Murder at Police Station

by Waggoner, Robert C.

  "Give me a few hours to get to my office and dig out his file. I can tell you this though. He testified against some shady investors in an Indian casino. He didn't make many friends and was granted protection by the Feds. We didn't put him under a witness protection thinking his life was not in any danger, but I guess it was. This could be deeply complicated if he was killed by someone with connections here on the East Coast. I'll get back to you soonest."

  Stacy finished her phone call and returned to find Dr. Spencer from Coos Bay examining the body from a distance. His photographer was snapping away while just behind him came the CSI team led by team leader Doug Warner. Stacy inwardly smiled as he nodded to her with a serious look on his face. This time there was not any joking or fooling around. She was pleased he got down to business without any delay.

  Dr. Spencer said, "Marshall it's nice to see you again. Perhaps someday we can meet informally for a drink of your choice."

  "I'd like that," she said. "When you've done the autopsy, how about we find a nice place to have that drink. My favorite is green tea. Maybe even lunch!"

  "My treat," said a slightly embarrassed Dr. Spencer. Rory overheard and a bit of jealousy crept into his head. Not only was Dr. Spencer handsome, but he had a smooth innocent way with pretty girls. He walked away to talk to Ray about the case.

  Ray was scratching his head and wanted to check the pockets of the Chief for his keys. If his station keys were in his pocket how did the killer exit the building leaving the door locked. He told Rory what he was thinking about the keys. Rory said, "I'll go check his car and see if it's locked. I'll be right back."

  Meanwhile, Flo came in announcing that coffee and tea was available in the lunch room. That sounded good to Stacy and Dr. Spencer. After filling up their cups of warm drink, they went to her office and situation room. After sitting down, Stacy asked, "Have you heard any rumors or such things about the Bandon Chief of Police lately?"

  "No not really, but I'm mostly stuck in the morgue and not out socializing. Ironically, I've a young Native American person on my staff. Perhaps you'd like to talk to her?"

  "I would indeed like to talk to her. I'm not familiar with the coastal Indians at all. I know the tribe of Coquille was prominent in the area, but other than that I know there's a casino in the Bay area is about it."

  "Me too. I'm not a gambler and or a drinker. I guess you could say I'm rather boring," he said laughing. Stacy liked his smile and demeanor very much. It was not far different than Rory's.

  "Like you Dr. Spencer, my work is basically my life. Rory and I hang out occasionally, like now we're staying at my father's house for a few days."

  It was just a few seconds later that Smiling Sam came in. Flo had driven over to bring him to the crime scene. "Good morning Sam. I'd like you to meet Dr. Spencer the Coos County Coroner."

  Sam shook his hand and kept smiling. Stacy continued, "Sam we'll have a meeting when Ben arrives. In the meantime, take a good look at the victim and talk to father."

  "I'll do that and I do have some information to pass on. Call me if you need me," said Sam leaving with a bounce in his step. Stacy could not help but smile seeing how happy Sam was on this tragic day.

  "Well we best perform our mutual duties Dr. Spencer," said Stacy rising to watch him work his magic in the Chief's office.

  The CSI team had almost finished their job. Doug Warner came over and said, "Marshall, we've canvassed the desk and other things for prints. We've discounted the victim and the dispatcher. What was left I'm afraid we've nothing to go on. We couldn't even find a hair that didn't match. The knife was plunged in from most likely a right handed person. I'd estimate the height of the perp at around five ten to eleven. An autopsy will determine how much strength was needed to almost bury the hunting knife to the hilt. The team is almost finished and we'll be leaving you. Good luck Marshall."

  She thanked him and was happy he had learned his lesson, she hoped. There was not much worse in the world than a man who thinks women are just there for a man's pleasure. Doug Warner fit the stereotype of a sexist macho male. Anyway, there was a job to do and best get with it she thought.

  Stacy father was sitting at a side table drinking coffee staring at the wall. Obviously he was thinking that he would have to temporarily take over the Chief's job until a suitable person could be found. Newly promoted James Fletcher to sergeant would not be ready just yet. He was under thirty, but he was an up and comer. Another five years and he would be ready.

