by Leona Fox
“We're going to have to come back in the morning to look for clues aren't we? It's too dark right now,” Ellen said.
“Seems that way,” Andy said, and he, along with a couple of the officers who were making a report, cordoned off the area with yellow tape.
“What time are you coming back here in the morning?” Paul asked.
“This is a crime scene, we really shouldn't allow members of the public here,” Andy replied.
“Can't you make an exception? It is the only way I'm going to learn anything about you and I do want to make this an accurate portrayal. Besides, I mean, it's not like there's a dead body I'm going to disturb,” Paul said.
Andy was about to deny Paul his request when Ellen shot him a look in the dim light of the evening. Andy acquiesced and told Paul to meet them there first thing in the morning. Paul grinned, and was about the only person that left that crime scene feeling happy. As he walked away to his hotel Andy shook his head.
“I have a bad feeling about this,” he said.
Ellen wrapped her arm around his waist and the two of them walked back home, looking forward to some much needed rest before they got around to the business of solving the crime.
Dawn arose, fresh and rosy-fingered, and with it came a brand new day. The sun streamed in through the window and warmed Ellen's skin. She took one moment to breathe in the new day and enjoy the contentment of it before she rose, wasting no time in getting ready. When she arrived at the crime scene there were already people there looking at the cars. The vehicles were arranged haphazardly, pointing in different directions and parked at different angles. They were like mighty beasts locked in a slumber.
“It's ironic, isn't it? These cars cost so much money and they're such a part of our lives now, and really they're kind of a symbol for human ingenuity itself. Yet, they're brought to a standstill so easily by removing liquid. It renders this massive, expensive construct completely inert,” Ellen said.
Andy murmured in response but it was clear he barely had heard what she had said. “You're thinking about Paul again, aren't you?”
“If he so much as does one thing that interferes with this investigation I'm taking him out of there. It's only because of you that I'm giving him as much leeway as I am.”
“And I thank you for that, but he's just curious, and this is part of his work. I'm sure it'll be fine. I know you're against the whole thing in the first place but I don't think you should let that cloud your judgment of the man. He seems to be a good sort so far. I mean, you saw him last night, he was really good with all the people who wanted to talk with him. I couldn't have dealt with that and I run a cafe for a living!”
“Hmm, yes, well, I'm sure it's not the hardest thing in the world to talk to adoring fans when they're all pretty girls.”
“I love her, but I think the day you describe Mrs. Morris as a pretty girl is the day I either know you've gone blind or insane...or both.”
Andy huffed. “Alright, point taken. I will try to be more patient with him,” he said, but it was clear he still was bristling with tension.
Then again, Andy never had been a morning person, unlike Ellen. To their surprise Paul was there waiting for them, looking as fresh as the night before. He greeted them warmly and asked them about the procedure.
“We're just going to inspect the crime scene now to see if there are any clues. Please keep your distance and try not to touch anything. We don't know what might be important,” Andy said.
They crept around the cars, looking at the ground and the vehicles themselves. Drops of oil stained the ground, but it provided no assistance in trying to ascertain the identity of the gas bandit.
“Have you ever found a clue at the crime scene that has solved the murder instantly?” Paul asked.
“It's not usually as simple as that. But sometimes, yes,” Andy replied.
“And do you have a method you use to go through a crime scene or does it depend on where the crime was committed, and is it hard when the crime scene is outside like this because the weather is a factor?”
Andy answered the questions patiently, but there was no end to them and the constant stream was taking its toll. Each answer became terser and Ellen could see Andy was growing more and more irritated, although Paul seemed oblivious to it. The actor began talking about a previous role of his where he had played a cop and it was nothing like what Andy was doing now. Andy managed to hold his tongue, but Ellen knew it was only a matter of time before he would snap and say something that he possibly would regret. When they had finished going around the cars they stood in the middle and pursed their lips. There was no sign of anything.
“I still don't understand how they could have gotten all the gas away without anyone noticing. I mean, with the amount they stole they would have needed a truck or something,” Ellen said.
“Yeah, it's going to be another one of those cases isn't it? The ones that are never easy,” Andy replied.
“Are any of them?”
They shared a weary smile, but it soon was broken up by Paul, who interrupted with an unimpressed tone, “Is that it?” he asked.
That was the moment when Ellen saw Andy's face change and she knew if she didn't do something, her boyfriend was going to erupt with anger at the actor. Before Andy could reply, Ellen stepped in and pulled Paul aside.
“You know, there's not really much going on here at the moment. All we're going to do now is collate the reports from the previous night and ask around if anyone saw any trucks drive by. It's not very exciting and I imagine you'll be bored. Why don't you go around town and ask people their impressions of Andy? It might help you develop the character if you see how people feel about Andy and what they think.”
Silently, she sighed with relief when Paul nodded in agreement and said that was a good idea. When he bid them farewell, Andy became visibly relaxed.
“Thank you for that,” he said. “Just the sight of him being here annoys me, but at least now we can get some work done.”
