Grand Theft Otto

CHAPTER ONE

Sheriff Cas Larkin glanced at the caller ID, someone had dialed direct to his office without going through Gladys - his secretary, dispatcher, and general buffer against humanity. The name was familiar. He smiled.

"Clint Andrews. You dialed direct, you trying to scare me?:

No. Just got a bod and a scene I want you to see. Can you get loose?

Yeah. I’m coming.

Hold on, the body’s not here.

Oh? Where is it?

It’s still at the scene. The citizen who found it is here. He’s going to lead me to where he and his friend found it when they were fishing. The body was not quite all in the water and we’ll go in from the land side.

Yeah, I’m coming. I’ll bring my wet gear.

Me too. Come on.

Cas got up tossing whatever was loose into a top desk drawer.

Gladys, Cas passed her putting on his hat.

Gladys said as if it had been memorized like something she learned in school, Won’t be gone long. Hold the fort. Cas nodded with a grin and left.

Clint met him at his door and pushed him back out, calling over his shoulder. You guys take any calls, I’ll be back when I can get back.

Clint waved at a man in a pick up truck at the curb. I’ll follow him and you can follow me. He filled Cas in as they walked to their vehicles. "A couple of fishermen found her.

It is a woman? Cas interrupted.

Yes, it’s a woman. And not knowing any better, they considered just, Clint spread his arms looking comical, Dropping her off here.

Oh, Lord. Cas laughed. Lucky you. Why’d you call me so quick? Just want to share your bad luck?

No. Well, yes, but as a frequent observer of suspicious head wounds I wanted your opinion anyway and you can come along and look at the scene with me. That one in the truck said it looked like there was some blood on her head.

That the cause of death? Head wound?

Not officially yet but the blood he could see is a good sign. So probably. We’ll know more when we get there. He reached into his pocket and handed Cas a plastic sack. Since they were trolling close to the bank, one of them used a broken tree limb to get closer, reached over and felt in her pocket for any identification before one of them got brave enough to jump for enough dry bank to hold him and look closer at the body. This is what he brought me.

Cas could see most of it without touching anything and reading through the plastic. Tennessee driver’s license. He held the picture up closer. Don’t think I’ve ever seen her before. You? Clint shook his head and got into his truck.

Cas got in his car and followed. He smiled to himself picturing Clint swearing as the truck in front of Clint forced him to follow through on a yellow light. Cas hurried through it too, thankful traffic was light.

The three of them paid attention to traffic till they got to the turn off to their destination. There was a dirt road to where the body was.

When they stopped behind their guide, the pick-up driver got out. He looked Cas over, Cas was amused, wondered if he’d ‘passed’ inspection. The man told him his and his friend’s contact information again and walked a little way with them. He stopped and pointed to the water without further comment, then started back toward his truck.

Just go on straight that way, he shouted loud enough to be heard as he opened his truck door. It’s not far. She’s about half in and half out of the water. My friend didn’t get out, he’s still there in the boat. Tell him I’ll park where we were before and he can pick me up after you talk to him.

Clint nodded. They went on toward the water carrying their gear and hip boots. I’ll call on my cell and give my crew directions out here. Cas nodded, dodging the stickers on some blackberry bushes and other undergrowth.

They saw the man and his boat before they saw the body and approached cautiously.

Your friend said tell you he’s parking where you were. You can pick him up there. Clint told him as they approached.

I’m Cas Larkin, Sheriff of Pine County, Cas took up the conversation. You pulled in here to fish and saw the body?

The man with the fishing pole nodded cautiously, not commenting.

Cas looked at the body too as Clint took in the area, then went back to his car to leave word with Gladys for Rhodes to come out if he got in or called in within the next hour. He gave Gladys general directions and returned to the scene to look at the body closer.

Clint looked up when he heard Cas’s slow and careful steps. He smiled at his friend’s hesitation.

Guess I’ll just never get used to sudden death, will I? Cas was used to Clint calling him a bleeding heart, as if Clint himself was not as caring a human being as Cas had ever met. They had that in common. They cared, as Clint called it.

When you no longer give a damn, you won’t be worth a damn. Clint was a realist as well, and not above teasing his friend.

Cas glanced at the body. This is exactly how you found her?

Yes, the fisherman nodded. We just managed to get the ID out of her pocket and my friend jumped for the bank. To make sure there was nothing we or anybody else could do for her. He explained. She was here where she is, like I said, when we drifted along trolling for bream."

