Stacy drove down the hill to Old Town to see Hazel Alberts. She noticed it was getting on towards evening. The lights were on downtown and as she parked near the insurance office, she saw Hazel through the window. She waved and Stacy waved back.
Hazel was cleaning her desk off of paper work preparing to go home soon. The boss was already gone to happy hour at the golf course. Stacy sat down and said, "You've heard no doubt by now about the pastor's death?"
"Yes I have. It's all over town by now. Do you have an idea who or exactly what happened Stacy? At first impression it appears as a suicide, but then from what we know of Arnold, it's not within his being to kill himself. He has no fortitude inside his bloated body. We haven't fully discounted it, but we think homicide is the real cause of death. I just came from his house where I found his wife dead from an overdose of pills. That in and of itself is not shocking given her propensity to a weak constitution.
I have to ask this Hazel, but where were you from 11 am until noon today," asked Stacy
"I never left the office today Stacy. I brought my lunch from home. I was alone and nobody stopped by. Wait, Zack Brown walked by and waved about noon."
"Okay Hazel, I've got to run now and have other interviews to do before the day is over." Stacy left and drove up the hill to Robin Welch's house.
The lights were on again as she drove in and parked on the street. Stacy hurried in as the rain was coming down even harder if that was possible. Inside Stacy handed her wet coat to Robin and said, "Thanks for the help with the coat. God must love us so much as he gives us all of his tears of both happiness and sorrow."
Robin chuckled and said, "Come in the kitchen I've some tea bags just waiting for the hot water. I've some fresh made bread if you'd like a piece."
"I'd love both of what you offered," Stacy said while sitting down in a warm cozy kitchen. "I suppose you have heard about the pastor by now?"
"Yes, Felix called me in the early afternoon. Was it murder or suicide Stacy?"
"For now we are treating it as an open case on both accounts. However, homicide is more likely. In addition his wife committed suicide this late afternoon. I fear that pretty much ends the stay of Pastor Arnold and his wife in Bandon. Now Robin, I have to ask where you were today from around 11 am until after 12 noon."
"I was home all day long. I chatted on the phone with a few friends, but that is all. I guess if I need an alibi, I'm not able to give a very good one."
Stacy noticed she was a little nervous, but who wouldn't be if being a suspect in murder investigation. She asked, "Do you own a gun or pistol?"
"Yes I do. I keep it in my night stand. Do you want to see it? It's very small and a .22 caliber."
"Yes please Robin. I'll wait here while you're gone. This tea is great and the bread is even better. I'll munch while you're gone."
Robin hurried off and came back holding the gun with two fingers as if it would bite her. She handed it gingerly to Stacy who expertly removed the shells. "Do you have a permit Robin," asked Stacy.
"Yes, sure I do. A man friend gave it to me years ago. He also made me learn how to use it too. But I've not used it for years. However, it does make me sleep better knowing it's handy if I need it."
"Okay Robin. Write down who you talked to and at what time yesterday. If you're out and about, drop it off at the station or call me and I'll come get it. Many thanks for the snack."
As it turned out Ben had taken Zack and Rory had seen Felix. At the station darkness had replaced the feeble light of the day. They all loaded into Rory's SUV and drove south to Port Orford. Stacy recapped her visits and then Ben said, "Zack was in and out all day long. From 11 am till a little after 12 noon he had lunch with a friend at Lloyd's Café. He has an iron clad alibi."
"Felix Weber is a crafty old fox, "said Rory. He doesn't have an alibi and owns a small caliber pistol with a conceal permit. All is in order. We can't discount him as a suspect in my opinion. He seems really upset that the church is taking a major hit of scandal. He knows more than he lets on, that's for sure."
By the time they'd discussed the Coquille girls, they needed to interview the father soonest. They drove into the street where the Wise family lived, parked, and then bucking the storm, hurried to the door where Albert was waiting.
"Good evening detectives. Our normal nasty weather is here for the winter. Come in and get warm and dry."
