Sandrift: A Lin Hanna Mystery

by Sharon Canipe

  “I would be happy to talk to them, but I’m not sure what I can tell them that they don’t already know.” Lin offered, “Do you know where they will be staying and when they might arrive. I have to go to Raleigh tomorrow and won’t be back until Tuesday.”

  “I expect they will be here by early afternoon and they told me they would be staying at the Tidewater Inn near the waterfront here in Manteo.”

  “I’ll give them a call later,” Lin replied, “and Sheriff, could I ask to talk to you myself sometime next week? I found all of this pretty shocking, as you might imagine, especially when I read in the morning paper about Dorrie being a suspected murderer. I would like to know more about that story. I need some sort of closure myself, I suppose.”

  The Sheriff was silent for a moment. Then he spoke, “Certainly, Ms. Hanna. I suppose we could talk. I’m sure finding a dead body while walking your dog can be very upsetting. I’ll be glad to share the story of the Frazier case with you—most of it is public knowledge anyway; you, not being from this area, would have no knowledge of the story. Why don’t we plan to have coffee next Wednesday after you return from Raleigh? Maybe you could meet me at the coffee shop on the waterfront in Manteo about ten that morning. I have an early meeting which should be over by then.”

  “Thanks, Sheriff, I’ll be there and I will call the Johnsons this afternoon.”

  “Thank you, Ms. Hanna,” Sheriff Midgett replied, “I appreciate your help.”

  Lin looked at the clock. It was still early—too early to expect the Johnson couple to have arrived. Maybe she should try that walk on the beach after all. Sparky would love it and that might be the best way for her to straighten out her own thinking. She grabbed the leash, called Sparky, and set out for the public beach access area nearby that Kate had pointed out to her.

  Soon Lin and Sparky were strolling happily along the shore. It was low tide and there were abundant shells in small piles where they had washed in earlier. Gulls and pelicans were evident, and Lin even spotted the dorsal fins of a group of dolphins trolling along the shore. There was a fairly strong breeze, but the sun was warm. Lin was glad she had a jacket with her. After a bit, she unhooked Sparky’s leash and tossed a rubber ball she had brought along for the dog to catch. He loved doing that and scampered back and forth enjoying the game. When he began to tire, Lin reattached the leash and began to walk back toward the area where she was parked. Having given most of her breakfast to Sparky, she was beginning to be really hungry.

  As she started the Jeep and headed back toward home, Lin thought about how fortunate it was that folks couldn’t own the beaches in North Carolina. She had visited many places along the coast where hotels and private owners were able to prohibit others from enjoying the shore. While it was possible for private owners to control access points, such as stairs and walkways to the beach, here that control extended only across the dune line. The actual beach belonged to the public. Most towns along the coast provided public access paths and parking areas at various points so that everyone could enjoy the seaside.

  Arriving at Kate’s house, Lin searched the refrigerator for some lunch. She found some sandwich fixings but also realized that she would need to go to the grocery when she returned from picking up Neal in Raleigh. Besides, Thanksgiving was this Thursday. She hoped that Neal would be happy to eat out for the holiday meal. She was in no mood to shop for and cook a huge Thanksgiving dinner. With just the two of them it seemed easier to eat out. They could cook for Christmas when all her family would be around to help out and to eat.

  A short while later, having satisfied her hunger, Lin decided to call the Tidewater Inn. The Johnson couple had arrived so the operator rang their room.

  A tired voice answered. “ Matt Johnson, how can I help you?”

  “Mr. Johnson, this is Lin Hanna. Sheriff Midgett asked me to call you. I’m the person who found your daughter’s body yesterday. Let me say how sorry I am for your loss.”

  “Thank you Ms. Hanna. Sara and I are still in a state of shock I’m afraid. We did ask the sheriff if we could talk with you but we must confirm Dorrie’s identification this afternoon and speak with someone about when her remains will be released and I don’t think it would be a good idea for us to try to meet you today.” There was a deep weariness in Matt Johnson’s voice.

