Moss thought it was very old and in need of some maintenance for sure. Sean parked about where he thought he had last Saturday night. Moss got out and stood looking around. He saw the poor lighting and ease of which someone could sneak in, park, and hide out near the back door. Moss made his way to the back door, which at this time of day was closed and locked due to the crime scene. Moss was known for his observation and intelligence.
He walked around to the front of the building to the door into the dining room. A few golfers were having cocktails and nodded at the Chief. Gus was introduced to Moss and then they went to look at the restroom area and crime scene.
A uniform policewoman, arms folded across her chest, legs spread, glared at Moss until the Chief arrived right behind him. Her face turned a little red. She bade them good morning and stepped aside. The lighting inside was poor and Moss asked for a flashlight. The policewoman handed him a nice Mag-Lite. Moss went to the far stall marked handicapped, tore off the crime scene tape and carefully examined the crime scene. Black smudges from police fingerprint takers were the only thing out of the ordinary.
In such a small space nothing could be hidden or just laying around. Moss heard some raised voices coming from the outside of the restroom. He was finished here anyway. Moss walked out of the restroom to see the chief talking to a short young man in a suit and tie. He clearly heard the young man tell Sean he had a witness to swear he saw him come out of the back door and go to his car, lean down so as not to be seen, the witness ducked down behind some bushes near the front door.
In addition, he told Sean the judge revoked his bail and Sean would be taken back to the county jail. Sean said, "Jon, I'd like you to meet a friend of mine Moss Adams. Moss, this is the counties prosecutor Jon Ashworth." Moss stuck his hand out and Jon ignored it completely and with a snide remark said, "No amount of friends can help you Sean. We got you dead to rights and I can't wait for my day in court. Officer, cuff him and bring him to jail."
The police officer asked, "Do we really need to cuff the Chief?"
"Do what you're told officer unless you want a letter in your file," said Jon. Moss looked on bewildered that such procedure was so out of line, it was laughable.
Moss said, "Sean, I'll have someone here by nightfall so don't worry." Moss went outside and used his company cell phone to call his boss in Oklahoma. Thirty minutes later he closed up his phone and went to the bar for a drink. It was time to interview Gus.
Moss wasn't much of drinking man. He found the bar pretty much empty of customers. He introduced himself and ordered a gin and tonic. Matt asked, "Gus, what can you tell me about last Saturday night. You had a commanding view and, unless you are hard of hearing, heard things no one else did. Let's see if we can clear the Chief."
"I'm not sure I can help much Mr. Adams. I did see people coming and going from the restrooms. Also some folks had set up a table outside and were having a good time as I heard laughing and such things. I did play with Phillips mind a little as I held back the quality scotch for a few hours," said Gus.
"Just call me Moss please. Did Phillip Street go outside or just stay here inside."
"He went outside twice to my knowledge. The first time he came back in madder than hell. That's when I told him the good scotch had just arrived. The next time I saw him go out but not come back in. The next thing I knew was Maudie came running in from the back screaming."
"Gus, did you see his wife take a restroom break?"
"I think so, but I can't swear to it Moss. People were dancing and wandering around rather than sitting quietly chatting."
"Anyone else Gus?"
Gus, Moss had noticed had been polishing the same glass since he sat down. Gus said, "Well, I saw Nellie Ponds go outside, but not to the restrooms. I got a little busy then as Sam came in with a full drink order for outside. I'm sorry I couldn't be much help Moss. It's my way of thinking that someone entered from the back door, did the deed, and melted into the crowd or departed."
"I understand from Blake that Phillip's daughter Jill came after the body was discovered. I'd guess you saw her," asked Moss.
"Yes, Veronica has a cell phone and she probably called her daughter. Veronica is an alcoholic and needs someone around to help her navigate after a day of drinking. Her daughter Jill is very close to her mother. This next bit of information is out of school talk, but Jill Street is a known lesbian and very stocky with short cut hair."
"I thank you Gus. I'm staying at Sean's house so if you think of anything, please call."
