Snow Signs

by Jennifer Seet

  Raising his eyebrows, he recognized the seriousness of the information that Clark had shared.

  If he’s right and we’ve found a link, we have a possible serial killer on our hands.

  * * * * *

  After assigning a variety of duties to some of the shift personnel present in the office, George Stanley decided to call and see if Marvin had gone to bed yet. He wanted to get Clark’s conclusions to him as soon as possible.

  Mary answered the phone and told George, in no uncertain terms, that he was asleep and she would give him the message when he woke up.

  He had to smile because he knew how protective Mary was and the tone of her voice indicated that she was a little irritated too.

  I understand. After all, he’s supposed to be retired! Of course that hasn’t lasted one day yet!

  George apologized and left a brief message to tell Chief when he woke up that the suspect they were checking on probably does have multiple identities and that it seemed to be confirmed by separate phone interviews with two different trucking companies. George explained that Marvin would understand what he was talking about and he would fill him in on the details when he called back.

  Mary relented a little and promised to let Marvin know as soon as he woke up.

  After the conversation ended, George realized how tired he was and made preparations to go home himself and get some sleep.

  He left the office feeling satisfied with the progress the investigation was taking so far and looking forward to a good sleep before returning the next day.

  * * * * *

  Claire drove to the Pine Lake vicinity cautiously and slowly. Remnants of the morning fog were still hanging in the air like a shroud, making driving difficult. But, she occupied her mind by remembering some of the landmarks, and they brought back good family memories.

  Dad used to stop here at this little store and get his bait for fishing. I remember the man who owned it then would always give me a piece of that hard candy. What did they call it? Let me think. I know they still sell it at the Old Nashville Sweet Shop…horehound. That’s what it was.

  Or, if he was feeling really generous, I got one of those sugary orange slice candies. Those were my favorite! Dad used to laugh at me because I would make it last as long as I could, licking all the sugar off, chewing slowly, savoring the last bite for what seemed like hours before I swallowed it. Claire grinned at the memories.

  Haven’t been back in this location for several years. Last time I was here was probably ten years ago. It’s really changed since then! More houses, more businesses. What a shame! It used to be such a beautiful area. Now it’s occupied by buildings instead of trees! Well, that’s progress I guess.

  She frowned. But that’s why I moved down here…to get away from the downside of progress…and to enjoy nature.

  She brought her mind back to the present and looked around in time to notice that she had passed a familiar intersection. Oops. I think that is where I was supposed to turn.

  She hastily wheeled around in a gas station parking lot and headed back towards the side road.

  With all the changes in topography, it might be hard for me to locate the area that Libby showed me in my dream.

  Claire glanced at the clock and realized that she might not have much time left before darkness settled in. Even though it was afternoon, due to the time change and shorter days, her search could last into nightfall.

  I should have started earlier. I knew how long it would take to get here…but I couldn’t make up my mind about leaving with or without Jim.

  She remembered hearing Jim begin to stir and made a swift decision to leave before he woke up. She was so concerned about his injuries that she didn’t want to put him in any more danger.

  I’ve never felt like this before, she admitted. He’s such a wonderful guy and I need to pinch myself to believe that I might have found ‘the one’ at this time in my life!

  She felt the car sway and looked up in time to realize that she was driving too fast for the road conditions. She almost went into a spin when she hit a hard clump of ice. Luckily she did not overcorrect and had the car under control again in a few seconds.

  Whoa! I’d better pay close attention to the road and not get lost in my thoughts again, or I’ll wind up in the hospital like Jim!

  Neither one of us would be of any use to Libby if that happened!

  Claire focused all of her attention on the road and gradually made her way to the Pine Lake recreational area parking lot. She parked her car, stepped out, looked around, and tried to get her bearings.

  As remote as it seemed in the vision, I’d better get my boots out of the trunk. It’ll be muddy, snowy, sloppy, and tricky if I’m planning to hike for a while…and I think I will be. If I remember correctly, it’s a ways from here, but I can’t recall any other parking areas.

  She hesitated, not sure if she should begin her search in the immediate area or not. Eventually she made a decision that would cause her search to last into dark.

  I guess it’s as good a place to start as any.

  And with that, Claire prepared to hike the trails until she found what she was looking for.

  * * * * *

  In the background Marvin Hennessey faintly heard the persistent ringing of the telephone. After several rings, he was tempted to roll out of bed and get it himself until he groggily remembered that Mary was home and she would answer it.

  As many years as we’ve been together, she’ll wake me up if someone needs me.

  After a few minutes of silence, he yawned and turned over to go back to sleep.

  Must not be that important.

  He quickly fell back to sleep, oblivious to the fact that Mary was deliberately not answering the phone.

  * * * * *

  Hmmm. Must not be home yet. Jim looked at the receiver, pondering what to do next. I guess I could call Rusty and have him come over and take me home.

  Frowning, I’d hoped to have Chief go with me to find Claire, but guess I’ll need to do it on my own.

