“Wow,” said Bruce, repeating himself and shaking his head. “I guess it’s not surprising if you estimate that the access has been worth over a million bucks—but he has to realize you’re on to him and it’s only a matter of time. But, hey, how does this person access the money?”
“It’s quite easy,” said Beth. “Payments from credit card orders and fees from other spammers are made through a legitimate service like PayPal and that money is forwarded to an account in a bank somewhere. It can be traced but by the time that happens—”
“The account has been emptied,” said Lew.
“Or moved off-shore,” volunteered Osborne.
“Hmm,” Bruce chewed on a knuckle. “Why the hell would he leave semen on the bed? If your person of interest is the expert he appears to be then my guess is he’s committed previous crimes, and if he’s been caught in the past I may well get a DNA match off our criminal databases.”
“Maybe he wants to be caught?” said Lew, turning to face the group. “Maybe this is a sick person? Maybe he’s someone who has easy access to the house. Patience said her husband is out of town at a conference but we have no proof of that. Yet.”
“How many people have had access to these two rooms?” asked Bruce.
“Six of us,” said Lew. “Myself and Doc, Patience and her husband Charles, of course.
“Plus Dani and myself,” said Beth. “Dani brought in the new laptop but both of us may have touched the desk, the router, the modem, the cords …”
“Then I would like to fingerprint everyone,” said Bruce. “Makes it easier to isolate any rogue prints that might reinforce any DNA match I may get.”
“Sounds good to me,” said Lew.
“Something else I’d like to mention,” said Beth. “When I was working with Dani at the college yesterday, our vice president of operations pulled me aside to ask about the spamming. When I told him that Dr. Schumacher had nothing to do with the spam that appeared to originate from her, he was quite relieved and said he would notify the board of trustees ASAP.
“Chief, I know you’ve said that Dr. Schumacher is certain she is being stalked here and at the college but I can’t imagine anyone related to the college administration being involved.
“I mean, for heaven’s sake, our annual budget depends on funding generated by the Schumacher family trust and Dr. Schumacher has complete control over that. But we know she is often less confident than she appears. She has been prone to feeling persecuted before. That worries those of us who work with her.”
“Paranoid, in other words?” asked Bruce.
“Could be,” said Lew. “Her husband, Charles, has shared with us that at one time she thought that he was stealing from her.”
Bruce’s eyebrows rose. “Not the case, I take it?”
“Not according to him,” said Lew.
“We’ve got an unusual situation here,” said Osborne. “Patience and her husband met just last year when he was hired by the general contractor remodeling this house to do interior detail work. You know, paint walls, put up molding—that sort of thing. She fell in love with the guy and they got married. Bang, just like that. Now she bankrolls him to do fine art.”
“So we have a very wealthy woman and a guy with no money,” said Bruce.
“Yep,” said Lew. “And we have no history on the guy. He’s not from the area. No family, no other friends that we’re aware of. He’s the elephant in the room.”
“Well, well,” said Bruce. “To start with—what I would like to do is take the damaged laptop with me. Chances are that whoever left his calling card on the bed wasn’t too concerned with leaving a trail of any kind. If he grabbed the laptop and threw it, I could get some good prints. I’ll work both rooms but the laptop exterior could be a mother lode.”
“Beth, anything more before we meet with Patience and, hopefully, Charles?” asked Lew. “After hearing from Patience, Charles decided to leave the art seminar early. He’s due home this morning, Bruce. Anytime now.”
“Just to say that Dani is doing great,” said Beth. “She has been able to pinpoint three different computers where our data thief has plugged into Ethernet connections on campus—two classrooms and one administrative office. The data footprint indicates he operates late in the evenings. What’s curious is he or she or they—we don’t know for sure yet if we’re dealing with one or more people—does not appear to use the college wi-fi.”
A knock at the door of the den prompted Lew to raise a finger to her lips. She said in a low voice, “Let’s keep everything we said here confidential for the moment.”
“This is unbelievable,” said Charles as he walked from the den to the bedroom. “Dearest,” he put an arm across Patience’s broad shoulders, “I wish you had told me how severe the damage was. I would have driven home sooner.”
Patience turned sad eyes on him. “What good would that have done? We couldn’t stay here last night and at least you were able to finish your class.”
Her husband squeezed her arm, “You are always thinking of others.”
And I am thinking of you, thought Osborne. He and Lew had already decided to check on Charles’ alleged art seminar. Was he really in Milwaukee? Did he have someone who could verify that?
“Speaking of others,” said Lew, “Charles, do you have any idea who might have done this? We’re working on the premise that this is likely related to the computer fraud but anything else come to mind? Any person you are aware of who might be holding a grudge against you? Or your wife?”
Charles shook his head.
“Patience?” said Lew, “I know I’ve asked you this before— any new ideas?”
“No,” said Patience. “I stopped by my office this morning though and ran into Dani. She said she was working on the computer network last night and was able to monitor spam coming in so she went down to check—”
“What time last night?” said Beth, interrupting. “Chief Ferris, twice now I have told that young woman that she is not to approach anyone who may be using the network unless I’m there, too. If she sees something, she’s to alert both myself and you. Oh, this is upsetting.”
