Stacy said, "Then he should have drag marks on his shoes or did the pastor use a wheel barrow?" Stacy walked out the door where an overhang off the shed roof housed the wheel barrow and ladders. One short ladder and an extension ladder. Rory and Ben examined the wheel barrow.
Ben said, "This would do the trick. This is a nice barrow. It has a large front wheel and deep to carry cement in. I think we need the crime scene boys to give it a going over for fibers."
"Let's say it came down another way," said Rory. Jonas is not passed out and pastor brings the bottle. He has a knock out drug that he drops into a glass when Jonas is not looking. Bingo, he's gone and then wheel barrow or has Jonas meet him inside the church calling him by phone from Coos Bay."
"We could go on and on all day guys," said Stacy. First let's get the tool examined. Then the barrow. Then we hit the people for interviews after the autopsy tomorrow."
Rory said, "Let's call it a day and Ben can send his buddy an e-mail checking the background of Pastor Arnold. I'll go to the office and make my report. I'll see you at the autopsy tomorrow Stacy."
Rory left Stacy at the church as her car was still sitting there. Dan had come back and Stacy promised she would have another officer replace him later that night.
She drove home while the storm raged on. Her father was a good cook and he loved to fix a nice Sunday dinner just for the two of them. It was family time and this was one reason she didn't want to work back east or in a big city for that matter.
So many of her high school friends had left Bandon for greener pastures, especially moving to a big city where jobs were had. For Stacy, the four years gone from home was enough for the time being. She totally enjoyed being home with her father. Sadly her mother left the living world early, but she was in God's pasture now.
"Hi dad, you home," she yelled out walking through the door. Of course it was a stupid question as the house smelled like some Italian restaurant. She took off her rain coat and hat in the small entryway. What she needed was a shower; and a hot one at that.
"I'm in the kitchen, where else would I be daughter," said Ray.
"I'll be right back after a change of clothes. That smells really good dad."
After a hot shower, sweats on upper and lower, wool socks, she sat down at the table watching her father make a green salad. She guesses lasagna in the oven and she was right. Her mouth was watering.
"Open the wine please and let it breathe. Any new ideas on the death at the church," he asked.
"I think we have a good idea that Jonas was raised up by a cum-a-long and then tied to the bell rope. I'm guessing his weight at around 170 lbs. Do you think I could run the tool and lift that much weight dad?"
"Yes, but for a first timer, it's not so easy to operate a cum-a-long. It's a good idea and do you have any evidence to support your theory?"
"We found a scratch mark where something like the large hook on the cum-a-long made on the support shaft for the bell. After raising Jonas up it would be simple to tie a rope around his neck to finish the job. After that let the tension off the tool, take it back to the tool shed, close the door and leave."
"Here take this bowl and dig out some dressing please. I'm going to take out the lasagna and let it stand for a few minutes. Meanwhile we can enjoy a fresh salad."
"Stacy, this is your third homicide in a year. I can't recall having three homicides in ten years. All three, if the pastor is charged, are from out of town. I don't know where I'm going with this conversation, but it would seem we are having a small explosion of deaths around here. I fear what's on the horizon or what's down the road for our little town. People are beginning to talk and their talk is not good. Soon they will demand more law enforcement. However, they won't want an additional tax to pay for it. I need to talk to the mayor soon. How's the salad daughter?"
"Good as ever. I want the lasagna very soon. Do we have any bread to go with it or are we on a diet tonight," she said laughing.
"I warmed some up in the microwave. I'll get the main course and you fetch the bread."
"Sure why not. I'm not sure I'll make it all the way through, but who cares. I'm kind of tired of listening to the rain and wind."
Stacy put the movie in and set the volume that was tolerable for both of them. After that she took out a legal pad and made some notes and questions to ask the selected folks beginning tomorrow afternoon late.
-Five-
Twenty seven miles south of Bandon is a small town named Port Orford. This is where Albert and Clair Wise and their two kids lived. They were owners of the local True Value Hardware store and Clair taught at the elementary school. The population is less than 1500 and of course, everyone knows everyone else in town.
The Wise family were notably well off. On the contrary, they didn't have money to burn, but for their simply tastes, never wanted for anything either. They were extremely religious and were strong supporters of the First Christ Church in Bandon. Many residents wondered why they didn't attend church in their town. The main reason was Albert's father had a run in with the local Lutheran church and swore he would take his business out of town. Few knew he owned a large part of the downtown area. In addition, old man Wise was frugal as all get out. Be that as it may, the investigators were to spend many hours either in Port Orford or driving back and forth.
Stacy with her mechanical pencil stuck in her mouth thinking about what all the potential people they had interviewed had in common with what they said. Perusing her notes, she saw one thing that stood out over anything else. Pastor Arnold seemed to like females maybe too much. There are two places in a church where you can always find kids: Sunday school and the choir. The Wise family had two kids in the choir. One a sixteen year old girl and the other an eighteen year old boy.
Hazel Albert's, Stacy noted had said her girl Patsy had complained that the pastor was overly friendly. Hazel too said he came on to her rather brazen and forward; not that she minded so much. He boasted her ego a little. However, it was a different story if he started or continued groping young children.
