“He was older, more experienced. I was flattered when he wanted me to pose for him. He said I was beautiful,” Ellie stumbled over what came next, “…he said he loved me, and we started having sex, you know. Stefan said I was a little girl and had a lot to learn,” Ellie choked back more tears. “Sometimes it was exciting and felt good, but sometimes he was…you know, rough. Sometimes he hurt me. That’s why I broke it off. He was using me, he always asked me to model for him at his home studio. He drew pictures of me, and then he wanted to make love afterward. At first I felt grown up. I thought he loved me but later…” Ellie collapsed into tears at this point and couldn’t talk any more. Lin cradled the girl in her arms.
“Sex is a beautiful thing when you love someone, Ellie. You need to be careful, though. Save it for a serious, committed relationship. Save it for someone whom you really care for and who really cares for you. Stefan is a real problem. He was threatening you tonight, and I think you really need to report his behavior to someone in a position to do something about it.”
“I’m afraid of him,” Ellie admitted. “I thought he wouldn’t know I was here but someone must’ve told him where I was staying. Maybe he talked to Jenny or some of my other friends. I called them earlier, I guess that was a mistake.”
By this time, Sue had returned with the coffee. Ellie was regaining her composure, and Lin was feeling some relief that this situation was finally out in the open. Lin hoped Ellie realized that something had to be done. The atmosphere lightened up a bit as they nibbled cookies and sipped the fragrant dark roast.
They were all still shaken by what had happened earlier. Finally, after some discussion, it was decided that Lin would take the next day off from her work at the park. Sue was already slated to take another half day, hoping to conclude her car business in the morning and report to work in the afternoon. The mechanic would pick her up and she could also use the Toyota dealer’s shuttle service for needed transportation. She decided to move forward with that plan while Lin determined that she and Ellie needed to pay a visit to the Sheriff’s department and to the office of the Dean of Students at the university to report the behavior of Stefan Kovich. Ellie had supplied them with his last name.
“One more thing,” Ellie said as she turned to go upstairs. “Sue, you said you might be able to help me remember more about what happened the day Pete was killed, the day I was shot?”
“I would be happy to try,” Sue responded. “If you think you’re ready.”
“I’m ready,” Ellie said, “Maybe tomorrow. When Stefan threatened me tonight, when he said he could hurt me, his voice triggered something in my memory. I thought I’d heard him say that before, and I think I heard a voice like that when I was shot.”
Chapter 8
At ten o’clock the following morning, Lin was sitting in the office of the Dean of Students with Ellie. She’d called earlier and, when she’d indicated how serious the matter was, Dean Stebbins had agreed to make room in his schedule to see them. She’d followed that with a call to Ellie’s parents. John and Hillary wanted to come up and get Ellie immediately when they learned that Stefan had made his threatening visit to the house, but Lin had pointed out that nothing could really be done to stop this behavior unless Ellie herself was present to file the appropriate complaints.
“I promise that we’ll take every precaution and call you right away if this behavior continues. You’ll be coming up Thursday to take her home after the hearing anyway,” Lin tried to assure the distraught parents. “Hopefully, something can be done to put a permanent stop to this.”
Reluctantly, Ellie’s parents agreed that she needed to stay to take care of these matters and attend the competency hearing. They insisted that she not be alone, however; Lin agreed that either she or Sue would be with her so long as there was a risk of Stefan bothering her again. “If we have to work on the same day, one of us will take her along. She can find something to do at the park, I’m sure the staff will understand, and we generally work no more than six hours at a stretch, sometimes less.”
Now Lin arose as Dean Stebbins stepped out of his office and greeted them. He offered them coffee which Ellie declined while Lin accepted. She was fearful that Ellie would be reluctant to tell him about her relationship with Kovich, even though she’d stressed the importance of being forthright and not leaving anything out. She was not prepared for what happened next.
Dean Stebbins brought out a large art portfolio and placed it on the conference table in his office. He opened it to reveal a stack of nude sketches—quite beautifully executed in pencil and pastels—that he spread out before them. He looked them over and looked squarely at Ellie.
