“I’m afraid I don’t have much that would help with the charges related to Connie Frazier; however, I think the information I’ve learned in my inquiries would indicate he didn’t drug or rape Dorrie Johnson,” Lin replied.
“At this point, I’ll take anything I can get,” Pickett said. “Things don’t look good right now, but tell me, how did you come by your information?”
Lin explained that she was the person who discovered Dorrie Johnson body and that she’d met her parents. “ They were seeking to learn more about what Dorrie was doing here, why she had come. I think they were just having a hard time accepting that she would’ve gone walking in the woods without her allergy medication. They were most upset that she was considered the prime suspect in the unsolved case of Liz Frazier’s death. They were seeking closure and understanding, I guess. I agreed to make some inquiries for them.”
Pickett nodded, “I’m fearful that my client might be charged in the Liz Frazier murder also, given the fact that he’s accused of killing Connie. I understand that Sheriff Midgett is going to reopen that investigation, and he’s no longer thinking that Dorrie killed Liz.”
Lin understood his concern. After all, Connie had insisted that she still believed Billy had killed her sister.
“Well, the good news is that the clerk on duty at the Holiday Inn where Dorrie was staying told me he talked with her on Friday morning. That would’ve been the morning following her date with Billy. He reported that she seemed fine, not drugged or hung over at all. She planned to extend her stay.”
Tom Pickett was taking notes rapidly. “Does Ken Parker know about this?”
“He does now. I talked with him yesterday and shared all of this information,” Lin indicated the sheet on the table before her. “He was pretty closed mouthed about the progress of his own investigation, but he did mention needing to talk to that clerk so I think this information might’ve been new to him.”
“Well, it’s certainly good news for me,” Pickett picked up the sheet Lin had offered and began to peruse it. “You may already know this, but Billy admits to having sex with Dorrie Johnson—at his apartment on Thursday night—but he insists that it was entirely consensual and there were no heavy drugs involved. I suspect they might’ve smoked a little pot, but that’s minor compared to what the police are trying to say.”
“Billy didn’t tell me all that exactly, but I gathered that their date was more than just ‘talking’,” Lin added, “In fact, I think he rather liked her, and the clerk at the motel implied that Dorrie planned to stay over to see more of an old friend. Maybe she hoped to see Billy again.”
Pickett placed the list on the table and turned to Lin. “What do you know about this fellow Mike Clark? Billy told me he was present at Tim’s the night Connie was beaten.”
“Everything I know is in that list,” Lin said, “My fiancé Neal and I think he might’ve been trying to break into the house where we’re staying. He was probably also our threatening caller, and we’re sure he was following us last weekend when we went to Ocracoke. He never actually approached us or threatened us then; we can’t really make a case. I know he works here in Manteo at the Simon gallery, and he’s a regular at Tim’s Bar.”
“I know, so is Billy Thornton, in fact Ken Parker is sure that Billy hired Mike to shadow you, maybe threaten you to keep you from inquiring about Dorrie,” the attorney placed the list on the table and sat back thoughtfully.
“Perhaps I’m going outside the bounds here, but I’d welcome the opportunity to bounce some ideas off you, if you don’t mind. I’d like to outline the case Ken Parker is trying to build against my client and see where you think the holes might be, that is if you have time and don’t mind,” Pickett inquired.
“I’m happy to help in any way I can,” Lin offered.
Tom Pickett poured each of them a second cup of coffee and pulled a file from a stack at the end of the table.
“Parker says that Billy was disturbed when Dorrie Johnson came to the Banks and started poking around asking questions of the Frazier’s and others about Liz Frazier’s murder. He appears to have lured Dorrie to his apartment where he gave her strong drugs and, subsequently, raped her. The fact that she was suffering the after effects of being drugged led to her losing her epipen and thus being in the woods walking—maybe trying to walk off her hangover, without it. She was stung, had a fatal reaction, and died there—as an indirect result of Billy’s actions, even though he didn’t intend her death.”
“Connie’s accusations at the bar set him off, exacerbating his anger and scaring him. The result of that was his beating Connie to death—again, he probably didn’t intend to kill her, but he did so in a blind rage. Parker thinks he was fearful of Connie’s accusations that he was guilty of killing Liz. After all, if he did kill her, he’s gotten away with it for more than ten years. In addition, Parker believes that Billy hired Mike Clark to frighten you and keep you from asking too many questions about Dorrie. He thinks the entire thing just grew out of control.”
“Billy, of course, says he is innocent, not only of date rape but also of killing Connie and Liz,” Pickett continued. “He admits to the sex with Dorrie, and the pot-smoking, and he acknowledges that he was very angry with Connie who was drunk and shouting all kinds of accusations at him that night at Tim’s. He admits to waiting outside to talk to her again. Apparently she was still angry, and he lost his temper. He told me he slapped her around some and even shoved her to the ground. Apparently, he picked up a piece of two by four that was lying on the ground and was so angry he almost hit her with it, but then, he realized what he was doing, threw the wood aside, and left. Connie was sitting on the curb in the parking lot, bruised but not seriously injured—or so he claims.”
“Has the two by four been identified as the murder weapon?” Lin asked.
