“You did,” Neal responded, “and I’m not sure what they mean at this point. The Dare County Sheriff and his men are here. They’re pursuing a man wanted for a crime in Manteo. If I were you I’d go back inside and lock myself in. I promise I’ll send an officer back to let you know when it’s safe to leave, or I’ll come back myself. Just don’t let anyone else in.”
The frightened employee obeyed quickly. Neal continued on to the parking lot. As he emerged from the tall shrubs that bordered that part of the lawn, he recognized Kate’s jeep pulling into the lot. Realizing it had to be Lin, he hurried to meet her.
She jumped out of the vehicle and started to run toward him before realizing that her feet were still too sore to manage a full out run. She slowed to a walk as he quickened his step to meet her. Wrapping his arms around her, he drew her close. “It’s Simon. He ran toward the lighthouse and Pete Midgett and his guys are chasing him.” Sparky was jumping and barking in the vehicle trying to get out. They went back to the car to get him. Neal grasped the leash firmly to keep the excited animal under control. Lin smiled and reached down to calm the dog.
“I wasn’t sure what I was going to find here,” she remarked, “but I didn’t feel like facing it alone. That’s why I brought Sparky.”
“I’m still not sure what’s going on over there,” Neal indicated the area near the lighthouse. There were more shots a few moments ago but then nothing.”
At that moment two Currituck County patrol vehicles pulled into the lot. Evidently, Pete Midgett had called them before coming out himself. Neal directed them toward the lighthouse and village then returned to Lin’s side.
They waited, listening for sounds that might suggest what was happening in that part of the park, but all was quiet. “I don’t know who was shooting when I heard those last shots—Simon or the officers,” Neal said. “ I think we should stay out of their way; let’s sit over here to wait,” he indicated a nearby bench, “and I’ll tell you what’s been going on.”
Lin listened silently to Neal’s story. “Millicent Simon isn’t the only crazy person in that family,” she shook her head in disbelief at Neal’s tale.
“You’ve got that right,” he added. “The only thing that matters to him is his business and his business reputation. He has no morals at all when it comes to respect for human life. The guy is totally nuts.”
“And you are totally lucky to be alive,” Lin said, holding his arm tightly.
“As are you,” Neal leaned down to kiss her softly on the forehead. “I guess we both are, but he still has your ring somewhere.”
“ It’s just jewelry,” Lin said, shaking her head. “We still have each other and that’s all that counts.”
At that point they heard a siren approaching, and an ambulance pulled into the main entrance, heading for the lighthouse area. “C’mon,” Lin said. “It’s been quiet over there for awhile and now the EMTs are here. Whatever’s been going on is over now. Let’s go find out.”
Together they walked across the road and through the village toward the lighthouse where the ambulance was just pulling into position. Yellow crime scene tape marked a secured area around the base of the lighthouse. The door to the brick structure hung open and slightly askew.
As Lin approached the scene she stopped, momentarily averting her eyes. Neal took a deep breath and dropped her hand in shock at what he saw. The broken twisted body of Mark Simon lay on the brick pavement at the foot of the tower in a growing pool of blood.
***
Almost two hours passed before the broken body of Mark Simon was loaded into the ambulance. The Currituck medical examiner had pronounced him dead at the scene. The officers had closed the lighthouse door as best they could and roped off the scene. A deputy would keep watch to protect the property until a better, more secure fix could be found.
Finally, Pete Midgett approached the spot where Neal and Lin waited. He appeared dejected, almost defeated.
“ We couldn’t stop him,” he reported. “We tried, but he shot the lock off the door. The park stays open, but the lighthouse is closed after November. He shot his way in and ran upstairs.” He continued in almost a monotone, his voice tired and discouraged, “One of my men followed him up but he jumped before he got there—killed himself.”
“He was a very disturbed man,” Neal sought to comfort the officer. “You did your best, but this whole thing was destined to end badly.”
