"I can live with that. Also I'm going to look for a housekeeper to come in once in awhile. What do you think," she said sitting down eating a piece of dry toast.
"Sounds good to me. One thing is you must introduce the housekeeper to Lim. We wouldn't want to have a law suit or some nasty thing like that." He pushed his plate away and gave off a big satisfied sigh. I got to go now. I'll send Jenny over when you call to give you a ride. We need to get you a car." He smiled and she asked:
"What are you smiling about?"
"I was thinking about you becoming a soccer mom. I'll call that salesman in Portland to deliver a SUV for you."
She smiled and said, "Get to work and out from under my feet Mr. Payne. I've work to do."
Day One:
On the way to Beth's restaurant, he thought about the possibility of this being a mob contract killing. If so, it would be difficult to find the killer. The idea of the Mafia having stupid thugs working for them was a think of the past. With more than a hundred years of experience in the USA, a contract killer was far from being stupid and/or making stupid mistakes. Then again, somebody could be trying to make it look that way. Copycat killing was very real in today's world of crime.
Norm flashed back on a homicide of an Italian restaurant owner. It was rumored he would not pay anything for protection to the 'family'. The owner was found in his office with a bullet to the head mob style. When Lieutenant Norm Payne observed the victim in his office, at first, yes, it had all the signs of a mob hit. However, Norm felt something nagging at him about the scene. As it turned out, a disgruntled employee killed him while the owner was doing his books.
Norm pulled around back of Beth's restaurant where he first had lunch back in March when he arrived in Lincoln City, Oregon. The real-estate lady turned him on to her home cooking. Gina Longmire, the real estate agent, was not mistaken about the good food at her sister's restaurant. Norm smiled thinking about it as he walked through the back door for a cup of fresh brewed South America bean.
Beth saw and heard him enter the back door. She hurried to make a fresh cup of coffee from him. She could tell he was alone and guessed right that Debra was staying home probably coping with morning sickness. When she looked up, she saw him at his usual table by the window. She had heard about the body on the beach and from his expression, realized he was on the case.
It was only when she brought his coffee did he turn his gaze from the window to see her smiling face. "Thanks Beth. I know better than to ask if you heard…………. cause, you probably knew about it before he hit the sand."
"Not quite that fast, but it appears you're in for round number two huh," she said while sitting down across from him.
Norm took a quick look around to see how busy she was. It was usual for Beth to sit down while working. But he noticed only a few regulars were drinking coffee this morning. "Yeah, Biggs called early this morning. I'll admit it was rough to get out of a warm bed this morning. But, once me and Lim started jogging up the beach, it felt good. Deb, as you know, is suffering the morning blues."
"First one is the hardest Norm. Now any breakfast?"
"Thanks Beth, but not today. However, you will see me more often for breakfast as Deb told me to see you and not bother her in the mornings. By the way, do you know if Jenny is here?"
"She came in around 8. She told me her uncle called her to inform her they had a homicide this morning. She also said the two retired guys were coming this am.
Beth left to refill coffee to the regulars and Norm took his mug, after a refill, up the stairs to their office. It fit the bill and after the prior case, they kept the situation room for the novel Norm was going to write. Jenny, a university grad student helped out with the office work when she had time. It worked will for both Norm and Jenny.
"Good morning Jenny," said Norm as he went to his desk that had the window to the west overlooking Highway 101 and on to the Pacific Ocean.
"Morning Norm. How's Debra these days?"
"I guess she is about typical for a pregnant lady Jenny. I heard you uncle called you about the homicide on the beach?"
"Yes, Uncle Biggs is really worried about this case Norm. He told me it looked like a gangland hit on a well dressed man."
"Yes, it appears that way. When Eric and James come in have them, if I'm not here, check all the motels and hotels from Astoria on down to Coos Bay for any travelers from back east. That includes Chicago. Secondly, check all airports for personal and company jets at all airports in Oregon. If we get a hit, we'll look for rental cars."
"I got it. Anything else?"
"I want to know when the pathologist arrives on the scene. I need to talk to him. There's one officer on site. Anyway, I'm going to call Jack at his motel and see if has any tourists fitting his description staying there."
