Secret On Cobb Mountain (Cobb Mt Mystery Series Book 1)

by Kit DeCanti

  As they prepared to leave, Ron appreciated how well planned out the location was. He would be able to pull in off of Soda Bay Road from the direction of Lakeport or Soda Bay, and Lenny was able come in from Kelseyville or Highway 29. If either were followed they could see the headlights. And they would each leave the way they had come so if one was followed, the other wouldn’t be detected.

  Again Ron felt a wry grin trying to creep across his face; again thinking, “Spy Versus Spy”. Then remembering the last name on the list he got serious. Both men knew they had to be extremely careful.

  Lenny assured Ron that this would be a secure location as long as they took proper caution coming and going, making sure neither was followed. He had never used this place for staging before, so no one would suspect it. The orchard belonged to Lenny’s sister, and he told her he would be using the area for staging an undercover operation. She would make sure Angel was kept away. “However,” Lenny mentioned “this week could be tricky. My oldest niece is home for Spring Break. She’s out with friends, so no problem tonight.”

  Then he studied Ron a moment, and his tone got lighter, “They have some things going on at Library Park in Lakeport tomorrow. There’ll be music, food and booths. My family gets together every year there. My niece is home from college, and will be there. It’ll be fun. Stop by- I’ll throw a burger on the grill for you.”

  “I’m on duty tomorrow, but I’ll try and swing by during the day sometime,” Ron said, but silently groaned, “Oh man! He goes from hating me to trying to fix me up with his niece! This is going to be rough! I don’t want to get back on his bad side; but either way it could happen. I’m flattered that he thinks enough of me to try and fix me up with his niece, and I am lonely, but I’m not hard up! I don’t need to be fixed up! Maybe I should use the story of my emotionally troubled fiancée on him.” Ron decided to keep the story ready if needed.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Miatas, Buffalos and Boats

  Sunday April 1st, 2007

  Lake County was still sleeping, and Ron was enjoying the early Sunday morning cruise around the lake in his patrol car. He was trying to keep his mind off the Boggs Mountain case this morning. Too pretty of a sunrise to be spoiled by thoughts of a young girl in those woods…

  Whatever the reason she ended up there, Ron tried to remember that at least she was at peace now. “Her troubles are gone.” he said aloud. And then added firmly, “And I will get to the bottom of what happened!” After reassuring himself that he wouldn’t let up, he relaxed and looked out over the lake.

  He was on the north shore of Clear Lake, driving east along Highway 20. This is the best side of the lake to take in a sunrise, he thought. On a whim, he took a left turn up Kono Tayee Drive. He pulled over, got out of his patrol car and walked towards a large live oak tree. Ron stood under the tree, high up on Kono Tayee, looking over Highway 20 and Clear Lake. The sunrise caused the volcano, Mt. Konocti, to glow. Some say it’s sleeping, some say it’s pretending to sleep, but is really just watching and waiting for an opportune time to shake things up good in this sleepy, laid back county.

  Ron remembered a Pomo Indian elder telling him the legend of Konocti. He said that Konocti was the name the bears, wolves and deer called the day that the lake went shallow and the mountain rose out of it, several thousands of years ago.

  Ron watched as the pink, lavender sky turned orange and red. As the morning progressed, the fiery sky reflecting on the lake turned blue and Ron’s thoughts drifted to the blue eyes from Friday night.

  Ron strained to pull his thoughts back to his job. From his perch he could see across the lake, catching glimpses of the stretch of Highway 29 that winds past Kelseyville connecting the south shore to Lakeport. He could even see a small piece of Highway 53 that starts in Lower Lake at the 29-L and stretches north to connect with Highway 20.

  Ron wondered how many hundreds of times he had circled the lake, in his short time on the job. Highway 29 to 20 to 53; then 29 again.

  As his gaze returned to the winding highway below, a red Miata speeding from the east on Highway 20 below broke his thoughts. Leaving his vantage point, he quickly returned to his car, and wound down the roadway towards Highway 20.