Moss walked outside into a lovely April day. A few clouds drifted by, but the cool clear air of a spring day felt good. A police car drove up and the driver was the same policeman who took Sam away. He said, "I think you need a ride Mr. Adams. Sean asked me to back and pick you up. Actually, I'd planned on doing that anyway. The Chief is well liked and that prosecutor has a bug up his ass."
Blake was waiting for him at the station house. Brenda, Sean's secretary was crying her eyes out. Blade told Moss that after lunch they would go see the widow and her daughter. The son was unavailable. Moss thought that was slightly unusual as a son normally hung around the house with a grieving widow.
Both detectives went to lunch at a restaurant on the edge of the town that overlooked the valley. It was small and noted for its home cooked lunch and dinners. Meatloaf was the lunch special and if you didn't like meatloaf, then you'd best find another place to eat.
Moss loved it and wolfed it down with thoughts of his wife's cooking not so long ago. He sipped his ice tea and Blake noticed his watery eyes, but said nothing. They continued their lunch and Moss complemented the plus size cook and owner of the restaurant. She beamed a toothless smile and wished him well finding the killer. There are few secrets in any small town.
The Supposedly Grieving Widow
Phillip Street's house or mansion was located up a paved side road that wound through some lovely Myrtle trees. The home and the setting were like something out of a fairy tale. Gingerbread and sawn red cedar shingles decorated the outside. The roof made out of red cedar shakes hand split. A detached garage with what appeared an upstairs apartment sat nearby. The grounds were immaculate and flowers were blooming everywhere. Spring was kind this year with ample rain and sunshine.
Moss wanted to take a picture, but thought better of it. The door was answered by a uniformed maid. She bade them welcome and stepped aside to let the detectives pass. She asked them to follow her. The carpet was so deep that Moss felt like he was walking on a sandy beach. The door to the study was open. Veronica Street was standing next to the fireplace holding onto the mantle. Her daughter, Jill sat at her father's massive desk as if she was born there.
Blake made the introductions. Veronica was cordial and the opposite with the daughter Jill. Moss did notice a drink glass on the mantel not far from her hand. Veronica asked if they would like a drink or coffee. Moss chose the later as well as Blake. The maid quietly left. While Veronica was carefully making her way to the small sofa that sat opposite two chairs that the detectives sat in, Moss looked around the room. Typical rich lawyer library - study Moss thought. On one wall heavy, dark wood paneling with quality looking paintings professional arranged. On another wall was floor to ceiling book shelves packed with books. The whole setting reeked of a professional decorator and god forbid if something was moved.
"I'm sorry for your loss Mrs. Street," Moss said.
"Well, don't be sorry for me. I'm glad the SOB is dead. I'm just sorry it didn't happen years ago."
"Okay, then please tell me about the bottle of poison in your bag that was discovered that night," said Moss.
A dropped glass onto the rug was the result of Moss's statement. Blake had told Moss that the fact there was poison in his blood was not published as of yet.
The maid rushed in and both Blake and Moss wondered who or how the message was relayed. Moss guessed a button on the desk called for a servant. A few minutes went by and Veronica left to change her top. Moss thou
ght it a bit strange that she walked very well instead of playing the role of a drunk.
Moss swung his attention to Jill Street and asked, "Ms. Street, how did you get along with your father?"
"You'll find out anyway," she said in a strange gravelly voice, "he was a piss poor father who cared for no one but himself. I'm like most people and like my mother, I'm damn happy he is gone. I'll feel even better when they put him six feet under. Knowing that bastard he might just rise from the dead to haunt us. Meanwhile, what are you saying about poison in mom's bag?"
Blake answered, "Strychnine was found in his blood and your mother had a small bottle of strychnine in her bag. It appears she was trying to poison him."
Blake asked, "Ms. Street how and at what time did you mother contact you last Saturday night. From the reports you arrived very quickly soon after the body was discovered."
