Sandrift: A Lin Hanna Mystery

by Sharon Canipe

  Lin heart was beating rapidly by this time. She settled herself on the sofa in the glassed porch area. Sparky followed her, no longer barking but whimpering still as he leaned against her leg. She pulled the dog up on the sofa beside her, stroking him gently as he snuggled into her side. “Thanks for warning me, Sparky,” she murmured. “Otherwise I would have walked right up on that character. You’ve saved the day again.”

  She sat quietly with the dog for several minutes. Gradually, her heartbeat returned to normal and her thoughts began to clear. She decided to jot down a few notes about the incident while it was fresh. What could she say about the person she saw? Tall, she thought, a large person, most likely a man. She hadn’t had a clear view of a face at all. It was discouraging to think that was all she could really say. She heard the clock inside strike the half-hour and looked at her watch, five-thirty. Neal should be on his way home, she hoped, and Ken Parker was coming in a couple of hours. She saw no point in calling either of them; the intruder was long gone. Ken could take the report this evening. She heard Neal pull into the driveway as she went into the kitchen to check on her soup.

  Lin turned to greet Neal as he entered the kitchen, trying to hide her surprise when she realized he was standing there stark naked. “What happened to you?” she couldn’t help but grin in spite of herself.

  Neal shrugged sheepishly, “This is dirty work and today was worse than yesterday. One of the sites extends into the edge of the sound and I’m afraid I slipped and fell—more than once actually. Got soaked to the skin. I stripped everything off downstairs and dumped it all in the washer.”

  Lin playfully popped the kitchen towel at his naked rear as he scampered quickly upstairs to bathe. “Don’t take too long,” she called up after him. “Soups almost ready and I want to talk to you before Ken comes by later.” The tale of the intruder was best left for a few minutes she decided.

  Chapter 13

  By the time Ken Parker arrived that evening, the mood was much more serious. Lin’s close encounter with the intruder had made them both realize that whoever had issued the warning was deadly serious. The second attempt at a break in had occurred even though Lin had not been anywhere outside of the neighborhood; she hadn’t talked to anyone except Eloise all day.

  “Did this person have a weapon of any kind? Were you directly threatened?” Neal asked anxiously as they worked to clear away the dishes before Ken arrived.

  “Not that I could see,” Lin responded. “I think whoever it was had on a big, bulky coat. There might have been a weapon hidden, but I didn’t see one. The intruder ran as soon as I called out.”

  Neal put down his load of dishes and took Lin into his arms planting a soft kiss on the top of her head. “This scares me, Lin. It really does. I think maybe we should leave, go to a hotel or something.”

  “We can’t do that,” Lin was insistent, “we can’t let whoever this is frighten us into submission.” She realized how angry she really was. “I haven’t done anything that should threaten anyone,” she continued, “and I won’t be intimidated. Besides, I promised Kate to look after things, including Sparky, and we have already made plans for the holidays with my kids. We’ll just have to stand up to this, not give in and run away.” She realized she was trembling as she spoke.

  Neal tried to soothe her, “Okay, Okay. I see your point, but I do think we should have some sort of alarm system installed tomorrow. I know you haven’t had a chance to talk to Kate yet, but I feel sure she ‘d agree and I’ll pay for it.” He stroked her hair as she finally gave in to tears.

  A few moments later, her tears under control, Lin pulled herself away and looked into Neal’s eyes longingly. “I’m sorry for the crying,” she was still sniffling as she spoke, “I’m actually more angry than afraid. I just can’t believe my actions have been threatening to anyone. It’s ok about the alarm system. I’ll call Kate tomorrow when the time is right. I’m sure she’ll agree. I just didn’t want to worry her.”

  Lin realized it was already past time for Ken to have arrived so she hurried upstairs to freshen up while Neal started the dishwasher and put on a pot of fresh coffee.

  By the time Lin returned, Sgt. Parker was there, and he and Neal were already seated at the kitchen table with files open and papers spread around. She poured herself a cup of coffee and joined them.