Pete Midgett turned and looked at the two of them, “Yes, but now we’ll never get any more answers. So much has happened and we’ll never…”
Neal interrupted, “I think I may have some of the answers. Simon talked to me for a long time. Hell, I tried to keep him talking as much as possible. He had a gun poked in my ribs most of the time, when it wasn’t at my throat. Keeping him talking was my best defense—what took you so long anyway? I’d about decided no one was coming.”
“ Sorry,” Midgett said sheepishly, “I had to secure all that stuff from the safety deposit box in the vault at the courthouse before I could go back to the office. I left as soon as I got your message and called Dave over in Currituck on my way. What did Simon tell you?”
“It’s a long story,” Neal responded. “Could we get out of the cold somewhere so I can tell it in comfort? By the way, one of the staff members is still holed up at the Whalehead Club. I told him to stay there until someone came to tell him it was safe to leave.”
“Tell you what,” Midgett sighed, “You go tell him its OK. I’ll meet you back at Kate’s house and we can take your statement there. A pot of coffee wouldn’t hurt either.”
***
It was after midnight when the Sheriff finally left. Lin began to clean up the kitchen removing the dishes left from the coffee and sandwiches she’d prepare for the three of them. She felt as if she were moving in slow motion, not really fully comprehending the implications of what had happened earlier, grateful that Neal was safe—that she was safe, for that matter.
“What’s going to happen to poor Millicent Simon?” she wondered aloud.
“I’m not sure,” Neal responded. “ She’s obviously ill, probably not competent to stand trial for her actions, whatever they were. From what Mark told me, assuming he was telling the truth, she was probably responsible for Dorrie’s death and for her being drugged, but exactly how that happened, we may never know.”
Lin put down the dishtowel she was holding and put her arms around Neal. “I’m just happy to have you safe here with me,” she murmured. “I think Simon’s confession to you helped resolve a lot of things for the Sheriff. We know what Mike Clark did, at least what he did to me, to us really. This information could also help Billy Thornton’s case, but he’s still guilty of beating up Connie, it seems to me.”
“Yes, but at least there’s now some doubt as to whether he struck the fatal blows. I think Mike Clark may have taken the opportunity to finish her off, get her out of his boss’s hair and leave Billy to take the blame.”
“Billy’s got a good lawyer,” Lin responded, “we know that much.”
“Leave all these dishes for the morning,” Neal said as he headed for the stairs. “I’m exhausted and you must be too. I’m ready for a good night’s sleep.”
“Uh-oh,” Lin just remembered, “We never called the Holiday Inn to cancel our room there for tonight. We’re going to pay for this night anyway.”
“ A small price for being able to rest without worry, wherever we happen to be,” Neal smiled.
Epilogue
December 18, 2011
Lin awoke to the sound of children’s laughter drifting upstairs from the kitchen. She reached out only to discover that Neal wasn’t beside her. How late was it anyway? The sound of water running in the master bath let her know that Neal was in the shower. It was almost nine o’clock. She got up and headed for the bathroom, “Room for one more in there?” she asked, dropping her gown around her ankles.
“The more the merrier,” Neal called, “I wondered when you w
ere going to wake up.” He opened the shower door and pulled her inside, drawing her close as the warm spray doused her body.
“Guess we were both just plain tired,” she smiled. “You’ve not been up all that long yourself.”
“True, that,” he responded, “and I think this is going to be a longer than usual shower—hope there’s plenty of hot water.” He gently pushed her down on the tile bench that served as a shower seat. “I think this may take awhile.”
Afterward, as Lin dried her hair, she heard a gentle knock on the bedroom door. Neal had already dressed and gone downstairs. “It’s me, Lucy, can I come in?”
Lin opened the door for her daughter and gave her a big hug. “I’m so glad you’re here. It’s been too long since we’ve all been together for a holiday. Sorry, I overslept this morning. Everyone must be starving by now.”
Lucy rolled her eyes and grinned, “Judging by how long I heard the shower running up here, I’d say sleeping in wasn’t all that was happening. Besides, Neal had a certain ‘bounce’ in his step when he came down that revealed a lot.”
