by Sioux Dallas
“That’s what we’re here for, to help.” He stopped in front of Herb almost as tall as Herb.
“You’re a detective? A detective where?”
“At one time I was on the city force. Now I’m in a private office with Hannah Rutherford. I’m sure you’ve heard of the Lost Cause Detective Agency.”
“I sure have and I have heard a lot of good about Hannah. So you’re working there now. Why are you working here today?”
“Sorry, I didn’t get your name.” Herb spoke firmly.
“Oh yes. I’m Lieutenant Jason McCormack.”
They shook hands and Herb continued talking.
“There was a murder and a lot of people gathered around. The patrolman had no help and I volunteered to help. Now I’m going down to the stores with this kind gentleman and find the girl that discovered the murderer working, screamed and ran.”
“This man can identify the girl?”
“My name is Ralph Borden and yes, I can identify the girl. If we don’t get down there she could disappear.”
“Let’s go,” Herb turned to hurry away.
“Hey, hey! Where do you think you’re going? You can’t go messing into police business. You’re not authorized.” Jason angrily stated.
“Any citizen can provide any information to a police investigation. No, I’m no longer on the city force, but this man can identify someone very important to this case. If we don’t get down there, she may be gone and the police will lose valuable information. You can’t go because you have to stay here and help with crowd control. I’m sure not authorized for that. Come on, Ralph.” Herb hurried away with Jason sputtering and Ralph looking frightened and unsure.
Sure enough, as they got within a few feet of the “tourist stores” and snack bar, Ralph called out excitedly, “There she goes. She and that fellow are going up to where the cars are parked.”
Herb started running calling, “Miss. Miss. Please wait a minute.”
The young couple looked back and took off running to a red Toyota sports car. Just as they got almost to their car, a police car pulled up and Chief Wingate jumped out.
“Stop right there. You’re not in trouble, but you will be if you run.”
The couple did stop looking anxious and frightened. “Why us?” the young man stuttered. “We haven’t done anything.”
“No one said you did,” the Chief answered them. “I think these two men have a few questions for you.”
Herb took Ralph’s arm and pulled him closer. “Take a close look. Is this the lady you saw?”
“Yes, it is, and I’ll swear to that.”
The girl burst out crying and the young man was angry. He hugged her close to him. “She didn’t commit any crime. Why don’t you let her alone?”
“Ma’am”, the Chief began, “did you see a crime being committed? Weren’t you close to the woman that was killed up there on the boardwalk?”
She nodded, unable to talk for crying.
“So what?” The young man was still very angry. “She didn’t commit any crime.”
“We need a description of the person or persons who did commit the crime. If we don’t get a lead on them now, you might be the next one lying just as that poor girl is.”
“Can we talk privately?” the young man asked.
“Sure. Get in here.” The Chief opened his back door and motioned for them to get in and sit. He closed the door and stepped aside to talk to Herb and to meet Ralph.
“Herb, I was first annoyed with you, but when Pvt. McDonald told me how you helped with crowd control until the Lt. got there, I realized why you were helping. Too, Hannah ripped me up and down for not backing you.” He laughed.
He turned to Ralph. “Thank you for being a good citizen. I’m Chief Wingate.”
“Yes, I know who you are. I’m Ralph Borden. I’m a coach at the local high school and try to instill in my students that they must respect and cooperate with our police.”
“Thank God for teachers who do more than stand in a classroom and draw a paycheck. Did you see anything?”
“Not really. I was getting out of my car and heard a scream. When I looked up, this couple was running toward me and passed me. When I looked back to see what they were running from, I saw the body.”
“This was the couple you saw?”
“Yes, sir.”
They heard the man knocking on the window of the car. The handles are removed from the back seats in a police car and there’s a steel mesh between the people in the back and the police in the front. This keeps the prisoners from escaping or doing harm to the police.
The Chief hurried over and opened the door. “Are you ready to tell us now what you saw? We can talk here or go down to the station.”
“We’ll talk,” the woman sniffed.
Chief Wingate took a notebook from his pocket and a pen. “First I need your names, address and telephone.”
“I’m Anna Marie Wingate,” the girl giggled. “No relation, I don’t think. I live at 826 N. Ocean Blvd. phone 555-8743. Is that what you need?”
“For the present. Thank you. And you, sir.”
“I’m Andrew Mason, 486 N. Ocean Blvd., phone 555-9764.”
“Thank you both. Now tell me what you saw.”
They looked at each other and then Anna Marie spoke. “We were walking along just talking and I heard a sound like someone moaning or calling for help. I looked ahead of us and saw a couple bending over someone on the boardwalk. I thought the person was hurt and they were helping whoever it was. We just walked on until they looked up and saw us coming.”
Andrew took up the account. “I saw two people in white uniforms bending over someone on the walk. They saw us and ran. That surprised me that they would run so I called out, ’hey, what’s going on?’ they just ran faster. I did see that they were each carrying an igloo that looked as if it might be full of ice or something. That’s all we saw until we got close and saw it was the body of a young woman and she was bloody. Anna Marie screamed and people started running toward us. She ran from me down the walk and I took off after her. I didn’t know why she would run.”
