Splintered (Mike Campbell Series Book 1)

by Rosemary Wilson

  “I didn’t think it would be that easy. We’re working with Officer Simonson of the Hempfield Police. He’s interviewing Carol McGinley, the other victim’s wife. We’re trying to find a link between you and Dave and the McGinleys. Did you and Dave attend church?”

  “No. Dave didn’t believe in religion and after the first year of our marriage I just stopped going.”

  “Did you belong to any groups or organizations?”

  “Not really. I’m a member of the teacher’s union, but so are all the teachers in Lancaster. I wasn’t a union steward, so I didn’t attend any meetings. Dave was a CPA. He attended the meetings he needed to to keep his CPA license valid, but didn’t socialize with any of the people he met there.”

  “Okay. How about if we spend some time going through all the places you and Dave were in the last six months. Shopping, hairdresser, vacation, restaurants, doctor’s appointments, where you buy your gas, where you take your car for service.”

  “How will that help?”

  “Officer Simonson is compiling a similar list from Mrs. McGinley. We’ll compare the lists to see if there is any overlap.”

  “So what happens if you find out we both shop at the same Giant? Are you going to question every cashier and every customer?”

  “Cashiers, yes. They are usually pretty observant and might be able to tell us if someone took an unusual interest in either you or Mrs. McGinley. It will also help us eliminate each of them as a possible suspect.”

  “Pardon me for saying this Detective, but you seem to be grasping for straws.”

  “Investigations are built piece by piece, just like a jigsaw puzzle. Sometimes those pieces are small. Patience is mandatory and following up on what might seem insignificant is how we solve cases because we rarely get a signed confession at the scene of the crime.”

  “Point made. Let’s start making that list Detective Davis.”

  An hour and two cups of coffee later Max thanked Sandy for her help and headed back to the office. If even one of the things on his list matched one on the list Officer Simonson obtained, they would have weeks of work ahead of them.

  *****

  As Max was driving into the Powers’ driveway, Mike was parking his car where Richard Powers worked. Richard met him as he entered the building and took Mike directly to his office. “I hope you don’t mind, but I don’t want office gossip about me being questioned by the police.”

  “That’s not a problem Mr. Powers. Thanks for seeing me. I have a couple of questions. Max is talking to Sandy right now to see if there are any connections between her, Dave and the McGinleys. I need to ask where you were this weekend.”

  “As it happens, Stephanie and I went to the Poconos for the weekend. We left on Friday afternoon and didn’t get back until late Sunday afternoon. Sandy will be able to verify we weren’t home.”

  “We’re pretty sure we’re dealing with the same perpetrator for both murders. Craig McGinley was murdered sometime late Saturday or early Sunday.”

  “Does that take me off the hook for Dave’s murder?”

  “You are still a person of interest. We’re waiting to see if we can get a DNA profile from Dave’s shirt. If we get one, we’ll probably ask you for a sample. Would you have a problem giving us one?”

  “Absolutely not. I’d welcome the chance to prove I had nothing to do with Dave’s murder.”

  “Good. Did you or Mrs. Powers know the McGinleys?” Mike asked as he showed Richard the same picture Max was showing to Sandy.

  “They look like a happy couple in this picture, but I don’t recognize either of them. You’ll have to ask Stephanie whether she’s ever seen them. She volunteers with several organizations, so she may have seen one or both of them at a fund raising event.”

  “I’ll make sure I check with her. Since the cases are so similar, we’re trying to establish any link between the two families. If you think of anything, please don’t hesitate to call me. I’ll be in touch if we need to get a DNA sample from you.”

  “Thanks for keeping Sandy out of this, Detective. She’s had so much upheaval in her life in the last couple of weeks I think it would destroy her to know I was under suspicion for killing her husband.”

  “I can only go where the evidence leads me, Mr. Powers.”

  Richard was curious about something. “Why didn’t you interview Sandy?”

