As a matter of fact, Harry had more enemies than friends. Harry's only friend was his spoiled lap dog Rufus. Dogs weren't allowed inside the building. Rufus was sitting in the car waiting for his master to come out with a tidbit to eat. Harry said, "Hurry up and eat Shelly, Rufus is probably eating the dash by now. Anyway, I see Ralph and Amos over there plotting how to do me some harm."
"Never mind them Harry, let me wash up and I'll be ready. You can back the chair out by yourself," said Shelly.
When they were leaving, they had to pass by a long table rather closely. As Shelly pushed his wheel chair by the table, May Rooter whispered, but both Harry and Shelly heard her say: "Asshole. Eat shit and die." Harry never blinked or showed one iota of surprise. He realized he was hated by most of the seniors. The main reason he came everyday was to piss them off.
Tall Man Arrives
Stacy, Dan and Emma sat talking just after 5 pm Friday. The week had been rather mundane with transporting inmates from incarceration to court. It was one of the primary duties of a US Marshall to transport and protect any citizens in a courtroom from harm. They were directly responsible for a prisoner both coming and going.
Dan said, "I'm headed home would anyone want a ride?" Stacy had watched Dan's eyes as he looked at Emma. It appeared he and Em was slowly feeling each other out to possibly become more than just friends. She was happy for both of them. Soon, Rory Caltex, aka, Tall Man would come through the door smiling from ear to ear.
But that was a day or two gone by. Now the two were struggling to determine to go forward or take a long or short sabbatical. Which would it be that remained unanswered until later. Frankly speaking, Stacy wanted a separation for a while. At that moment in time, here came Rory through the door with a grin, but not a smile. Dan gave him a wave and Emma told him hello. Stacy stood up and said, "Let's close up shop and call it a job for the week. If nothing comes up, I'll see you on Monday. Rory, follow me home. After parking at home, let's go dinner shopping as my stock of food is pitifully scarce."
After they left, Dan said, "They don't appear happy. Rory is a nice guy and I watched him in the last few years develop into a good detective. They were an excellent team. I hope they can work it out of at least part friends."
Emma said, "Take me to dinner and then to your new digs Dan. I haven't had a man in so long; I forgot what it was like." Both stood up and made sure all was secure. Dan drove and for both, a night to remember
Dinner for Two
Rory was determined to have a bbq. Chicken for her and hamburgers for him. When he felt a little down, he increased his intake of fatty foods making him feel lethargic. Stacy was busy making a salad and listening to music via the internet through very good speakers.
"Hey Super, the chicken will be ready in about twenty minutes. While it's cooking let's chat a little. I feel as a couple, we are drifting apart. I knew you told me many times that you weren't ready for a relationship of any serious nature. I agree with you that maybe we ought to let some time go by. It's been hard since Ben left to do my job with both of you missing. I've been talking to Salem and they've given me two options as to where I might transfer to. One is the Bend area and the other is Astoria. I'm leaning towards Bend as I do like to ski. What do you think about what I've said?"
"Tall Man, it's your choice. We had a good run for a while. I think a lot of you and also believe you're now a good man. I am sure that out there is a female who would fit you like a glove. I'm just not that person right now. This new job and my future don't include a serious relationship."
"I knew that going in Stacy. What you did for me was show the awful attitude towards women I had. Well, I'm sure this won't be the last time we see and talk together. I think the chicken is ready. Let me throw a couple burgers on and we can eat."
After dinner they hugged and a tear formed in Stacy eye. He was driving on up to see his parents. Little did each of those two detectives realized, that tomorrow they'd be working together on a homicide case.
A Ride to Remember
A fully equipped handicap bus lowered its ramp for wheel chair bound riders. A large area in the back of the bus was available for at least six wheel chairs. Also nice wide aisles with the tops of the seats fitted out with handholds. Truly, this bus was a senior citizen delight.
Harry Langer was sporting his new battery powered chair. He ordered it special for steep inclines and long lasting batteries. It was a little larger than most chairs, but when his fellow chair jockeys complained, he ignored by looking out the window.