“I just hated to look at all that blood and didn’t know what had happened. Why would they run instead of helping her?”
Andrew continued. “I did notice something peculiar. The smaller person, whom I assumed to be a nurse, ran strangely. I had a feeling it might be a man wearing a wig and dress.”
“Why did you assume she was a nurse?” Hannah asked. Chief Wingate glared at her.
“They were both in white clothes and white shoes. The smaller person even had on white stockings. They could have been interns, or someone dressed as such trying to leave false clues.”
Chief Wingate smiled at them. “Thank you. This is more information than we’ve received so far and it is most helpful. Come to the station as soon as you can and give us a statement that can be used in our files.”
“Do we have to?” the girl whined.
“Yes. You do. A good citizen would be glad to do so.”
The couple left and the Chief turned to Hannah. “I’ve tried to keep you out of this, but you keep turning up like a bad penny.” He smiled and hugged her. He reached to shake Herb’s hand and thank him for his help.
“We do have a little more information, but the more we get the more puzzling the crime gets. It’s clear body parts are being harvested, but by whom, and who are they selling to?”
Herb left stating he wanted to know what was happening to Thomas Chandler. Hannah left to go back to the office.
Chief Wingate got in his car with a heavy heart . A lot of little clues, but none good enough to catch these vile people. The mayor is on my neck because the crime has not been close to be solved. I can’t work magic. He huffed and pulled away.
Chapter Seventeen
Three days later Hannah was alone in the office. She was thinking of the cases on which they were working and of the ones that were difficult to solve. As she got up to get a cup of coffe
e she heard a noise as someone came in the front door.
What have I been thinking of? I’m alone and back here where no one can see me from the street. I’ve gotten warnings over the phone and attempts on my life. I can’t sit back here and be a victim. She quickly walked to the doorway of the room. “Is someone there?”
“Oh, thank God,” a man’s voice answered as a man came running back to her. “Please, you have to save my life. I don’t know where to turn or what to do.”
“Please, come in and sit down. I shall be glad to listen to you and do whatever I can. Would you like a coffee or something else to drink?”
“No. I don’t want anything to eat or drink. I just want help.”
“As I said, I’ll do what I can. What is the problem?”
“My name is Alexander Falls. I’m married, but no children yet although I’d love to have some. I work at Isaac’s Jewelry Store and often travel for them to appraise jewelry or gems from other areas. I have been on a trip and wasn’t supposed to come home until tomorrow. I came home a day early and was eager to see my wife. I brought her some jewelry and was anxious to give it to her.” He paused. Hannah waited patiently.
“I eased in the front door expecting to surprise her. The phone rang just as I passed it, but before I could pick it up I heard her answer and squeal out, ’hello lover’. I gently picked up the phone near me and quietly listened. She reminded the man that I was not at home but would return tomorrow. He then said, ’ I have a man for the job but he wants twenty thousand dollars to get rid of him for you’. My name was not mentioned but I did understand that my wife and this man were planning to have me killed. I didn’t know what to do, so I quietly eased back out and ran. I saw your sign and knew I could get help here.”
“I will agree that it sounded suspiciously like they might be talking about you and -- er -- getting rid of you. I don’t make it a habit to handle cases like this or divorce cases. I can give you the name of another agency that does do work of this nature. I really suggest that you talk to Chief Wingate and let him advise you.”
“Go to the police! That’s the help you’ll give me?” He jumped up so quickly that his chair tilted over backward. He was too rattled to notice as he paced back and forth.
“First, I don’t have a big enough staff to cover what you need to have done, and we are swamped with cases now. Please let me contact Chief Wingate for you.”
“And let you charge me a big amount for doing nothing.”
“There is no charge. I don’t charge for doing nothing, and I often don’t charge in rare cases. I used to be on the force, so I know Chief Wingate will be glad to listen and help you.”
“Well,” he reluctantly stated, “if you think that’s the best way to go.”
“It is. I’ll make the call now.”
It was fortunate that Chief Wingate was in his office and made time to run over. He listened courteously to the upset man.”
“Mr. Falls, we don’t know for sure that you’re assumptions are correct. I would suggest that you contact the agency that Miss Rutherford suggested. They will place a listening device on your phone and have your wife followed. They’ll make recordings and take pictures. When, and if, you get the proof that you think is there, then you can ask as attorney to follow up. I would not suggest that you discuss any of this with your wife at this time. Go on as you have been and say little. At this time I can’t do anything. I can only say that I’m truly sorry that you’re going through this. I can see you’re very upset. I’ll wish you the very best and my last advice is talk to God.” He walked out.
Alex sat thoughtful for a few minutes. “I’m sorry I spoke so harshly to you. I’m just shocked and upset.”
“I can imagine how you must feel. I wish I could help, but I’ve explained.” Hannah explained.
“I know. Would you please write the name of that agency and I’ll think about going to them.”
“I’ll be delighted to write it for you,” she reached for a pad and pen. “I’ll even call them if you want me to do so.”
“Would you? Thank you. I can’t believe how nice you’ve been and not able to take my case.”
