Who Killed the Neanderthal

by Cheryl Zelenka

  Sensing her vulnerability, Timothy opened his arms wide.

  Sadie’s butterflies were now the size of Sumo wrestlers, but she stepped closer into his snug bear hug. She felt safe and secure inside his embrace.

  Jerry Sunshine opened the back door just in time to witness their special moment. Silently, he watched his daughter rest her head on the detective’s broad shoulder. Jerry wanted the very best for Sadie but he wasn’t sure who that was, Mark or Timothy. Personally, he was rooting for Mark since Sadie’s dogs had already accepted him into their pack. Bosco was a hard one to win over and Mark had managed to win his affection. Dogs are a good judge of character, thought Jerry. They’ll let me know the best man for my butterfly.

  Lifting his voice so the couple could hear him over the carnival rides, “You gonna bring that big ole’ ice box in here or not, detective?”

  “We had a better idea, Jerry.” Timothy gave Sadie one last squeeze before letting her escape his embrace. “We’re hoping the freezer is filled with large bags of ice. We figured two would cover you for tonight.”

  “Well, that would certainly be easier on your back wouldn’t it, big guy.”

  “Pop, be nice,” Sadie warned. “Get back to your customers. We’ll lug some ice inside as soon as we get the lid off this tank of an ice chest.” Jerry gave her a thumbs up and disappeared from sight.

  Taking the lid firmly in hand, Timothy lifted the top.

  Looking inside, Sadie suppressed an urge to scream. Instead, she went as white as a ghost. This time, she really did look like Dora’s La Llorona.

  Somehow remaining calm, Timothy remarked, “I do believe we have a dead body to deal with, Ms. Sunshine.”

  Trying to mimic his composure, Sadie swallowed hard as she noted the knife wound on Larry’s neck. “That is an affirmative, detective.” The putrid odor escaping from the cooler made her gag.

  “Looks like the body has already started to decompose.” O’Cleary held his hand over his mouth and nose. “I don’t know if he’s still in a state of rigor mortis, but by the smell of him, I’m guessing he’s been dead for over 12 hours. Maybe even 24 hours. It’s hard to tell with all the rain and humidity lately. We’ll have to wait for the medical examiner’s report.”

  “I’ll call Dora and Mary.”

  “Good. Tell them to get up here ASAP. After you’ve reached them, tell your dad to shut down early and head for home. I’ve got to tape off this area.”

  Sadie nodded then said, “I know our victim.”

  Timothy stopped in his tracks and turned to face her. “Go on.”

  “This is Larry Phibbs. He’s the Grand Marshall of our Boatnik Memorial Day Parade.”

  O’Cleary groaned.

  “Oh, hold on. That’s not all of it, detective. He’s also Mayor Phibbs’ only sibling.”

  CHAPTER THREE: Big Knife

  Timothy secured the area while Sadie looked for clues. It had rained the previous two days, so the park grounds were still damp. She noticed two large dog prints in a puddle that was more mud than rainwater. They were located just a few feet from the ice chest holding Larry Phibbs’ body. She guessed a dog weighing over 75 pounds had recently been in the area.

  Sadie turned her iPhone flashlight on and was glad for the light. Dusk was quickly turning into night, so the fireworks would soon begin. Searching the parameter of the taped area, Sadie slowly walked in a circle. She picked up two tennis balls, three cigarette butts, and a menu from Bite Me! Several folks were handing out the menu fliers during the day. One young lady even asked if she could post one outside their vendor booth. Sadie agreed when the gal said she could have a coupon for two free dinners.

  “I guess Larry was taking advantage of the park crowds and promoting his restaurant,” remarked a familiar voice. Sadie turned to find Dora standing just a few feet away. Mary was helping Timothy secure the area but the Portland detectives joined Dora and Sadie within a few minutes.

  “So what’s inside the evidence bag?” Mary eyeballed the large Ziploc bag in Sadie’s gloved hand.

  “Not much, just a few tennis balls and some cigarette butts. Oh, and a Bite Me! Menu. I doubt it’s of any importance. The menus are everywhere.” Sadie then led the detectives to the paw prints she’d discovered.

  Timothy bent over to get a closer look. “Well, they’re big enough to be bear tracks but I’m sure they belong to a dog.”

