"Why don't the two of you go find the 'Yellow Hat' place and see if you can put the pressure on the manager to get what we need from them. It sounded like the manager wasn't too thrilled with providing someone on the phone asking for personal information. Your uniform should do the trick. I'll be inside when you return. I'll call you when I'm ready," she said climbing out into a blustery day on the coast. Her short hair flew into the air, but after the gust, went right back in place. Sharon realized that is what happens when you get a two hundred dollar style hair job.
It's really hard to get used to the smell of a morgue, Stacy thought as she descended the stairs into the bowels of the building. Dr. Spencer was just finishing up with the last victim when she stopped just inside the door. Dr. Spencer motioned for her to meet him in his office so she would not have to dawn a sterile outfit. Those few minutes gave Stacy some time to reflect on the case to date. There were a few things that did not fit very well. One was the muffins, and who laced the one that killed the poor old housekeeper.
The daughter. Where was she? She should have been here by now. That was a lose end that needed her attention. Dr. Spencer walked in breaking her train of thought.
She loved his smile. As a matter of fact, she liked all of him. His dark eyes and hair reminded her of Spanish men who are said to be great lovers. She felt a zinger hit where it felt the best as she heard him say, while hanging up his sport coat, "It was the muffin, Stacy. I'm sorry for her to have suffered for about thirty minutes or a little longer before she passed on." He sat down behind his desk. He looked deep into her eyes and she held his gaze. He continued, "How about some lunch on such a fine day as it is?"
Her stare never left his eyes. "I'd like that, Dr. Spencer."
"Let's dispense with formal titles Stacy. My given name is Curtis. Let me call my assistant and inform her I'm going to lunch," he said picking up the phone and only then did his eyes leave hers.
While he was doing that, Stacy called Sharon. Sharon told her they had traced the sender as was working on the ID. Stacy said, "Good Sharon. I'll be at lunch with Dr. Spencer so I'm out of touch unless something pertinent develops. Sharon, Stacy knew, very well, she heard the real message.
On the way to lunch, Stacy soon realized they were headed towards Empire. Empire is next to the Pacific Ocean. Some very nice restaurants and motels occupy the frontage area facing the ocean. Curtis pulled into a restaurant with a hotel attached. Scarcely a word was spoken on the way. Curtis said, while parking, “This is a great place to eat. I hope you'll like it."
"I'm sure I'll like it Curtis. We've talked about having some private time together and now we seem to fulfill that desire," she said opening the door. As usual, the wind was blowing fairly strong off the ocean. Both hurried inside the door where a smiling hostess greeted them.
They were sat at a nice table next to the giant plate glass window overlooking the blue ocean. Stacy detected a faint aroma of something that was pleasant to her senses. Curtis asked, "Would you care for a glass of wine?"
"Yes, I would. I rarely drink, but this is a special occasion. I know it sounds presumptuous of me but I think I've solved the two murders. I need a few things verified and that should wrap it up. Meanwhile, a toast to our first lunch," she said with eyes that told him exactly where this lunch was going to end up.
"Stacy, I've been single my whole life. It's not that I've anything against marriage or having a close relationship with a fine woman, like you. However, my job is my life and I'm so immersed in it, that to spend time with another would not bee fair to the opposite sex. Now, having said that, I'm going to the front desk and will be right back. Is that acceptable to you?"
"I'll be right here waiting. I'd enjoy a cup of green tea now that lunch is over. Do you want something?"
"No thanks. I've got all I want right in front of me," he said.
Stacy's heart was racing. This was something she hadn't done since college. It was both exciting and scary. She gave a fleeting thought to Rory and then came back to the present. It seemed that when she had solved a case, her sexuality rose to a greater height. Right now she wanted someone to make love to her and, hopefully, be aware of her feelings.
Curtis came back keeping his dark eyes riveted on hers. She stood up, leaving the tea untouched. She followed him to a room with confidence knowing he was a man under control of all situations. He stopped at the door with the card in his hand. He looked at her. She took the card and opened the door. Inside was rather dimly lit due to the drapes being closed and no light on. She stopped at the foot of the bed, turned, and waited for him to embrace her. Stacy thought the kiss tasted just as she had suspected.
