Lunch was served and all went to work filling up the empty place inside each of them.
On the way up to the morgue Dan took a phone call. He listened then after he closed out his cell said, "They found the perps car at the airport parking. It contains a wet suit and we've taken it to the garage for inspection. I've no doubt we'll get a DNA from any hair, but I'll bet my two bucks he's not on anybody's list or record."
Neither Rory nor Stacy made any comment and sat back as the rain started the wipers to work. Typical summer day, Stacy thought.
They were early and found Marsha in her office. If nothing else she had good coffee and tea to offer visitors. Rory told her about the husband coming the next day and most likely the parents would come also. The victim was an only child. The parents are not even 6o years old yet. This has to hit hard. Marsha nodded her head in agreement.
"Well, let's go and let me do my job. I know that whoever did this heinous thing needs to follow my next customer," said Marsha going to her private room to change into her work uniform.
A Small Surprise
The only thing slightly out of the ordinary, if in fact Vic was properly informed that his wife was staying with Vic's sister in Bend, that Elisa Stromer had had sex not long before she was murdered. That and fact she'd a nice tattoo on her hip with the initials BW inside a broken heart that was cracked down the middle on the vertical. It was obvious that you could speculate all day and not come up with the reason for this particular tattoo.
Stacy said, on the way back to Bandon, just before dropping Ben off at his house, "If the DNA matches from the car to the sperm, we've a clue to chase. We need to interview the sister in Bend. Any volunteers?"
"My wife has a brother over there. I'll volunteer for the assignment," said Ben.
"Well, that takes care of that problem. Meanwhile I think we, Rory and I need to go to Portland and see what her friends have to say about Elisa Stromer life.
After dropping Ben off they drove on down to Bandon. Stacy had word that they would keep Smiling Sam overnight at the hospital to make sure no infection arose. He sounded cheerful, but a little nervous thinking maybe the guy might come back to finish what he started.
At the station, Rory called Salem to talk with a supervisor on how to proceed with the investigation. After he hung up he said to Stacy, "We're to drive up and begin interviews. We'll start at the TV station and go from there. Already the 5 o'clock news has broken the story. Ironically, the rating will go sky high making a hell of a profit out of a homicide. Kind of sucks, don't you think?"
"I do indeed think it sucks Tall Man. Dad said dinner at the house is for the three of us tonight. He's already cooking some kind of chicken rice dish, but let me tell you it's to die for. Let's go."
At Stacy's house, her father was in his new wood working shop tinkering around. He said "Dinner is in the oven and about thirty minutes or so we can eat. Meanwhile, check out this lamp of twisted myrtle wood I’m making for a friend who does the cooking at the Senior Center. It's for her desk. You know what though; I've no idea what to charge or how to price the items I make. You guys have any ideas on that score?"
"I'd go around to the other factories and see what the prices are Ray. After that cut it by 10 or 20 percent to get the business; providing you're looking for business. I'd think most would come your way by word of mouth. Be careful you are so busy that we couldn't come for dinner," said a laughing Rory sipping on a cranberry drink.
"You're using the term 'we' rather loosely Tall Man. I'm here all the time and why would you assume I'd be with you coming to dinner at my own home," Stacy said poking Rory in the ribs.
"I didn't mean………..I, well… guess I did it again put said foot in said mouth," said an embarrassed Rory.
Chief Ray was smiling wiping some sawdust off the almost finished lamp. "Let's go eat shall we!" A nice round of chuckles occurred as they went out the door to the house.
Ray Foreham had decided, with the help of decision making from Flo and his daughter, to find a hobby to fill up his vacant time. Wood working was suggested and now almost a year later, a snazzy wood shop sat next door to his house connected by a covered walkway. A new wood truck sat under a carport area in front of the roll up door. If nothing else, Ray wanted convenience and no short cuts to save a few bucks when he reached old age ease of coming and going was important.
