by D. K. Hood
“If they have nothing to hide, they shouldn’t be so worried.” She turned to him. “They must have had regular visits when they were in the foster system.”
Kane approached the house, doing a visual scan of the area, windows, and doors for any sign of a shotgun pointed in their direction. A dusty old Chrysler sedan was parked under the trees out front. “Yeah but that was some time ago, when Verna was a kid, things have changed around these parts since then.”
The door opened, Cory stepped out, and the screen door slapped shut behind him. Kane buzzed down his window. “Is it okay with your ma if we have a chat?”
“Sure?” Cory’s brow wrinkled into a frown. “What’s up?”
Kane climbed out and waited for Jenna to join him. He followed her onto the porch step. “Can we come inside?”
“Ma, the sheriff is here.” Cory turned away from the door. “Can they come in to speak to you?” He turned back and stood to one side. “Straight ahead, she’s in the kitchen. Verna is cooking breakfast. She has the parade this morning and can’t be late.”
“We won’t keep you long.” Jenna tucked a DNA test kit under one arm and followed Cory down the hallway.
The house smelled like a chicken coop and Kane had to maneuver his way around piles of junk. The adoption would never have been approved if the house had been in this state. He assumed since the adoption had gone through and her husband had walked, Mrs. Hughes had become a hoarder. He stepped over empty bean cans and piles of newspapers. The mounds of trash showed evidence of rodents, the place was a mess. He eased inside the kitchen. Here it seemed the kids had made a space to cook and eat but it was minimal. Kane waited in the doorway and batted away the flies.
“I guess you know, we took a sample of Cory’s DNA to eliminate him from the investigation into Laurie Turner’s death?” Jenna waved a test kit. “We weren’t aware Verna was adopted, so we’re here to ask if we can get a sample from her as well. We’re testing all of Laurie’s friends.”
“I was never Laurie’s friend.” Verna scowled at them over one shoulder. “She used her family’s money and her pa’s position to get on the cheerleading squad. The rest of us had to earn our place.”
“I see but all the same, we’d like a test if it’s okay with your ma?” Jenna looked hopefully at the woman seated at the table with a cigarette held between her fingers.
“Nope, I won’t give my permission.” Mrs. Hughes shook her head. “You got no right to take my boy’s DNA. Now he’ll be on the FBI’s database for life.”
Kane cleared his throat. “He’s old enough to give permission, Ma’am, and the sample would only be a problem if he’s planning a life of crime and from what I’m seeing, he’s hardworking and good at his job.”
“He’s a janitor.” Mrs. Hughes rolled her eyes. “He cleans up trash.”
“Maintenance is a very respectable profession.” Jenna looked horrified. “He is responsible for all the auxiliary staff working at the school. He does a great job.”
“He’s a no-account just like his father.” Mrs. Hughes waved a hand around the house. “He don’t like it here. He wants to find his own place and leave me to fend for myself. He figures I’ll just stand by and let him take Verna with him.” She took a long drag on her cigarette. “It just ain’t gonna happen.”
“Okay.” Jenna exchanged a meaningful glance with Kane. “Before I go, have you seen anyone hanging around the school, or the cheerleaders. Someone who isn’t on staff?”
“There is one guy.” Cory buttered a slice of toast and stood leaning against the counter to eat it. “The girls call him Stalker Stan. Stan Williams. He hangs around some, takes photos and asks them for dates.” He shrugged. “I mentioned him to Mr. Turner being as he’s a shrink and all and asked him if I should report him… Stalker Stan, I mean. He figured he was harmless enough.”
Kane frowned. “Does he get too friendly at all?”
“Not that I’m aware.” Cory chewed slowly. “No one mentioned anything.”
“Any idea where we can find Mr. Williams?” Jenna took out her notebook and pen. “How old would you say he is?”
“Dunno, thirty maybe.” Cory pushed more bread into the toaster. “He lives in a room over the general store, acts as their security overnight, and drives the school bus.”
“When was the last time anyone drove the old Chrysler sedan?” Kane looked around the faces in the room.
