Murder Mysteries Series Seven

by Waggoner, Robert C.

  "Norm, those Townsend boys did have an investment side line. Apparently, a long time friend actually ran the restaurant and the twins went into the investment business. But, unfortunately, that's all he knows about the sideline."

  "Good job Eric. Somehow we must obtain a list of his clients. How we accomplish that is a damn good question. Investments were never in my vocabulary."

  "Norm," Jenny said, "Finding a list of his clients is no big problem. Somewhere in his business there's a list of his clients. Most investment firms have spies seeking the competitions client lists. Let me get to work on that end of things."

  "I'm buying lunch if you come up with a list of clients and especially clients in Oregon," said Norm.

  James was busy on his computer and had found ABC Investments. He made copies of what information he had and handed a copy to Norm feeling proud of himself. "Am I on that list of lunch receivers with this information Norm?"

  Laughing Norm said, "Everybody is invited as Sheriff Biggs is coming around lunch time. We'll put the bill on the county." That cracked up the office and even Lim gave off a small woof.

  Mid-Day:

  About noon, just after Debra arrived, Sheriff Biggs came huffing and puffing up the stairs. After handshakes around the room, Biggs sat down heavily at the head of the conference table. Norm sat at the opposite end while Lim sniffed the new comer. Biggs did not mind and said, "I need an update on the case Norm. With the news that guests are being murdered, has scared the hell out of motel owners; and the fear is spreading. What can you tell me to aleve the dark clouds from our part of the state?"

  Norm took a deep breath and said, "First we followed the organized crime trail which led us to the conclusion it wasn't a mob hit. However, both men are half Sicilian descended from their mother's side. She was Sicilian married to an English man. Hence the name Townsend. Anyway, they were from Miami where than ran both a restaurant and an investment firm name ABC Investments. We're currently looking for a clients list that might include investors from Oregon. I'm thinking a link will form between an investor and the death of both the Townsend twins."

  "That's quite a story Norm. Keep turning over rocks and eventually, a nugget will appear. Now, I'm hungry and before I report to the big wigs, let's eat. Can we eat up here Jenny," Biggs asked turning to his niece.

  "Yes, we can Uncle. All of us know the menu and today's special is meatloaf with the usual mashed potatoes and veggie."

  Debra almost threw up hearing about heavy meat and greasy gravy. However, she kept her senses and went down to order a chicken salad with boiled eggs.

  Late Afternoon:

  Jenny, true to her word, found a client list for Oregon. All investors, apparently, used the Saint Michael the Archangel Parish as its client. To actually find the names of investors would require some doing. Under the title: Saint Michael was a list of over three hundred numbers which obviously represented individual clients. Therefore, that would be the only way to see or know who is on the list. That would require joining the church.

  Norm voiced his frustration saying, "Joining the church is not the answer. We need another way to see who is on the list. Give me some idea here." However, we he looked around all he could see were heads hanging down.

  "Jenny, follow up on that computer hacker. Maybe we can find a link on it to help us discover a disgruntled client. What we need is a visiting Italian who wants to attend church while on vacation. That person could put forth the notion of moving here permanently. Of course that person wants a new investment firm. Because of --------- well – you know the rest of the story."

  James said, "Some years ago we had the FBI down here working on a case. One of those agents and I hit it off. We keep in touch by e-mail. If you would like I could contact him for some help?"

  "Sounds good to me James. We need all the help we can get at this point. I see Debra with her head on the table so I'll take her home and be back around 6 or so."

  On the way home, Debra said, "Thanks for the ride honey. I was told the morning sickness was just that: in the mornings. Mine last till evening and then some. However, let's take a walk on the beach. I need to expend some energy and see if that helps."

  "Find idea and we both need some fresh salt air. Hey Lim, you up for a romp on the beach?" She answered with a small yelp and turned circles on the back seat knocking Debra in the head with her tail. Actually, she just brushed her hair if the truth were known, but Debra playfully scolded her anyway.

  Because the wind had died down and the sun was shining, quite a few people were out on the beach enjoying a nice afternoon of beach combing. Lim enjoyed the beach playfully chasing a few seagulls that swooped down just to tease her. Norm and Debra was arm in arm strolling up the beach enjoying the nice time.

  "Deb, as you know I'm not going to Miami. I decided even before knowing what we learned that I'd not risk my life chasing down a mob killer."

  "I'm happy to hear that Norm," she said pressing closer to him. "We've enough to do right here thank you. I'll soon be a mother and that is what life for us women is all about. Women have inner strength and men have the brawn to chop wood and bring home the bacon. If God designed us to be together as a team, then so be it. It's pretty clear the division of labor for man and woman after thousands of years. With proper management we can live our lives well with our incomes. I'd like to take some art lessons and paint some nice landscapes. Our walls need some life, don't you think?"

  "I'm with you for the duration. I've boarded the last train in my lifetime. We're together until the end of the line. Also, I'd love to see Lim with a litter of pups."

  "I'm told it's easy to give or sell the offspring of a registered shepherd. Lim comes with papers you know. Hey, let's turn around. I've had enough fresh air for today. I've a craving for applesauce. I'm going to call Alicia and have her come over for dinner. Is that ok with you?"