“I take it these pictures are of you. You were the model for these?”
Ellie nodded in affirmation but she said nothing. Obviously, she was embarrassed. She’d expected to tell her story but didn’t realize the Dean would’ve seen the actual sketches.
As if to answer both their questions, Dean Stebbins sat back and explained, “When Dr. Hanna called me this morning and asked to come in and discuss Professor Kovich’s behavior, I went down to his office and pulled these from his portfolio of work. He wasn’t present; however, these were here on university property. Ellie, were these sketches done on campus?”
Ellie shook her head, “Er—no sir, they were done at his home studio. I guess he brought them here later.”
“So he invited you to come to his studio and pose for these works; they are beautiful by the way,” he added.
Ellie replied, “Yes, sir.”
“And what was his behavior toward you during these modeling sessions?”
Ellie looked down at her hands and tears began to well in her eyes, “Almost every time, when he’d finished drawing, we had sex. He said he loved me but…”
“But, what?” Dean Stebbins asked, “Did he force you Ellie, were you raped?”
Ellie shook her head; the tears were flowing freely now. “No sir, I wanted to, you know…at least at first, but sometimes, sometimes he got really rough and hurt me. Finally, I realized that he didn’t love me, he was just… you know, taking advantage; then I tried to stop. I told him I didn’t want to model for him anymore, but he kept after me.” She continued, telling him about his visits to her apartment, his confrontation with Peter Dunne, his threats on more than one occasion…Lin was really proud of her. Once she got over her initial fears of talking, she laid it all out for the Dean.
Finally, the story was told, including the threats of the previous night. Dean Stebbins turned to Lin. “Thank you for contacting me and for bringing Ellie in this morning. I hope your next visit will be with law enforcement.”
“It will,” Lin responded. “We have an appointment with the Sheriff’s office this afternoon.”
“That’s good, because the only thing I can deal with is Stefan Kovich’s professional behavior. Ellie is of legal age and, while she was apparently abused, did consent to have sex with this man. The abusive behavior occurred off campus at his home. However, we have a firm policy concerning professional behavior toward students, whatever their age, and Kovich is a visiting faculty member who remains here at the will of the university. He will likely be terminated immediately; however, in order for that to happen, Ellie has to file a written formal complaint, and I will have to take it up the ladder to my own supervisor. Are you willing to file such a document, Ellie?”
This was a moment of truth, Lin realized. Ellie would be taking certain risks if she filed this complaint and cost Kovich his job, and perhaps his permission to stay in the United States. Lin was very proud when Ellie spoke up, “I’ll do that, Dean Stebbins, just tell me how I should proceed.”
The Dean gave Ellie an outline of all the information she needed to include in her written complaint. There was a form; however, Dean Stebbins noted that she should add more details concerning her relationship with Kovich and his behavior toward her. “I would like to have this as soon as possible,” the Dean said. “We need to move qu
ickly to take action before he can present other threats toward you and possibly other students.”
Ellie nodded. She understood. “Maybe Sue can help me write it, she’s a professional writer,” she said. “She’ll help me get it written properly.” Lin nodded in agreement.
They concluded their visit and were on their way.
After taking a break for coffee and a short walk on the local greenway trail, they were off to the county’s law enforcement center. Ellie actually seemed more nervous than she had at the Dean’s office. Lin thought, perhaps, it was because this made things a criminal matter.
After Ellie had basically repeated what she’d told Dean Stebbins for Deputy Dave Winkler, he asked her, “So, what do you want to do now? Are you going to press any charges of rape or abuse if so…” Ellie cut him off.
“No, I don’t think I can do that. Stefan took advantage of me, but he didn’t rape me. He did give me some bruises when he got rough, but those are long gone, and I never went to anyone while they were evident.” Ellie seemed dejected.
Lin decided to speak up, “What about the harassment? Ellie has witnesses. Her roommates were there when he came by the apartment, and they witnessed his confrontation with Peter Dunne. Then there’s last night. Kovich was at our home last night and he threatened to hurt Ellie. Sue Gray and I both heard him.”
