“We’ll be here,” Sue said. “That’s fine.”
Lin noted that it was after eight-thirty already. She thought about what they could do to kill time until ten. The only places in town that would be open were other restaurants and supermarkets.
They returned to their car and sat for a few moments in the parking lot. Finally Lin suggested that they go to the Harris-Teeter. “Our grocery supply at home is dwindling fast,” she remarked, “we couldn’t get meat or other perishables, but we could replenish our supply of staples. At least we wouldn’t be wasting our time.”
“Good idea,” Sue replied. “We could get the other stuff after work tomorrow.” They hadn’t made a list, but between the two of them, they managed to recall most of the things they needed and the time went quickly. They arrived back at Galileo’s just at closing time.
Olivia was wiping the now empty bar and signaled that they should wait for her in the corner booth opposite. She joined them shortly.
“We can talk here. I’m through for the night, but they’re still cleaning in the kitchen, so it’s ok if we stay. Do either of you want something to drink?”
They both declined, but Olivia went to get herself a coffee. Returning to the table she eyed Sue’s notebook. “So you’re going to write a book about unsolved murders?”
“That’s what I hope to do,” Sue replied. “I’m trying to talk to people close to some of these cases, to get their perspective on things. You’ve already mentioned that you felt the authorities never fully investigated Bryan’s death. Why do you think that?”
Olivia was thoughtful. “Well, I’ll have to admit that they didn’t have much to go on at the start. The witnesses who saw the man with the gun weren’t much help. No one actually saw the shooting, of course. They really didn’t have any evidence at all. I just kept thinking they should push for more information, maybe look into some other connections, known troublemakers for example, other cases.”
“Did you think, at the time, that Bryan’s death might be related to other cases?” Sue asked.
“Well, I didn’t know much about those things, but Bryan had talked about some of the crimes that had happened not too long before he was shot. He was concerned, I know.”
“Can you tell us about those concerns?” Sue asked. She knew about these cases but wanted to hear about them from Olivia’s perspective.
“Well, first there was Sara Fletcher, that pregnant girl who was found dead in October, Bryan was killed the following March. That case was still open, and I don’t think it’s been solved yet either.” Olivia reported. “Then in February, just a couple of weeks before Bryan died, the body of a man was found. He’d been shot and, I think, he’d been mutilated—partially dismembered. They thought he’d been killed somewhere else and then dumped on the Parkway. I don’t know his name. I’m not sure he was ever identified, and I don’t think anyone’s been arrested for that either. I know that Bryan worried because it wasn’t illegal for people to carry guns on the Parkway if they had a license. He said that made it hard to keep track. Besides, the park service folks never have had a lot of resources to fight crime. They depend a lot on local law enforcement for support. Bryan told me he felt like they gave more attention to crimes that happened elsewhere in the county or the towns. I don’t know. I just know that they never even talked about suspects in Bryan’s shooting. I don’t think they ever made an arrest.”
“They didn’t,” Sue replied. “From what I’ve read, they felt stymied. The description of the man seen at the park could’ve fit lots of folks in this area. I haven’t seen any accounts that mentioned suspects at all—not in the case of the man found along the road or in Bryan’s case. Of course, in Sara Fletcher’s case they investigated her boyfriend.”
“I know, Luke Taylor,” Olivia replied, “but they never charged him. I’m not sure about Luke—maybe…” Olivia didn’t complete her thought.
“Do you think Luke was guilty?” Sue pressed further.
“I can’t say. I really don’t know all the facts, but I’ve heard that Luke’s grandpa, Eustace Hinson was a really mean character. Used to get into arguments and fights all the time. Even shot at people who came to his house a few times. He was talked about around town. Lots of folks think he killed Sara Fletcher ‘cause he didn’t want Luke to marry her. Course, the last year or so I’ve heard his mind is going.”
“Do you think he could’ve killed Bryan?” Sue asked.
Olivia was thoughtful, carefully weighing her answer. “The visitors who described the man they saw sitting in the park with a gun were pretty vague. Just said it was someone dressed in non-descript dark clothing and a hat. The man was seated so they couldn’t determine height or anything. When they got back from their walk, Bryan was dead and the man was gone,” Olivia’s voice cracked with emotion. She was close to tears. “I just know that Eustace Hinson was a mean-spirited man. I wouldn’t put anything past him—at least not in those days.”
By this time, Olivia was crying. Lin spoke as Sue was finishing up her notes, “We realize this has been hard on you, reliving these memories, but we really appreciate your sharing this information, and we want to help if we can.”
“Yes, we thank you for taking the time to talk to us and, if you think of any other information—anything else Bryan knew or was worried about, we’d appreciate your letting us know. If we find out anything more ourselves, we’ll certainly let you know,” Sue said. She gave Olivia one of her cards. The young woman had regained her composure, and she rose to leave.
“Thanks for talking to me, and thanks for looking into these things. I’d really like to help, and I will call you if I remember anything more,” Olivia offered.
“You’ve been very helpful, and we’ll stay in touch,” Lin replied.
They said good-bye to the young woman and headed back toward home. It was close to midnight by the time they’d unloaded their groceries and put everything away.