  Neal was telling Ken about the intruder, but he turned to Lin to fill in the details. When the tale was ended, Ken leaned forward his elbows on the table. It was obvious he was in deep thought.

  “We’re installing a security system as soon as I can get someone over here,” Neal added, “ but we need to get to the bottom of why this is happening. Lin’s inquiries have been focused only on finding out what Dorrie Johnson was doing here during her last days. Any references to that old murder case were entirely incidental and brought up by others. Dorrie’s death was clearly an accident, and her parents are just seeking some answers. I’m not sure I understand what’s going on here.” He turned to Ken in exasperation.

  Ken remained silent for a few minutes, clearly trying to gather his thoughts.

  “I’m not entirely sure that I know what is going on yet either,” he began, “but clearly something is.”

  “ I’m not sure where to start. I’ve spent the entire day working on Connie Frazier’s murder, and I think we’re close to making an arrest. It seems her death may be related to Liz’s murder ten years ago so that opens up that whole scenario again.”

  “But I thought everyone was pretty much thinking that Dorrie Johnson committed that crime,” Lin spoke up.

  “Maybe she did, maybe she didn’t,” Ken offered. “I’m not sure myself. Our department will probably try to reopen that case in connection with this current one. I know it’s been in the hands of the Sheriff’s department all these years, but the death did occur in our jurisdiction, and with this most recent killing, we have grounds to take a second look I think.”

  “But that still doesn’t explain why someone is trying to threaten Lin,” weariness and concern were evident as Neal spoke.

  “Maybe Dorrie’s ‘accident’ wasn’t as clear cut as it originally appeared. I think we may start an investigation into that as well. I had another look at the ME report today. That was my first time actually reading it. Earlier, I‘d simply spoken to someone at the Sheriff’s department about the findings as to cause of death,” Ken was clearly serious about this.

  “What do you mean?” Lin was puzzled, “If she died of an allergic reaction to a bee sting, how can that be murder?”

  “No, no. That’s not what I’m saying. Dorrie did die accidentally, the question becomes was there any negligence involved at any point. Remember, she didn’t have her epipen, and we never found any evidence of it. How did she lose it? Where? Who was she with? That’s really why I wanted to talk to you again. I need to know everything you were told by the people you talked to regarding their contact with Dorrie. I agree with Neal; there has to be a connection here somewhere, and I need to find it. I know we’ve talked a little about this already, but I need all the details you can remember.”

  An hour later, Lin had finished relating everything she had learned about Dorrie and her movements during her visit, including her visit to Tim’s Bar and Grill on Wednesday, her talks with Mrs. Frazier and Connie on Thursday afternoon, and her “date” with Billy Thornton Thursday night.

  “That’s all that I learned,” Lin said when she finished, “maybe she went into Manteo to try to find Liz’s old boyfriend on Friday or maybe not. I haven’t yet found any way to confirm that.”

  “You need to leave that to us,” Ken insisted, “you’ve already been a great help—especially by linking Dorrie to Billy Thornton.” He said nothing more but he rose to leave.

  “Can you tell us how you think negligence might have played a role in Dorrie’s death?” Lin couldn’t believe he was leaving without revealing more information.

  “Not yet,” he insisted. “We’re still investigating e
verything. Maybe there’s nothing there, but I intend to find out.”

  After Ken left, Lin felt restless. She couldn’t stop thinking about all the possible connections and possible angles in these events. She sensed that Neal was somewhat agitated also. He kept puttering around the kitchen when there was clearly nothing more to be done. Finally, Lin got up and grabbed Sparky’s leash. “Let’s go for a walk,” she said, “it’ll be good for all of us. We’ll be together and Sparky will be with us so everything should be ok.”

  Neal mumbled his agreement and went upstairs to fetch their jackets. They stuck to the neighborhood but walked for almost an hour. Gradually, they began to feel calmer.

  “By the way,” Neal said as they turned the corner to head back to the house, “We had so much excitement I forgot to tell you that your field trip is still on for tomorrow. At least there’s a Plan B. If it’s raining, the group will gather in the theater for a film and talk followed by refreshments as usual. If you don’t feel up to going, I’m sure someone can fill in.”

