by Kieran York
As if stung, Royce seethed, “Damn them. But why didn’t you mention this before?” she asked Daisy.
Daisy shrugged. “The medicine confused me.”
Gwen inserted, “When Daisy arrived here, she had us call her neighbor to look for the cat, but Betsy hasn’t been spotted.” Gwen was restraining her anger. Although upset, she tried to comfort Daisy. “Royce, she thinks if the kitty had been released, it would have gone to the neighbor. But it didn’t. So, there’s no telling.”
Royce schemed, “We were planning on driving by the house today. We’ll check out the area,” Royce promised. “Gwen, can you get some flyers of Betsy printed out?”
“We have, but to no avail. I’ll have Nadine bring you a handful of flyers to pass out today.”
Sam patted Daisy’s arm, “There’s always a possibility, Miss Barnaby.”
“Yes,” the Sheriff’s voice was optimistic. “Miss Daisy, do you have anything that might have Betsy’s scent on it? We could get Chance to search if we had something.”
Daisy squinted, “All my clothes are new, since I didn’t bring any.”
Royce recalled, “You were holding a small pillow when we found you. Was Betsy ever around it?”
“Why yes, I forgot. The pillow. She slept on in, and that’s why I kept it with me. To remember.” She jumped up and ran to her bedroom. “Here.” She handed it to Royce.
Nadine retrieved the flyers. “We’ve been putting them on poles, in folk’s doors, anywhere. Most of the people around Daisy’s probably have seen the Lost and Found flyer, but it never hurts to spread the word twice.”
“Thanks, Nadine.” Royce handed them to Sam. “Hang on to these. We have work to do?”
Gwen asked, “What did you stop by for?”
“We can talk this afternoon. Mike wants you to join in a two o’clock conference. We could probably trust all the stockholders, but just to make certain word doesn’t get to the perps, we are including only those we completely trust.”
“I’ll be there,” Gwen uttered.
As Gwen and Sam walked to Royce’s vehicle, Sam said “We’re going to search for the cat, aren’t we?”
“Yep.”
“I was hoping that would be your answer.”
They drove to Daisy’s home, and looked around. Then they visited her neighbor. The cat hadn’t been seen, nor had it been turned in.
As Royce and Sam walked to the next nearest neighbor, Sam asked, “What shall I log on the report.”
“Just put down we’re looking for Seth. We probably don’t have a chance in hell of finding the cat or Seth.” Royce smirked. “But looking for Seth will look better on our report.”
Deputy Sunshine just nodded. He was enjoying the day.
Although they attempted to get Chance to trace the scent on Daisy’s pillow, the K-9 lead them to the side of the highway, then made circles. Sadly, Sam and Royce knew that probably meant someone in a vehicle had either picked Betsy up, or worse, struck the cat.
After they had knocked on several area doors, and left notes on the homes not occupied, Royce said, “I’ve got to get back and get things organized before the meeting. Grab a squad car and keep looking for Seth. Or Betsy. And notify all the towns around here to BOLO for a black cat named Betsy. Lost a few weeks ago.”
“Will do, Sheriff.” Sam stopped. “You know it helps when you have a decoy. Incentive to bring the subject of the search to you? I hear Seth was a drinker. So maybe in my quest to find him, and the cat, I should take both a bottle of whiskey and a little catnip?”
Royce’s laugh continued for the next block. Terry, she admitted, was a very nice young woman, and a good deputy. But Royce was happy that she ended up with Mr. Sunshine in her department.
***
The sheriff was surprised to see how few people were being told the plans. Around the D.A.s conference table sat Lyn, Mike, three Assistant D.A.s, Gwen, Rhonda, Doc Nilson, and Royce.
Lyn stood. “We are holding this in the strictest confidence. Anything you hear is not to go out of this room. We are now coordinating a countdown time. We’re expecting this to be the biggest fraud trial this part of the country has seen. From deed forgery, to drugging patients. There is both deceiving and coercing residents to sign contracts. Improper use of guardianship or conservatorship. To make the simultaneous arrests happen, before the suspect or suspects bolt, we’ll all button our lips, and watch.”