“Yeah, but where do we start?” Ellen said.
The two of them had their hands on their hips as they looked out at the cars before them, none of them holding any clue as to who committed the crime and where they went afterward. It was the worst type of crime scene because it meant that all they had were theories when they needed cold, hard facts.
Chapter 3
For a Hollywood star who was used to the glitz and glamour of the movie business, East Pender was a far cry from what Paul knew. The small town was quaint, and reminded him of movie sets he had worked on. His career had taken him to a few different countries and yet, he never had been in a place quite like East Pender. There was some innate quality about the town, some wholesome feeling that perfectly captured the essence of America. He had to admit it was nice to have a break from the rigors of Hollywood. He also was surprised at the politeness of people.
In Los Angeles everyone was selfish and had no time for each other, and usually when he went to other places they expressed some kind of ownership of him, as though because they knew him from films that somehow entitled them to treat him as an object to pose at their whims. He enjoyed interacting with fans when they respected him as a person, and when they didn't treat him as if he owed them his time, and in East Pender so far he had been met with nothing but friendliness. A few people perhaps had been a little star-struck but that was to be expected. Yet, nobody had yelled out abuse for any of his movie roles. People had been more curious about his lifestyle than anything.
The day was pleasant and he enjoyed the smell of the sweet, fresh air, which was a sharp contrast to the thick smog that was layered over the city of angels. This was a place in which he could see himself living upon retirement, a quiet place where he could allow himself time with his thoughts and simply enjoy the slow, languid passage of time. In some respects, he enjoyed Los Angeles for the things it offered, but he never had felt an emotional attachment to the city. People always thought Hollywood was a place where d
reams come true, but if that were the case then The Sunset Strip in L.A. is where they went to die.
He had seen so many people end up on the streets, thinking they could make it as a star, and those who failed far outnumbered those who succeeded. He knew he was one of the privileged, and that if things had gone in another direction he may well have ended up as one of those unfortunate souls himself. The people of East Pender didn't seem to have those types of problems, though. From what he had seen so far everyone was friendly and had a healthy respect for each other and their town. One of the things that struck him was how clean the streets were. The sidewalks were not dirty and there was no litter flying about, which was a problem that plagued The Strip. All in all, he was impressed with the small town, and he was glad he had taken the role.
As he strolled along the sidewalk he didn't really know where to begin, but floating on the air was the sweet smell of freshly-baked bread. This tempted him into the bakery, where he was greeted by a friendly woman with ruddy features. An array of treats was laid out in front of him and his eyes widened at how delicious they looked.
“You made these all yourself?” he asked in wonder, and the woman nodded proudly.
“You're that movie star, aren't you?” she asked, and, in turn, he nodded.
“Well, in that case,” she said, gathering up a few sticky buns, placing them in a bag, and handing them over, “these are for you.”
“Oh, really, that's so kind but I must insist that I pay for them,” Paul said, but the baker would not hear of it.
“No, no, I always have said if anyone famous came into my shop I would offer them a free treat. I've enjoyed your films and this is what I have to offer you. This is my talent so please take it in the spirit in which it is given,” she said, and Paul was unable to say no to that.
He pulled out one of the buns and took a bite, and instantly he was sent to heaven. It was filled with cream as well, and this poured out and filled his mouth. He groaned in pleasure.
“Now I really feel guilty for taking these for free. These are the best buns I've ever tasted! Have you ever thought about selling the recipe? Many people would love these, and I bet you even could open up a location in a city, maybe start a brand or something?” he asked, but the baker only laughed softly.
“Not all of us are meant for the bright lights like you. I'm quite happy where I am. This bakery has been in my family for generations and we've always lived in East Pender, it's in our blood. I always say these buns taste as good as they do because they're made in East Pender. If I took them out I don't think they'd be the same, but thank you all the same,” she said. Paul promptly insisted on buying a few other things, which the baker eventually agreed to.
“My personal trainer is going to hate me for this,” he said as he popped another bun into his mouth and began eating it heartily.
As he spoke he began asking about Andy, telling the baker about his role and that he was looking for what people thought of the police chief.
“Oh, Andy, he's wonderful, much better than the old one. We all were a bit wary, you see, because he was coming from the big city. We didn't know if he'd really take to heart the way of the town but he's as much one of us as anyone else. I don't know what we'd do without him. We've seen some bad things, you know, but he and Ellen really have been a force for good. I've got nothing but praise and I'm glad you'll be playing him because I know you'll do him justice,” she said.
With that, Paul thanked her and went on his way, stopping in on various stores along the way and speaking with the owners and customers inside, most of whom had nothing but praise for Andy. They all saluted his work ethic and everything that he had brought to this town, and often whenever they mentioned Andy, Ellen soon followed. He quickly realized the two of them together made for a formidable partnership.
