Murder Mysteries #3

by Waggoner, Robert C.

  "I've said all I intend to say detectives. Any further statements will be with my lawyer present. Good bye."

  Former Star is Under Siege

  Lois Nettles wasn't available until the next day. Actually that was fine by both Stacy and Rory. First they went to visit his parents for a nice talk. For Stacy it was comfortable being able to chat with ordinary people other than suspects in a murder case.

  Mrs. Caltex said, "We hear your father Stacy is doing some wood working. We old folks think any hobby is beneficial to our sluggish days of the year. I wish him well."

  "Boy me too," said Mr. Caltex. "I'm still searching for that retirement nugget that will give me the fever that searching for gold does for a lot of guys. Maybe that's a good idea. We could go north to Alaska and seek our claim to fame."

  Stacy thought it really funny and laughed touching off a round of good down home fun. When the tears were wiped, Rory said, with the price of gold dad, you could spend some summer time panning for some dust."

  "I'll think about it kids, but in the meantime, whose your prime suspect," asked Rory's father.

  "I like the former newscaster Lois Nettles for the deed. She is bitter and has been scorned. After that she was tossed to the wolves and a new fresh face hit the stage. However, I don't know what Stacy thinks," Rory said looking at his precious lady friend.

  "I don't like to speculate about who did or didn't do the homicide. We don't know enough yet to make a real case against anybody. With that being said, there is evil lurking in the back of this murder. I'd like to think of us as your typical blood hound on the trail of a coon. While I was at the university I'd a roommate who was from the Deep South. She told me the stories her grandfather told her about coon hunting. Once those hounds got on the scent, there was no stopping them? I think once I, or we, get on the scent we trail it until it either comes to a dead end or we see two eyes shining in the darkness of the tree with our flashlight. She told me once a coon was treed, it was all over for the raccoon," said Stacy.

  Rory slept in his room, much to his chagrin, not staying at a motel, and Stacy took the guest room. As Rory climbed into his familiar bed, he realized there were many nights to come when he could wrap his arms around his love of his life and dream about the wonderful life they lived. However, for now, his queen size bed was warm on one side only.

  Up and At Em!

  At 6 am Rory's mother woke up Rory telling him coffee was on and a pile of hotcakes were up coming soon. She said, "Stacy is already up drinking some tea visiting with your father. You're on the hot seat my son, best hope there are not too many skeletons in your closet," as she walked out of the bedroom.

  Rory was in and out of the shower in a hot second. He was afraid his father might be telling stories on him. After he dressed he rushed to the kitchen where he found father and Stacy laughing together. "Morning Tall Man," she said looking up at him smiling. "Your father has some very interesting stories about your childhood and teenage years. I promised to keep them a secret so never mind. I've really enjoyed being here last night and this morning. Sit down and after you've eaten, we'll hit the road."

  Rory didn't know what to say so he just sat down meekly to a feast his mother had made for him. It wasn't long and he forgot about what had transpired as he wolfed down the homemade breakfast.

  With promises of coming back soon, the two detectives left his parents waving in the door way. It was back to business now with the interview of Lois Nettles.

  No Surprise Coming

  As agreed upon, Lois greeted the two detectives at the door of her upscale apartment in an affluent area of Portland. In her arms she held a small dog that was constantly yapping at the two detectives. Lois ignored the dog as she motioned for them to follow her in. Stacy could see the view was marvelous out the window overlooking the city.

  It had been decided to let Rory break the ice with Stacy coming in when it was appropriate. Lois sat down in an easy chair with the still yapping dog settled onto her lap. Rory stared at her as Lois waited for him to speak. Finally after a couple of minutes, she said, "Well, what do you want?"

  "I want you to keep that dog quiet so we can have an interview. If not, then we go downtown and you can leave the dog with a policeman. We're not here to fight with you or the dog, but we're here to find a murderer and you're on our prime list Ms. Nettles."

  "I think I need to call my lawyer," she said.

  Rory stood up and said, "You have the right to remain silent and ………"

  "Wait," she said, "I will cooperate. Wait a minute…." She leaped out of the chair and took the dog to a back room where it was quiet. She came back and said, "Okay, let's get on with it."

  "A contract killer was hired to murder Elisa Stromer. You have motive and the opportunity to be considered a prime suspect. We need to have access to your financial records to see if any large sums were recently withdrawn or moved about. After our questions, we'll have an accountant contact you for your financial records. If you resist, then we get a court order and one way or another, your records will be scrutinized," said Rory.

  "I've nothing to hide. I'll make my records available. Yes, it's true I hated Elisa for stealing my job. However, murder is not part of my revenge on her. It wasn't her, but that asshole Randy Lester who fired my ass. I finally got tired of using my body to keep my job. If you thought former President Clinton was bad, Lester was way worse. You detectives best look or dig deeper into that man."

  "Ms. Nettles, will we find any large sums of money withdrawn from your banking," asked Stacy who had moved to the sofa to sit beside Rory.

  "I invest in the market detective. I've a broker who buys and sells for me. He called a few weeks ago asking for $40,000 and I had that amount transferred to his or my stock account. You'll find that transaction in my banking records. I've no idea what he did with it."