Shelly was leading the way to the back to make sure he was locked into the safety blocks on the floor. While this lock down procedure was taking place, he heard and saw spry old Ralph Boster and his buddy Amos Brown laughing and joking about how such a great man, so rich had to ride around in a wheel chair. It almost got his goat, but he bit back a caustic comment.
All aboard and it was announced that: "The ride would take around an hour and a half. Upon arrival a tour of the visitor's center would take place, after," a giggle here, "a restroom break. Following that a video would be enjoyed. That would take until lunch time. A lunch room was available and after lunch, a scenic hike or ride would take up most of the afternoon."
Ralph and Amos were chatting about what fun it might be to somehow immobilize the brakes on Harry's chair. They laughed seeing Harry racing downhill towards the edge of the drop off to the rocks below rimming the ocean. A loud cackle was heard from May Rooter as she heard the joke.
Another husband and wife couple, Nancy and Matt Riggins, also had an axe to grind with that nasty old Harry Langer. Matt Riggins had taken banker Harry's advice to refinance his farm to obtain enough cash to upgrade his machinery and buildings. However, when the recession hit in 2008, he lost it all. Nowadays they lived on the back of their son's property in a leaky old motor home. Matt swore he'd get his revenge someday.
At lunchtime, a large food chest held various kinds of sandwiches, potato salad and dessert. It wasn't elegant, but it filled the stomach. "Harry we're going to see what they call "An Amazing Tree" It's a Sitka spruce tree over 500 years old. They say it's more than 40 feet around. Some giant limbs give it a scary look. I look forward to seeing it. You can drive your chair right up to it."
"I was born in Oregon Shelly I've seen giant spruce trees before. However, to humor you, I'll drive down and check it out. I see your friend Suzy over there chatting with our director. I'm fine, why don't you go mingle and leave me to my own devices."
"Well, if you say so Harry I'd love to do a little gossiping while we are here. I'm surprised it's such a nice day for November."
"I'll meet you at the "Amazing Tree", he said sarcastically.
The Spruce has a Secret
Harry Langer went for his last ride down the trail to view a tree. He thought this a little silly, but to tell the truth, he was enjoying the day. Of course he'd never admit it. He went slowly as others were walking without seeing or hearing his quiet chair. This nice trail kept his mind free from recalling the past and why so many of his former customers at his bank hated his guts. He justified it all by saying it was just business.
With a clear sinus and conscious he liked what he saw in the way of foliage. Indeed there were some large old spruce trees. He flashed back on the Howard Hughes Spruce Goose now on display up in McMinnville.
His eyes opened wide seeing a really giant old spruce off to the side, just past the wooden bridge. A small sign was all there was to tell about it. He parked his chair as close to the side of the trail as possible to let people by. His hearing detected only the sound of the ocean roar and a few sea gulls squawking off in the distance. The tang of salt was in the air, but other than that, no human sounds could he hear.
Suddenly, from the backside of the giant tree, a person walked out saying, "Hello Harry. I've waited a long time to catch you alone. I shouldn't have to tell you why I'm about to kill you, but to refresh your mind, you as a shyster banker who ruined our lives. No, no don't say n
othing," as the perpetrator pulled a small caliber pistol out of the pocket. "Say good bye Harry." A small hole appeared in between Harry's eyes. His head flew back and then lolled off to one side. The perpetrator hurried off down the trail towards Devils Chasm.
Ironically, Shelly and her friend Suzy were strolling down the trail talking up a storm. Shelly had almost forgotten about Harry until turning a corner, she could see across the wooden bridge, Harry sitting in his chair in front of the Amazing Tree. At first she thought he was sleeping with his head lying off to one side. However, when she shook him, her eyes took in the small hole between his eyes. His eyes never moved. She shook him harder and then Suzy checked for a pulse. "He's dead Shelly. Somebody shot him between the eyes," said Susie.
"This is unreal. My God, he's really dead. We must make arrangement for the funeral," said Shelly who Suzy realized was in shock.
Suzy took out her cell phone and dialed 911.
