"I'm not sure, but a brokerage firm and a lawyer could answer that question better than I"
"Okay and what do you two guys have this fine morning with the sun doings its job?"
James said, "We've confirmed that the three men are the agents in charge of investments. However, who to say they killed the two victims is an unknown."
"We need to find out where those three men were on the days in question. I'm not sure how to do that without formally interrogating them. I think we need the sheriff in on this. I'm sure the prosecutor will wonder if we have enough circumstantial evidence to warrant an interview. "
"I'll call the sheriff Norm. I've his mobile number," said Jenny. Norm gave a nod and went to the window to look at the view of the ocean. Other than being a bit on the chilly side, the west coast was lovely to look at and to enjoy on the rare warm day on the beach. He flashed on Debra and thought he should call and check on her. Just as he reached for his cell, Jenny said, "The sheriff would like you to come down to his office Norm. He'll have the prosecutor there and he asked if you wouldn't mind the drive. I answered for you and told him no problem."
Norm was smiling and realized Jenny knew him better than he thought. "That's fine Jenny. I'm going to see if Debra wants to go and why don't all of us go down there. Each of you have done a lot of work so let's be in on the last leg of this journey -- I hope."
Debra was feeling better the last couple days and she decided to go along for the ride on a nice sunny day. Lim really liked it as he once again gave her a face bath with her tongue. Debra chided the dog but gave her a hug back. Norm felt really good about his life these days and with the baby coming, all was fitting together nicely.
On the way down to Newport, Norm mentally went over the case from day one and went step by step through the whole process until this time and place. When he saw the sheriff and the prosecutor he would lay it all out for them. Meanwhile the big question or fact that eluded all of them was placing the perpetrators at the coast; or at least find some justifiable cause to formally interrogate the three named suspects.
In the Sheriff’s office, they were greeted warmly. Sherriff Biggs was showing signs of happiness that this double murder was in the homestretch. He said, “Come to our conference room Norm and all of you. The prosecutor and a couple of deputies are waiting for us. Follow me please. They all followed a slightly waddling Sherriff Biggs to a conference room.
After the introductions and greeting had taken place, Sheriff Biggs said, “Norm would you give us a rundown on the case up to this particular time?”
“Let me make a long story short. First our two victims were murdered by the same method. That method is known by a mob style hit. Next we needed to identify the two victims. We noted they were very much alike and it was determined later they were twins from Florida. After that we discovered the two victims were stock brokers and in further investigation found out they were connected to a large Catholic church in Portland. The two victims were on the up and up, but somehow they must have discovered their church investors were being scammed in some way. By the work of one of your retired deputies, with an FBI connection thought that at least three leading members of the church were bilking the members of a lot of money. We thought they three leading members had decided to end the relationship with the Florida brothers. We think the three leading members or a contract killer was hired to eliminate the broker twins. That’s about it and let me say without the hard ground work of two of your retired deputies, James and Eric, along with the late night work of Jenny Biggs, this case would still be on the back burner. I think it’s obvious that we don’t possess any hard evidence.”
“Norm and team, we’ve some new information about this case from one of our deputies, Clinton Bass. He’s here now and I’ll let him tell his story.” Biggs sat down and Clinton Bass stood up very slowly. It was clear that Clinton was a little shy, but in strong voice he said:
“On the night that has been determined by the pathologist that victim number two died, I was working the graveyard shift. I’d just started my shift and was sitting just outside of town on Highway 20 eastbound to Corvallis. The speed limit is 45 in that particular spot. A luxury car came by me and I clocked him at 66 mph. I turned my lights on and pulled him over. I asked for a driver’s license and insurance card. He was not friendly and kept alluding to the fact of a substantial bribe might be given instead of a ticket. I saw three men in the car. All were old and grey headed. The name on the ticket and his driver’s license matches the name on the list you provided us Norm.”
