Treading south on the beach he was not aware that he was the solitary beach walker that late afternoon. He had to hurry as it would be dark in an hour or so. The wind was just a breeze and as he crossed the river, noticing a small break in the western sky. He pushed on and saw a trail leading up to the park. It was well trodden and not hard to follow. Inside the park he walked around the north side looking for a trail that might lead to the river somewhere near the home of Rose Stipent lived. As he slowly walked along the brushy area, he noticed few campers were in the park. That made it a little easier to see if a trail led down to the river. He had almost given up when he saw a narrow path leading down towards the river. It was brushy, but passable. He came to the river, just below where it exited the lake, and saw some rather fresh foot markes leading down to the river itself. He went downriver and dropped into the river then he walked up to the spot where fresh marks on the river bank were. It definitely was more than one person and it could have been anybody from kids to tourists. There was no way of knowing, but it was access to the vicitims house. It was just downriver, perhaps fifty yards and on the opposite side, sat Rose Stipent's house. At the moment her house looked dark and gloomy.
He walked down the river hugging the north bank next to the victims' house. He did not notice any marks on the bank where somebody had climbed up to the north side. He made a mental note to have the new deputies comb the area for any sign. Norm walked on and it was getting dark by the time he arrived home. The sunset was nice as it had broken through the clouds and was casting colorful vistas across the sky, if anyone was interested.
17
After a quick shower and change of clothes, Norm arrived at Beth's just before seven. Even though the place was busy, maybe they could have some dinner sent upstairs, was in his thoughts as he climbed the stairs. He saw an old wooden conference table that would seat about twelve. The chairs were folding metal with wood seats and backs. They probably came from an old school, he thought as he was introduced by Debra to the reserve deputies. First was, Clint Kramer, then Clyde Horner and Dan Daniels. All were under thirty. All three were clean cut and appeared, and as it turned out, local boys. The other two were retired deputies that seemed rather happy to have something to do. They were James Townsend and Eric Snowwin. James looked the oldest, but they appeared over sixty, but in reasonably good shape.
Norm took his place at the head of the table with the reserve guys to his left and Debra and the old timers to his right. He said, "Thanks for coming and it looks like somebody has been busy moving furniture and stocking the room with the equipment we'll need to carry on this investigation." Norm looked around the table seeing if all were paying attention. Satisfied he continued, "Debra has told you," looking to his left at Clint, Clyde and Dan, to find the names of the hydro racers and their addresses. Also, find out their primary care physician." He saw the eyebrows shoot up and quickly added, "I've a very good reason for the last order. As a matter of fact, any and all suspects are required to produce their doctor and contact numbers. In addition all will supply a DNA sample for the record. Oh, and by the way, that includes all of us. Let me be clear here gentlemen and lady, we'll leave no stone unturned until the perpetrators are behind bars.
Debra has assigned James and Eric the state park visitors for that period of time. "We're not looking to interview and obtain from tourist over the age of sixty who are married. When you interview those particular types, ask what they might have seen in the way of some younger men or young adults that were partying that night of the crime. Remember this, all of you; old people forget things very easily. The past comes back in periodically so make sure contact numbers are documented and make sure our numbers are passed out. And by the way, Debra," he said looking at her, find someone to man the phone here at all hours of the day from six am till six pm. A voice mail also.
"Clint, you seem the oldest and have the reputation of being outgoing, let's put you in charge of the reserve deputies. That doesn't mean to delegate all the work to your cohorts, but, for the most part, you're the spokesperson for your group. With that being the case, I want the river and in particular, the north side, where the victim lived, combed for any clues. I was there and saw where more than one person had slid down the south side of the river bank, next to the state park, into the river. The slide marks are still there so take some pictures and their proximity to the victim's house. Do the same kind of inspection on the north side where the perps might have come out of the river to join with the victim. Interview all the neighbors around the west side of the lake to see if any hydro racers were anywhere near where the lake empties into the river. Okay, any questions so far?"
The two old timers had legal pads and had written down their instructions. Across the table, Norm noticed, the three reserve guys were doing the same thing. So far so good, he thought. Clint said, "We have already a list of the participants of the hydro races. The promoter is from Portland and well known. He faxed a list of names and addresses with phone numbers. We've divided the list up and will do our interviews. My question is this: What information, besides the doctor do you want us to ask for?"
"Good question Clint. We're looking for a group or at least a few close friends who probably like to drink and have fun. Find out their marital status, where they work and who are best buddies. At night it's quiet around here, but apparently, and you'll check with the locals in that area, nobody heard a scream. That could mean two things: one is she knew or trusted the killers or one slipped around her back and covered her mouth. I think the victim either knew who the killers were or trusted them to some degree. It's my experience that for someone to sneak up behind and cover a mouth with a hand to prevent a scream, usually fails to completely cut off any noise. In the vics house, her aunt was sleeping with the sliding door open. She didn't hear anything. Check with the neighbors."
"A cursory look at the list Norm tells us that most live outside of our area. Do you want us to interview face to face," asked Clint.
