Murder Mysteries Series Seven

by Waggoner, Robert C.

  Dan stood up and shook Billy's hand. "Billy, what you've told me stays between us investigators and yourself. We'll do all we can to keep your name from surfacing. However, if in a court of law, you must testify to what you've seen and or heard personally."Dan saw Billy nod his head and they parted.

  As Dan was leaving his phone went off. It was Stacy asking him to pick her up. Dan sped across town to a waiting Stacy who had her umbrella tucked under arm. It had quit raining, but a heavy layer of dark grey clouds hung over the area depicting the feelings of the town.

  She told Dan to head back to the motel for a rehash of the mornings work. She also told him Connie had called and would be in Seaside around four pm. When they pulled into the parking lot, they saw Rory's and Dan's vehicles already there. Both knew that Rory, when it got close to lunch time, would turn his nose to the smell of a kitchen preparing lunch, or any other time of day, for that matter.

  Sliding into their usual concave booth, Rory was already having a crab salad. Dan was patiently waiting for the other two members to arrive before ordering. The small talk out of the way, Dan said, "First I saw Ms. Greenleaf. I broached the idea of our vic having a relationship on the property. She told me she and Frank got along well and she'd no idea of any affairs going on in the factory. Next was Vince Ruby. He swears he didn't kill Frank. He admits he hated the man, but I tend to have some reservations about him. He's so used to lying and telling stories, he should remain on our prime list.

  Next was the Kid, Wayne Wheeler. He could be an accessory, but surely not the actual killer. He's just a week kneed kid without an adult to show him what life is all about. Any questions," he asked.

  Stacy noticed Rory had finished and was studying the menu. She said, "Rory what have you to report lunch mouth!" His head snapped up and from a fog he returned at the sound of the fog horn.

  "Ben just told you what the two suspects said. I just played the role of a touch guy. The Kid was shaking in his boots. Now that Vince dude is one slick talker and plays the 'I'm innocent' part very well. Let's keep the pressure on both of them. I'll take the Kid this afternoon for a ride in my SUV. Let's see if he'll spill a few beans to us."

  Stacy noticed the waitress standing by for their orders. Rory said, "I'll have the corn beef hash with two over easy eggs on top please." Ben shook his lowered head and smiled. Stacy rolled her eyes and Dan ordered the same thing.

  14

  Rory went to the factory to wait for the Kid to arrive. Ben went to see the CEO and Stacy had her sights set of Ruth Corbin. Dan left for Seaside to pick up their boss Connie Wilson who was the head of the US Marshall Service. Dan was not especially enamored about being with the head of the US Marshall Service. In fact, he called his wife in Eugene to settle his nerves. Emma asked, "Hey, you sound a little nervous Dan. Are you ok?"

  "I'm fine honey and how's the baby doing?"

  "Fine and tell me what's happening. I know you didn't just call to ask about our baby."

  "I'm on my way to pick up Connie at the airport in Seaside. She's going to Bandon for the wedding and to see how the new Chief of Police is doing. She'll ride with me to Seaside and I'll be alone with her. Yes, I'm a bit nervous."

  "Hey, she's just a woman Dan. Let her talk and answer with short sentences. Don't add anything and all will be well."

  "I got it and thanks. We should be out of here in a day or two. Stacy is acting like it's almost wrap up time. If she takes her usual walk, then I'll be home soon. A kiss for the little guy and you too."

  Dan had time to make sure his SUV was spotless inside and out. At the truck stop he bought a Styrofoam ice chest and various drinks for the trip back to Tillamook. After that he went to the airport to wait. It was just after four pm when a sleek private jet touched down. There were no marking, but to Dan he knew it was the big boss coming in. He'd already checked with the local security and drove over to the hanger area where the plane would be readied for another flight.

  Dan had softened wondered what she looked like and as he stood outside his vehicle, with a cold wind blowing, he saw a late middle aged woman quickly and with purpose exit the plane with a shoulder bag. In no time she was striding up to him and with a smile, held out her hand. Dan was impressed with her firm grip and he too returned a smile. He opened the door after taking her bag depositing it in the back walked around to the driver's side. He had left the heater running so as to keep it warm.