“And very risky,” said Lew. “From now on, when either of you is on campus at a time when you expect to see activity in the system—I want to be there, too. Understood?”
“Absolutely,” said Beth. “I’m no action hero. I know Dani needs the money and wants to put in as many hours as she can but I have made it very clear: we are looking for an individual who is committing a crime and could be dangerous. But, you know? Loon Lake is such a nice little town, I can see from the expression on her face she doesn’t take me seriously. Look, I’ll hammer this into her before I leave today.”
“Going back to what Dani told me,” said Patience, “it was after nine that she saw an Ethernet connection in use down in the culinary arts classroom but when she got there the room was empty, lights off. Think she made a mistake?”
“Doesn’t matter. That is exactly what I do not want her—or Beth—doing,” said Lew, angry. “They see something—they call me. I keep my cell on 24/7. Make sure she knows that will you, Beth?”
Beth nodded. Exhaustion crept across her face and Osborne speculated that in spite of her recent tragedy, the family and the funeral plans for her murdered friend, she was still staying close to the investigation. Likely not getting much sleep, but a trouper.
He caught Lew’s eye and her expression was grim. He would be sleeping alone until this was resolved. No way would Lew allow those young women to be working alone on campus during the hours the spam was entering the system.
CHAPTER 24
Two hours later, Bruce Peters was on Highway 51 heading south to the Wausau Crime Lab with evidence packages containing the stained bedclothes and the remains of the laptop computer. He had spent most of his time gathering fingerprints from both rooms and from all five individuals. Charles had not hesitated to be printed. Nor had he balked when Bruce asked for a DNA sample.
Afte
r helping Bruce load his van, Doc invited Lew and Beth to join him for a quick lunch at the Loon Lake Pub.
“I am beginning to wonder if Charles Mason is bipolar or something,” said Lew over her tuna salad, and giving a quick glance around to be sure she wasn’t speaking too loud. But the restaurant was packed and the noise level high enough to hide anything short of a shriek.
“I find him hard to read. One minute he’s so low-key it’s like he’s on meds. But when he talks with his voice so high and tight, it’s as if he’s really tense.” She decided not to mention the inappropriate phone call in front of Beth.
“He never makes eye contact,” said Doc, unrolling the paper napkin taped around a knife and fork. “Not a good sign in my opinion but I’m no psychiatrist.”
“You’re right!” said Lew, pointing her fork. “I knew there was something. That’s a control issue, I think. I’ll have to look it up. Beth, what do you think? He’s fairly attractive, right?”
Osborne answered before Beth could finish chewing a cracker she had buttered. “Attractive, Chief? With that grey skin and those skinny legs? You must kidding—he doesn’t look healthy.”
“I didn’t ask you, Doc,” said Lew with a twinkle in her eye. “Beth?”
“Certainly better-looking than Dr. Schumacher,” said Beth, “but he’s got one of those bland faces you have a hard time remembering. I wouldn’t call him handsome, Chief Ferris, but something about him does catch your eye. Speaking of Dr. Schumacher—she seems on the verge of tears all the time She isn’t always like that. I’m surprised. Especially now that we can reassure her that she did nothing to cause the breaching of the computer system.
“She’s got an excuse these days,” said Lew with a sigh. “Dr. Patience Schumacher does not have much under control. How long have you worked at the college, Beth?”
“Almost three years. I guess … if you want my opinion, I think she tries hard, too hard, to live up to what she imagines her father would do. She makes little asides that—again this is my opinion—imply she’s always second-guessing her decisions. She isn’t happy in her own skin if you know what I mean.”
As Beth spoke, Osborne was struck by her level-headedness, the quiet authority with which she expressed herself. Like Lew. Is that what is meant by being ‘happy in your own skin?’”
Lew was quiet, finishing the lemon chicken soup that she had ordered. The three of them ate industriously, cleaning their plates of the home-cooked food the Pub was known for. Finally, Lew spoke, “Something about that couple reminds me of a case we studied when I was in law enforcement classes.
“A high school teacher was accused of having sexual relations with one of his female students, a junior just fifteen years old, and it turned out that she was one of many girls he had victimized over his career. When he was finally exposed as a serial predator of young women, he gave an interview to a group of psychologists in which he said that the moment a new class of students walked into his classroom, he knew which girls were emotionally vulnerable. Knew it instantly.
“I feel like Patience Schumacher has always been one of those emotionally weak women.”
“A natural victim?” asked Osborne. “That’s a sad thought.”
“An easy mark,” said Lew. Beth threw her a concerned look as though she wasn’t sure exactly what Lew meant.
“She certainly didn’t marry a man like her father,” said Osborne. “That guy was as tall as Charles but strong, intimidating. Hearty, loud—you sure knew when he was in the room. I have a hunch he would not be happy with his daughter’s choice of a husband.”
“Who happens to be next on my list,” said Lew. “I would like to know just where Charles Mason has been these last forty-eight hours. As soon as I’m back in the office, I’m calling the university—see if he really was attending a seminar. She handed her plate and soup bowl to the waitress and said, “I imagine I’ll be in voice mail hell trying to find the right people who would know.”