Dinner was over and the family had taken their usual places on the long sofa. Stacy chose a chair while Rory and Ben sat together on the short sofa. Rory said, "I'm sure by now you are aware that Pastor Arnold is dead. Also, what you might not know is his wife is also dead of an overdose of pills after she was informed of his death." He paused waiting for an answer.
"Yes, we are aware of both of the Waterfields' passing on. We are of course sad and regardless of their troubles, to die so young is tragic. You'll want to know where I was today. I left town at around 10:30 and drove to Coos Bay to pick up some stock. I drove straight up and back without stopping even for lunch. A customer was waiting for the stock to continue his building project. I arrived back here at the store around 1:40 pm as I was clock watching."
"Okay, and do you own a hand gun Mr. Wise," asked Rory.
"Yes I do. I've one at the store and one here at home. Both are small caliber .22. The one in the store is loaded and the one here at home is not loaded, but shells are in the drawer," he said without emotion. Stacy noticed the wife was very quiet and sitting without expression.
"Stacy jumped in and asked, "Mrs. Wise, I presume you were at school today?"
"Yes I was. You can take me off your suspect list as I've 15 kids for an alibi. However, I'm sad to hear of a death, but maybe God does move in mysterious ways."
After a few more innocuous questions they went back to Bandon none the wiser. Stacy's head hurt from thinking too hard. They had two more suspects to interview: Otis Logger and Miles Trenton in Coquille. Otis worked at the cranberry factory and it was heard that Miles Trenton was a traveling salesman of some sort. Rory would find him tomorrow and Ben and Stacy would see Otis and push harder on Felix Weber.
Rory dropped Stacy at the station and she drove home very hungry. She'd called her father and told him she'd be there around 9 pm. He told her he had something in the oven for her and not to worry.
At home she found her father in the kitchen making up a plate of food. It was a simple meal of tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. She gobbled it up rehashing the day's events. Her father was a keen listener. He said, as she slurped her soup, "My money is on either Otis, Felix or Miles."
She took a shower and went to bed dog tired. Nobody was looking forward to the next day. However, when Stacy woke up the sun was making its appearance for the first time in a long while. She looked at her clock and it said 8 am. Wow, she'd overslept big time. The house was dead quiet as she realized her father had already left for work. She took a nice shower and upon entering the kitchen found a note that said: "Oatmeal in microwave. Put toast in toaster, spread with jam, enjoy. See you at work. Dad"
She wondered why her cell hadn't woke her up and then she remembered, she'd turned it off. She turned it on to see three messages from Rory and one from Ben. Ben said he'd be at the station by 9 am. Stacy breathed a sigh of relief knowing she had lots of time.
At the station she stood outside her car and breathed in the fresh clean air that sweeps behind a storm. No it wasn't a sky without a cloud in it, but enough sun shone through the big billowy white clouds to make a person feel good.
While she stood there, Ben drove in with, as always, a serious look on his face. He was pretty much all business. Stacy like that in him. He did smile at her and she smiled back asking him, "Want some coffee or something to eat before we hit the trail?"
"No thanks Stacy. I told Felix we'd be there shortly after 9 am. If you're ready let's go."
"Let me tell the station where I'm going and I'll be right back Ben," she said running into the station. One minute later
she was riding with Ben to see Felix.
When Felix opened the door he wasn't a happy man. He tried to hide it but his extroverted ways overcame his reserve. He said, "Follow me detectives and let's get this over with once and for all; if we can."
"Ben asked, as they sat in his comfortable living room that overlooked the ocean, "We're fairly sure Mr. Weber, that Pastor Arnold was murdered. We're not accusing you, but from all we can glean of your relationship with the pastor, is not a good one. Therefore, in our line of work, you have motive and with no alibi, opportunity."
Stacy saw him take a deep lung full and let it out slowly trying to relax. He said, "You're right, I hated the bastard. I'm not unhappy he's dead. I personally know him to have molested kids and he's stolen church money like a thief. Now that being said, I didn't kill him and if you are going to arrest me, I'll call my lawyer right now," said an uptight Felix Weber.
