Murder Mysteries Series Seven

by Waggoner, Robert C.

  "Okay now to the 'no' part. I think it's very important that you attend your father's wedding. Now don't protest – I'm flying out the day before and will meet you in Tillamook – wherever that it. If your case is not solved by then – give it to Rory and Ben to solve. They know your methods and by that time you'll have it close to being wrapped up anyway. We'll fly to North Bend and motor down to Bandon."

  "Is that a direct order Connie," asked Stacy with a slight chuckle.

  "Darn tootin it is girl. I also want to see how my or Bandon's new Police Chief is settling in."

  "Call me Connie and I'll have Dan pick you up at Seaside. Now it's shower time."

  ''Bye and happy hunting," Connie said with her usual jovial self.

  11

  As Dan drove to the downtown area, he noticed the days were getting longer. He smiled knowing the drab winter and rainy spring would metamorphosis into summer. It would be fun to take his new baby to the beach and let frolic in the warm sand, he thought as he pulled into the small market. Inside he discovered the cashier was a grey haired lady of retirement age. She smiled warmly and he made a circle around the small store as if he was a regular customer. He gathered some snack food and went up to the counter hoping for some local gossip.

  After he paid, she said, "I know who you are Marshall. I suppose you stopped by for some local colorful gossip about the event at the factory."

  Dan looked up at a smiling face while he tucked his change into his billfold. "You caught me red-handed. I guilty as charged," he replied with an equally wide smile. "My name is Dan."

  "Call me Claires. You've come to the right place Dan. Most folks around here stop for the usual quick to buy items. I hear it all Dan. What juicy piece are you looking for?"

  "Who would want to kill Frank Schwarz?"

  "About half the town," she said with a smokers laugh. "Seriously, night shift hated him, half of day shift the same and," as she lowered her voice and leaned towards Dan, "check the office for any—ah--- outside flings."

  "I don't suppose – you --……….."

  "I'm Claires. Did you forget so soon Dan?"

  "I'm sorry, the news of Frank Swartz having an affair is a little startling."

  "Not to us and I'm sure his wife knew as well. Regardless, it's anybody's guess who killed the man."

  "Thanks Claires and I'll remember our nice meeting for a long while. It's been my pleasure."

  She blushed and lowered her head in acknowledgement.

  Next stop was the local watering hole. Every small town has at least one and usually two. Dan drove around town and finally decided on a tavern with the most vehicles parked nearby. From the outside it looked like a place nobody would want to enter. The orginal sign read: Factory Tavern. But the lack of neon made it read: ..tory… vern. Dan shook his head as he had to use some force to open the old wooden door. Inside he was greeted by cowboy music and a smell that made him shudder: unclean restrooms, disinfectant and cigarette aroma made him wipe his nose as he made his way to the bar stool.

  Dan was aware all eyes were on him as the pool shooters stopped as well as, what looked like two old men playing cribbage? The bartender, doing his duty, sundered over wiping a mug with a rag that had at one time, been white. "What'll yu have mister," said a clean headed middle aged man with a stereotype beer belly.

  "Fill that mug up with what's on tap and I'm happy," said Dan laying a fifty on the bar. Two stools down an obvious regular after seeing the 'Grant' let a few drops of beer slide off his mouth into a beer stained beard, couldn't keep his eyes off the green back. Dan nodded at the regular. Al, as he later found out, had a wealth of useless knowledge of the town and its daily doings.

  The bartender sat a frosted mug full of frothy beer in front of Dan. He walked away leaving the bill where lay. Dan wasn't much of drinker and he tried to appear a beer lover. However, he was saved when the bartender came back and said, "I'm Rex and welcome to our town. We rarely get strangers in town and it's even rarer to have a stranger come to our tavern. How can we help you Marshall?"

  "You know everybody in town and I know nobody. Any small piece of information helps us solve a homicide case. In this case we've a victim who was not well liked. That leads to many suspects. We have to interview each one and sort through the fiction to arrive at the truth. Any information would be appreciated."