"Yes I do. A good investigator needs a face to face with the suspect. Make appointments and get it done after the investigation of the area."
Norm looked around and then said, "I'm hungry how about you guys?"
All raised their hands except the two old timers. Debra said, "I'll take the orders down to Beth. When the orders are ready, Beth said she'd holler up and we come and get them. Let's keep it simple okay?"
This was a perfect time for Norm to observe his team interact with each other. What he saw and expected were pretty much what he thought would happen. The young guys stayed together and so did the two older men with Debra answering their questions. Norm knew the old guys would be questioning her about him and his methods. He also knew the old guys would do a good job just to show they still had it in them.
With the three reserves, Clint was the leader and the other two, Clyde and Dan were followers. Norm noticed Clint was periodically glancing his way. It was a tic inside his being that told Norm to keep an eye out on this guy because he needed watching. He wrote a note to Debra asking for the personnel files on each of the three reserves.
After dinner, Norm asked again if any further questions and nobody answered up. "Okay then we all have assignments so let's meet again tomorrow same time. If you are busy interviewing out of town, just let us know what you're doing. Let's call it a night then. Debra would you mind waiting before you leave?"
Norm waited till all were gone then he said, "After you left me at the house, I went for a walk to the state park. I found a trail down to the river. I saw where more than one person had slid down the bank into the river. It's a good bet that our killers came that way and it's also a good bet the victim trusted those males; or did she know who they were?"
"I think you're right Norm. After dark it's really quiet around here and especially next to the river. Next to Rose's house a late middle age couple live there. I talked briefly with them and they heard nothing that night. However, like most people, they were tuned into their TV. Acr
oss the river is nothing but brush and then the park area begins. That's too far away to hear anything, but somebody could have seen something. Lots of those tourists have dogs they have to walk before turning in for the night."
"Debra, tell me about Clint and his two friends Clyde and Dan. They seem rather thick with Clint being the strongest of the trio."
"Clint is around twenty-nine I think. He works in Newport at a major supermarket. He's been a reserve deputy for around five years. He's a climber and wants the sheriff's job someday. Clyde works for his father in a local hardware store. He's younger that Clint, but can't remember exactly how old he is. Yes, he's a follower and not a leader. Dan is a quiet guy with a temper, as I understand it. All three love their time at the tavern shooting pool and drinking beer. Dan has been in a few scraps after drinking, but nothing serious. All three, by the way, are unmarried."
"Get me there files and find out where they were on the night in question. Also, make sure you get there DNA. You'll probably have to contact a lab in Portland. When you do, tell them I want a three day turnaround. And don't let your boss tell you it's too expensive. The DNA will be the evidence that send the perps to jail."
18
As the expression, "March came in with a roar" fit the next morning very well, thought Norm as he woke up feeling the ubiquitous drafts of his new abode. The only saving grace was the heater working hard to battle the on-shore wind. A half hour later he was at Beth's drinking fresh brewed coffee and wolfing down an omelet. He asked, "Beth do you know any contractors that need some work? I think I need my new place weather proofed."
"Of course I do know some. One is my cousin who has a good reputation around town. The other one is always busy, but people like him. I don't know him personally, but he's been here for years."
"I'd appreciate phone numbers please," he said leaning back with his mug of coffee feeling satisfied. She hurried off and saw Debra drive up and park. He admired her good looks and she dressed nicely. It was time to focus on the business at hand. He and Debra needed to revisit Rose and her neighbors. Also he needed a follow up on the vics computer and cell phone. It stood to reason that a young woman, regardless of being handicapped, needed friends. FB was the location he hoped to find some insight to her personality.
Debra sat down and said a good morning. He said, "My house is rather drafty and before winter comes, I'll have it wind proof. If you don’t mind, where do you live?"
Beth came by with her coffee and they placed orders. "I live upstairs in an old house with a back entrance. I guess it's like a rooming house downstairs, but upstairs I've it all to myself. It had been remodeled some years ago to divide the top and bottom. They put in a modern kitchen and upgraded the bathroom. It has two large bedrooms and a living room. The living room overlooks the highway and I can see the ocean, but not the beach. One bedroom I use for my photography/painting room." She saw him raise an eyebrow and quickly she continued:
"No I'm not a professional but an amateur at both. The competition for perfect photos and so many artists out there struggling to make a living, well, I just do it for fun."
"I wondered as the court house is down in Newport. But then I realize you've an office here too. I went through some troubled times some years ago and a dear friend suggested I take up a hobby. I was born and raised in Brooklyn and really didn't have any desire to play sports, I struggled with finding a hobby. I did enjoy Bob Ross on PBS with his 'happy trees' and thought about learning the basics of painting. I took a few night classes at a local art school and, to make a long story short, I still put some paint on a canvas in my free time."
"Like the little kids say, 'I'll show you mine if you show me yours'" she said turning a shade of red against her creamy white skin. "Here's breakfast and what's on our scheduled for the morning Norm?"
He told her what he had in mind with a visit to the victim's house and a walk around the neighborhood. The follow up on the computer and cell phone would determine if anyone heard anything or not. After that he fell into his breakfast with relish.