A Saturday Surprise
Stacy had spent all Saturday morning and just as she finished lunch, wanted a nice rest listening to some good tunes. She had done a complete general cleaning and washing of her clothes. It was the best cure for an achy heart. She truly liked Rory a lot, but love was a word not in her particular vocabulary at this point in time. Nevertheless, she needed a friend with whom she could talk to. Her father used to have that job, but now he was in a relationship of his own. She jumped when her cell played a soft sound of bells ringing. Cathy Miller, an investigator in her own right from the Medical Examiner's Office, set her new ring tone. Now ironically, it was Cathy calling. "Cathy, nice to hear from you. What's up with you today," asked Stacy maybe just a little too happy sounding.
"Dust off your murder bag girl. We've a body over on the coast that needs our attention. We got a call from the Waldport Police Department informing us a male had been shot dead. The crime scene is at the Cape Perpetula Visitor Center just south of Yachats. I called the state boys and they told me to contact you as well. The state detective is a new guy and he told me he'd ride with you. I've to go with Dr. Rudy Slothover. Apparently I'm the only CSI available. Anyway the new detective has your cell number. I'm sorry bout that, but he seemed to know you from somewhere. I'll see you on the coast."
No sooner had she ended that call, when it jingled again. "Hi Stacy. I guess we're back in business," said Detective Ben Razor.
"Hi Ben. I'll meet you at my office downtown. I'm sure somebody over there at your office has my location. I'm happy to hear from you Ben," said a truly happy Stacy.
Stacy called Dan and informed him of a homicide that required their attention. Dan sounded thrilled. He told her to give him twenty minutes and he'd be at the office ready to go.
Stacy put on some jeans and a long sleeve turtleneck. This time of year was chilly and windy on the coast. She zipped up a hoodie for the ride over. In her bag she'd a lined Gore-Tex coat. In ten minutes she was out the door. In another ten minutes she was at the office as Dan drove up and both parked underground.
Her phone gave a soft tingle and Ben said, "I'm here and where do I park?"
After he parked his car, they piled into Stacy's SUV. Dan was the driver with Ben in his usual place-riding shotgun. Stacy sat in the back, as was her assigned seat. While Dan and Ben chatted a bit, Stacy reflected on the past. Detective Ben Razor was quietly sneaky when on a case. Like a bloodhound, he'd had his nose and eyes scouting for a clue or a piece of evidence. He never said much, but agreed if he felt the investigators were on the proper track. With Ben and Rory Caltex the three detectives had solved nine out of nine homicides. In some circles they were famous.
However, the team was dismantled when the Justice Department came along offering Stacy a US Marshall Position in a new location: Eugene, Oregon.
Detective Lance Campbell of the Eugene/Springfield office of the state police told Stacy an opening had occurred for a detective. She heard from Rory that Ben wasn't happy these days. Well, long story short, Ben was now based out of Eugene.
"Stacy," said Ben, "what if anything can you tell us about what we're about to see?"
Stacy said, "Not much. A male has been shot at the Cape Perpetua Visitors Center in Yachats. Cathy Miller called me and told me you'd be coming with us."
A Flock of Weeping Seniors
The 'flock' turned out to be three weeping seniors. The rest stood or sat around with stoic faces. A few were even joking. Shelly Langer wasn't weeping, but her red eyes revealed her loss. Regardless what or how others thought about Harry, when he was physically agile, so was his personality. For more than twenty years they enjoyed each other's company. However, when a crippling accident occurred, he bitterly cursed the bad luck relegating his movements to a wheel chair. Even though he could still manage his local bank, his anger was felt daily by all who were in direct or indirect contact with him. In order to save his bank, he retired.
It was a few minutes shy of 4 pm when Stacy, along with her supporting team, pulled into the parking lot of the Perpetua Visitors Center. When she went inside to see what was what, she was greeted by the Director of the Senior Center, Maria Topaz. Later, Stacy wondered how Maria Topaz knew she was the lead investigator. "I'm Maria Topaz and I'm responsible for all of the seniors here today. Poor old Harry is down at the Amazing Tree being guarded by a ranger and a policeman from Waldport. My question is, I realize you have to interview all the seniors, but it's getting very late. Would it be possible to interview tomorrow or Monday back at our Senior Center?"
