Charlene looked up slowly, her face damp with tears, "Thank you," she said wiping her face with a napkin. "It's all so confusing. My little brother, the stories…"
Jenny stood there feeling a pull to sit down. "May I join you?"
"I'm not sure why I chose Watson Manor as a place to stay while I settle Steve's affairs, but I assure you, Mrs. Watson it wasn't to confront you or your husband. Maybe, I needed to apologize to you for his actions…"
Jenny sat down across from her. "That's not necessary. I can see how painful this is and we don't want to add to that."
"That means a lot to me, thank you. It's not enough," Charlene started to say and looked up, "the investigation, what's being said and then I find out today he was married to a convicted felon, Marsha Turner. She grabbed hold of that leash around my brother's neck … I don't know, he was on top of the world when he sent their wedding photo. I was so hoping …,"
"It sounds like you two weren't close," Jenny said.
"As kids growing up we were. I'm six years older than Steve and losing our mother when he was only eight, I moved into that maternal role. He took our mother's death very hard, we all did, but it stole his spirit and drive."
"You had a great deal of responsibility for being so young yourself. Is your father still living?"
"No, Steve was all the family I have left. I just wish I would have bridged the gap between us, but I didn't know how badly his life was going or what little time was left. Then there's a past due notice for a press that doesn't belong at Marina Press… At least they'll come get it rather than force me to assume the debt."
"Again, Ms. Dale, we'll do whatever we can to make this easier for you. Please call me Jenny and don't hesitate, if I can help."
"Charlene or Char is good as well. Thank you Jenny, you have already made this easier."
Jenny stood up and walked back the office. Moving the playpen with a contented Madison back into the corner of the office, she sat down at her computer. Things were not falling into place and she searched Marsha Turner. She found the Sacramento Newspaper article about her conviction for manslaughter two and a half years ago and a follow up story of her escape. She used an ancestry program and found Marsha was born in Sacramento, was twenty six years old and Lisa and Samuel Turner were listed as parents. She continued digging and discovered the Turners were divorced ten years ago. A brother, John Turner came up and she wrote down the names.
"It was 7:30 when she found a phone number for John Turner and called.
"Hello?" John answered.
"Is this John Turner?"
"Yes," he replied pensively.
"My name is Jenny Watson with Watson Investigations. May I ask you some questions about Marsha Turner?"
"I don't know where she is!"
"I'm not trying to locate her sir. It's related to something I'm involved in. I just needed to find out what kind of person she is."
"You a cop?"
"No, private investigators. I'm trying to get some background on her husband, Steve Hansen."
"I don't know a Steve Hansen. Leave her alone, if she hadn't shot that bastard I would have. I can't help you."
"Mr. Turner, I am not looking into that conviction. And whatever you can tell me will stay in confidence between us. I'm investigating a current situation your sister is involved in, not as a cop or reporter." There was a long silence and she wasn't sure they were still connected. "Mr. Turner, I'm trying to discover in defense if she is capable of the charges against her."
"What's she wrongfully charged with this time? That scumbag, Harris had her strung out on drugs and turning tricks. Beat her when she tried to get away. I didn't know any of that until it was too late. She ran from our glorious step-father at sixteen, when his attention to her turned from paternal. Yeah, she told me about Hansen, the only break she ever got."
"Thank you, Mr. Turner. That helps a great deal."
"So what is she charged with?"
"I'll have the detective on this case contact you," she said and hung up the phone. She turned back to her computer and continued searching.
Charlie walked into the office and pulled Madison out of the playpen. "Your Daddy has a new set of wheels," he told her, while bouncing her in his arms. He walked over to Jenny. "I parked under the light in our parking lot, ready to take a look?"
"It's not over, Charlie."
"What are you working on that has you draining my surprise?"
"The Hansen's. They're not Sentinel. It's not over yet."
"Jenny, what the hell are you talking about! They were pushing Eden's car toward the cliff. They were shooting at us!"