That news hit Norm with a shot of adrenalin. Norm thought that evidence should be satisfactory to warrant an official interrogation. He also realized that it would take a long time to determine their innocence or guilt. But at least one thing would happen, many church members will be happy with a better bottom line in the future.
There was a lot of handshaking going on after the meeting closed. The biggest smile was on Sheriff Biggs’ face. The Sheriff said, “How about we all go up to the Tidal Raves and have some lunch on the county?”
Debra almost turned purple thinking about a rich crab sandwich and fries. Norm leaned down and said, “They’ve a great cob salad my dear.”
End
In the next edition of Norman Payne he investigates a case of murder by poison. In Norm’s career as a New York Police detective most of his cases were of the violent type. Poison is something new to him and his fellow investigators. His faithful Shepherd Lim cocked her head when she heard the word poison. Norm said, “Maybe I’ve bitten off more than I can chew Lim.”
"Murder at the Bus Station"
-1-
US Marshall Stacy Foreham was bored to tears sitting in her office as spring was in a tussle with the dregs of winter. Her last case concerning the archery murder seemed like a long time ago. There had been some petty things, like a fake kidnapping involving a broke business man who finally caved to the crime. Also a series of robberies that she helped the local police with, but really, for Stacy, there was nothing more interesting than murder.
Portland's' US Marshall Rory Caltex broke her slight depression when he called around noon on a late February day. He said, "Hey Super are you as bored as I am?"
"Yes and maybe more than you. The weather sucks and even though I hate to see anybody murdered, I need something to wake up my grey cells, as Poirot is so fond of saying."
"Well, I just got a call from the Portland Police about a dead homeless man at the Greyhound Bus Station. It seems that we've a killer that has been murdering homeless men up and down I-5. The first one was in Redding, California and the second in Medford. Now this one in Portland has the FBI involved. Believe it or not the FBI is asking for our help. I expect to hear from Connie very soon. That's about all I know at this point. Let me know if you hear something. Take care."
Stacy had read about the killings in Redding and Medford. Because one happened in California and the other, now two, in Oregon, it became the FBIs responsibility. If the one in Portland turns out to be of the same modus, it becomes a serial murder event.
The serial killer thought brought back bad memories of her case involving a serial murder. She discovered who he was at the last minute, but then he fled to California and disappeared. She had solved the case, but did not apprehend the murderer. It still left her with a bad taste in her mouth. If Rory was right, then she and her team would be on the case of another serial killer.
She snapped out of it when her secretary, Sharon walked in her office to tell her Connie Wilson from DC was calling. She picked up the phone and said, "Hello Connie. I'm all ears this ugly late winter day."
"Here too Stacy. We've got slush ten inches deep. Lucky for me I've a driver who knows what he's doing. Anyway, you have heard or read about the bus station murders?"
"Yes, Rory just called to say they have a recent one in Portland right now."
"It seems the FBI is so busy they humbly asked for our help. I love it when they have to involve another agency to h
elp them. If the truth be known, they know you're in the area. Regardless we'll take it on if you so desire."
"I'm happy to have something to do other than sit her on my backside shuffling papers around. Do we or you have a contact number with the city police in Portland?"
"Matter of fact I do. He's Captain Foster and he's waiting for your call now. The body is still at the bus station. I've a helicopter waiting for you at the airport. Take Ben with you and leave Dan to mind the store. Keep me up to date please."
Deputy Marshall Dan Swollow was leaning against the doorway listening. He'd already had Ben on the line. He walked over and handed Stacy his cell phone. "Hi Ben. Can you get away for a day or so?"
"I've a bag packed as we speak. Dan was filling me in a little, but what or where do we meet up?"
"At the airport where a helicopter is waiting for us. The body is still warm at the Greyhound Bus Station in Portland."
"On my way. I'll get someone from here to run me over there."
Stacy hung up and looked up at Dan with sparkling eyes and said, "Take the bridge number one. I'll be in my ready room if you need me."
"Aye Captain. I'll get the shuttle ready and meet you out the door."
