After leaving Bryce Letter's office, Rory received a call from a deputy outside telling him the CSI team had arrived from up in Seaside, Oregon, the most northwestern town in Oregon. Rory said, "Show them to the crime scene and I'll meet them there." He turned to Stacy and said, "I've no idea where to find this Billy Ryder guy, but check with the office. I'll catch up with you later."
"Fine with me. I'll get the employee records and begin looking through them. How about an incident room?"
"We've a conference room at the motel we're staying at."
"Good man and I'll be with you after the office visit."
Stacy found the receptionist less than friendly. It was like it was her fault that a dead man was found murdered on her turf. Stacy brushed it aside and asked, after showing her ID, "Ms. Greenfield, [her name sat on the counter polished to a bright shine] I'd like a copy or the original employee records for the swing shift employees. I'll sign a receipt if you'd like one."
Ms. Greenfield looked down at Stacy from her lofty height and from eyes almost black blew a snort out her equally long thin nose and said, "We're not country bumpkins here young lady. I anticipated your request and here is what you desire." She reached down under the counter and slapped a five inch stack of file folders on the counter top.
"I also need the janitors' and the maintenance employees' files. In addition, I'd like the office staff and other shift managers. And by the way, I'm Marshall Foreham and not a 'Young Lady.' It might be best for you and your associates to bust your backsides to please us. I've the power to keep this place shut down for as long as I desire," Stacy said with a touch of venom dripping off her lips.
Ms. Greenfield stepped back and her first thought was her job was in jeopardy. This would not be the first time someone complained of her snotty attitude. She inwardly swore that going through the change of life sucked. With an effort almost beyond her imagination, she said, "Sorry Marshall. This incident has rocked our boat. Just let me know what else you might need and I'll be happy to provide it for you."
Stacy decided to let her off the hook and said, "Most people associated with a murder are changed and that change is usually not a pleasant one. The idea is to find the guilty party and put this behind you. It's my guess but we'll have the killers before very long. It's very doubtful that someone from the outside came into the factory and murdered Frank Schwarz."
"Give me a minute and I'll get the other files for you."
After depositing the files in their SUV, Stacy went to the crime scene. There she found her three detectives and three CSI members from Seaside. She was introduced and the team leader said, "The place is very clean Marshall. We'll vacuum and do our usual thing, but it appears, after a cursory look, he was killed elsewhere and dragged or carried here to the vat. Because he was stabbed it reasonable to assume there's some blood somewhere. We'll find it. Now I must get to work and after our work is completed, I'll call Rory with the results. By the way Marshall Foreham, it's my pleasure to meet you. Hardly a day goes by that your name is not mentioned," said Brad Pierce.
Brad left leaving Stacy's team standing around the vat area. Stacy said, "Anything of interest Ben and Dan?"
"Not that I found," said Dan and Ben nodded his agreement.
"Well, let's retire to our conference room and while we're at it, find someplace to eat."
"Music to my ears," said Rory making the first move to the exit.
6
The motel was nice and comfortable. It was the tail end of the off season and the counter manager delighted to inform the new guests that a discount was being offered. Stacy signed in and made it known they were in need of some substance and a conference room that would be rented for the duration of their stay. Inside the conference room would be sensitive material and the room must be locked at all times. The manager assured all of them that nothing would be disturbed and he guaranteed it.
They went to their rooms, sat the bags down and after washing up, went to the coffee shop for something to eat. Once seated and orders taken, Stacy asked, "Rory, tell us from the time you arrived what happened and who did you see."
Rory blew out a lung full, sipped some chlorinated water, frowned at the glass and said, "First call went the State Police who in turn called me. I called the Tillamook Police and told them to secure the area. Next, I called the Sheriff's Office and asked them to provide some assistance to a major crime at the factory. I pushed it a little and was here by 3 am. I talked to the security guard, city police and the deputies. I was shown the crime scene and was told the employees were camped out in the lunch room having been recalled from their homes after shift."