  As if struck by lightning, he stood up straight and looked directly at Sadie. “Do you remember that huge dog we saw when we got to the food court, just before we checked on the Goldens?”

  Sadie nodded. “I had the same thought. That big dog might be a clue to this murder.” Timothy and Sadie told Dora and Mary about the beautiful, gold dog and then went off to check on Jerry. Mary stayed behind with Dora who put in a call to Mayor Phibbs. Larry had never married and didn’t have any children. Robert Phibbs was his only living relative, as far as they knew.

  Once again, Timothy opened the door to the snow cone trailer and waited for Sadie to pass through. Pausing, she turned to Timothy. Worry was written all over her face. “Pop was pretty upset when I told him Larry was stuffed inside that enormous cooler.” She was always trying to shield her dad from upsetting news. She fretted over his high blood pressure. Her mom had passed away a year ago and she wasn’t ready to lose another parent.

  O’Cleary gave her a compassionate smile. She squared her shoulders and turned, entering the trailer with Timothy close behind. Moving to the front, they found Jerry staring at a large knife on the floor.

  “Hey Sadie, look what I just found.” Sadie and Tim came closer to investigate. Jerry was pointing at the small side counter. “I took my apron off and placed it right there.” He said pointing again. “I accidently knocked the thing to the floor, but I didn’t touch it. There seems to be blood on the blade.”

  Timothy bent down to examine the steel knife. It had a light wood handle. “This thing must have a nine-inch blade!”

  Sadie knelt down to take a closer look. “Um, I think there’s oriental lettering on the blade. It’s hard to tell with all the blood. Kind of looks expensive too.”

  “Well, what the heck is it doing in Scott’s snow cone trailer? He isn’t selling gyros and he has an icepick.” Jerry held out a hand to help Sadie back to her feet. Timothy pulled out a hankie and placed the bloody knife in a plastic bag Jerry retrieved from a drawer.

  “I’m not a medical examiner, but it’s pretty obvious Larry’s throat was cut.” O’Cleary righted himself with the bagged knife in hand. “This could be the murder weapon. Let’s have Dora run some tests on it.”

  Frowning, Jerry said, “I didn’t notice the knife while I was on duty, but I was a bit flustered when I got here. And to be honest, Sadie was my first customer. From the time Scott called and I arrived, the trailer was unattended for at least 30 minutes. Scott left it unlocked so I could get in.”

  The wheels started to turn inside Sadie’s head.

  Jerry continued. “That young man was in a total panic. His wife miscarried less than a year ago and this baby wasn’t due for another six weeks. Scott took up smoking after they lost their first child, which isn’t cool with Laurie. The last time they had me over for dinner she was harping on him about second-hand smoke and the bad example he’d be for their new arrival.”

  “Um, yes Pop, cigarette smoke isn’t good for babies, or anyone for that matter. I can understand why Laurie was annoyed.” Sadie spoke the words as a flashback of Larry’s cut throat filled her head.

  Timothy then spoke the words she was about to utter. “So, there was a 30- minute window for the murderer to plant this knife in Scott’s trailer. Or, Scott killed Larry and left the murder weapon on the counter in his hurry to get to the hospital.”

  Sadie felt adrenaline surge through her veins. I can’t believe it! Another murder, in Rogue Valley. In sleepy, cozy, beautiful Rogue Valley! She had solved another murder mystery less than a year ago while subbing at her former school, Fort Follyfie
ld.

  “But how would someone know the trailer was empty?” Jerry switched off the lights and led Sadie and Timothy out the door.

  “Good question, Pop.” Sadie watched as her dad locked up the trailer. He was looking his age that night and had lost his usual spunk. I have to remember he’s 80 and not the 50-year-old everyone thinks he is.

  Dora and Mary met the three at the trailer. Looking at Sadie’s father, Dora said,

  “Go home Mr. Sunshine. You look like you could use a good night of sleep. I’ll have to ask you some questions tomorrow, but for now I’ve got plenty to keep me busy.”

  Jerry admitted he was tired and ready for bed. Hugging his daughter good-bye, he headed down the grassy slope that led to the main parking lot. Before he reached the bottom, the first firecracker of the night turned the night sky a lovely red, silver, and blue. Turning around, he called out, “Don’t worry about Willow and Bosco. I’ll feed them before I go home.” Sadie thanked her dad then turned her attention to Dora.

