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

by Karen Vance Hammond

  * * * *

  Long metal keys jingled from Sheriff Johnson’s fingers as he walked toward the jail’s holding area. With a scowl on his face, he stopped in front of Carter Spurlock’s cell.

  “What do you want?” Carter snarled as he eyeballed the sheriff.

  “Well, it’s your lucky day, son. I’ve got to let you go.” Carter grabbed the cell bars and leaned in towards the sheriff. “Thought you caught you a live one didn’t you, Sheriff?”

  “Don’t use that smart mouth with me, Carter.”

  Carter glared at him, “I didn’t do anything, Sheriff, and you have no proof.”

  Sheriff Johnson stuck his finger towards Carter’s face and stated firmly, “Just because I don’t have anything on you for this murder doesn’t mean I won’t be watching you. Lisa doesn’t want your advances, and the last thing she needs is for you to accost her while she’s grieving over Timmy. Leave her alone, do you hear me?”

  Carter raised his hands in defense and shouted, “Enough! All right! Chill!!”

  “I meant every word I said. Let’s go, Carter. We need to get you signed out and get your stuff so you can leave.”

  Carter slowly walked like a prized fighter down the jail corridor toward the security desk. Raising his hands high in the air, he ran in place and yelled, “I’m free, I’m free. You ain’t never gettin’ me!”

  Deputy Williams looked at him repulsion.

  Sheriff Johnson nodded to the guard on duty, and the familiar buzz announced the door latch release. As they crossed the threshold into the hall and started down to the processing room, he said to the clerk, “Would you get Carter Spurlock’s personal items for me?”

  “Right away, Sheriff,” the clerk replied as she stood up and walked to the room behind her. Shortly, she returned and handed the plastic bag and release form to Carter. Offering an ink pen to Carter, she said, “Here you go. Sign on the bottom line, please.”

  Carter signed the release document, grabbed his belongings, and looked back at the sheriff. With a big smirk, he said, “Sheriff, I don’t plan on seeing you again anytime soon; I won’t miss you one bit either.”

  He turned to scowl at the sheriff as he walked out the door. Outside, he spat on the asphalt in the parking lot. After he got into his car, Carter turned on his music to the loudest volume and roared out of the driveway.

  * * * *

  Disturbed by Carter’s release, Sheriff Johnson walked back to his office and sat down. He thought to himself, I wish I didn’t have to give this news to Lisa. Dialing her cell phone number Sheriff muttered under his breath, She will not be happy about it.

  The sheriff waited until a female voice answered the phone.

  “Hello.”

  “Is this Lisa?”

  “Yes, speaking,” she replied.

  “This is Sheriff Johnson. I’m here the station.”

  “Hello, Sheriff. Did you find out what Carter did to Timmy?”

  With a deep sigh, Sheriff paused for a moment and replied, “No, Lisa, I hate to tell you this, but we had to let him go. At this point, we can’t find anything that would tie him directly to the murder. In fact, we have a lot of evidence against someone else.”

  Angry, Lisa stood up from her living room couch. Her eyes darted back and forth as she blurted, “Sheriff what did you say? Did you say you had to let him go?”

  Sheriff Johnson scratched his head. “Yes, you heard right. We just don’t have the evidence against him, Lisa. He’s not a nice guy, but I can’t arrest him for that. I have no proof that he actually killed Timmy.”

  “You know how he did it, Sheriff!” Tears welled in her eyes.

  “Lisa, calm down and breathe.”

  Sheriff jerked his head away from his phone as Lisa hollered in the receiver.

  “Sheriff, I know he killed my boyfriend. I just know it!” Lisa began to cry.

  “Calm down, Lisa.”

  Nervously pacing back and forth, Lisa asked, “Did you show Carter the note? Cause if you did, he’ll come after me. He’ll kill me, too.”

  “I did not mention that you discussed anything with us. We found the note in Timmy’s bedroom, so I don’t think he will know you’re involved, Lisa. Now, this is what I want you to do. If you see any kind of malicious activity from him, you call me immediately. If he contacts you, or tries to harm you in any way, you let me know right away. Now, I told him that I am watching his every move. I think he heard me loud and clear. Okay?”