  Stacy sat down with him and asked, "Chief what do you make of this homicide?"

  He turned and looked at her with sad eyes and said, "You know it was Indians who first scalped white people. Then white men started scalping back. Warriors took scalps for a variety of reasons. Prestige was probably the biggest reason. It made the warrior fearless and another was superstition. I think in this case it could be two different motives. One it was prestige and the other is or could be a Whiteman trying to throw the investigators a red hearing. After you solve this crime, we'll know the reason behind the terrible loss of life."

  "Have you heard any rumors about Chief Lance recently," asked Stacy who was just joined by Sam.

  "Nope not a one, but remember I'm holed up in my workshop or helping Fran with her duties. Come to think of it, I'm becoming a recluse!"

  Sam said, "No way Ray. You've in the limelight for so many years you deserve some private time. Besides the town is lucky and fortunate that we've someone to run the place when the two others only lasted a short time. I'm sorry about that, but this puts you back in the hot seat again Chief."

  Chief Ray said nothing, but continued watching Dr. Spencer do his job. Stacy felt a little sorry for her father. He always kept his emotions inside. She often wondered how he vented stored up emotions. She reached out and squeezed his wrist. He turned and winked at her. It was nice to be loved.

  Dr. Spencer finished up and left saying he would do the autopsy tomorrow morning. She told him chances are she would be up to watch. Meanwhile, this was the point she was dreading. She had to inform the widow her husband was dead.

  Stacy went to see Flo and have her get the file on Lance Eagle Feather. She did not know her name or where they lived. She found out her name was Ellen Bright Flower. They lived in a small house just off the Beach Loop Road. She decided to have Rory drive her up to their house. After looking at her watch, seeing it was just nine thirty, she left word when Ben arrived to have him comb the room for any missed clues.

  Sam asked Ray if or what he knew about the Alzheimer's hospital that the Coquille Indians owned and operated. Ray said, "Not much Sam. It's not the kind of place I'd like to get to know better, if you know what I mean."

  Sam laughed and said, "Yeah, me too. But you know I heard some rumbles that the director has been under some pressure to cut some staff. A friend of mine said that there were only half Indians and the other half were White men. Anyway, that's what I heard."

  "Be sure and tell Stacy what you heard. Those are the kind of things she desires of you Sam. Naturally now that you're a fully fledged Deputy Marshall, without pay, you're obliged to tell all," Ray said smiling.

  "She told me to keep an expense record for any out of pocket money. Hell, it's not about the money part anyway Ray."

  -3-

  Driving up to the widows house Rory said, "I really hate doing this sort of thing Super."

  "Me too. I'm surprised she hasn't been calling to find out where he is or why he hasn't come home. But then again there wasn't any one around to call that late at night. I'm kind of hungry and I know you must be starving Tall Man."

  "As soon as Ben arrives let's chow down. I work better on a stomach full of greasy food," he said.

  "Who doesn't know that? Well looks like we're here. Let's go face the music," she said.

  The house was small with only parking by the low fence in front. The whole place looked weather beaten by the many Pacific storms that trail from Hawaii to the Pacific Northwest during the fall and win
ter.

  Rory parked behind another older car and they went to the front door. Rory gave a heavy rap on the door which brought on a small dog barking. Rory rolled his eyes while Stacy braced for the confrontation. Well, not really a confrontation, but the bearer of bad news.

  An older woman dressed in a nurse's outfit answered the door. This shocked both of them seeing a nurse. She said, "Yes, what can I do to help you?"

  Stacy said, "We're US Marshalls and want to talk to Ellen Bright Star please." Rory showed his shield and the heavy set nurse stepped back letting them pass through.

  The house inside was smaller than both of them thought. The living room, which was just inside the front door, had a small sofa barely big enough for two. Between the sofa and the two recliners sat a lovely Myrtlewood coffee table. End table has matching lamps that were also Myrtlewood. A door at the end of the room led to the kitchen. Ms. Brewster said, "Ellen is in the kitchen having her tea. Please sit down and I'll bring her in. I must warn you that she has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. I watch her while the husband is working." She left and Stacy looked at Rory who had a bewildered look on his face.

