by Kieran York
“They might have gotten him to sign off on their little scheme before his estate toppled. They might not have known there isn’t clear titled to the Egan property. Well, that’s my guess.” Royce’s fingers combed her hair back. “We have boom times as real estate explodes up here, especially in Crystal. So, it is possible that Seth’s penniless. That had to be a shock to Silver Wilderness to find that Seth wouldn’t be paying his bills. At least that’s what his financials are revealing.”
Nick sighed. “So now they’ll get title to Seth’s personal property only. A seven-year old Range Rover. Out at SWC that wouldn’t even pay for a sponge bath.”
Royce calculated, “If he’s been there all summer and autumn, the price tag could have cost SWC a bundle.” She leaned back in the chair. Her fingers twined together. “See if you can’t get any more information from the couple watching the home.”
“All I know now is that they have a little cabin about a fourth of a mile behind Seth’s home. They took care of everything for him.”
“What’s your fix on if they might be hiding him?”
Nick laughed, “Probably not great. Mr. and Mrs. Emmett haven’t been paid since Seth was admitted. Names are Harriet and Barney. They told the Center that they would take some of antiques that were left behind. Take it out in trade. I guess the Austins refused that offer. But said after the sale of the house items, etcetera, they would pay the Emmett’s for overseeing that the stuff is moved into a storage locker. Maybe a pod.”
“So, they may get paid. And they wouldn’t be interested in hiding Seth. That doesn’t ease my concern that Seth is dead.”
“From what Larry Austin said when I interviewed him,” Nick remarked, “everyone took a bath.” Nick snickered, “Literally not Larry.”
Royce grinned. “Larry Austin could use a flipping bath.”
They chuckled. Nick got to the door and turned. “Royce, this damned case is making me suspect everyone. And right now, there’s nothing to suspect. Other than two elderly folks have gone missing.”
“But there’s something there.”
“I know, you’d believe your teacher – whatever she said.” He paused in the doorway. “What’s your day looking like?”
“I want to talk to Doc Nilson. He’s been Daisy’s doctor for decades. Then,” she hesitated as she took a deep breath. “Then, I have no idea.”
“This case is much less fun that hating the perps, and having a shootout.”
Shrugging, the sheriff agreed. “You know, you’re right. But there are a few cases that I’d never want to revisit.”
***
Dr. Norman Nilson had only left Timber County on one occasion. That was when he went to college, medical school, and did his internship and residency. When he returned to Timber, he was a young man in his late twenties. He joined Timber’s hospital staff, not only because the area was his home, but also because he knew most young doctors wouldn’t bother with the small community. And it would never be profitable.
Now at seventy-seven years of age, he was still tall, but now stooped. He had a slightly protruded belly, but he seemed fit. Although he walked daily, he blamed his pouch on his wife’s delicious cooking. He’d started wearing spectacles in his fifties, about the same time his hair loss began. His face became craggy over the years, but always displayed a pleasant smile. Royce was amazed at his energy and his enthusiasm.
“I’m so glad you’ve opened up this office,” Royce commented as she shook his hand. “It’s in the center of town, right where the action is.”
His semi-gruff laugh was deep, as was his voice. “Royce, I’ve tried to retire twice before. When this storefront went up for sale, I figured the folks needed a clinic. Somewhere to patch up patients before they get to the hospital. And besides, I’m too young to retire.”
“We all appreciate it, Doc.” Royce recalled the times Dr. Nilson had patched her wounds, and healed her childhood illnesses. “You may know what I’m here for. I would like any information you can give me on Daisy Barnaby’s health and well-being.”
His glasses began to slide down the rim of his nose. “I have never given her a competency exam.” He chuckled. “If anyone in the county is competent, it’s Daisy. And I have talked with our friend Gwen about Daisy.”
“You’re aware of the problem?”
“And I’ll keep your confidence, Sheriff. I’ll stop by Gwen’s home and chat with Daisy over my lunch hour. Maybe Nadine will feed me one of her delicious meals.”