  "Yes, Frank wasn't well liked is true. I've never met the man as he wasn't one of our regulars; or even a onetime glass of beer guy. We're a little surprised he was murdered, but would have never been surprised if someone worked him over. Rumor has it Vince was nominated for kicking his ass." Dan was about to open his mouth when two stools down a gravelly voice said"

  "My money is on Vince detective. If anyone in the factory could kill, it would be him."

  "Now Al," said Rex. "Don't get started running him down just now. Let the man drink his beer. If Vince hears you accusing him, you'll regret it. Oh by the way Marshall, Vince is a regular here."

  "Have you heard any stories of the victim having an affair with anyone from the factory," asked Dan.

  Rex moved down and filled Al's glass and a couple other guys who were listening with complete attention. Rex moved back to Dan. Dan pushed the fifty to pay for the bar and then Rex said, "Yes, it's pretty common knowledge he's having it on with—well—I'm not going to mention names, but I don’t think she smells like cheese at the end of the day."

  Dan told the bartender thanks and left the remainder of the fifty to buy the house a beer. Rex knew he could pocket the left over.

  ~~~~

  The investigative team was greeted by rivulets of water running down the plate glass window as they sat down to eat. The only smile seen was on Rory's face as he read the menu. The others had grim faces, seeing the weather making its imposing force known.

  After the orders were taken, Dan gave his last night adventure report. He told them what Claire had offered and what Rex and his regulars at the tavern reported. "I'm thinking we ought to find out who was the female friend of the vic.

  "I'll take the wife," said Stacy. "You guys take Vince and his young admirer. Lean on the kid Rory and Ben use your calm demeanor to interrogate Vince. Dan, go see that computer tech and see what she has to offer in the way of some late night you know what."

  Rory nodded as his plate arrived in front of him. Stacy glared at the giant breakfast, but knew he had heard her order. The rest went to work devouring their breakfast. All knew it would be a long day.

  Stacy asked Dan to hang back for a moment. Rory and been left to perform their duties. Dan waited patiently wondering if he'd done something wrong. Stacy said, "Dan, Connie is flying in to Seaside, but I don't know what time she arrives. I want you go pick her up please and return to the motel. You can leave her at any time after that. She's going to Dad's wedding and to see how the new chief is adjusting. Okay I'm off to see the widow woman. I'll call you when I hear from Connie."

  Dan did some mental math and figured with a four hour time difference, a few hours in the office, she'd be here around dark or a bit earlier. As it turned out, he wasn't far wrong.

  12

  Stacy had called ahead to Claire Schwartz for an appointment. Claire said anytime would fine. Stacy arrived at 9 am having been dropped off by Dan. A knock on the door was quickly opened by a stoic faced middle aged woman. Regardless of her thoughts of what her husband had done with another woman, it was clear to Stacy the wife felt some deep loss. Stacy held out her hand with a smile. Claire slightly grinned taking Stacy warm hand into her cold one. "Come in Marshall. I've some fresh coffee being brewed," she said in a pitiful voice leading Stacy to the small kitchen. The kitchen was as Dan had described: quaint would be the word to use in this case.

  Stacy said, as she sat down at the small table with the checkerboard clothe, "I'm sorry but I'm not a coffee drinker. I'd have tea if you have some. If not, never mind, I just finished breakfast not too long ago."

  "I've some Earl Grey a friend sent me. Would
you like that," she asked reaching into a cupboard.

  "That would be fine," said Stacy. "While you're doing that Ms. Schwartz, may I ask a few questions?"

  "That would be fine Marshall. And just call me Claire. This town and area doesn't lend itself to formal manners much. I like it that way. Ask away," she said while putting a pot of water on the stove for tea.

  "What will you do now Claire?"

  "I'm not sure at this point. We bought this little house with the idea we'd be here quite a while. We never had any children and I've only a sister who lives in Medford. She's asked me to come see her and stay as long as I want to, but she's a family. No, I'll stay here for the time being. With Frank's passing, the house is paid for and he left a substantial life insurance policy. I'll be fine for the time being."

  "Claire was this the first time your husband had been late leaving work?"

  "The latest he has arrived home was around 12:30 am. I waited until 1 and then began ringing his cell. No answer and I got scared and went to the factory. The rest you know."