Stacy laughed at thinking how silly they were because they'd been watching old Star Trek reruns while waiting for something to do lately.
Surprisingly the helicopter landed on top of the FBI building. A car had been assigned to Marshall Foreham and was waiting in the parking garage. The agent in charge of the car was a salivating redneck clean cut idiot, according to Stacy when she told her best friend Cathy Wilson who was the head of the CSI department of Lane County. At the bus station they parked alongside Rory's SUV. After flashing their ID a local police officer took them to the Captain. Captain Foster was pacing the floor looking like he would rather be anywhere besides the bus station. Admittedly bus stations do not attract the best of the social pyramid.
Stacy held out her hand and he shook hers with a firm, but not a knuckle busting one. "It's nice to meet you Marshall. You've been the talk of the town for awhile now. I hope you can put this one to bed like the rest of them. The only thing we know is about this one is he apparently he died from poison like the other ones. Hemlock is what has been identified as the poison. As you probably know it grows most everywhere these days. Also like the rest of them, it was found in a wine bottle that was probably given to the homeless man."
"Yes, I am aware of that poison. So without holding you to it Captain, what do you think is going on here with these killings," asked Stacy in a polite voice keeping eye contact at all times.
"I'm not a profiler, but I will say it's somebody who doesn't like the idea of homeless people hanging out in bus stations. I'll admit it's a little offensive, but not to the degree somebody takes it upon themselves to murder that person. It's curious how the killer moves from one bus station to another. It's possible I suppose that a traveling business man going up and down I-5 might be one idea. Other than that Marshall, I've not a clue and am happy it's not my case anymore. However, call me if you need some help." He handed her his card and left.
Stacy turned to Rory and said, "Well there you have it Tall Man. Now the question is where we start. Rory I think you should make sure that the bottle found with the victim contains hemlock. Ben get all the case files from Redding, Medford and Portland. We need to ID these victims to see if there might be a connection. Also, I'm going to ask Captain Foster to have a plain clothes officer to see what the homeless people think about these crimes. Now I suggest we move to Rory's office."
-2-
Rhonda Hancock greeted all of them warmly. Stacy was happy that she had been moved from the Portland State Police as a records analyst to being Rory's office manager. In addition Rory had finally found a deputy to fill a long absence without one. Rory introduced him saying, "Stacy this is Ron Red Flower. He's from the Yakima Tribe. He's been a big help to me."
Stacy shook his hand and his hand was warm and friendly. His big brown eyes looked into her soul. She said, "Nice to meet you Ron. Rory and I both know you're stuck with shuffling inmates to and from court, but hang in there and learn all you can."
"We are brought up Marshall to listen and learn without speaking. All questions will be answered in time. I'm excited to meet you and your team or investigators. You guys are becoming a legend in the Pacific Northwest."
Stacy smiled and said to Rhonda, "Introduce me to your secretary."
"Of course, sorry forgot to introduce you. Follow me please." Stacy followed her back to the front office area and a young woman about Stacy's age stood up and turned red faced.
Lois Blane said, "Welcome to our office Marshall Foreham."
"Call me Stacy Lois. We need not be formal in the office. How do you like working for the government?"
"I like it very much. It's kind of exciting when a major crime is committed, but rather mundane when nothing much is going on. I like to learn and like Ron, want to learn more about criminal investigation."
"I'm sure they have night classes at the local colleges around here. The US Marshall Service will pay half your tuition and all of your books. How's that sound Lois?"
"When I have free time I'll check into that program. Meanwhile I'll wait for a job assignment concerning our recent case."
They moved to Rory's conference room for the beginning of the investigation. His situation room almost was the identical of Stacy's. She smiled knowing that it was not a personal thing, but an efficient way to organize a situation room. Lois followed with notepads for all and asking if they would like to have lunch ordered. All agreed on lunch of Lois's choice.