  Dan buckled up and they left for Tillamook. Much to his surprise she talked very little on the way back to Tillamook. She asked after the new baby and how Emma was doing. It appeared she had done her homework before arriving.

  Meanwhile, Ben was kept waiting for thirty minutes while the CEO tended to business. Waiting was not hard for Ben. He took the down time to reflect on what they had learned so far. His thinking was it was too obvious that Vince had murdered his boss. The Kid was scared of his own shadow and that left him looking in another direction. He was deep in thought when Ms. Greenleaf touched his shoulder telling him that he could go in now. Bryce Letter was waiting for him standing behind his desk. As usual, he wore a golf shirt, with the proverbial alligator logo, with tan well creased Dockers pants. Ben shook his hand while Bryce's other hand offered him a seat across from his desk.

  "What can I help you with detective," asked Bryce.

  "We're coming at this case from all angles Mr. Letter. What, if anything, do you know about Frank Schwartz being involved in a possible affair with a factory worker?"

  "I'm not aware of any relationships or affairs here. I suppose the person who might know something is our cleaning person. She's been around here more years than anyone can remember. I forget her name, but Ms. Greenleaf can tell you I'm sure."

  "You told us earlier that Frank was going to be replaced. Specifically, what made you decide he was not performing as expected?"

  A big sigh escaped his mouth. He took a nose full and said, "Frank thought the harder you pushed workers, the more production would be the result. Our employees are mostly line workers that don't require a lot of education to do the job. Consequently, we don't pay our workers much above minimum wage. It's been my experience that the harder you push, the less a worker does. We like our people to do steady work and that seems to work the best. I know that Vince Ruby is a hot head and my money is on him for the murder, but there's probably a lot more here than meets the eye."

  Ruth Corbin, computer tech, had a small office next to, but a wall separated her place with the main office. There was not any access from the main office to her office. One had to go out of an office and then enter through another door. Ruth always thought that a bit strange, but maybe it was for the best.

  Stacy found Ruth busy at work going over long printouts from the daily shifts. Stacy was patient as Ruth explained her job. Finally, Ruth ran out of breath. Stacy asked:

  "Tell me why you left your job in Medford Ms. Corbin?"

  A slap in the face would have been less shock than what Ruth heard asked. A lick of the dry lips and a shallow breath, she said, "There's no use lying Marshall. I was dismissed for—well – fornicating in a storage room."

  Stacy had her now. She fired off another question, "We're you getting it on with Frank Schwartz?"

  Head down and now some tears escaped down her cheeks. Stacy let some time go by thinking about a crime of passion might have happened here in Tillamook. To her this young woman was about her age and now it would appear she would spend the better part of her young life in prison. Stacy really did not want to delve into the mental reasons why someone killed another person because of some personal problem. She wondered why some women get involved with an older married man when few actually leave or divorce their wives for another woman. Now in front of her was that woman who obviously loved a married man, but probably told her that he could not leave his wife.

  Stacy let her cry while she called Rory and Ben. Her thoughts left Ruth Corbin and went to her father who was about to be married to a dear friend of his. A tear ran
down her cheek thinking how happy her father was and when she thought about her mother up there looking down, had the same happy tear flowing for her husband of the past.

  When Rory and Ben came, Ruth was still blubbering with her head down on her arms. Stacy said, "Read her rights and then book her for murder. I'm sure she will provide a statement confessing all what transpired between her and the victim Frank Schwarz. Also Dan is on the way back with Connie. Let's have a nice dinner with our boss. I’m sure the local police will keep our prisoner overnight."

  15

  At dinner there were three fairly nervous men and two very relaxed women at the conference table talking first about the case, then about the upcoming wedding in Bandon. Connie said, "Dan will go back to Eugene and pickup his wife and Sharon. They will drive down to Bandon while Rory and Ben make their own way to the wedding. Stacy and I will fly down in the morning.