Clint nodded. Yes, that’s what your friend told me.

The man in the boat nodded nervously, averting his eyes from the body. She was lying there in very shallow water where she is now. An arm and part of her body still on land like you see her. He repeated, still looking nervous.

Cas questioned him again about anyone else in the area, naming about every off road vehicle he could think of. They had not seen or heard a thing. There had been no sign of one or of anyone else in the area. The answer was negative on all of Cas and Clint’s questions looking for possible witnesses or suspects.

Cas checked their contact information and thanked the fisherman again for his and his partner’s help.

The fisherman nodded, picked up his oars. Okay if I leave now?

Cas nodded.

Clint reminded him his partner said he’d be where they had parked their trucks and the man paddled silently away, not turning on his trolling motor. .

Cas went around carefully and looked at the corpse from the other side. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her before. They said they didn’t see or hear any sign of anyone anywhere around. At least one of of them was out and on this side. He see any tracks or any kind of vehicle at all?

Don’t know why I didn’t think of that since one of them was on land here, the one who reported it to me.

While you were examining the head wound I asked if they saw a car or other transportation or tracks, or even heard anything on the road. No sound or sign at all. He’s have told me then if there was.

Clint nodded. The one who came to my office would have probably mentioned it if they had seen anything. He tried for cool and collected, civic duty and all that, but he was shook up, I could tell. Maybe you can get more information from them when you talk to them. If the woman was alone and had some kind of a fall, it could be just an accident even though the blow is to the back of the head. But if that’s what happened, how did she get here? He beckoned Cas closer.

See this little knot there on the back of her head where her hair is mussed up? I touched it lightly but it’s not too bad or bloody. The little bit of blood at the beginning of her hair line might have been from throwing up her arm, see the cut there? He nodded at it, picturing the poor victim possibly fighting for her life. His face was grim. Looks like some bruises on both arms. May be some others on the body too. Clint’s professional eyes took in everything.

Cas looked at the cut and the other arm and nodded. Just enough of a wound on her arm to bleed. But you think it’s the head wound that killed her?

More than likely. Can’t tell for sure just by looking and feeling here at the scene, Clint grinned, Some people just have lumpy heads or hidden scars. You have to get them in and on the table to tell what happened to them.

After a slight pause Cas said. Well, she’s not dressed for hiking out here in the woods. What do you think? My gut feeling is to treat it as a suspicious death and see what the autopsy turns up. That’s all we can do, as usual, is hand it to you as we do everything the least bit suspicious. Cas looked away and sighed. Thanks for getting the contact information and letting me know as soon as possible. He took the sack Clint put the victim’s belongings into. No purse or keys or anything?" Their eyes searched the area again.

No. Just this stuff was in a pocket. When you contact these men for statements maybe they can help more.

Okay. Anyway, thanks for calling me first. I guess you’re up to your ears as usual?

Yeah. As usual. I’ll let you know if I find anything helpful. She hasn’t been here long so I’ll at least be able to get some fingerprints. Let me know if you find she has a record or any more information.

I’ll do it. Good luck.

Cas left with the little sack that included the driver’s license and the knowledge Clint would at least be able to get finger prints.

* * *

In Fort Craig, Hope Wilkins Moore entered her garage apartment quietly, listening, a smile on her face.

I’ll bet Little Walt’s asleep. She mused to herself as she blocked the slowly closing door with her elbow, the only part of her anatomy she wasn’t using to hold grocery bags at the moment. The old frame building had settled a bit and the door swung shut at inconvenient times like this.

She went directly to the bedroom, a matter of only a few steps, and a loving smile again lit her pretty, young face.

Her darling four year old slept soundly with a smile on his flushed little face, a smile flitting around his slightly parted lips. Beside him lay Harry, her elderly step mother, sleeping just as soundly, just as innocently, and who was just as beloved, well, almost, as her precious little boy. Technically Harry was her step-mom. Actually, in terms of endearment, she was currently acting as her mother; Little Walt’s grandmother, Land Lady, and Best Friend and next door roommate all rolled into one. She was one of the Lord’s very best human beings. Hope smothered a giggle knowing how Harry would take a description like that. Turning back toward the kitchen, Hope used her elbow again to get through the door.

