* * * *
Perplexed by Peter’s news, Sheriff Johnson took a sip from his travel mug as he drove past the Wattsville city limits sign on Route 17. With all of the evidence mounting against Mother Superior, his mind was flooded with concerns. Even though all the facts point to Mother being the killer, I still can’t believe that she would do it. I have no choice but to arrest her for Timmy’s murder, even though in my heart, I just can’t believe it’s her.
Taking a deep breath, the sheriff grabbed his phone. Using his quick dial, he called John Smith.
After three rings, John answered. “District Attorney John Smith.”
“John, this is Johnson. We’ve got a DNA match from the nuns’ hair samples with the rope and the backpack.”
John’s voice rose slightly, “Oh, really? Who was the match?”
“I’m still completely confused by all the facts, but there is just too much evidence to ignore. It’s Mother Superior Mary Ellen, John.”
John gasped. “Oh, my god! Really?! How confident are you that it’s her? I mean, she is Mother Superior, and not some drug lord.”
“I know! That’s what I have been wresting with; but the tests are about as close to 100% of a match as we can get. There is no doubt. I have to arrest her for Timothy Fields’ murder,” the sheriff conceded.
“I will go ahead and get the paperwork taken care of before court this afternoon. At least I’ve got a couple of hours to do it. See you at 1:00?”
With a half-smile, Sheriff Johnson replied, “Yeah, I’ll be there. I’m going to grab a sandwich on the way into the office, so I can get my own paperwork taken care of. It’s will get busier too. Well, I need to go.”
“Yes, it is. See you there, Sheriff,” John said as he hung up.
Sheriff Johnson turned on to Main Street and pulled into a parking spot. At least a delicious corned beef on rye sandwich from Kelsey’s Kozy Kitchen will make me feel better, he thought as he got out of the car.
CHAPTER 36
The bailiff stood silently by the judge’s bench, waiting for Judge Taylor to enter the courtroom. A short stenographer with curly red hair walked in, sat down, and then started to set up her equipment. A air of reverence permeated the room as everyone waited for the judge to come in. Sheriff Johnson walked into the room quietly, holding his investigation paperwork in his hand as he sat in a cushioned seat behind the railing on the prosecution’s side.
The courtroom doors opened quickly and smoothly. Holding his briefcase in one hand and a bottled water in the other, John walked in at an accelerated pace. Nodding to acknowledge Sheriff Johnson, he stopped in the aisle. “Hello, Sheriff. Did you get some lunch?”
The sheriff chuckled, “Of course. You know I can’t miss out on Kelsey’s corned beef sandwiches.” Lowering his voice, he asked, “Did you get everything done that you needed for the warrant?”
John leaned down to whisper in the sheriff’s ear. “I told you I’d take care of everything. Don’t worry. It’s all good.”
Sheriff Johnson smiled and said in a low voice, “I never doubted you could do it, John. Now, let’s get this court business taken care of so we can do our jobs.”
John smiled and replied, “We will. As long as the Greens show up, we’ll be able to get Tom’s body exhumed; and Mother’s arrest warrant is all ready to be signed by everyone. Don’t worry.”
Walking away towards the front of the courtroom, John headed to the prosecution table on the right, and set his briefcase down on top. Opening the case he rummaged through a few folders, and quickly spread some paperwork out in front of him before seating down.
Filled with anticipation, Sheriff Johnson’s mind was like a whirlwind. Thank God, John was able to get everything done! Now, I can get Mother Superior’s arrest warrant signed too. I need to have Tom’s body exhumed immediately. I just hope the Greens show up soon. Where are they? He looked around, searching for any sign of Tom and Helen.
As Judge Taylor entered the courtroom, the bailiff said, “All rise.”
Sheriff Johnson, John, and everyone else in the room stood up. Judge Taylor sat down in his chair and organized his paperwork at his bench. After taking a sip of water, he nodded to the bailiff.
“You may be seated,” the bailiff stated to the small crowd in the room, who then obeyed.