  “Oh, I’m fine,” Lin insisted, “I’ll be there. What are your plans?”

  “Well, I’ve finished the gridding and the team doesn’t arrive until Thursday, but I have some more Christmas shopping to do. I thought I might drop you off at the park and then do my shopping in Manteo. We can have lunch at that nice inn on the waterfront afterward.”

  “Sounds great,” Lin smiled as they reached the house. It was after ten when they finished checking the house and decided to go upstairs.

  “That walk in the cold air left me energized,” Lin confessed. “I napped this afternoon and I’m not sure I’m ready to go to sleep.”

  “Don’t worry,” Neal winked as they entered the bedroom. The rain that had been forecast seemed to be starting, and a gentle patter could be heard above. “I’ll make sure you’re relaxed and ready to sleep well.” And he did just that.

  Chapter 14

  The gentle rain that had lulled them to sleep the night before had become a steady downpour by morning. “I think I’m going to be grateful for Plan B,” Lin said as she dressed and gathered her materials.

  “I’m glad I finished the gridding yesterday,” Neal added. “This stuff would be impossible to work in. I hope it clears by tomorrow when the team arrives.”

  Before they left for Manteo, Neal was able to reach a security company and talk to someone who agreed to come by later that morning if someone could let them in. A quick call to Eloise took care of that. She had no plans to go out in the rain; they dropped the key off at her place before they left.

  The ride over was quiet. Lin spent the time reviewing some of her notes for the presentation.

  “I’ll be back shortly before noon,” Neal said as he dropped her off at the entrance to the visitor center.

  In spite of not being able to walk the grounds, the students seemed to enjoy their visit. The staff had an excellent film to show them, and they had assembled a touch table with various items the kids were allowed to examine. Lin took them on a walk-through of the visitor center explaining the various exhibits and answering questions. Of course, the refreshments were a hit, as always.

  After the group departed, Lin spent the rest of the morning helping the staff with some filing. The bad weather meant there were few visitors so it was a good opportunity to handle some paperwork chores.

  Neal arrived shortly before noon as promised and in an ebullient mood. Evidently his shopping trip had been a success, but he wasn’t willing to share much with Lin. “Oh, I picked up a couple of small items for your grandkids, this and that, nothing major,” was all he said.

  Lin took the hint and changed the subject. Evidently, he was shopping for me, she thought.

  The conversation turned a bit more serious over lunch. While waiting for their meal, Lin decided to call Kate in London. It would be late afternoon there so she hoped to catch her after her workday was completed and before she might leave for the evening. Kate was alarmed by what had happened and readily agreed that the security system was a good idea. She declined Neal’s offer to fund the operation; she said that she had thought about doing something anyway, and she would take care of the bill when she returned.

  That taken care of, they relaxed and enjoyed delicious seafood chowder and salads. Lin decided to probe further on the subject of Neal’s shopping asking him what stores he visited for starters.

  “I’m not falling for any tricks like that,” he teased. “Santa Claus always keeps his secrets, now tell me about your plans for the rest of the day.”

  Actually, Lin had no plans so they decided to simply go back to Kate’s and maybe check with the security company about their survey of the property.

  As they were leaving the restaurant, Lin’s phone rang. It was Matt Johnson.

  “ I should have called you this morning,” he said. “ I’m in Manteo right now. I decided to come down and check on the medical report first hand. Sara is doing much better so I felt I could leave her for a couple of days; in fact she wanted me to come. I called the medical examiner’s office, and I have an appointment this afternoon to see the report. This will also give me a chance to pick up Dorrie’s car. The police were ready to release it when we were down before, but Sara wasn’t up to driving our car home. I drove a rental today. I was calling to see if maybe we could talk later after I talk to the ME and take care of the car business.”

  “Sure,” Lin replied. “We’re heading home right now and have no plans for the afternoon.” She gave him directions to Kate’s. She was glad he was coming because she welcomed the chance to learn more about the medical report herself.

