Fogbound: A Lin Hanna Mystery

by Sharon Canipe

  · Jack Davis, a friend of Sandy Hill, also expresses doubt that her case has been solved. He expressed the opinion that Sandy saw someone doing something, possibly illegal, while taking plant photographs. Her presence was discovered and that led to her death. He believes the missing camera is the key to her case.

  · Sara Fletcher was the girlfriend of Luke Taylor. Both Luke and Sara’s mother, Mildred Fletcher, have expressed the opinion that Eustace Hinson, Luke’s grandfather, who was opposed to Luke’s plan to marry Sara, killed the girl.

  · Olivia Lee, widow of Bryan Lee, has said that Bryan had expressed concern about the unsolved killings around the parkway shortly before his death. She also spoke about Eustace Hinson’s reputation as a mean person who often got into confrontations with others, although she had no information that would specifically connect him to any of the cases.

  · In the most recent case, still under investigation, Eustace Hinson actually confessed to shooting and killing Peter Dunne and wounding his friend Ellen Clark. Hinson also confessed to other killings that were not specified by authorities at the time. Subsequently, Hinson, who suffers from dementia, changed his stories and recanted his confessions. The court deemed his remarks inconsistent, and his confessions were ruled inadmissible. He was declared incompetent due to dementia, and no criminal charges were pursued.

  · Olivia Lee also expressed frustration that authorities seemed not to be willing to actively continue the investigation of her husband’s death.

  · A prime suspect in the most recent case, Stefan Kovich, has not been charged with the killings because the only evidence is circumstantial. He is currently being held by federal authorities for visa violations and faces likely deportation. At this point no other charges have been filed against him.

  · Since they began to do research and ask questions about these unsolved crimes, Lin Hanna and Sue Gray have been threatened and their residence has been attacked on two occasions. Once someone shot at the front door, breaking a large vase, and later someone tried to loosen boards on the back steps, perhaps in an effort to have someone fall and be injured. Sue Gray shot at the intruder on that occasion, but it is unknown whether or not the person was hit. Authorities have not charged anyone with these acts.

  · While visiting the area where Sandy Hill was killed, Sue Gray and Lin Hanna had an encounter with Eustace Hinson who ordered them to leave the area, claiming they were on his property.

  · Recently, while traveling on Hwy. 421 in foggy conditions near that same area, Lin Hanna had a near accident when a truck pulled out in front of her. When she pulled off the road for a moment, she met one of Eustace Hinson’s sons. Apparently he was the driver of the truck. He made no threats, but, when he discovered whom she was, he made some remarks about her being to blame for his father’s not being committed to a secure home where he could be cared for.

  · Local authorities have not arrested anyone for the vandalism at the Gray-Hanna residence. In fact, investigation into these events appears to have been limited. Deputy David Winkler has implied that his staff doesn’t have time to pursue such incidents on an ongoing basis and has further implied that the actions of Sue Gray and Lin Hanna in looking into the unsolved crimes have led to their harassment.

  Questions:

  · What evidence led local authorities to determine that Sandy Hill was a victim of the man killed in Florida, thus closing that case?

  · What evidence, if any, was discovered in any of the investigations? Why were no charges brought?

  · Had Bryan Lee investigated any of the deaths? Did authorities check his files for any information? If so, what did they find?

  · Have authorities sought any evidence of Eustace Hinson’s behavior in any of these cases? Could such evidence support or clarify any of his “confessions”?

  · What is going on in the area where deaths have occurred? Did Sandy Hill see something? Did authorities search that area in investigating her death?

  · What was Eustace Hinson doing in that area when encountered by Sue Gray and Lin Hanna? Was he alone? How did he get there?

  · Why was one of Eustace’s sons leaving a parking lot near that same area on a foggy night?

  · Where does Stefan Kovich fit in this picture? Is he guilty of killing Peter Dunne and shooting Ellie Clark? Is all the evidence against him purely circumstantial?