  He studied the phone and considered his options once more. I left a message, so Marvin knows where I’ll be…

  Urgently he radioed and requested that Rusty come and pick him up at Claire’s house.

  He wasn’t sure but thought he could almost hear the teasing tone that Rusty tried to suppress in his most professional voice. “I’ll be there in five.”

  Jim gathered up his jacket and wrote a quick note to Claire before Rusty arrived. He hoped that his instincts were wrong and that she would be home soon. On the off chance that he might be mistaken, he carefully worded it so that she would not become unduly alarmed.

  On my way to Pine Lake. Called Chief and left a message for him to join us. Meet you there. Love, Jim.

  * * * * *

  Trent Newman rushed back to the Conservancy to keep tabs on Claire after completing his overnight assignment. With no sleep, he fought desperately against the drowsiness his body was experiencing, but his senses were startled awake when he drove up just in time to see Jim Hoppes exit her house and hop into a patrol car. Thrown off guard, he decided to follow the car at a discreet distance as it turned onto another street. This must be where he lives.

  Trent slowed down to turn onto a side street, still within view, but unobtrusive to any witnesses. He watched as Jim waved goodbye to the officer in the police car and walked into his house. Think I’ll lay low for a while and see what he’s planning to do.

  His eyebrows shot up when he saw Jim exit his house quickly and get into his car.

  He seems to be in a hurry to get somewhere.

  Making a snap decision to monitor Jim’s whereabouts, Trent carefully stayed hidden until Jim turned on to the main road. Then, he pulled out and followed him. Maybe he’ll lead me to Claire.

  If so, I’ll reveal my true identity to her…and get rid of Jim Hoppes. He grinned at the thought. Then she’ll be mine and mine alone. No one else can have her but me!

  Trent focused
on the road ahead, but if anyone had seen his eyes, they would have remarked on the burning intensity that seemed to emanate from them. It could almost be described as rage. And if they had looked down, they would have been convinced. A glint of steel would have captured their attention and their own eyes would have widened in surprise and anguish as they realized that the steel belonged to a knife that was placed surreptitiously on the passenger seat.

  * * * * *

  Turning over in bed, Marvin Hennessey opened his eyes when the sunlight flooded his consciousness. Sighing restfully, he started to close his eyes again when he realized that if the sun was out, it must mean the fog had lifted and it was afternoon. He needed to wake up.

  Still…he smiled at the thought that since he was retired he could stay in bed as long as he wanted. But then he remembered last night, and his professional obligations came flooding back into his memory like a waterfall cascading over a mountain. I need to check with Mary and see if there are any messages.

  He yawned as he started moving towards the bathroom. Better take a shower first or she won’t even talk to me!

  Turning on the water, Chief stepped gingerly into the bathtub and let the hot blast of liquid force him awake with its soothing but potent outpouring. He heard Mary open the door while he was applying shampoo to his head.

  “So, you’re finally up,” she joked.

  “Yeah, I think so,” he responded, “but you can come in and check if you want to.”

  She grinned and replied, “In your dreams, buddy.”

  Marvin laughed and said, “For all you know I could still be dreaming.”

  Mary laughed with him but added, “Listen, you got a message from George and he wants you to call as soon as soon as possible.”

  Marvin’s hands stopped in mid-air as he was massaging his head with shampoo. “What did he say?”

  “He said to tell you that both guys were definitely the same man…whatever that means.”

  Frowning, he asked her, “Did he tell you anymore?”

  “No,” she stated, “But he did say to call him at home when you were able.”

  Chief turned off the water and opened the shower curtain. Mary was there, ready with a towel. He grabbed it and leaned over and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “I hope you have some coffee left, because I think I’m going to need it.”

  Playfully, he reached for her as she quickly scampered from the bathroom.

  “You’d better have that coffee before you call him back. I want to have you to myself for once.”

  He smiled, “Okay, I’m on my way.”

  She yelled as she went down the hall towards the kitchen, “I’ll be waiting!”

  * * * * *

  Claire trudged down the muddy, icy trail, growing more and more uncertain that this was the way she should be headed. Let’s see. I know this leads to the lake but I’m not sure if this is the right path. I’m looking for an old dock, one that has a canoe tipped upside down, laying next to it. From what Libby showed me it’s still there.

  She looked ahead, trying to get her bearings. Her steps slowed down as she concentrated on her surroundings. This doesn’t look like it. I wonder if I went to the wrong parking area after all. I thought that was where Dad and I used to park his car, but now I’m beginning to remember another parking lot further down, off the main road.

  She stopped and looked around. I’m sure of it! This is not the right area.

  She turned around to head back to the car but hesitated and thought, maybe I’d better just continue this way. I’ll probably have to go around the lake, and that might take longer, but I’m already half-way there anyway.

  Claire resumed her progress on the path. Yeah, I need to get there as fast as I can. Libby is waiting for me.

  Chapter Twenty-six

  After talking to George for several minutes, Chief Hennessey sat at the kitchen table, sipping his coffee, not saying a word. Knowing from many years of experience that it was best not to disrupt his concentration, Mary waited patiently until he finally spoke.