  Infuriated, Lisa’s hands shook as she held onto her cell phone. “I don’t care if you’re watching him or not, I’m still scared, Sheriff.”

  “No, don’t be scared. Just be vigilant.”

  Her voice trembled as she said, “Okay. Thanks for calling, Sheriff.”

  “No problem, I just had to let you know. I will keep an extra patrol in your area until we are sure that Carter won’t be a problem.”

  “Thank you, Sheriff. Good-bye.” Lisa said, angrily hanging up her cell phone.

  Crying uncontrollably, Lisa ran up the stairs and slammed her bedroom door. Diving face first onto the bed, she crawled lengthwise to where she had left Timmy’s photograph on her pillow. She sat up and held it close to her chest, wailing as she rocked back and forth. Her heart had been shattered into a thousand pieces.

  CHAPTER 25

  After meeting Sheriff Johnson at headquarters early in the morning, Peter decided to ride in the sheriff’s squad car to the monastery.

  “I wonder what we are going to find in the pond,” Peter commented.

  “I don’t know, but I am ready for anything at this point,” Sheriff Johnson replied.

  Peter asked, “Any word on the search warrant for the monastery building yet? I hope those missing clothes are there.”

  “I know, Peter. Me too. Since I need to be here for the dive search this morning, I asked John Smith to meet the judge as soon as possible to get the warrant signed. I’d love to wrap up the pond search and get right to work on the building. Maybe we’ll get lucky and find the missing evidence. I still find it incredible that a nun could be responsible for such a horrible crime. You never know what to expect anymore,” Sheriff Johnson stated.

  Peter glanced over at the Sheriff. “Do you think Mother Superior is involved in this?”

  “It’s crossed my mind. She was the last person known to see him alive, but that woman is getting up in age. It could be any of them.”

  Peter bit his bottom lip then commented, “Sheriff, you are positive that you saw a nun on the video?”

  “Oh, definitely! Deputy Williams saw it and brought it to my attention. There is no doubt the person was wearing a nun’s habit. The question is who was it? We couldn’t see any face clearly enough to know,” Sheriff Johnson said.

  Shaking his head in disgust, Peter replied, “Hopefully, the divers will find what is needed to catch the killer who did this.”

  Peter glanced out the window, and for a moment, he idly watched two moose in a distant snow-covered field. They both turned to glance back at him, as they continued biting off leaves from a nearby tree.

  Turning back, Peter asked, “How long have you known John?”

  “Most of his adult life. Why?”

  Peter shook his head, “Just wondering ... And Katy?”

  “Oh, I’ve known Katy since she was a tot. She turned out to be a beautiful young lady. It’s hard to believe she’s getting married soon. How time flies.”

  Nodding, Peter agreed.

  “Well, we’re here, Doc.”

  Sheriff Johnson pulled in the driveway to the monastery and parked his cruiser in the small parking area near the pond. Several department vehicles were already parked along the edge of the drive. The sheriff donned a pair of gray snow boots and opened his car door. Hearing footsteps in the snow, he turned to see Deputy Williams jogging towards him.

  “It’s after 9 o’clock, and the divers aren’t here yet.”

  Sheriff Johnson put on his coat and pulled his sleeve back looking at
his watch. “They’re supposed to be here at 10 this morning. They said it’s better to let the water warm up a little in the sun. We can still get started organizing the search without them. I better go tell the sisters we’re here.”

  Sheriff Johnson started walking towards the monastery with Peter following close behind him.

  Williams walked up to the Sheriff and mentioned, “Sheriff, they probably already know. Someone has been watching us from upstairs.”

  Sheriff Johnson stopped dead in his tracks. “Oh, really?”

  The deputy pointed up the top right window and said, “A woman with long blonde hair has been watching us from up there.”

  Sheriff Johnson lifted his face up towards the window and said, “Well, maybe we can find out who that person is and see what they know. Peter, if you don’t mind, can you wait back at the pond just in case the divers show up while we speak to the nuns, please?”

  “Sure,” Peter replied as he immediately turned around towards the pond, where several deputies were already waiting with anticipation.

  * * * *

  Anxiously, John Smith and Deputy Shamberg headed directly to Judge Taylor’s office suite. Their footsteps echoed as they walked briskly down the hall.