"I know that. I think they were pawns, like Gayle and Mitchell and probably Steven Ashland."
"Damn it, I have no interest in clearing the Hansen's name! I was there, remember?"
"Calm down and hear me out. I'm not trying to belittle what they've done. I almost lost you! Don't you think I know that! Everyone involved was hiding something. I found out Mrs. Hansen was an escaped felon. That would give Sentinel the screws to turn on the Hansen's to play ball."
Charlie sat down and the anger drained from his face. "Ok, I'm listening; what else?"
"Steve Hansen's sister is staying here a few days and we talked a little tonight."
"Does she know I pushed her brother off that cliff?"
"She knows and believe it or not, she tried to apologize for her brother. The point is, Charlene, his sister paints Steve as a puppy dog on a leash, not the mastermind behind this. And his wife was convicted for killing her abusive pimp. She never finished high school and her brother told me meeting Steve was the only break she ever had. With the threat of exposing Mrs. Hansen's true identity and sending her to prison, they would do anything."
"I'm sorry about their past, but it doesn't forgive their actions. Maybe this Charlene is the mastermind behind this?"
"That didn't occur to me," she said thinking. "I'm not buying it, blackmailing her own brother. She lives in Wisconsin, too far away to run this. But, I have no doubt, whoever is running this is still out there thinking they're safe now."
"I don't need to ask, how you got all this information. I do know your instincts are sharp," he conceded.
"There's more. What do you think the chances are that when Charlene Dale walks through the door at Marina Press, that a past due bank notice just happened to have been delivered stating the intent to repossess the Jensen Press needed to print the stocks we found?"
"Follow the press," he said completing her thought.
"Exactly, we need to get her to attach a tracking device on it and see where it goes."
"I'm still not convinced this Charlene is clear of involvement. We need to place the device or follow the truck hauling it away."
"I guess your new truck is under everyone's radar."
"Actually it’s a year old with license plates, which works better for us than brand new. Jenny, without knowing who, and as much as I don't like keeping the Chief out of this, because we don't know who's listening, we need to keep what you've discovered between us until we have a break to share."
"I think you're right. It could be anyone getting information for them."
"Can I drag you out there now to see my new truck?"
Chapter 29
Charlene was away from Watson Manor all of the following day and Charlie didn't meet her until dinner that evening. It was frustrating for Charlie, a guy thing, not only to leave his new truck parked, but also to avoid talking about it or showing it off. Jenny had given the contact number for John Turner to Detective Edwards first thing that morning and kept everything else she had learned to herself.
Charlie had resisted Jenny's idea that they should join Charlene for dinner. It surprised him how quickly Charlene had put his concerns aside for his part in the reason she was there.
"I had a long discussion with Tom Green today. The lease on the building was for two more years with first right of refusal for another five at the same rate," Charle
ne told them.
"Surely you are not liable for that?" Jenny asked.
"No. Actually I took the lease. I want to see if I can give the Marina Press another go."
"The staff will be thrilled to hear that," Charlie offered.
"I think given the situation, not knowing who I can trust, I'd be wiser to start fresh."
Jenny spoke quickly "We give Rosalyne Wilson a high recommendation and she has established a rapport with the business community here for the Marina Press."
"Thank you. That connection would be critical to success. You're confident she wasn't involved?" Charlene asked.
"She was actually a victim … I honestly don't know how she'd feel about coming back to the newspaper," Jenny said. "Would it help if we talked to her?"
"That’s a lot to ask, I'm a stranger to you, and still amazed with the support you’ve already offered."
"I don't mean to be cruel or disrespectful to you, Charlene," Charlie said struggling, "I'm trying to be helpful here. If I were you, I wouldn't initially disclose a kinship …"
"I've given that a great deal of thought, Charlie. The rumor mill in a small town like yours has probably already communicated my connection to my brother. I won't deny it if asked directly, but you're right, promoting the fact would hinder success," Charlene told him. "I called the bank this morning and they indicated that, under the circumstances, and if I cooperated with the repossession that there would be no penalties or court action against the estate."