"Sailor Jack Motel. Jack speaking."
"Hi Jack this is Norm. Say, as you already know, a body was found not far from your digs. I wonder if you have a guest missing or a guest that looks like this: age about 35 ~40, clean cut white guy. Nicely dressed. He appears not your regular tourist kind of guy. I'm thinking about if any of your customers from back east or from Southern Cal?"
"Let me take a look Norm. I've already heard he took a bullet to the brain. I'm not sure who we have so let me ring up my desk manager for an ID on what you told me. I'll call you right back. I guess this means you're on the job again detective?"
"Quit laughing or I'll recruit you for a deputy or something like that."
Jenny said, "Eric and Peter will be here about noon. The pathologist will be on the beach by 10 am. Is there anything else Norm that you need?"
"Not now. I'm going over to see Jack and stop by my house to see Deb. Call me if you need something," he said standing up and walking down the stairs.
He went home first to check on Debra. Pulling in he heard Lim bark announcing a visitor. When he went in he hollered, "Hello the house. Where are you my dear?"
"I'm upstairs having a break," she hollered back. He climbed the stairs and saw her stretched out on the bed. He took a chair and smiled at her. "What are you smiling about Norman?"
"Before you were so active and now you look miserable. I'm on my way to see Jack about any east coast gangsters who might have booked a room or two. My gut tells me it's a copy cat murder and we can't do much until we ID the victim."
"I'm feeling a bit better and if I gain some energy, I'll be at the office later today.
"I think I'll take Lim with me. She gave me a bark when I came home. I think she already knows the sound of our car."
"Go ahead as she probably gets lonely all by herself outside doing nothing."
"Okay," he said walking over and planting a kiss on her forehead. "I'm off and just take it easy honey."
Lim was wagging her tail so hard knowing something was going to happen. She didn't even mind the short lease he snapped onto her chain. Norm did not want her leaping out the window and getting hurt or growling at someone. He put her in the back seat and lowered the window down half way. It was just a short drive to Sailor Jacks. When he arrived he told Lim to stay and that he would be right back. She let a small sound escape her throat and he thought maybe she understood him. Norm smiled thinking he did not need to lock the car anymore.
Jack met him at the door with a big grin and a handshake. Both felt they were becoming friends. "Norm, I checked and we've not much to go on with our clientele. We've one couple from Chicago, but they're over seventy and a little frail. There're here to visit their grandkids."
"Well, thanks Jack. If you've time, let's see what on your guest register. Maybe something will either interest us or not."
"Be my guest, no pun intended," said Jack moving around the check in counter.
While Norm was perusing the guest register, Jack made a call to his friend down in Newport. Norm found a single guest from Miami. His name was Jack Brown and company listed was: "ABC Investments". All the other guests remained innocuous. Jack was still on the phone whi
le Norm called Jenny. He gave her the name and company, knowing full well that neither of those nouns were bona-fide.
Jack hung up and said, "My friend Tony from Newport says he has a guest from Miami like we do. His name is Bill White and company name is the same as our guest: "ABC Investments".
"Jack is Mr. Brown in his room or has he checked out?"
"Let me call his room Norm. Hang on a minute as he's still with us for two more days." The phone rang and rang with no answer. He hung up and shrugged his shoulders.
"Describe him if you can Jack," said Norm.
"I'd say he was medium height and about forty. Black hair with a nice tan. Dressed like a successful business man. Very quiet if I remember right. I'll ask the staff about him."
"You've described the victim for us Jack. Well, at least close to it. Now how did he get here and when did he check in. I forgot to look at the day he checked in."Jack looked and said:
"He's been here for two days. I've his license plate and here's the plate number."
Norm hurried outside and discovered the car sitting in a parking space. He wanted in badly, but realized he'd need more evidence before that came to pass. Jack was behind him and Norm said, "Would you recognize him if you saw him again?"
"I think so, Norm."
"Have you time to take a look at the body Jack?"
"Sure let's go. I'll leave word at the desk I'll be gone for awhile.