  Glancing at John, the deputy asked, “Do you think you’ll have any problem getting him to sign off on this?”

  “I don’t think so. I’ve known Judge Taylor for a long time. He is a very likable man with a strong head on his shoulders,” John chuckled.

  Both of the men stopped at the judge’s office door, and Deputy Shamberg opened it slowly. At a reception desk near a small waiting room, a large, robust woman removed her glasses as she smiled and asked, “Mr. District Attorney, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you. How can I help you, gentlemen?”

  “Hello, Audrey, it’s always nice to see your smiling face,” John replied. “I believe you already know Deputy Shamberg.”

  Audrey nodded and said, “Hello, Deputy.”

  The deputy smiled and said, “Good morning, Audrey. I understand that the sheriff left some evidence for Judge Taylor to review?”

  Audrey smiled and said, “Yes, sir. I gave everything to the judge as soon as he came in an hour ago. The sheriff requested him to look at it as soon as he got in. I think Judge Taylor is looking at everything right now.”

  John’s commanding voice was softened by his suave demeanor. “I assure you that it is urgent. We must see the judge immediately.”

  “Oh, I think I may be able to help you out, gentlemen,” she said, twisting a small lock of her hair, as she picked up the telephone receiver. Glancing up, she whispered with a slight grin, “Let me see if I can get him for you.”

  John nodded, “Thank you, ma’am. That would be most appreciated.”

  Holding the telephone to her ear, she said sweetly, “Your Honor, I’m sorry to disturb you. The D.A. is here, along with Deputy Shamberg to see you, sir. Mr. Smith said it is rather urgent that they speak with you, if you’re available.” After a few seconds, Audrey replaced the receiver and said, “You may go on in now. He has a few moments he can spare before his first appointment.”

  “Thank you so much, Audrey,” John said. “You’re always so helpful.”

  The older woman blushed and replied, “Thank you, Mr. Smith.” Turning towards the deputy, she added, “It was nice to see you again, Deputy.”

  “Likewise, ma’am,” Deputy Shamberg smiled and nodded to her respectfully. Tipping his hat, he passed by her desk and said, “Have a nice day, Miss Audrey.”

  * * * *

  The monastery’s front door was made of darkly stained, solid oak, and attached to with unusually large iron hinges. The large black cast iron door handle and latch were ornately embellished with small vine motifs. The matching doorknocker rested in place on the massive door, which seemed to stand ominously between Sheriff Johnson and any truth he might find inside.

  Before Sheriff Johnson could knock, the door opened with an eerie squeak. A nun dressed in a dark blue habit stared at him politely with her large green eyes.

  “May I help you?” she asked pleasantly as she smiled.

  “Yes, Sister, I’m Sheriff Johnson, and this is Deputy Williams. We are scheduled to conduct a dive search in the pond today. I wanted to make sure you are aware of why we are here.”

  “I’m Sister Mary Margaret. Please, wait right here.”

  The door closed right in Sheriff Johnson’s face. Sheriff smirked, “Do they all act like that?”

  Deputy Williams shrugged his shoulders. “Heavy door maybe?”

  Moments later, Mother Superior Mary Ellen opened the door. “Hello Sheriff Johnson, what can I do for you?”

  “Hello, Mother, this is Deputy Williams.”

  “Hello, Deputy Williams. Nice to see you again. What do you need, my sons?”

  “Mother, I know that pond over there is a memorial to the late Father … Father?” Sheriff Johnson scratched his head, trying to recall his name.

  “Barnhill,” Mother Superior supplied.

  “Thank you, Mother ... Of course, Father Barnhill. We are here to send divers into the pond.”

  Mother Superior Mary Ellen grabbed a coat on a hook near the door, then walked outside and stood in the snow. As the wind blew her habit sideways, she crossed her arms. Obviously agitated, the elderly woman thought to herself, I wish these men would just leave us alone. Why did they have to interrupt my morning prayers. Couldn’t it wait until later? We’ve already had to deal with a body being found there.

  “Dive in the pond? Sheriff, I don’t understand. Why would you go to the trouble? Don’t you already have the body?”