  As this is our first time together as a team, I'm here to answer any and all questions you might have."

  Ben saw her look around the table and he felt a little brave and said, "Connie, do you see any major changes to our team in the future?"

  "At the present time I don't see any changes coming. However, as you all know, that can be subject to alteration at a moment's notice. This team's solve record is phenomenal. Others within the many agencies are amazed at your success rate. However, at least for the time being, I can keep the wolf away from your door for Lord knows how long. At least as citizens of a free nation, we have the right to accept or refuse an offer. Now, having said that, let's have a toast to our recent successful case."

  16

  The wedding was a resounding success blessed by the sun, but a little on the chilly side. The locals never noticed, but Connie Wilson had on a heavy sweater. Ben was watching the festivities of the reception enjoying the happiness of his friends. What he really admired was his indirect boss who stood poised and middle aged lovely. Her golden short hair revealed a long smooth white neck of a blonde. Her jewelry was ostentatious, but complemented her demeanor. What Ben liked best was her startling blue eyes that when focused on her subject peered deep within their soul. Scary but was not threatening.

  Ben turned to look at his friend Rory. It was a forlorn face if there ever was one. His eyes were glued to his life love Stacy, who looked ravishing in her gaiety of the occasion. Rory's long face was incongruous to the festivities. However, even Ben could appreciate a nice looking young woman. Like Rory he saw her new hair style that made her look a bit older. It was curly and kind of piled on top of her head. A pair of flashing ear rings dangled freely as she laughed displaying a lovely set of white teeth against her slightly red cheeks from the weather mostly. Ben and Rory both knew she wore little makeup, but today her eyes were the focus of guys like Rory. They made you want to drop to your knees and propose marriage; which is exactly what Rory would like.

  Suddenly, much to Ben's surprise, Rory's face broke into a wide winning smile. A quick look as to why told the tale: Stacy was walking towards them with a happy face. Ben thought it prudent to go mix a little with some old acquaintances and maybe meet the new Chief of Bandon's Police.

  "Hey Tall Man you look good in that tux. Were you a little surprised when my father asked if you'd be his best man," asked Stacy.

  "Indeed I was Super. I realized that he knew so many guy here in Bandon that if chose one the other's would be jealous. Besides I was honored. I think he and I are good friends."

  "Of course you are friends. Connie said we both could have a long weekend off if we so desired. What say you big boy, shall we hop a jet and go somewhere," she said with a bat of the dark eye lashes.

  ~~~~~

  Next for Stacy and her team is a strange and complicated case of murder.

  US Marshall Stacy Foreham, under the canopy of the shooting range, stared at a target about one hundred yards away that held a human. From that distance it looked like a pin cushion with the victim being the cushion.

  "I thought I'd seen and heard it all as it concerns murder," said Detective Ben Razor of the Oregon State Police as he stared at a body that was attached to a bow and arrow target at the local Eugene Archery Range. The victim was spread eagled tied by rope on both hands, arms and around the middle to keep the victim from moving. The target itself was over six feet in diameter.

  ~~~~~~~

  Novella II

  Norm Payne

  "Deadly Beachcombing"

  The land line rang waking Norm. He saw it was just after 6 am. He said, "Hello and this best be important to disturb a future father."

  "Sorry Norm," said Sheriff Biggs. "We need your help again as a body washed up on the beach not far from your house. A beach comber that was staying at Sailor Jacks Motel called it in. Lincoln City police are on the beach as we speak. They say he died of suspicious means. Can you help us again Norm?"

  Norm looked at Debra who was wide awake listening. She could hear as the Sheriff had a booming voice. Debra rolled her eyes and gave a slight nod. Norm answered, "Same rate as before?"

  Shivering, not from the cold, she stood at the sliding glass doors watching her man with their newly acquired female shepherd; take off jogging down the beach. She smiled delighted with the name Lim for the canine.