  Ellen walked in and looked at both visitors with curiosity. Then she smiled showing off beautiful white teeth against a tan skin with coal black hair. She looked every bit the Native American that she was. Also, she looked much younger than her fifty years.

  Both stood up and Stacy introduced both of them. Ellen's hand was warm to the touch. She said, "Please sit down and I'm wondering why you're here?

  "We've some bad news about your husband. I'm afraid he's been or has met with a serious accident. I'm very sorry to say he's dead." Stacy hated to say a person was dead. Deceased would have been better, she thought.

  "I'm afraid you're mistaken as he's at the office at the police station. He's the Chief of Police you know?"

  It did not take long to put two and two together. The nurse standing stoically by and Ellen obviously had some memory problems. Rory was squirming next to her. His tall legs were starting to go up and down nervously. Stacy said, "Nurse, could you perhaps explain why you're here?''

  "I'm here under the orders of the director of the Southwestern Assisted Living Unit. His name is Doctor Franklin Oday. I can't reveal patient/doctor confidentiality."

  Stacy stood up with Rory right behind her. She said, "It's fairly obvious to me, but we'll go visit Dr. Oday. Thanks for your time. Goodbye Ellen Bright Flower."

  On the way over to Southwestern Unit, Stacy said, "That old bag needs a lesson in cooperation with a serious crime instead of hiding behind her uniform. I wonder if Connie knows about her affliction or disease. But knowing her she already is aware of her plight."

  "You know this facility is owned by the Coquille Tribe with its headquarters in the Bay area and I think its North Bend." Well, I wonder if this place has a connection with what we're investigating," said Rory.

  "Good question Tall Man. I see we're almost here. I wonder what kind of reception we'll get."

  The Southwestern Alzheimer Assisted Living Unit sat on the small plateau overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It was a beautiful setting for sure. What one might wonder is if the patients here really appreciate the lovely view. For sure they could look and see, but would they remember what they saw.

  Rory pulled into a visitor's parking space and they got out into a blustery wind coming off the ocean. The small pine trees and shrubs all leaned to the northeast due to the onshore wind. However, they were soon to discover, in a large space that was protected from the wind, sat an area for the patients to sit around a medium sized fountain with a number of birds frolicking in the water.

  Inside they were greeted by a friendly receptionist with a pasted smile accented by blood red lipstick. Her eyes were on Rory and Stacy noticed she sucked her belly in and tried to display a large chest for his eyes only. Ms. Tribble said, "How can I help you folks?"

  Stacy and Rory both flashed their shields and Stacy said, "You can help by introducing us to Dr. Oday."

  She inspected the shields and said, "Oh my, is there some trouble someplace?"

  Like most women when faced with the law they immediately start wondering what they did to warrant being confronted by officers of the law.

  Stacy broke her thoughts and said, "We request to see the director Ms. Tribble," Stacy with more emphasis than she intended.

  "Or course, of course," she said picking up the phone. She turned her back and said to Dr. Oday's secretary that two US Marshall's were her to see her boss. She waited and then told the person thanks and hung up. "He'll meet you in a lounge area just down the hall and turn right. At the end of the hall, turn left and you'll enter a large lounge area."

  They did as instructed. Walking down the halls they met a few patients who looked rather normal, but all had that curious look on their faces: who are you? It was rather pitiful seeing all who lived there probably wondering where they might be. Stacy thought it impossible to think her father, if afflicted, would not recognize her. She shuddered while thinking about it.

  When she looked up she saw a tall man dressed in neat formal attire. He also had on the proverbial white doctor's coat, but even that looked tailored. His eyes were focused on Stacy and only glanced at Rory. Stacy held out her hand to meet Dr. Oday. He said, while keeping her hand just a fraction of time too long, "Nice to meet you Marshall. You're somewhat of superstar around these parts."

  "We do our best to solve violent crimes Dr. Oday. We've a few questions about one of your patients if you would please."