"Real compassion there!" Jenny said.
"When are they coming?" Charlie asked.
"Between three and five tomorrow afternoon. The reason I brought it up is because I'll be there between noon and five so if Rosalyne wants to talk she can meet me there."
"We'll let her know. Excuse us, we need to make a diapers run tonight. Maddy's potty training is not going well yet," Jenny said standing up.
"Goodnight, Charlene…" Charlie said as they headed to the office. When they were behind the office door he walked to his desk. "The tracker is charged, are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
"I have two weeks' worth of diapers upstairs. If anyone saw us at Marina Press, there would be questions. Rosalyne talking to her new boss would be a natural thing," she said, reaching for the phone," I'll see if they're home".
"Wait, let's just go over there."
She set the phone back down. "Ok?"
"I guess there's an 'I told you so' coming on my initial reaction when you bought this equipment."
"Oh, did I miss that chance?"
"I just wanted to point out it will sound better when we see if it actually works." He held up the device the size of a pack of cigarettes. "This is all we'll need tonight."
Henry Wilson answered the door of their small two bed room home. "Rosie told me all about the tracker when she talked to Jenny on Sunday. How crazy is this?"
"How's she doing, Henry. She was in shock about Hansen when we spoke. Can we come in?" Jenny asked.
"Of course, what am I thinking?" Henry said opening the door wide to let them pass.
"I still can't believe it," Rosalyne said from the couch. "The Hansen's were nothing but sweet to me. Please sit down. Hello, Madison, getting a ride in your Daddy's arms?"
"This needs to stay between us," Jenny started, while sitting down on the opposite end of the couch. "We think the Hansen's were being blackmailed to cooperate in this by whoever is still out there pulling strings."
"We haven't even shared what Jenny discovered with Marina PD, and really need you to help us," Charlie added.
"You don't trust Chief Walker?" Rosalyne asked in surprise.
"Completely," Jenny answered. "For our plan to work, we need everyone thinking the Hansen's are Sentinel without deviations in Marina PD's actions. We don't know who is watching or listening?"
"If what you say is true, there's no way I'd allow Rosie to be at risk again!" Henry said.
"Let me explain. Charlene Dale, Steve's older sisiter, will be taking over the Marina Press. We recommended Rosie to her last night, as a reporter with experience on the paper. Whether or not you are even interested in the job, Rosie, the key to tracking down Sentinel is to follow the Jensen Press."
"Sounds like you're dragging her back into this mess," Henry said.
"Henry, they would not throw me to these wolves, let her finish," Rosalyne said.
"All we need is the two of you to meet Charlene Dale at the Marina Press just after noon tomorrow. The job offer is legit; Charlene doesn't know what we're doing. Rosie while you're talking to Charlene, we need Henry to attach this device out of sight on the Jensen press," Jenny explained.
"Because of Rosie's injury, it is understandable for you, Henry, to take her… and curiosity explains you walking around. The Jensen Press is being moved out tomorrow afternoon. We intend to follow them to the new location. This device will allow us to stay out of sight and capture conversation. We'd do it ourselves," Charlie continued, "but if we were spotted at Marina Press it would signal that we are still investigating. Your being there is a job interview with the new owner."
"Why do you said the Hansen's were blackmailed and they are not Sentinel?" Rosalyne asked. Jenny went through what she had discovered about Mrs. Hansen. "Wow; that explains a lot. I think you're right, Jenny. Most of the time Steve and Debbie acted like newlyweds, pet names and quick kisses when they thought no one was looking. Then a radical mood swing, like getting a doctor's confirmation it is cancer, and soon all the joy they shared would be lost. Henry, I want to help."
Henry was pacing the small living room. "I'm not comfortable with you anywhere near this Rosie," he told her. "Those days waiting to hear your body was discovered … it tore me up! Who is this new owner, Charlene Dale? How do we know she's not behind this whole thing?"
