Rory saw Stacy shudder and he felt a chill run up his arm as well. Be that as it may, it was time to drive south to see some school teachers. But first phone calls would be necessary to make sure the four teachers were available.
Nervous Educators
They decided to call from the state police office in North Bend. Once the interviews were confirmed for the next day, they'd drive down to Brookings. It was also decided to call each of the four one at a time to make sure the interviews coincided with the others. Rory called Stewart Brown a teacher at Brookings High School. Rory noticed when he answered the phone, he lacked confidence in his voice. However, he did agree for an eleven am interview at his apartment, where he shared the rent with Wesly Smoot, who was also on the list of four to interview. When he hung up, he said, "Two down and two to go."
Next was Rick Cresent a teacher from the middle school. He too answered timidly. He would be at school, but two pm would be fine for an interview. "We're good to go at two pm with this guy," said Rory as he called the last one. Doug Hillgar showed he was of a tougher sort with a sharp, 'hello' answer to Rory's ring. He also told them he'd be at his middle school classroom when they finished with Rick.
It was time for Stacy to go back to Bandon. So Rory wouldn't have to drive back and forth, because Stacy had ridden up with Rory to attend the autopsy, a state patrol officer came by and gave her a lift to Bandon. However, it was tempting to stay with Rory, but she really didn't need to start that practice that would lead to rumors neither one needed.
The next morning was nice but a little chilly, Stacy noticed as she went out to the new wood shop to see what her father had been doing. She found him in the shop setting up a new table saw.
This wood working shop was part of Chief Ray's retirement life after thirty years in police work. It began last fall with plans made and now almost eight months later, he was almost ready to have a full complement of wood working equipment. "Hey dad, we're off to Brookings for a day or two. I'll check in with you later this evening after our interviews. By the way, how's the shop coming along? Looks like you're about ready to have a grand opening. Flo can't wait to be the hostess filling the glasses with cranberry juice instead of champagne."
"Soon I'll be ready. About ten more days I think. You know Stacy, I've not had this much fun for years. I wish your mother was here to enjoy this fine time. But," as he looked up, "she's smiling down on us right now. Okay, go catch the bad guys and call me when you can. I don’t worry much with the big guy watching out for you."
For the next two hours Rory, Ben and Stacy chatted about what a nice summer it started out to be. Stacy said, "If we have some global warming, which it seems like it's in process, then if the sea rises, bye bye Old Town Bandon."
"I heard back east the Atlantic has risen almost a foot since the turn of the century. You know even if Portland sits a long ways away from the sea, if the sea rises at high tide, then Portland could be flooded. What I really think of is the cost to us tax payers if major storms and natural disasters of large magnitude will break the smaller countries. Katrina was over 80 billion I heard. If my math is close that's over $250 for each person in the USA," said Ben.
"Locally Coos Bay is in deep trouble and we'd be cut off from the outside world. To the south the slough would flood Highway 101 and to the north at the dike going out of North Bend. Regardless of being stranded, the economy would disappear and it would be every man for himself. This is really depressing and let's get ready as Brookings is just down this next hill," said Rory.
Their timing was good as it was just before eleven when they pulled into town. They found the Flower Garden Apartments without any trouble. The U shaped apartments indeed had a flower garden inside the U with the back of the apartments facing the distant Pacific Ocean.
Stewart Brown answered the knock on the door. He stood back with his head half lowered allowing entry. Wesly Smoot stood in the small living room near the TV. Stacy noticed both were a smidge above average height and thin. Neither one would be seen as good looking; but not nerdy either. They shook hands and had just enough chairs for all to sit in. Wesly brought two kitchen chairs in for him and Stewart to sit on.
Rory broke the ice saying, "We must read you your rights by law." Rory read the rights to both and then continued with the questioning. "Steve Fisher, your friend, was murdered at the Bandon Lighthouse last Saturday night. You both were seen with him and then left early Sunday morning leaving your friend and teacher colleague hanging over the lighthouse railing. Tell us about what happened that late afternoon and on into the night. The caretaker of the park will testify he warned you five campers to hold the noise down. He saw you depart for the lighthouse area next to the beach. The truth is best."
Stewart and Wesly looked at each other waiting for the other one to speak. Finally, Stewart, who was the oldest at thirty said, "We may need an attorney, however, what we tell you, all four of us will say or repeat the same story is this: We were parting hardy. It was the end of the year for us. We're young, single and love booze and music. During the school year we tend to business.
The night in question we were told to be quiet or leave. We drove down in my van to the lighthouse parking area. We continued our party with a fire on the beach. Steve Fisher was new this year to Brookings. He seemed a nice guy who liked to enjoy himself. Sitting around the campfire he told us of a great high of erotic asphyxiation. He went on to say that he'd done it many times with a partner or by himself. We were dumbfounded at first. He pulled out a potato from his pocket. He showed us a hole in one end where a string would be passed through. Next he showed us the wire clip we use all the time at school.
After showing us the wire clip attached to his nose he put the potato in to show how it would plug up the throat and wind pipe. When he told us that just at the time of ejaculation, you pull out the potato and experience a great high. The weird thing is he wanted one of us to pull the potato out when he came. None of us were interested. WE thought he was crazy.