"We're not here to arrest you Mr. Weber, but to find the person who did kill him. We have to ask hard questions. You know, for example, everyone in the church and most folks here in town. Help us find the murderer. Think back over the last three years as to what you know or what you've heard either good or bad."
Stacy could almost see the wheels turning in his head. His chin lay almost on his chest as if sleeping. A big shinny bald spot, like a horseshoe rimmed the top of his head. He looked up and said, "I heard, and can't remember from whom, that Otis Longger's daughter was molested or at least, an attempt was made, by Pastor Arnold. That was during his first summer here. After that, in the fall, she went to the community college up in Coos Bay. It was just a rumor and, oh, wait a minute, Zack told me about it," said Felix.
After leaving Felix, instead of seeing Otis Longger, they went downtown to see Zack Brown. What they didn't know was Felix was on the phone right after the door was shut. Both Stacy and Ben had their heads down thinking hard. They were oblivious to the darkening skies and the warning Felix just made to someone on the phone.
Rory was at the home of Miles Trenton talking to his wife. She said, "He's on the road detective. He'll be home tonight, he told me. He's not going to be happy to see you about something that happened a few years ago. I did hear that he's dead and so be it. That will save many kids from his evil touch. Now I must finish my house work. Good day detective, as she closed the door without ever inviting him in. Rory stood there trying to feel her pain, but couldn't feel anything except pity for the victims. He drove to Bandon.
When Rory arrived at the police station in Bandon, he tried calling both Ben and Stacy. It would seem both had their cell phones off. He decided to see the chief if he wasn't busy.
Flo gave him a big smile and told him the chief wasn't doing much of anything except playing with his yellow pencil. Rory gave a soft knock on the door. Chief Foreham motioned him in. Rory took a chair and came right to the point. "Chief, do you know a Miles Trenton who used to live here, but now resides in Coquille?"
"I sure do Rory. We assumed he moved away to protect his family against Pastor Arnold. His girls told their mother and she in return told him. I was surprised that he didn't confront Arnold, but instead just moved away. I think it was because of the publicity that the accusation would cause to his family. Like most parents of victims, they think distance and time will cure all. However, we both know that is a fallacy. With the technology of today, distance is irrelevant and time is always available. Memories, such as those, never fade away. Nowadays, Rory, counselors are in vogue. When a major problem or event occurs, see a counselor. It's the old cliché: you can run but you can't hide."
"How about Otis Longger Chief. Are there any skeletons in his closet we should know about," asked Rory.
"Otis the quiet one. He's the guy who never misses work, never complains, and loves his family and church. Otis has two children. The girl works at the pizza parlor. She's maybe 20 years old, but don't hold me to it. The youngest boy is 18 and will graduate high school this year if I'm not mistaken.
The whole family is very religious and attends church without fail. The two kids or at least they used to, sang in the choir. I've never heard about any impropriety concerning that family. If anyone knows, Robin Welch is your source on that end of things. What else do you want to know Rory?"
Rory couldn't believe what he just said. His head was ringing and all was turning dark to his vision. He heard himself say, "Sir, I think I'm in love with your daughter." He shook his head trying to clear his muddled brain. He heard the Chief say:
Rory, the field is wide open, as far as I know. She never speaks to me about matters of the heart. However, I observe that she has a place for you in her being. Don't be bashful. Make a move. Now, I'm sorry Rory, but I must go see the mayor again."
Down in old town, while Rory bared his soul to the chief, Zack welcomed the two detectives. While Stacy admired the myrtle wood desk, Ben asked, "Mr. Brown, we've just come from Felix Dewart. He told us you may be able to shed some light on whether or not Pastor Arnold tried to or did molest Otis Logger's daughter."
He never batted an eye. He looked at Ben and said, "The first summer the new pastor was here, Otis and I were admiring some garden work of Jonas. I mentioned to him that Jonas had said that Otis daughter June had a lovely voice. She sang in the choir and occasionally sang a solo number. She really did have a wonderful voice. Then all of a sudden she quit coming to church. I asked Otis why she stopped attending church.