"My mother called me on my cell phone. I'd gone out earlier for a takeout pizza. I was parked down by the river enjoying a quiet evening. I often do that Mr. Adams." She glared hard at him and Moss thought he'd hate to run into her on a dark street when she was pissed off. She looked like a linebacker for his beloved Cleveland Browns.
Mother came back in with a fresh top on and her face touched up a bit with makeup. The maid filled up another glass of vodka with a twist of lemon on the rim. She said, "Now where were we; oh yeah, you mentioned poison. Well, Blake I'm guilty as charged. I did slip a little poison into his drink. I read where a small amount over time is hard to trace. However, those novels are fiction aren’t they?"
Coy she was bad at, thought Moss. He asked, "I'm aware you have a chauffeur on your staff. I wonder, Mrs. Street, why you didn't call him for help instead of your daughter?"
Veronica took a healthy slug and said, "When I found out he was dead, my first thought was to call my daughter; not the chauffeur."
"Where is your son, Mrs. Street?"
"I've no idea Mr. Adams. He's a chip off the old block and comes around if only he needs something. Did you try his office? The last time I heard from him was last week. I'd guess he's found a new mistress if no one knows where he is."
Blake said, "Phillip's attorney has also been looking for Joel. He is anxious to read the final will and put the whole thing behind him. He wouldn't say anymore, but I gathered it's a little complicated."
"We'll see about that," Veronica said with a force Moss never thought she possessed. "Now if you two are finished, my daughter and I have some business to take care of."
Moss said, "One or two more questions and we'll be out of your hair. Ms. Street," looking at Jill, "when was the last time you saw your brother?"
"He and I are not on speaking terms. However, I did see him here last week with some papers for father to sign. He told us he would be out of town all weekend. But, before you ask, he never said where."
"One more question and where did you buy the pizza and at about what time," Moss asked.
Moss noticed she fidget a little and said, "I'd guess around 10pm. You can ask Charley down at the Pizza Parlor and he'll remember better than me."
Moss saw Veronica drain her glass and both he and Blake took their leave of a dysfunctional family in a beautiful home. He was not sorry to leave, but did feel sorry for the servants.
On the way back Blake went by the Pizza Parlor. Charley was there spinning pizza dough like the professional he was. The place smelled good to Moss. Blake asked Charley to answer a few questions if he had time. Soon all three men were sitting drinking freshly made lemon ice tea.
Blake asked, "Charley, last Saturday night Jill Street bought a pizza she says. Tell me about it and the time she arrived."
Blake noticed, like most people seeking an answer to a question, they look for the answer on the ceiling. Charley was no exception as he looked up at the open beamed wood rafters. He said, "She called in around 9:00pm. Let's see, she ordered her usual sausage and mushroom with extra cheese. A giant one as always. She picked it up around 10pm. That's all I know Blake.
Moss asked, "Did she seem normal for a usual pick up and take out?"
"Now that you mention it Mr. Adams, she was fairly nervous; I noticed as she was drumming her fingers on the steering wheel. Also, no music was playing so she was a little out of her normal angry self."
Back in the car Moss said, "If I'm not mistaken she, Jill Street, told us she ate her pizza down by the river. Do you have an idea where that might be Blake?"
"Indeed I do. There's a boat launch and small park nearby. I'll drive you down there." Blake followed the old highway across the bridge and turned back east along a narrow county road for farmers. Just past the bridge a boat ramp and small picnic park waited for customers. Moss saw an old pickup with a boat trailer parked off to the side and a minivan parked by the picnic table. A family of five sat munching hot dogs. Blake parked and Moss got out looking around.
The river seemed a little low and said so to Blake. Blake told him the tide was out which even though the ocean was twenty miles away, still had an effect on the river.
Moss walked down the boat ramp until his feet almost touched the water. He scanned the area wondering why Jill came here to eat her pizza. He turned and was half blinded by the sun as it began its descent to the west. He asked Blake to check the trash can for a pizza box. Then he turned around and starred back at the river. The river was a mix between green and brown.