  It was close to midnight when Lin and Sue finished compiling their list. They were more than ready to call it a day; Sue had a day off on Thursday, but Lin was expected to work. They were both off on Friday. They agreed it was best to let the list ‘rest’ overnight. Tomorrow, when they were fresher, they could review what they’d written and decide how to proceed from there.

  Despite the late hour and the fact that she was already dressed for bed, Lin decided to shower first. It would save her time the next morning and might help her get to sleep. The water warmed her body and soothed her tired limbs. She felt herself relaxing, her thoughts gradually turning away from the work she and Sue had been doing.

  Once in the bed, however, Lin found her thoughts returning to the observations she and Sue had recorded and the questions they’d raised. Suddenly, it hit her. There was one of those questions she and Sue might be able to answer for themselves. The more she thought about it, the more she realized what they needed to do next.

  ***

  The misty, foggy weather was still evident the following morning; the weather forecast called for such conditions through much of the weekend with heavier rain showers occurring intermittently. Lin was up a bit earlier than Sue so she put on some coffee before dressing for work. She’d just finished preparing some oatmeal for breakfast when Sue appeared in the kitchen.

  “I had trouble going to sleep last night—thinking about the things we’d made note of and considering what to do next,” Sue said as she poured herself a large mug of dark roast.

  “Me, too,” Lin replied. “In fact, I have some thoughts about what we need to do next.”

  “Well, I know what I’m doing next—first thing this morning,” Sue sounded determined. “I’m going to show up at the sheriff’s department and I’m going to get some answers. I’m going to push for information about the incidents we’ve had here at home. I also thought I might call Ellie Clark. First of all, I’d like to find out how she’s doing, and I also thought she might have heard about Kovich’s deportation hearing.”

  “She might have remembered more about what happened the day she and Pete were attacked,” Lin added. “Please give her my regards. I hope she’s doing well.”

  “Now it’s your turn,” Sue sat down at the table with her coffee while Lin ate her breakfast.

  “I thought that we might be able to answer at least one of the questions we raised. I think we need to revisit the place where Sandy Hill died, where we encountered Eustace Hinson. Jack Davis thought Sandy saw something in the woods. I know that was almost four years ago, but I’d like to see if there’s still any evidence of what she might’ve seen,” Lin was serious. “We’re both off tomorrow and I think we should head up that way—rain or shine. Our meeting with the FBI agent is just around the corner, so it’s important we get all the information we can before then.”

  “Are you sure?” Sue asked. “That might be dangerous if anything or anyone is there. Are you sure you’re ready to revisit that spot?”

  Lin took a deep breath, “Yes, I think it’s time and I do realize we need to be very careful. Actually, the weather might be on our side, less chance of someone being out there. If anyone is out there, they wouldn’t likely be expecting anyone else to be around on a bad day. Besides, we’re just going to look for signs of activity. We won’t try to confront anyone. If we spot anyone, we’ll quietly walk away.”

  Although she felt a bit reluctant, Sue agreed that it might be a good thing to do and a good time to try it. “I hope you learn something when you go to the sheriff’s office,” Lin said as she prepared to leave for work. “Any information we can gather is a plu
s at this point. I should be home by three.”

  Sue lingered a bit, enjoying a second cup of coffee. Then she decided to call Ellie Clark before heading out to talk to the authorities. Hillary Clark answered the phone.

  Sue was glad to have the opportunity to speak with Ellen’s Mom, “Hillary, this is Sue Gray. I’m calling to see how Ellie is doing.”

  “Good to hear from you, Sue,” Hillary responded. “Ellie is doing remarkably well. She still has only limited movement in her shoulder but manages without the sling most of the time. The doctors say it’s healing very well. They’re even talking about being able to postpone surgery until her winter break, maybe even later. That means she can probably avoid missing any school time. Would you like to speak with her, she just came downstairs?”

  “I would,” Sue said, “but first let me ask if you folks have heard anything from the local authorities about Stefan Kovich. We were told he had a deportation hearing this week but haven’t heard anything about the outcome.”