This case was taking on the appearance of an event that could blow the lid off this small community. If the pastor was a child molester, god helps him she thought. But, what did or how did this involve the murder of the gardener Jonas, was the underlying question.
Okay, she thought, what else is there noteworthy to follow. She saw the name of Emily Dewart the writer. It appeared she knew that underneath the cover of the church, dirty linen was evident. Also the flower lady duster person, Robin Welch, was an eavesdropper personified. It would be stories with a thick coat of frosting; with falsehoods, but never the less, parts would be facts.
Felix Weber, remembering what he father said about him made her sit back and watch to see what developed. He appeared like a guy who played games to make himself look good. Be that as it may, he had a good grasp on the doings of the church.
The bookkeeper Zack Brown made mention some church funds were missing, but failed to report how much. A small church like this one couldn't have much in the bank, but then again, who really knows but the accountant.
Stacy quit chewing on her pencil and laid her head back on the sofa closing her eyes. Over the din of the TV she could still hear the storm lashing the side of the house. Peeking out of one eye she saw her father with his head to one side catching a few winks before bedtime.
Stacy stood up, turned the TV off and woke her father up. They turned out the lights, checked the doors and went to bed. Stacy wondered what the autopsy would reveal on the morrow.
//***\
Monday morning found the storm had passed, but heavy clouds were an indicator of another storm right behind the last one. A weather man coined the phrase for the Pacific Norwest storms as 'The Pineapple Express' as regards the weather coming from the area of Hawaii.
Stacy smelled coffee brewing and she loved the smell more than the taste. Her father was an early riser; her mother too, when she was alive and well. Stacy was not so early, but usually bounced out of bed making ready for the day.
Dressed in a neat freshly dry cleaned uniform, Stacy felt a little hungry. Father knew his daughter well and had scrambled eggs and toast ready. There wasn't a lot of talk in the mornings and when they finished breakfast, Stacy loaded the dish washer and left for work. She needed to make some phone calls and make appointments for interviews.
But first she drove by the church, after a quick stop at the local drive through coffee shop, to treat the policeman on duty. Dan was back on the job as she pulled in. He was happy to see her and gobbled the muffin and coffee down with glee. He said, "All's quiet here Stacy. A few drive by full of lookie loos is all."
"The autopsy is this afternoon. Just for fun, write down the license plates that show an interest in the church. It could be our killer might make a pass or two to see what's going on," she said.
Back and police station she sat down at her small desk to make some calls. First she called Robin Welch. Robin picked up on the second ring. Stacy told her who she was and immediately Robin asked, "What time do you want to come by Stacy?"
"It will be around dinner time Ms. Welch. The autopsy is this afternoon and I won't be back till dark. Is that a good or bad time for you," asked Stacy.
"Anytime is fine Stacy. I'll bake some cookies for us to munch on while we talk. See you tonight then."
Hazel Alberts would be at work shortly. However, that didn't mean she couldn't set up an appointment with her. As it was past 9 am she rang the insurance office to see about a good time to interview. Hazel answered professionally and Stacy told her who she was. "Ms Alberts I'd like to ask a few more questions of you sometime soon. When would it be convenient for you to see me," asked Stacy.
"Actually, the boss is out today and I'm all alone. If you want to come now and we can talk. I'm all caught up on my work so all I have to do is answer the phone," said Hazel.
"I'll be there in a minute," said Stacy.
Five minutes later Stacy was sitting on the side of Hazel's desk. They knew each other by sight, but had never really talked much. Stacy said, "Thanks for seeing me on such short notice Hazel.'' [they both agreed to use first names] "Tell me what you told the other investigator about the church pastor and anything else that might be important."
"Alright, here goes. At first Pastor Arnold was formal and polite. Us church members were delighted at his demeanor and he had excellent sermons. Then after about a year, he started dropping hints that his marriage wasn't so hot, and wondered if I'd like to have dinner sometime after church. Well, he's a married man and I'd no sooner go out with a married man than-------well, you know. Anyway, I was polite putting him off. Then, as my daughter Patsy loves to sing, she's been a choir member since she was about twelve years old.
One day, about a year ago, I think the date is about right, my daughter told me that Pastor Arnold wanted to give her private singing lessons after church. I didn't think much about it at the time. Well, about the third session she came home sort of blubbering. I asked her what the problem was and she told me Pastor Arnold had fondled her breasts. However, he made it appear as an accident. Needless to say, that was the end of the private lessons."
"I see," said Stacy. "Now have you heard any other church members complaining about his behavior one way or the other?"
"Indeed yes. Mrs. Wise told me that she suspects the pastor is not right in the head. For example, she told me when her daughter is with her entering the church and he's out welcoming the members, he doesn't look at her much but his eyes are roaming over her lovely daughter.
I'll admit Stacy that girls today look and talk much older than they are in years old. My daughter is very pretty. I'm not bragging but it's true. She a cheerleader and her boyfriend is a star sports figure here in town.