  Too many speeders have ended up in the lake already, and Ron would like to prevent this one from the same destiny.

  It took him a while, but he finally caught up with the car just the other side of Lucerne. He pulled the car over.

  A pretty young blond flashed a wide toothy smile and sweetly asked, “Is something wrong officer?” He imagined that smile and those big brown eyes were able to get her out of a lot of trouble. But he was from the school of thought, that it’s better to learn life’s lessons from small mistakes, rather than get away with them- and have to learn the hard way. “Laws are for everyone no matter how cute,” he thought. The female passenger was looking out her own window, as if trying to go unnoticed.

  “May I see your license, registration and proof of insurance, please?” Ron asked standing over the little red convertible. As the driver handed them to him, he asked, “Do you know how fast you were going?”

  “Well, I know I slowed down through town.” She tried the smile again to no avail.

  “Yeah, maybe you did, but I spotted you back before Kono Tayee and it took me quite a while to catch up.”

  “I’m sorry, officer, we were in a hurry to get to Library Park. We have to help set up some booths. Can’t you just give me a warning, and let me go? I promise not to speed again!” and she tried the smile yet again.

  “Sorry, I can’t do that, miss. I’ll be right back.” Ron walked back to his patrol car and wrote up the ticket, while he ran her driver’s license. She was Cassandra Anna Marie Locacsio, a local girl.

  “Probably returning home from a late night,” Ron thought. But her license came back clean, and he didn’t smell alcohol; so he walked back and handed her the Promise To Pay Or Appear slip to sign. Ron told her the court date, and reminded her that she could go to traffic school and remove it from her record. Then added: “Be careful when you pull out. Have a good day.”

  The young woman signed the ticket, but the smile was gone. As she drove off, Ron caught a glimpse of the passenger in her side mirror and he dropped his ticket book. Was that her? Was that Blue Eyes? Maybe he would try to get to Library Park after all.

  As Lake County woke, the roadways got busier and so did Deputy Ron Simmons. It was close to three when he finally was able to stroll through the park looking for the blue eyed beauty from Konocti Harbor.

  Library Park, Ron had learned, was named for its historical library. It was built with funds from the famous Carnegie, who last century, donated money to communities all across America to provide public libraries.

  The library building was not in use, now, but it was the centerpiece of a beautiful lakeside park. Near the old library, and close to the boat dock, the prettiest gazebo that Ron had ever seen was flanked by budding cherry trees. Like today, the gazebo was used all summer as a stage for free Friday night concerts- as well as many other festivals throughout the year. Picnic tables and benches were scattered through out the grounds; and the far end of the park held a playground.

  Although Ron covered the park quickly, he didn’t find the blue-eyed beauty that had been captivating his thoughts. But Lenny found him.

  “Hey Rookie! You missed my… some of my family, but I saved you a hamburger. How ‘bout a soda?” Ron washed the dry burger down with a root beer and was relieved that at least he didn’t have to resort to the emotionally troubled fiancée story.

  He found himself wondering if the Miata speeder would go to court, or just pay the ticket. “She’ll probably do the school,” he sighed to himself, but made a mental note to look into it. If she did go to court, there was a chance that her friend might go to court with her- for moral support. “Who was it that was denying he was hard up?” Ron mumbled as he laughed at himself.

  As Ron headed back on the road, he answered a ca
ll about a buffalo in the roadway on Bottle Rock Road. “The rancher’s new fence must not have held.” He hoped it wasn’t a cow with a new calf… or a bull.” Heck! There was no good scenario in this case. Animal control was on their way, and he hoped there would be plenty of ranch hands to help, like last month, when a mamma cow tried to get to her calf that was just taken away from her. Unlike last time, Ron would stick with traffic control this time. “That buffalo got too close for comfort for this city boy! And like his Pop, always said, ‘Hell is for heroes!’” Ron said out loud.

  When Ron arrived on the scene, he kept his lights flashing and pulled sideways blocking the road, and started setting out flares. It looked like the same mamma cow. But, when he looked in the pen they all did.