  “Pop found something inside the trailer. We think it might be the murder weapon.”

  O’Cleary placed the bagged knife in Dora’s hand noticing the widening of her eyes.

  “Oh Dios mío! This is huge!”

  “Yes, indeed.” Sadie agreed. “And it’s covered in blood…we think.”

  “Well, I’ll get the forensic team in Medford on it tonight. Mayor Phibbs will be on us like a fly on flypaper until we find his brother’s murderer. I was able to reach him by phone, but he doesn’t know why I’ve asked him to meet us at the station. He’s miffed because he can’t watch the firework display with his wife and kids.”

  Before leaving, Dora made sure two police officers were present so the cooler with Larry’s body would be safely delivered to the city morgue. When the group of four reached the parking lot, Mary got into Dora’s police vehicle and Timothy hopped into Sadie’s Kia Sorrento. None of them were looking forward to their future conversation with Mayor Phibbs.

  CHAPTER FOUR: Possible Suspects

  “You better have a good reason for dragging me down to your office, Detective Flores!” Mayor Phibbs was a rotund fellow of meager height. Although he didn’t look much like his younger and more handsome brother, they both had blue eyes and thinning hair. Normally a jovial man, the tone of his voice made it clear he wasn’t in a cheerful mood.

  “Sir, I’m really sorry we had to interrupt your family night. I know you were set on sharing the fireworks with your family.” Dora’s brow was shiny from nervous perspiration. “We have some unfortunate news to share, and I’m afraid it hits close to home…your home. I mean family.”

  The mayor was settled into a comfortable armchair in Dora’s office. Timothy and Mary had already been introduced and Larry Phibbs knew Sadie as a local teacher, amateur sleuth, and hometown hero.

  “Spill it, detective. What news do you have and how is it connected to my family?” Pausing for but a split second, he then asked, “Rob hasn’t found more trouble to get into, has he? I know he wasn’t at our family picnic tonight, but that’s because he was working, or so I thought.”

  Sadie decided to step in and help Dora break the bad news to Mayor Phibbs.

  “Sir, our news isn’t about your son Rob, although he’s really turned out to be a handsome young man. I still remember the time he sharpened all his crayons in my brand new electric pencil sharpener.” The Mayor scowled a bit but let out a small laugh. “Anyway, that memory makes me chuckle now that I’m retired. And, I’m so glad he got a position at the new In-N-Out Burger. Last week, I had an incredible craving for a double cheeseburger and chocolate shake. He was at the take-out window so I got a chance to say hello.”

  The mayor smiled and added, “You can’t beat the melted cheddar cheese on those burgers. Millie and I eat there several times a month.”

  Sadie looked over at Dora, who met her glance with pleading eyes. Sadie continued. “Well, Mayor, the four of us were all set to enjoy the firework display as well. But before it started, Detective O’Cleary and I,” Sadie nodded in Timothy’s direction, “decided to grab a snow cone. When I went to place my order, you can imagine my surprise when I found my dad behind the counter.”

  “I can certainly imagine some surprise on your part, especially if you didn’t know your dad had a new job.” The Mayor figured Jerry Sunshine was in his golden years so he smiled at Sadie and asked, “What was your father doing in that trailer?”

  “Sir, my pop was there to help his neighbor Scott Moore, the owner. You see his wife’s having a baby tonight. He needed somebody to cover while he went to the hospital. They often have him over for dinner, now that my mom has passed.” The Mayor lowered his eyes and offered his condolences.

  Mary and Timothy were quietly watching the scene play out from two armchairs tucked in the office corner. Dora was still looking nervous, so Sadie decided to bring things home.

  “Mayor Phibbs, there’s just no easy way to break this kind of news. But since I taught your son, and you know I’ve got this frank and direct personality, I’m just gonna spill it.” Sadie took a big breath. “Tonight Detective O’Cleary and I were helping my dad retrieve some ice from a gigantic cooler in back of the snow cone trailer.

  “Uh-huh.” Mayor Phibbs drummed his fingers nervously on the arm of his chair.

  “When we opened the lid…we discovered a dead body.”