“It’s been a long day,” Sue remarked as they headed upstairs, “too bad we’re not off tomorrow.”
“True,” Lin replied, “but it’s been an interesting day. When you put Olivia’s thoughts about Eustace Hinson together with what Mildred Fletcher said, you can’t help but have concerns about the old man’s behavior.”
“That’s certainly true,” Sue agreed, “I kept thinking about the fact that he confessed to several killings when they had him under arrest. Of course, Ellie was certain he wasn’t the one who attacked her and Pete.”
“But that could’ve been Stefan Kovich,” Lin said. “Maybe, Ellie and Pete’s case is actually the one not related to the others. Dave Winkler said the DA thought they didn’t have a strong enough case against Kovich to bring charges, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t do it.”
“You’re right,” Sue admitted, “and Eustace could’ve been telling the truth about the other killings—even in his demented state. It was Ellie’s testimony that got him released. Maybe, if these other cases could be reopened… who knows? Things might turn out differently, especially if some additional evidence could be found. I think we should try to find someone else to talk to in the sheriff’s office. I don’t think Winkler will listen to us, but someone else might.”
Lin thought for a moment. “We haven’t met anyone other than those young deputies that have come out to our place earlier.” She thought for a moment, “We do know Mark Scott. He’s a park ranger, but he might know others in local law enforcement. Maybe he could help.”
Sue agreed. “That’s a place to start anyway. Maybe we’ll see him tomorrow.”
Chapter 18
The next day brought a continuation of the nice weather and, even though it was a weekday, a steady stream of visitors to the Cone estate. Lin began the day in the bookstore while Sue was walking the trail down to Bass Lake and back. She was glad their roles would switch when Sue returned. It was a beautiful day, and Lin was eager to be outside. Fortunately, time passed quickly as visitors continued to shop for books and souve
nirs.
About ten-thirty Sue appeared, a bit flushed from the uphill walk back from the lake but happy for the time spent outside. “It’s a beautiful morning,” She said as she shed her hat and day pack, “Give me a few minutes break, and I’ll relieve you. You’ll enjoy being outside.” She headed for the staff room in back.
Lin began to count the receipts in the till to make sure things were balanced when Sue took over. Just as she completed this task she saw Mark Scott enter the building. She was almost sorry to be going out, perhaps Sue would be able to talk to him. Lin didn’t want to miss anything.
Sue returned just as Lin was getting ready to leave. Pat had suggested that she walk the trail that led past the stables, under the Parkway, and out to the other side of the estate. The graves of the Cones were there, and it was a popular route for walkers. She stopped briefly on the porch to speak with the head ranger before heading out. Just then Mark came up beside her. “Walking trails this morning, I see. Would you like some company?”
“Sure,” Lin replied, happy that Mark was heading her way. She glanced back into the bookstore. Sue smiled and nodded in her direction. Apparently she felt she wouldn’t have a good opportunity to talk to him with so many visitors around. The bookstore was still relatively crowded.
They left the mansion and headed toward the stables where a group of visitors were preparing for a guided trail ride. Soon they walked under the Parkway and emerged alongside a beautiful meadow just beyond. The sun was warm and there was a light breeze. The grasses and wildflowers danced across the meadow and birds could be heard singing, both in the meadow and in the woods nearby.
“It doesn’t get any better than this,” Mark commented. “A perfect summer day for this area.”
“I have to agree,” Lin commented. “I’m very happy to have the opportunity to be outside, but I’m surprised there aren’t more folks out walking.” The carriage road was almost deserted. They’d passed a couple of folks returning as they walked under the road but had seen no one else.
“Those riders will be along shortly,” Mark said, “but unfortunately, many visitors just stop for the craft shop and miss all this. We still need to be out here though. If someone needed help, it could be a long walk back, and they wouldn’t be missed unless they had a friend or family member to report their absence. These aren’t considered backcountry trails so there’s no registration or anything.”
They strolled along quietly taking in the beauty of the morning. Coming up to a log bench, they paused while the horseback riders passed.
“We’ll have to watch our step from now on,” Mark grinned.
Lin smiled and nodded. She was contemplating how she could approach the subject of the unsolved murders when Mark gave her an opening. “Have you heard anything from Ellie Clark recently? I hope she’s doing well. I understand that they didn’t find enough evidence to charge Stefan Kovich with killing that boy and wounding Ellie.”
“Unfortunately, that seems to be the case,” Lin replied. “I think the DA found that the evidence pointing to his involvement was too circumstantial. He didn’t think it was worthwhile. It’s clear that he threatened Ellie, Sue, and me too for that matter, but it seems the easiest thing to get him on is violating the terms of his visa. He’s awaiting a deportation hearing in Charlotte. We haven’t heard anything yet, but he will most likely be out of the country soon. The last we heard, Ellie is doing fine, making good progress with her recovery.”
“That’s good about Ellie but too bad about the criminal charges,” Mark replied. “I saw some of that evidence, and I understand that it is circumstantial, but I swear, I think he’s guilty of murder and assault.”
Lin saw the opening she wanted to bring up the other cases. “Sue and I would agree with you in that case, but it seems that there’ve been quite a few unsolved murders around these parts in the past few years. This case seems headed in that same direction.”
