"To help find the perpetrator or plural the killers, we need to ask the citizens for help finding the folks who did this. Somebody must have seen something up at the lake: a tourist, fisherman, swimmer, hiker or something like that. When we do that Clancy, the cat is out of the bag," said Stacy.
"I can't sweep this under the rug Stacy. You do what you have to and I'll suffer the consequences. I could go on TV and state our case to the public. What do you think," asked Clancy.
"Of course I like it. Set it up with the local TV stations and up Portland way too. Another question, are you sure it was a male calling?
"At the time I thought it was a male. I'm sure the person was disguising its voice. I can't swear it was a male, but I wonder about a female raping a woman?
Now if it's not too much trouble, is it possible to interview your wife at home. I'd like to look at Patsy's bedroom."
"Let me call and see what she says. I'm sure she'd love to see how the investigation is coming along. Also it'll give her an opportunity to kick me in the butt," said Clancy picking up his desk phone.
Fran Lane Spills the Beans
One might think that the wife of the city manager would move in high social circles and also look the part; however, Fran Lane was dressed in sweats that hid, if any, curves to an otherwise slim body. Short stringy hair that hadn't been washed for a few days stuck out at various angles. She was the epitome of grief. Stacy had never witnessed a more sorrowful woman in her life. Her first thought was this woman should be under a doctor's care.
"You're the Marshall, come in please. I'll not apologize for my appearance or behavior. Take a seat here in the family room; now that's a laugh huh?"
After sitting down, Fran looked at both women and said, "Such lovely young ladies. You know my Patsy was very pretty and had a future away from stupid politics. Now I'm left with a room full of her memories. I'm a little groggy as my doctor just left leaving behind a handful of Valium. I ask you this, what happens when the affect runs out?"
"You've our sympathies Ms. Lane. Tell us more about Patsy and her life at the university. Don’t' leave out anything especially about her friends and what they did at school or away from school," said Stacy.
"Okay, Patsy is---or was an only child. Her father gave her everything she desired, except the love she needed from a male. We were close, but girls need a father to relate to and learn from. Patsy developed both mentally and physically early. She found the boys chasing her like dogs in heat. I saw the issues coming and by age fifteen, had her on the pill. It just seemed she couldn't get enough boys and then men in her life. Patsy was smart, pretty and vivacious to the end."
"We heard from her friend Rhona Patsy was seeing a new guy who worked construction. What do you know about him; if anything," asked Stacy.
"Nothing. I know nothing about him or any other male friends today or in the recent past. The computer, smart phones, I-pad and so on has left a parent in the dark concerning what is happening with their children. Every day I prayed that she'd come home safe and sound. I guess I didn't pray hard enough."
"What do you know about the outings in Blue River Lake," said Stacy.
"Patsy told me it was a time for relaxing and sex. Wine was the drink of choice I was told. When she'd come home, she complained of a sore crotch for a week or so. It made her mad she couldn't have sex due to her condition. I almost threw up the first time she told me. Be that as it may, Patsy was my daughter and I loved her. I could see a future for her. Okay, if somebody murdered her it was probably because she dumped him for another guy. He got jealous and killed her."
"May we look at Patsy room please? Sometimes we can glean a lead from what we see or discover in a victims room," said Stacy.
"Follow me please," as Fran led both down a heavily carpet hallway to a bedroom door. Upon entering, Fran said, "I'll leave the two of you for now. I'll be in the kitchen making some herbal tea if you'd like some when finished."
"Thanks, we'd like that Ms. Lane," said Emma.
Stacy looked around seeing mostly posters of environmental scenes rather than rock groups on the walls. A large computer desk complete with the latest touch screen sat waiting for an operator. Stacy turned it on hoping something might have been left revealing a lead. Meanwhile Emma was rifling through the drawers for anything out of the ordinary. Stacy realized in this day and age, a diary was nonexistent. Besides she thought the victim too old for such things.
While the computer was booting, Stacy went to the bathroom just off the side of the room. In the medicine cabinet she found birth control pills, pain killers from over the counter, and all the other usual things. Not surprising she found under the sink, a douche bag and various solutions.
Back at the computer a password was needed to enter. Stacy lifted the laptop and a Post-it revealed her password. She sat down and entered the password. Bingo, she was in and the first thing that came up was her FB with a split screen e-mail site.
Slowly Stacy went through the recent notifications and e-mails. She did notice some messages from Rob Werner asking for a meet and to text when available. Other friends, such as Rhona, Aggie and what appeared her central classmates chatted about the usual things. However, there was two e-mails that piqued her attention. It said: 'Pat, had a great time. Let's do a replay soon.' And the next one a week later said: 'Pat, no response. Hope I didn't p-you off. Send news soon.' But neither mail was signed and the address wasn't anything usual. However, she wrote it down for a background check.
Emma said, "Stacy, this Patsy was definitely into enjoying all kinds of sex. I've found a drawer full of sex toys. Also a supply of lube that would last a life time around my house; if I'd a man to please."
"I've seen enough Em, let's have a cup of tea and get out of here."