In the kitchen Stacy put together a salad while the rice dish sat on the stove cooling off. Some garlic French bread with real butter sat on the table. Neither Rory nor Stacy minded a little garlic breath when it came to eating her father's good cooking.
After dinner, Rory was going home to do some case work on the personnel of the TV station where the victim worked. When they walked out to his SUV the rain had stopped with some stars flashing through the drifting clouds. However, just coming from a warm house, a chill was felt by both young people. Rory opened his door and leaned against the side of his car seat dragging Stacy with him to snuggle up with. She gladly fell against him with her ear against his beating heart.
Stacy said, "I suppose you want to bruise my lips Tall Man?"
"That and so much more Stacy," he said with a growing between his legs and a passionate voice she so recognized.
"You men always want more and more. How come you're never satisfied unless you can release the white stuff?"
"God made men to do a job and get it over with so we can go back to work. Once the match has been lit, we have to hurry before it burns down and goes out. Men have no control over their reproduction organs. I know one thing," as he turned her head to he could taste her lips, "with you it's not sex, but pure love. I've learned to live with what is offered from you and expect nothing more. I can wish for the time when there's more, but I'm learning to live with it," he said as he tenderly kissed her. She responded by chasing his tongue with hers. She reached down and squeezed his growing member hearing a moan from his throat.
"Enough for now Tall Man" as she broke the spell. We've a killer to catch. I'll drive up in the morning."
"Okay and I forgot to tell your father thanks for dinner. It was really good. See you at our office.
The News Hour
"I talked to the show's producer, Randy Lester and he'll meet us when we get there. It seems Elisa was on a short vacation having gone to Bend to stay with her husband's sister, Beth Warden. Both women are active rock climbers. However, the TV station required Elisa to always have a rope life line or it would violate her contract if something happened. According to Randy she always followed the rules of climbing. And yes, there a hefty life insurance policy with her parents, not husband as beneficiary and if they're not living it goes to her husband."
"Ben's on his way now. I'm anxious to hear what he has to say about the sister. For some reason, and I don't know why, I think she is involved in this case somehow. Now as to Sam, this is my thinking," as she turned to face him while he drove down the road, ", to catch a hit man would be or is difficult. I know Sam and he'd be keen to be the bait to trap the contract killer. We can or could advertise he got a good look and is working closely with the investigators to find this guy. I think the killer will try and close Sam's mouth. Well, anyway, it's a thought."
"I like it a lot. It'll be difficult enough finding out who paid for or ordered the killing. It might be wishful thinking but, if we get lucky, maybe we can discover some useful information at the TV station. As for Ben, he'll give us a full report when he returns. Now, as we are entering Eugene, Ms. Super S. where is this hardening of the arteries place you so love to eat at."
Dufur
Phil sat in the hotel's kitchen watching his mother make a meat loaf for dinner; even though it was only 10 am on a fine morning after he'd arrived back home. He'd the manila envelope on the table with the bio and photograph of the next job. The victim's name, Matt Holden, meant nothing to Phil; but the money did.
"What's the next job Phil honey," asked Henny Matrix.
"Some guy on the coast again
believe it or not. Florence is where he lives. He's the mayor and has been for almost 20 years. Somebody is tired of him for whatever reason unknown to me. It's a rush job with an extra ten grand if completed by next weekend. I'll leave tonight to watch and learn."
"Eat first and then you won't have to stop at one of those greasy spoon places. I want you to stay healthy my son. Oh, I heard today or was it last night, can't remember, anyway, Fred Stapler wants to sell his forty acres of apples. I told him we're interested. Let's talk when you return for the coast."
The hotel phone rang. Henny answered it and then said, "Wait a minute please." She handed the portable to Phil.
"Oh hi Beth. This is a nice surprise. I thought you were totally angry at me."
"No way Phil. I was going through a rough patch and now all is fine. I was wondering if you're in the neighborhood, stop by for a chat and a good time," said Beth Warden.
