Blake and Moss left to see Sean. He'd be very curious as to what was going on with the news of another murder. While they were going up in an elevator to the top floor where the jail was, a helicopter was heard coming closer and closer.
Sean was escorted to a small room where lawyer/client met. They no more sat down when a knock was heard on the door. Blake opened the door and there stood a tall man dressed from Savile Row. He took a step in and spotted Moss right off. Moss stood up and introduced the lawyer.
Moss made a long story short telling all that Jeff Borders was a criminal lawyer from San Francisco; also he'd been a client before with Moss being the primary investigator into a kidnapping. Anyway, Moss said, "Jeff will be handling the case for Sean Pastor.
Sean sat with his mouth partially open hardly believing what he had just heard: another murder and his lawyer was from San Francisco.
An hour later, Blake having retrieved the files from the police station, medical examiner's reports read, and charges reviewed, Jeff said, "They don't have much of a case, but the plant of the gun in the Chief's car is not good. However, I'll arrange for an appearance before judge to get Sean released on his past bail."
Sean said, "Now I know what it's like being in jail. God help the person who really did kill Phillip Street and now his son is dead too."
"Sean, we both know someone close to the family is responsible for the murders. I for one would like to talk to Loren Ripple. Something about the past has caught up with her. After that let's see the old science teacher Lynn Aspen."
"Maybe by tomorrow I can get out of this place," said Sean.
"I can almost guarantee it," said Jeff Borders. "We know how to push a few buttons in your capital Salem. For now I'll go to Baycity where I'm staying. Here is my cell phone number and this is the card from the hotel where I'm staying."
Blake drove Moss to Sean's house. Moss knew what to expect inside the door with Wendy knowing her husband was spending the night in jail. Moss knocked then opened the door calling out to Wendy telling her it was Moss Adams coming in. Wendy was in the kitchen and poked her head out the door looking down the hall at Moss.
Moss saw dark circles around her pretty eyes and a red nose. His heart went out to her. She was sipping on a glass of wine. "Moss, we sometimes have a glass of wine before dinner. Would you care for one?"
"I'd love it Wendy. My wife and I would do the same thing, but when there's only one left, I stopped doing it. For us it was a sharing thing at the end of the day. I want to tell you Wendy we have a good lawyer on the job. He thinks we can get Sean released by noon tomorrow. I'm not sure if you've heard the latest news?" Wendy shook her head. "Well Joel Street was murdered sometime last weekend. His car, with him inside, was discovered by a fisherman down at the local boat ramp."
Wendy had reached for her neck with the news of another murder. Slowly she shook her head and said, "Kind of hard to believe that in this small town, two murders of the richest family have taken place. I've never heard of a murder committed in this town since I moved here after I married Sean. That was thirty years ago."
"It would seem Wendy that few, if any, are immune to pain and sorrow no matter where we live. I'll not stand on my soap box, but try to put all your fears behind you. Tomorrow is another day and we can do with it what we want. We can make it good or bad. We have a choice. Unfortunately, the dead have no choice. If given a second opportunity, grab for it with both hands and hold on like a bull rider till the bell rings for your time to go. Now, Blake took me to a wonderful home style restaurant for lunch today. How about I treat you to dinner?"
Jailbird Back On the Job
True to his word, Jeff Borders, sprung Sean from Jail just before noon. The first thing he did was go home and take a long hot shower to wash off the jail scum. The second thing he did was …………. well, both deserved a lay down.
Earlier, Blake and Moss went to see Loren Ripple. When she turned fifty five, RN Loren Ripple took early retirement. Not that she was well off financially, but decided to spend her time down at the beach with her art work. When Moss walked into her neat little house, her painting hung from every available space on the walls. However, her spacing kept from some person saying clutter was a word to describe her arrangement.