  “I do understand,” Lin sympathized, “ but I must drive to Raleigh tomorrow to meet a friend at the airport. I’ll have to get away from here by late morning and I won’t be back here until midday on Tuesday. Do you know how long you will be in town?”

  “No longer than we have to be,” Mr. Johnson sounded determined to tend to business and get home. “ What if we could meet you for a late breakfast—maybe on your way out of town?”

  “That would be perfect,” Lin responded. “ Would 9: 30 work for you? I could meet you somewhere there in Manteo. It would be on my way.”

  “Why don’t you plan to come here to the inn?” Mr. Johnson offered. “They have a lovely dining room on the water front. I’ll look for a table where we can talk undisturbed.”

  “I’ll be there.” Lin agreed. “Again, I am so sorry that this happened.”

  She quietly ended the call. It was not hard to imagine what these folks must be going through. The young woman had appeared to be in her late twenties—maybe her early thirties. Lin’s own son and daughter were 32 and 30—close to the same age. Lin readily identified with the grief these parents must be feeling. She was glad she would be able to see them before she left to meet Neal.

  Thinking of Neal, Lin realized that she hadn’t talked to him all weekend. Sure, she would be with him tomorrow, but she felt the need to share her experiences. She needed someone to understand her shock at her discovery and at the story of murder which seemed to be unfolding. Besides, she should touch base with him about his arrival time anyway. She noted the time. It was close to three. That would make it almost one in Flagstaff where Neal would be getting ready for his journey east. Without hesitation she dialed his number. Unfortunately, she was kicked to his cell’s voice mail and had to leave a message. “Call me when you get this,” she said. “I need to talk to you.”

  Still feeling restless, Lin grabbed a book and made for the sofa in the office area across from the master bedroom. She curled up under the throw Kate had left out—telling her it could sometimes get chilly upstairs. Maybe she could forget this mystery she had uncovered by immersing herself in reading about another.

  Chapter 3

  She must have drifted off to sleep because it was almost dark when Lin awoke to the ringing of her cell phone on the nearby end table. She grabbed for the phone hastily hoping it was Neal returning her call. Fortunately, she was able to get it before it went to voicemail.

  She recognized Neal’s number, “ Hi there. Thanks for calling me back,” Lin said, “I really wanted to talk to you.”

  “Sorry I missed you earlier. I had to go out to get a few things I needed for my trip and met a friend from the university for coffee. Guess I just didn’t hear my phone ring. There was a lot of noise in Starbucks. What’s happening?” Neal asked.

  “Oh, Neal. You won’t believe what has happened here since Kate left.” Lin felt her voice quavering as she talked. She paused and took a deep breath. She was determined not to seem upset by all this, especially not with Neal.

  “Tell me, sweetheart.” Neal’s voice was gentle, “I’m listening.”

  Lin began to recount her story, beginning with her discovery on Saturday morning. She realized that she probably sounded just a little “shaken up” by the experience but she managed to continue the story without breaking down.

  Though she did a good job of maintaining self-control, Neal did seem to pick up on her higher than usual stress level. About halfway through her story he interrupted her.

  “I’m sure anyone would be upset by all of this,” he said reassuringly.

  “That’s true,” Lin confessed, “but I’m really fine. It’s just been a lot to take in and t
ry to understand.”

  Lin brought Neal up to date, telling him everything—even the part about Dorrie Johnson being a suspected murderer. It felt good to share the whole thing including her own desire to know more about Liz Frazier’s murder.

  When she finally finished talking, Neal was quiet. He was obviously thinking about what he should say. Lin realized that this was a shocking story for anyone to hear.

  “ You seem to have a knack for being in the wrong place at the right time.” Neal was clearly thinking about the events of the previous spring in Arizona. “Of course, in this case, the crime seems to have been committed long ago. You did say the person you found died from natural causes?”

  “Yes, yes,” Lin responded, “she was stung by a bee or wasp or something and was apparently highly allergic. She didn’t have an epipen with her—maybe she forgot it or lost it somehow. I know I was surprised to see that the insects were still active this late in the fall, myself. It’s warmer here on the coast.”