  "How are you making a living these days, Ms. Nettles," asked Stacy.

  "Believe it or not, my severance pay and my investments, regardless of the times, have been sufficient for my needs. I bought this condo many years ago at a reasonable price. I'm frugal and my only hobby is stamp collecting. I spend my time with other collectors and we chat on the internet. I walk my dog, work out to keep trim, in case someone calls me for a network job; which is unlikely. Now what else do you want to know?"

  "Do you Vic Stromer and if so, what can you tell us of their relationship," asked Stacy.

  "I don’t know him personally and I've only heard rumors that he's a playboy with a girl stashed away in an apartment. She is/was a rock climber and that is it. I know nada else."

  "We'll have more questions after we've seen your financially records Ms. Nettles. For now stay in town and make sure you're available for questioning," said Rory standing up to leave.

  In the SUV leaving the area Stacy asked, "Do you believe her saying Randy Lester was abusing his position by having sex with the newscaster?

  "I'll tell you Super, nothing surprises me anymore. Her mention of Clinton reminded me of not being shocked by what celebrities say and do. The real question is who hired the hot on Elisa Stromer?"

  "I wonder now how Dan made out in Bend taking to the sister Beth Warden. The last name Warden tells me she is married or has been. I'll call him now as we should return to the station and confront Randy with the charges leveled against him."

  Rory was thinking that the killer would be someone close to probably both Elisa Stromer and Beth Warden. Or at least they would know of him as a possible rock climbing enthusiast. Meanwhile, he heard Stacy not saying much and then cut the line to Ben.

  "He's on his way here by airplane and wants us to pick him up around 3 pm. I said we'd be there. He's some good info, but is reluctant to say much until he gets here."

  The Hot Seat

  Randy Lester was in his office when they arrived. He smiled and seemed warm and friendly. Coffee and tea was had and then he waited for some questions, which were not long in coming, "Randy, your former newscaster claims you
forced her to have sex," stated Rory.

  Stacy was observing and saw his pleasant smile turn to a scowl. He took a deep breath and said, "I wondered if she would use that tactic. She always threatened me with sexual abuse or harassment. I guess it all had to come out someday." He looked around to see if anyone was listening, even though the door was closed. "I'm gay detectives. My significant one and I live together in Beaverton. I'll provide you with his name and phone number and of course, where we live. The neighbors will testify that we live together. If possible, keep this quiet, but if it comes to light, then so be it."

  "I really for one didn't believe her," said Stacy. "She is hiding something but what I'm not sure. If you would please, on a document, write out her former salary and her severance pay. Also her life insurance, if she had any. Can you tell us how she has been living for the last few years without a salary or income?"

  "When it was all said and done, with rating up, profits up, she grossed around three hundred a year. What I know is she had her condo paid for and little or no expenses it was rumored. I suppose with proper investment strategy she could live off the interest or investments; but I really don't know for sure. The station matched her annual with a severance bonus."

  Randy scribbled a name, phone number and address on a slip of paper handing to Rory. He smiled and shook hands saying to come back anytime.

  The Elusive Money Trail

  Rory's cell alerted him. "Yes sir, I'm here--------okay, we're on our way."

  "Boss man Stacy. Wants to see us for an update."

  "What's he like Tall Man," asked Stacy.

  "He's big, ugly, and from what I hear a nasty sort of guy. Nothing get by him and he demands perfection. Let's go get grilled," said Rory.

  In Captain Sidney's office he motioned for them to have a seat. He looked at both and then settled his gaze on Rory waiting for a report.

  "Captain, I'll summarize the best I can. Since we arrived in Portland yesterday we've interviewed all persons we thought might have some information for us at the vics work place……………" Rory went on to outline the past up until he came to this morning's interview with Lois Nettles.

  "The former newscaster, Lois Nettles is one of our leading suspects. She has motive: being let go over a younger person; opportunity: the cash to hire a hit person; and the mind set to carry it through. In addition she claimed the producer was making her have sex with him to keep the job. We've haven't' verified his claim yet that he is gay living with a partner. We just left him as you called. I think she is high on our list of prime suspects. I think she is a pathological liar.

  My partner Dan Razor just interviewed the sister of the victim's husband down in Bend. She appears devastated, but there're some things we've yet to check into, such as, the relationship of a rock climber who just might be the hit man himself. If so, then we need to confirm or discount her as a suspect. I'm or we're ready for some question sir," said a relieved Rory.

  "Detective Foreham, it's a pleasure to meet you. All of us in the Oregon State Police appreciate what you've accomplished to date. Your record is impressive to say the least. Now I know you won't speculate, but give me what you can about what you think this case is all about."

  "I thank you for the nice compliment captain. Okay, somebody wanted Elisa Stromer out of the way permanently. That person would have cash enough to hire it done; along with the ability to find a person who murders for hire. We've a strong suspect in the former newscaster Lois Nettles. Indeed she has all the tools necessary to do the job. I'm sure she has some contacts to unsavory people who are for hire to actually murder someone for money. However, we still must eliminate suspects such as, the producer Randy Lester. He may have some skeletons in his gay closet we don’t' know about just yet. What his motive might be is unknown at this time.

