine came to life as John turned the key. The young couple pulled out of the driveway and onto the dark, foggy highway as they headed towards town.

  CHAPTER 20

  Pulling into a parking space in front of The Lighthouse Restaurant, John turned off the car and announced, “Here we are, baby!”

  Katy glanced over and smiled at John. Secretly, she hoped that it would be the night. All he has to do is ask me and put a beautiful ring on my finger. It won’t take any convincing. God, I love him so much. Placing her hand on the door handle, she almost pulled it when John gently touched her on the shoulder.

  “Wait right there.”

  John got out and briskly walked around the car to open the door for her. Extending his hand towards her, Katy took hold of it and stood up. John lovingly kissed the top of her fingers and said, “You are so beautiful. You know, when we walk in there, everyone will turn their heads to see you. You are luminous.”

  Shyly, Katy glanced down at the ground by her feet and smiled. John held out his elbow for her, and escorted her to into the restaurant like a gentleman.

  “After you, sweethe
art,” John said as he opened the door.

  Katy smiled and replied, “Thank you.” Walking in the door, she grabbed his elbow again as they approached a small pedestal.

  A short man in his mid-thirties approached the couple and smiled. Dressed in a black tuxedo with a white slim bow tie, the maître d’ greeted them warmly. “Good evening. Table for two?”

  “Yes, reservations for John Smith.”

  The maître d’ picked up a pair of reading glasses, and then lifted them to his eyes. As he looked downward, the thinning hair on the crown of his balding head formed a near-perfect circle. Scanning the reservation list quickly, he raised his head and smiled widely. Picking up two dinner menus and a wine list, he directed, “Right this way, Mr. Smith.”

  Hand-in-hand, John and Katy followed the maître d’ to their table. Pulling Katy’s chair away from the table, the maître d’ said, “Miss.”

  “Thank you,” Katy said as she sat down while he assisted her in sliding up to the table. As John sat down across from her and rested his wrists on the table, she stretched out both arms and took hold of his hands.

  Handing the dinner menus to each of them, the maître d’ asked John, “Would you like to see the wine menu, sir?”

  John gladly accepted the menu and said, “Absolutely.”

  Gesturing for the maître d’ to lean forward, John whispered in his ear. Nodding in response to the secretive message, the maître d’ offered the wine list to John, then looked over and nodded at a young waiter with short, dark brown hair, who quickly approached the table.

  “Paul will be your waiter for the evening. I hope you have a wonderful time tonight.”

  Less than a minute later, a waiter approached their table with a smile. “Good evening, my name is Paul, and I will be your server this evening. Have you selected a wine, sir?”

  Pointing at a semi-dry selection on the list, John replied, “We will take a bottle of this Pinot Grigio.”

  “Very good. I will return with it shortly,” the waiter said as he scurried away.

  As John held Katy’s hands, he rubbed her left finger. He grinned and said, “Look’s kind of bare, don’t you think?”