“That you can address,” Winkler replied, “and you can file for a restraining order to keep him away from Ellie, from you and Ms. Gray also, for that matter.”
Lin realized that harassment charges were generally only misdemeanors and restraining orders could be difficult to enforce, but if Ellie wanted to do that she and Sue would certainly support her.
“I think it’s more serious than that,” Ellie spoke up with a surprisingly firm voice. “I think Stefan might’ve been the person who shot me, who killed Pete. He had threatened us both, and when I was at his home, I ‘d seen he had several guns. He told me he liked to hunt and was a good shot.” This revelation was new to Lin.
“I guess you’ll remember that Eustace Hinson has already signed a full confession regarding that shooting. That case is on its way to closure. There’s to be a hearing Thursday, as you know, about committing Eustace to a facility. He’s not competent, but his behavior warrants removal from the community so he can’t harm anyone else.” Winker seemed nervous as he spoke. “Have you remembered what actually happened? Can you identify your assailant? Are you sure it’s Kovich and not Hinson? We’ll need a strong identification if a signed confession is going to be tossed out.” Winkler seemed almost angry.
Ellie seemed shaken by Winkler’s barrage of questions. Lin wanted to come to her rescue but also knew she needed to handle this herself now that she’d started the process. Finally, after a few awkward moments, Ellie spoke.
“I’m not sure of anything at this point Deputy Winkler. I know that I told you I couldn’t remember anything that happened that day after we finished the picnic, but last night, when I heard Stefan threatening me, his voice triggered something. I thought I’d heard a deep strong voice like that before—the day we were attacked. I think my memory may be coming back. I hope so anyway. Would it be possible for me to hear Mr. Hinson’s voice? Maybe I’d remember that too and that would help.”
Dave Winkler thought for a moment. “It’s a bit unorthodox, but I suppose we could bring Mr. Hinson back up to one of the interrogation rooms and ask him again about what he told us. There is a room next door with one-way glass and openings to let sound go through. Mr. Hinson wouldn’t know you were there, but you could see him and hear his voice.”
“Could I do that, please?” Ellie asked.
“I’ll try to arrange it. He’s still here in the jail, but you’ll have to remember the poor old fellow has dementia. One day he talks about killing someone and the next he doesn’t know anything about it. Actually, he’s confessed to killing several people since he’s been here, but I don’t know what you’ll hear today.”
“All I need is just to hear him say anything at all. That might help me remember,” Ellie responded.
“Then give me about an hour and come back. I’ll see what I can arrange.”
***
Lin took Ellen downtown for lunch while they waited for the Sheriff to make his arrangements. It was a quiet affair. They’d chosen Melanie’s and were eating outside on the patio as it was warm and the weather had improved substantially since the night before. The food was great, but Ellie barely touched hers. Finally, Lin decided to break the silence.
“You seem troubled Ellie. I’m sure all this can seem overwhelming, but I know you’re trying to do the right thing.”
Ellie nodded, “I am, but I feel bad about it. I’m not sure why, but I feel like it’s my fault. If I hadn’t been so gullible all this with Stefan might never have happened. Now he’s probably going to lose his job and maybe even be arrested. What if he wasn’t the one who shot Pete and me?”
“Ellie, all you can do is to be honest with what you say. Don’t try to guess. Just be truthful. Tell what you remember to the best of your ability and leave the rest to the authorities. Please remember, what happened between you and Stefan wasn’t your fault. You may be an adult in age, but he is older than you and far more experienced. His behavior toward you was totally inappropriate. You were his student after all. You made a mistake, but we all make mistakes from time to time. You’re trying to do the right thing now, and that’s all you can do. Then just move on and leave all this behind you.” Lin realized fully that this advice was easier to give than to follow.
“Don’t forget. Last night he actually threatened you directly, and he’s hurt you in the past. That could only be interpreted as a blatant attempt to intimidate you. I think he is truly a disturbed young man,” Lin added. She called for their check as it was time to head back to the law enforcement center.