"She's from Wisconsin. Charlie and I have spoken with her and believe she is who she said she is, the owner of a newspaper there. But, on the slim chance there is involvement that's why we didn't ask her to attach the device," Jenny said. "I understand your concerns, I really do. You are the only ones who would have a reason for being at Marina Press without sending up flags."
"Henry, we need to do this, I want to do this for the Hansen's and finally bringing this to an end. Charlie, show him how to attach that device."
"I guess against my better judgment, we're in."
"Thank you both," Jenny said. "Now the key is not a word to anyone."
The Watson's left, comfortable that the Wilsons could handle what was required and even saw a little excitement from Rosalyne about a possible full reporters position. When they arrived back at Watson Manor, Charlie went into the office and pulled the manual out on the 'Spyware Inc. Model 2750' for upstairs reading.
*****
Charlie and Jenny had breakfast upstairs, but as was their habit, they greeted guests in the dining room the following morning. They avoided sitting down and waved to Charlene from across the room. Jenny spoke with Lisa, their chef and babysitter about watching Madison that afternoon. They waited until the breakfast crowd had dispersed and then took the monitoring equipment out to Charlie's truck.
*****
The Wilson's parked beside the only car in the front lot at Marina Press at 12:30. Rosalyne was on crutches now, but Henry rushed around the car to help her out. He held the front office door for her as they went inside.
Charlene stood from behind the desk and came around quickly to greet them. "Hello, I'm Charlene Dale, you must be Rosalyne Wilson?"
"Yes, I'm pleased to meet you Ms. Dale. This is my husband, Henry."
Henry shook her hand. "Hello, Ms. Dale."
"A bit too formal for me, I'm Charlene or Char. I've been cleaning up … after the search. Why don't you come sit by my desk so we can chat, Rosalyne?" Rosalyne followed her back the editor's desk and sat down."
"Charlene, do you mind if I look around?" Henry asked.
"Not at all, I'm sure listening to us talking shop would bore you to tears. Have a look
in back, they are picking up that monster press today that’s been in the news," she told him sitting behind her desk.
Relieved that she couldn't have made his job easier, he opened the production door and went into the back room.
Charlene had explained her vision for the new Marina Press and the role she hoped Rosalyne would have in building it up. Rosalyne was talking about her past role when the front door opened and drew their attention. Charlene stood up and walked around her desk, "May I help you?"
"I was driving by and saw the cars out front. Hello, we've not met, I'm Laurie Gayle, Mayor of Marina and I heard there was a new owner of the Marina Press."
Charlene walked over to where she was standing. "Hello Mayor Gayle, I'm the new owner, Charlene Dale and pleased to meet you."
"I was excited to hear our local newspaper would be back," she said and glanced over at Rosalyne. "You look familiar. Yes, I remember now, Rosalyne right? You did the 'What's Happening in Marina' column."
"Hello Mayor Gayle. Yes, I'm Rosalyne, but the column was 'What's Rockin' in Marina."
"Sorry, dear, my mistake. You're here to help again with the newspaper?"
"I've only just met Charlene and that's what we were discussing when you came in."
Mayor Gayle glanced several times at the open production door. "Well, I don't want to stand in the way of progress getting our newspaper back. I just wanted to meet the new owner. Charlene, I was fascinated reading about the special machine, do you mind if I take a look?"
"It's leaving today, so this will be your only chance. Take a look," she said, walking over to the production room door.
"You two were in the middle of an interview, don't let me interrupt that. I'll just have a peek and be out of your way," Gayle said. "And welcome to Marina, Ms. Dale."
Rosalyne let go of the breath she was holding when Henry walked through the door, "Hello Mayor Gayle."
She was startled a moment when he appeared. "Oh, hello there. Have we met before?"
"No, I'm Rosalyne's husband Henry. She needed my help to get here this afternoon and I was checking things out while I was waiting. That's some impressive machine."
Watson Manor Investigations (Watson Manor Mystery Series Book 3) Page 18