The food arrived and the table went silent. Rory went to work and Dan was closely on his heels. Ben smiled at Stacy acknowledging the inside joke of Rory's eating habits. They both had the special 'Seafare Surprise' and it was very tasty. In no time Rory was finished and waved the waiter over for dessert. He said, after almost licking the banana split bowl, "I'm happy now. There's only one thing left to do and that's take a long nap."
Stacy said, "I agree with you, but we need to spend some time catching up on our reading. You go take a nap and return in a couple hours. Ben can interview that maintenance man Billy Ryder and I'll interview Ruth Corbin. Dan, you go visit the widow woman Claire Schwarz. Go easy and make sure she knows you just married with a new baby. Okay, Ben and I to the factory in Rory's vehicle and let's meet back here in two hours."
7
Ben found Billy Ryder in the Maintenance Office tinkering with some, what looked like, bicycle chain. Ben noticed that Billy was facing the door so as to not miss seeing anyone coming in. Ben had his warrant ID out in hand. Billy picked up a clean rag and did his best to wipe off the oil from the chain. He said, "I've been expecting you. My hands are greasy so let's pass on the hand greeting."
Ben nodded and said, "Is there a place we can sit down and talk for awhile Mr. Ryder?"
"Sure can do. Follow me to my small office."
Ben, while walking, took in what he'd observed in the first meeting with Ryder. He saw a late middle aged man who looked older than his years. Ben had perused his file and saw he was just past fifty. However, the deep lines and stark white hair made him appear much older. Ben thought the job must be stressful or home life is not as it should be.
Inside the tiny office, Billy poured a very dark cup of coffee from a greasy pot and looked at Ben asking him if he wanted one. Ben sat down shaking his head and said, "Just finished one at lunch time Mr. Ryder."
"Call me Billy detective. Everybody calls me Billy. Now what can I help you with," he asked sitting down in a squeaky old wooden office chair.
"Let's begin by how long you've worked here and then tell me what you know about the victim Frank Schwarz."
Eyes to the ceiling Billy said, "I followed in my daddy's footsteps. He was the millwright from many years ago. I took over after he retired early from a stroke. I started work here when I was twenty years old. At first it was not difficult because we lacked any hi tech machinery such as our vats. There're computer operated and I'm just basically mechanical and not computer educated, we occasionally have to call in from the outside a technician. Anyway, enough of that. Let's see now, Frank Schwarz was disliked from the moment he set foot upon the factory floor. He rubbed people the wrong way with his obnoxious personality. He knew production alright, but he demanded and didn't ask his workers to do something. I'm not surprised something happened, but I never expected someone would kill the guy."
"Was there any one person who voiced their anger about the victim more than anyone else?"
"Vince Ruby is probably the most vocal among the swing shift crew. I can't believe he'd kill anyone, but none of us really knows another person when the pot boils over, if you know what I mean."
"Can you give me an example of something you overheard or had good second hand information?"
"Vince was always spouting off and his favorite expression was: 'Someday that guy will get what's coming
to him.'"
"Why do you think Vince Ruby was so vocal about his manager?"
"Frank rode him hard because of his mouth. Also Frank had an admirer in Wayne Wheeler, known as 'The Kid'. He's a young guy who worshiped the ground Vince walked on. I can't imagine why and when I asked him one day, he told me Vince was the father he never had."
"Anyone else Billy," asked Ben
"Some people voice their feelings and others show their actions with their eyes and other gestures detective. Suffice to say, few, if any, liked the guy."
Ben stood up and told Billy thanks and that he'd and his boss would probably return for more questions at a later time. Ben turned and walked slowly out of the office. He glanced over his shoulder seeing Billy picking up the phone.
8
According to her file, Ruth Corbin was twenty-eight and the factories computer tech. It was her responsibility to make sure all was well and good with all the computer operated systems. Stacy found her in a small office just off the lunch room. She was going over the reports from the day before when she looked up after Stacy knocked on her door jamb. Stacy said, "I'm Marshall Stacy Foreham Ms. Corbin. I'd like to ask a few questions if you've time."