  Stacy had been watching her carefully. She'd made no signs of being nervous. After setting her tea down Stacy asked, "In a murder or homicide case Claire, we have to ask some delicate and personal questions. The question I have to ask is this: was your husband having an affair at work?"

  Stacy observed Claire seeing her remain expressionless. A sip of coffee later she said, "I suspected he was, but I'm unaware of who it was. When we found out I couldn't have children, he became cold and distant. Anyway, I guess I never wanted to know. He never complained about my spending or what I did in my free time, so I let him carry on."

  "Did your husband say who might have wanted to do him harm at the factory?"

  "He said a guy by the name of Vince was the most vocal and my husband was a little scared of him."

  "Anyone else that you can remember him talking about?"

  "He told me that there was a gang of workers that Vince was the leader. How many in the gang I'm clueless."

  The tea tasted rather good, Stacy thought. "I've just one more question Claire. Did your husband ever say anything about his job security?"

  "Yes, he did. He told me that he pushed too hard and that management was not happy with his handling of employees. The CEO warned him that if anymore complaints and he'd be let go. He also told me he'd been nicer to the workers lately."

  "Thanks and I'll call my driver and finish my tea if you don’t mind Claire."

  As agreed between the CEO, Bryce Letter and from Stacy list, required those individuals to arrive at the factory at 8 am until released to go home. All would be paid their regular rate of salary. That's where both Rory and Ben found their respective suspects.

  Rory took the 'Kid', Wayne Wheeler, to a small office next to the main office. Rory thought it more a closet than an office, but it sufficed with two chairs and mini table. After sitting down, Rory stared at the young man. His face was sparsely filled with blonde hair. It was a poor excuse for a beard. His hoodie was in desperate need of a wash job. With its hood up, he looked like a wanabe monk from the waist up. The remainder of his dress was jeans and tattered tennis shoes of no particular name brand.

  Wayne was trying hard to put forth a façade of being unintimidated, but was failing badly. Rory let him stew for a few minutes while he slowly dug out his notebook and searched for a pen. Finally he stared hard at the Kid and said, "How old are you?"

  "I – I'm --- twenty-two," he stuttered.

  "Are you a gang banger," asked Rory.

  "No. There aint no gangs in Tillamook."

  "We know Kid that you worship Vince Ruby and did you help kill your boss Frank Schwartz?

  "No way detective. I never killed no one. I'm innocent," he said about to cry.

  "Did you watch Vince kill Frank?"

  "Hell no. He wonders who did kill him. He's happy the dudes dead; and so am I for that matter," he said growing more braver than before.

  "Who do you think murdered him then, if you didn't do it and your buddy Vince didn't do it."

  "I've no idea mister, but I swear I didn't have nothing to do with his dying."

  Rory told him to go home and they would chat later. "Don’t even think about leaving town Kid.

  Ben and Vince-

  Ben had been visiting the office while Rory used the small room for his interrogation. Ben spent the time exchanging pleasantries with Ms. Greenleaf. That is, if you could call talking with someone who gave brief and to the point answers, pleasantries. However, Ben was subtle and quite observant. He could tell when he'd hit a 'bump' in the road. She would fumble a paper or pick up a pencil as a nervous habit. When he asked, "Ms. Greenleaf, did you like Frank Schwartz?"

  A file she had been holding felt to the floor behind her desk. Ben knew he had hit a nerve, but pretended not to see. "By the way Ms. Greenleaf, how long have you lived and worked at the cheese factory in Tillamook?"

  "I was born and raised here, detective. I've worked for the factory since I graduated from college. I'm totally disgusted by what's happened here. To answer your question about how did I like Frank – well – he was nice to me and we got along well enough."

  "There's a rumor floating around that Frank was having an affair with someone here at the factory. Have you any comments to that end?"

  "We've lots of female workers here. I've no idea about that gossip. I stay away from anyone wanting to discuss personal or company things."

  "Okay, thanks. I've got to run now. I'm sure someone on our team will be back to talk to you again."

  Ben found Rory in the lunch room. Ben briefed Rory on his visit with Ms. Greenleaf and Rory did the same with his interview with the Kid. Ben found Vince talking to a group of his fellow workers and asked him to follow him to an office for an interview.

