Murder Mysteries #5

by Waggoner, Robert C.

  Her daughter yelled for her mother and after no response, called the Eugene police department. She quickly told the story to a person there who at first did not take it too serious. But then when the name of Sheriff Demmit came to her mind, she sent a patrol car to the address given by the daughter. It was a few hours later that Janice was informed her mother died of a heart attack.

  ///

  Two hours later all four met back at the site of the shooting. Dan shook his head and Ben the same. Nobody saw anything unusual or anybody suspicious hanging around. Neither Stacy nor Emma had anything to add. They all went back to the office rather dejected. Sharon handed Stacy her messages when they came through the door. Stacy saw Rory had called and so had Connie.

  Sharon brought out some deli sandwiches for all to eat. Stacy realized she was hungry and that all of them had missed lunch. While they ate at the round table, all eyes kept looking at her. She knew they were waiting for instructions or a plan to follow following a homicide. However this was different as there were not any suspects to interview. The suspect was roaming free out there happy as a kid in a candy store. Stacy smiled thinking about what that cliché meant to her. Stacy's mother always used it when she was a little girl.

  After a late lunch Stacy called Connie first and then would talk to Rory afterwards. Connie picked up right away. "He took out the local elected sheriff as I understand it Stacy?"

  "Yes he sure did with a high powered rifle shot to the heart in front of a restaurant. Our best premise is he used a van with a sliding door to shoot from. The line of sight suggests that premise. We canvassed the area for any information about a van or suspicious character, but nothing of any value came to us. We're stuck Connie for the moment until we can see or find a path to travel forward on."

  "I feel your frustration Stacy. My fear is he's so happy with the results of this act he'll accelerate his program. I've been talking to Angie and she is on her way to your office right now. Give her some time to think about what happened. Meanwhile, Let's hope for the best and expect the worst."

  -11-

  The call to Rory was non-productive, but he was on his second round of interviews for a deputy. After hanging up Angie came in without her usual smile. Stacy could see the pressure on her for a profile that law enforcement could sink their teeth into.

  "I realize it's an effort Stacy, but run the whole scene that happened today." Stacy did as asked. She fed all the details and assumptions to the government profiler. When she was finished Angie sat there reading her notes. The room was silent. Ben sat there listening eagerly. He never let time go by wasted. "The weapon is a little interesting. You say a rifle was used. It was also sound suppressed. I'm thinking out loud so don't chide me for what redundant things I might say. He's probably a hunter and a deer hunter most likely. As I understand it a sound suppressor is expensive for a rifle. Maybe Dan could search on line for a supplier and a dealer nearby.

  What else can we think of here," she asked.

  "A van was used is pretty much a given. We could ask about at used car lots for recent sales," said Ben.

  "It's a long shot," said Stacy. "But let's make that a phone job. Go on Angie."

  "He's using computers in libraries is what I think he does. That means he is both a professional and has time to travel around. Salesman? Now what will he do next? I think he'll brag a bit to the media. How that bragging is accomplished is anybody's guess. He's bursting inside to send a message to Stacy saying, "Hey what are you going to do now Marshall,' kind of thing. What we need is something to make this guy paranoid thinking Stacy is hot on his trail. We need him looking over his shoulder all the time."

  "Forgive me Angie, but what part of the profile can we put to practical use," asked Stacy.

  "Good question Stacy. None of what we profile is a clue to who he is or where he is? However, we do know a great deal about this killer. He's educated. We can tell by his written e-mails. Also he is computer savvy knowing how to use a safe secure site to send an anonymous mail. We know he has some money to purchase an expensive weapon. He also has time to travel around possibly self-employed. Of course he is middle age and a male who really dislikes old people who don't retire when he thinks they should. Some of this tells us what to look for, but not where to look. I'd guess there're hundreds of libraries that have computers in Oregon. The Interstate from north to south has the majority of Oregon's major cities. From a map I see he could strike again an hour away in Salem the capital.

  Our hope is to have him make a mistake or turn himself in so as to gloat by media which includes a book for everlasting mortality. My suggestion is to send him a profile, succinctly written and indicate it's just a matter of time before he's caught. What do you think about that idea Stacy?"

  ///

  Sitting in his office chair that badly needed some lubricant, Chris McGoogle, aka Equalizer, turned on the old TV to a local station. He had told secretary to take the rest of the afternoon off. He wanted to enjoy the 'breaking news' that was forthcoming. Chris had splurged driving through a fast food joint for something to eat while watching his handy work develop from earlier. 'Ah, here it comes' he said out loud with a mouth full of a cheeseburger.

  "We interrupt this program to bring you some breaking news. We've confirmed that at around 1 pm today in front of the entrance to a restaurant, Sheriff Clifford Demmit was shot and killed by an assassin. In addition, we've yet to confirm the reason, but his wife, Margot was found on the floor of her kitchen by medical personnel dead. We do know her daughter Janice called in the 911 alert. We are shocked and sadden by a great loss to our city. Sheriff Demmit had a long and successful career with the sheriff's department. He began his law enforcement vocation right after graduating at the University of Oregon. After almost thirty-seven years he is dead at age fifty-nine. He leaves two off spring. I'm told that tomorrow every flag in the state will be at half mast. Our city and state grieves for the loss of a great and well-loved elected Sheriff. One more thing, this is to the person who assassinated the sheriff. We at this station feel that you’re a two faced coward shooting a fellow human being without cause. We wish you the best of luck down under in the fires of hell."