  “I have been requested to defer to Detective Davis when it comes to any contact with Sandy. Jason Flanders is understandably upset about his son’s death, but he’s trying to steer the investigation down a path that the facts don’t support. My lieutenant feels since I knew both Sandy and Dave there might be the appearance of impropriety. I agreed, so Detective Davis will take the lead on Dave’s case for the time being.”

  “I can’t say I’m surprised. Jason is a very dogmatic man and used to getting his way. Sandy told me Sarah moved in with her sister and is filing for divorce. The last couple of weeks have probably been a nightmare for Jason because he’s so used to being in control.”

  “I don’t know him very well, but Sandy told me he was extremely upset because she didn’t consult him about Dave’s funeral arrangements.”

  “Upset doesn’t cover it. Sandy talked to Jason twice after she left the hospital. The first time she told him about the memorial service and Dave’s request to be cremated. Jason was furious. Sandy wouldn’t tell me what he said, but she was crying when she got off the phone.

  “After she talked to you about setting up the date to use your friend’s boat she called and asked Jason if he wanted to be part of spreading Dave’s ashes on the Susquehanna. Her face turned ashen as she talked to him and I could hear him yelling at her because she had to hold the phone away from her ear. When the conversation ended, she told me Jason would not be joining us on the boat.”

  Mike realized he had been right. Jason was lashing out at Sandy because she had not asked for his input regarding his son’s funeral. He concocted a story containing a few grains of truth to make it look like Sandy was responsible for the attack on herself and ultimately Dave’s death. It should now be difficult for Jason to continue his campaign to smear Sandy, and him, with Dave’s murder.

  He hoped.

  Mike thanked Richard for seeing him and headed back to the police building.

  *****

  The two detectives met up again in the office and spent the afternoon going over the list Sandy had given Max. “She was really helpful”, Max said. “As you can see, it’s quite lengthy. I don’t want to start on anything until we can compare it to Officer Simonson’s list from Carol McGinley.”

  “Sounds like a plan to me” Mike said. “Mr. Powers suggested I talk to his wife to see if she may have run across the McGinleys at any of the fund raisers she participates in. He confirmed several things for me. Jason was extremely upset after Sandy talked to him about spreading Dave’s ashes. I’m sure that’s what precipitated his visit to the mayor and his insinuations.”

  “You’re probably right. He’ll have to back off now with this second murder. I’ll visit him tomorrow to interview him about the McGinleys. So far, there doesn’t seem to be a connection between the two families. It looks like we might have a budding serial killer who targets men who abuse their wives. The manner of death, how the bodies were left, and the victims being abusers are the things these crimes have in common.”

  “Mr. Powers also agreed to a DNA test if we request it. Have we gotten anything on Dave’s shirt?”

  “Haven’t heard anything yet. My gut feeling has always been Richard Powers didn’t have anything to do with Dave’s murder.”

  “Mine too, but gut feelings aren’t hard evidence.”

  “I know. I’m always glad when the evidence proves the gut right. I’ve been at this long enough to trust my gut because sometimes the evidence leads us in the wrong direction.”

  “I’m going to head home, Max. I’ve got laundry to do. Sometimes it’s hard to remember I have a life outside these wall
s. See you tomorrow.”

  “Good night, Mike.”

  Mike’s mind raced as he headed home. He was still trying to latch onto the elusive clue he knew was locked in his memory.

  CHAPTER 33

  Mike was tired and depressed when he arrived home, but as he pulled into his driveway his spirits were lifted when he saw his neighbors, Carl and Rose, had arrived home. He really got a kick out of them. They were both in their late sixties and had lived in the neighborhood for most of their married lives – about 40 years. Just as Carl hit retirement, they hit the jackpot. Rose bought one lottery ticket twice a week – one for each Powerball drawing. She always liked to kid that she was a gambler, but not with money. It was shortly after Mike moved into his house and got to know the Websters when lady luck smiled on them. One of Rose’s tickets was the only winner in a one hundred million dollar jackpot. Before they came forward with the ticket, they had sought the advice of a lawyer and financial advisor so when they claimed the money, they had made many of the financial decisions ensuring they would have a comfortable retirement.