The last thing he said to us was he'd a key to the lighthouse and would go up to the top landing and do the deed by himself. I told him he was on his own and we left to return to camp stone sober. I did agree to come back and pick him up in an hour or so.
The four of us sat in camp talking about what a stupid guy he was. By that time none of us were sleepy so we decided to break camp. After we broke camp, we drove down to pick Steve up. We thought he'd be walking up the road, but no Steve. We came to the lighthouse and with a flashlight we saw him bent over the railing not moving. We got scared and drove back to Brookings. That's what happened detectives."
"For educated people and educators, you're a poor excuse for setting examples to others," said an angry Stacy. You had a lot of time to discuss the event and then make a good decision. Instead, you pack up your bags then run away. Didn't you think for a moment the police would be right behind you?"
"We panicked and that wasn't very smart of us," said Wesly Smoot. Regardless of his fetish to seek the erotic level he so desired, we shouldn't have left him."
"The evidence of his ejaculation would indicate he performed as expected. However, afterwards somebody secured his wrists and ankles. We presume that after that the potato was forced into his mouth and when he was almost gone, it was yanked on so hard the potato broke leaving Steve Fisher to suffocate ultimately causing death. In our book of homicide you four guys had means, opportunity and motive. I'd guess at this point you will have to let a jury decide guilt or innocence," said Stacy.
Ben was watching the two young men squirm and shake their heads maintaining innocence. He decided to play the good cop saying, "Stewart and Wesly, listen to me." Their heads popped up hearing a new voice. Both had fear written across their foreheads. "What time did you arrive back in camp after leaving Steve? It's possible someone saw you four guys and will support your story of not being at the lighthouse when Steve was murdered."
"I think it was around ten pm when we came back. We sat aro
und talking about what to do and how crazy Steve had become. Rick wanted to go back and get him, but Doug said let him be. Doug was really pissed off at Steve. Anyway, I'm not sure but I think we left the park around eleven thirty. Stew what do you remember," asked Wesly.
"I really don't remember, but when we went through Bandon I thought my car clock said not yet midnight. I do remember we arrived here in Brookings at two thirty. I crashed hard and didn't stir until late Sunday morning. This is just not what I expected from a nice get together after school was out. I can see we are in deep shit here Wes. I'll call my parents later."
"Look guys, think hard about anybody that might have seen you in camp before you left and if anyone might have seen you leaving the park to the highway and not back down to the lighthouse before midnight," said Ben in a tone that would instill hope in the two teachers.
"Tell us where Steve Fisher is from and what you know about him," asked Rory.
Stewart said, "He's from Houston. Father is a lawyer and mother works in a bank. He's a rich kid, spoiled, but from what we know, a good teacher to the kids. He likes to party, but doesn't use drugs. Alcohol is our drug of choice. He did complain his old girl friend was bothering him and she claimed she was carrying his baby. Steve told us that weren't possible that she only wanted to marry a rich guy. Oh, he did say she was coming out to see him when school vacation happened. But this last weekend he said nothing about her coming. Jesus this is not god Wes. I think we can kiss our jobs good bye."
"Okay Wesly and Stewart, we're going to interview Rick and Doug at two pm at their school. I suggest you lawyer up. Don't even think about running as we've asked the Brookings police to keep an eye on you and your vehicles," said Stacy telling a white lie.
The restaurant was busy with tourists. But it didn’t take long before they were seated in a nice soft booth with a friendly waitress handing out menus with a longing look at Rory. Instead of feeling jealous, she always felt a little sad that the female longing for a little attention from a tall good looking man wouldn't be forthcoming. Rory only had eyes for Stacy.
After ordering Rory asked Stacy her take on the interview with Stewart and Wesly.
"It's too early to say much Tall Man. They've had time to develop a good story for our ears. Let's see what the other two have to say about time in camp and leaving for home. On the one hand, they very well could have been spectators at the main event. To increase the pleasure Steve has the guys bind his wrists and ankles. Then as he peaks one of the guys pulls too hard and the potato breaks off. Next thing they know he's dead. On the other hand, the story we heard is the truth of it all."
Rory looked at Ben and he shrugged his shoulders. "It's way too early to yet to even think we can draw any conclusions. Their story is not beyond believing that's for sure. People are known to panic under strange circumstances. To try and verify their story, we need to see who was camped around or near the five teachers. Also, we need to notify next of kin and that won't be any fun at all. I can see a tall Texan flying in with his ten gallon hat and snake skin cowboy boots wanting to know who killed his precious son. The girlfriend's story needs looking into and a background check in Houston to see if Steve Fisher left town without any enemies. Lastly, we need to ask around about his relationship with others here in town."
Lunch arrived and the table went silent. Rory was working hard on his table manners in front of Stacy. He was used to gobbling and reaching; now he must chew and ask to please pass……… Stacy smiled knowing his mother would be happy about now seeing her only son using good table manners.