Rory said, "I'm officially turning the investigation over to Stacy." He sat down and Stacy walked to the white board while all watched her. On one half of the board she drew three vertical lines for each victim headed with city/name of victim. In Redding, California the victim was Darwin Brown. In Medford, Oregon, it was Bret Farber. The latest was Andy Flounder of Portland. Stacy said, "I doubt that any one of them had anything in common besides being homeless and being in a bus station. Okay, to catch this guy we must assume he travels the I-5 corridor which runs from Canada to the north down to Mexico in the south. We can assume if another one occurs it will be along I-5. To place an officer in every bus station is not reasonable. Therefore we must look at other options instead of just a traveling business man. Any ideas?"
Ben said, "We could check to see if any regular passengers ride up and down I-5."
"I like that idea and beings you mentioned it Ben, go to work," Stacy said smiling.
Rhonda said, "I'll check on the backgrounds and see if anything turns up that all three had in common." Stacy nodded her approval and Rhonda left for her office.
"Like I mentioned before Rory, get the case reports after lunch. Meanwhile, any ideas to offer would be a good time to speak your piece."
"I could dress like a homeless man very easy Stacy," said Ron. It's not nice for me to say it but some of my tribal members are known to hang out under a few bridges here in Portland."
"I like that idea, but be careful Ron. Some of those guys don’t like being questioned, but would rather just be alone."
Lois came in as there was a lull in the meeting. Rhonda came back saying she ran Darwin Brown through the government military. He was a former solider with two tours in Afghanistan. He was discharged after being diagnosed with CSR. He spent two weeks in a hospital, but disappeared one day. His military pension goes to his wife in Georgia. I'll call her after lunch."
"Damn shame about war. It ruins many lives besides the one's killed. Nowadays we have that radical group from the Middle East killing innocent citizens just for the fun of it. I'm deathly afraid that particular group is going to rein a terrorist attack on a major city soon. Europe is especially vulnerable with so many refugees flooding in from the Middle East, Africa and Asia. We could be looking at a police world where people will be scared to talk to their neighbors," said Ben.
&nbs
p; Ron left to perform his act to see what the homeless said about the recent murders. Stacy did some contemplating while Rory called for case reports; Ben was going to spend a few hours on cross referencing passenger lists; and Ron was off cardboard housing developments. Meanwhile, her first thought was where will he/she strike next.
Stacy rang up Lois and asked her to connect her with the local state newspaper. While waiting she fetched a cup of green tea. Lois met her at the conference table with a phone number of Carl Dubble of the Oregonian paper. Carl answered on the second ring. "This is Carl."
Stacy gave him her ID and said, "Carl, I wonder if you could see clear to come to our Beaverton officer for a chat about these homeless murders."
"I'm on my way. I look forward to meeting the iconic Marshal Foreman."
"Let's not be heaping any platitudes my way Carl. I need your help and we can both benefit from our meeting."
Having some time before the reporter arrived she called her office. Sharon answered, "Hi Stacy and how's it going?"
"We've started and have a long ways to go if I'm not mistaken. I really dislike random killings. The perps are hard to find. It takes a bit of luck and hard work to find a serial killer. Is Dan there please," said Stacy.
Dan came on and Stacy said, "Call the city police asking for some off duty officers who might be interested in some moon lighting for us. I'd like a round the clock on our local Greyhound Bus Station. There target is homeless people male or female. Plain clothes with a day or two of beard would be nice. Dress to blend in with the passengers. Back packs etc. You get the picture."
"I'm on it. How about Salem?"
"I'm just splitting the difference between Medford and Portland with Eugene. Besides where he or she gets the news that we are on the case, it might like to tease us with a backdoor hit."
"Let me get to work on that right now. I'll call you back with the results," said Dan hanging up.
Lois came in with Carl Dubble in tow. Stacy looked shocked because he was here so fast. He chuckled and said, "I was having lunch with a friend not far from here. I have my direct line transferred to my cell. I'm pleased to meet you Marshall."
Murder Mysteries Series Seven Page 8