Saturday Night Delight
After a stop at a supermarket, with a giant hit on her debit card, Stacy and Rory went home for a BBQ on her small deck. While Stacy found places for her groceries, Rory was heard swearing at the new small BBQ he was putting together. Stacy was laughing thinking how typical he was of a male putting together something made in China. It was propane powered, but they'd followed the directions of the check out lady where to have the tank filled.
An hour later Rory had a flame roaring ready for cooking. He relinquished the idea of steak and grudgingly agreed upon chicken. That allowed Stacy time to marinate the chicken. She made a fresh green salad while he cooked the chicken. A small table sat on the deck and as summer was drawing to a close, it wasn't so cold out that dinner was enjoyed outside. However, right after eating they hurried inside to clean up the mess.
While washing the dishes, Rory said, "Hey Super Sleuth, I promised you I'd see a doctor for a physical. Well, I did that very thing. All my numbers were okay, but my cholesterol was a bit high. It was just over two hundred, but the doctor said to watch what I ate. I told him I always keep an eye on what I eat to make sure nobody steals it. You know, he laughed a little at the silly joke."
"Well, on the one hand that reading is not bad, but ten years from now you'll be at risk Tall Man," said Stacy putting the leftover food away.
"One step at a time Stacy. I'm working on it and while on the subject of doctors, he said more sex is necessary for a strong heart!"
Stacy was wiping the counter with a rag. She fired the rag at his head, but he was expecting some retaliation, ducked just in time as the rag flew harmlessly by.
In the living room, she asked seriously, what his take on the case was so far. Before he answered she recapped all that had transpired so far to date. Including the idea Patsy was a nymphomaniac of sorts.
With his stocking feet upon the coffee table, Rory gave the case some serious thought. In the time they'd spent together working on nine homicide cases, he'd learned a lot about murder. He also knew how her mind worked; at least to some degree. She'd the ability to sort the fluff from the grain that made the product stand out. It was, therefore, just a matter of time and timing that she'd finger the p
erpetrator.
"Okay, casting aside all the adults over, say twenty five, that leaves the perp who either was a friend or a close acquaintance. I'd say male and had a serious crush on the vic. knowing her sexual proclivity, the killer was probably dumped and sought revenge at being shunned. Somewhere in her activities, which are probably far reaching, even outside of school, the kidnapper/murderer is hiding and I'd add, probably feeling an abnormal amount of regret.
"I agree Tall Man," as she snuggled a little closer on the sofa. "Also because of some drugs were involved, a knowledge or access has to be considered. That angle or lead is a major must do."
"I'd look at the medical facilities on campus to see if anyone of her friends knows someone there who could supply a drug that produces drowsiness; or unconsciousness," said Rory draping a long arm around his treasure.
"Let's watch a movie and no fooling around as I want to enjoy the distraction," said a firm voice adjusting herself to watch a movie.
Hits the Fan
Sunday, the first of the news reports came out on the twelve o'clock news. By four pm it was definitely breaking news. At six pm, the sorrowful face of Clancy Lane was viewed on TV. Both Stacy and Rory were glued to the TV at six pm.
The news anchor was asking the questions. To Stacy, at the beginning, Clancy was doing well as he asked the public for help finding his daughter's killer. He gave the dates that the murderer contacted him and the times when the perpetrator was in the area. After that the questions began:
"Mr. Lane when did you notify the authorities your daughter had been abducted," asked the anchor.
"I called my friend Captain Louver of the Oregon State Police when I discovered my daughter was dead," said a nervous Clancy Lane.
"I'm sorry Mr. Lane. What I mean is Patsy was last seen or heard from on Wednesday evening and you were subsequently called by the perpetrator after six pm. My question sir is when did you first contact any law enforcement agency that your daughter had been abducted; such as the FBI?"
"I thought it best to take care of the demand myself. The kidnapper stated quite clearly that if any law officers were seen, my daughter would die. I told him the money would be there and to not harm my daughter."
"Just so our viewers understand Mr. Lane, from the time you talked to the kidnapper on Wednesday around six pm, until Friday morning when you discovered your daughter's body, no law enforcement agencies were notified. Is that correct and if so, isn't the proper and best thing to do is notify the FBI who are trained to handle such crimes?"
"Upon reflection, I made an error in judgment. It's commonly known that most victims that were abducted never come back unharmed or alive. I thought if I promised no police and agreed to the amount demanded, he'd let my daughter go."
"By your actions, Mr. Lane, as the City Manager of Eugene, you're suggesting that common ordinary citizens should under the same circumstances, not involve the authorities. I wonder how our viewers will respond to that notion. By the way, your wife Fran must have certainly been aware of the situation. What did she say about you going it alone?"
By now Clancy was squirming all over the chair and wiping his face of sweat. He saw his life going down the toilet. At age forty seven, he'd best retire and run a portion of the crop production of his families holdings. He said, "She advised I call the authorities," said in a whisper.
"What is being done presently to apprehend the killer of your daughter," asked the anchor.
"We've the Oregon State Police and their detective division and our new resident US Marshall here in Eugene. At present time the FBI isn't involved but I expect that to change shortly."