-9-
Back at the morgue, Stacy called Sharon. They had all the information needed and would be there in a few minutes to pick her up. Stacy had reverted back to her usual acumen. Nobody noticed anything out of the ordinary with her having a lunch with the pathologist. Sharon knew, but her lips were sealed. They motored back to Bandon. Both women had secret smiles on their faces.
On the way, James said, "We traced the order to Portland. The call came in over a public phone. A stolen credit card was used. The card owner was an old lady who left her purse on her seat while she went to the restroom at the airport. Nothing else was taken, not even the cash; just the card."
"Good work you two. We're just a few steps away from solving this crime. Let's see what Rory and Ben discovered. If I'm not mistaken, those interviews revealed nothing but shaken women, who think they're next; and it's very true they should be nervous."
James looked over at Sharon who responded by a half shrug of the shoulders. Neither one had an idea what she meant by those remarks. Sharon reached over and squeezed James's arm. He felt better being reassured that he was not just dense, that even Sharon had no clue.
At the station, James checked in with dispatch while Stacy and Sharon went to the situation room. They found Rory and Ben each writing reports on the interviews.
Thirty minutes later, as each gave his or her report, nothing much was said after Stacy related the discovery of the sender of the muffins. What was not said, however, was how the poison got into the muffins.
Ben sat there thinking, and Stacy knew what he was mulling through his clever brain. She gave him time to complete his thoughts and then said, "I'm sure I'm not the only one to think about how the poison got into the muffin, but I'll be darned if I can know how."
Stacy was watching everyone looking at Ben. James had joined the group sitting by Sharon. After looking at Ben, their eyes swung around to Stacy. Stacy realized she needed to speak and it had best looked upon with as an end to the means. She said, "I expect a phone call either sometime later today or first thing in the morning. Until then, I can't really give you any concrete facts. There's one thing I'm sure of, this case is almost over. Sorry I can't say more, but let's hope that I, we, get a call soon."
All accepted what she said, except James, who was not used to her ways of determining who the killer was. He looked puzzled and Rory noticed that right away. Rory said, for all to hear, "If I'm not mistaken, the ending of this case will be so bizarre that few will believe it."
"If you know so much, Rory, how about enlightening us neophytes," said Ben.
"Well, partner, if the order for the muffins came from Portland, then it stands to reason that the killer was in Portland, Rory said looking rather smugly.
"What if there's more than one person involved here," said Stacy with a stoic look on her face. Ben watched her stand up and stretch. All eyes were on their leader. Rory still had an open mouth which needed closing. Stacy said, "I think I need a walk on the beach. Sharon, how about you and I take a short hike on the sand?"
"I'd love to. It gets a little crowded with so many males around," she replied with an unmistakable nose to indicate the level of testosterone in the air.
For a change, Stacy took Rory's SUV leaving him to catch a ride with Ben or James. Ben said, "We missed something guys. She has it most
ly rapped up and let's go over from beginning to date, word for word of all the interviews."
James said, "I've got to make a schedule for my officers. You guys have fun," he said walking out with a grin on his face. James felt totally relieved he was not under the glass like those two sitting at the conference table were.
Stacy stopped in the parking lot next to the beach and jetty. Her cell phone rang. She answered and waited while someone on the other end spoke for a long time. What Sharon did hear was that the caller was Rhonda. All other conversation meant nothing to her. However, it did appear Stacy was happy with the information. The last thing Stacy said was to follow up on the Portland to Bandon via the airport at North Bend.
She turned to Sharon and said, "Sorry for the interruptions, but I've one more call to make." She punched in the attorney for the Abrams, Brad Mason. A short conversation with his secretary, he answered quickly.
"How can I help you Stacy?"
"I think it's in your best interest to meet me at the Abrams dwelling at 1pm tomorrow." The line was silent as he mulled that statement over. Stacy, on the other end, just smiled knowing he could not refuse. What he did not know, was how much Stacy knew about the family. Finally he said, "I'll be there on time. Thanks for calling."