Lim was not so happy to have a stranger next to her master. But Norm quietly told her all was okay. Surprisingly, Jack was not at all nervous of Lim. He said, "Nice dog Norm. However, I'd hate to be the dude who tried to get in your back door!"
Norm laughed and parked where a path led to the beach not far from the crime scene. Norm saw the coroners van and that made things a lot easier to work with. Now maybe a wallet with ID was available. Norm took Lim with him and soon, after the hellos was out of the way, Jack looked at the body and nodded his head. "It sure looks like our guest Norm.
"Any ID on the body," Norm asked Dr. Almwist. A search of the body revealed nothing but a few coins in one pocket. Not even his motel card was found. Norm's next stop was the car. But for now he listened to Dr. Almwist explain that it looked like a small caliber with the bullet still in the skull. He said:
"I'll do the autopsy this afternoon Norm. I'll call you afterwards or you can come down if you like."
"I'll be down Glenn. I need to check on some things in your fine town anyway. With a tan like his, Florida or California is most likely where he's from. I'm hoping dental records might ID the vic."
Norm and Jack walked back to his SUV. "Jack would you call a locksmith and have him open up the car that's listed to your guest. I'll call in the license plate for an ID. I'm guessing it's a rental."
"Send a police officer with the authority to look inside Norm. I don't think there will be a problem but best to play in safe." Norm nodded his head. After he dropped off Jack he called the office.
Jenny took down the information and said Debra had called saying she was ready for work. "I'll swing by and get her Jenny."
Mid-Day One
Lim went a little nuts when he saw Debra walking out of the house. When she got in he wanted to lick her till she was spotlessly clean. Norm was laughing his head off and Debra was making loud expletives to make Lim stop!
"Man's best friend Deb. I wish more people were like dogs that rarely ever show anger to their owners.
"I never was around animals until now. It's going to take awhile for me to get used to an over friendly dog who loves to lick my face," she said smiling. "At least I forgot about being with baby. I feel great now. What's up with the case Master Norm?"
"I'm only Master for a short time as the little guy will take over in a few months or so. As I understand it," he said seriously, "Shepherds are very protective of human newborns. Consequently, I'll be relegated to the background very soon.
The case, as we know it, which is very little, is this: white male, about forty, trim, well dressed with an east coast or California tan. A shot to the head lends itself to mob style execution. I'm keeping an open mind on that end of things. The autopsy is later today. One of Jack's friends in Newport said a guest matching the vics description is staying at his motel. I'm going down there after lunch. Do you want to go or stay with Jenny?"
"I'm not sure yet. Let's see how lunch goes and afterwards, I'll decide. Now, park close to the door as I do not want to stumble on the rocky parking area."
"As you wish my dear," he said parking at the back of the restaurant with a set of back stairs to the second floor or inside another set of stairs went up to their office as well. As it was almost lunch time, they went up the back stairs so as not to be a distraction to Beth and her customers. Both Norm and Debra were boarding on the celebrity side of the social order of Lincoln City.
Upstairs, Jenny was pleased to see Debra and not so pleased to see Lim sniffing around her legs. Jenny had a cat and Lim detected a smell he did not really care for. Norm called him off as Jenny said, "The victim's car is a rental out of Portland. I've a local officer standing over the car as we speak. He's waiting for your orders Norm."
Debra sat at her desk and fumbled through some old papers of little or no interest. She looked up and said:
"Norm why don't you go to Newport and I'll take the car. Even if the guy has a bogus
drivers license, it's a place to start. We can run his prints and when you get his dental we can begin a search on both items."
"I like it Deb and Jenny can fill you in on what'll transpire with Eric and James when they arrive. I think me and Lim will hit the road after we order a couple of roast beef sandwiches," he said smiling.
A Startling Revelation:
Jack had given Norm the directions and the owner's name of the Sea Turtle Motel in Newport that overlooked the Pacific Ocean and the Bridge south to Waldport. The motel sat on the point about a hundred feet above sea level. Sean Riler was waiting for Norm behind the counter as he walked in.
After a shaking of the hands, Sean said, "Our guest that is of interest to you has not answered our calls or a knock on the door."