Mark’s curiosity was peaked. “I’ve only worked here for a few months,” he said. “It’s my first law enforcement assignment, and, I’m afraid, I’ve not had much time to read up on past cases. Just keeping up with the day-to-day takes almost all my time. Tell me more.”
Lin briefly outlined for Mark the basic information Sue had uncovered in her research for her book, including the information they’d gathered in talking to Mildred Fletcher and Olivia Lee. By the time she’d finished, they’d arrived at the Cone gravesite on a beautiful hillside overlooking the estate. Mark sat down on a nearby bench and Lin joined him. She continued her story, as he seemed quite interested, moving on to tell him about the things that had happened at their home,
“At first we assumed Kovich was behind the threat to us; however, he was out of the picture when our front door was shot, destroying the vase, and when the intruder cut our power and tried to sabotage our back steps,” she reported. “No one has been arrested in either of those instances. In fact, we get the feeling that the sheriff’s department isn’t doing much to investigate those incidents. Dave Winkler seems to think it’s all because Sue is poking into things that are none of her business. In other words, it’s our own fault. We think he just wants us to leave. Go home and mind our own business.”
Mark seemed troubled by what Lin had told him. “ It may be that Sue’s doing research and making inquiries has raised someone’s ire, but it’s the job of law enforcement to protect you. It doesn’t sound to me as if you folks have broken any laws. Besides, it seems strange that there are so many unsolved murders.”
“We agree,” Lin said. “The families of those victims deserve better. They need to know that justice is being done—that their loved ones haven’t been forgotten. We realize that the information Sue has uncovered doesn’t really prove anything, but it does suggest that these cases need further investigation. We intend to try to talk to someone else about all this. In fact, we wondered if you might know someone in local law enforcement that might be willing to help. I, for one, think Dave Winkler is a dead end.”
Mark was thoughtful for a few moments. He seemed to be considering possible avenues they might pursue. Finally he spoke, “You know, it’s possible that at least some, if not all, of these crimes took place on parkway land. At least that is where the bodies were found, and, it appears, no one has determined for certain that the victims were killed elsewhere. In fact, it seems that very little has been determined about any of these unsolved crimes.”
“It’s true that the park service has limited resources and usually works with local agencies in such cases; but, when investigations are completed and charges are brought, if it has been determined that the crimes were committed on federal land, the cases are brought in federal court. The FBI can assume jurisdiction in such cases and aid in investigations if need be. I think maybe that’s whom you should talk to. Maybe the FBI would look into these unsolved murders.”
Lin was excited; she hadn’t thought that might be a possibility. “Do you know someone we could talk to?” she asked. “It might not help, but it couldn’t hurt anything.”
“Let me check on a few things, make a few calls. I’ll let you know what I can find out,” Mark replied.
They continued their walk for another half mile and then turned back toward the craft center. Lin could hardly wait to share the results of her conversation with Sue. Perhaps now, they might find someone willing to help.
***
Both women were quite busy for the remainder of their working hours. Lin had no opportunity to talk to Sue until they returned to their car shortly after three. Both were very tired and were glad that the following day was a short one—they were working only from eight-thirty until noon.
They made good on their promise to each other to finish their grocery shopping on the way home. Lin told Sue that she had talked with Mark but saved the full story for later.
Arriving at the house, they were more than ready to unwind. They put up their food purchases and decided to prepare a simple supper of soup and sandwiches later. L
in prepared some crackers and cheese and Sue opened a newly purchased bottle of Malbec as they headed for the patio to enjoy the remaining evening hours.
Lin eagerly related the substance of her talk with Mark; she was especially excited to share his idea of checking to see if the FBI might have any interest in the cases.
“I really hadn’t thought of that as a possibility,” Sue remarked, “I hope Mark can arrange something there. It might help to bring a third party into the situation; the feds only possible interest would be public safety. They would have no reason not to examine every possible avenue.”
“I guess, we’ll just have to be patient and give Mark the opportunity to check on this for us,” Lin said, “Meanwhile, we have Luke Taylor coming over tomorrow evening. Perhaps things will work out so we can get him to talk about Sara’s death.”
“I hope so,” Sue replied, “but I’m prepared to be patient there. I want him to feel comfortable with us, otherwise, he’ll just clam up and we won’t learn anything about what he thinks. Besides, you want to get that desk built.”
“Indeed, I do,” Lin replied. That reminded her that she hadn’t spoken with Neal since the weekend so she determined that she’d call him after dinner.
“There’s at least one other case where I want to talk to someone, the death of Sandy Hill,” Sue said. She was the grad student whose case was closed when the suspect they tracked to Florida was killed. I’m still not convinced that he was responsible for her death. The news accounts mentioned a fellow student named Jack Davis. Apparently, he’d suggested that she take plant photos in the general area where her body was later found. I don’t think he was ever seriously considered as a suspect, but he did provide information to the authorities. I checked and found that he still lives in this area. He teaches Biology at the local high school. I’d like to talk to him about the case, if he’s willing.”
Fogbound: A Lin Hanna Mystery Page 22