  “What?” The mayor sprang forward in his seat. “A body was inside the cooler?”

  “Yes.”

  Trying to soften the blow Dora added, “It’s a very large ice cooler, sir. Kind of like a small refrigerator.”

  “Still Detective, it sounds terribly gruesome. Have you identified the body?”

  There was an awkward silence while Sadie and Dora wrestled with who would break that last bit of bad news. This time Dora stepped up to the plate.

  “Yes, Sir. I’m so sorry to tell you this, but the body we found belongs to your brother.”

  The mayor sank back into his seat.

  “Larry?” Everyone in the room nodded. A few seconds passed as the Mayor grasped the reality of the awful news. “How? Why?”

  Dora walked over to the Mayor’s chair and placed her hand on his back. “Robert, I know this is awful news. The worst. But, I assure you, we will find Larry’s murderer. Right now your brother is at the morgue with the medical examiner. I’m waiting for her report. It should be on my desk first thing tomorrow morning.”

  “We do suspect his death was caused by a knife wound to the neck,” Sadie added. “We found a possible murder weapon inside the snow cone trailer. Detective O’Cleary bagged it as evidence and we’ve sent it to Medford for testing. It appeared to be covered in blood.”

  Robert Phibbs rubbed his sparsely covered head of hair. Again, silence filled the room. Detective O’Cleary decided it was his turn to speak.

  “Mayor Phibbs, Detective Martin and I would like to offer our services in solving this case. We can utilize our resources in Portland to speed things up.”

  The mayor accepted his offer with a grateful look, but Sadie noted he hadn’t displayed any strong emotions of grief.

  We’ll have to interview the Mayor on another day, thought Sadie. I believe he’s a good candidate for our suspect list. Lilly might get her wish and learn the reason for the Mayor’s friction with his brother.

  Sadie then asked, “When was the last time you saw or heard from your brother, Mayor Phibbs?”

  Without a pause he replied, “Yesterday morning, Wednesday. Wednesday morning.”

  “Hmm,” Sadie looked at the three detectives and continued. “There is a possibility your brother was killed yesterday. I didn’t notice much blood on his body or inside the cooler.”

  “Which suggests he was killed in another location, then placed inside the cooler and moved to the park.” Dora continued, “The park was pretty empty Wednesday night. The carnie folks didn’t arrive until late this morning. I saw them roll in when I was patrolling the park around 10.r />
  Sadie added, “And vendors weren’t allowed to set up booths until 11 this morning.”

  “So we have to figure out where that cooler came from and when it was delivered.” Dora was taking notes as she thought out loud.

  “Why would a bloody knife be inside the snow cone trailer if Larry was killed in a different location?” asked the Mayor.

  “That’s another good question, Mayor.” Dora continued to scribble.

  Mary had been silent for most of the meeting but spoke up suggesting they create a suspect list and brainstorm possible murder sites to investigate.

  “We can always start at his home,” Mayor Phibbs suggested. “He hides a key to his front door under a flower pot that sits on his front porch.”

  Looking at her watch, Sadie noted the 10 p.m. hour and suggested they take a look at Larry’s place before heading home for the evening. Dora called an officer to drive the Mayor home and reached two off-duty officers and requested they search the vendor area of Riverside Park. Sadie heard her friend’s phone conversation. “Look for anything suspicious, especially a large pool of blood.”

  Before leaving, Mayor Phibbs shook Sadie and Dora’s hand, thanking them for breaking the bad news in a private location. “And since you’ll be looking for possible murder suspects, I can give you two names for your list.”

  “Go ahead, sir.” Dora had her notepad in hand.

  “You mentioned Scott Moore tonight.” Sadie shook her head along with the others in the room. “I hate to rain on his parade, especially since he’s a brand new father, but Larry and Scott have a history. Scott made a big ruckus at my brother’s restaurant last week. Millie and I have been eating at Bite Me! every Tuesday since it opened nearly two years ago. Of course, Larry never paid for our dinners,” Sadie thought she heard the Mayor mumble cheapskate under his breath, “but that’s fine by me. You know, a political figure has to be careful not to stir up small town gossip.”

  “Boy do I know,” Sadie blurted out, thinking back to her teaching days at Fort Follyfield. “Gossip runs like wildfire in a small town like Rogue Valley.”