The Secrets of Ethan Falls

by J. W. Lucas

  “I’m at the hospital with Forrest. He wants to get out of here, and they’re talking about him being discharged Saturday morning. Daryl, I’m scared to take him home. There are two policemen outside his room now, but he won’t have anyone to protect him in Ethan Falls. What are we going to do?”

  “We’ll figure something out Lindsey. I’m on my way to pick up Mandy. She wants to go down to my house in Stockbridge. Is it all right if I bring her to the hospital?”

  “Of course! When can you get here?”

  “I’ll be there in about an hour. I’ll see you then.” Lindsey thanked me, and we ended the call.

  I leaned back in the seat and felt like my head was going to explode. I was trying to juggle too many things, and I didn’t want to make any mistakes. Mandy needed me, Lindsey and Judge Moran needed me, I committed myself to Damian, the Justice Department, and Susan Peterson’s parents. In the last twenty-four hours so much had happened, but I sensed it was all coming together. It sounds selfish, but right now I really wanted to solve the mysteries of Ethan Falls more than anything. I had it in my head that If I did, the rest of the pieces of my life would fall into place.

  I drove back to Mandy’s condo thinking that I needed to revise my plans. When I arrived there I saw that she had her suitcases and two garment bags inside the door. I gave her a kiss and told her about Lindsey’s call.

  “Oh my God Daryl, I bet Lindsey is scared out of her mind. Can you help her?” she asked.

  “Mandy, as I was driving over here I had the thought that maybe we should bring Lindsey and the Judge down to Stockbridge with us until this is over. We can move them into the master bedroom suite and you and I can sleep in one of the guest rooms. That way the Judge could use the whirlpool tub and steam shower, he can sit out on the deck in the sun and rest. I told you that Bernie was a registered nurse, she could help the visiting nurses and Lindsey with his care, and I’ll have the most important people in my life together in a safe place.”

  She didn’t respond for a minute. “Daryl, do you think that’s the best thing to do?”

  “Yeah, I honestly do. I think being together, you and the Morans will both feel safer than you do now.”

  “Then that’s what we'll do. Did Lindsey agree?” she asked.

  “I haven’t told her yet. I want you to go with me to the hospital and help me convince her that this is the right thing to do.”

  “Okay, I’ll try. I packed your suitcase and garment bag for you, they’re upstairs. I also did your laundry. I’m ready to leave anytime that you are.”

  As we drove to the hospital, Mandy said that her mother had called her. She was worried after she and Hansel saw the news on TV that Deputy Savage had been killed.

  “I told her about us. Everything.”

  “And?” I asked with trepidation.

  “She’s worried. She said that I hardly know you and thinks I’m rushing into things.”

  “And?”

  “I told her that I’m deeply in love with you and want to be with you for the rest of my life. I have no doubts about you, that you’ll give me a good, happy, and safe life.”

  “How did she take that?” I asked, trying not to cringe from my fear of her forthcoming answer.

  “She started to challenge my judgment, so I told her that I had to go out and that she should just Google you and see what a good man you are. And Daryl, let’s not talk anymore about this, okay?”

  We arrived at the hospital and as Mandy and I registered at the Information Desk for our visit we were approached by Tom Hines. I introduced Mandy and thanked Tom for the excellent work his officers had done subduing the gunman. “Yeah, they did a great job. They got a little banged up, but the intruder got the worst of it.”

  “Tom, I’d like to do something for your staff, maybe buy them their meals as a thank you,” I said, and reached for my wallet and took out a hundred-dollar bill.

  “Mr. Richardson, that’s not necessary. I appreciate your generosity, but….” Tom Hines never finished the sentence. I heard Kaitlyn Mason’s voice. “Are you bribing the local police Counselor?” I turned and saw her standing behind me, grinning.”

  “Hi Kaitlyn!” Turning to Mandy I said,” this is my girlfriend, Mandy Simmons.” The two women smiled at each other and shook hands. “I want to thank Tom’s staff for their excellent work yesterday and I thought the best way to do it was to buy their meals today.”