  Ron did his best to stay out of the way and let the cowboys do their thing, as he kept the curious sightseers away. Funny, they can drive by anytime they want and see the buffalo; but let the word get out that one is loose, and all of a sudden the crowds come running to see.

  As Ron drove back to the station, he caught a glimpse of something red heading towards the south part of town on Main Street. “A Miata?” He wondered. Sighing, he drove back to the station.

  He sighed again as he entered the station’s lot, but for a different reason. He parked the cruiser, and headed in to clock out.

  One more day gone by and no one has claimed Heather Williams’ body. Almost one week since her death. He now had a legitimate reason to contact the good doctor Fleming again.

  Since all efforts to find her next of kin had failed, perhaps there would be an emergency contact on her medical records. Or she might have spoken to someone there about a relative somewhere.

  Back in the park, Ron had mentioned all this to Lenny, who said, “Try to see the doc up at the retreat. Maybe you can get in the doors, and have a look around. Haven’t got much out of Angel. She’s been pretty closed mouthed about the retreat. She has this false loyalty to the place… and to the doc, for some reason. Her mom is working on her though.”

  As Ron drove home he saw red Miatas every where he looked.

  Needing a distraction, he decided that he would definitely take the boat out and maybe head out through The Narrows, and around to Soda Bay. Although he had been out on the lake several times, he had not gone that far yet, but he had heard it was pretty cool. A natural Jacuzzi bubbling up from a volcanic rock formation- a souvenir left by Konocti’s last eruption several centuries ago.

  The guy that told him about it also warned him that it was dangerous in the late in the summer, when the water level was down. The sulfur fumes could render you unconscious. But when the water level was high, like now, is a great time to enjoy it.

  For the fiftieth time this week, Ron wished he had someone to share this unique and amazing Lake County with.

  He slowly and patiently steered the ski boat down the slough, and around the two islands that separated the slough from the wide open lake. First, Slater Island, the larger one; and then the smaller Indian Island. He sped up as he passed Red Bud Park and Pier, and skimmed the outer circle of the bay off the tiny town of Clearlake; scanning the beach and Austin Park. Kids were happily playing on the new swings and park equipment. Families were barbecuing and it was obvious that the season had begun. Ron felt sure that there would be very few quiet weekends until September.

  As soon as he was out the safe distance to open it up, he did so, speeding past Jago Bay and using Mt. Konocti as his guide he headed towards Konocti Harbor.

  Ron loved the roar of the engine, and the air in his face. He skipped over wakes left by other boats, carefully avoiding getting too close to any, or crossing their paths, especially the group of sailboats he saw in the distance. A large Mississippi River boat, The Clearlake Queen, was chugging along filled with waving partiers. Their happy music penetrated even his engine roar.

  As he entered the Konocti Harbor, he slowed the craft down, and wondered if Blue Eyes was somewhere on the grounds of the resort. Was she looking at the lake now? He wondered. He also wondered if she was the Miata passenger, this morning. If so- she was with a local girl. Was ‘blue-eyes’ also a local? Or was she visiting while on Spring Break? Perhaps she was staying at the resort.

  Ron slowed down even more for The Narrows, and as he passed by Buckingham, he admired the topiary that a homeowner had artfully placed near water’s edge for the pleasure of boaters. He remembered how much his mother used to love topiary. He had a fond memory of waiting in line at an amusement park, in Southern California, and listening to her marvel at the huge green plant animals. They had not been home a week, before she tried her hand at it- fashioning a large bear from bent rods and chicken wire. The framework was great, but his mom never had a green thumb and the ivy she painstakingly planted died before too long.

  Ron always found himself thinking about his Mom more this time of year. He sighed as he thought of the pain she was in, the last time they spoke. “Well, her pain is no more,” he sighed again. Ron spun the boat around, and decided to save Soda Bay for another time. He suddenly just wanted to go home.

  When Ron was clear of The Narrows he opened the boat up and headed back to the south shores, going by way of Treasure Cove; avoiding the group of sailboats, he made his way around Weekend Island.