Royce appreciated his jocularity. “Nadine has developed a delicious mint tea. Mint right out of her garden.”
“She told me someone’s been helping themselves to her produce,” the doctor remarked. “I’ll ask her if I can sample her tea. If kids haven’t run off with her garden mint.”
“And you’ll examine Daisy, and let me know what you think?”
“Daisy Barnaby has never displayed any signs of dementia, nor Alzheimer’s disease. Last time I saw her was the beginning of summer for her annual exam. The woman was tough as nails, and her mind was sound. Today I’ll look for any change.”
“Thanks, Doc. And I’ll make an appointment for my annual exam later.”
“This doesn’t count as an exam, Royce.” He chuckled, “See Mae at the front counter for an appointment.”
Royce nodded her agreement. She approached the stocky nurse in her early sixties. Mae Gates was short, stout, and seemed to match Doctor Nilson energy. Her gray hair was thick, and full. And had been gray since her thirties. Bright brown eyes always appeared to shine. She called her smile a public relations tool to heal humanity. Although she believed firmly in medical science’s approach to healing, she often traded Native American medical treatments and techniques with Hertha.
“What brings you in, Sheriff?”
“Just needed a word with the Doc. He reminded me that I need to schedule an appointment for my annual exam. No hurry.”
“I’m glad it isn’t an emergency, Royce. I was talking with your mom just yesterday. She worries you aren’t getting enough sleep. With the two older folks gone missing and all. I just wonder how two could disappear so quickly.”
Royce realized that Mae was curious, and that she had no idea Daisy was being sequestered at Gwen and Nadine’s. Although not a busybody, she made it her business to know pretty much everything that happened in the county.
Royce commented, “Mae, if you hear anything, will you let me know.”
“I know Miss Barnaby, and I’m very concerned. I’ve seen Seth Egan around.” Mae wrinkled her nose.
“You’re not a fan of Seth’s, I take it.”
She leaned across the counter. Looking both ways before she began with her secret report, she tattled, “He is such a roaring egomaniac. And all that business of schemes that he was in trouble over. None of that even fazed him. He knew most of us believed he was a crook. He even cheated some of the wealthy folks up in Crystal. Well, that never stopped Seth Egan from being a crowing blowhard.”
“Do you know what folks in Crystal he swindled?” Royce probed.
“A few of the fellas he skied and hunted with when he was younger.” She turned the appointment card she’d been writing on for Royce. She printed out two names. “There were more. I guess he even suckered the past mayor of Crystal. That brought on a heart attack. His wife gossiped about how Seth Egan as well as killed her husband. God rest their souls. She died a few months after he did. What a darn shame. Well, they say sometimes one longtime spouse dies, the other does soon after.”
“Yes. Thanks, Mae.” Royce took the appointment card that Mae handed her.
When she exited, she scratched Chance’s neck fur. As they were crossing the street, Royce examined the card. She had been penciled in for her exam appointment in a month. When she reached the sidewalk, she flipped the card.
“Whew!” she blew a quiet sound of exclamation, stifling her amazement. The first name on the card was an executive with Crystal Ski Resort. He and his family had moved
from Colorado years ago. The second name was Larry Austin.
***
Royce spent the rest of the morning answering calls and speculating. Had Larry Austin lost money, and wanted to make Seth Egan pay? The word ‘motive’ was playing over and over in her mind. Larry didn’t seem as though he was a man that liked losing money.
After lunch, she checked in with Daisy to find out about her time with Doc Nilson. As Royce suspected, Doc had not only given Daisy a clean bill of health, but he said that both her mind and her body were extraordinary. That upheld the premise that Daisy’s mental stability was sound, and that she should not have been medicated. Other tests would need to be completed, but Dr. Norman Nilson knew a qualified psychologist that could verify his finding.
Before leaving, Gwen and Nadine extended an invitation for Hertha’s children to collect apples from the two trees in their backyard. The fruit would be succumbing to frost soon, and the children would enjoy climbing the branches, and harvesting the last of the apples, just as Royce had done in her childhood. Antero said he liked copying Royce.