Loren led the two detectives to her living room. Her living room faced south so it was full of daylight that April morning. The furniture was typical early fifties. That put a smile on Moss's face as they sat down on a faded brown davenport with doilies on each arm and one large one on the back in the middle of the davenport. It was old fashioned but tasteful Moss thought.
Blake asked her if she'd heard about Joel Street and Loren replied that she had. Willie had called her and told her the story as he knew it. Blake said, "As we are still investigating Phillip's murder case and now with the addition of his son, Joel being murdered, I have to ask you your whereabouts last Sunday the day after the reunion."
"I got up early and went to beach to work on my jetty painting. I packed a lunch. I did see a lot of people, but nobody I recognized. I went back home around 5pm. I did stop at the gas station for a fill up."
Blake asked, "Let's go back Loren to last Saturday night and tell Moss your movements that night at 11pm until the alarm was raised by Maudie.
"At around 11pm I went outside to get some fresh air. There was a group of classmates laughing and having fun outside. Some were sitting at a table and some were standing. I chatted with them for awhile and then went to the restroom. I relieved myself and washed my hands. Then I returned to the table with Veronica Street and some others. I didn't want to interrupt so I went to the bar for a refill."
"Did you see anyone in the restroom?"
"No, but I thought I smelled something funny. It wasn't the usual smell of disinfectant or urine, but a strange smell."
"You say, Ms Ripple, you went back to the table and then to the bar. Did you stay inside the building or did you walk around outside and come in through the front door?"
"Oh, I forgot. I went out the back to get away from that strange smell. I walked around and went in by the front door."
"What was your relationship with Phillip Street. In other words, did you like him as a classmate and tonight did you chat with him?"
"As I told Blake, I went outside for a breath of air. I remember talking to Sam and some others. I guess from the walking around made me need the restroom. I knew the back door was open so I went around the outside into the restroom from the back. No one but me was in there. I thought I smelled something funny and after washing my hands, went out the back to clear my head. I looked for Sam but he wasn't there so I went in to join my table."
"It's come to light Ms Ripple, that Phillip made you pregnant in high school. Do you own a gun?"
The shock hit here between the eyes as she realized she was in big trouble here. This guy Moss was tenacious. She recovered and said, "No, I don't own a gun. I've never shot a gun in my life. Being a nurse, I've seen a few gunshot wounds, but most were accidental shootings."
Moss said, "I'm convinced someone enticed the victim into the women's restroom. It's doubtful a man forced him into the toilet, but we can't rule that possibility out. It's more likely a female with the suggestion of sex that lured Phillip Street into the toilet. I realize forty years have gone by since he spoiled your last year of high school, but did you, Ms. Ripple kill him?"
Blake was watching carefully. Loren never blinked an eye. It looked like the question never registered in her mind. She was sitting on the edge of her reading chair, and then she scooted back appearing to relax and visit with old friends. She said, "I didn't kill him Mr. Adams. I wanted to, but I've never had the gumption to do him harm. I hated him and loved him at the same time. I've never married being afraid my husband and children might find out my past."
"Ms. Ripple, I had to ask that question. If it hadn't been me, someone else from the court system would ask you the same thing. Murder tears into private lives like a cancer. This commun
ity will never be the same for many years to come. There's one more thing I'll say to you and the other suspects, I'll find the killer and bring that killer to justice. It would be best if the killer gave themselves up. Thank you for the time and the access to wonderful paintings."
Science Class Revisited
Moss and Blake found Lynn Aspen tending his garden. He greeted both detectives with warmth. He led the two men to a small picnic table among his apple trees. An ice pitcher full of apple juice touched the nose of Moss. A stack of plastic glasses stood next to the juice as if he had company come by every day.
"Well, nice to meet you Mr. Adams. The word around town has you on a pedestal."
"I'm flattered Mr. Aspen. Please call me Moss. I'd like very much for you to tell me what you think about all that has transpired in the last week here in Riversville. I realize I'm asking you talk about your former students and members of your community. We are looking for a killer who has, most likely killed two people of the same family. A man of science you are. A man of observation you are. A man of community you are. We need your help Mr. Aspen."
