Secrets in the Shallows (Book 1: The Monastery Murders)

by Karen Vance Hammond

  She sat silent in her chair and turned her head away not making eye contact. Her mind raced as she thought of when she had a session with him. “I’m sure I did at some point, but I don’t remember any specifics with Timothy Fields’ sessions. I counseled many students.”

  “Are you sure you don’t remember anything about what you talked about with Timmy Fields?” asked the sheriff.

  “No, I don’t remember, Sheriff,” Mother Superior Mary Ellen replied.

  “Let me try to refresh your memory. At any time in those sessions did Timothy Fields come to you and confess something to you?” he asked.

  Charles Posey interjected, “Sheriff, she is a nun at a Catholic school. That is a common practice for parishioners to confess sins. You need to rephrase the question.”

  The sheriff restated, “All right then. Let me rephrase the question. Did he ever tell you any secrets that you didn’t tell anyone else?”

  “I don’t recall anything important,” she replied.

  “Remember, you assured us you would tell us the truth and cooperate.”

  “I am, Sheriff,” she responded, furrowing her brow.

  Sheriff Johnson stood up and walked around the table then spoke softly in her ear, “You’re lying to me.”

  Charles firmly stated, “Watch how you speak to my client, Sheriff.”

  She could smell the cigar tobacco on the sheriff’s breath. Wrinkling her nose in disgust at the smell, Mother Superior nervously shifted her eyes and replied, “No, I am not, sir.”

  The sheriff stood up straight and grinned curtly at Deputy Williams as he said, “Get the tape recorder out, please. Let’s see if we can refresh her memory.”

  After putting latex gloves on, Williams opened a large clear evidence bag, and removed the black tape recorder that had been found in Mother Superior’s office. Quietly, he placed it on the table in front of her and plugged it in.

  “Is this your recorder?” the sheriff asked.

  She leaned over the table and peered at it.

  Posey interrupted, “Sheriff, that could be anyone’s tape recorder.What relevance does it have anyway?”

  “Oh, it is relevant, Counselor. Trust me,” the sheriff replied.

  Mother asked the sheriff, “Where did you find it anyway?”

  Sheriff Johnson smirked, “Oh, we know it’s yours. We found it in your office desk.”

  Shifting nervously, Mother said, “I forgot where. I haven’t used it in a while. What difference does it make if I have a tape recorder? A lot of people still have one.”

  Turning over the tape recorder, the sheriff revealed a label on the bottom with the words written: M. S. Mary Ellen – Do Not Remove!

  “As you can see, this definitely is your recorder, Mother. Before I play this tape, are you sure you don’t want to tell us something you may have just recalled?” he asked.

  “No,” she raised her voice.

  Reaching over, he pushed the play button. Everyone in the room listened attentively as the cassette wheels turned inside the recorder.

  “Hi, Timothy. Why don’t you come in and sit down? Well, how have you been this week?”

  “Oh, okay.”

  “You seem quiet. What’s on your mind, child? Timmy, what is it?”

  “Can I tell you a secret and you not tell anyone?”

  “Yes, my child.”

  “You promise?”

  “Yes.”

  “You remember Tom Green who went to this school?”

  “Yes. Now why are we talking about him, Timothy?”

  “I know who killed Tom Green.”

  After several seconds of silence, Timmy Fields asked her, “Why aren’t you saying anything, Mother Superior?”

  She cleared her throat. “How do you know this, Timothy?”

  “I saw it, Mother, and I didn’t want to say anything because I was scared.”

  “Okay, since you know who killed Tom Green, why don’t you tell me who it was? Tell me, Timothy,” she said emphatically.

  “You promise you won’t say a thing?”

  “I promise.”

  “It was a nun.”

  “A nun wouldn’t do something like this.”

  “Mother Superior, I swear it was a nun!”

  “Timothy, this session is over.”

  Timmy began to sob as he asked her, “How can I convince you that I’m telling the truth?”

  “But, it can’t be the truth.”

  “No, Mother Superior Mary Ellen,” Timmy yelled. “It was a nun. I saw her with my own eyes.”