  The wind in his face was exhilarating, and his good mood returned as he skipped through wakes left by a sea-doo.

  Was that a blond on that sea-doo? “Give it up, already!” he laughed loudly at himself, but slowed down and moved closer to have a look.

  The closer he got, the surer he was that it was the blond driver of the Miata. Now the question was, who was that on the sea-doo with her? It looked like Blue Eyes, but younger and smaller some how. Well, no make up, and a life vest barely covered her swimsuit, so not much cloths either- but could that make her look that much smaller? It looked like her, and it looked as if she was with the same blonde as this morning…but still, he wasn’t sure. Then he realized that they noticed him staring at them. He didn’t know if they recognized him, but they waved and sped away laughing.

  “Oh great! This is what I need- to be considered a joke!” Ron steered his boat back towards home.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Answers Leads To More Questions

  Monday, April 2nd , 2007

  Monday morning found Ron and Lenny in the coffee room at the station plotting an interview with the doc. Lenny’s sister had gotten a few names of patients who had been at the retreat the same time Angel was there. Ron headed out before he encountered any roadblocks. Lenny would run interference and steer anything that came their way to the other deputies, leaving Ron the morning free to find out what he could up at the retreat.

  Driving up Bottle Rock Road, and just before reaching the retreat, Ron pulled onto an old fire trail that Lenny had told him about. It led up behind and above the complex. He got out of his car, and looking through his binoculars he surveyed the grounds and buildings; making mental notes of chimneys and roof vents, window sizes and locations.

  He was getting a pretty good idea of the retreat’s layout- the kitchen, cafeteria, offices and patient rooms. A high cyclone fence, entwined with blackberry vines enclosed the entire complex. Near the back of the complex, near a fire gate, was a shed. In front of the shed was a lawn area, which encircled an English meditation garden, which included a fountain and stone benches. The sides of the complex were lined with a couple dozen little cabins. A pavilion was centered between the cabins and main building, situated like an amphitheater.

  Ron could see movement on the grounds. Looking closer, he saw a dozen or so people. All were wearing sweat suits- which looked like the one Heather was found wearing. Some people were strolling, some were pacing and three very thin young girls were walking very fast around the perimeter. And there were yet others sitting in lounge chairs basking in the morning sun. All in all, it looked harmless. More than that- it looked pleasantly inviting.

  Ron headed back to the road, and followed it to the
retreat. As he pulled into the parking lot, he looked for the black Mercedes. It was not there. This time he wasn’t disappointed to miss the doctor. He would go in and find out what he could from the receptionist, and talk to anyone he could who may have come in contact with Heather- letting it be known that they were calling it a suicide. He would assure them that he was just trying to find out more about Miss Williams in order to locate her family. That should get the heat off him, and make for less hostile interviews as well.

  Ron stood for a moment and breathed in the fresh morning, mountain air. He couldn’t help but appreciate the beauty and peacefulness of the retreat. Looking around at the tall pines and dogwoods surrounding the rustic building, he thought, “No wonder people are drawn to this place. It looks like a good place to heal life’s pain.”

  He smiled as he walked into the lobby, nodding at a nervous couple holding hands seated in the waiting room. The receptionist looked up saying “Welcome to Get-Real, Get Well, I’m...” her ready smile quickly changed to worry. “…Cindy,” she continued, unable to hide the concern from her voice; “Can I help you?” she asked, but was clearly hoping she wouldn’t have to.

  “I’d like to find out some information concerning a former patient of yours.” She started to protest, stating privilege, but Ron interrupted. Leaning over her desk, he quietly said, “The dead don’t have many rights- but they do have the right to a proper burial.” And then added that he needed help finding Heather Williams’ next of kin. He paused long enough for the receptionist to motion him into a little office on the other side of her desk.

  Once inside, she closed the door and said in a low voice, “Doctor Fleming is gone for the day, I’ll need to page his assistant.”

  “Thanks,” Ron tried to put her at ease with a smile, “while we’re waiting, perhaps you can tell me what you know about Heather Williams.”