"Of course Marshall. Please take seat," she said holding out her hand for a greeting.
Stacy liked her right away. She seemed pleasant and friendly. "Ms. Corbin tell me how you discovered the victim in the vat?"
Stacy saw her shudder and she said, "I was making my usual rounds and saw steam escaping from one vat in the back of the room. I hurried over and saw the lid was not securely fastened. I wondered what the problem was and raised the lid seeing a face starring at me. I dropped the lid and backed off screaming. My screams were not heard and then I once again got brave and opened the lid. I looked closer and saw it was our shift manager Frank Schwarz. I quickly turned that vat off and went for help. Our security guard was walking around and I alerted him. Well, he called 911 and that's about all I can tell you Marshall."
"How was your relationship with Frank Schwarz?"
"We never really said much to each other. As long as all was as it should be, he ignored me. Frankly speaking he scared me a little. I've seen him blow up and chastise a few employees a time or two."
"Thanks Ms. Corbin. Is there any one person that you know if that took an offense to his personality of being a strict boss?"
"I've only been here a year, but it seems that there's this older guy – oh, can't remember his name – let's see—ah, Vince somebody is always jabbering about Frank."
"Anyone else that you can think of?"
"I doubt if you could find anyone that liked him. However, murder is rather drastic I'd say to silence someone you don't like."
"Let's leave it here from the moment. I'll probably be back for a few additional questions, but many thanks for your candid answers."
9
Stacy found Ben next door in the lunch room talking to a grey haired lady. Ben introduced her as the custodian Alice Withers. Ben said, after introductions, "Alice has some interesting stories to tell. It seems she witnessed Vince Ruby and Frank Schwarz fighting just the other night after work. Nobody was hurt and a few others broke it up. Also, she overheard Vince say that Frank wouldn't live the week out if he had his way."
"Ms. Withers, does Vince Ruby have any close friends when he's at work," asked Stacy.
"Yes, he has a small group of followers who hang on his every word. I hear that they all feel Vince is going to make a better work place and get them more money if they can get rid of Frank."
"I'm curious," said Ben. "How do you feel about Frank as a manager?"
"I've no feelings one way or the other detective. He doesn't bother me and I just do my job like I've done for years."
"What do you think or feel about Vince and his group creating friction at the factory," asked Frank.
"My mother would say, God rest her soul, he'd cry if he was hung with a new rope. It's a job and no more than that. Here in Tillamook jobs are not growing on trees. Accept what is offered or leave. Guys like Vince only create turmoil and stress for all. Guys like him and his followers should have duct tape put on their mouths as they swipe in for work. You know, this factory has been here for a century. It'll be here when both Vince and Frank are gone. Oh, my, sorry, Frank is dead. Well—no skin off my nose – I've got get to work detectives."
They watched Alice Withers struggle to get up and with her back and shoulders hunched over, walked out of the lunch room with her push broom as a walking stick. Ben said, "Let's see if we can get the names of the Vince Ruby group of dissenters."
"Agreed Ben and when you do let's do the interviews one at a time. I've an idea if we do one, turn him loose to report back, and do another one, we can confuse the group with multiple angles of questions. In that way we can catch at least one of them contradicting another in the group."
"I think I know what you're saying. I think we need all three of us questioning the group. Not the bad cop – good cop thing, but firing questions and pushing for answers."
"That's right Ben. It's been a couple hours and let's go back and wake up Rory."
10
When Stacy, Ben and Dan walked in the restaurant area of the motel, Rory was chatting amiably with the waitress. They sat down in the large circular booth. The waitress's face turn a shade of red when she looked at Stacy, but Stacy just gave her a big smile.
Instead of moving to the conference room, they ordered some snacks and summarized the interviews with the maintenance guy, the computer tech and what the CSI had to report. Rory paid particular attention to the custodian lady as when Stacy finished said, "I put more stock in the sweepers than anyone else. They see and listen but rarely speak."