At the middle school both Rick Cresent and Doug Hillgar were waiting for them at the front door. After the intros were out of the way, Rick led the way to the library where they were the only ones in attendance. By the looks on their faces, they'd word from Stewart and Wesly most likely informing both they were prime suspects in the Bandon Lighthouse homicide.
Rory said, "Tell us your movements or doings from say three pm Saturday until your arrived back here in Brookings."
Doug jumped in saying, "We talked to Stew after your visit with him and Wes. Our story is essentially the same as theirs. We want to cooperate so ask away."
"Once again, from three till you got back here. Tell us your story," said a stern voice from Rory.
"We started drinking right after lunch. The weather was nice and we wanted to party for the sake of partying. We'd good tunes playing, but the other campers didn't appreciate the volume. We toned it down and by dusk, the park ranger dude comes down to us screaming to keep it down or he'll kick us out. We moved down to the beach by the jetty. A fire was welcome as the temperature was dropping. It was totally dark with stars in the sky when Steve started talking about the times he'd use erotic asphyxiation when he climaxed. No I don't know what time it was because we're shit faced. At first we didn't believe him and no person in their right mind would do such a thing. But then he pulls out of his hoodie pocket this small potato. He shows us the hole through the end of it with a string or cord in a large loop running through it. Also he has a metal clip that attaches over the nose to block off the air. I'll tell you it was sick shit he was spouting.
Then he wanted one of us or all of us to watch and help him up on the lighthouse walk around. He wanted to pound his unit and strangle at the same time. We all told him forget it man we didn't want any part of the scene he was describing. He told us that was fine by him he'd do it alone. By then we'd sobered up somewhat. He walked off and we left the fire burning and drove back to camp. We sat around in the dark talking about what to do. Stew said he was going to drive back and pick him up. He came back without Steve. Nobody was on the road or near the lighthouse is what Stew told us. We packed up and broke camp. I've no idea what time it was. That's how I remember the day and night in question."
"Did you guys go down to the lighthouse every day or night while camping out at the park," asked Stacy.
"Yes, we'd go down there to not bother the other campers," said Doug. "I don't know what happened after we left, but I know the four of us didn't have a thing to do with his death. Regardless of what happens this is a life changer for all of us. What a mess when all we wanted to do was have some fun on the beach sucking down some suds. I'm sure as soon as the schools find out we'll be suspended till god knows when."
"Who did you see camped nearby that might have reported you guys as being too loud," asked Ben.
"There was an old couple in a Ford motor home not far away. I saw it was a Ford cause my folks have one similar to that one. I could see the old man shaking his fist at us. I waved back smiling. Other than those people I didn't see anyone else nearby," said Doug.
"One more time, don't either one of you have any idea what time it was when you left the bonfire as Steve walked away," asked Stacy. She saw both shake their heads. "How about a cell phone call to anyone that might suggest the time recorded?"
"We'd agreed no cell phones on our person," said Rick.
"How about going down the road to home; did you happen to look at the van clock by chance," asked Rory.
Doug did a snap head up and looked off to the side thinking. "Wait, I did see the van clock as we passed through Bandon. Because it was so quiet out and no cars around I thought it was later than it was. The van clock said just before midnight."
Local Gossip
The victim, Steve Fisher had been a teacher at Kalmiopsis Elementary School. After leaving Rick and Doug to ponder their future, Rory, Ben and Stacy found the principal of the elementary school in her office. Beth Rider was all smiles until she heard the news of the death of one of her teachers.
Stacy cut to the chase and asked, "Ms. Rider, did Steve Fisher have any problems here at school?"
"Not that I'm aware of detective. This was his first year and we did cut him some slack on occasion. The students liked him mostly because he was young."
"How did he get along with the other teachers," asked Stacy.
"Well, now, let me see. Our second grade teacher
, Gail Rimley, seemed to be overly friendly with Steve. It's rumored they had a thing going, but if they did, it was kept on the QT. Other than that, we were set to go with him for the next year."
"Would you mind if we saw his file, Ms. Rider. Stacy saw her think about it and then said, "Just a minute," and called her secretary for Steve's file.
"Ms. Rider was there anything in his background check that piqued your attention," asked Ben.
"Let me refresh my memory here for a minute detective," as she looked through the file making sure it didn't possess any damaging letters or notes. "No, nothing that I can remember. He checked out fine, as I recall.
"We'll keep this file confidential Ms. Rider, but please make a copy of it for our reference," said Stacy. Beth Rider nodded and asked her secretary to copy the file.
"One last question please," asked Stacy, "We'd like the phone number and address of Gail Rimley."
Principal Beth Rider called Gail and set up an interview at her house for five pm.
As they had a little time they drove to the Best Western for accommodations. They were lucky that two rooms were available as the tourist season was in full swing making the cash registers cha zing.
Next door was a Denny's restaurant and after checking in, they had a snack at the restaurant. As Rory tucked into a plate of apple pie ala mode, he said, "Unless something comes up, I think we should take all four guys back with us charging them with at least manslaughter."
"I can't argue that at the present time," said Stacy. Ben nodded agreement. "I'm not convinced they're guilty, but we need to cover our butts."
Murder Mysteries # 2 Page 2