  Chris was still holding onto his partial eaten burger. He had been sucked into the broadcast. He almost felt bad about killing the sheriff. Then in his warped mind: he did not kill the sheriff, quite the contrary; he killed a person who should have retired years ago. It was time to draft a letter to the media explaining why he killed and why he will kill again very soon.

  -12-

  After consulting with Connie, Stacy decided to follow what Angie had suggested. Angie would draft the profile and Stacy would provide a few tasty statement of her own. But before that exercise, a good night's sleep was in order. Angie went to her motel for writing, Dan and Emma went home thinking how nice it was to hold each other during the night coming. Ben left with a hope his family was in a cheerful mood. Sharon looked like she was lost in space. Stacy realized Sharon was totally confused by this case. When she came on board the team was busy interviewing suspects, driving to the crime scene and having long discussions about the suspects. Now the place was quiet as a church at midnight. She locked the door and went home to her roommate who still worked for the temp service she left just a few months ago. It was time to kill the pain with some wine. Her roommate never turned down a free glass of white wine, or red for that matter.

  Sharon felt really bad about the sheriff and the subsequent loss of his wife. It was such a tragedy to a nice man and family. She remembered her father talking about him and she voted the last time he ran for office. While she waited for the bus, Sharon thought maybe she would call up an old boyfriend to sleep with. She really did not want to be alone tonight.

  Stacy rode home with Dan in a totally silent ride to her town house. Upon leaving she wished them a good evening. She climbed the stairs slowly and entered her chilly apartment. The living room lights also turned on the tree. The lights were blinkers a
nd she stood there starring at them thinking how nice and innocent the Christmas tree and decorations looked. She dumped her bag and coat onto the sofa. In her bedroom she stripped down and after placing her pistol in its usual place, took a shower scrubbing the assassin's filth from her body.

  In an outfit that was both warm and comfortable she rummaged around in the kitchen for something to eat. There was tons of left over cold cuts and other goodies from the other night decorating the tree. She loaded up a plate full and went to living room for a recap of the news. Stacy noticed it was after 6 pm, but was sure the hot story about the sheriff would be live and broadcast until later tonight. She had turned her house phone off not wanting any media bothering her.

  She listened for a while and thoroughly disgusted, turned off the TV and opened her new laptop. She saw a new message from her father. She read it quickly and smiled. Apparently he or they were bored to death in the Southwest and returning home to rainy Bandon maybe in time for Christmas. With a question mark at the end of a sentence he asked about her Christmas plans. She hit reply and sent newsy mail. She noted it was doubtful she would be available for the holidays, as a peculiar case had just come to her desk. Stacy made mention of a killer and who he just murdered, but refrained for speculating it was serial killer. To make the serial killer mark, three kills had to happen using roughly the same MO. She ended the mail by saying how happy she was to have them both back in the Oregon.

  Stacy opened up a new doc for writing to Executioner. Stacy made some notes and waited until Angie wrote up the profile. After that she would dovetail it to her profile. Meanwhile her thoughts drifted to Rory and his new GF. It was true she felt a pang of loss. However, a relationship now would not work with her job. Stacy was not ignorant to the fact what goes up must come down. That would apply to her case solving record. She realized a fall was coming soon. It would be a sever let down and put her into a fit of depression. When that time came, her true friends would surface to help her through the hard times.

  Stacy broke that thought and realized she was hungry. In a few minutes she had cleaned the plate. With plate on the coffee table, she dialed in a movie. At midnight she woke up cold without a blanket. Blurry eyed she went to bed.

  -13-

  After a workout and a not shower, Stacy jumped into the front seat with Dan. After a good morning the ride went mostly in silence. She directed Dan through the fast food Egg McMuffin store. With a dozen good smelling ham and egg muffins they went to the office. Sharon looked much better than the night before and Emma was busy making hot drinks. They had no more than sat down when Angie came in. Stacy could feel a more positive start of the day coming.

  "Here's a draft of the profile Stacy. After reading let's discuss it. I purposely left a lot of room in my description of the perp. Angie gratefully chowed down while Stacy looked over her profile:

  The Executioner

  Sex: male

  Age: over forty under 50

  Physical description: medium height and weight. Dark brown hair with a natural clean shaven face. Most likely many disguises and bogus IDs

  Marital status: married

  Siblings: two

  Profession: professional probably self employed

  Education: university study

  Hobbies: none

  Outside interests: none

  Aspirations: none

  Other observations:

  He is a loner. Lives in a lower middle class neighbor with a quiet wife. He possesses no friends or living relatives. Has a basic low sex drive. Seeking fame and notice.