Sheriff Johnson fixed his eyes on the wall clock, as the judge whispered some instructions to the bailiff. With each passing minute, the sheriff became more and more concerned that he had not been successful in persuading the Greens to come. Unable to sit completely still, he fiddled with his hat.
Looking directly at the sheriff, Judge Taylor asked him, “Sheriff Johnson and Mister District Attorney. Can you both approach the bench, please?”
Immediately, the sheriff and John stood up and obeyed the request.
“Did you manage to get in touch with the Greens, Sheriff? Are they going to show?” the judge asked him quietly.
“Yes, I did, Your Honor. I am confident they will show.” I pray they will, at least, he thought to himself.
The courtroom doors opened and Peter quietly entered dressed in a dark blue fashionable business suit. He sat down on the front bench behind John’s table.
The judge, Sheriff Johnson and John turned around and acknowledged Peter. They watched as he sat down on the first empty seat near the aisle.
The judge glanced at the clock, which read 1 p.m. “Mr. and Mrs. Green haven’t shown up, I take it?”
“Nope, not yet. I even made a special trip out there to see them this morning. Mrs. Green assured me that she would be here, but I’m getting a little nervous, Your Honor,” Sheriff Johnson replied.
“Sheriff Johnson, I will give them ten minute, before I have to move on. I’ll look over some case updates while we wait; unless you have something else to discuss.”
“Actually, I do, Your Honor. Dr. Peter Balkan took samples from every nun on the monastery campus to compare with the hair samples from the crime scene. Several hairs were tangled in the rope found in the monastery pond, where Timothy Fields’ body was discovered. The same hairs were found in Tom Green’s backpack as well.”
“And what were Dr. Balkan’s findings, Sheriff?”
“Your Honor, the samples match Mother Superior’s hair by 99.8%. That is in addition to the other evidence I have told you about already. She was the last known person to have seen Timothy Fields alive, according to her own witness statement. The forensics team is still at the monastery collecting more evidence as we speak. There is no telling what they will find. I already have a lot of evidence to support a case against her for Timothy Fields’ murder. I just need the arrest warrant signed.”
“I tell you what, Sheriff. After this court session is over today, I’ll meet with you in my chambers to go over the evidence you have, and hear about what your team finds today. We can discuss everything then.”
Sheriff Johnson replied, “Very good, Your Honor. We have everything ready for you to sign. Thank you, sir.”
Looking at his watch, Judge Taylor replied, “No problem, Sheriff. However, it would seem that time has run out on the Greens to show up.”
The sheriff looked very disappointed as the judge grabbed his gavel; however, before he could slam it down on the mallet, the courtroom the doors opened. Tom and Helen Green, Sr. walked in, holding each other’s hand.
Judge Taylor stared at the couple a moment and said, “Mr. and Mrs. Green, so nice you could join us. I haven’t seen you in a while. Would you please take your seats while we get things started? Thank you.”
Turning to the sheriff and John, the judge said in a low voice, “Well, Gentlemen, it seems we have a body to get officially exhumed. You may return to the proceedings at hand.”
John hurried back to the table stacked with his briefcase, papers and folders. He quickly sat down and began to jot a few notes down on his planner. Sheriff Johnson quietly walked over to where the Greens were sitting. The couple shifted one seat down from the aisle to allow t
he sheriff to sit down at the end.
The corners of the Sheriff’s mouth curled up slightly as he whispered, “I’m glad you both made it. I was afraid you two weren’t going to show up. I was beginning to sweat a bit.”
Tom, Sr. shook his hand and whispered, “To tell you the truth, we almost didn’t. He lowered his eyes to the floor. “But, then, all I could think about was Herbert and Margie Fields and their son. If the killer who took Timmy’s life also took our Tom’s, then he needs to be caught.”
The sheriff leaned in and assured them, “I know it is hard on the both of you, but you’re doing the right thing.”
Tom nodded respectfully. “I know, Sheriff. That’s why we’re here.”
John turned around and smiled at the couple, nodding his head in acknowledgment. Sheriff Johnson smiled at the couple before returning to his previous seat.
The judge looked at John and asked, “So are we ready to proceed with the matter at hand, Mister District Attorney?”