"I'm aware of our new Marshall in our city Mr. Lane. I assume you've been interviewed by the new Marshall. How do you feel about our new Marshall involved in the case?"
"US Marshall Stacy Foreham comes with excellent results from prior homicides. However, a case like this is much more prominent that what she's dealt with in the past. After all, she's only in her middle twenties and just recently out of the university. I can imagine she's on a steep learning curve."
"That rotten bastard," screamed Stacy who had jumped up from the sofa and shook her fist at the man who was clearly trying to redeem himself for his failures. "Now he's trying to make me look wanting for the investigation of his daughters murder. This case will now be swallowed up by the FBI leaving me hanging out to dry."
Rory watched as she walked around the living room mumbling incoherently to nobody. He clearly was at a loss as to what to do or say. He decided silence was best.
Back to the interview, Rory heard, and turned the volume up, the anchor was saying, "Mr. Lane, we took the liberty to contact the FBI and our producer was told that if the state police contact the federal US Marshall for assistance, then it's up to the US Marshall to ask for assistance from the FBI. As a matter of fact, the spoke person for the FBI said the new US Marshall Foreham was more than capable of handling the homicide investigation. How do you respond to that situation Mr. Lane?"
Stacy was standing behind Rory with a death grip on his shirt with mouth hanging open. It truly was God's day this Sunday as he favored Stacy at the helm.
"I've really no comment at this time. It seems to me the interview is over. I will go home and pray for the apprehension of the person or persons who killed my daughter," said Clancy Lane looking like somebody you should feel sorry for, but can't.
"I agree with you Mr. Lane. I think you've said enough for one day. Let' hope that a good citizen comes forth with some good information that leads to a successful conclusion of a very sad case. This is Blake ……….. " Rory hit the mute button.
"I'd say that guy's career is down the disposal. Some people think they're smarter than others. That is probably true, but it doesn't mean to show it by risking a life. I suspect the papers will have a field day with this story," said Rory. Stacy had moved back around and sat down rather dumbfounded at what she'd heard. What she needed was to sleep on the whole thing and hopefully a direction to follow would become evident.
They watched a funny movie about some animated guy that made food electronically. Rory laughed at the idea of hamburgers falling out of the sky, but next to him Stacy was in another world. About half way through, she stood up and said, "I'm going to bed Rory. I need some quiet alone time."
"I understand Stacy. I'm going to rack out here on the sofa watching a movie. After that I'll take off for home. I'll call later about that construction guy." He stood up and gave her a hug and went to her bedroom to gather his pack of things he brought for the weekend.
Another Death
Stacy was wide awake at 6 am. She flipped on the TV and went to the kitchen. She put the tea kettle on and while it was heating up, went back to the TV for some or any news. She was watching the end of a commercial when a news person came on saying: We've some breaking news. It's been confirmed that City Manager Clancy Lane committed suicide very early this morning. His wife found the body hanging from a rafter in the garage.
Stacy was a bit shocked, but it was also a little understandable. He'd made some bad decisions and said the wrong things that culminated in an end to his political career. She did feel sorry for the parents of Clancy Lane having first lost a granddaughter, then their son.
Back in the kitchen she wondered what effect this would have on the investigation. She sat down with her tea and the muffin Rory bought just two days ago that really seemed like a week had gone by. Stacy had to admit she missed the guy. However, when on a case, that's really about all she could see in front of her.
By 7:30 she was in her office reading a faxed report on the autopsy. The part she was most interested in was the drug tox portion. Apparently the drug screen came back quicker here in Eugene compared to Coos Bay. She saw two drugs that piqued her interest. One was Rohypnol, the date rape drug of choice and the other was Midazolam a powerful drug used in surgeries to either totally relax the patient or render unconscious. The first thing that comes to mind is where would the perp
obtain such drugs and the other one was, who was the accomplice, if any. The perp could be in the health care system or …….?
Emma rapped on the door looking fresh as a daisy on a cloudy day in the Willamette Valley. "As the English say: 'How about a cuppa?" Stacy.''
"I would love another 'cuppa' Em. When you return let's kick around the autopsy. The drug screen is about what I expected. She probably never felt any pain; if that's any consolation," said Stacy.
While Em was away, another knock at the door revealed a smiling Dan Swollow rocking back and forth using nervous energy. "Come in Dan. Emma will be here shortly. Take a seat at the round table and we'll chat awhile."
Emma came back and was a little startled seeing a young man sitting at the round table. In a hot second she knew who he was: Dan Swollow from Bandon. He was a former police officer that Stacy saw potential that held promise of being a better than average detective. It had been agreed he'd take some university courses to augment his education.
Emma made a return trip to fetch a 'cuppa' coffee and while away, Stacy heard about doings in Bandon. "Not much new Stacy. Smiling Sam said if they had a jetty here in Eugene, he'd move in a hot second. He misses you as they all do around town. Your father is like a kid in a candy store. He and Fran are quite the couple. He told me to tell you they're making plans for a trip south this winter." Emma came and sat down handing him his mug of coffee.
Emma thought him a fine looking young man that appeared around thirty years old. Emma at just two years under forty liked the idea of younger men and not old set in their way middle-aged men were.
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