A smile swayed across Royce’s face. That always pleased her.
The remainder of the afternoon was spent with phone calls, paperwork, and department problems. When Hertha’s call reached Royce, the sheriff was unwinding from the busy day. She requested that Royce take the kiddos apple picking since there had been an emergency with an older dog needing surgery.
Knowing Chance would enjoy the run in the Gwen and Nadine’s backyard, as well as playing with the children. Royce and Chance picked up the excited children, and crossed the street to harvest apples.
“Chance,” Vannie called, “look at Zane’s new collar.”
Royce, Gwen, and Nadine sat in the lounge chairs watching the dogs and the kids playing. They discussed the goings on. And the sheriff felt relaxed for the first time in days. Gwen and Nadine both were also convinced that something at SWC was definitely shady.
They laughed when the children giggled as they swayed on the branches and pulled apples off the tree. As Antero climbed one of the higher branches, Royce yelled for him to be careful.
Immediately after her caution, there was a loud crackle as a branch snapped. It sent the boy falling onto the ground. Royce rushed to his side.
“My arm,” Antero wailed as he held it up for inspection.
Royce and Gwen examined the scrape. “Bones aren’t broken,” Gwen reported. She called Hertha and explained what had happened.
“I’ll take you to your mom to have a look at it,” Royce tried to comfort him. She scooped him up. To Gwen she said, “Can Vannie and Chance stay with you?”
Before Gwen could answer, Hertha was dashing across the yard. She screamed, “Royce, why did you let him climb the tree like that?”
Royce eased Antero back onto the ground. Hertha began examining his arm.
“He fell,” Royce replied.
“You were supposed to be watching them.” Her face flushed with anger. “What were you thinking?”
“I was thinking about how much fun it was when I was a child,” Royce’s voice rose. “I wanted them to have that fun.”
“I was in surgery, and I trusted that you would make certain they were taken care of. Damn it,” Hertha yelled. The words seethed between her teeth.
Royce had only known Hertha to curse a few times during their years together. She stood silent, not wanting to incite Hertha’s anger.
“Royce, I’m responsible for these children. They aren’t used to climbing up high. You knew that!” As Antero slowly stood, Hertha called to the children, “Let’s get back to the clinic. Carrie will keep an eye on you.”
Gwen faced Hertha. “It wasn’t Royce’s fault.”
“Nothing is ever Royce’s fault, according to all of you,” Hertha blasted back.
Nadine questioned, “What’s wrong with her?”
Royce answered with a shrug. “I’m certain she thinks we should live together. As you can see, I’m not ready. And won’t be unless and until these episodes end. I should have watched him more carefully, I guess.”
Nadine attempted to sooth the situation, “I didn’t even see how high he was climbing. We were talking and…”
“And I should have had them both by the hands.” Royce patted her leg for Chance to come with her.
Gwen angrily responded, “It wasn’t your fault. Maybe Hertha should go back to her hometown.”
Royce walked ahead, with Chance at her side. She dug into her pocket and pulled out a disk of butterscotch. Unwrapping it, she felt pangs of hurt. “This butterscotch fix might help,” she muttered to herself.
When she crossed the street to her vehicle, she pulled out her cell phone. “Mom. Antero fell from the apple tree, and Hertha’s upset. He’s okay. Anyway, would you take them some cupcakes or something, and see how he’s doing.”
“Certainly, I will. That poor little guy,” Molly voice was sympathetic. “I’ve got some cherry cupcakes that they’ll love. Why aren’t you with them?”
“Hertha blamed me. I was supposed to be watching them.”
There was silence on the line. “Well, I’ll try to get her settled down. She’s got a lot of responsibility with them. Sometimes contentment is worn thin. It’s just a rough patch.”
“Thanks, Mom, I’ll call you later.”
“Where are you off to?”
“Mom, I’m going up to Crystal to exercise, and talk with Nick about the case. I’ll be back at Gran’s later.”