  The Body:

  Norm jogged north with Lim into a chilly north wind in late summer on the Oregon coast. Lim had been trained by professionals. Norm glanced down seeing her keeping pace with him. Very nice, he thought. Having been born and raised in New York City big dogs like Lim were rather scarce. He looked up and not far away was a group of folks standing around a lump on the sand with a cover over it. As he approached, all eyes focused on him and Lin. He strode up and said, "Well, who's in charge here at this moment?"

  "I am and who might you be," said a young looking police officer in uniform.

  Ignoring the question, Norn asked, "What killed this victim?"

  One of the police officers recognized Norm and reached down and pulled back the blue tarp off the body. Norm looked and saw a bullet hole to the temple. He thought no mystery here as Sheriff Biggs walked up. And just behind him was Mayor Robbie Roget. Just as Mayor Roget was about to say something, Sheriff Biggs said, "Officers, for those of you that don't know Norm Payne, let me introduce the lead detective on this case."

  All eyes turned towards Norm and his scary German shepherd. Norm was still looking at the body taking in every detail that might offer some clue to his demise. He nodded to the officer that was holding the tarp to take it completely off. His focus was from the feet to the head. He saw the victim was barefoot with his slacks rolled up to mid calf. His toenails were neatly trimmed suggesting maybe a foot masseur? Both the pants and shirt were expensive looking. Also he looked fit for a man in his middle thirties with a full head of black hair.

  One thing was oblivious and that was this was not a random killing. When Norm finally looked up and again nodded to cover the body, he saw the sheriff talking to the mayor. He joined them a little distance away so the others could not hear what was being said. "If I didn't know better," said Norm, "this has the hallmarks of a mob hit. However, let's wait until we check the motels up and down the coast for east coast folks on vacation or business."

  "Norm, a murder on our seashore turns tourists away like stampeding cattle. I don't have to tell you the impact on our local businesses. Do what you have to do Norm to solve this awful crime. Sheriff Biggs will give you all the help you need," said Mayor Roget. Norm saw him look at Biggs and after holding his gaze, turned and left.

  Sheriff Biggs said, "Norm, let me know what I can do to assist in your investigation."

  Norm saw the look of almost desperation on his face. "I'll do what I can Sheriff. I'll make use of those two retired deputies like last time. Both James Townsend and Eric Snowwin were very useful. Have them meet us at Beth's Restaurant. We still rent the upstairs for different projects of ours. Jenny Biggs will, as usual, be a big help. Ok we need the pathologist soonest Sheriff. I haven't' check
ed for ID, but will wait for Dr. Glenn Almwist to come."

  "I'll call Eric and James and then have Dr. Almwist come ASAP. IF you don't mind Norm, I'll check in with you later this afternoon. As you saw, the mayor is hot on my butt to solve this crime."

  Norm made sure the police officers kept the curious away and to post at least one guard until the coroner arrived. Then he jogged off back home with Lim at his side.

  Debra was in the kitchen fixing breakfast. The smell hit him as he entered after feeding Lim and putting out fresh water for her. The smell of coffee and bacon was heaven to the former New York City detective who had remained a bachelor for many years after his divorce. Now he felt the juices running into his empty stomach. He said, while talking his wife in his arms, "I'll have coffee and bacon, then you for desert. Does that sound good to you?"

  Debra laughed and said, "My head says yes, but morning sickness is upon me again. This bacon smell is horrible. I think from now on you'd best go to Beth's for breakfast."

  "Hey, if you can without bacon so can I. I love oatmeal and toast. We're into this baby business together my love. Let's made a team effort and I'll practice making baby formula. I missed all that the first time around. I don't like to make the same mistake twice.

  Ok, we got a middle age, well young middle age guy shot in the head mob style. He was dressed nicely and that will be our lead clue. I've got James and Eric coming to help. We’ll meet them at the office restaurant. It's up to you whether or not your want to go?"

  "As my father would say, 'Wild horses wouldn't keep me away' so I'm with you all the way. Besides, without me you'd be like a one legged man in a foot race," she said while placing eggs and bacon on his plate.

  "Let's make a deal sweet lips. If I see you getting tired, I'll subtly say, take a break honey."