Lyn continued, “We’ve talked with Dr. Nilson and Rhonda Smith. When the fraud bust goes down, they will be stepping in, as pro tempore leaders of the transition team. They will have backups, from various teams, and it will be a complete mess. I went through it last year. We’ve got one main mission. That is to see that the care of the patients will not be interrupted.”
Shuffling his papers, Mike stood, “And to make this happen, we’re going to explain that it will be difficult for all patients and employees. No getting around it. Rhonda Smith and Dr. Nilson will make an attempt to see that it is as painless as possible. We’ll be issuing various forms for families and for patients wanting to bring lawsuits. We’ll be talking to creditors. And it will seem as though brick by brick, the entire thing will be coming apart. Your list, Lyn.”
Lyn picked up her notes. “Legal representatives from the Elder Justice Act, Medicare representatives, Colorado Legal, as well as a support team from both FBI and CBI, will coordinate as they investigate. We are working to gather a class action lawsuit, solely for the citizens. That will limit the fleecing by shysters,” Lyn’s grin bloomed. “You know there are greedy mouthpieces. But we’ve got to insure this remains an equitable agreement for the suffering patients. This needs to become an example on behalf of the elderly.”
Mike put his glasses on. “It isn’t going to be an easy fix. There will be various coalitions of elder law, the Department of Elder Affairs, the National Committee for Prevention of Elder Abuse – the NCPEA, and these people will be searching to remedy the illegal, and injurious acts that have been perpetrated on these victims. What has gone wrong here, it must not continue, and never again. To make the Center operational - as it’s meant to be, there has got to be changes. That means disruption. And finally, it will need rebuilding.” He pointed to Lyn.
She spoke, “What are the assets? Property and buildings. What are the important components – the good staff, and patients willing to give Silver Wilderness another chance? The nursing home, the rehab center, and the hospice are going to be theoretically seized. After lawsuits and creditor, a new start up will be needed. It will eventually be put back together in an equitable manner. I’ve also seen that done. I’ve worked here in Timber County, and I know the people. All of us together will make this Center one we’ll be proud of. Mike.”
Mike read from his paper, “Gwen Ives is head of the Chamber of Commerce, the local newspaper, and on various commissions here in Timber. She agreed to be the Director of the Reorganization. She, along with the mayor, will be making attempts to raise a bond plan to incorporate the Center to a country owned and operated facility.” Mike said, “We’re going to do this. We pledge we’ll be cooperating to assist the citizens of this county. It will become a different kind of county property. Accountable. And funds being returned to the area. Speaking of that, of course the initial funding will be donors. This is also going to happen. It is absolutely going to happen.”
Lyn held up her hands, “One more thing. When we read the correspondence between the administrator, Eileen Austin, and the director, Alec Valente Zellner, I was appalled. I’m going to relate a sentence, from the now deceased Zellner’s memo to his boss, Eileen Austin. He stated that he felt elated that everyone was in agreement that the disagreeable old parasites must be chemically controlled.” Lyn looked up. Her voice was scathing. “And they were unnecessarily restrained. Deprived of their ability to think, and to speak. Until Daisy Barnaby escaped.” Lyn continued, “As Mike said, we are going to make this happen.”
Royce watched as the two D.A.s sat. The s
heriff knew the way it was going to happen. She just knew. Lyn Evans and Evans Chocolate would be doing the underwriting of the new Center.
Royce walked away, feeling alone. Not because she didn’t believe the Center would come back a new and respected facility. But because she wondered if she had done enough to see that it hadn’t happened in the first place. How could a place of healing and of helping those with the wisdom to give back to humanity have fallen to such depths? How could it have been so dark and pervading? So lacking virtue and integrity?
There had been no complaints. But Eileen, Larry, and Dr. Verner had seen to it that there could be no audible grumbles. No credible reports were possible. Nick had also been fooled by his personal experience with his father in the Center. Royce believed that to be the case for all residents. Royce took complete responsibility. It was her county. It was under her watch when this was going on. She had vowed to protect her county. Yet, she felt incapable.