  “Well, you can put this all behind you soon,” Neal offered. “I understand why you feel the need to meet with this girl’s parents. That seems to be the kind thing to do but maybe, after that, you should just put it all aside. You don’t really need to meet with the sheriff, it seems to me. There’s nothing you can do about any of this. It was an unfortunate incident but that’s all, at least as far as I can see.”

  “ That may be true. I realize all that,” Lin responded, “but the entire episode has been unsettling. I guess I’m just seeking some sort of closure for myself. I feel sure that talking to the Sheriff and learning more about the full story will help me to put all this behind.”

  “Well, at least let me go with you on Wednesday,” Neal sounded concerned, “I’ll be there and you won’t be alone anymore. Things are always better when you don’t have to face them alone.” He changed the subject, “I’m really looking forward to seeing you—we’re going to have fun,” Neal was encouraging.

  “I’m really looking forward to having you here,” Lin responded. “Yes, it will be fun. I can hardly wait to share this beautiful part of my home state. You’re going to love it.”

  “I’m going to love being with you,” there was warmth in Neal’s voice. “I‘ve missed you more than you can imagine.”

  “Me too,” Lin responded, “and I’d be happy to have you with me on Wednesday. Thanks for supporting me.”

  They talked for a few more minutes but only about things they would do when Neal came. By the time the conversation drew to a close, Lin felt very much her old self again excited about the prospect of Neal’s upcoming visit. She hadn’t forgotten about her discovery, but that was more firmly in the background of her thinking. The weeks ahead were going to be good ones, a chance for Neal and her to have personal time together—more than just dates or even a long weekend. It would, she realized, really be like living together. She wondered what that would feel like. It was exciting, but also a little bit scary. More than anything, however, she felt a sense of excitement and anticipation about the coming holidays.

  It was fully dark now as Lin went downstairs to get something to eat. Once again she found slim pickings in the refrigerator and determined that she would have to go out to get some take out. That grocery-buying trip will have to be high on the agenda once Neal and I return from Raleigh, she reminded herself once more.

  ***

  Mindful of her meeting with Matt and Sara Johnson, Lin got up earlier than usual the next morning. She took Sparky for a walk around the neighborhood, stopping by to see Eloise and make sure she had everything she needed to care for the dog while Lin was away.

  When that was done, she packed her overnight bag; she made certain she packed her pretty new outfit and didn’t forget the sexy blue nightgown. She had to admit that she was excited about seeing Neal in just a few hours. Thinking about that dispelled her earlier anxiety about meeting Dorrie’s parents.

  Shortly after nine, Lin was heading toward Manteo. She wasn’t sure what she should say to the couple; perhaps their questions would lead her. She didn’t want to share anything that might be overly disturbing, but she also wanted to help them answer their questions about what had happened to their daughter to the best of her ability.

  When she arrived at the waterfront dining room of the Tidewater Inn, the host greeted her immediately, “You must be Ms. Hanna. The Johnsons are expecting you.” He guided her toward a table in the corner of the room that overlooked the harbor.

  Matt and Sara Johnson looked to be about Lin’s age, maybe a little older. They both appeared tired and a bit drawn. Lin realized that they had probably not slept very well—not unexpected.

  She introduced herself as she took her seat. Matt Johnson offered Lin coffee from the pot that was already on the table. “We’ve not ordered yet but there are lots of good choices on the menu,” he passed a copy to Lin. Sara Johnson didn’t say anything. Her blue eyes were rimmed with red and she seemed to be trying to hold back tears.

  After the waiter had taken their order, Lin decided she would broach the subject they were there to discuss. She was sure it was difficult for the couple to face the fact that their daughter was gone. Perhaps she should be the one to break the ice.

  “Let me tell you once more how very sorry I am about your daughter. I have two children myself who are probably about the same age, and I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you. I’m sure you were proud of Dorrie.” Lin hoped that recalling better memories might help start this conversation. It seemed to work.