When she hung up, Royce felt moisture clouding her eyes.
***
Immediately upon arriving at the Crystal Sheriff’s Department, Royce went to the changing room to put on her exercise clothing. Then she went to the exercise room. Some luck was with her, she thought. Nick was working out on the exercise bike. He looked up.
As Royce sat at the rowing machine, she disclosed, “I found out that Larry Austin was one of the victims of Seth Egan’s Ponzi scam, or whatever he was pulling on his investors.”
Nick’s eyes opened widely. “That explained why Seth got a couple punches.” Nick chuckled. “Sucker punches.”
“Yes. Payback. I’m wondering if the amount Larry lost was enough to make him want to kill Seth.” Royce’s thoughts seemed heavy. “However, if he got Seth committed to the Center, that would certainly be payback. But then to find out Seth didn’t have the funds, and the house was upside down, that might be a motive for taking his rage a little beyond.”
“Murder.”
“Exactly. Larry Austin’s home will be my first stop in the morning. The early deputy meeting is all yours. I want to go directly there to confront Larry.”
“Thanks a bunch,” Nick said with a scowl. “I hate talking to a crew wearing guns, and half asleep.”
“Actually,” Royce said, feeling a flush as she rowed, “I’m glad I don’t have to go before them. I’m sure they all think I’m wacky trying to find the missing Seth. I know they’ve scoured the county. But I’m more and more convinced that he’s somewhere in our area.”
“The town has turned out on several searches. Everyone is looking. Maybe we should refer to him as Waldo.”
Together they laughed. The sheriff announced, “Oh, and to make your morning even more painful. I’m requesting that Deputy Sunshine Sam ride to the Center with me.”
Royce then took the rowing machine up a notch.
Chapter 8
Bright and early Royce drove directly to the Silver Wilderness compound. Behind the main building was the original Austin home. Years ago, Larry Austin’s family had made it into small lodge. Included were individual cabins that were also rented out. Those had been torn down years ago. Larry’s dude ranch – with lodge and cabins had deteriorated. Larry’s lack of business acumen had stifled the business. Many in Timber also believed Larry’s laziness contributed to the demise.
At that time, Dr. Melvin Verner and the Austins, Larry and Eileen, had struck a deal. Dr. Verner and Eileen had discussed the problem and agreed
to solve both of their problems. Verner promised healthy profits if an assisted living home would be erected.
The Austins provided the property, and Dr. Verner had built the Center. Together they had indeed profited. Dr. Verner had cashed in by utilizing five-minute, $250 visits to each patient, nearly every day. And a pipeline to Medicare funds. Eileen and Larry had an enormous boost in their personal finances. The Austins had renovated their bedraggled lodge, and had become society within Crystal. That, Eileen had cherished. Larry was happy to have an infusion of cash, and easy living. He thought of himself as a gentleman rancher, with the benefit of being as scruffy and free as he liked.
Royce knocked on the door of that lodge. Larry Austin greeted the sheriff, and said he was on his way to the barn. “I need to let our herd of cattle out on the rangeland.”
Royce saw the barn and the grazing patch of fenced land beyond the barn. “I’ll join you,” Royce insisted before Larry had time to blow her off. “I like seeing livestock. What’s your head count?” she inquired.
“Got us about five dozen. I’ll be winnowing that number when I take a few of the steers to market. The milk cows are doing us proud. And hell, we’ve put half a dozen calves out this season. Good ‘uns.”
“Sounds as if you’ve got your hands full.” Royce kept up with Larry’s long stride. “How do you get time to work at the Center?”
“That Center ain’t my bailiwick. Hell, I’m greedy as the next guy. Housin’ those old folks is a mighty lucrative deal.” His laugh boomed, as he opened one of the stalls housing a dozen cows. “You see, boarding them is like a golden calf crop without too much bother. And I like these cows a hell of a lot better than I like those moanin’ patients.”
“Back when nursing homes began, it was supposed to a charitable cause.”