19
On the way to see Rose, Norm asked, "Debra where is the victim's cell phone? It wasn't in her bedroom and not found anywhere in the backyard. Either someone took it with them or threw it away. What I think we need is some good Boy Scouts to comb the river banks and the river itself."
"I'll see what I can do Norm. I get the feeling you think the victim knows who it was that killed her."
"I don't think it was random Debra. I suppose it's possible that someone from across the river with binoculars might have been tempted, but that would mean it was, most likely, a stranger. However," as they pulled into Rose's driveway, "we need to look at all possibilities."
Norm looked at the next door neighbors place. Like her house, the neighbors place was a little overrun by foliage. There was lots of dead looking plants mixed in with a few evergreen coastal dwarf pine trees. But for the most part, it would take a gardener the better part of a week cleaning up the dead and withered plants.
Rose answered the door apologizing for her not being dressed for the day. Debra said, "Not to worry Rose. If you're comfortable with how you are in the morning, so be it. We're the intruders here and not polite to have called beforehand." Norm saw her smile just enough to see she really needed Pepsodent and their age old saying: 'I wonder where…………."
"Come in and let me put a fresh pot of coffee on." Neither Norm nor Debra said anything to the contrary. It was an opportunity for Rose to put her brain to work and refresh her memory. Both followed her to the kitchen and heard her say, "We'll have the funeral tomorrow or the day after. I'm so muddled Deb. I'm not sure I can handle it all by myself. The pastor says he'll stick with me and keep me from breaking down. My doctor gave me a valium to calm me down."
"I'll be there Rose. Let me stay with you and between the pastor and me, we won't let you fall down," she said with a small chuckle. Norm noticed that made Rose smile a little as she poured two mugs full of fresh coffee. He did notice that she didn't have a cup for herself. He flashed back thinking what alcohol can do to a person once it becomes a necessary evil.
"Rose, if I may use your given name, you told us the other day that you didn't hear any sounds or a scream on the night in question. Have you thought about that and do you now recall any sounds whatsoever coming from the back yard that night?"
Standing with her back to the counter, she said, "I've thought about that day and night a lot. She was so happy it was a nice day out. The two drinks she had made her feel a little giddy I think. I remember lying down on the sofa and thought I'd take just a short rest before making us something to eat. I do remember thinking about how quiet it was and also wondered if Linda was warm enough. I did hear a car door close, or at least I thought I heard it, but it could have been the neighbor. As far as I can see, I've no memory of hearing anything from the backyard or Linda screaming"
"Thanks Rose," said Debra. "You've been a big help. Now do you need a ride to the funeral when it scheduled?"
"Thanks, but Phil and Jessie are giving me a ride. They're such nice neighbors. By the way, they're expecting you to ask a few questions about that night." Norm saw her continually glancing at her frosted glass next to the sink. They were keeping her from slaking her thirst.
Norm was not unhappy to leave the dreary house with the mixed smells of old people and cigarette smoke. He sucked in a big lung full of fresh salty air as they went next door to see Phil and Jessie. Like his door, this one too needed a fresh coat of paint. Debra rapped on the door and it seemed the sound had not left his ears when the door opened revealing everybody's idea of what a pleasant looking grandmother should look like: short, but standing with good posture, a full head of nicely done up silver-grey hair and a smile to greet you warmly. Norm could not remember when he had seen such sparkling blue-grey eyes before. "Come in," she said, standing back to let them pass.
Her husband Phil was standing next to the fireplace which was burning very well. Norm wonde
red if Phil had not just built a fire before their arrival. They must have known Rose would say something about coming over for a visit. Norm noticed Phil was trying hard to stand erect with his shoulders back. Phil was easy on the eyes similar to his wife Jessie. Norm shook his hand noting it was firm and warm. Despite his old fashion black rimmed glasses and his shiny bald head, they both seemed a nice couple. Norm soon found out that Phil had retired from being the districts school superintendant.
With some older folks, it's best to let them talk awhile before getting down to business. Most do not like it if you just jump in with questions without some 'weather' talk beforehand. This was certainly the case with the Sheldon's.
Both he and Debra refused any more coffee and were content to sit on a comfortable sofa with a roaring fire knocking back the chill of a windy March. After, what seemed a long while, but was actually only a long fifteen minutes, Phil said, "You're not here to listen to our reflections on past days, but to ask some question about Linda's death."
"Yes Mr. Sheldon. Did you or your wife hear or see anything that night that might help us out," said Norm.
"We've talked about it a lot detectives. At the time, or about the time that was advertised of her death, we were watching TV, but the sound was down low. Both of us have good hearing and sight," he said adjusting his glasses. Norm smiled and waited for him to continue. "Anyway, I didn't hear any voices, but did hear some doors close. What I mean by doors is at least two doors were heard by both me and Jessie. Like I said, I didn't hear any voices and I should have gotten up off my lazy butt to take a look. As you can see there're only a few houses here and it's unusual to hear doors closing."
Murder Mysteries Series six Page 5