Standing up, John replied, “Yes, Your Honor. As you can see, the Greens have arrived, and are willing to cooperate with us in this unusual request.”
Judge Taylor took a sip if water, put the glass back down, and then turned to the sheriff and asked him, “Sheriff Johnson, it is my understanding evidence was discovered to indicate that the death of Tom Green, Jr. may not have been a suicide, as previously determined?”
Sheriff Johnson stood to his feet. “Yes, Your Honor. We feel that Tom Green, Jr.’s body may reveal some evidence that could have been overlooked due to the previously determined cause of death.”
“And you would like the body of Tom Green Junior to be exhumed to investigate further, correct?”
“We feel it is necessary, Your Honor,” Sheriff Johnson spoke up.
Judge Taylor turned his attention to John. “Any objections, Mister District Attorney?”
John stood up buttoning his suit. “No, Your Honor. There is evidence of a direct connection to the death of Timothy Fields.”
“Is all the necessary paperwork in order for the exhumation to be authorized?”
John responded, “Yes, Your Honor. Everything is in order and ready for your authorization.”
Picking up a small stack of papers from in front of him, John gestured to the bailiff to retrieve it. The bailiff approached John and grasped the papers, then automatically handed them to Judge Taylor.
Taking the papers, the judge placed his reading glasses on his nose and studied several pages. His eyes rested on various sections of the document for extended moments. Organizing the pages, he set them back down in front of him on the desk, before taking a sip of water.
Judge Taylor turned to John and said, “It seems everything is in order. I see that Tom Green Jr.’s parents are here, so we may continue with these proceedings. You may be seated, Mister District Attorney.”
“Thank you, Your Honor,” John replied as he sat back in his seat, and then began to write additional notes on his legal pad.
Directing his attention towards Tom and Helen, Judge Taylor asked them, “Mr. and Mrs. Green Senior, would you please stand?”
Tom and Helen Green stood to their feet and waited for his instructions.
The judge asked them, “Do you have any concerns you would like to add before I give my judgment?”
Tom replied, “No, sir. After visiting with the sheriff, we both agree to sign whatever papers are necessary. Anything that could bring a final resolution to this tragedy would be a welcome relief.”
Judge Taylor held his gavel. “It is the court’s decision with all parties present and in agreement that the remains of one Thomas Green, Jr. will be exhumed for further analysis. You may begin the procedures. We will take a thirty-minute recess before hearing other cases. District Attorney and Sheriff Johnson, please meet me in my chambers in ten minutes.”
Judge Taylor slammed his gavel down on his mallet and scribbled his signature on the last page of the legal document. Once finished, he handed the document back to the bailiff and stood up. Smiling slightly at Sheriff Johnson, he nodded in recognition.
Suddenly, the bailiff’s voice echoed in the courtroom, “All rise.”
With that, Judge Taylor turned and opened the door, then left the courtroom. The bailiff walked over and handed the document to John, nodded and then walked away.
Sheriff Johnson looked over at John and smiled, completely satisfied with the ruling.
* * * *
Leaning back against the wall while sitting on a hard bench, Mother Superior Mary Ellen quietly prayed. Many things inundated her mind, and peace eluded her. What is going to become of me? What’s going to happen to my sisters? Who will oversee the monastery? As she closed her eyes tightly, stinging tears streamed down her wrinkled cheek. Suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted by shouting.
“Hey you!” In the holding cell across the walkway, a young woman named Rosie stood and grabbed the cell door bars. Looking directly at Mother Superior, she raised her voice, “Hey lady!”
Mother Superior opened her eyes and lifted her head to look directly at Rosie. “Are you speaking to me, child?”
Rosie straightened her back up as her face contorted with arrogance. “Who are you calling a child? I ain’t your child. Who do you think you are anyway, lady?” Turning to one side, Rosie spit on the concrete floor. “Child? I ain’t yer freakin’ child.”
In the nearby cell, a faint voice pleaded, “Leave her alone, Rosie. She’s a nun. They help people.”
Placing her hands on her hip, Rosie replied, “She never helped me. Why should I care about her?”