"Let's go Sharon," said a happy Stacy. "I'd like to hear, if you've a notion, about you and James. Remember, I'm not prying, but am happy to hear if you guys are having a good time."
"I've nothing to hide Stacy. Of course, private business is just what he means: Private. However," as they trudged down the sand against a stiff breeze, "I've no secrets to hide. At this point we are exploring a relationship that may or may not come to fruition. Right now is more lust than love, but we both have a strong desire to be with each other more and more. But that doesn't mean I quit my job and move down here, no way. I'm young and need more experience, as my mother says."
"Thanks for sharing. I rarely speak of Rory and I, but it's probably obvious that he's lost in love for me. Like you, I'm young and need space to pursue my professional life. Who knows what might happen in the future? For now, I do, sometimes, regretfully, use him to relieve my sexual pent-up emotions."
"Stacy, is it true you've solved this case of two homicides," Sharon asked while stopping to pick up a nice walking stick worn smooth by tides of time and sand.
Stacy watched her pick up the stick, then, she looked out at the sea stack in front of them. "Yes, Sharon, I'm fairly sure I know who poisoned both women. It will take some word persuasion to unlock the entire mystery, but if that occurs, then we have our killer or killers."
"It's over my head, but I truly love helping where I can."
"You're more help that you imagine Sharon. I'm getting to the point I can't do without you," she said laughing and squeezing her shoulder. "Let's head back, shall we. I think it's time to feed my hungry man.
They turned for home with the wind at their backs. They were mostly silent with their own thoughts. Sharon was still emotionally charged for Stacy having an afternoon delight while James and she worked. Right now all she wanted was for darkness and a bed with two people in it.
In the SUV, Stacy’s cell went off. She said, "Hi Rhonda, what do you have for me?"
Rhonda said, "I've located the Abrams daughter and her two twin daughters at a motel near the airport. I'm waiting for your instructions."
"Have Ron put a sheriff’s stake out on the motel room. Make sure they don't sneak out. Then at 5 am, have Ron place them under arrest. Handcuffs and all. After that, transport them to Bandon. Have Ron make them comfortable and not in pain from the handcuffs. He can give them breakfast and lunch at a drive through. Rest stops are a problem, so have a sheriff's female deputy accompany Ron. Make sure they use all precautions."
"I got it, and Ron Is leaning over my shoulder as we speak. He nods his head in affirming what your orders are." Stacy told them thanks and ended the call.
Back at the station house, after a stop to pick up Sam, they decided it was time to eat and call it a night. Before they left for dinner, Stacy said, "Tomorrow at 1 pm we'll have a gathering of all the remaining suspects at the Abrams mansion. Joining us will be the attorney, Brad Mason and Ron is transporting down from Portland, the daughter of Gloria Abrams. With the daughter are her two twin daughters. Ben will go to Coos Bay and pickup Nancy Brown. Rory can make the rounds with James picking up the remaining suspects here in town. Any questions?"
The room was so quiet you could hear the traffic outside going by. All were staring at Stacy wanting to know more, but realized nothing more would be forthcoming until tomorrow. Rory said, "No questions here, but my question is what is the dinner special across the street?"
That broke the ice and away they went. Sam was holding Stacy's arm as they crossed the highway. He whispered, "I think I know, but will hold my tongue. I can't wait until tomorrow."
Stacy turned and smiled. She said, "It's deeper than the middle of an ocean, this case is."
-10-
The next morning, around 7:30, Stacy's cell went off. It was the Coos Bay Detective Steve Harris on the other end. Stacy had been up early and was at the kitchen table on her computer reviewing her notes. Steve said, "You said to call if any new information came about. Well, we had a young woman's body found that we've traced to a bakery delivery store. She was a person of interest that we learned about from Sergeant James Fletcher from Bandon. Apparently, she didn't turn up for work and her mother, the next day, filed a missing persons report. Her uniform and hat were among the items discovered in a dumpster. She was clad only in her underwear. An autopsy will determine how she died, but it appears like she was strangled."