  “This session is over. Your time is up, Timothy,” Mother Superior Mary Ellen yelled angrily.

  “He was dragged to the pond after he was attacked in the woods. He was standing up and then she made him fall to the ground. She put his backpack on his back, and drowned him in the pond.”

  “Timothy, this session is over and if you say another word, I will ... I will...”

  “You’ll what Mother Superior?”

  “I’ll put you in detention for lying to me; and you’ll have to scrub every floor in this monastery on your hands and knees. You’ll scrub until you want to die, Timothy. Get your stuff and get out of this office.”

  “I thought I could trust you, Mother Superior. I don’t understand why you’re so angry with me.”

  “This conversation will not go out of this office, unless it is in a confession to Father James Bartholomew.”

  “Don’t I have to sign something, Mother Superior?”

  “No! This conversation never happened.”

  “If I hear another thing come out of your mouth about Tom Green again, you’ll regret it.”

  “Yes, Mother.”

  “Oh God, how could this happen? Oh, I forgot to turn the recorder off.” Click.

  At that moment, Sheriff Johnson pushed the stop button. Tears rolled down Mother Superior’s face as she slumped down in her chair, defeated.

  The sheriff leaned over, “So, does that refresh your memory?”

  Mother Superior began to wring her hands nervously as she silently prayed. Lord, please help me. I don’t know what is going on, or why I’m being put through this.

  “Why did you tell Timothy Fields to leave the room and that the session was over?” Sheriff Johnson asked.

  “I was just so upset. Timothy was always a little awkward. I honestly didn’t believe that he saw what he said he did. A nun committing murder? We are taught to live good and helpful lives, We don’t hurt people intentionally. It made no sense to me. I guess I forgot about that session. I regret that I got so upset, but I did not kill that boy!” she exclaimed.

  Charles Posey saw a box of tissues on a corner table and got up out of his seat to retrieve it. Setting it in front of her, he said, “Here, Mother.”

  She pulled out one tissue and dabbed her red swollen eyes.

  Pausing a moment, Sheriff Johnson scratched his forehead as he sat back down. He leaned forward with his arms on the table. Slowly, a sinister smile began to show on his stoic face. “I want to ask you a question. After hearing the evidence tape, who would be the first suspect to come to mind for the murder of Timmy Fields?”

  “Mother, I advise you not to answer that. It requires conjecture,” Posey interjected.

  The sheriff glared at Charles before looking Mother Superior directly in the eyes. “You know what it looks like to me? Everything points to you murdering Tom Green; and then killing Timothy Fields because he saw you do it. That’s what all the evidence points to so far. Do you sant to fill me in on anything? Is there something I’ve missed?”

  Charles pleaded ineffectually to Mother Superior, “Please, Mother. Refrain from responding to that.”

  Before Posey could complete his statement, Mother shot out of her chair yelling, “No, I did not! I would never kill or hurt anyone! Someone else did this and I’m the one getting blamed.”

  The sheriff barked back at her, “You planned this all along! Methodically ... Delicately.”

  Slammin
g her palms down on the table, she yelled, “No, I didn’t!”

  “Ma’am, Timmy Fields was knocked unconscious and thrown into near freezing water; then weighed down and strangled with a rope. Imagine how he struggled for breath as he sank down to the murky depths, unable to free himself from the noose. Within moments, the cold water that enveloped him, sent him immediately into shock. Being exposed to those kinds of temperatures would have caused extreme pain; ensuring he would have awakened in time to suffer through his impending doom. Like discarded refuse, he died in that precious pond of yours; alone, abused and frozen.”

  Mother covered her face with her hands and began to cry again. “I really do not know what you are talking about? I would never knowingly hurt anyone”!

  Williams interjected, “If you really are innocent, why didn’t you talk to the authorities after Timothy told you about what he saw? Can’t you see that it makes you look guilty? Instead of deciding what the truth was for yourself, you needed to tell the authorities. INSTEAD, you took it upon yourself to hide it. That could have saved you and Timmy, Mother.”