  “That’s very thoughtful Daryl.” Turning to Tom she said, “It’s okay Tom, I know how much your big guys like to eat!” He took the cash and thanked me with a handshake.

  “Are you visiting Mr. Moran?” Kaitlyn asked. “I heard that he may be discharged on Saturday.”

  Kaitlyn, we may need your help with that. Do you have a minute?

  “Of course. Let’s sit down and you can tell me how I can help.”

  I told her of Lindsey’s safety concerns when the judge was discharged, and my suggestion that they stay at my place in Stockbridge with Mandy until things settled down. She said she thought that was a great idea and agreed to go up to the Judges room with us. We walked into Judge Moran’s room, and we could see the surprise on his face. I introduced Mandy and Kaitlyn to the Judge, and Lindsey gave Mandy a long hug. I heard her whisper “I’m so happy for the both of you. I knew it the first night I met you.”

  Judge Moran spoke first as the women sat down in the three chairs.

  “Daryl, I’m aware of the incident last evening. Do you think that the intruders were coming after me to finish the job?”

  “I do Sir, and I’m concerned for your safety when you’re discharged from here.”

  “Yes, Lindsey and I were just discussing that, but I can’t seem to get her to believe that we will be alright.”

  “Sir I have a suggestion. I’d like you and Lindsey and Mandy to stay at my place in Stockbridge for a little while until things settle down. It’s a big house, all on one level and I assure you that you’ll all have complete privacy. My housekeeper is a registered nurse and she and her husband live next door.”

  Judge Moran thought for a moment, looked at Lindsey and said,

  “Daryl, that’s very generous of you, but that’s a great imposition on you and Mandy.”

  “No Sir, not at all. I must be honest with all of you. I had a meeting this morning with the local Detective Captain and he and I agree that there’s evidence to indicate that last night’s incident was a deliberate attempt to harm you.” The women looked stunned, but Judge Moran remained calm.

  “Daryl, that’s what I was afraid of. Tell me straight out. Was that an attempt at a professional hit?” I could see from their faces that the women were now shocked.

  “Yes Sir, there’s strong evidence to believe that.” I saw Lindsey look at Mandy, and I could see the fear on her face, and the tears staring to form. Judge Moran didn’t respond to my statement.

  Mandy stood up, approached his bedside and took his hand. “Sir, you don’t know me, and we just met, but I want you to know I’m scared to death as much as Lindsey is after everything that’s happened. Daryl has promised me that he’ll keep me safe, and I believe him. And I believe him when he says that the three of us should go down to his house and help each other feel safe. I would like you and Lindsey to stay with me until this is over.”

  For a girl who told me last week that she wasn’t a good swimmer, once again she was a lifesaver when I started to drown. Judge Moran looked into her eyes, shifted his gaze to Lindsey, and then back to Mandy.

  “Young lady, you make a strong case. I admire your honesty.” He looked over to Lindsey, “Dear, I think that Daryl’s offer is in our best interests right now.”

  Lindsey stood up and gave Mandy a hug, and then it was my turn. Kaitlyn spoke up and said that she would work with the case manager to set up the visiting nurses and order that any medical supplies be sent to Stockbridge. Lindsey made another round of hugs that ended with a kiss to her husband.

  “Now, just get me out of here as s
oon as possible!” Judge Moran quipped, and we all shared a laugh. Mandy and Lindsey exchanged cell numbers, and I gave Kaitlyn and Lindsey my home address and Bernie Nichols name and number. We said our goodbyes, and Kaitlyn rode the elevator down to the lobby with Mandy and me.

  Once in the lobby, Mandy asked where the ladies’ room was and Kaitlyn pointed it out. She excused herself and I thanked Kaitlyn for her help, once again.

  “You’re welcome. And by the way, your Mandy is stunning, and so sweet. Girlfriend you called her? If I were you Mr. Richardson, I would make her a fiancée pretty quickly.”

  “Is it that obvious?”

  “Without question.” Mandy came back into the lobby, hugged Kaitlyn goodbye, and we left for our trip to Stockbridge.

  We took our time driving back, and I asked Mandy to let me know if she saw any banks with ATMs as we went, as I wanted to withdraw some cash for her to buy some food and whatever she needed for her stay at the house.

