No Kill Station: Murder at Rehoboth Beach

by Diane Meier

  “So will Clara stop writing the blog?”

  Matt laughed. Clara had told him that it was fine to say she had been writing the blog “I hope so. We’ll see.”

  CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT

  T

  he next morning, Matt sat with Henry at breakfast. “I want to tell you about what happened last night. The police arrested a bunch of dog fighters.” “Dogs were fighting? Not Snowflake and Smokey?” Henry asked with a horrified look on his face.

  Matt smiled. “Not Snowflake and Smokey. Some other dogs with very bad owners. They were awful people who forced their dogs to fight each other.”

  “That’s horrible. Somebody should stop that,” said Henry with his usual passion whenever animals were involved.

  “That’s the good news,” said Matt, happy to reassure his son. “I went with the state troopers and SWAT team to arrest the bad people. Then I made sure that the dogs were taken to a good place where they will be well cared for and get retrained. Somebody will adopt them.”

  “Wow, Dad, that’s terrific.”

  “I think you’ll like the next thing I’m going to tell you. To make sure that homeless dogs and cats in our state get good care and are

  No Kill Station adopted by families, I’m going to be the SPCA Director. I hope you won’t mind that I’m not going to be a police officer anymore.” Henry was amazed. “I don’t mind at all. Can I help you at the SPCA? Dogs and cats like me a lot.”

  “I know they do. Yes of course. You can be my ……” Matt tried to think of a good title that would make Henry feel good.

  “Deputy! I want to be your deputy.”

  “Okay, deputy it is,” Matt smiled. “I could put you in charge of the kids who volunteer for the SPCA. Would you like that? The kids could take dogs and cats into the yard for playtime.”

  “That would be awesome. I’d really like that. I can’t wait to tell Scott.”

  “Good, except it has to be a secret until later today. First I’m going over to make sure that the animals at the SPCA are being cared for. Then I’ll go with my state trooper friend to arrest the person who murdered the SPCA Director.”

  Henry look worried. “Nobody will murder you when you’re SPCA Director, will they, Dad?”

  “No way. Nobody messes with a SPCA Director who used to be a cop. After school Clara is going to bring you to the press conference about the dog fighting bust and the arrest of the killer. They will also tell everyone that I’ll be the SPCA Director.”

  Henry jumped out of his chair and started doing his happy dance, kicking his feet up, spinning around, and clapping his hands.

  Matt laughed. “I love that dance, Henry. But we’ve got to get you to school now. Come on.”

  After dropping Henry off, Matt went to the SPCA and told the staff there would be a staff meeting. The staff fed the animals and talked quietly with each other about what could be happening.

  The Mayor called Matt. “Thanks for your call last night about the bust. I’m really proud that a Rehoboth police officer pulled this off.”

  “I just worked with Aidan on the plan. The SWAT team did the bust. Everybody in Delaware can be proud of our SWAT team.”

  “Very true. But none of this would have happened without you interfering as usual,” the Mayor said with a chuckle.

  “Thank you, Mayor Riley. I’m here at the SPCA to make sure the staff takes care of the animals. I’ll go with Aidan to arrest Tina Patterson. Later there’s an emergency meeting of the SPCA Board. Cassie Deavers informed the Board of what’s happening. I’m just hoping that they’ll vote to offer me the job. Actually I already told Henry that I have the job and that may have been a mistake.”

  “Don’t worry about that. I am completely confident that the Board will hire you. I called all the members of the three county councils this morning. I woke some of them up,” the Mayor said with a chuckle. “Most of them will be calling SPCA Board members to say you should be the new director. The counties’ dog control contracts are what keep the SPCA afloat financially so the Board listens to the council members.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I’m going to make sure that the SPCA complies with every law and that we give every homeless dog and cat the best care possible. Delaware has an outstanding animal shelter law. I intend to comply with the letter and spirit of that law.”

  “We’ll miss you on our police force, Matt, but I’m confident that Jay will find the right person for the job. He found you.”