  Charles Posey stood up, grabbing his folders and notebook. “This interview is over, Sheriff. You are badgering my client. She will not answer anymore questions under this duress.”

  Feeling completely overwhelmed by the bombardment of evidence against her, the elderly nun sank sadly down into her seat. Bowing her head in defeat, she sighed. “I didn’t do it, Sheriff. I just don’t know how to prove it.”

  Sheriff Johnson slowly blew out a long, deep breath and then stood up. Looking at Williams, he instructed, “I think we’re done here for now, Deputy. Go ahead and take Mother Superior back to her cell.”

  Gently grasping the frightened woman’s arm to help her stand up, Deputy Williams said, “You heard the sheriff, Mother Superior. Please, come with me.”

  * * * *

  Leaning back in his office chair late in the day, Sheriff Johnson picked up his phone as it rang. “Sheriff Johnson here.”

  “Hello, Sheriff. Peter Balkan here.”

  “So, any news for me about Tom Green’s autopsy?” he asked.

  Peter explained, “Sheriff, your instincts were correct. I looked over the photos taken when the body was found. It was obvious that there was extensive bruising on the body that would not be explained by a suicide. I don’t know how this happened, but it’s being corrected now.”

  He continued, “Although the body was already fairly decomposed, we could tell that there was still evidence of several large gashes on the head, arms and chest. The wounds looked to be inflicted by someone else. They were just not at angles consistent with being self-inflicted. As suspected, the cause of death was drowning, though the gash in the head could easily be caused by him being knocked unconscious. The throat had also been constricted, but not enough to crush the larynx. If he was already knocked out, it wouldn’t have been as hard for her to weigh him down with the backpack filled with bricks, just before drowning him in the monastery pond.”

  “That’s very helpful, Doc. Thanks for getting with me quickly. John and I are meeting with the Fields and Greens in the morning to find out more about Tom Green’s antics and anything else that may be related. This is more ammunition for us to use at Mother’s arraignment on Monday. I’m going to try to meet with the judge sometime this weekend to get the warrant signed for Tom Green’s murder.”

  Peter replied, “Glad we can do our part. Good luck with the interviews and the arraignment on Monday. What time is it going to start?”

  “The judge scheduled it for 9 a.m. on Monday at the courthouse. It would be great if you could make it,” Sheriff Johnson replied.

  “I’ll be there. Don’t worry,” Peter said.

  “Well, I better get going, Doc. Call if you find anything else. Good night.”

  “Sure thing. Night, Sheriff,” Peter said as he hung up the phone.

  After putting his cell phone in his pocket, Sheriff Johnson thought, It is almost too perfect how this is coming together. I guess all of Mother Superior’s praying didn’t make a difference for her. Now, to finish this up quickly, so I can go home and eat some of that great diet food she’s been feeding me. Well, at least she wants me to be around for a while.

  The sheriff glanced at his watch and looked up at Deputy Williams; who had been waiting patiently for him to get off the phone. “I think I’m gonna’ call it a day here, and re-listen to these CDs at home later. The wife’s feeling a little neglected; if you known what I mean?”

  “The past three nights, she cooked supper and I wasn’t there to eat it. I better get home in time, or I may be sleeping on the couch. Plus, I’m going to have to work a little tomorrow, which is supposed to be my day off. The D.A. and I are going to interview the Fields and Greens some more about their sons’ cases. I don’t think she’s going to be too pleased,” the sheriff added.

  Deputy Williams replied, “Gotcha! I can’t wait to see what Nancy has cooked for me tonight.”

  Putting his leather coat on, Sheriff Johnson asked, “Oh, how is that going so far?”

  Deputy Williams’ smiled broadly. “Well she’s cooking dinner for me at her place tonight, if that answers your question, sir.”

  Sheriff Johnson pointed directly at him, “I see that look in your eyes. You’re falling for her.”

  “I have to admit, she’s amazing,” Deputy Williams’ grinned.

  “Well, I’d better go. I want to listen to those sessions again. Like I said earlier, I want you to study those tapes closely. It will be a good experience for you to help as much as you can with the investigation. We don’t get these types of cases very often around here.”