"Many thanks, Steve. That ties in with our Poison book club murders. I’m fairly positive we can wrap up that case by late the afternoon. If you'd like, you're welcome to attend a suspect hearing in Bandon at 1 pm?"
"I'd love that. I'll check with the boss and see what he says. Bye for now."
Stacy sat back thinking that it all fit in place with that missing bit of information. It was truly sad a young woman's life was needlessly wasted. But, on the other hand, if they were not stopped now, others would have possibly been killed. Life is precious and people think taking another person's life is no big deal anymore. Stacy looked out the window seeing some birds fly by. She thought how free they were, but at the same time, predators were at every level of animal and plant life chain.
A big sigh escaped her lips as her father came in from the woodshop. "What's the big sigh about, my daughter?"
"The bakery driver was murdered. She was the original driver and was replaced by one of the prime suspects in our poison case. I just now received the news," she said moving to hug her father before taking a long hot shower.
A peck on her head was felt and heard. He said, "You'll have it all over by dinner time Stacy. Thank God no more innocent people will die by their hand. Fran is under the weather so I'll cook some breakfast for you and your Tall Man." She laughed and went to the bathroom for her wake up shower.
By noon, Ben had fetched his suspect and brought her to Bandon. The others were transported to the Abram’s Mansion by 12:30. Ron had his charge in the Bandon Police Station secured in an unused office. Bandon did not have a city jail. Any suspect that needed a jail was taken to Coquille's county jail.
Stacy had spent some time with the Abrams daughter and her two twin girls. However, it would remain unknown who killed the two victims without a confession. Stacy felt good, but a little apprehensive about the outcome. Meanwhile, they all left in the van to the scene of the first crime: Abrams Mansion.
By 1 pm the scene was set. At the head of the table sat the Abrams attorney, Brad Mason. On his left sat Nancy Brown the new president. Next to her sat Bee Haven the treasurer. Both were smokers and with the electric smoke eater doing its job, took away most of the awful results of a smoker's habit. Across the table, on Brad's right sat Twila Darwih and Sara Horner next to her.
At the other end of the long
dining table sat the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abrams. Erica Lee Abrams sat ramrod straight with her two daughters on either side of her. All three were handcuffed.
Sitting on the fringe were Rory and Ben. Sharon was videoing the meeting. James was standing at the door in full uniform with a sheriff stationed at the backdoor. Detective Steve Harris was next to Ben. Stacy was in the study going over her plan for the meeting. It was Brad who broke the ice saying, "Marshall Foreham, we're ready when you are."
Stacy walked in and looked at each person holding their gaze for a few seconds before moving to the next one. Then she looked up and dropped a bomb shell. "I think, Brad Mason, you have to explain what transpired many years ago when Erica was made pregnant by her father."
The gasps heard from the room almost sucked the air out. The two smokers began coughing, while others showed their unique methods of being shocked. Sam was the only one with a smile on. He had guessed correctly. Ben thought this was totally bizarre. Rory just sat still, quite stunned. James just shook his head. Sharon was frozen in time. Detective Steve Harris lowered his head smiling. Later he would tell his friends that he had never dreamed the old lady was murdered by her daughter.
Brad's head snapped back and he glared at Stacy. He realized he'd been caught and there really was no easy way out but the truth. Besides, he thought, it was time to lie to rest a family secret that made the lives of a few really miserable. Not to mention the victim: Erica Abrams.
Stacy gave a quick glance at Erica, but she never reacted to the statement. She sat perfectly still. Her girls sat still too, but any adult could tell that the two daughters were affected by inbreeding.
Attorney Mason said, after taking a deep breath, "Mr. Abrams came to me after it was confirmed his daughter was pregnant. He was smart enough to not try and hide the fact that he was the father. He devised the story of a runaway against my wishes. We found a nice home for unwed mothers in Kansas. I personally took her there. I placed monies in a bank to have the home taken care of while she stayed there. After that, I purchased a small house, hired a nanny to watch the kids, then I found a job for Erica. Erica decided she wanted to continue school and we financed her life up until this moment. She never lacked for money, but obviously, she lacked being around family."
Murder at Police Station Page 19