A small outboard motor was heard coming. Moss thought correctly that the boat came from the old pickup truck sitting off to the side. Moss watched the old man who was standing up coming to the boat ramp. Why was he standing, Moss thought. Then he saw an extension on the motor handle. It must be for fishing he thought. Moss saw a fishing pole and an ice chest in the small boat.
The old man was cautious as he came to an idle slowly approaching the boat ramp. Moss moved to the side to catch the bow. Then the old man looked into the water at the side of his boat and said, "My god, there's a car down there."
The Lost Son Returns
A couple hours later, a truck wrecker was winching a car by the back up the boat ramp. A crowd of on-lookers stood by eager to see whose car it was. The police were trying to keep them away, but not having much luck. Moss and Blake stood nearby as the license plate said: "LuckyGuy".
Blake said, "That's Phillips' son Joel's' car. I fear the worst Moss."
"Yeah, me too Blake. However, this could help Sean if we can determine Joel is in fact in the car. Then time of death would be key." Both watched as the water drained from the car. A fireman, clad in rubber boots, opened the door on the passenger's side to let the water flow more quickly out. He looked up and nodded to Blake that a body was in the car.
A call was made to the medical examiner and the same ambulance as before at the Elks Club led the way to the boat ramp. Moss was patient. He dearly wanted to know how he died and what the weapon or cause of death was. A body in water for a few days is difficult for a pathologist to determine time of death.
Ed Lewis, the medical examiner, drove up in a county car. His black bag in hand, walked down the ramp looking neither left nor right. First he looked in the passenger side. Ed didn't want to disturb any evidence, but he needed to secure the body to the steering wheel.
Joel Street leaned against the steering wheel face pointed to the passenger side of the car. His arms hung down on each side of him. Eyes of death looked at Ed; along with an extra hole between the eyes. As carefully as he could, Ed, with barrowed rope from the firemen, tied Joel Street securely to the steering wheel for the trip to the county garage. A tarp was put over the car to keep on-lookers away as the tow truck carried the car to the court house.
LuckyGuy
Blake followed at a distance behind the tow truck and Ed's car to the county garage. Parking outside, they walked down the ramp into the garage area. The truck wrecker was too big to back in so they unloaded the car onto the flat floor of the garage in front of the opening. From there the firemen and policemen pushed the car straight back un
able to turn the car due to Joel being tired to the steering wheel.
The police photographer began her series of picture taking. No one could say she wasn't thorough. Fully a half hour later she gave up and Moss blew out a lung full of air. Ed proceeded to do his job. After removing the body, the police took over going over the car with a fine tooth comb.
Joel Street took his last ride on a gurney to the autopsy room. Ed told them it was best to perform the autopsy now before any more decomposition took place. Moss observed the victims dress. His dress was casual as if he were going out on a Saturday night. Moss noticed Joel looked a lot like his father. He had an elongated face, narrow eyes, thin lips; a long ways from handsome. Regardless, at age 33 he was too young to die.
His thoughts drifted away as Jon Ashworth the prosecutor waltzed into the room. He said in a raised voice, "Ed, what can you tell me about the death of Joel Street?"
Ed was busy cutting off Joel's clothes and said, without looking at Jon, "Not sure of the cause of death, but it appears he was shot in the forehead. Stick around and after I slice him open and after I saw his skull, I'll know more."
"You don't have to get smart me with me Ed Lewis."
Ed looked up and pointed with a lethal tool he was using to cut off the victims clothes and said, "You know Jon, the position of DA is an elected position. You stand a slim to none chance of ever making it to that office. It appears you've jailed the wrong suspect and now you have another murder to solve. I'm guessing here, but it appears Joel Street died between Friday night and Sunday. Come back just before dinner Jon and I'll tell you a more exact time."
Moss had turned to the wall and was smiling as Jon Ashworth spun around and stomped out. Blake kept a straight face the whole time. Ed looked at Blake and both laughed.
Deadly High School Reunion Page 4