I wouldn’t be surprised, after reading Darwin’s theory about evolution, if I might grow a couple of fingers at my elbow joint, I’ve used it so much getting through this door.

She glanced back at Harry, who had moved just slightly, then tiptoed into the kitchen to put up her groceries. A moment later she dropped a plastic bottle of salad dressing and frowned, stepping back to the bedroom door.

Harry still had her eyes closed but whispered, Is it still Tuesday?

Yes. Hope giggled. It’s still Tuesday and the groceries are bought and the electric bill is paid. Now all I’ve got to do is fuss at you - again - about killing yourself cleaning this place when that’s my job and you’ve got enough to do already!

Oh, well. If you’ve got to. Just wake me up when you get through ranting …. Harry glanced at Little Walt beside her and smiled before closing her eyes again.

It didn’t take long to get the groceries put away, all except the coffee rolls. Hope had splurged and bought them at the grocer’s tempting deli. The coffee was perking and she put the rolls in the microwave to heat as Harry appeared in the doorway, sniffing the cinnamon scent.

Um, just in time. Harry smiled. Did you use the coupons I gave you?

Yep, they pay double on them there. I like that. Hope smiled. My aunt and I always clipped coupons too. They’re sometimes almost enough to take care of the tax. She rolled her eyes.

Yeah. But they do help. You’ve still got to pay that tax whether you can eat it or not. Harry laughed as she got two sandwich plates and set them on the pine table.

Hope poured their coffee.

Seriously, Harry, you shouldn’t knock yourself out doing my work. I can surely take care of this myself and I love you too much to work you to death just because you’re so good natured and put up with me.

Put up with you? Harry’s eyes grew big with wonder. You gave me back a life. I’ve got family and my own daughter and grandson to love. And spoil rotten when you aren’t looking." She smiled, looking pleased.

I’m usually looking, you just aren’t always aware of it. I know Little Walt have a good thing going here. Without you, when dad died I had no place to go. My nursing home job had played out. I was a desperate woman because when the place I worked closed, I was just plain old unemployed with nothing in sight. And I was pregnant. She shook her head. Add to that, I was a ‘broke as the Ten Commandments’ widow trying to recover from my husband’s death in a war we never should have been dragged into in the first place.

Now, Hope, remember what your name is. Hope. You know what that is, don’t you?:

Yes, darling, I know what that is and I did and do have hope. I just didn’t know help was on the way in the form of a Gramma for my precious little one.

Okay then, let’s just say we needed each other and we broke even. Harry grinned around a mouthful of coffee roll.

Done! Hope grinned. I guess we’ve fussed at each other enough. Pass me another of those rolls before Little Walt wakes up.

* * *

At Sheriff Cas Larkin’s home in Maryvale, his wife Connie heard the sound of a truck and looked out the glass in the kitchen door. She turned off the oven and went to hug her six foot husband as he came in.

He held out his arms and she hugged him hard. He kissed her and said against her ear, This is what I come home for.

Warm, wrapped close to him in his arms, Connie smiled happily up at him.

He grinned. I’m not being buttered up for something am I? Not that I’m complaining. What is it?

Can’t I just be glad to see you? You’re always suspecting the worst. Have you brought your work home with you? Connie eyed the file he had in one hand. I could tell you need a hug? She smiled, curiosity showing."

Yeah, hugs are good medicine. He grinned at her. Comes with the job. I just thought I’d try looking up this latest victim on our own computer, won’t take long.

" Cas briefly hugged her close again and looked over her shoulder.

Roast beef? His eyes went from the slow cooker to the banana pudding on the counter. His smile widened. My cup runneth over.

Not yet, Connie laughed. But that can be arranged. Coffee’s perking. She added, You said victim? This case is a homicide?

Yes. And before you ask, it’s no one any of us know, that’s why I’m trying to find some information.

Oh. It was a homicide and it’s a woman and we don’t know her.

Good summing up, Cas laughed.

Connie didn’t feel justifying her curiosity was necessary. I’ll finish setting the table.

Okay, I’ll take off my books and get comfortable and drop this file off in the den.

Cas got back and seated his six foot frame in the chair at the end of the table. Connie bowed her head for the brief blessing Cas could probably rattle off in his sleep.

Cas, Connie asked after his Amen. Have you heard anything this week from Aunt Harry and Hope?