  “Neither have we,” Hillary said. “We were just talking about that yesterday. We really want to know what happens. Ellie is still wanting very much to return to the university there rather than transfer to UNCC, but we are reluctant to agree to that unless Kovich is out of the picture.”

  “I understand,” Sue agreed. “You want to be sure she’ll be safe.”

  “Here she is,” Hillary said. “I’ll pass the phone to her. Thanks for calling Sue.”

  Sue enjoyed talking with Ellie who seemed energetic and enthusiastic about the possibility of returning to Boone for the fall term. “Actually, I’d like to attend the second summer session, if possible. I’m still thinking of switching my major to art history and I’d like to take the next course. That would catch me up with my class. But, I’m still not sure about that yet. Got to see the doctor the first of next week. Then there’s the whole issue of Stefan—my parents, you know.”

  “We’re concerned about his case also,” Sue responded. “I’m going to the sheriff’s department today to try to learn something. If I get any news, I’ll call you tonight.”

  “Thanks, Sue,” Ellie seemed eager to hear.

  “May I ask if you’ve remembered anything more about the day you were hurt?” Sue probed.

  “Just a few flashes,” Ellie said, “I remember running away, and I think I remember being caught and shoved from the overlook. I’m still convinced that whoever did this was younger and stronger than that old man—but I still can’t remember a face or anything else that would identify him. It was a man though, definitely.”

  “You know, Ellie, like I said before, it’s possible that you never saw the person’s face at all—maybe that’s why you cannot recall that,” Sue offered, “but your memory of the voice and the strength of the person should count for something. I’ll mention it to someone at the sheriff’s office. Maybe they’ll want to talk to you again when you’re here.” Sue realized that Ellie might not be back for school yet, but knew she could come up for an interview if necessary.

  They chatted for a few more moments; then Sue ended the call and went upstairs to dress. She wanted to get into town as early as possible, knowing she might have to wait to talk to someone.

  An hour later Sue was cooling her heels in the reception area at the sheriff’s office. She’d learned that Dave Winkler was in that morning and the receptionist indicated that he could talk with her. Evidently, he was making her wait. Sue was determined that she wouldn’t leave until she talked to the man, even if it took all day. She wasn’t going to let him get the best of her. She and Lin deserved answers regarding the intrusions at their home, and she wanted to know if Kovich was being deported.

  Finally, the young woman at the desk indicated that Sue could go back to Winkler’s office. She found him sitting at his desk, engrossed in an open folder. He shuffled a couple of papers, presumably reading them before he finally looked up at her.

  “Nice to see you, Ms. Gray, please sit down. Can I offer you a cup of coffee?” the words were hospitable, but the voice was strained.

  “No thank you,” Sue replied as she sat down. “I know how busy you are, and I promise not to take more time than necessary, but Ms. Hanna and I are seeking some answers about the progress that’s been made in investigating the vandalism at our home. We’re concerned that the person or persons who did those things hasn’t been identified. We also have an interest in the outcome of Stefan Kovich’s hearing—you mentioned that would happen this week?”

  Winkler jumped to the easier issue first, “The Kovich hearing did occur yesterday. As you know, he has been terminated from his job at the university, and his permit to remain in this country is no longer valid. It is our understanding that he is to be deported to his home country, and he will not be allowed to return to the United States for some extended period of time. I would say that he is no longer a threat to you folks or to Ms. Clark.”

  “What about the possible murder and assault charges in Pete and Ellie’s case?” Sue asked. “I know that, originally, the DA felt that the evidence was too circumstantial, but I’d hoped perhaps you might have uncovered something more.”

  Sue continued, explaining that, while Ellie couldn’t make a visual identification, she had recalled enough details of the incident to be even more sure that her assailant was a male with a deep voice and sufficient strength to force her over the edge at the overlook.

  “Also, you do have the evidence of her apartment mates that Kovich directly threatened Peter Dunne and confronted him at the apartment. If you had found anything else that might link him to the location of the crime, for example; it might lead the DA to pursue the case.”

