“That’s where my mind is going, too. Tonight that theory is going to hit the headlines. I’m the whistleblower. If I’m right, I’m screwed, and if I’m wrong, I’m screwed.”
“What about Dwayne Moore? How does he fit into this scenario?”
“Good question. I said he had friends in high places, one of which may be the MPD Vice Squad.”
***
Jane and Chip sat in front of his computer monitor watching the evening news from Minneapolis. The co-anchors were an attractive pair, both with long Italian names. The male anchor led off the newscast with a teaser about a scandal in the Minneapolis Police Department.
“Breaking news only on WCCO. An anonymous source has lodged allegations of corruption in the Minneapolis Police Department’s Vice Squad.”
The female anchor took over. “Members of the Vice Squad are accused of running a sex trafficking ring, specifically prostituting Native American women. The source also links the deaths of crime writers Patrick Finnegan and Margaret Murphy to the ring. Our police reporter is outside the First Precinct station. What can you tell us, Andrea?”
The camera cut away to a live shot of an attractive young woman wearing a jacket with the WCCO logo on the front. “The Police Chief was unavailable for comment. The department’s spokesperson denied any knowledge of the allegations. Rumors of an internal whistleblower are unconfirmed at this point. We hope to have more information for the ten o’clock news.”
The male anchor continued. “Viewers may remember the murder of local crime writer Patrick Finnegan last September. His body was found in the ONCE UPON A CRIME bookstore. The homicide division identified it as an active case, so they are not at liberty to comment. Our source revealed Finnegan may have been researching sex trafficking in the Twin Cities.”
The female anchor took over. “The death of writer Margaret Murphy was first reported as a suicide. It now appears that may not be the case. Apparently crime writing can be a dangerous occupation.”
The two anchors moved on to a story about the threat of Asian carp in the Mississippi river.
“Franco was the whistleblower, Jane. He called me earlier today.”
Chip began to pace around the room, so agitated he could not stay still. “Franco could lose his job over this. Finnegan and Murphy must have discovered the Vice Squad was involved in sex trafficking, and they shut them up…permanently.”
“Chip, I don’t want to believe that law enforcement people would resort to murder to keep them quiet. I know this kind of thing can happen, but in the Minneapolis Police Department?”
“There’s a lot of money in sex trafficking. Money corrupts. It’s happened in other major cities, so why not Minneapolis? They probably had Moore or some other thug do it and paid him a tidy sum. Poor Franco, he’s jumped into the fire. He’s done the just and honorable thing, and he’s most likely going to get fired for it.”
***
Over the next several weeks Chip, along with Chief Fredrickson, followed the story in Minneapolis, piecing together information from as many news sources as they could and meeting at the Bun to discuss events as they unfolded.
Over coffee and cherry pie they talked about crime within police departments. “What happens to crooked cops?” asked Chip as he forked Bernice’s flaky piecrust into his mouth.
“Big city departments have an internal affairs staff. They review complaints and misconduct. In Minneapolis the department has a reputation of dismissing charges against officers and not meting out much in terms of disciplinary action, just referring the officers for what they call coaching.” The chief signaled Bernice for a refill. “My god, Bernice, what’s in this pie?”
“I’m making my pie crust with lard these days; don’t tell your doc. And, I put amaretto in the cherry filling. What do you think?”
“I think I’ll have another piece.”
Chip returned the conversation to his recent findings. “Yesterday I read in the Star Tribune that the city council’s Office of Police Conduct Review is investigating the case and the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota is also putting up a fuss. What do you think is going to happen?”
“To tell the truth, Chip, I think there will be a discreet cover-up. Unknown to the public the culprits will be dismissed or maybe just demoted to street duty. I doubt there will be any criminal charges filed. Eventually the police will issue some statement about continuing to investigate the murders and their dedication to bringing their killer or killers to justice.”
Chip put down his fork. “Really? That’s just not right. Something should be done about it. How can they get away with that? What about the women who are being victimized? What about all the illegal money that is being made by rotten cops?”
“You’re right, of course. Franco knew despite the evidence he had that nothing drastic would happen. His source probably named names all the way up to the Captain of Vice, but he knew her testimony would not hold up in court. He did it anyway…for his own self-worth…because he’s one of the good guys. He expected to be shunned by his fellow officers. It’s happened in previous incidences within the force. Snitches are ostracized. ”
“How do you know all this?”