  "Fine with me. I'll probably go to the office after dinner."

  "I know you've things to do, but it might be nice to spend a few minutes with my best friend. Besides she has a crush on you that won't quit."

  "Really!" I didn't know that. I did notice she is quite pretty in her own right, but – not in your class my dear," he said grinning coyly.

  "I'm flattered Norman, but not about to be taken down the river with your sly words. I'm not bad, but I think my heart is my best attribute."

  "I tell you what I'll do—let me call and see what is what at the office and I'll stay if I can. How's that wife?"

  "I'm not fixing anything elaborate mind you. I've some chops and with that a green salad. If you want some potatoes, then you peel them all by yourself."

  At that last statement Norm was headed up the stairs to make sure they had something at the office that needed his attention.

  Evening on Day II:

  James was fidgeting waiting for Norm to arrive. He had talked to his FBI agent friend and had good news to report. Eric meanwhile, was with Jenny trying to make heads out or tails out of the laptop. It seemed even the e-mails were in code about investments.

  Norm walked in with a grim look on his face. He was counting on some good news and by the looks of things; maybe there was a glimmer of hope. He grinned and said, "Good evening. I sure hope we've some new information to shed some light on these killings."

  James said, "We're making some progress Norm. My friend in Portland told me he was well aware of the church having an investment club. He asked me to come to Portland and see him at the FBI office. I told him to wait while I checked with the boss. He laughed and said: 'You mean Norm Payne of NYC,' and I confirmed it."

  "Keep track of your expenses James and good luck. Now," as he turned his head to Jenny and Eric, "What have we discovered on the laptop?"

  Eric jumped in and said, "We've found some e-mails but they seem in code or at least something I've no idea what it means. Maybe Jenny can shed some light on the subject."

  Jenny said, "The e-mails that concern the church investments are in a co
de alright, but it's not hard to figure it out. Apparently the individual investors are assigned a coded number. For example: r-001 would be one investor. I think the 'r' stands for his family name. All of the e-mails have a long list attached. It appears the list is sent once every two weeks. What we don't know what information is being gleaned from the list. We've only the code number, not what transactions may or may not have transpired in the last two weeks. It might mean that the church has a large mainframe computer that contains all of the transactions associated with the church. Maybe James can find out more about this from his contact in Portland."

  "I'm still puzzled about why the two brothers were at two different motels and towns. Why not together? It suggests that maybe they were going to do some entertaining, but wanted some privacy from each other? I'll talk to Jack and see if he heard any talking about a small convention coming from Portland. Another thing we might consider is a computer hacker searching the church records. However, we need more probably cause that we have at the present time. Be that as it may, let's close up shop and get some rest."

  Walking in the house he heard laugher from the kitchen area. Deb and her friend, Alicia, who owned the best coffee drive through in the area, quieted down when they heard footsteps coming. Norm peeked around the corner and saw his wife smiling at him. She said, "You're home early. I didn't think you'd be here for a couple hours or more. Apparently something good happened or nothing happened. What is it?"

  "Some good things and we'll wait for the other things to develop. I would love a cup of coffee if you have one. By the way, good to see you Alicia. How's the coffee business?"

  "About usual Norm. It's close to Labor Day and we'll be busy over the holiday. Right now we're rather slow, but that's typical for me this time of year."

  Norm sat down between the two women and said, "I know this maybe not the right time to talk about it, but we're thinking about matting Lim and having a litter of pups. What do you think?"

  "Oh my yes. She just went out and she's so friendly and gentle. I'll be first on your list for one."

  Debra placed a cup of weak coffee in front of Norm. While sitting down she said, "I'm thinking Norm of having our baby natural. If my doctor agrees, then I'll need a partner. What I'm worried about is if you're on a case, then I'm without a helper. For that reason I thought Alicia could be my reserve partner. She loves the idea and how about you?"

  "Quite frankly speaking, it scares the hell out of me. What I do know is childbirth is painful and time consuming. I'm game if you are Debra," he said with smiling eyes of love, making direct contact with her sparkling eyes.

  "Well guys, I've an early get up so I'll leave you all for the night. Come by anytime for coffee. Debra walked her to the door while Norm went outside to check on Lim. She was curled up in her dog house but raised her head when she heard Norm arrive. He said some quiet words to her and left her to sleep.

  Upstairs the two of them made ready for bed. Norm was happy that Debra seemed her old self and no baby sickness was evident. He hoped it would hold for a few days just to give her a break. Debra came out of the bathroom and said, "I'm up for some loving big boy. I feel great and let's practice for the next one!"

  A quick shower later, he was in bed with his wife quietly and lovingly enjoying each other's sensitive places.

  Day III A Crack in the Case:

  James was sitting at the desk of FBI Agent Amos Wright. He and Amos went back many years. In fact Amos was about to retire like his old friend James. "What I need is a member listing from the church Amos. Is that possible?"

  "I knew when you called you'd be looking for just that very thing. I think I can swing it by talking to the secretary. I'll portend that I'm inviting every member of the church to my retirement party. I'll need the list because of seating by name at a giant hall I'm renting. What do you think about that idea?"