"I've a little business to take care of and won't be available for about ten days. Is that okay with you?"
"Just call me so I can put some wine on ice for a nice summer evening when you're finished with your business. I'll be here waiting. I miss you Phil. It's so sad to hear about what happened to Elisa. Well, catch you later."
At the TV Station
It was just 3 pm when they arrived at the Channel 8. It was nice to see that the visitor parking area had a place to park. Inside was rather stark, but receptionist was very nice. She led them to the producer's office and swished her way obviously wishing Rory would take notice of her nice backside.
Randy Lester stood up smiling with his hand out. Rory shook it and so did Stacy. He said, while sitting back down, "Nothing shocks me anymore; but that doesn't mean I'm impervious to losing a star and a dear friend. Elisa was special and had a way with people. I can't imagine anyone murdering that nice girl."
"What did she tell you she was going to do or what she wanted to do in the last week or so," asked Stacy.
She told me that she would take a few days of vacation to climb some rocks with her husband's sister over in Bend. Now how she got to Bandon and killed there is beyond me. Where is her SUV anyway? Nobody can tell me where her car is."
"It was found in a Safeway parking lot in Bend all locked up in the back of the parking lot. Someone picked her up and took her to Bandon. That someone is the killer we're sure of that.
"So it was someone she knew and trusted. This is really bizarre. How can it be that behind the door a very different life is being led that you've no idea that segment of a person's life is hidden from view to a friend?"
"Who did she replace Mr. Lester," asked Rory.
"Lois Nettles retired when she saw the wrinkles coming on. We don't discriminate, but having a nice fresh young face is not objectionable to our viewers. However, in Ms. Nettle's case, we think there was some hard feeling felt. When you're in prime time and on top of your game, knocked off to retire at such a young age is hard to take. Strangely, as soon as it hit the news Elisa had been murdered, Lois called to say how sorry she was and if there was anything she could do………………well, you know."
"Was there anything that you know of between her husband and Elisa that we should know about," asked Stacy.
"From what I gather, they led separate lives for the most part. It was not long after they had married that Elisa stepped in as the 10 o'clock person. I hear he plays a lot of golf and takes a few trips to Vegas occasionally. Other than that, I know nothing else about the relationship."
"We'd like to talk to Will Strivers now if he's available," said Rory.
"Hang on I'll go get him as he's rarely in his office. I'll bring him here if that is acceptable to you?"
"Thanks, that would be fine," said Rory.
"Oh, before you go Mr. Lester, is Rosy Bettermen here this afternoon," asked Stacy.
"Sure she is here as always. Do you want me to get her for you?"
"I'll go see her if you can lead the way," said Stacy.
"Follow me then. She's not far away," said a very professional Randy Lester. Later they both said he was one sharp guy as they went to see Elisa's parents.
The Powder Room
Stacy was introduced to Rosy Bettermen and then Randy left the two of them to chat away. Rosy was in her 'office' which meant the makeup room with blinding glaring lights.
Right away Stacy liked Rosy as she was very friendly and talkative. "Rosy please tell me about Elisa and all things that might affect her being murdered. Start with her marriage all things you might have talked about or heard as rumor. Remember please, this is not the time to hold back and secrets."
"I'm devastated Stacy. She was so vibrant and full of life. She had the world by the tail. Well, when she first got married, all was well and dandy, she told me. Then after about a year, when she discovered Vic had a dolly stuck away in an apartment, she got angry as hell. However, she told me divorce is not in her vocabulary. Meanwhile, she was introduced by Vic's sister into rock climbing. Elisa began to work out at the fitness club and climbing on the fake wall with a rope tied around her waist. She loved it and after a year or so, started to climb real rocks over in the Bend area. It was about that time when I could tell she'd met someone and was having an affair with him. Her cheeks were just too rosy, no pun indented, to not be having sex with someone.