She had not found a missing man. She had not solved the murder of another man.
***
Royce entered The Timber County Times. Nadine was behind her desk. “It’s been an exciting day,” she inferred that she was up to speed on the meeting her house-spouse attended.
“I know it’s going to take time from the running of the paper, but Gwen will be the perfect Director of Reorganization.” Royce hoped that Nadine didn’t resent having to take on all the work at their home and the newspaper. Her smile told the sheriff that she was completely supportive.
“Royce, I’ll gladly take the load here. I’m so proud of her.” Nadine giggled. “I had no idea she had invested in it. I won’t allow her to buy lottery tickets, so she said it was the next best thing.”
Royce joined in the laughter. “I hope they rename her new title. It’s obvious that she’s never been able to reorganize without you.”
Nadine’s eyebrows shot up. As the youngsters say, “Straight up. I don’t think it has anything to do with being lesbian.”
“Nope. It just means truth.”
“Oh, by the way, she asked for you to drop by the house. She and Daisy have been going over the list that was found on that thumb drive. There’s one name that she needs to talk with you about.”
The sheriff made her way backdoor of their home. She rapped on the kitchen door. “Come in,” Gwen yelled to her.
Daisy was sifting through piles of paper. “We found out all we could about these fellas on the list.”
Gwen’s enthusiasm spilled. “It comes down to one questionable name. Remember one of the guys we couldn’t dig up much about. Other than he had lived briefly in Timber. His name is George V. Humphrey.”
“I was remembering back,” Daisy spoke softly, her eyes narrowing in remembrance. “It would have been around the time Seth Egan got found out. About his company losing all those investor’s money.”
“And?”
“I’d recalled his name because there was a big tragedy. George V. Humphrey killed himself. I guess he lost all his wealth, and he shot himself.”
“But wait,” Gwen rushed on, “we found the obituary. We found George Valente Humphrey, had been a multimillionaire. Lost everything. Today Lyn mentioned Alec’s middle name was Valente. Here’s the list of his family.” Gwen slid the newspaper toward Royce. “Look right here where we marked.”
Royce read aloud, “Grandson – Alec Valente Zellner.” Royce frowned. “Here I was thinking because Larry Austin had lost money, he was angry and at the top of the suspect list for murdering Seth. But a young man calling himself Valiant Dude, just went to the top. He was resentful that his grandfather had been duped out of the family fortune. Alec’s motive would have been not only revenge for his grandfather’s suicide, but he’d lost his entire inheritance.”
“Well, you can’t question Alec,” Gwen stated. “But if you find Seth alive, you can at least ask him about it.”
“Right,” the sheriff mumbled. “And we may get snow tomorrow, so we may not find his body until spring thaw.”
“Give it your best try, girl,” Daisy said, as she had said so many times when Royce was in her class. “You’ll get on to it.”
Royce tipped her hat.
After she’d briskly strode to the sidewalk, she slipped a butterscotch candy into her mouth. It was getting late, and she knew she’d have stacks of work on her desk. But she thought about Barney Emmett. Maybe she could get him to think of something else about Seth. Royce was running out of ideas. And if Seth was dead, the list of people having a motive to murder Seth had grown to include Alec Valente Zellner.
Chapter 22
There was a soggy, distinctive chill to the morning. This type of morning usually produced a light snow. Royce had loaded two bundles of firewood. She placed them in the corner of Gran’s enclosed back porch. When she went inside, Gran had breakfast fixed.
Chatting, as they usually did, Gran asked about the revelation that one of Seth’s victims had been related to Alec Zellner.
Between bites, and sips of strong coffee, Royce theorized. “Alec might well have killed Seth. He had millions of motives to murder the thieving Seth. But who murdered Alec?”
Gran probed, “Could it be that Alec had been involved in drugs?”