“Apparently so, and my client’s prints are on it,” Tom shook his head in frustration, “if Billy is telling me the truth he is, at worst, guilty of assault—the problem is proving it.”
“Well, he’s apparently telling the truth about Dorrie,” Lin replied.
“It seems so, and that might give some weight to the truthfulness of his other statements, at least in my book,” Pickett smiled for the first time, “I’ll definitely be contacting this clerk at the motel. He might make a good defense witness—at least if charges are brought related to Dorrie.”
“ Maybe there were some other witnesses at the bar that night?” Lin said hopefully.
“So far, I’ve found no one who can say that Connie was alive when Billy left the scene. I’m still looking though.”
“Were there other prints on the piece of wood?” Lin asked.
“Only some smudged ones, of course the killer could’ve been wearing gloves,” Pickett shook his head, “I’ve tried to interview this Mike Clark, but he’s refused to talk to me so far. I’ll keep trying though.” Pickett rose and picked up Lin’s sheet of facts, “May I make a copy of this?”
“Certainly,” Lin said, “and if I think of anything else or learn anything that might help your client, I’ll certainly call.”
Lin’s head was filled with questions as she left the office and headed for her car. What was the role of Mike Clark in all of this? If Billy Thornton hired him, then why? If not, then who did? If Thornton killed Connie then did he also kill Liz? If he didn’t was Connie killed by Liz’s murderer or by someone else? Who besides Billy would have a motive to kill Connie? This story was growing more complex by the minute.
She tried to push these questions to the back of her mind. At least, her information was now in the hands of someone who could investigate further and use it on behalf of his client. She felt Ken Parker would also look into these things, at least where Dorrie was concerned. The fact that there were none of Dorrie’s prints found in her car raised some additional serious questions. Perhaps the sheriff’s department had cleaned the car before Mr. Johnson picked it up, that was a possible explanation; somehow Lin didn’t fee
l completely satisfied with that answer.
There was another possibility, she realized. Maybe someone else had driven Dorrie’s car to the lot at Nags Head Woods and wiped it clean of prints before leaving it there.
***
By the time Lin arrived back at the house, Neal had returned from his day at the fort. She found him upstairs having just finished showering.
“Wow! Don’t you look great. Should I be jealous of that lawyer fellow you dressed up for?” Neal teased.
Lin smiled, “If you’d seen his office you’d think I didn’t dress up enough. I was glad I’d had time to come back and change before my appointment. I wanted to make sure he took me seriously.” She started to change into something more casual but Neal stopped her.
“Let’s not waste your outfit, why don’t we go out someplace special for dinner? I’ve heard Owen’s is just such a spot and we haven’t been there yet. I’ll be ready shortly.”
Lin left Neal to dress and went down to let Sparky out for a turn in the yard. The sun was beginning to set, and the sound appeared to be a sheet of pure gold. She took it all in, allowing herself to relax and feel satisfied with her day. I’ve done all that I can to now, she thought. The police and Billy’s attorney know everything I’ve learned. It’s up to them now. They’ll know what to do from this point on. Lin felt confident that Thomas Pickett would pursue every angle to prove Billy was innocent of rape and murder, and in truth, she didn’t think Ken Parker would neglect to pursue further information either. It was time for her to let well enough alone and get on with her holiday plans. She decided to pick up the phone and call Eloise. They made plans to spend the following day cooking together for the planned party, and the next afternoon, if need be.
She’d just hung up when she heard Neal come downstairs. He slipped his arms around her waist and turned her to face him. Smiling, he looked deep into her eyes, “You’re beautiful, that sweater is the same color as your eyes. I love you so much,” his warm lips found hers and he kissed her eagerly.
“I love you too,” she answered. “You’re looking rather fine yourself.” She approved of his cream-colored sweater and brown slacks.
“ I’m starving,” she added mischievously, “We can finish admiring each other over drinks and appetizers, let’s go.”
Owens proved to be the perfect spot for a special evening out. Over wine and appetizers Neal caught Lin up on the work at the fort. “By Friday, we should be ready to close things down for a few weeks. We’ve found some sixteenth century artifacts, just a few, but they could be contemporary with our lost colony. One of the guys from Chapel Hill will be taking them back for further examination to try to determine more precise dates. The shoreline has changed so much over time that it’s hard to pin down locations. It’s possible that the evidence of the colony, if such still exists, is now underwater, at least partially. That type of excavation requires more funds than this current grant has. The team has invited me to come back in the spring for more work, but I doubt I’ll be able to spring loose from NAU to do that. I’d love to be able to continue but…”
“Maybe sometime in the future,” Lin said, “perhaps when you retire you can come back or maybe even work on other projects in other locations.”
“I’m sure there’ll be opportunities. I see postings all the time, looking for experienced field workers, especially if you can volunteer. No one ever seems to have enough money to pay for all the crew they need. Who knows, maybe we’ll do something like that together someday,” he smiled at the thought.
“By the way,” he added. “The group is getting together on Thursday night for a farewell dinner of sorts; the staff at the fort is coming and you’re invited too. It’ll be sort of a Christmas party, I think.”