  Sara Johnson turned to Lin with, at least, a hint of a smile. “Yes, we had become quite proud of her. Dorrie had really turned her life around in recent years. This is devastating for us—especially what the Sheriff…” she couldn’t continue.

  Matt Johnson changed the subject. “Perhaps you could tell us about finding Dorrie, Ms. Hanna. I’m sure it has been upsetting for you, and we appreciate your willingness to talk to us. We just need to know where it happened and what you observed—just to help us deal with the fact of losing her.”

  Lin understood and she told her story as simply and directly as possible. Fortunately, she now felt able to control her own emotions. She decided not to mention what she had read in the newspaper about Dorrie being a murder suspect. It was obvious that Matt and Sara Johnson already knew about that.

  As Lin concluded her account, Sara Johnson turned to her, “Are you sure that Dorrie’s epipen was not evident at the scene? We find it hard to believe she would take a walk in the woods without it. She has been allergic since childhood and always carried one with her as far as we knew.

  “I didn’t see any sign of that,” Lin replied, “and I feel sure that the law enforcement folks searched the area and her person for indications of what happened. Perhaps she lost it or had left it in her hotel room.”

  “We went by the Holiday Inn in Southern Shores yesterday. The manager had cleared all of her belongings from the room and given them to the Sheriff. He returned them to us, but there was no pen among the items. None was found in the woods either, at least not close to where she was found.”

  “I’m sure that’s puzzling to you,” Lin responded. “I find that unusual myself; however, there are several long trails through the woods and some are over wet, boggy areas. It is quite a large preserve. If she were out walking she might have lost it and it would be hard to find.”

  “That’s true, of course,” Matt Johnson spoke up. “It appears that Dorrie met with a most unfortunate accident. That is hard to accept, but I think we’ll simply have to. What I cannot accept is this character assassination being perpetrated by Sheriff Midgett. It’s bad enough to lose a daughter without having her branded as a murderer who escaped punishment for more than ten years.” At this point, Lin realized that Sara Johnson had completely dissolved into tears. She got up and turned to Lin, “Thank you for coming, Ms. Hanna. I’m sorry but I simply cannot sit here any longer, I do apologize.” With that Sara made a hasty exit back toward the hot
el lobby.

  Matt Johnson, however, remained seated. He was clearly angry but in good control. He offered Lin another cup of coffee. She accepted, realizing that he needed to talk more.

  “If you have time Ms. Hanna, I’d like to tell you Dorrie’s story, at least from our perspective,” he began.

  Lin consulted her watch; she had plenty of time so she agreed. “Perhaps we could take our coffee out on the porch.” They had obviously finished eating, although neither Sara Johnson nor her husband had eaten much of their meals.

  When they were settled at a sunny spot beside the water, Matt Johnson began his story. He related how Dorrie had gone through some very difficult times as a college student, calling them her “wild” years. Apparently she’d left school after her freshman year. She had come to the coast to work for the summer but the wild behavior had continued and she didn’t return to school in the fall.

  “Those were tough times for us,” Mr. Johnson related. “ Dorrie was drinking, using drugs, and refusing to listen to any advice. Finally, we felt we had to cut her off, take a tough love approach, if you want to call it that. We felt that she had to come to her senses on her own. She certainly wasn’t willing to listen to anyone else.”

  He continued, “ The result was that we didn’t hear from Dorrie for almost two years. It nearly killed Sara, but I felt we had no choice but to stick to our guns.”

  “When did all this happen?” Lin asked.

  “ We had laid the law down to Dorrie in the fall of 2000—when she refused to return to school and stayed down here—supposedly to work but, we think, mostly to party.”

  He continued, “ The next time we heard from Dorrie was the summer of 2002. She was living and working in the Washington, DC area and had returned to school. She was attending a community college up there. She told us that she had realized she needed to get her life together and she was ashamed to face us with all her problems. She left here sometime in the fall of 2000—November, I believe she said it was.”