“Talked with him last week. Officially he’s been on paid administrative leave ever since the MDP discovered he was the whistleblower. The Chief has been trying to protect his reputation by keeping him out of view during the investigation. She’s got quite a mess on her hands. Don’t envy her. Off the record, he told me he plans to resign his position and resettle his family in another city as soon as he has his affairs in order.”
Much to Chip’s dismay and frustration, the chief’s predictions proved to be right. Two members of the Tre Tre Crisps gang were charged with Finnegan’s murder. They had been overheard in a Seven Corners bar bragging about a hit shortly after midnight on the night Patrick Finnegan was shot. They were reported by an off-duty cop who was bartending at the time. Margaret Murphy’s case remained open but unsolved.
No one in the vice department was publically exposed or prosecuted. What happened internally was kept under wraps, but it was rumored there was a change in command of the vice squad, and the chief announced she was doubling the force’s efforts to stem sex trafficking in the city.
Afterwords
Turners Bend
May
SPRING APPEARED TO HAVE FINALLY come to the middle of Iowa. While Chip was reveling in the thawing snow and fresh breezes, a few pessimistic townies kept telling him to wait for the last shoe of winter to drop…a May snowfall. He vowed to think positively, to enjoy the exhilaration he felt at publishing Head Shot and heading his writing career in a new direction.
Jane was in a full-scale party planning mode. Ingrid would be graduating from high school in May and Baba would finish vet school soon. Jane had enlisted Lance Williams to help her stage a gigantic celebration. On two other occasions Lance had proven to be a highly successful party planner. Chip laughed to think that he was once jealous of Lance’s attention to Jane. Now he was grateful he could step out of the way of the frenzied party preparations and let Lance take over.
Lance and Lucinda had made a trip to world-famous IVF treatment center. Lucinda bought a case of pregnancy test kits, which she used sometimes more than twice a day, reporting to Chip after each test, despite his protests that it was TMI…too much information for his tastes. His literary agent continued to prepare for a pregnancy while waiting for the blue plus sign, spending a small fortune on clothing, equipment and toys, and giving her agent duties short shift.
Chip still was following the case of Finnegan’s murder and the trial of the two gang members, but there was no progress being reported. He switched his concerns to Finnegan’s family. He periodically called Maureen to check on her welfare. With a substantial contribution from his father, he set up trusts for Finnegan’s two children, Sean and Abby. He dedicated Head Shot to Finnegan and found peace in doing so.
Giving up on trying for a hip ringto
ne, Chip had changed his to a favorite John Denver song. He grabbed his cell when he heard the strains of “Country Roads.” It was Baba on the other end with bad news, news that set his household tumbling into turmoil.
“Sir, I have news from Afra. My father is very ill and near the end of his life. I must return to care for him and accept my place as the head of our village. It is my duty,” said Baba in a voice laced with brave resolve.
The ramifications began to reel through Chip’s head. “But you’re only one month from graduation. Surely you can wait. We’ve been trying to get your status changed with Homeland Security, but it still appears if you leave, you will not be able to return. Please, don’t do anything rash. Let’s explore all the options.”
“I appreciate all your efforts, Sir, but I must go as soon as possible. This is my fate; my destiny has been written for generations.”
***
Despite many phone calls to Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services and Iowa’s two senators, nothing could be done. Through Jane’s efforts the veterinary school had graciously granted Baba an early diploma. His return flight to Ethiopia via New York City and Rome was scheduled.
Ingrid was devastated. “I somehow thought he would be able to stay, that the government would come to its senses and see what a harmless, wonderful person he is. And that he would want to stay here, maybe be mom’s assistant. This sucks, this sucks big time. Do something, Dad, don’t let this happen.”
“Ingrid, your mother and I have tried everything we could think of, but the reality is he is determined to return to his home. We’ll keep in contact with him. He’ll always be part of us.”
The day arrived. Sven come down from Minneapolis and the whole family drove Baba to the Des Moines airport. Chip felt like he was driving a hearse. Sadness shrouded the car and few words were spoken. There had been well wishes and tears at the Bun that morning, and Bernice made a batch of injera for the occasion. Iver tried to give a little speech but got too choked up to continue.