She smiled, picked up her phone and dialed the Discrete and Fulfilling Agency. “Hi, Maisey. This is Hannah Rutherford. Is your boss in? I need to speak to him.” She waited a few seconds. “Hello Jeff. I’m fine. How are you doing? Jeff, there’s a man in my office desperately in need of your services. I’m unable to do what he needs. I’d like to send him to you and know he was getting the best of attention. Thank you so much. I’ll be in touch.”
She gave the paper with the name, address and phone number on it. “He’ll see you personally immediately if you can get there. You can trust them. I just have one request.”
“What’s that?” He stood puzzled.
“Keep in touch and let me know what’s going on. I hope to be able to do more in the future when I can hire additional detectives.”
Relieved, he kept shaking her hand until she thought he wouldn’t let go.
“I’ll sure do that and I can’t thank you enough. It has helped just to talk about it and know that someone cares.” He hurried out.
Hannah rocked back in her chair with a smile. It always made her feel good if she knew someone was helped. She thought for a few minutes and picked up the phone. Before she could make the call, Herb breezed in full of excitement. She replaced the phone to listen to Herb. Victoria came in from going to the bank and running errands. The three of them gathered in Hannah’s office.
“I’m just so hap-hap- happy, I could burst.”
Victoria hit his shoulder. “Well, tell us before you burst and spoil the fun.”
“I just heard that the psychologists have completed their tests on Thomas Chandler and have concluded that he is sane enough to stand trial. They do agree that he is a psychopath. He’s still in jail and will be tried within the next month. What a way for Brian to start a new year.”
“What a relief, and I know Brian will be thrilled. Does this mean he can now bring his children home?” Victoria asked.
“Oh, I wouldn’t advise that yet,” Hannah said. “Chandler could have hired someone to abduct the children to keep Brian from testifying. They’re doing fine where they are and are in good hands. I knew Brian misses them, but it will be better to make sure the way will be completely clear before he brings them home.”
“Okay gang. Back to a call I was going to make when you folks came in.”
She told them of the man who needed surveillance and phone tapping. “We are not prepared to do that for a number of reasons. I don’t like the idea and we don’t have enough operators to take on such a job. I was just getting ready to call the two men in Florida I told you about and see if they would consider working with us. Is that okay with you two?”
“You’re the boss,” Herb exploded. “Why should you even ask us?”
“Out of courtesy. We do have to work together. I know you’ll like these two men if they’re willing to give us a try.”
“Where would we put them?” Victoria asked anxiously.
“Well my dear, if they accept, you and I will have to go office hunting. In fact, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to look anyway. We are expanding and need more room. How close are you, Victoria, in achieving your goal?”
“One more semester and I’ll, hopefully, be where I want to be. One more piece of good news. The doctor says that I’ve made such great progress that he’s taking the brace off my leg next week. I just need to be careful for a while to not strain my leg and back.”
Hannah jumped up to hug Victoria, but Herb beat her to it. They cheered with her. “See, we’ll need to have an office for you and hire someone to manage the desk and maybe another one to do bookkeeping and finances.”
“You mean I’ve been doing all that all this time and you’ll hire two people to do what I was doing?” She pretended to huff.
“We have been too small for two, but if we enlarge, we’ll need them. I think
I know a lady to be receptionist. We’ll need a good, trustworthy bookkeeper.”
“What woman do you have in mind? Herb asked.
“Remember Anna Mae Harkins that works at the police station?” He nodded. “She’s getting ready to retire after twenty-six years there and I know she’ll be bored out of her skull. She’s only fifty-eight and too young to just sit down. I know we can trust her to keep confidences and she’ll be great to work with.”
Herb jumped up. “I’d give her a couple of weeks to relax and, yes, get bored and we’d love to have her, if she’s willing.” Victoria agreed.
Victoria started out and turned. “I met a young single mother who is taking Criminal Justice courses. She said she didn’t have money to continue and is looking for work that she can fit around her four year old son. She has worked at an insurance company as bookkeeper. I don’t know her well, but maybe she would be interested.”
“Give me her name and I’ll have Chief Wingate check her out before we offer her the job. Thank you both for all you’ve done. I couldn’t have fulfilled my dreams without you.”
“I’m getting out of here before I have to wade through it,” Herb laughed. “I’m on my way to talk to Brian and then I have another case I need to check on, so I probably won’t see you again today.”
“Stay safe, my friend,” Hannah called to him.
Victoria came back. “Hannah, I have favor to ask.”
“Ask away.”
“I have a class tonight and I need to get some groceries before I go home. My cupboards are looking like Old Mother Hubbard’s.”
Hannah laughed. “Go on. I’ll close and go to the Down Home Realty office and see if they have larger office space.”
“You own this building. Will you sell it or rent it?”
“I haven’t decided yet. The three of us, or hopefully the five of us, will get together and discuss that. Go on home. Have a good night and sleep peacefully.”
Hannah took care of some paper work and filing and then closed up. She decided to walk across the street and down a block to the real estate office.
As she crossed the street she looked carefully in both directions. Wonder of wonders -- no traffic. She was part of the way across the four lane street when she became aware of the sound of a car. She looked up in time to run and jump on the opposite sidewalk as the car picked up speed and headed straight toward her.