“And I’m so glad they finally got together. I was so happy for them. They'd been dancing around it for so long and it was obvious to practically everyone apart from themselves that they were meant to be together. It is so nice when love finally blossoms,” one lady said, and many others expressed the same sentiment.
Some, however, did not share this view. A few men appeared to be jealous of Andy as it seemed Ellen had been coveted by many of the men in the town, and more than a few women were jealous of Ellen as well. They spoke highly of Andy as a police officer and a man, but added a caveat that, “He has terrible taste in women.” It seemed as though they thought of Ellen as something of a spinster, and that he could have done much better. But all of the opinions he gathered were illuminating and Paul stored them away for later, knowing they would help to enhance his performance.
The more he spoke with the people of East Pender the more he grew to like the town as well. They were so easy to speak with he felt as though he was friends with them and this wasn't just his first visit to the town. The store owners were quick to offer him free samples of things and everything he tasted was delicious. It had that homemade quality that added a hint of something extra to the food, and just when he thought that he had found the best thing he ever tasted, he then tasted something even better!
There was one particular piece of cheese he tasted and wanted more, but the owner said he was waiting for the next supply to come in, after which Paul expressed his disappointment.
“You could try going there directly, they might have some. I buy it in bulk, you see, so I have to wait for them to make it. But if you just wanted a little bit for yourself I'm sure they could sort you out. It's a little way out of town. Jonathan is the man's name, although you might run into his son Ryan. Good people they are, real salt of the Earth types. I'm sure they can sort you out with whatever you want.”
Paul thanked him and went on his way, figuring a nice drive in the country would be enjoyable. Thankfully, he had left his car at the hotel rather than driving it to the cafe, so it still had gas. He roared along the narrow, winding road that led away from the heart of the town. The road was framed by trees and bushes, but along the way he caught sight of ranging fields with animals grazing upon them. They stretched out to where they met the horizon, and there was a sharp divide between the lush green of the land and the calming blue of the sky. It was easy to forget there were cities like Los Angeles out there. This really was like another world to Paul. In a way, he envied Andy and Ellen and all the people of East Pender for being able to enjoy this scenery on a daily basis. He hoped they appreciated how lucky they were.
The road led him to the farm, which was a collection of buildings, including a barn, a house, and a few other things. There were bales of hay in a nearby field and a tractor beside the entrance to the house. Paul parked his car on the soft grass and strode to the door of the house, licking his lips at the thought of that tasty cheese. The house was small and the brickwork was old. He imagined it had been standing for a long, long time. He was about to knock on the door when he heard a voice call out to him. A young man, no older than eighteen, ran across from the barn and waved his hand. Paul turned to face him.
The young man, who Paul assumed to be Ryan, was tall and strong, with a broad frame and deep, sun-kissed skin. Yet, although he had the body of a man, his face was that of a pup.
“Can I help you?” he asked.
“I actually came for some cheese,” Paul said, and referred to the man who had directed him to the farm. Ryan ran his hand through his hair and blew out his cheeks.
“You came a long way for that,” he said.
“I actually came for something else as well. I just wanted to ask you a few questions--” and as soon as he said this Ryan became slightly flustered.
Ryan’s eyes darted around, but Paul put it down to the fact of his stardom. The door to the house then opened and an older man came out, looking frail and fatigued. Ryan instantly went over to the man, evidently Jonathan, and helped support him.
“Go back inside, Pa. You know you're not supposed to be up,” Ryan said.
“I only wanted to see who was at the door. I'
m not gone yet. I can still do things,” the crotchety man said.
Paul observed the scene in silence, watching the father and son interact. Jonathan seemed a lot older than he actually was, and Paul knew there must have been something wrong with him. From the way Ryan rushed to his father's side Paul could tell the young man was concerned. He wondered how tough it must be as it only appeared to be the two of them on the farm. Making a living was tough enough without having to contend with the forces of time ravaging a body. Ryan looked apologetically at Paul.
“I'm sorry about this, I'll be with you in a moment,” he said as he ushered the older man inside.
“Is everything okay?” Paul asked innocently.
“Yeah, it's fine,” Ryan said, although from the look in his eyes Paul knew this not to be the case.
Over the course of his career Paul had become quite the astute observer of other people and the human condition in general. He was a Hollywood star but prided himself on honing his craft and had become quite a chameleon of an actor. Thus, he spent a lot of time examining people and the way they interacted with each other and the world. Ryan escorted his father back inside and then emerged with a chunk of cheese.
“Sorry, that's all we've really got at the moment. I need the rest of it to deliver to our clients,” he said, looking exhausted.
“That will do me for now,” Paul said, taking the cheese and handing over some money, “must be hard work, running this farm with just the two of you.”
“Yeah, it is. We have a couple of people who come and help now and then but, other than that, it's just the two of us. It's rewarding, though, and it's been in the family for, well as long as the town has been here. We're proud of the tradition.”
“I can imagine. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions about something?” Paul asked.
“Uh, sure, I guess. I mean, I don't know how much help I'll be but, yeah, go for it.”