When they arrived they were taken into a room where Deputy Winkler was waiting for them. They stood before a window that allowed them to see into the adjacent interrogation room. Speakers mounted below provided sound.
“He won’t be able to see or hear you,” the deputy reminded Ellie. “I’m going in to ask him to review his statement. It’s legitimate because since then he’s been heard denying that he ever shot anyone. As I said earlier, he’s also confessed to other shootings; his story is definitely mixed up—part of his dementia I’d expect, but with the hearing this week it’s reasonable for me to review the original confession with him.”
Winkler left the room and soon he reappeared beyond the window leading a bent shuffling old man with a straggly beard. Hinson was wearing an orange jail suit and slippers but he wasn’t handcuffed.
He sat opposite the deputy and his eyes kept roving about the room, sometimes staring straight at the window behind which Lin and Ellie sat. It was hard to believe he couldn’t see them. Ellie seemed nervous, but she focused intently as Deputy Winkler began to review the confession and ask questions of Eustace Hinson.
“Mr. Hinson, you told us you shot this young man, Peter Dunne, and shoved him over the drop off near that overlook. Threw him down the mountain. Is that how you remember it?” Winkler asked.
“Yup, kid was messing around. He was on my property. I got rid of him. I’m a good shot,” he seemed calm and matter of fact.
“Did you see anyone else? Did you shoot at anyone else?” Winkler continued.
The old man seemed to be getting agitated. He began to squirm in his seat and rub his hands together. He rolled his eyes and jerked his body in the chair. It seemed as if he were reliving the moment. He suddenly jumped up, turning the chair over in the process, and yelled out in a high, shrieking voice, “Come back here! I mean it, stop now or I’ll shoot you!” The old man raised his arms as if he had a weapon, as if he were reenacting the moment of shooting. Then he seemed to relax and he grabbed the edge of the table to steady himself.
In a calmer voice he said, “I had to protect my property. I had to shoot those kids and thro
w them down the mountain. They had no business there.”
The deputy went to the side of the table and put an arm around the old man’s shoulder. It’s OK now, Eustace. Nobody’s gonna bother your property. We’ll take care of you.” He helped the old man from the room.
Lin and Ellie just stood there, waiting for someone to come get them. Ellie had tears in her eyes. “That poor old man, I feel sorry for him.”
“It is sad,” Lin responded, “but with his dementia, he needs to be somewhere he can’t hurt anyone, can’t hurt himself even.”
“I know,” Ellie said, “but I don’t think he killed Pete or hurt me. When I heard Stefan’s threat last night what triggered my memory was his deep voice. I can’t recall any words that I heard, but I think whoever yelled at me up there had a deep voice. This old man’s voice is high and squeaky. It didn’t sound familiar at all, and did you see him—how frail he is—I don’t think he could’ve thrown Pete down that mountain nor me either. He doesn’t look strong enough.”
Chapter 9
When they left the law enforcement center, Ellie said she just wanted to go home. She seemed tired and a bit troubled. She complained that her shoulder was hurting and she just wanted to rest.
Lin felt somewhat drained by their morning experiences also and was glad to get back to the house. Everything there seemed much more pleasant. The eeriness they’d experienced with the mist and fog the night before had completely vanished with the change in weather. Sue had already left for work in the park, leaving a note to announce that she now had new “wheels” having concluded her car purchase that morning. Lin knew that she’d be glad to go back to work the next day, happy to return to the normalcy of her volunteer schedule. She’d already contacted Rachel Clifford about not wanting to leave Ellie alone, and Rachel had suggested that Lin bring her along to Linn Cove. “I have a load of files that need to be cleared out and papers that need to be shredded. She can manage that with one hand I feel sure, and it will actually be a great help to me. It will also free you and me to spend more time with visitors.” Lin was relieved that Ellie could be with them and not be a problem for anyone.
Fogbound: A Lin Hanna Mystery Page 9