She light out of here after the news at 10 for Bend and not return until Monday evening. She was truly enjoying life. She never told me who he was, but I gathered he too was a rock climber.
That's about all I really know Stacy. Oh by the way, you're a celebrity and probably don't know it. We here all know what a fine detective you are.
Stacy turned a little red and said, "Thanks Rosy. I think we've been lucky to solve so many murders. Anyway, the person Elisa replaced, Lois Nettles, do you think she could or would have someone kill Elisa as revenge kind of thing?"
"She's a bitch Stacy and yes, she could kill anyone who got in her way. But you know, when it gets right down to it, killing someone or paying to have them killed is another thing; not just talk. Lois was and is bitter about losing her place at the top because she was sporting some wrinkles I couldn't hide anymore. She'd throw a fit telling me how bad a makeup artist I was. I told her the station just gave me a raise and new ten year contract so go fly a kite. She stomped out throwing her gown on the floor. I bought the champagne to celebrate her leaving. Everyone knew the reason I bought the bubbly. Be careful of her Stacy."
Later as they drove to Elisa's parents house, before they were to interview Vic the husband, Rory told Stacy nothing new was heard from the director's lips. Stacy in turn told him all about the interview with Rosy.
The Living
At the Woudwin residence, Walt, the father answered the door. He'd a forced smile on his face, but all could see and feel his losing an only child. The wife, Beverly was sitting in the family room sipping a clear liquid and it wasn't water. Both Rory and Stacy expressed their regrets, but needed to ask some questions please.
Stacy asked, "Is there anybody who might want your daughter harmed in anyway?"
"Lord no," said Beverly, "she was loved by everyone. Of course that can't be true if someone killed her, now can it?" She took a big gulp of what Stacy smelled as vodka.
"Mr. Woudwin, what about her relationship with Vic her husband," asked Rory.
"I guess all was fine, but a few times Elisa came over crying that Vic was prowling around with other women. Then she brightened up one day and that subject was forgotten. I thought they'd worked it out."
"I wonder Mrs. Woudwin, if Elisa ever mentioned being threatened by her former co-worker Lois Nettles," asked Stacy.
"Elisa told me Lois was bitter as all get out being retired from the station. As to whether or not that woman would do my daughter harm is not known. I do know someone killed her and they should pay the price."
Lawyer Up Next
Vic Stromer cut a pretty picture, as Stacy said later. He was trim, athlectic looking with a Harvard look about him. Ro
ry said later Vic must have gotten lost when someone told him this was the Pacific Coast and not the Atlantic. Be that as it may, the guy was slick and smooth. His dress had Italy from top to bottom.
Stacy landed right in the middle of him as she thought he showed no remorse in losing his wife. "Mr. Stromer is it true you are having an affair with a woman here in Portland. Also that you're supporting her in an apartment?"
Bingo, Rory thought, as he saw the flash of embarrassment crease his oily face. "So what if I am detective," he snapped back.
"Maybe you wanted your legal wife gone so you hired a contract killer to eliminate her," said Stacy.
"I thought you'd like that idea so I've had my accountant provide you with my financial records. You'll find nothing out of the ordinary, I assure you."
"That doesn't mean you couldn't borrow from a rich friend the money needed for the contract," said Stacy. Now she saw him begin to bow his back thinking maybe he was the prime suspect. Directly he looked up and said:
"Nice try detective, but innocence is the opposite of guilty and I'm not guilty. However, proving it either way might be difficult. Even a snake has to raise its head to strike, so be aware when the snake strikes again. He must have left some evidence someplace."
"He did Mr. Stromer. He left some evidence in your wife. He left his sperm. No it wasn't rape, but consensual. We'll have his DNA and go from there," said Rory as both he and Stacy watched for his reaction. The reaction was typical male that was used to not being shocked, but just a slight twitch of his left eye gave him away. Stacy thought: what a double standard this bastard lives.
Murder Mysteries #3 Page 2