Lin felt herself blushing, but she hoped Lucy didn’t notice. She decided to change the subject back to food. “Have you guys eaten yet? We could all go out for a late breakfast if you’d like.”
“We’d definitely like,” Lucy smiled at Lin’s avoidance. “The grown-ups have had coffee and the kids had some juice, but that’s all. Actually, we haven’t been up too long ourselves,” she admitted. “Yesterday, was a long day and we all were up too late last night. The kids stayed awake talking ‘til all hours, it seemed. They love ‘camping out’ on that porch. That was a great idea.”
“I thought they’d find that fun, and it gives ALL the adults some privacy,” Lin couldn’t resist the gibe. She noticed that Lucy had no quick response for that one.
“Well, I was actually sent up here by the others to tell you that we’d already decided to go out for breakfast so hurry up and get ready.”
Lin finished her hair and dressed quickly in jeans and a warm sweater. She still hadn’t had time to shop for a new coat. After all the events of Monday, the rest of her week had been devoted to getting the house readied for guests, shopping for groceries for eight, and helping Eloise to put the finishing touches on the preparations for the Christmas Party to be held later today. What had started as a simple gathering of three families had expanded to include all the neighbors. Lin had also issued invitations to Pete Midgett and Ken Parker. Both men had indicated that they would come and would bring their families. It promised to be quite a party. Lin looked forward to having the opportunity to thank the law enforcement officers for all that they had done. It was hard to believe that about a week ago she’d been in fear for her life, and Neal had faced the same thing in his encounter with Mark Simon. All that seemed far away now, replaced by much happier times.
Just as Lin was about to head downstairs her phone rang. The caller ID indicated that Sue Gray was calling from Denver. They’d become good friends last spring when both were volunteering in parks near Flagstaff. Recently they’d talked about doing another volunteer assignment together, and Sue was supposedly checking on some opportunities.
“Hello there and happy holidays,” Lin greeted her friend.
“Sorry to be calling so early on a Sunday morning, but I’m leaving shortly for my annual Christmas trip to see family and wanted to touch base with you before I left.”
“Don’t apologize,” Lin said. “It’s already after nine here we’re all up.”
“That’s right, you’re two hours ahead of me. I really don’t have time for a lengthy conversation this morning, but I am sending you an email about several places we might both be able to volunteer next spring and summer. I really think it would be great to do that together.”
“Me too,” Lin responded. “I’d really like that and I know we’d have fun.”
“Well, when you get the email look it over and let me know what you think. Maybe we can talk again after Christmas and make a decision. I think we should apply in January, at the latest.”
“Will do,” Lin replied. “I’ll call you before New Years.”
“I’ll look forward to hearing all about what you and your fella Neal have been up to. He is visiting isn’t he?”
“Indeed he is,” Lin was smiling, “There’s a lot to tell, in more ways than one, but you probably don’t have time to hear all that right now, and everyone here is waiting for me downstairs. We’re heading out for breakfast.”
“Then don’t forget to call back,” Lin could almost hear the grin in Sue’s voice, “I think I can guess your news, but I’ll want all the details, of course.”
If only you knew, Lin thought as she ended the call. There was a lot more to tell than Sue realized.
Lin hurried downstairs where the others were busy deciding who was driving and who was going to ride with whom. Sam and Emma insisted they wanted to ride in Kate’s Jeep, and Sparky needed to go to breakfast with them.
“Sorry guys, no dogs allowed inside the restaurant, and it’s too chilly this morning to eat outside,” Lin nixed that idea.
Neal stepped in to explain that he’d already fed Sparky, and that they could take him to walk when they returned. That drew quick approval from both kids, especially when he added that the two of them could indeed ride with Lin and him and they could take the Jeep.
“Thanks, Grandpa Neal,” Sam exclaimed as he piled into the back seat beside his cousin.