“The autopsy showed he had no drug traces in his system. He may have been stealing and selling opioids. The jury is out on that one. I’m not sure we’ll ever be able to discover anything about his dealing. His penthouse, his auto, this bike, his office – all completely searched. Nothing. My best guess is that the Austins and/or Dr. Verner became concerned Alec would be caught with some mischief he was involved in. That would open up their lucrative scheme of elder abuse. Above all, they wouldn’t want that to be discovered.”
Royce loved that Gran was always interested in cases. “I’m just offering my two cents. I had seen Humphrey around town a couple times. But I had no dealings with him. All I know is that he was rich as all get-out. And he’d accumulated so much wealth, that maybe…” Gran scratched her chin. “Well, maybe money was his life. And when Seth cheated him out of his money, Humphrey committed suicide. And that was that.”
“I’m jaded,” Royce admitted. “I think Alec might have killed Seth – not for revenge over his grandfather, but because Seth stole his inheritance. One time I asked Alec how he would feel if his grandfather was being abused in an assisted living home. He had a look on his face that I knew was meaningful. It was as though he resented his grandfather. Now, I think it might have been that he hated his grandfather for being taken in by Seth. He blamed his grandfather, too.” Royce knew that in crime supposition was just that. Answers would never be found to some questions. “I’m uncertain if we’ll find out what the drugs had to do with Alec.”
When the sheriff left, Gran had given her a hug and told her to drive carefully if the snow began to make the roads slushy.
The roads were still dry when she arrived in Timber. Taking out her phone, she crossed the streets. The mid-sized bus was opening the door. Royce wanted to get photos of the children when they boarded the bus for their first day field trip.
“Royce,” Hertha called to her, “I’m concerned. The driver…”
Glancing in, Royce saw Earl Harris at the wheel.
“Do you want me to do something?” Royce inquired. “I could hold the bus. Have the school replace Harris.”
“No, it might make him angry. This is the kid’s day. I don’t want him making their day difficult.”
“Maybe you should pull them. Let them stay home. This weekend I’ll take them up to the ski lift; it should be open in the next day or two.”
“They want to be with their friends. Some of the kiddos have come around. At least they aren’t calling Antero ‘Tomahawk’ when referring to him.”
“That’s something. I’m glad they’re making some friends.”
“They’ve been waiting so long for this.” Hertha’s frown intensified. “I wish I knew what to do. I don’t want them to go. But I also realize that it’s a
parent’s job to let them fly out of the nest.”
“Go with your heart, Hertha.”
“My heart says to keep them here. But look how happy they are. And there is a teacher accompanying them.”
Concern also covered Royce’s face. “I’ll email the photos I just took to you,” Royce said.
As the bus moved away, the two women walked across the street.
Royce’s throat was dry. It hurt her to see Hertha anguishing. Chance continued walking between them. “I’ve got the deputy’s meeting now, then I need to drop by the D.A.s and get an update. But after that, I’ll go up to Crystal Village. I’m paying another visit to the caretakers of what was once Seth’s home. See if they’ve thought of anything that might be of help in locating Seth. And then, I’ll check on the kids. Make sure the ride up was okay. If there’s any guff from the driver, I’ll stay and bring them back home.”
“I’d appreciate it. I know I’m overprotective of them. But I just have a dread of that man, Earl Harris.”
“He is a creep,” Royce said with a concern. “How about if I ask one of the deputies to check on them. Make certain that they arrived at Crystal Village?”
“Thanks, Royce. I’d appreciate it. And be careful of slick roads.”
***
After the morning meetings, Royce, with Chance, went to the small cabin of Barney and Harriet Emmett. Barney seemed surprised to see the sheriff.
“I don’t know a thing new,” he chided. “You’re a wastin’ your time. And it’s startin’ to snow out there.”
“I’m just up in the area to check on some things. We do regular sweeps of the country. You know, to see if the cabins are safe.”
“I know exactly what you mean. Those damn kids are breakin’ in cabins hereabouts.
Why a couple weeks ago, I lost one of my key chains from the key holder by the kitchen door. That’s why I was so slow getting us into Seth’s house. I wasn’t sure that set of keys was on the keying gone missing.”