  “You don’t have to do that. I have some money in my account” she said. I politely ignored her, and pulled into a bank lot drive up ATM, withdrew five hundred and gave it to her. About twenty minutes later I saw another bank and used the ATM for another five hundred.

  “Daryl, what on earth are you doing?”

  “I told you, I want you to have some cash on hand in case you need anything.”

  “Please stop it! If I need any help, I’ll let you know.”

  “Okay, but listen, when you and Lindsey have some time maybe you can talk with her about setting up a Foundation or trust, whatever you two think is best. I’d like it to be something that you can manage with me. I’ll mention it to her after they get settled in and I head back up to North Bellington.”

  “Aren’t you going to stay with us at the house?” she asked.

  “I will when I can, but I’ll have at least two search warrants, one that needs to be executed at night. I’m still paying for my room at the hotel, so I’ll stay there rather than be driving back here late at night.”

  “Why are you paying for a hotel room? You can stay at the condo.”

  “There’s going to be a few agents coming in from Boston to help me. They’ll be staying at the hotel, and that’s convenient for us to keep tabs on each other and our progress.”

  “Sounds a little like a frat house outing to me

  “Ah, the good old days that I never lived!” I said with a grin.

  “Gee, I thought that you and I were enjoying the good old days the past two weeks!” she said.

  “No, my Love, those days are yet to come!”

  “Ummm.” she said as she reached over and held my hand, “I like it when you talk like that.”

  We pulled into Stonegarden and I saw that Bernie and Erik were pruning the roses in the front yard. “Well, what a nice surprise,” Bernie said as she greeted us with a hug.

  I told them that something had come up and Mandy would be staying at the house for a while. I explained what happened at the hospital with the attempt on Judge Moran’s life and that when he was discharged on Saturday he and Lindsey would be coming down to stay with Mandy. Bernie and Erik didn’t respond, but I saw that I especially had Erik’s attention. He motioned me aside.

  “Daryl, any extra security measures I need to take?”

  “No, not right now Erik, but thanks. Just be on the lookout for any strange cars or anything out of the normal. If you think it’s something that needs to be checked out, call the Police Department. I’m friendly with the Chief and I’ll pay him a visit to let him know what we’re doing. I’m sure you’ll get immediate help if you need it.”

  Erik nodded that he understood. He and I went into the house and found Bernie and Mandy in the kitchen.

  “Bernie, Judge Moran, Forrest is his first name, is recovering from surgery after he was shot. The VNA will be coming to the house to look in on him, but if anything comes up I would hope that you’d be able to help Mandy and his wife Lindsey. She’s a lawyer by the way, and Judge Moran was one of our law professors.”

  Bernie took in what I said and answered “Of course Dear, whatever they need. It will be nice to see some signs of life around the house.”

  With that settled, Mandy got unpacked, and I told her that I wanted to drive into town and speak with the Police Chief. I asked if she wanted to go, she said no, that she was going to pick some flowers and make some arrangements for the house.

  I pulled into the Police Department and was shown into the Chief’s office. We hadn’t seen each other in about six months and we spent about ten minutes catching up.

  I told him of my assignment in Ethan Falls, and as it turns out he had been following the Peterson girl’s murder and Judge Moran being shot in the newspapers. He raised his eyebrows when I told him about yesterday’s incident at the hospital, and my plan to have the Morans stay at my house with my girlfriend.

  He assured me that his officers would respond immediately to any calls at the house and that he would personally call the County Sheriff and fill him in for backup. I tahnked him and headed home.

  As I was driving my phone beeped and I saw on the display, it was Damian Costigan calling. “Daryl, can you talk?”

  “Yeah, Boss I just pulling into my house in Stockbridge.”

  “Okay. My interns did the research that you wanted. They’re sure that Capt. John Carpa is, in fact, Giovanni Carpanara. The FBI Newark office came up with a photo of Carpanara that’s about seven years old. I’ll have the intern email it to you to show you the similarities in appearance. They found out that he was up on departmental charges for corruption. The PD was investigating complaints that he and some of his buddies on the night shift were rousting drug dealers, shaking them down for protection money and ripping them off for their drugs. He quit the day after the PD suspended him and he vanished. Three of his cop buddies got arrested and ended up doing jail time. None of them would rat out Carpanara, so he’s listed in the internal affairs report as an unindicted suspect.”