Norm handed a picture of Jack Brown to Sean. Sean squinted at the picture, handed it to his counter girl, who nodded her head. She quickly turned away as it wasn't the best pose for an individual to have their picture taken. "Looks like our guy Norm," said Sean.
"Sean," said Norm quietly, "would it be possible to have a look see at his room?"
Norm saw him thinking while rubbing his long chin with pursed lips. "Give me you cell number Norm, I'll stay here and if he comes in I'll ring you. I'll delay him on some pretense. Here's his card for the room."
Norm hurried to the second floor and quickly swiped his way inside. The bed had not been slept in and his bag sat neatly closed on the stand. A few shirts and a sports coat hung from the closet. In the bathroom his shaving kit was zipped up looking at home on the counter top. The guy is neat, Norm thought as he rifled through the desk drawer finding nothing of interest. However, inside his bag he found a laptop and neatly tucked away in one corner some monogrammed handkerchiefs. The Initials ET finally gave a clue as to who this person really was. Also a closer look at the sports coat revealed the sales outlet: Ben's Finest.
Norm left the room and asked Sean to call him if the guest showed up. He thanked him and hurried to the morgue. Norm noticed, as he drove to witness the autopsy, found himself talking to Lim about the case. However, he found it gratifying that he did not have to explain anything to Lim.
Dr. Almwist was just about to begin when Norm arrived. Walking into the autopsy room, looking at Glen, whose only flesh that was visible, and his eyes smiled at Norm. Norm gave a small wave and stood just out of the way watching closely. The head was Dr. Almwist starting point. Of course this was of the most interest to Norm. Also, if there were any body birthmarks or tattoos would be noted for ID.
A spent bullet clanged into a stainless container. To Norm it appeared small cal
iber; like a .22. Other than that, nothing was found on the body to give a clue to who he might be. Norm thanked Dr. Almwist and left.
Driving back north, Norm said to Lim, "Lim, what do you make of two guys that look alike staying in two motels twenty-five miles apart, one named Bill White and the other Jack Brown. Jack is dead with a shot to the head. I wonder, are we looking at a mob hit or a copycat killing that's a red hearing. I'll tell you what; this case is going to be a grinder Lim." Lim was giving off throat sounds each time heard her name being mentioned.
Norm pulled off the highway at Depot Bay. He had forgotten to eat his lunch and he guessed right that Lim was also hungry. The clouds were breaking up and the sun was trying to peek out. With a sack in one hand and a leash in the other, they walked onto the beach. A few diehards were walking up and down the beach. Norm found an old sun bleached log and sat down. Lim sat in front, knowing full well it was eating time. Norm took his sandwich and then used the paper sack as a place for Lim's lunch. Norm watched as he munched his sandwich delighting in the way she nosed the bread and ate the meat first. Afterwards they walked the beach with Lim scampering around and Norm thinking.
Back at the SUV Norm brushed the sand off Lim the best he could before letting her in the back. He shook his head knowing it was almost futile to remove all the sand from her fur. He quickly forgot about it when his cell went off.
It was Debra, she said, "Norm, we're pretty sure we have ID the vic. He used his real name and rented the car from his driver's license. He's from Florida. His name is, Edgar Townsend."
"Okay, thanks and I'm on my way now to the office. I'll see you in fifteen minutes."
Afternoon Day One:
Eric and James were in the office chatting away like old timers do. If they told the same story over and over, with the same facts, then it was probably true. If it was embellished, then, that person was known as a 'stretcher'. Norm liked the two retired deputies a lot. They did what was asked of them without any questions; unlike the younger generation.
Norm called for a staff meeting. After gathering at the rather rickety table that could seat up to eight, he said, "Our victim is Edgar Townsend from Florida. A missing look-a-like in Newport is registered as Bill White, but I found the initials of ET on his handkerchiefs. What I'm afraid of is this missing Bill White will be found with the same hole in the head as Edgar Townsend. Eric and Peter track the address of Edgar and find out where he works. If need be, put a PI on the case. Also, put out a wants and warrants on him. Find out if he has a record of any sort. Another thing, if you determine his birth date, look for where he was born and if he has a brother. Any questions up this point?"
Murder Mysteries Series Seven Page 5