  "Sounds good to me Amos. From that list we should be able to find the person we're looking for."

  "I suspect James it's a small group of maybe three guys. Those three seem to be the silver haired old timers. They're always standing together whispering before and after church. I'll attach their names with the church list. Let me write their names for you to take home." James saw him write three names and folded up the note paper. James tucked it into his wallet for the ride home.

  "Amos how about dinner on my expense account?"

  "I'd take you to a fine Italian place, but how about a steak house instead," said a chuckling Amos.

  The next morning, James and Eric were sitting at the conference table talking to Norm about the meeting with Amos. Norm said, "You look a little beat up James. I think you and your friend made a night of it?"

  "Amos is a non-drinker. He grew up in New York fighting with Italian kids. From what I gather, he won their respect and accepted him as an all right guy. They invited him to church and he's been a Catholic ever since. He told me they tried to get him to drink wine, but he detested the taste of it. We had steak and after dinner I drove home. Indeed it was a long day. After this meeting I'll take a nap if you don't mind."

  "Sound like a plan James. Eric here can do some research on the names you've given us. I wonder how long it will take for Amos to get the list?"

  "If all goes well, he says he'll have it by afternoon."

  "Go take a rest James and thanks for a job well done." Norm saw a big smile cross James's face as he stood up tall and walked out.

  No sooner had he left than in came Sheriff Biggs. He was breathing hard when he topped the stairs. Lim raised her head at the sounds of heaving breathing. "It's okay girl, it's just the Sheriff coming."

  "Morning everyone," said a rather down-in-the-mouth Sherriff Biggs. He sat down with a small grunt and again raising the head of Lim. Jenny gave her uncle a warm hello and Eric gave off a similar grunting noise.

  Norm said, "We've some encouraging news Sheriff. If all works out, and I think it will, we should have the case wrapped up in a few days time. If I don’t miss my guess, these three names are responsible for the two murders in our backyard. However, proving it might be a different story. We need to place one or all at the scene and hope we can prosecute thereafter."

  "I hope so Norm. Dead bodies on the beach are not what tourists come to see or hear about. I sure hope you can wrap this up by Labor Day."

  Norm watched the Sheriff rise and head back down stairs for his usual tall stack of pancakes with real maple syrup. Norm shook his head.

  True to his word, Amos faxed the church list over to Lincoln City. Jenny jumped on it and went to work. Norm went home in the late afternoon to see how the wife was doing.

  Norm went down the side of the house where Lim's dog house was. She sniffed the empty bowl and wagged her tail. Norm fed her some dry dog food and some canned food he had ordered from Portland. After that he went into the house to see what Debra was up to. He found her busy in the kitchen fixing dinner. He said, coming through the back door, "What's for dinner my dear wife?"

  "I know you're joking and if not let's get it straight macho man, I'm not your dear wife. I'm the mother of your child and besides that I'm your lover."

  "I know that," he said while wrapping his arms around her and nuzzling her neck, "I was just kidding. But I wasn't kidding about dinner though. I'm starving and so was Lim. Let me clean up and I'll be right back."

  Sitting down they both ate while he filled her in on the day's happenings. While Norm was telling Debra about the three names of church members, up in Portland, on the east side of the river, five men, not three, were having a meeting in an Italian restaurant of high fame.

  The oldest man said, "We've a slight problem. It's been brought to my attention that Amos asked for a list of our members. It was given to him so as not bring any suspicion upon us. However, it was clean hit and they'll find no evidence to implicate any of us."

  One the guests said, "Our informant has told us that this former New York cop, Norman Payne is hot on your tails. That's why we're here tonight
. We want assurance that this rogue cop doesn't implicate us in anyway. Besides, we weren’t happy to hear that you hit the two brothers who were heading up the investments of your church. "

  "But they were about to blow the lid off our scheme. It was necessary and we all three agreed on the need to do away with them. Besides it's too late now. They need evidence and we've covered our tracts very well."

  "Let's hope so, Guido. It was your idea and if push comes to shove, we'll feed you to the sharks. Now we've a plane waiting. Meeting is adjourned."

  ~~~~~

  Norm, taking Lim and leaving Debra home, went to breakfast hungry after a dinner of just a chicken salad. Beth greeted him warmly with a cup of fresh brewed coffee. Lim lay down under Norm's table while his master consumed some good smelling food.

  "How's the case coming along Norm," asked Beth while she set his omelet down in front of him.

  "It's coming along very well Beth. If we can catch a break or two, we'll be on the homestretch."

  "Peter, Eric and Jenny have been here since I opened. They seem happy today. I'll leave you now and enjoy the breakfast."

  Lim bounded up the stairs ahead of Norm. Norm was pleased she was becoming one of the team. Jenny was not particularly happy with her sniffing around, but nowadays, Lim left her alone.

  Norm said, "Good morning all of you. I hope all have good news?"

  "I think we do Norm," said Jenny. "We matched the names to the accounts and to make a long story short, the lead investor was skimming at least twenty percent for each transaction. You multiply that time's three hundred investors and we're talking thousands of dollars here."

  Norm said, "Can we prove it Jenny?"