  Mike wasn’t surprised when they told him they not only paid off every bill they had but their children’s bills as well. Their two boys and two girls were living debt free with no mortgages and new cars in their driveways. They also set up trust funds for each of their grandchildren so they would be able to go to any college they chose and not have to start off life with a huge debt. Several of their favorite charities were also beneficiaries of their generosity.

  Carl was coming through the front door when he saw Mike and waved. Mike trotted over to embrace the older man and welcome him home.

  “How are the snowbirds doing?” Mike asked with a huge grin as he embraced Carl.

  “Glad to be home. It’s going to take a while before our house in Florida seems like home. Do you have plans for dinner Mike?”

  “Yeah, I’m taking something out of the freezer and putting it in the microwave.”

  “We got home this morning and Rose immediately went shopping. She’s made a crock pot roast and there’s way too much for us. Come on over and we’ll catch up.”

  “I can’t pass that up. Let me get changed and take care of Lucy and I’ll be over.”

  “Great. I’ll tell Rose to set another place.”

  Mike was smiling as he entered his house. After giving Lucy fresh water and food he changed into jeans and a Millersville University tee shirt. He went to the cabinet in the kitchen where he kept his small supply of liquor and took out the bottle of wine he had bought several months ago for this occasion. He suddenly realized how much he had missed Carl and Rose. They both had a dry sense of humor and next to his own family they were two of his biggest supporters.

  He knocked on the door, opened it yelling “hello” as he did. When he entered the kitchen he hugged Rose and gently chided her. “How many times do I have to tell you to lock the doors when you’re in here?”

  “People don’t break into houses when they know someone is home. Besides, we’re still unloading and it’s a pain to have to keep getting out the key. I promise to start tomorrow.”

  Mike knew she was just placating him, but he was too happy to see them to continue the old lecture. “I didn’t realize how dull this neighborhood was without you both. I’m really glad you’re back.”

  “So are we Mike. It’s hard being away from the family for four months. I do like the warmth of the Florida winter though. It’s nice not having to worry about shoveling snow and driving on icy roads. After all, we’re not in our fifties anymore.”

  Mike smiled and nodded. “I did see Frank a couple of times this winter when he came to check on the house. He kept me up-to-date on how you both were doing.”

  “Well, go wash your hands and then open the wine before you sit down.” Rose placed the corkscrew on the table and turned to give her husband a peck on the cheek.

  Mike did what Rose told him and then settled himself at his usual place at the table. They all began to eat after a short prayer from Carl. “You know Rose,” Mike said with his mouth full of beef and potatoes, “the only person who can give you a run for your money in the kitchen is my mother.”

  “Don’t talk with your mouth full. Between bites you can tell us what’s been happening with you since you became a detective. Frank told us about the murder.”

  Mike was hoping to get through dinner before he had to think about the case again, but he had always been able to talk to these two and sort out his thoughts as he went.

  “It’s two murders now. A second victim was found on Tuesday. He was killed in the same way as Dave Flanders.”

  Mike could see that neither of them had heard about the McGinley case. “Any clues?” asked Carl.

  “Both men were evidently abusing their wives. They were killed in the same way and left in similar positions, which leads us to believe we have one killer. So far though, we can’t find a link between the two victims.”

  “How much are you able to tell us about the investigation?” asked Rose.

  “I can’t tell you any more about the cases than what’s been reported. My partner and I are working with the East Hempfield officer who caught the second murder.”

  For several minutes the three ate the delicious dinner in silence. Rose started to clear the table and asked if anyone wanted dessert.