Chip sought special permission to go to the gate area with Baba, but airport security denied his request. Their farewell would have to be outside of the security check point.
Baba handed each of them an envelope. “Please do not read these until you get home. Have S’Mores and hot chocolate and remember all the wonderful times we have had.” With those words, he turned from them and passed through the metal detector. They watched as the TSA agent pulled him aside and led him to another area. His name was on the watch list. Even though Agent Masterson had tried to smooth the way for his exit from the country, it would be not be easy for him. Not easy for any of them.
***
Jane insisted on following Baba’s request. She made S’Mores and hot chocolate and the four of them sat at the kitchen table their envelopes from Baba in hand.
Each opened their notes and read them aloud.
Dear Doctor Jane,
I lost my mother so many years ago and now I have found a new mother in you. I will honor you for the rest of my life and try to make you proud of your son Baba.
Dear Sir,
In my country a father is always to be respected, obeyed and honored above all others. You now are my American father, and I am humbled to be your son Baba.
Dear Sven,
Brothers to the end, Dude. Keep the faith and do good works.
Baba
Dear Ingrid,
I will be in Afra, but my heart will always be with you. Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, look to the stars and know that I am thinking of you. Should the fates bless us, we will see each other again.
With love, Baba
Five Years Later in Turners Bend
Chip Collingsworth and Jane Swanson are still living happily in Turners Bend with Runt, Callie and their new puppy, a chocolate lab named Hershey. Chip finished his crime series and is now working on his “Great American Novel,” a story about life in a small Iowa town. He was recently elected mayor. He likes to say he won hands down, which is technically true since he ran unopposed.
Ingrid Swanson has finished her degree at Iowa State and is working for an international hunger relief organization in Africa. She is in frequent contact with Baba, who succeeded his father as tribal leader. Stay tuned for news on their relationship.
Sven Swanson has formed an independent documentary film company along with a fellow MCAD alumnus. They aren’t making any money, but they sure are having a wonderful time and making headway to their goal of having an entry in the Sundance Film Festival.
After a failed in vitro fertilization procedure, Lucinda and Lance decided to adopt a special needs toddler. The happy family now lives in Turners Bend full time, and Lucinda is a stay-at-home mom (can you believe it?). Little Atticus is hearing-impaired and many of the townies, including Bernice, are learning sign language.
Speaking of Bernice, she won $25,000 in a national baking contest. She used the money to open her own bakery, Bernice’s Main Street Bakery. Stop by when you’re in town and try her rhubarb crispies…they are to die for.
Chief Fredrickson retired. He likes to quip that he has “retired from a life of crime.” He and Flora bought an RV and fly down south with the snowbirds every winter. Iver also bought an RV (bigger than the Chief’s), and he and Mabel join the Fredrickson’s in Sun City from January through March.
Mario Franco is the now the police chief of Turners Bend. His son is the star guard on the Prairie Dog’s basketball team…go Dogs!
Five years later life is good in Turner Bend, and the Benders hope the same for you, dear readers.
Discussion Questions for Writing Can Be Murder
1. The mining of frac sand and the fracking of oil are both highly controversial. What are the controversies? How do you feel about his method of producing crude oil?
2. Are the women involved in sex trafficking victims or criminals in the eyes of the law? In your eyes? What do you think can be done to address this problem? Why is the incidence of sex trafficking high at the time of national events such as, sports events or political conventions?
3. In this story Chip Collingsworth is struggling with step-parenting. Share any of your own experiences with being a step-child or a step-parent.
4. In Head Shot Agent Schwann is struggling with career versus motherhood issues. How can women be successful at both? Share your own experiences and compare them to your mother’s experiences.
5. Tolla Dibaba (Baba) ends up on the terrorist watch list even though he is not a terrorist. How effective do you think this and other Homeland Security measures have been in reducing terrorist activities in this country?
6. If you have read the previous books in this trilogy, what do you think about the ending of each of the two stories?
The first two books in the Can Be Murder Series by
Marilyn Rausch and Mary Donlon are:
Headaches Can Be Murder
and
Love Can Be Murder
You can find out more about the authors and their books at www.rauschanddonlonauthors.com or on the
Rausch and Donlon Facebook page.
Rausch & Donlon - Can Be Murder 03 - Writing Can Be Murder Page 26