“Let me try,” said Beth, rummaging in her purse before pulling out an iPhone. I got this for my birthday and it is so cool. If you don’t mind, let’s allow technology to save you some time.” With that, Beth flashed her first smile of the day. “Watch,” she said, holding the phone so Lew could see her fingers work. “It is so amazing.” And she was right. Within seconds, the iPhone had located the number for the university art department. Beth put the call through and handed the phone to Lew.
“Hello,” said Lew when a young male voice answered. She introduced herself and explained that she was interested in confirming that a certain individual had attended a recent two-day seminar held on the campus. Beth and Osborne listened as she spoke.
“I believe you are calling about the encaustic and emulsion seminar,” said the man. “I’m one of the grad students who organized it. I am afraid I can’t answer your question as we had over a thousand people attend. They did not have to register beforehand but paid at the door. It’s one of our ‘Learning in Retirement’ programs that we offer to the general public every month.”
“Do the people attending stay on campus?” asked Lew.
“I would have no way of knowing that,” said the man. “The majority of the attendees are local and go home after the various workshops. Sorry I can’t be of more help.”
“I don’t suppose you would have any photos or video of the people attending the seminar?” Lew grimaced as she asked the question knowing it was a long shot.
“No, sorry—but wait, there is one thing that may help you. Everyone had an opportunity to buy materials in order to participate in the workshops. Why don’t you check to see if your person bought any of those?”
“Thank you,” said Lew. “Well.” She looked around the table and pushed her plate away. “Maybe it’s a start. Maybe not. This is frustrating. Plus I’ve already run a background check through our police records and found nothing under the name of Charles Mason.”
Beth was taking a final sip of her coffee as Lew spoke. “What about public records? Have you researched those? I teach a class on search engines and it’s amazing what is available online. Court reports, divorce agreements, tax liens. People do not realize how much information they think is confidential—is not. I have time this afternoon to do a public record search if that’s okay with you?”
“That would be helpful, Beth. It might be wise for me to bring you on board as a subject matter expert—a short-term deputy specific to this case—if that’s not a problem for the college. Let’s head over to my office and I’ll have you complete the paperwork. Sure you have time?”
“I do today. The funeral Mass and wake for Kathy Beltner is not until Friday and all the arrangements have been made. We’re waiting for her son to return—he was in Germany. Junior year abroad. I’ll just need Charles Mason’s full name. Does he have a middle initial?”
“F. For Franklin,” said Lew. “I’m pretty sure. I’ll check when I get back to my desk but they put their full names on a form I had them fill out after our first meeting.”
“The middle initial will certainly help. If we’re going to meet over at the police department, would it be too much trouble to include Dani? I’ll get the records search started but I may have to hand it over to her …”
“In that case, I should have her deputized the same as yourself. Covers the legality of any search results. Do you think she’s available to meet in half an hour?”
“I’ll give her a call,” said Beth as she reached again for her iPhone. After a brief conversation, Beth looked back to Lew. “She sounds excited about being deputized,” said Beth with a soft grin.
But then a look of concern crossed Beth’s face. “Wait,” she said, “maybe this isn’t such a good idea. I work for Dr. Schumacher and now I’m running a background check on her husband? That could get me fired and Dani expelled. Chief Ferris, can you find someone else to do it?”
“I take full responsibility,” said Lew. “It’s my business and only my business who I employ to run a record
s search. Dr. Schumacher does not have to know—that is confidential information.”
“Good,” said Beth, “I feel better knowing that. And, frankly, I think we’re doing it to protect Dr. Schumacher, right?”
“Yes. We may find absolutely nothing out of the ordinary about Charles and that helps the college investigation, too. Are you comfortable with this, Beth? We’ll have to be sure that Dani knows to keep this confidential as well.”
“I’ll take care of that,” said Beth. “Oh, and by the way,” she said, holding her iPhone up so Lew and Osborne could see the screen, “I took a picture of the gentleman in question when he wasn’t watching. Got one of Bruce Peters, too. And you two. Thought the photos might be nice to have in case there are images of anyone named Charles F. Mason on the Internet. Any problem with that, Chief?”
“Fine with me,” said Lew, getting to her feet. “If you two don’t mind, it’s time to head back.” Lew glanced at Beth, “Sorry to rush off but I need to check on my two officers who have been holding down the fort for me. Today is the official opening of the fishing tournament. Keeping my fingers crossed that we have no crowd problems.
“Doc, I have to call Rob Beltner back sometime today. He sent me an email this morning asking if we had any leads on his wife’s death. I sure hope something breaks soon,” said Lew, a defeated look on her face. She pulled her parka on.
“I am certainly not law enforcement,” said Beth, her voice cracking as she reached for her jacket, “but … you know … if I can do anything to help.” Tears welled in her eyes and she reached into her pocket for a Kleenex. Lew gave her shoulders a sympathetic squeeze. Osborne looked away. Sadness is catching.
Minutes later, as Osborne followed Lew’s cruiser back to the department in his own car, his cell phone rang.
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