  Also we have the husband Vic Stromer who has a girl friend stashed in an apartment and when his wife found out, may have cried foul wanting a divorce. We need to dig deeper into his background. He also likes Vegas so maybe he has a gambling problem as well.

  Across the mountains and down in Bend is the victims husband's sister. If there's a connection involving rock climbing, then we can't rule her out of the picture either. Detective Ben Razor is on his way to Portland after interviewing her yesterday. By evening we should know a lot more Captain Sidney."

  "Good briefing both of you. Before you call it a night, if some further develops have occurred, please call me Detective Caltex."

  "Yes sir. I sure will," said Rory standing knowing they'd been dismissed.

  Lunch Time

  As they would be picking up Ben after lunch, they drove out towards the airport to find a place to eat. Neither one were particular where they ate. Surprisingly, a motel had a nice restaurant attached. They pulled in grateful to take a break from the long morning.

  After ordering, Rory said, "We're a long ways from catching the person who ordered the killing."

  "I know Tall Man, but this is like a game of football; which I've never played of course, but I hear the words 'grind it out' used a lot. That's what we're doing. Let's keep digging and see what turns up. That lady you gave the Lois Nettles name so she could investigate the financial side of things seemed very intelligent to me."

  "I hear she is rumored to be special to the captain who lost his wife in a car accident a year or so ago. If so, they'd make a nice team. Oh, here comes our food. I'm starving."

  Florence, Oregon Beach

  Matt Holden, age 72, was the mayor of Florence, Oregon. He'd been the mayor for the last twenty years or more. He'd taken the windblown town and developed into one of the better tourist towns on the Oregon Coast. He was, generally speaking, well liked. However, there was a growing faction of folks who thought he was becoming a little bit too important for their liking.

  There'd been some secret meetings up the Siuslaw River towards Eugene. A group of five had decided that the healthy and well liked mayor needed to be permanently retired. He was just too healthy; as he jogged on the beach and worked out every day. Also his popularity was way too hard to overcome as the locals loved the man.

  He always ran on the beach about an hour before noon time. Phil had discovered his routine after only a few hours in town. He'd pretty much decided the beach would be his killing ground. The fog had been increasing each day as the heat from inland sucked the coastal weather to the Cascade Mountains.

  Phil would be jogging on the following day that Rory and Stacy met Dan at the Portland airport. They'd spent the night at the same hotel where they'd had lunch. All three detectives needed a rest. Little did they know they'd be on the way to Florence that next day?

  The fateful day had arrived for his honor the Mayor Matt Holden. At just before 11 am, as Phil jogged one way and the mayor the other way, they passed close enough to bid a good morning to each other. The heavy fog was perfect cover for Phil. As they passed, Phil stopped. He pulled out his silenced Glock and put the first shot into the back of Matt Holden's head. Phil ran back and put another into the side of the dead man's head as it lay on the cold beach. Some smart guy said he died healthy.

  Phil jogged to his car and slowly drove to Eugene up the river. He found a place to toss his pistol into the river and continued on towards Bend. He had a date with a fellow rock climber.

  Portland Pow Wow

  They picked up Ben and drove to the motel for a long chat. Dan was silent most of the way until they were settled into a set of adjoining rooms. He said, "Beth Warden is a hostile person to interview. I should have had someone with me and taken her in to some police station. At first she was crying giant tears of grief for her friend Elisa and then turned violent against Lois Nettles and the husband Vic.

  Before I continue let me set the scene for you. She lives in a luxury housing development that overlooks a small dissected area with a lovely river flowing to the east. I hate to think what the residence cost. It has a guard with an iron gate. Anyway, inside was decorated to the extreme by a professional f
or sure. She was dressed to the nines like a high fashion over aged model. I'd guess her age around late thirties; but in excellent shape.

  At first with the tears I thought she was genuine, but after a few minutes, she blew her nose; and then went on a tirade against first, Lois then her brother Vic. She accused Lois of killing her dear rock climbing friend Elisa because she'd taken the anchor of the ten o'clock news away from her. After that, she went after Vic for being a two-timing husband with a stashed girl friend. She went on to say that Vic had a gambling problem, but didn't know much else.

  By the way, just before I interviewed her, Marsha, who done a rush job on the DNA called to say there was a match with the sperm and hair from inside the car. I decided to hit Beth with the news. But first I asked her to recount her relationship with Elisa and how she got into the sport of rock climbing.

  She told me that one day she was watching some rock climbers in the Bend area scaling a rock wall. She thought that would be fun. She joined a health club that had one of those manmade rock walls. Anyway she loved it and one day she was practicing when a man made some suggestions to her that improved her ability. Long story short, they went rock climbing together and also became lovers. They her brother got married to Elisa. Next thing they knew Elisa was having a ball practicing rock climbing in Portland. A year or more later they were a three some climbing and then one day, Beth found out that her rock climbing lover was doing her friend Elisa. According to her, she broke off the relationship with the man. It was then I told her about the DNA connection. She never batted an eye, but just kept this psycho looking stare at me.