  “Yes, sir. I will start on it before I leave today,” Deputy Williams said. “Anything else before you leave, Sheriff?”

  “No, I think that will do. Good night, Williams. Enjoy your date.”

  “Good night, sir. Enjoy your supper too,” the deputy said as he headed to the door.

  Sheriff Johnson was right behind Williams and flicked the light switch off as he headed out the door at the same time. I’m so ready to see my family, and eat a hot home-cooked meal for once.

  CHAPTER 46

  Looking out the picture window from his breakfast nook, John sat and sipped his coffee as he watched the waves crashing against the rocks on the shore. In the distance, he saw a whale spout as the light rays from the sunrise broke through the morning fog. Several seagulls squawked while gliding just above the shoreline in search of their breakfast. John grabbed the binoculars hanging from his neck and focused in on the majestic whale joined by two others swimming alongside it. Taking in a deep breath, he admired their magnificence.

  He thought, Maine has one of the most beautiful coastlines in North America, and I own a piece of it. I can’t wait to share it with Katy as my wife. I have to be one of the luckiest guys on earth.

  Katy awakened to the sound of seagulls and began to stretch her arms and legs out fully. Reaching for her black Japanese silk robe on a nearby chair, she wrapped it around her and tied the sash closed. Putting on her slippers beside the bed, she got up and made her way down the hallway. Slowly, she walked towards the kitchen, where she smelled the amazing aroma of hot coffee.

  John rose to his feet and pulled out a chair for her at the breakfast table. Smiling, he greeted her, “Hey, baby… How did you sleep?”

  Tightening the sash on her robe, Katy shuffled over and kissed him as she sat down. “Great! What do you have planned for today, sweetheart?”

  “I need to head out soon. I’ve got to go to the Wattsville Sheriff’s Department to re-interview the Greens and the Fields couples about the case. The sheriff’s expecting me to be there. Apparently, Williams found some of Mother Superior’s recorded counseling sessions with both Timothy Fields and Tom Green.”

  “Awwwww! You’re working on your day off? I thought we’d go look at patterns today,” Katy pouted.

  “I’m so sorry, sweetheart, but you know how important this case i
s. Since the arraignment is on Monday, that is the only opportunity to get the interviews done before then. Why don’t you take your new friend, Ellen, with you?”

  Taking a deep breath, she moped and muttered, “Alllll right. I guess I can do that, but I hope this doesn’t become a habit. I don’t want one of those absentee husbands.”

  “Pick out a bunch of patterns that you like, and narrow the choices down a bit. I’ll go look at them with you next weekend if you like?”

  Katy nodded as she resigned to say, “Try not to be gone all day, please?”

  “I won’t.” John leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. “Call me if you need me.”

  “I will. Hmmmmmm. Want some takeout pizza for dinner tonight? I have been craving some.”

  “You’re already thinking about supper?” John laughed as he walked over and kissed her gently on the lips. “I’ll see you tonight. I love you.”

  “I love you too, sweetheart,” Katy said as she picked up the paper and began to read. The headline on the front page read: Mother Superior Arrested for Murdering Timothy Fields!

  John smiled as he put on his overcoat, grabbed his keys, and headed out the front door. As he got in his car, his phone rang. “John Smith.”

  Sheriff Johnson’s voice came through the speaker. “Good morning, Counselor.”

  Turning on his car, John greeted him. “Morning, Sheriff. I’m leaving for your office right now.”

  “Good to hear. I wanted to bring you up to date before you get here. Peter called me late yesterday, and they finished the autopsy.”

  “And? Was he murdered?”

  “Yes, he was; and by drowning,” the sheriff replied. “Plus, there were large gashes on his head and body. The one on his head was big enough to indicate that Tom was knocked out before he was drowned. Peter even looked over the old photos from the body recovery, and was able to corroborate his findings based on what he saw. Tom Green was drowned after being knocked unconscious. I’m also going to try to meet with the Judge sometime later today, if he’ll take the time. I want to get that second warrant taken care of before the arraignment on Monday.”