  ***

  The rain had stopped by the time they arrived at the house, although the sky still looked threatening. There was no sign of the security company so Neal telephoned. They had completed the survey, but because of the weather they couldn’t begin work until the next day.

  “I think I’ll take Sparky for a walk while there’s a break in the rain,” Neal said gazing out the window at the still heavy clouds, “want to come?”

  “I think I’ll just rest and read a bit, if you don’t mind. I think all of the stresses of the last few days are catching up with me.” Lin smiled, “Matt won’t be here until four or later.”

  “Good idea,” Neal agreed, “maybe I’ll join you when I get back, come on Sparky, we might not have long to get this walk in.” He grabbed the leash and left quickly.

  Lin changed out of the uniform and dressed in sweatpants and a loose long-sleeved tee. She settled herself on the sofa in the office upstairs, pulling a fleece afghan over her legs. Although she took her book and started a new chapter, she soon found her eyes closing. I’ll never finish this book, she thought. Every time I start to read I go to sleep.

  Some time later she woke with a start to the ringing of a telephone somewhere. I must’ve left it in the bedroom she thought. Scrambling to her feet, she dashed across the hallway, but the phone was silent by the time she found it. The caller was Ken Parker so she returned the call immediately.

  “Sorry Ken, I was in the office and my phone was in the bedroom,” she explained when the officer answered.

  “That’s OK. I hope I didn’t disturb you, but I wanted you to know that we’ve made an arrest in the Connie Frazier case. We just picked up Billy Thornton, and he’ll be charged tomorrow.”

  Lin tried to swallow her shock. She’d taken Billy for a flirtatious ladies man but she wouldn’t have pegged him as a killer by any means. She found herself speechless for the moment.

  Ken continued, “Apparently, he and Connie had a pretty loud argument late last Saturday at Tim’s Bar, there were several witnesses. Connie accused him of killing her sister and trying to pin it on Dorrie Johnson. According to the witnesses she threatened him, and he left in a rage. It seems that Connie left the bar about ten minutes later. Apparently, she was jumped and beaten right after she left the bar. She was tossed into the dumpster, either dead or dying.”

  Lin found her vo
ice, “Do you think Billy was our prowler?”

  “Probably not Billy, but we’re looking into the possibility that he might’ve hired someone to intimidate you. We still have a lot of questions to answer, but if Connie was right about Billy where Liz was concerned, he might’ve gotten nervous over your questions about Dorrie. There’re a lot of those guys who hang out at Tim’s who wouldn’t mind earning a buck or two doing that kind of dirty work. We’ll find out who, but my guess is that will end now.”

  “Well, I’m surprised. I didn’t take Billy for that kind of person,” Lin said.

  “You never know what people will do if they feel threatened,” Ken offered, “ I think he might’ve contributed in some way to Dorrie’s accident. We’re reopening that investigation as well.”

  Lin told Ken about Matt Johnson being in town and that he was coming out to see them later in the afternoon. “Matt’s at the medical examiner’s office right now, I think, he’s looking at the report.”

  “Do you mind if I come by later myself?” Ken asked. “I’d like to talk to Mr. Johnson about the report and why we’re reopening our investigation into Dorrie’s accident.”

  “Please do,” Lin responded. “I’m sure he’ll want to talk to you, and I have some more questions myself.”

  When she had ended the conversation, Lin glanced at the clock and noticed it was already three. She’d been asleep for almost two hours. Where was Neal? She realized that she hadn’t heard him return and there was no sign of Sparky either. The rain had resumed, although not as heavily as before. They should’ve returned by now. She hurried downstairs but the house was empty. Maybe, there’s a message, she thought. She reached into her pocket to grab her cell phone. Sure enough, she hadn’t noticed that Neal had called, evidently when she’d been sleeping so soundly it didn’t awaken her. The message indicated that he and Sparky had been caught by the rain down at the Wright Memorial and taken refuge there to wait it out. “Please come pick us up when you get this message,” was the final word.