  “I am so glad he did,” Matt smiled. “Henry and I are really happy here in Rehoboth.”

  “How’s Clara Butler, speaking of how happy you are.”

  “She’s doing well, Mr. Mayor.”

  “Is she still going to write that blog?” asked the Mayor. “Hopefully, there won’t be problems at the SPCA to write about.”

  Aidan was amused by everybody being concerned about Clara criticizing the SPCA. “I hope so. You’re the third person to ask me that. Jay and Aidan did too. I will always try to stay on Clara’s good side.”

  “That’s wise, Matt. I have learned that the hard way in my thirty years with Mrs. Riley, who has been a saint to put up with me. She wants to speak with you.”

  Mrs. Riley came on the line. “I want to shake your hand, young man. I want your promise that you’ll come to dinner with your son and Clara Butler. The Mayor has told me all about you folks. Is this Saturday good for you?”

  “Yes Ma’am. We wouldn’t miss one of your dinners. It’s nice of you to include Henry. I appreciate it.”

  “Good,” said Mrs. Riley. “I know you have work to do, so we’ll let you go. See you Saturday.”

  It was time for the staff meeting. The group was waiting in the break room for Matt.

  “Thank you for meeting with me. I want to tell you about what has happened.” Matt described the dog fighting bust quickly. “Doug Sasso was arrested for selling SPCA animals as bait. All of the animal control officers were also arrested.”

  Donna gasped. “SPCA animals were used for bait? Oh my God, that’s awful.”

  Matt was relieved to see that her shock was genuine. He would need her in the transition. The rest of the group sat silently but it didn’t seem to be much of a surprise to them. That was a bad sign.

  “We will soon arrest the person who killed Gary Randolph. I can’t tell you who it is yet. There will be a press conference later today. Meanwhile you should think of Donna as being in charge here. The SPCA Board will be coming over later. I’m sure you have a lot of questions but I can’t give you any answers right now. Thanks for your time.”

  There was a stunned silence. As Matt left the room everyone seemed to start talking at once.

  Diane Meier Donna hurried after Matt. “Should I call Cassie Deaver to find out if I’m supposed to be in charge?”

  “I spoke with her yesterday, and you are definitely supposed to handle things this morning. Just keep the staff calm and make sure the animals are taken care of properly. It won’t be possible to respond to calls for animal control. Have the dispatcher tell people that you’ll get them help as soon as possible. Cassie will be here soon to tell you more.”

  “Okay, I’ll try, but it’s all so upsetting,” Donna started to cry.

  “I know, Donna. Just do the best you can. I’ve got to get going. I see Officer Putnam is waiting outside in the squad car.”

  Matt walked quickly outside to avoid more questions and got into the Aidan’s squad car.

  CHAPTER FORTY-NINE

  “H

  ow did it go in there?” asked Aidan.

  “I’m not sure how many of the staff were involved in this mess. It’s going to take some digging. For the moment, they’re taking care of the animals. I got the fighting dogs into the satellite kennels last night. The dogs will be fine for now.”

  “Usually the fighting dogs are immediately put down,” said Aidan. “I’m not sure why you think you can help them, but if anybody can do it, I’m sure you can.”

  “I appreciate
that, Aidan. I’m meeting with the SPCA Board right after we arrest Tina. Hopefully they will offer me the job and I can get started immediately.”

  “I don’t understand it, but if that’s what you want, that’s great. I wouldn’t worry about whether you’ll get the job. I’m sure that Mayor Riley is working the phones to make sure that the Board votes the right way. You’re a hero now, the state’s savior of the animals. Saint Matthew of Rehoboth.”

  Matt laughed. “You’re driving me nuts, you know. Let’s go arrest Tina. I cannot wait to see her in handcuffs.”

  As soon as they pulled into the gravel driveway, Tina came out on the porch. “Did you arrest that awful Clara Butler?” “Now why would we do that, Tina?” asked Matt, making his face look puzzled.