  “I knew he was dirty,” I said.

  “It gets better. He got hired by Sheriff Hunter about seven years ago as a Lieutenant in charge of the Sheriff’s detectives. There’s no record of him ever being certified by the Vermont Police Standards Board and that raises the question of whether his powers of arrest are valid. He legally changed his name to John Carpa in the Abbot County Court, and the social security number he gave on his petition is the same as Giovanni Carpanara’s.”

  Damian continued. “One of the interns, a gal who’s really sharp by the way, traced down Carpa’s lineage and he is Sheriff Hunter’s cousin on his mother’s side. Here’s where it gets interesting. Carpa has a brother, Pasquale Carpanara who’s got a rap sheet a mile long. He’s a validated organized crime enforcer, and some of the PDs intelligence units have him suspect in three unsolved contract murders.

  “Stop right there, Boss,” I said. “Pasquale Carpanara was arrested last night in North Bellington for an attempted hit on Judge Moran at the hospital. The hospital security staff intercepted him and subdued him after a fight. He had a nine-millimeter with a silencer when they grabbed him. He had another guy with him, but he got away.”

  “Jesus Daryl, what the hell is going on up there?” he exclaimed.

  He continued. “You asked me about Freedom Bail Services? Well my friend, your suspicions were spot on. They appeared on the scene about five years ago as bond agents for National Federated Surety. That’s a legitimate company. Corporate records show that at least four times Freedom’s filings were changed to show different a different management company as the business holder. Warren Donnelly’s name appears on all the filings, and JB Hunter is listed as the Managing Director of all of them. These guys set up their own bail bond company, but no one would ever know that unless they waded through the paper trail of name changes.”

  “How’s that for a conflict of interest?” I asked.

  “Well my friend, it gets better. My intern called the Compliance Officer at National Federate
d and he said that Freedom stopped paying their premiums two years ago. As far as they’re concerned, they aren’t Freedom’s bond insurer, and my intern can’t find any records in Vermont that Freedom switched to another insurer. He said he’s willing to give us a sworn statement.”

  “Sweet, huh?” I asked, with the satisfaction my inititial hunch was correct.

  “Daryl, if you can get your hands on a bond agreement they executed in the last two years, and the paperwork lists National Federated as the bond insurer, I think you have Donnelly and Hunter for insurance fraud,” he said.

  “I’m starting to love this Boss.”

  “You asked about County Exec Donnelly’s Office building not being in Abbot County? We confirmed that he has an office in a bank on Main Street in Hamilton, that’s the next town over from Ethan Falls, but it looks like the phone is forwarded to an answering service. Donnelly’s building in North Bellington is mortgage free. There are a couple of deeds on file, but the last one shows it was quit-claimed to Donnelly for one dollar by a William Barnum.”

  “Boss, that’s Billy Barnum! he’s the Courthouse Super in Ethan Falls! His house is the one next to the Court where I think the eavesdropped conversations are being transmitted over a microwave network.” Jesus, tnis is unbelievable,” I said with excitement.

  “If you’re right Daryl, these guys are all in this together, and they’re very sophisticated. Didn’t you tell me that the Building Sup found the Judge after he was shot?”

  “Yeah Boss, he did. This is a wealth of information; I can’t thank you and your interns enough.”

  “Well my friend, I have one more present for you. My interns researched that Survivalist camp you told me about. Apparently, this Barnum guy owns that land too. A local lawyer filed some paperwork with the State that shows that something called the Patriot Foundation leases the land, two hundred acres.”

  “They filed for a tax exemption on the basis they were a non-profit. We can’t find any filings in Vermont that they are, other than a tax- exempt certificate in Abbot County that was signed off by Warren Donnelly. Daryl, Donnelly is listed as a managing director for the Foundation, but nothing appears to have been filed on the State level. We’re checking with IRS because we believe that the non-profits have to be registered with the State.”