“I drove it last Saturday night to practice and once to go to the store.” Verna shrugged. “Ma don’t go out much.”
Kane looked at her. “Did you give Laurie a ride on Saturday night?”
“No, I had to pick up a cherry pie from Aunt Betty’s for Ma.” Verna glared at him. “I’m not allowed to give people rides in Ma’s car.”
“I’m waiting to eat here.” Mrs. Hughes stubbed out her cigarette in an overflowing ashtray on the table and glared at them. “Enough with the questions.”
“Sure, thank you for your time. We’ll see ourselves out.” Jenna turned and waved him away.
Outside, Kane took a few deep breaths and turned to her. “How do people live like that?”
“It’s a fire hazard and now I feel like I have cooties.” Jenna pulled out a packet of wipes from her pocket and washed her face and hands. She thrust them at him. “Here, don’t get in the truck until you wash your hands. That place needs to be condemned.” She stared at him. “Is there anything we can do?”
Kane shook his head. “Nope, if they had garbage piled up outside, the council could order them to clean it up but inside, they have the right to live in squalor if they choose to.” He wiped his hands and face before slipping behind the wheel. “It’s a shame we can’t eliminate Verna. Now I’ve met her and seeing the circumstances she’s living in, the pair of them make a very interesting couple. She’s strong and dominant and Cory is constantly belittled by his mom. We can’t discount them as suspects.”
“You have echoed my thoughts.” Jenna shuddered. “But brother and sister?”
Kane turned the Beast around and headed back to the highway. “They both know they’re not related and he admires her. It’s possible.”
“Let’s see if we can hunt down Williams.” Jenna was checking the databases on the mobile digital terminal. “I can’t find anything apart from his background checks to become a school bus driver. He looks clean.” She checked out a few things and then leaned back in her seat. “The kids have a school free day for the parade today, so no school bus. He might be at home.”
“It’s worth a try.” Kane shook his head. “I’m not happy with a thirty-year-old guy hanging around sixteen-year-olds and asking them on dates. He sounds like a creep to me.”
“I’m surprised the parents haven’t complained.” Jenna huffed out a sigh. “I guess as he’s been cleared to drive the bus, he’s not a danger.”
Astonished, Kane shot her a glance. “The background check would have been basic, maybe this state, maybe just this county. He could have committed offenses elsewhere or he’s just not been caught yet.” He crawled along Main and finally parked a short distance from the general store. “I’d like to know what his interest is in young girls. Usually men aren’t quite so brazen. They’ll go watch the football to sneak a peek at the cheerleaders but showing up at the practice? He’s up to something, I can feel it in my bones.”
“So, do you want to take the lead in the questioning and lean on him a bit?” Jenna pushed on her hat and smoothed her hair behind her ears. “You might make him talk.”
“Yeah.” Kane smiled at her. “I’d like that.”
Twenty-Two
It was busy in town, with everyone getting organized for the parade. People milled around, setting up tables to sell a variety of goods, from flags to cookies. Excitement hummed through the excited chatter. The Fall Parade was a big event for Black Rock Falls and like Jenna, the day for everyone had started at dawn. She walked beside Kane to the general store and they went round back. The store was very old and one o
f the first buildings to be constructed in town, the apartment, once the residence of the owner was accessed by a long wooden staircase. As she climbed the creaky steps, brown paint flaked off the handrail like confetti, she stepped with care. “I hope this staircase will take your weight.”
“It’s not rotting, it’s just old is all.” Kane examined the handrail. “A lick of paint and a few nails and it would be fine.” He touched her shoulder. “If this guy is remotely involved, I might have to get down to his level, same as I did with Hughes and talk dirty to make him believe I’m just like him.”
“Yeah, I agree. Getting a suspect on side and making them believe you are of like mind lulls them into a false state of security. Get at it and say what you must to get the information we need.” Jenna reached the landing and thumped on the door. “Mr. Williams? Sheriff’s Department.”