"Call me Lynn. I'm not sure I can help you much, but talking about the dead will not hurt them. Spreading false rumors goes against my religion. I did talk to Loren Ripple about our secret we shared for so many years. I was sworn to secrecy, but wished now I'd raised my voice.
Regardless of personality and past deeds, a death sentence is way too harsh. I'm against capital punishment as you can assume by my statements. Phillip Street was a bad one. I'm sure he's roasting in the lake of fire. The person that killed him will go to the same place. I sure hope it isn't Loren. I don't know if she killed him or not, but I'm sure she didn't kill the son. You'll have to look in another place for that killer.
I did see Phillip come out of the dining room and light up a cigarette. Shortly after that I saw Loren come out and go around the back of the building. What I don't remember is where Phillip went after he came out. Sam was also missing at around the same time. I suppose now Moss you need to be more specific with your questions."
"Thanks Lynn. You've been a great help. And this apple juice is wonderful. I'll remember this for a long time. You've made a nice place here and hope you live a long time to come."
Station House Reunion
Brenda was so happy the Chief was back in his usual place. She fussed around making a pest of herself. Sean was lucky when Blake and Moss came in. He sent Brenda to make some fresh coffee and grinned at the two detectives. Both Moss and Blake guessed what he was smiling about, but chose to ignore it. Sean asked what happened with both Loren and Lynn. Blake filled him in and Sean went from grin to grim in appearance. The phone rang and it was Ed Lewis. He told Sean that Joel died of a head wound between Saturday night and Sunday night. He couldn't be more specific about the time. Sean thanked him and told both Blake and Moss what he said.
Jeff Borders came in the Chief's office. He sat on the last chair available in a fast crowding office. He informed Sean and all the rest listening that a hearing was set for three weeks from now. He would be back the day before the hearing and now he was flying back to San Francisco.
After he left, Moss said, "I'd like to pay the widow Veronica and her daughter another visit. I realize it's not a good time, but there's no good time when it comes to murder. Also we need to interview the chauffeur. He might have seen something coming and going or parked for that matter."
"I want to go with you Moss," said Sean. "I want to see how much grief that house is having with the death of father and son."
"I'll get the car," said Blake.
The Widow Maker
As they wound their way through the driveway to the gingerbread house, Blake said, "Veronica is probably on her lips by now." Moss could see long shadows from the sinking sun.
"Well, its happy hour, isn't it," asked Moss.
The same maid answered the door as before. However, before she let them in, she would check with the Mum, to make sure she was available. While they waited Sean enjoyed the beauty of the setting. The sun was dipping below the tree line and the beginning of a red sky was starting to appear. Moss could see the black outline of the coastal mountain range in the distance. A nice area to retire in, he thought as the maid returned to usher them to the same room as before.
An instant replay as before with Veronica standing at the fireplace, bracing herself against the mantel with her arm; Jill was sitting at the big desk of her father, looking important. Blake relayed their sympathies for the brother. There was no reaction or change of expression. Veronica said, "What do you want now?"
Moss walked up to the front of the desk and made eye contact with Jill. "Ms. Street, go over again your pizza pickup and what you did on Sunday."
"I think I need a lawyer. You seem to want to pin this double murder on me and my mother. Well, you can kiss my butt Mr. Adams."
"Jill," Mother said. "You're only digging a ditch deeper. The detectives' here are trying to solve a murder case. We've nothing to hide. If I remember right, we were here all day Sunday."
"Okay mom. Let's see now………ah, I called around 9pm and picked it up around 10pm. I went down by the river and ate half the pizza. As a matter of fact, the other half I gave to the kitchen staff."
"We just got the report that the same gun killed both your father and brother. We suspect your brother was murdered Saturday night, but that is not yet conclusive. That fact, Ms. Street, makes you our prime suspect."