“Sounds like fun,” Lin replied, “Where will it be?”
“They’ve booked a private dining room at that inn on the harbor in Manteo, should be nice.”
“Now it’s your turn,” Neal smiled. “Tell me about your day, especially the appointment with Billy’s attorney.”
Lin gave a full account of her meeting with Tom Pickett, including what she’d learned about the case Ken Parker was building against Billy. “I’m really glad that I went,” she said, “I feel sure some of the information I shared was new to him and I think it was helpful, at least I hope so.”
She shared her feeling that she’d really done all that she could to help with information related to Dorrie and her activities. “I wish I’d been more successful in learning what she did on Friday, but I’ve hit nothing but dead ends there. Still, I know that the information I did gather will be useful. The rest is up to the police and Tom Pickett. The ball is in their court—nothing more I can do at this point.”
“Well, you’ve helped Dorrie’s parents as well as Tom Pickett and Ken Parker,” Neal complimented her efforts. “Guess it’s time to get on with our holiday plans. It seems that we’re no longer being followed, and the new security system should discourage any break in attempts.”
Lin agreed, sharing that she’d already made plans to get together with Eloise to start cooking food for the upcoming party. “I’ve done all my shopping, and I only have one more school group to do later this week. The kids and their families will be here in about ten days—it’s going to be fun. I can hardly wait to see them.”
“I’m looking forward to their coming also,” Neal smiled but then turned thoughtful. “I hope they approve of our plans.” He reached across the table and took her hand.
“Of course they will,” Lin insisted. “I really don’t think they’ll be surprised. Both Ben and Lucy have said how much they like you, and the children enjoyed being with you last summer when they visited. I expect they’ll be delighted to have a new grandpa—just you wait and see.”
They finished their meals and lingered over coffee talking about plans for the coming holidays and beyond. Finally, Neal asked for their check, “I do have to go back to the fort tomorrow and it’s getting late.”
Lin agreed, “ You need to get to bed early, I expect. What time do you have to get to the work site?”
“ Oh, about eight, I’d guess,” Neal winked. “I do think we should retire early—but I’m not getting sleepy, not yet anyway—how about you?”
Lin didn’t have to say anything. Her smile was answer enough.
***
The next couple of days passed quickly and uneventfully. Neal was busy at the fort working with the archeology team. Lin spent much of her time working with Eloise and running errands in preparation for their upcoming holiday get together. Each day the party seemed to grow as her sociable neighbor thought of more folks to add to the guest list. By the time Thursday evening rolled around, Lin was ready for some socializing herself. She was looking forward to the party planned for that evening with the archeology team and the staff from Ft. Raleigh. She decided to wear one of the new outfits she’d purchased just before Neal arrived, glad to have another opportunity to dress up at bit.
Preparations for the holidays had helped her to push her concerns regarding recent events well into the background of her thoughts. After all, both Ken Parker and Tom Pickett were on the case. She and Neal had shared all the information they had and things seemed to be calming down. It was time to relax and enjoy the holidays for sure.
Chapter 22
Lin overslept on Friday morning, not waking until almost nine. Once again, Neal had already left for the fort leaving a note stuck to the mirror.
Good morning! We were so late last night after the party and you were sleeping so soundly that I decided to not wake you. Sparky’s been out, but you’ll need to feed him. I should be home by six at the latest.
Don’t forget, if you decide you don’t want to go back to Simon Gallery you can give me a call and I’ll pick you your ring during my lunch break.
Have a good day.
Love you,
Neal
Smiling at his thoughtfulness, Lin headed for the shower. The steaming water helped h
er to wake up. She usually didn’t oversleep but she’d certainly been doing more of that recently. She’d been really tired when they got home after dinner with the archeology team and the staff from the fort. It was a fun evening but everyone seemed to linger. Besides, she was already tired after spending almost all of her time the past two days cooking with Eloise. Her only break had been doing the presentation for the third graders yesterday. After that she’d been back in Eloise’s kitchen.
She dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt and went down to feed Sparky. Thankfully, Neal had left a pot of coffee on and there were blueberry muffins waiting to be reheated. She popped one in the microwave and poured herself a large mug of dark roast.
The view from the kitchen window revealed that a shift in the weather was eminent. The skies to the west were already overcast and a stiff breeze was kicking up whitecaps on the sound. The weather forecast had promised a stormy weekend ahead with rain beginning later today and continuing through Sunday afternoon. Increasing winds had been part of the forecast and small craft warnings were already being issued. Lin was happy that they’d gone to Ocracoke the previous weekend. This one promised to be a good time to curl up beside a fire with a good book.
She had a few errands to run and decided to do them early before the rains came. They needed a few grocery items, especially if they were going to be more or less housebound most of the next couple of days, and she did want to pick up her ring. For a brief moment she thought about calling Neal and asking him to do that, but she quickly changed her mind. She was not going to try to avoid Mark Simon, even if his demeanor did make her uncomfortable. She’d always been independent, and she had no plans to turn into the type of woman who always turned to the man in her life to do things for her that she could very well handle herself. Besides, it was Friday, and he might not even be working today.
Sandrift: A Lin Hanna Mystery Page 24