He told me that Pastor Arnold had offered her private singing lessons and some money to attend a voice academy up in Portland. All she had to do was posing for some photos wearing very skimpy clothes. Long story short, he tried some touching and other things. She ran home crying. She's never been back to church."
"What about a family named Miles Trenton? We heard they were strong church people and suddenly they moved to Coquille. Stacy interviewed the two daughters. They admitted Arnold took liberties with them."
"It's about the same story as with Otis and his daughter. He just moved and told nobody he was leaving. I've seen him maybe two or three times since then. Occasionally we run into each other."
"Okay thanks Mr. Brown. We'll be in touch if we need anything more," said Ben
Back at the station Rory was waiting for them to arrive. It was time to visit Otis at his work. Rory had already called the factory and asked for some time to interview Otis. The manager was very nice and said anytime is fine with him.
On the way down to the factory, Ben and Stacy filled Rory in on both the Felix and Zack interviews. For the time being, they refrained from speculating until they talked to Otis Longger.
Walking into the main office the manager sent a runner to fetch Otis. He told the detectives they could use his office for privacy. He had to run to Coos Bay for some business. It didn't take but a few minutes until Otis came in with the runner.
After sitting down in a circle at a small conference table, Rory said, "Otis tell us your movements yesterday from just before 11 am until 12 noon."
"From 11:30 until 12 I was in my car eating lunch. Up until 11:30 I was working. We don't punch out for lunch. I'm a forklift operator so I take lunch when it's best. If I'm all caught up, I will eat at 11 sometimes. There're other times I'm busy so lunch at noon maybe."
"Do you own a hand gun Otis," asked Ben.
"Yes I do. I've a permit. It's at home in the closet."
"Otis, this is difficult, but what can you tell us about the alleged inappropriate advances Pastor Arnold may have made towards your daughter June," asked Stacy.
He sat there with a blank look on his face. It was like he was in shock. His eyes, dark as night, looked straight ahead at the wall. They let him alone. Not more than a minute passed and he said, "My daughter at that time was 18 and classified as an adult. Arnold made that clear to us when I threatened exposure. My June was taken in by him and almost lost her virtue because of his high position. My girl came home in tears. We think she's fully recovered, but what about some of the others we know about and others
we may not."
"Do you have a cell phone Otis," asked Ben.
"Yes, but I rarely use it. It's for emergencies only."
"Otis, did you murder Pastor Arnold," asked Rory.
"He killed himself detective. That's all I have to say.
"Did you leave the property at lunch time yesterday Otis," asked Stacy.
"I sometimes leave the property at lunch time. Yesterday, I went to the market for a soda and came back."
"Would the market remember you coming in," asked Ben.
"I don't know for sure. An Asian was working the counter. She might remember me. You best go ask her."
"May I take your picture Otis," asked Rory.
"Sure can if you want to," said Otis.
"That's all for now Otis. Be prepared for some follow up questions very soon," said Rory.
Driving back the two miles to town, they stopped in at the little roadside market that was owned by some Koreans. Rory ran in and showed his smart phone to the counter girl. She shook her head yes, "He comes in a lot," she said in good English.
Back to the station they went. The chief was out so they walked across the street for lunch.
-Ten-
"Well guys," said Stacy, "who do you like for the perp?"
"I don’t know," said Ben, "we need to see that Miles Trenton guy first."
"Me too," said Rory, "besides I can' think on an empty stomach."
Lunch was quiet time. Each had their own thoughts about the case. Stacy finished first and said, "So far we've three suspects that don't have reliable alibis. Make it four if Miles Trenton wasn't gabbing with someone at that time. My guess is he'll say he was on the road at that time. Or he could have a buddy to cover his butt with. Regardless, this will be difficult at best to nail the perp," said Stacy as she saw the rain come down with authority. So much for the nice sun, she thought.
Stacy that mulling things over while not paying much attention. What are we missing and what is the missing piece to put this case to bed? A light went off in her head and a name flashed before her eyes: Emily Dewart. While Rory and Ben talked, she rose out of her chair and called the writer.
Murder Mysteries Page 19