I've heard through the grape vine other mother's suspect that he might be taking liberties with the younger Sunday school kids. Mrs. Wise is the Sunday school teacher and sometimes Pastor Arnold comes to her room to interact with the kids. She can't watch him all the time, but anyway, I can't confirm any of this except what my daughter told me."
"What can you tell me about Jonas and his relationship to the church," asked Stacy.
"Jonas was a sweet old man. Indeed he liked his vodka, but who can fault him for that vice. He did his job and did it well. If you look at his cottage and work area, you'll see it's spotless and neatly organized. However, by 3 or 4 pm he's on his way to someplace where he can live in peace with his grief. I've lived here my whole life Stacy. I've known Jonas for many years. If you think its suicide, forget it. It's has to be murder.
Our last pastor was a prince of a man; god rests his old bones. He and Jonas were best of friends. But, Jonas and Pastor Arnold didn't see eye to eye on most everything. It seemed the pastor wanted to show Jonas he was the boss man and must take orders from him. I remember one time; I had some flowers delivered here for one reason or another. It was Friday and they would wilt over the weekend. I decided to take them to the church. When I arrived both Jonas and Pastor Arnold were waving their arms in a violent manner. I tooted my horn to break it up.
The scowl went off his face and a big smile replaced the frown lines on his fat face. I put on a cheerful appearance and showed him a backseat full of flowers. Jonas saw and he came over to help. I left soon afterwards.
It's clear to most all of us church members that Pastor Arnold and Jonas were always at odds. Why, who knows. I did hear from Clair Wise that the elders are looking hard for a replacement. That's what keeps us going is the future of our church."
"Many thanks Hazel. You've been a big help. I have to run now to Coos Bay. I will probably have more questions and if you agree, I'd like to talk to your daughter?"
"Call me anytime Stacy and I'll check with Patsy. I think because you're a female she will agree to discuss the incident with you," said Hazel as the phone rang for the first time since she arrived. Stacy waved and out the door she went into the drizzle that was beginning to fall out of the sky.
-Six-
There's one thing about a morgue and that is the smell never changes. It stays the same whether old bodies go out the door or new ones come in. Be that as it may, Stacy put on a happy face as she and Marsha were becoming friends. Stacy had been here two times before and familiar with the ropes: storeroom for gown and restroom for dressing.
Stacy was early, but Marsha was on the job since early in the morning. No sooner had Stacy dressed then in walked Rory and Ben. Both waved and she waved back entering the autopsy room while they changed dress.
Marsha saw Stacy and gave a smiling nod concealed behind her face mask. It appeared she was about finished as told her assistant to take over. She turned off the mic and as she walked to greet Stacy, removed her mask. She said, "Morning Stacy. Let's take a short break. I need a caffeine boast. There was a car accident near Lakeside and three people died. People just won't be patient and have to pass where they shouldn't."
Rory and Ben joined the two women and discussed the weather as usual. Ben said, "I got a prelim report on Pastor Arnold and it's not looking good for his ball club. There're some strong accusations of sexual misconduct in Bozeman, Montana where he was a pastor before coming to Portland. My friend is digging further back as we speak. Portland did a very poor job running a background check and rushed him off to an empty church in Bandon. That's it for now."
"Well, let's begin our autopsy on the gardener," said Marsha as she groaned a little getting up.
"Are you alright Marsha," asked Stacy.
"Yes just a twitch in the lower back from bending over the table. I'm fine. Let's go see what we can discover."
Inside her assistant had Jonas laid out on the table ready to go. Marsha put on her mask and set the recorder and video to begin the procedure. She lowered the green sheet to the waist. Stacy
thought Jonas was in pretty good shape as no fat was evident. Marsha started at the top of the head and worked down. When she came to the neck, after examining the head for indications of some blunt force trauma, she spent a long time with the rope around his neck.
To Stacy the rope appeared about a half inch polypropylene which was common at any hardware store. Marsha slowly and with care cut the rope saving it for evidence. Rory whispered into Stacy ear, "Did we see a rope similar to that which was around his neck in the tool shed?"
"I don't know. We made a mistake I think," said Stacy.
"Ben leaned in and said, "Yes, a similar rope was hanging on the wall. It had a fresh cut on it too."
"You saved our butts again," said Rory.
"You're buying dinner," said Ben.
"I'll chip in to help the wounded wallet," said Stacy.
It was at the point where the pathologist makes the X cut on the midsection of the body. After she laid back the outer layer exposing the organs all sucked in a lung full of air. "My God, he's full of cancer," said Marsha.
**//**
Later in Marsha's office all four sat around her small conference table talking about the results of Jonas Fielder's autopsy. Marsha said, "He died of affixation. The time of death is about the same: 11 to 1 pm Saturday night or Sunday morning, take your pick. Of course we'll do a blood alcohol level and a drug screen. The cancer was a surprise as he looked fit up until the time of his death. The cancer would have killed him very soon. I'd say within six months at the outside. There was nothing in his stomach either. From all outside appearances, I found no marks indicating any blunt force was used. Well there you have it guys. Good luck. You've got your work cut out for you on this one."