  Winkler seemed to be straining to control his response to Sue’s insistent pressing of the issue. “I wish that I had such evidence, Ms. Gray, but the fact is that I do not. Personally, I think that Stefan Kovich did commit this crime, but, at least, he is out of our community, and he will be leaving the country soon, I hope.”

  Sue decided to drop that particular subject. “What about the incidents at our home? Where does that investigation stand? We could’ve been seriously harmed on each of those occasions and we certainly intend to press charges.”

  Winkler continued to shuffle the papers before him. Sue noticed that they included the reports she and Lin had filed in both instances.

  Winkler sought to divert her attention. “ Have you experienced any further problems, Ms. Gray?”

  “No, we haven’t but…” Sue was cut off by the deputy’s next remark.

  “Then, I would say that there’s no point in this department pursuing these cases further. I believe that any danger has passed at this point. You will recall that, at the time, you were nosing around, gathering information for this book you say you’re writing. Most likely you ruffled some feathers of folks who maybe thought it was none of your business—that you should leave such matters to law enforcement. You might even be glad no one has come forward to charge you with assault when you shot at your visitor. They might claim they simply were coming to see you—your word against theirs,” Winkler’s expression was smug, “You can be grateful this is behind you now, it seems to me.”

  Sue was livid, barely able to contain her anger, “Deputy Winkler, I think you would have to agree that visitor’s do not shoot at your front door, nor do they try to sabotage your back steps. The damage done was clear and is documented in those reports of yours. This is not some ‘he said’—‘she said’ situation. It may well be, that my looking into some unsolved murder cases has led someone to do these things, but I would think this might provide your department with some new avenues to pursue in trying to solve these cases.”

  Dave Winkler’s face reddened. He closed the folders in front of him and straightened them on his desk. His anger lurked just beneath the surface, threatening his self-control. “Ms. Gray, I really have to bring this meeting to a close. I have other business waiting for my attention. I’m sorry that you and Ms. Hanna seem dissatisfied with our
department’s response to the incidents at your home. I can assure you that the file remains open on these incidents, and we will continue our efforts. We are short staffed, and, frankly, there are more pressing matters to attend to. Nevertheless, the inquiry will remain open, and, should we come across any pertinent information, we will certainly keep you informed.”

  “And I will continue to pursue my inquiries into these unsolved murders, as I have been all along,” Sue was grim-faced as she rose to go. “In fact, my next step may well be to talk to someone in local media. Perhaps they will be interested in taking another look at these cases.”

  By the time she got to her car, Sue had to sit for a few minutes to calm down. She was so angry. She couldn’t believe that man! He still seemed to want to blame her and Lin for what had happened. She was more convinced than ever that Dave Winkler knew more than he was sharing regarding who might’ve vandalized their home.

  Sue was in no mood to go back home, but she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do next. The weather continued to be damp and foggy—not a good day to take a walk outside or drive out on the parkway to unwind. She decided to go to the local mall where she could walk about inside and have some lunch. It was a small establishment with only two wings and, perhaps two-dozen shops. Nevertheless it did provide some distraction and helped to ease her mood. She browsed a small bookshop, deciding to purchase a couple of used paperback editions of popular books she’d not yet read. A sports shop was having a sidewalk sale so she purchased logo T-shirts from the local university for Lin and her. Finally, she went to Bath and Body Works and bought some shower gel and body spray that were on sale. By that time she was getting hungry so she took her purchases to her car and decided to have lunch at Panera Bread. The temperature was mild but the foggy, wet nature of the weather led her to decide on a bowl of soup and half a sandwich. She took her food to a secluded booth toward the back of the restaurant where she could think and plan what she wanted to do next. She decided to pay a visit to the local newspaper. She had earlier researched the news files online seeking information about the earlier murder cases, but she hadn’t yet talked to anyone directly. Perhaps there was someone on the staff who might remember all or some of these murders and who might be able to give her some insight. She decided to call first. She saw a discarded copy of the most recent edition of the Mountain Country Gazette in a rack nearby and took it to her table. Locating the phone number and the name of the editor she placed the call.