  "Let's sit next to the window at a table. We take pride in the design of this building with our center piece that has become the focal point of our clinic."

  "It certainly is appealing Doctor. Alzheimer's is such a terrible thing to happen to people. However, I read that there's some hope for the future with what has lately been discovered as detecting the disease," said Stacy.

  "That is true. We here encourage the relatives to visit every chance they get. Even though they quickly forget who came, we believe that a part of that visit resides in their memory. Another thing we encourage is playing games. That stimulates the brain. Surprisingly enough, we see some improvement in some of our residents."

  "Excuse me Doctor Oday," said Rory. "What do you have to prevent a resident from wondering off from here?"

  "We have the state of the art security system Marshall Caltex. CCTV cameras are ubiquitous. Any door leading outside takes a special series of numbers to access. So far, knock on wood, we've not lost a resident to date."

  "Doctor, you've an offsite patient, Ellen Bright Flower, sadly her husband was murdered last night. We stopped by her house to give her the bad news, but apparently she has a problem with her memory," said Stacy.

  "Yes, she came to us as soon as they moved here. Chief Lance had her records from back east. She's in the late early stages of the disease. She can off and on remember her husband, but can't be left alone. That's why he hired a nurse to look after her while he's at work. I'm very sorry hear he's been murdered. He was a very caring person towards his wife. I can tell you that he has provided for her if anything happened to him. She'll move in here and she'll be taken care of for the rest of her life."

  "About what percentage are there of Native Americans and others," asked Rory.

  "At our last census, it was about forty five percent Native Americans. Only a few are from the Coquille Tribe. We receive others from all over the state."

  "I know this might seem an odd question Doctor, but do you know of anyone here that might hold a grudge or a dislike Chief Lance?"

  Dr. Oday looked taken aback at the question. He said, "Not that I'm aware of. I'd be surprised if any of our residents even knew who he was. It's true he's been here several times and walked around greeting our residents."

  Stacy saw the quizzical look on his face so she decided to explain without revealing Lance had been scalped. "We're just covering all of our bases Doctor. We're not accusing anyone at this point. It's onl
y been a few hours since he was found murdered. We thank you for your time. Oh, by the way, do you have any vacancy here presently?"

  "We have two vacant presently. Alzheimer's is a killer disease Marshalls. We do our best, but eventually it takes most of them.

  Stacy stood up admiring the center piece where a few residents were moving or sitting around the fountain regardless of the cold wind flowing onshore just a few hundred yards away. They left looking at the security cameras and paying close attention to the security on the exit door.

  Back at station they found Ben doing his Sherlock Holmes inspection for clues in the Chief's office. It was almost comical to watch him searching for clues. He had on knee pads, a mouth mask so as not to blow away any small particles which could be a clue. Additionally he had on a hair net and latex gloves and thick glasses that were magnified. Presently he was under the Chief's desk with a small hand held flashlight.

  Stacy chose not to disturb him and they went to the situation room to discuss the case. The first thing she said to Rory was, "Call Ron Redflower to fly down as soon as he can. He's going undercover at the assisted living unit. Tell him to research Alzheimer's disease. I'll call Connie and ask her to send me some paper work on Ron's doctor's reports claiming he's been struck with the disease at a very young age."

  "I'm on it Super, but do you think he's not too young to play the role?"

  "Darned if I know, but he did so good undercover with the homeless in Portland when we were investigation the bus station murders. Let's see what happens. Nothing ventured nothing…. you know what I'm saying."

  "We have to start somewhere. Let's see what happens. I know he loved the undercover work with the homeless. He's a pretty sharp guy you know. He's got a master's degree in culture anthropology. Anyway, he's a hardworking guy. He'll like the assignment for sure."

  "I'll call Connie while you're calling Ron," said Stacy.

  As usual she answered right away. "How's it going so far Super," she said with a slight chuckle. Stacy did not mind the nickname tagged on her by Rory. Actually she kind of liked it as it sort of fit. Not that she was vain or anything likes that. But she acknowledged the fact she had a special gift for solving crimes. Besides if she did get the big head, her father would cut her off below the knees for not being humble and respectful.