Well, I hadn’t till today. So I just let my nosey genes take over and gave Harry a call. I got her voice mail and we’ll probably hear from her soon. He glanced at the clock. It was almost quitting time when I put in the call."

As if on cue, the wall phone in the kitchen rang. Connie grinned and glanced at the clock again as Cas got up to answer.

Hi, Cas smiled at Connie and nodded, confirming that it was Harry. He listened, Connie watched the changing expressions on his face and knew he couldn’t get a word in to ask anything because Harry was too busy telling her favorite kin and stalwart nephew everything she knew since the last time they’d talked. Connie laughed softly and got closer so she could hear some of what Harry said.

I was baby sitting Walt Connie heard Harry say. She added that he was waking up from his nap when she left Hope’s apartment. Cas smiled and listened some more as did Connie.

What’s that? Cas held the phone out a bit.

I said, Little Walt’s got an imaginary friend. Harry repeated a bit louder.

Cas’s smile faded a little but Connie reached for the phone. He let her have it and listened as she now held the phone out for him to hear.

That’s entirely normal, Harry. Connie informed her after hearing her concern. You remember when I first started freelancing and quit my job in Ft. Craig to stay home? You know I did the library’s Children Story Hour a few times?

I do. I’d forgot about it though. Harry said.

Well, what made me think of it was your saying Walt has imaginary friends. It seems all of them do. Little boys have imaginary friends just like little girls do. Like a ‘tea party’ thing, you know? Or just ‘playing house’ or ‘shopping’ in their mama’s long dresses?

Oh, I see. Well, Harry sighed. When I got lucky and got a family of my own, I hadn’t had much experience with any companions who aren’t old enough to get Social Security till Hope and Little Walt came along. Harry laughed at her lack of experience with youth.

Well, it’s not a thing to worry about, Harry. I’ll give you back to Cas. Love you. And give Hope and Walt hugs for us too.

After dinner and checking with Harry, Cas washed his face and disappeared into the den.

Connie finished cleaning up the kitchen, put everything away, and glanced into the den. Any luck? she asked.

No. Zilch. No sign of her anywhere on the NET, even checked some entertainment sites.

Entertainment?

Yes. After looking at all the ‘find’ places I could get to, I tried show biz, magic acts and related things.

You think she may be, have been, and actress?

What I think is only what I think. Cas shrugged. Her name on her driver’s license is Ramona Ceesall.

Connie laughed. Sees All? It might a well be I Am Bogus.

Yeah, just what I thought. No record, I checked everything I could before I came home.

Did you try Optometrists?

Cas looked up, surprised. No. Optometrists?

Connie shrugged. Well, Sees All, is the name she picked, maybe she is one or works for one, has some connection.

I’ll try it.

It didn’t take long to exhaust this slim chance of a lead. Cas shut down the computer and got up, picking up his file. Clint is sending in her fingerprints, we’ll find her.

Never had any doubt about it. How about some more banana pudding and a cup of coffee while we look at the news?

CHAPTER TWO

That good supper was an award winner, Casey Taylor put his plate in the sink, since being helpful was just one of his good points with Melissa Larkin Taylor, his beautiful bride, better known as Missy, daughter of Connie and Sheriff Cas Larkin of Maryvale. She turned in his arms and kissed his cheek.

He a kissed her lips, holding her close. She returned his kiss with a sigh of happiness.

Thanks, it’s nice to be appreciated. Besides which, I like roast beef too. She glanced at the table. I’ll put all this in the sink to clean up later. Let’s go have our coffee and dessert in the den, okay?

Okay. Sounds good to me. He smiled looking at the microwave. What’s for dessert?

I got some yummy Bear Claws with lots of pecans and icing to go with our coffee. I’m warming them up. She smiled at Casey who was sniffing the cinnamon scent and opened the door of the microwave when it dinged.

Casey was already at the refrigerator and handed her the real butter carton they’d splurged on last time they shopped for groceries together.

Missy laughed. Good idea, this was. Makes them taste better and I don’t think it will add that many calories the way we both devoured supper.

Here’s to whoever invented butter, good Bear Claws, and microwave ovens. Casey held up his cup in a toast and Missy touched it with her cup..

And don’t forget crock pots.

And crock pots, Casey looked heavenward and smiled.

Okay. Casey started slowly, Now that we’ve given thanks for our supper, I want your opinion on something.

Missy sipped her coffee and looked at him. She waited, interested and