  Vince quietly took a seat. Ben remained standing. "Mr. Ruby. It's no secret that you disliked Frank Schwartz. You've been overhead threatening him with bodily harm. You're our prime suspect and did you kill him?"

  Ben saw hate in Vince's eyes as they bored into him. He sat rather still except his hands were together on the table with fingers intertwined and his knuckles white. He took a few seconds and said, in a smoker's voice, "No, but wanted to on more than one occasion. The guy was like a slave driver. This place ran just fine before he came. Christ, he was always on us for more production. Our pay is based up evaluations and none of us ever got a good one. I'm happy the asshole is dead."

  "If you didn't kill him then who did," asked Ben sitting down.

  Eyes to the ceiling, Vince appeared to really think about the question. "I don't know detective. None of my fellow workers killed him. I'd look beyond us and see if maybe an outsider was responsible."

  "What do you know of Frank having an affair with someone here at the factory?"

  Ben saw his mouth drop just a fraction as if surprised at the information. Then he smiled showing a crooked yellow toothy smile. "I can't imagine it and as I've never seen his wife, wonder what she looks like. He's a dip-shit, detective, and didn't like anyone. If he was getting it on – I've no idea who."

  13

  Stacy knew Dan would go off on his own to investigate some ideas he was thinking about. He was good with people and they easily talked with him. Dan first stop would be with the millwright Billy Ryder. But first he wanted to see the computer tech Ruth Corbin.

  As he drove to the factory, seeing his wipers swipe away the coastal rain, Dan thought there might be some more information to Ruth that met the eye. He'd read her case file and saw where she had formally worked. Dan's thinking was: Medford, Oregon, seemed a long ways away, that to leave a nice warm region, without a ton of rain, a little on the suspicious side. He had her file with him and after parking in the lot, rang up the computer techs former employer.

  After punching in a few numbers he reached a real person. Dan smiled as Julie had a nice friendly voice. He indentified who he was and asked for some information on Ruth Corbin. Julie asked why and he told her he w
as investigating a homicide and needed some background on Ruth Corbin. "Let me put you on hold a minute Marshall." Dan was forced to listen to some obnoxious music. But fortunately not for long when a nasally female voice came on identifying herself as Ms. Brown.

  Dan said, "Thank you Ms. Brown for speaking with me. We are investigating a murder here in Tillamook. A former employee, a Ms. Ruth Corbin, discovered a body that had been brutally murdered. From her file your company was her last employer. Why did she leave you company and what can you tell me about her personality?"

  "There's not a lot tell Marshall. She did her job here and was basically a shy person, we thought. Then one day we had a major problem and we needed her expertise. After a futile call we went looking for her. We discovered her in a – well – let's say –a compromising situation with another employee. Later I fired both that were involved. Now, she did her work well, but being promiscuous is not one of the things we tolerate here. I hope that helps Marshall."

  "Indeed it does Ms. Brown. Thanks a lot."

  The wipers were still doing their job, but the rain had ceased. Dan jotted down a note or two and went into the factory to seek out the millwright Billy Ryder.

  Stacy had allowed the factory to resume production. A fleeting thought by Dan wondering who was going to be the new night shift manager, went away as he found Billy in his work shop. Billy looked with a quizzical look on his face. In no time the two were chatting like old friends.

  Dan said, "Billy," they agreed to use first names; "we doubt that someone from the outside came in here and killed Frank. It has to be an employee. You are in a unique position as a millwright to observe what is going on behind the scenes here. We're thinking – maybe – the motive might be a personal relationship gone wrong. Can you think along those lines and see if some tidbit of recall comes your way?"

  A blow of air from Billy and a slight shake of the head Dan noticed. It was as if Billy was struggling with his conscience as whether or not repeat what he knew. He looked Dan in the eye and said "Here's what I've seen and what I've heard, or noticed, might be a better term to use. I've seen Frank and Ruth locked in an embrace on more than one occasion. I've also seen or noticed Frank and Ms. Greenleaf flirting in her office and in the back storage room. You'll have to take it from there Dan."