Moss could see her getting angry and she said, "What motive did I have to kill my own brother?"
"Money," answered Moss.
Turning to Veronica Moss asked, "We'd like to interview your chauffeur. Is he available?"
"Yes, he lives above the garage. I'll send for him," said Veronica.
Moss, still standing said, "Ms. Street, you told us you and your brother weren’t on speaking terms. Why was that?"
"Both he and my father have a thing against gays. Ever since we were teens he teased me relentlessly. I moved out when I was eighteen. We only saw each other on holidays, like Christmas. Then it was always strained."
Moss sat down in a chair that faced the fireplace. He asked Veronica, "Did you know or were you aware that your husband made one of his classmates pregnant?"
Moss noticed she never batted an eye. She just stood there. Jill got up and walked heavily over to her mother. She helped her mother to her chair and went back to fetch her drink off the mantel.
It was then Moss realized she was so drunk it was very hard for her to walk. However, is this acting or real? Are these two Street women playing a game? Moss wanted to keep the pressure on hoping something would be blurted out in anger. A knock on the door announcing the arrival of the chauffeur, Fred Black, saved the day for Veronica.
Fred Black looked like anything but a chauffeur. It was hard to tell his age due to his portly body. He was dressed casual probably knowing his boss lady was not going anywhere tonight. He looked at everyone with eyes of fear. Moss wondered why he would be scared.
He walked to the fireplace and with hands folded across his ample belly waited for the questions to hit him. Moss said, "Relax Mr. Black. At this point in time you're not a suspect. But, we'd like to ask you a few questions. What did you do after you dropped Mr. and Mrs. Street off at the reunion Saturday night?"
Fred licked his lips. Then as if to locate the questionnaire, his eyes roamed the room. His eyes came to rest on Blake. Moss thought this guy was a bit short upstairs and wondered why in the world they would have a chauffeur of that caliber.
His small round mouth opened and he said, "I drove home. I parked the car outside the garage as I would need to use it to pick up the boss and his wife. I went to my apartment and watched a movie. I waited for Mr. Street to call me and that call never arrived. Around two in the morning, Ms. Street called me to say she would bring home her mother. I didn't hear about the death until the next day."
"Did you go into the main house after you came home from the Elks
Club?"
His face turned red and again he licked his lips with his eyes darting around the room. He said, "Well, yes I did. I was looking for a snack so I went to the kitchen. Mable had just made an omelet for the staff. I sat down and had a bite then I went out the back door to my apartment."
"I see," said Moss. Did you, perhaps, see Ms. Jill Street in the house when you came home and had a bite of omelet?"
"As a matter of fact I did see her. She was in the study sitting at the big desk. I stopped and said good evening. She nodded closing the desk door with a slam."
"Did you see or hear her car leave the house later that evening?"
"Yes, I did hear her car leave. I had just left the back door of the house and was walking to the garage when I heard her car leave."
Moss asked, "What time was that," Mr. Black.
He looked up at the ceiling, licked his lips, looked at Jill Street, who was glaring at him with daggers and said, "I'd say around or a little after 8 pm."
Jill Street said, "He's wrong. It was around 9 when I left."
"Well, I could be mistaken," said Fred. Both Moss and Blake agreed Fred Black would be an unreliable witness on the stand. However, a piece had been found of the puzzle that Jill Street had left earlier than stated.
Moss said to Veronica, "Before Fred came in I asked you a question about whether or not you knew about your husband fathering a child back in high school?"
"Yes, I did know. I felt sorry for the girl. I didn't know her name until years later after we were married. Then the news the other night brought out the story again. Loren Ripple sat at our table that night of the reunion. I saw the look in her eye. I saw her follow my husband out the door and then return later through the front door alone. It wasn't long after that when the alarm was sounded. I think she killed Phillip."
Deadly High School Reunion Page 5