The door opened and a handsome man wearing jeans and a sweatshirt peered at Jenna with a half-smile. His brown hair hung over one of his dark brown eyes and he gave her the once over before straightening at the sight of Kane. Jenna cleared her throat. “Mr. Williams?”
“Yeah that’s me, Stan Williams.” He frowned. “Is there a problem, Sheriff?”
“We’re investigating the murder of Laurie Turner.” Kane spoke over Jenna’s shoulder. “May we come inside?”
“Sure.” Williams stepped back allowing the aroma of freshly brewed coffee to flow outside. “The place is a mess. There’s not much room up here for me and my hobby.”
Jenna peered around the surprisingly light room. It was clean and tidy but one wall was crammed with photographs of cheerleaders. A bench held photography paraphernalia and a light screen was set up in one corner. “You have a photography studio up here?”
“It’s a passion.” Williams smiled. “I’d love to capture you. You have remarkable skin, the camera will love you.”
Noticing the hard line of Kane’s mouth as he examined the images of young women on the wall, she shook her head. “Ah, thanks but no thanks. I hate having my photograph taken. I don’t like looking back and realizing how old I look now. Photography isn’t my thing. You need to talk to Kane, he’s always taking shots.” She turned to stare out the window to give Kane the chance to take the lead. “What a great view of the mountains.”
“Do you invite the cheerleaders here to have their photographs taken?” Kane turned to look at him, with his back to the window.
“Yeah, sometimes.” Williams stared at the images as if entranced. “There’s so many memories here, I can’t take any of them down.”
“I bet.” Kane dropped his voice into a confidential tone and led Williams to the far corner. He pointed to an image. “She’s pretty. How did you get her up here alone?”
“They’re comfortable with me. I’m part of the furniture.” Williams leaned closer to Kane and chuckled. “You should see the ones without the uniform.”
“Interesting. Maybe you could show me sometime, when I’m not with the boss?” Kane moved along the wall staring at the images.
“Sure, I’m free after six most nights.” Williams smiled. “I never believed that people of like mind would be in law enforcement but I have friends from all walks of life, lawyers, judges, and doctors, would you believe?”
“Yeah, the job doesn’t reflect taste, does it?” Kane smiled. “Look at me, you’d figure me for a beer man and yet I prefer a glass of pinot noir.”
“I learned long ago not to judge a book by its cover.” Williams chuckled. “But we still have to watch our backs.”
“Yeah, we sure do.” Kane raised his eyebrows. “Did you photograph Laurie Turner?”
“Laurie?” Williams smiled. “Yeah but not here. I take photographs of the squad at the gym and at games but her father would cause trouble if I asked her to come here.” He winked at Kane. “He doesn’t understand.”
“So are the photos for your own pleasure or do you have a group of like-minded enthusiasts?” Kane moved slowly along the wall, leaning in to examine the images. “Great action shots. They’re very professional, no wonder the girls want you to take their photographs.”
“Oh, I supply images for the year book and local newspaper plus any promotions the school wants to do. I offer them free of charge of course.” Williams ran a finger over the face of one of the girls. “So many favorites. I could never choose just one, could you?”
“They do say variety is the spice of life.” Kane looked at him. “Tell me about Saturday night. You were at the gym taking pictures of the cheerleaders. Did you talk to anyone in particular?”
“I talk to everyone.” Williams went to his computer. “I got some great shots.”
“Do you capture everything? The spectators for instance?”
“I sure do.” Williams laughed. “Some of them are in my private collection.”
“As we’re of like mind, can I have a copy of the file?” Kane pulled a thumb drive from his pocket. “I’d like to see who was there.” He handed him the stick.
“I guess.” Williams looked taken aback. “I haven’t had time to edit the file. What about the sheriff? I don’t want this getting into the wrong hands.”
“That’s okay.” Kane smiled at him. “The sheriff is only looking for crowd shots, to verify who was watching the practice.” He leaned in close. “Unless you have anything else to share?”
Jenna stared in amazement as Williams obediently pushed the drive into his laptop and transferred the files. She moved away from the window and walked slowly toward them. “Where did you go after the practice?”