"I don’t see why not. However, Ms Topaz, I'd like to interview the person or persons who first discovered the body. The remainder can be excused after you supply my Deputy Marshall all the names of your party," said a grim looking Stacy.
"Shelly Langer, Harry's wife, the person who was murdered and her friend Suzy Tweets found the body first. I'll ask them to see you immediately."
"That would be fine. I'll ask my fellow investigators to proceed without me to the victim. Just a minute and I'll be right back," said Stacy turning to talk to Ben and Dan. Cathy was with Rudy walking down the trail to the victim while Stacy was talking to Ben and Dan.
"Follow Cathy and Dr. Slothover to the site where the victim is. I'll interview the wife and friend here," said Stacy turning back to Maria who had gathered Shelly and Suzy. "Let's find a place to sit down ladies. I'm sure they must have a table and chairs around here somewhere. They found table and chairs out on the deck which overlooked the Pacific Ocean. It was rapidly growing chilly as evening was upon them.
The Surviving Widow
After introductions, Stacy asked Shelly to tell her what she saw and heard. "Suzy and I were enjoying the trail talking like two old women do. As we turned a corner on the trail that led to a wooden bridge, up ahead I saw Harry parked in his chair in front of the Amazing Tree. His head lay off to one side. I thought he'd fallen asleep. When I walked up next to him, I shook his shoulder, but he never moved. I saw Suzy look into Harry's wide-open eyes and after that she felt for a pulse. I saw a hole in his head about the size of a pencil. Suzy told me he was dead."
"Suzy does that sound correct to you," asked Stacy.
"Yes, we didn't think anything out of the ordinary. Lots of seniors sleep or nap no matter where they are. But I saw the hole in his forehead and his eyes were open but lifeless, I realized he was dead."
"Did either or you see anybody nearby or did anyone pass you by up or down the trail," asked Stacy.
"On the way down Nancy and Matt Riggins went by us like we're standing still," said Shelly.
"Oh yea, and before that Ralph and his buddy Amos went by laughing at who knows what," said Suzy. Stacy wrote down the given names and she'd get family names off the list later.
"Did you perhaps hear a popping sound at any time before you came across Harry," asked Stacy. Stacy saw both looking at each other and both shrugged their shoulders.
"I don't remember hearing anything Marshall. Oh, I remember now, coming up the trail was May Rootor. She was alone. This was abo
ut five minutes or longer after we had arrived at the tree when she came up the hill panting rather hard. She's a little on the plus side you know. She stopped and peered at Harry and then started cackling like a hen that just laid an egg. She went on up the hill still laughing her fool head off," said Suzy.
"A general question if you please. What was Mr. Langer's reputation and profession before he retired," asked Stacy.
Suzy answered right off, "Harry wasn't well liked around the Senior Center. His fellow seniors were all former customers at his bank. He was well liked until his accident that put him in a wheel chair. He made some enemies by giving bad financial advice, refusing to loan money or demanding high interest rates and when the downfall of the economy in 2008, most all his customers blamed him for the tough times."
"I agree with Suzy, Marshall. Poor May Rooter's husband committed suicide over nonpayment of his farm loan. May blames Harry. Also Ralph lost his shirt in a stock deal gone badly. He also blamed Harry. A large portion of the seniors have a similar story," said Shelly.
Stacy saw Shelly shivering from the increasing cold air coming off the ocean. "Ladies, that's enough for now. Let's go inside and warm up. Thank you for being candid."
Back inside Stacy went up to Maria Topaz and asked, "Maria, how long have you been the director of the Senior Center?"
"Let's see now. Come the first of the year, I'll have been there for nineteen years. I've seen a lot of seniors come and go. I'm sixty eight next month. I was born and raised not far from the Center. I look forward to having you come visit us."
Murder Mysteries # 4 Page 9