  Mike was always ready for something sweet, so he gave her a resounding yes. Rose cut the pie and gave both men a large piece with an ice cream topper. She poured the coffee that had been perking during dinner and sat down to enjoy her less husky piece of pie. She looked at Mike and asked “What’s bothering you about these cases Mike?”

  “Did you take mind reading courses while you were in Florida, Rose?”

  “No, although I did try macramé and ballroom dancing. Couldn’t tie a knot and Carl has two left feet. I can see in your eyes that something is troubling you.”

  Mike didn’t realize he was that transparent. “I have this nagging feeling I’m missing something. I’ve gone over everything that’s happened since Sandy was first attacked and I know the answer is there. I just can’t seem to put my finger on it.”

  Carl spoke to Mike between bites, “You might be trying too hard Mike. I find if I concentrate on something else for a while, the answer to the gnarly problem seems to jump into my head. Been that way as long as I can remember. You have this rare gift of an eidetic memory. Being able to remember every detail of a situation can be deceiving though because it might cause you to miss subtleties. If you think the answer is there, you’ll find it, just open your mind to what is hiding in plain sight.”

  “I’m just afraid if I don’t solve this soon, there will be more victims. I don’t want to be responsible for that.”

  “You’re not responsible for someone else’s actions, Mike. You ought to know that, so cut yourself a break. Although I know you will find it hard to believe, you are not Sherlock Holmes – yet. You are trying too hard and putting too much pressure on yourself. Relax and remember that nothing is impossible.

  “Have you done any more work on the house since we left?”

  Mike was taken by surprise by the abrupt change in topic, but answered Carl’s question after making the mental shift. “I didn’t do anything this winter because I was studying for the detective’s exam. After Sandy’s attack I decided I’d tackle the kitchen next. I even managed to plan out the space. I was going to begin demolition last weekend, but Joe had to help his father finish a job. I went to the Habitat store instead. They didn’t have much of an inventory and I didn’t like any of the cabinets they did have. So it was off to the two home improvement centers. They had some great cabinets, but the prices were way beyond my budget. I’m not sure I want to start tearing the kitchen apart until I have the cabinets.”

  Carl gathered up the dessert plates and told Mike maybe he needed to spend some time working with his hands, so he could free up his mind.

  “I didn’t think of it that way. I guess I’ll have to
take some of my frustration out on an outdated kitchen. Maybe a little bit of controlled destruction will do me some good.”

  “It sure can’t hurt. You’ve wanted to redo the kitchen since you bought the house, so a little sweat goes a long way. While we’re on the subject of kitchens, can we have your friend Joe’s business number? While we were in Florida, Rose and I talked about some renovations for this house. We agreed Joe would be a good choice as a contractor.”

  “I recommend him highly” Mike said as Rose handed him a piece of paper and a pen to write down Joe’s contact information. Mike helped finish the cleanup and thanked Carl and Rose for their hospitality. When he got home, he set up his I-pod and began to blast his “working” music. He spent several hours laying out how he would begin the dismantling of his kitchen and was so absorbed in the planning he actually forgot about the almost-serial killer who had been dominating his life for the past couple of weeks. When he went to bed, he fell asleep immediately and for the first time in weeks he didn’t dream.

  CHAPTER 34

  Mike woke refreshed the next morning and while showering he laid out his weekend plans. He called his parents before they left for work. His mom answered, and after the usual banter he asked if they were going to be home on Sunday.

  “We don’t have any plans right now. The Phillies are playing at 7:00, so your father wants to do some outside work and then barbecue on the grill for dinner.”

  “How about I bring over the steaks and you supply the salad. I’d like to run something past you both.”

  “Does that mean you’re only bringing three steaks?”

  “Yes Mom, that means no other company.”

  “Sounds serious.”

  “I just need to sort out a problem. You and Dad are always a good sounding board. See you around 4:00?”

  “I’ll let your dad know. Gotta run. See you Sunday. Love you.”

  “Love you too, Mom.”