“I came home.” Williams indicated to his laptop. “I downloaded my files and send a few emails. Around ten I walked down to Aunt Betty’s for pie and coffee. It’s busy in town on Saturday night and I like to be with people.”
Jenna nodded. “Did you speak to anyone in particular?”
“I spoke to strangers mostly, tourists, I guess.” Williams smiled at her. “I’m a sociable guy.”
“What’s your ride?” Kane looked at him. “Is it one of the trucks parked out back?”
“Yeah, the GMC.” Williams checked his watch. “Is that all? I want to grab breakfast at Aunt Betty’s before the parade.”
Jenna headed for the door. “Thank you for your time.”
“Do you have a card?” Kane wasn’t following her. “I’d like to drop by sometime.”
“Sure.” Williams pulled one from his wallet and handed it to him. “I’ll look forward to it.”
Jenna headed down the steps and walked to the truck in silence. She climbed in and waited for Kane to slide behind the wheel. “Don’t tell me, we came here to investigate a suspect in a murder and stumbled over another darn pedophile ring?” She thumped her fist on the seat. “In my town? Again?”
“Maybe, maybe not. He still had time to commit murder, although he doesn’t drive a Chrysler sedan.” Kane pulled the truck out of the space and they crawled up main to the office. “We’ll see what’s on the file and if he’s sending out underage images to a bunch of friends over the internet, including law enforcement, judges, and lawyers. It may just be talk but if it isn’t, we’ll turn it over to the FBI.”
Jenna leaned over the back seat and rubbed Duke’s ears, he had been fast asleep and yawned explosively. “Okay but that means you’ll have to drop by his place and sit there while he shows you disgusting images.”
“If there’s anything suspicious on the file he gave me, I’ll go with Carter, then we have the FBI in at the get-go.” Kane shrugged. “He can turn it over to the sex crimes unit, then it will be Josh Martin’s problem.”
“Okay.” Jenna rubbed her temples. “I’ll need to write this up and plan our next move. At least all the cheerleaders will be together for the rest of the day. They have the parade and then there’s a photoshoot with the football team. So, they’ll be occupied as a group until at least midday.” She glanced at her notes. “I’d like to have a chat to Dale Collins and Marlene Moore to see if they recall anything from their conversation
with Laurie on Saturday night at the gym.”
“The best time to find them will be before they get organized, after the parade they’ll split up and go see the attractions around town.” Kane stared out the window. “Some of the parents will be here as well, if we need statements. Almost everyone has a day off today apart from us. Even the bank is closed.”
Jenna pushed open the door. “I feel as if I’ve done a day’s work already.” She checked her watch. “It’s only ten-thirty.”
“You go ahead.” Kane stared down Main. “I’m going to grab something from the cake stall before everything is sold.” He hurried away with Duke bounding behind him.
Shaking her head, Jenna walked up the steps, through the glass doors and went to greet Maggie on the counter. “Anything for me this morning?”
“Nothing new, no, but Rowley and Rio have organized the Blackwater deputies in your absence.” She wrinkled her brow. “We have four from Blackwater and two of Crenshaw’s boys coming in from Louan for the duration. Rowley reserved rooms at the motel for them some time ago, and some of them are willing to work double shifts if you feed them right and give them a bed for the night.”
Relieved, Jenna smiled. “The mayor insisted I get all the help I needed for the festival, to free us up for the Turner investigation, so agree to anything they need and send the accounts to his office.”
The front door opened and Sandy walked in, smiling broadly. “Hey, Jenna, Maggie.”
“I’m afraid Rowley isn’t here. He’s out organizing deputies.” Jenna waved her toward her office. “I’m just about to brew a pot of coffee, are you allowed to drink coffee?”
“Yeah sure.” Sandy rubbed her swollen belly. “We’re doing just fine.” She smiled. “I didn’t want to miss the parade and I’ll be going to see my mom later, but while Jake is on duty here, I’m going to finish up at the old house.”
Jenna filled the coffee pot, collected cups and the fixings, and set them on her desk. “You sound like you’re missing work.”