Lin rolled her eyes, “That’s fast work, Grandpa Neal already, huh.”
“It just seemed natural,” Neal gave her hand a squeeze. “They asked what they should call me so…”
“It’s a great idea,” Lin smiled, “I totally approve. You’re going to be a wonderful grandfather.”
***
By four o’clock they were heading over to Eloise’s. Lin couldn’t help but feel proud of her family. This was a casual party, but everyone looked great. Adults and kids alike were wearing casual slacks, but they all had shirts and sweaters in Christmas colors of red and green. She made a mental note to have someone at the party take a group picture. Our first family portrait, with Neal, she thought.
It was a great party. Eloise introduced Lin and Neal to some of Kate’s neighbors they’d not yet met. Sam and Emma were soon busy playing with her great-grandkids and Tom’s while the adults visited and warmed themselves before the fireplace drinking hot mulled wine.
Ken Parker and his wife had arrived, but Pete Midgett wasn’t there as yet. Lin brought mugs of the hot wine to the Parkers and invited them to join Neal and her on the broad glassed-in porch. It seemed strange to see Ken out of uniform, but he hadn’t entirely forgotten about his job.
“I thought you’d like to know what was happening with Mike Clark, Billy Thornton too, for that matter,” he offered.
“Indeed, we would like that,” Lin was glad Ken had brought up the subject because she’d been dying to know the status of these cases.
“Well, when Mike Clark learned that Simon was dead, he got really scared. Thought he was going to be the only one held responsible for your kidnapping, not to mention other stuff. He was really quick to start talking then and grateful when he learned what Simon had told Neal about all his doings. Clark even confessed that he was the one who struck the final, fatal blow to Connie Frazier, but he claims that Simon had already asked him to “take care of her.” As we suspected, he saw Billy’s assault on her as an opportunity to finish business and make it look as if Thornton was the guilty party. The court may treat him more leniently since he confessed and since he was working for Simon, but he’s still facing a lengthy prison term.
“What about Billy?” Lin asked.
“At this point, it looks like the only real case against him is one for aggravated assault on Connie. Mark’s confession backs up his story that he grabbed the wood but dropped it when he realized what he was doing. He didn’t deliver the fatal blow. Still, aggravated assault is bad enough—he still has
a long road ahead.”
Parker’s story had put a bit of a damper on their holiday spirit. They sat quietly for a few moments contemplating all he had told them.
Finally, a small head of tousled brown hair ducked through the door. “You guys are wanted inside,” Sam announced. “I’ve been sent to get you. That Sheriff who’s supposed to be little is here, but he’s not little at all!” For a moment Lin didn’t follow what Sam was saying then she heard Neal laughing, “Oh, you must mean Sheriff Midgett. That’s his name, Sam, not a description.”
They all enjoyed a good chuckle as they headed back into the den. Pete Midgett had gathered everyone present into a wide circle. He directed Lin and Neal toward the center.
“It’s my understanding that this party was planned not only to kick off our holiday celebrations but also to make a very special announcement. Apparently, a couple of weeks ago, my friend Neal Smith asked this lady a very important question and she said yes. Congratulations are in order for Lin and Neal on their engagement.” There were cheers and applause all around.
“Now, there’s only one problem,” Midgett continued, trying to maintain a serious demeanor. “Generally, there’s a ring involved on an occasion such as this, and I know that Neal had, indeed, made such arrangements, but there was a problem. The ring has been lost, and you know how complicated things can get with insurance settlements and the like,” the Sheriff was clearly enjoying being the center of attention, “So, I am especially proud to say that this problem has now been solved.”
He reached into his pocket and withdrew a small black velvet box, handing it to Neal with great ceremony. Nestled inside was the ring. Grinning from ear to ear, Neal removed it from the box and placed it on Lin’s finger. Cheers of approval ensued, followed by a round of toasts and best wishes. Lin found herself fighting back tears, but these were clearly tears of joy.
Sandrift: A Lin Hanna Mystery Page 33