  Stopping to consider his words carefully, the sheriff replied, “Mother Superior, there’s reason to believe that this pond may hold some evidence as to the cause of Timothy Field’s death. After all, his body was found in it.”

  “Pardon me, Sheriff, do you really believe a pond can give you that answer? Is it necessary? You know it is a special memorial. I don’t want your men damaging anything.”

  “I assure you that it is completely necessary, Mother. We wouldn’t pay for the resources if we didn’t need to do it,” he replied.

  Mother Superior Mary Ellen uncrossed her arms and let out a deep sigh. “Do what you need to, but don’t disturb anything. Excuse me, Sheriff, but I need to get back to my morning prayers.”

  Mother Superior pushed the door closed after she headed back inside, but before it latched, Sheriff Johnson’s hand intercepted and held it open.

  “Mother, we are about to begin the dive search in less than an hour. Everyone needs to stay inside. We can’t take any chances on contaminating the scene. I may need to ask you more questions later.”

  “Very well, go ahead and dive in Father Barnhill’s pond, but I doubt you’ll find anything.”

  In the distance, a sedan and a white van pulled up beside Sheriff Johnson’s cruiser. “Mother, they are here, so I need to get back down there. I will be back up here later to ask my questions.”

  “Don’t let your people destroy Father’s memorial, the garden, or our cemetery, Sheriff!” She folded her arms and frowned at him as she pushed the door completely closed.

  Sheriff Johnson shook his head and murmured under his breath. Looking at Williams, he said, “We better get started.”

  The sheriff trudged down the hill towards a large cluster of investigators. He could see Peter pointing at the pond as he gave instructions to the divers.

  * * * *

  In his chambers, Judge Taylor was reclining in his comfortable leather chair while reviewing some files. Several dark cherry bookshelves lined the wall behind his desk. A myriad of professionally posed faces gazed out from ornately framed family photographs on every shelf. Soaking up the sunlight as it streamed in, a vibrant plant sat quietly in the office windowsill. On the opposite wall, several photographs displaying the judge’s many years of accomplishments, as well as diplomas and plaques.

  As Judge Taylor worked, there
was a soft rap on the door. He responded, “Come in. It’s open.”

  The door opened, John walked in with Deputy Williams following closely behind. “Hello, Your Honor. Thank you for meeting with us on such short notice.”

  The judge looked up and said, “It’s quite all right, Mr. District Attorney. I was just reviewing some case files, but it’s nothing that can’t wait.” Looking over at the deputy, he added, “Hello, Deputy Shamberg.” Judge Taylor reached out and shook each of their hands.

  “I think you’ll be pleased to hear our news, Your Honor,” John smiled.

  Gesturing toward some chairs in front of his desk, Judge Taylor said, “Please have a seat, gentlemen. Make yourselves comfortable. Can I have Audrey bring you some coffee or water?”

  Everyone sat down, and the John said, “Thank you, Your Honor, but we’re in a bit of a rush. Perhaps next time.”

  Judge Taylor replied, “Sure. Where is Sheriff Johnson?”

  “The sheriff is out at the monastery pond right now overseeing the dive search. You may recall, that is where Timothy Fields’ body was found.”

  “Yes, how could I not remember? It’s been all over the news. Now, can you tell me what you need from me?”

  John answered, “We need a search warrant signed, please.”

  Judge Taylor asked, placing some reading glasses on the bridge of his nose. While glancing over some papers on his desk, he furrowed his brow. “A search warrant for the monastery?” Squinting, he exclaimed, “You have got to be kidding me!”

  “It is true, Your Honor. We have video footage linking a nun with some missing evidence from the morgue. Someone in a habit was caught on the surveillance videos at the hospital. The items that were taken were the effects from Timothy Fields’ body after it was recovered. The sheriff had Deputy Williams put a copy of the clip on a flash drive. It should be with the other paperwork that he dropped off. Did you see it, sir?”

  Judge Taylor leaned forward and picked up the flash drive labeled Timothy Fields Case laying on his desk. “Not yet. I guess this is it.”

  After inserting it in the computer slot, he clicked on the file. The night vision video footage automatically spread across the screen and began to play. All three men watched the video intently.