  “My retirement has been put on hold for a while, Mary.”

  She started to sputter, but before she could object, Marvin put up his hand. “Let me explain first.”

  She rolled her eyes but sat down next to him at the table and put her hands on the placemat. She started to fidget with the edges, which was an unconscious habit she had, but she sat there stoically expecting him to tell her why.

  “We had a murder last night. It relates to a case that we’ve been working on for several years. George and I had just gone to see this man at the office where he works yesterday afternoon, and after we left, someone killed him.”

  Mary stared at him, sadness evident on her face, wary, but knowing he would unfold the story for her…and he did.

  “Do you remember the deaf woman who disappeared four years ago?”

  Mary nodded her head up and down once and asked, “Didn’t you think that she might have gone off somewhere to escape her ex-husband, or to make a new life for herself in a different part of the country?”

  Chief nodded affirmatively and said, “Yes, that’s what we all thought, but it looks like her former husband might have had something to do with this murder last night. He worked at that trucking company and was there when George and I left yesterday afternoon.” But that’s not the only thing,” he added.

  “You think he killed his wife too?”

  Marvin put his hand over hers, “How did you get so smart?”

  She grabbed his hand and squeezed it affectionately, “I’m married to a cop…a darn good one…and he’s not going to let this one get away either. I can tell you that!” She picked up his hand and kissed it.

  He used his other hand to gently touch her hair, brushing it away from her eyes. “Haven’t I always told you how you’re always right?”

  Dropping his hand, he hesitated before adding, “Plus, it looks like this guy has more than one identity, and it’s very possible that he’s killed more than these two.”

  Mary pulled back and waited for him to explain.

  After listening to a summary of the phone conversation George Stanley had had with her husband, she was caught off guard when he concluded with an ominous statement.

  “We don’t know how yet, but this guy knows Claire Dungarven. He used her name as a reference on his application to Landry Trucking Company. It could be a sick joke, but even if it is, I need to find out if she knows him and if not, how would he know who she is and why would he use her name?”

  “Maybe he read about her in the newspaper and has become obsessed with her,” Mary offered.

  “That’s what I’m worried about.”

  The two of them sat quietly, pouring over the possibilities. Finally Mary asked, “Have you called her yet?”

  Marvin sighed, “Yes, I tried calling her last night. She wasn’t home but I left a message and I thought she would have called me back by now.”

  Mary’s hand flew up to her mouth and she squealed, “I forgot. The phone rang and I didn’t answer it. I thought you needed the sleep.” She turned around and glanced at the phone. “Have you checked any messages yet?”

  Marvin jumped up and grabbed the phone. He could hear the message beep signaling a call. “I didn’t even think to check when I called George. I was so wrapped up in hearing what he had to tell me.” He quickly punched in his number code. He stood there by the counter, listening intently. Mary held her breath. When he finally put the receiver down, Marvin remained quiet for what seemed an eternity.

  Not able to squelch her anxiety any longer, Mary asked, “Well, what did she say?”

  Chief continued to stand at the counter, frowning, silent.

  “Marvin, what did she say?”

  “It wasn’t Claire, Mary. It was Jim Hoppes. He was at her house.”

  “But she got your message and she’s okay, right?” She looked at him eagerly, awaiting reassurance.

  He spoke in an almost dead tone of voice, “She�
�s not there. She went to Pine Lake to find Libby Newman’s body.”

  “Oh, my God,” Mary uttered in shocked astonishment.

  “Jim went to find her…and he wants me to come too.”

  “But, Marvin, why do you have to go? Can’t Jim take care of it himself?” She pleaded.

  “Mary,” he sighed, “you don’t understand.”

  She stood up, walked over to him, and grabbed his arm. “What don’t I understand, Marvin?”

  “Jim didn’t tell me how he knows, but….”

  She grasped his arm tighter, “but, what?”

  “He told me that Libby’s killer will be there too.”

  * * * * *

  Why would she leave without me? Jim gripped the steering wheel tightly while cautiously monitoring the remaining ice ruts and mounds on the road. The sun was slowly doing its job but Jim didn’t want to take any chances and wind up in a slide. All of his senses were keyed up and his focus was on finding Claire.

  A car followed him at a discreet distance. The driver glared straight ahead; his focus was on Jim Hoppes and where his destination would take them. But he too was driving very carefully, and not because of the road conditions. His intent was to stay as invisible as possible. He didn’t want to give away his identity just yet. He was following a police officer and had to be extra vigilant that he was not detected.

  Trent reached over and touched the knife lying on the passenger seat. Was it uneasiness? Who knows, but a smile lit up his face when he fingered the knife. Was he imagining what it would do? A lack of conscience could make him do a lot of things that don’t make sense to most people. Conscience is the antithesis of killing. And this murderer had nothing but more killing on his mind.

  * * * * *

  I hope it’s not too late. A nagging voice entered his stream of thought and Jim quickly shut it down.