  Special note: He is quiet and unassuming. A friendly smile, but soon forgotten. He blends in and never stands out. His violent nature will become worse and more frequent. He will seek a friend who will communicate with him.

  "This is good Angie," said Stacy. "I've contacted Oregon's major newspaper, "The Oregonian" and they're sending down a reporter this morning. Here's a copy of my poke at him:"

  "Okay clever guy, how hard is it to lay in wait for an unsuspecting target to come out, standstill, and then shoot him. You're using a high powered rifle with scope and suppressor to hide your shame. This has all the hallmarks of a person who is afraid of their own shadow. I'd guess you were bullied in school. I can almost hear the boys yelling 'chicken-- run chicken.'

  We see by your 'reason' to kill is simply foolish and even in your small brain; you should see that literally millions of workers have long working careers. Simply put, small man, if a worker is doing their jobs properly, why give it up if they're happy?

  I'll tell you what, how about we get together in a neutral place with nobody around but you and I. I'll listen. You need somebody to talk with and help you through this difficult time. Murder is not the answer. Your family needs you. Think about it and I've unblocked my e-mail. Send me some chat."

  "This will work Stacy," said Angie. "What will happen is an unknown. It's possible he'll see a glimmer of light or he may go off the deep end."

  "We'll know in a day or so as the notice will be published by morning. By noon tomorrow things will be popping."

  Everybody was in the kitchen eating lunch when a buzz sounded at the front door. Sharon hurried and came back with Silas Martin from the Oregonian paper. After the introductions he refused lunch saying he had had a bit of lunch with an old friend up at the truck stop just north of Eugene. Stacy finished up and he led Silas to her office. They sat down at the round table. He read the articles. Stacy gave him the once over and came back with a favorable opinion that he presented self as positive with a nice voice. His dark eyes were friendly and his smile engaging. The only thing missing on his head was hair. He was absolutely hairless. He glanced up feeling a little self-conscience. "I know the absence of hair makes people wonder what happened. I’m forty-two and have been bald for almost twenty years."

  "I didn't mean to stare Silas. Lord knows what is in style and what is out of style these days. Well, what is your reaction and what do you think your readers will think about what is written before you."

  "I can assume you're thinking this person is or will become a serial killer. We all know they are the hardest to apprehend. It appears that you're trying to draw him out and engage him in direct talks. Kind of dangerous to you I'd think. Our readers will connect the dots with the assassination of the Lane County Sheriff. We'll get a more than normal amount of calls asking some really off the wall questions. My editor already agreed to run this on page two with a caption on page one noting its source. For example: 'Authorities offer a truce with the assassin of yesterdays Sheriff in Eugene.' Something like that. I'll call you later this evening for confirmation of publishing. I've got to run Stacy. Here's my card and call me if, God help us, he strikes again."

  -14-

  Human Resources director for the state of Oregon was Loren Holly. She worked in the Liberty Street building with a nice pond in front of it. Holly had just turned sixty-one years old. She was still very spry and in reasonably good shape. She had had a slight heart attack in her late fifties, but a change of life style has her doctor smiling.

  Loren Holley was a lifelong employee of the state. She began her career straight out of college. That was almost forty years ago. He husband, Glen was a lawyer in a small firm that dealt mostly with real estate transactions. For the last ten years he slowly began talking of retirement. Both loved to play golf. However, Loren loved her job and it was a big part of her life. The kids were all grown up and gone. The grandkids came by only sporadically, which was fine by her.

  Her second in line for her job was a rather impatient Robbie Nelson. He too had a fairly long career, but had only sixteen years to his credit. He had transferred from private to public HR work. On more than one occasion, over a beer, he would tell his mates that the queen should retire.

  In the past year Chris McGoogle had watched Loren Holly come and go from her job. It was easy to tail her home and to discover her stops along the way. Usually on most days she would stop at the supermarket for dinne
r. Because she needed the exercise Loren would park in the middle or the middle-back in the parking lot. Chris had it planned he'd use his plumbing van, but that was too obvious. He decided to buy an older van up in Salem on the day of the hit.

  Chris decided that after two days he would strike again just to show that Marshall he was for real. That late evening he drove over to his warehouse to pickup his rifle. He also picked up a change of identity complete with a disguise. His plan was to leave Eugene around noon and be in Salem afternoon. While driving around, he went to his bank for some cash to buy a van. He noticed a marked decrease in his balance. On his way back to his dismal office, he toyed with the idea of taking a few months off to rebuild his cash supply.

  ///

  The next morning, after an early morning workout, Stacy was showered and in the office by 7:30. Dan as usual came by for her driver. He never said a word about the article in the paper. But when she arrived at her desk, the Oregonian sat neatly on top of her clean desk. Next to the paper was her yellow legal pad and pencil. Stacy, nervously sat down, picked up her pencil and took a sip of her hot tea. She sat the mug down and was still looking at the insert just under the headlines. "News Flash: "On page two see an article written by a high level government profiler depicting who he might be and what the assassin of Sheriff Clifford Demmit looks like."