"Rory, Billy named Vince Ruby as the de facto leader of swing shift. It was suggested that at least on one occasion he and the victim had a pushing match."
"Then we need to put that guy under the bright lights," Rory said while spooning a mouthful of chocolate sundae into a smiling face.
"Also, he has a young follower who worships the ground Vince walks on. I think we could grill him until he's on the side of the law."
"Let's do the two of them separately. Or if you have a better idea…………."
"No Rory I don't," said Stacy. Let's see what Dan has to offer after visiting with the widow."
Dan said, "At first I witnessed a grieving widow, but as time went on, it seemed to me she was happy the guy was gone forever. She was happy to see me when I arrived. It was obvious she was expecting someone to interview her. Fresh baked cookies and coffee were just an arm's length away. Of course she went through the sobbing and woe is me and I almost took it hook line and sinker. Then her head came up and I saw red eyes of hate looking at me. I reached for my coffee pretending not to notice, but then she blurted out – 'You know he was having an affair with someone at the factory.'"
"Did she mention who it was," asked Stacy.
"No she didn't. When I prompted her she told me she didn't know who, but knew he had sex with someone. I didn't push it any further. I left soon after as she made it clear she was a lonely woman in need. After that I went to the local 7 -11 for any gossip I could pick up. One nice middle aged woman told me she'd heard rumors of what a nasty guy the victim was. When I prodded her about any affairs he might have been involved in, she nodded, but wouldn't elaborate."
"I would deduce she was not on our prime suspect list, but would it be possible for her to sneak into the factory and wait for her husband to be alone," asked Ben.
"Let's see if indeed the victim was having an affair and if so, who was it," asked Stacy.
Ben said, while catching Stacy's eye, "let's chat further with that cleaning lady. If anyone knows about our victim having an affair in or near the factory, she would be the one holding that information back."
"I agree Ben and I think you're the one for that job," said a smiling Stacy who was about to order something to eat. Dan agreed and Rory clapped his hands, wh
ile Ben and Stacy rolled their eyes at Rory lust for calories.
They ordered and then retired to the conference room to discuss the case. After dinner Stacy said, "Let's line up our interviews for tomorrow. I think Dan should continue around town seeking some gossip. This is cow country and the local feed store would probably be a fountain of local information. Let it be known we're not trying to do any harm to the cheese factory, but quickly and quietly apprehend the killer or killers and leave town. Make it clear that we're Oregonians and not insensitive to Tillamook receiving a bad image to affect the tourist trade. It's my understanding that more than a million visitors tour the factory each year.
Ben can do the cleaning lady and I want to talk again with the big boss man. After that, Ben and I will see what Vince Ruby has to say. Rory can you find the young man who adores Vince Ruby and see if you can open him up to some insights into Vince's daily activities?"
Dan said, I brought some jeans and a long sleeve shirt with me. I'll go downtown and see what the local tavern has to offer for some murder talk."
"Excellent idea Dan," said Stacy. She looked around the room and a knock at the door the cleanup crew was looking for dirty dishes. Stacy nodded and they went to their separate rooms. Rory had a long look on his face, but took it in stride walking tall to his lonely room.
Stacy stripped down for a well deserved hot shower and some thinking time about the case. Just as she was about to step into the steamy shower her cell went off. She looked up at the ceiling and almost uttered some bad words, but instead saw the caller was her boss lady from DC.
"Hi Stacy, did I catch you at a bad time," asked Connie.
"A little bit Connie. I was just about to take a hot shower when you called. But I've wrapped up in warm bathrobe and I suppose you're looking for a report?"
"Well, yes and no and give me the yes report and I'll tell you the no side of my call." Stacy filled her in and towards the end said, "It looks like a fairly straight forward homicide, but a twist or two always springs up. I'm hoping to wrap it up so I can attend the wedding."
Murder Mysteries Series Seven Page 2