  “You didn’t arrest her? Why not? What are you waiting for?” Aidan took out his handcuffs. “You are under arrest for the murder of Gary Randolph and for participation in illegal dog fighting by trapping those cats.”

  “What are you talking about?” Tina yelled. She started to run into the house but Matt blocked her.

  “That’s not a good idea,” said Matt. “You really don’t want to be put in handcuffs in front of your father, do you?”

  Aidan grabbed Tina’s arms behind her and read the Miranda rights.

  “Clara Butler is framing me,” Tina screamed. “She’s the killer! She’s the killer!”

  Aidan started laughing. “Tina, it is so ironic that you would say that, since you were trying to frame Clara.”

  As Aidan marched her to the car and recited her rights, Tina cried, “You’ll have to release me later. You’ve got nothing on me.” “Ah, that’s where you’re wrong,” said Aidan. “The Medical Examiner found hairs in that mess you made of Randolph’s brains. Now that you’ve been arrested, we’ll get a swab with your DNA. We have the SPCA security tape that shows you wearing the same hoodie as in the video of you peering into Clara Butler’s window. That was pretty stupid, Tina. You might want to think about a confession to spare your father the stress of a trial.”

  “What the hell? Clara Butler videotaped me without my permission? That’s illegal”

  Matt laughed. “Guess what, Tina. I’m going to be running the SPCA now. As you know, I’m committed to the no kill ethic.” As Aidan got Tina into the car, she was cursing a blue streak. Matt got in and looked back at her. “Does your father know you curse like that, Tina? Will he visit you in jail?”

  Aidan drove back to the SPCA and dropped Matt off. “Have a good interview. See you at the press conference, buddy.”

  CHAPTER FIFTY

  Cassie was in the SPCA lobby when Matt returned. Cassie reached out and shook his hand. “Did you arrest the killer?” “She’s on her way to jail as we speak.”

  Cassie started toward the break room. “The Board is waiting. I just want to tell you that I am absolutely horrified about the SPCA selling animals to dog fighters. I will never forgive myself. The Board should have prevented this nightmare. We let down the state’s homeless animals. And we violated the public trust. I am very ashamed of this mess.”

  “Randolph was a very slick operator, Ms. Deavers. And sadly this happens at other shelters.”

  “It’s horrifying that people entrusted to help animals would abuse them this way. Come into the break room and meet the rest of the Board.”

  Cassie introduced him to the other Board members and handed out his resume. She briefed them on how Randolph and Sasso sold SPCA animals as bait and the bust at the dog fight. She described Matt’s qualifications for the director job. “I know you’re as grateful as I am to Matt. I’d like to have a vote on his application to serve as SPCA Director. All in favor please say aye.” “Now just a minute, I think some discussion is in order,” said an older man with an angry frown on his face.

  Cassie sighed with exasperation. “What did you want to discuss?”

  “Matt seems like a fine fellow, but what are his qualifications for running an animal shelter? I’ve looked at his resume and I see nothing in it about animal shelters. I think we should do a nationwide search.”

  “Allen Jenkins, Matt is extraordinarily well qualified, and no search would find anyone better. He has proved his dedication to homeless animals by finding out about the sale of animals to dog fighters and planning the bust. He put his life on the line in that bust along with the SWAT team. He deserves our thanks for that.” “I just hope we got the worst of those people,” said Matt. “But we will always have to be on the lookout for new dog fighting rings in this state. I am confident that the state troopers will now do that.”

  “That’s good to know, Matt,” said Cassie. “Everyone should know that many shelters in this country have hired police officers as directors. A former police officer understands how critical it is to ensure that laws are obeyed. Police officers also understand the importance of training and supervision to ensure compliance with all laws by shelter staff and animal control officers. We have an outstanding shelter law in Delaware. Compliance with that law will ensure that we have a model animal shelter.”

  “We all know about the law, Cassie,” said Jenkins. “And not all of us agree with it.”