“She isn’t a bad person and shouldn’t be in here like we are.”
Mother Superior stood up and approached the cell bars. Scanning the other cells, she couldn’t see who was talking. How did she know that? she thought to herself.
Studying Mother Superior from head to toe, Rosie furrowed her brow as she asked, “Lady, are you one of those nuns I’ve seen walking around hospitals all of the time and holding on to some long necklace with beads on it?” Rosie laughed, but then quickly began coughing violently from years of smoking.
Mother silently stood at the door as she held onto the cell bars.
Rosie impatiently asked again, “Well, are ya’ a nun?”
“Yes, I am, but I run a Catholic school now.”
Rosie’s mouth dropped. “Hey, ya’ll! We got’us one of those preacher ladies in here. C’mon, nun, preach to us. Tell us a good story.” Rosie smiled, showing off her gold teeth.
In an attempt to control her emotions, Mother Superior swallowed hard and spoke softly, “I don’t preach. I serve the Lord in other ways.”
Once again, Rosie began coughing heavily. “I guess you ain’t been serving him too well, since you’re in here with us.”
Mother Superior sighed as she stared at the floor. I wish they would stop teasing me, she thought. Looking up at Rosie, she asked, “Why are you in here?”
Rosie leaned her head to one side and replied, “I don’t have to tell you that just because yer’ are dressed up in that Halloween costume. That ain’t none of your business, Lady!”
“If you confess your sins, God will forgive you.”
Rosie leaned back and bellowed, “Did you hear that, people? She told us God will forgive us if we say what we did. What do I care? Like I’m gonna’ do that!” Rosie’s eyes bugged out as she stretched her neck.
* * * *
Once the court proceedings had recessed, Peter stood up and walked over to Tom Green, Sr. Reaching out to shake Tom’s hand, Peter introduced himself. “Mr. Green, I’m Dr. Peter Balkan, forensic pathologist for the Office of Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Maine. It’s nice to make your acquaintance.”
Tom’s eyes slightly watered as he shook Peter’s hand. After releasing his grasp, he dropped his arms by his sides. “With all due respect, I’m not too happy to be back here, but I appreciate your gesture. Are you the one who will be running tests on my son’s body?”
Peter looked at him square in the eyes, “Yes, sir, and I assure you that I will treat your son’s remains with utmost dignity and respect.”
“All right, Doctor Balkan,” Tom’s bottom chin quivered slightly. Reaching for his white handkerchief from his back pocket, he wiped his bloodshot his eyes.
Upon seeing her husband’s emotional reaction, Helen gently placed her hand on his broad shoulder. “Honey, everything is going to be okay,” she said as a single tear streamed down her cheek.
After taking a few deep cleansing breaths, he turned to her and said, “I’m okay. Let’s just sign the papers we need to and leave. Please?”
With concern in his voice, Peter responded, “I’m sure that they have everything ready for you. District Attorney Smith should be able to help you with all of that,” Peter said while pointing at John. “He’ll have you back on your way home as soon as possible. For what it’s worth, I’m very sorry to have to do this, but it could help catch a murderer before he kills anyone else.”
“Thank you, Dr. Balkan. I’m sure you’ll do your best.” Tom turned and approached John and said, “Hello, sir. Please, tell me what we need to do, so we can get this over with and head home. It’s a bit of a drive, and I’d like to get there before it gets dark.”
“Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. and Mrs. Green. I know this is incredibly difficult for you.”
Picking up a page from a stack on the table, John gestured for the older couple to take a seat. The Greens complied and John proceeded to explain the documents to them.
“Do you have any more questions, Mr. and Mrs. Green?” John asked.
“No, we don’t. You’re the ones that have to ask the questions now,” Tom replied as he looked John directly in the eyes. “I hope that whatever you find, be it good or bad, will help everyone to have closure once and for all.”
With a deep sigh, Tom reached for a pen and reluctantly signed on the line that John pointed to. Closing his eyes, he dropped his head and handed the pen to his wife.
Secrets in the Shallows (Book 1: The Monastery Murders) Page 27