  “It is the law, Allen, so it doesn’t matter whether you agree with it or not. It was an outrage that Gary Randolph openly complained about the burdens of Delaware’s law in meetings and in social media. Disgraceful. Do you have anything to add, Matt?” “I’d like to state a few conditions for my acceptance of the position before the Board votes.”

  “Of course. You have the floor, Matt,” said Cassie.

  “I promise to be brief. My conditions are simple. First, I want to transform this shelter and save every animal that we can. Second, I want to immediately hire trainers so that the fighting dogs have a chance to be adopted. Third, I want to immediately find new satellite kennels for Kent County and New Castle. Fourth, I want to find a new name for the shelter to reflect our new beginning.” “I support every condition,” said Cassie. “Does anyone have any questions for Matt about these conditions?”

  Several Board members asked whether saving so many animals was financially feasible. Aidan carefully explained how it would be done. “I have studied the successful shelters that have implemented these policies and I believe that I can make this work. The key is to turbocharge the adoptions by means of good marketing and adoption events all over the state. And we will also encourage responsible rescue groups to work with us instead of keeping them out the way Randolph did.”

  One Board member asked about how fighting dogs could possibly be adopted into families. She was worried that they were just too vicious.

  Matt described how the Michael Vick dogs had been retrained and adopted by people who wanted to help them have new lives. “There are many examples of success with retraining dogs who have been abused. They need love, patience and lots of long walks. I want to hire a trainer to start the process. We owe the dogs that much.”

  Allen Jenkins was not buying any of it. “How do you pay for all that? The SPCA budget is already stretched too thin.” “People are more willing to make donations to shelters that have the highest save rates. One of the biggest problems with high kill facilities is that people avoid entering them. It’s too depressing to see animals who are likely to be killed. More people coming to see animals will not only increase the numbers of animals adopted but also the number of people willing to volunteer and make donations.”

  Jenkins and the elderly woman next to him muttered together. Cassie gave them both a look that could give somebody frostbite. “I want to make one more point. Matt is very experienced in dealing with the public. Mayor Riley has commended Matt for his exemplary service on the Rehoboth police force.”

  Allen Jenkins stood up. “I’m sorry, but what is being proposed is a fantasy. Total nonsense. I can see that you people are going to go along with all this. Therefore I resign from this Board.” “I agree with Allen. I resign too,” said the woman next to him. “I accept your resignations. Thank you f
or your service,” said Cassie. “All in favor of hiring Matt as director, please say aye.” The vote was unanimous. Cassie smiled in relief. “Will you accept our offer, Matt?”

  “I am happy to accept the job. Thank you for accepting the conditions. With your support we can make this a model shelter,” said Matt.

  “What are you going to do about the staff?” asked Cassie. “Were any of them involved in the selling of animals? Even if they weren’t involved, can they adjust to the new ways of operating?” “I have former state troopers ready to start in the animal control jobs tomorrow. They’re retired K9 troopers. I also have retired military K9 personnel. I’ll interview the staff and assess their willingness to cooperate with me in these major operational changes. I’m hopeful that Donna can make the transition.”

  “That all sounds very good. Any other questions for Matt?” asked Cassie. “Good, let’s call in the staff and announce that Matt is the new Director.”

  CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE

  The Governor was at the press conference to take full credit for the dog bust. The chief of the state troopers spoke about quantities of drugs confiscated and numbers of arrests. The SWAT team and state troopers were praised. The Governor and other dignitaries shook hands on the way out.

  Mayor Riley spoke with pride of how Aidan and Matt had worked to arrest Randolph’s killer and plan the dog fighting bust. Cassie Deavers briefly spoke about the SPCA Board commitment to ensure that nothing like this ever happened again and to announce that Matt was the new SPCA Director. The press was allowed to ask questions for an hour. Matt spoke about the changes he would make at the SPCA. After promises to speak more with the press at another time, Matt was able to get away and find Clara and Henry.

  Henry practically pushed Matt over with a huge hug. “Dad, you’re a hero! Now can I tell Scott about everything?”

  “Absolutely,” said Matt. Henry got busy texting right away.