Buried Secrets

PROLOGUE – 1983

Joyce Ann King is sitting behind the steering wheel of a red 1980 Chevrolet Camaro.  She turns up the radio and pats her feet to the beat of music.  It is a warm Florida afternoon. The air conditioner is cooling the car. Glancing into the rear-view mirror, Joyce Ann puts on another layer of plum lipstick. She smiles at her reflection in the mirror.

The passenger door is quickly flung open and slammed shut.  Drive fast Joyce Ann. The man screaming is Joyce Ann’s husband, Jimmy.  He is looking behind them.  Jimmy is brandishing a gun.

Joyce Ann punches the gas pedal with her right foot.  Her speedometer is now reading sixty miles per hour. The Camaro is racing down the deserted residential street.  Jimmy is being thrown around in his front passenger seat.  He is not wearing a seatbelt.

Slow down! We are not being followed!  Jimmy is now smiling.  He slides the gun in the glove compartment closing it.  Jimmy is counting the money in his lap.  Well, Joyce Ann dinner is on me tonight.  We have fifteen hundred dollars here.  Not bad for a snatch and grab.

Joyce Ann grins.  This is more fun than working at that nursing home passing out dinner trays.  Jimmy do you want me to drive to where our car is parked?

Yeah do that.  I will wipe this car down.  The cops will not find our fingerprints. Jimmy is now bouncing in his seat to the song playing on the radio.

Ten minutes later, Joyce Ann pulls into a parking lot in a busy strip mall.  Jimmy jumps out the stolen vehicle and puts the money and gun in their glove compartment.  Joyce Ann strolls over to their car and climbs into the passenger seat.  Jimmy is busy wiping off their fingerprints with a wash cloth and Windex from the Camaro. He has already removed the screwdriver from the ignition.  People are walking near them Jimmy appears to be cleaning his vehicle.  He hits the lock and closes the door.

Ten minutes later, Jimmy hops behind the wheel of his car and drives to a fast food restaurant.  They order dinner.  Jimmy drives to their trailer.

Joyce Ann unlocks the front door and walks inside their home. She walks into the living room.  The air conditioner is on cooling their home. Joyce Ann flops down on the tan sofa.  She has turned on the television.  Jimmy walks into their bedroom and deposits the money into the safe.  They have a safe in the closet.  He returns to the living room and joins Joyce Ann on the sofa.  They eat in silence.

Jimmy purchased this newer trailer three months ago. Joyce Ann is only sixteen. She could not be included on the financing of the new trailer. Their old trailer was his family home. It needed major repairs.  This trailer has the latest appliances.  It has three bedrooms-two bathrooms.  Joyce Ann keeps it clean and pleasant.

Jimmy when we married, I was happy. Why did you leave me on our wedding night and drive to Lisa Bates house?

Jimmy smirks while eating French fries. Joyce Ann you were fifteen and pregnant.  You said sex was not happening that night.  Lisa is always available for me.  Look around! You see this beautiful home we live in!  Lisa lives in the projects.  This should prove I love you. He pulls Joyce Ann over and kisses her pouting lips.

Joyce Ann agrees Jimmy has changed.  Now that they began robbing people, Jimmy is more attentive.  It is Thursday night and Jimmy is home.  No longer does he stay out all night.  Jimmy usually comes home to pick Joyce Ann up for work in the morning.  Jimmy has five children.  Lisa Bates has two children for Jimmy.

The phone rings.  Jimmy answers it.  Hey man what’s up?

So someone robbed the Jamaicans we work with today.  They say it was a man in a red Camaro.  Jimmy who do you think did it man?

Jimmy laughs.  You know it was not me. I own a green four door 1979 Ford LTD. Joyce Ann treated me to fast food for dinner.  It is a shame the Jamaicans were robbed.  I will pick you up at six thirty in the morning okay.

Yeah okay Jimmy.  See you tomorrow morning.  Bye man.

Bye.  Jimmy hangs up the phone.

Joyce Ann smiles at her husband.  Jimmy we should chill for a few.  People may get suspicious.  We have been doing this for five months.

We have ten thousand dollars now.  We can stop for a while.  Jimmy works in the sugar cane fields of Belle Glade Florida. When the season is over, Jimmy works in a grocery store in the warehouse.  He has been working in the fields since dropping out school at age sixteen.  Jimmy robs the Jamaicans because he knows that some will not retaliate or report thefts. If they retaliate against Jimmy, the Jamaicans risk jail and deportation. Some Jamaicans quietly sell marijuana to make money to send back home.  They are here on work visas.  When the sugar cane is picked, they return home to Jamaica.

Thanks Jimmy.  This way we won’t get arrested.  You want to take a shower and make love?

Yanno Jimmy King is always ready to make love.  Bring your red butt over here and let me take off that red tank top and those short blue jeans.

Joyce Ann moves into Jimmy’s lap.  He begins undressing his wife. Joyce Ann has beautiful skin.  Jimmy wishes her butt was bigger.  Jimmy teases her nipples as they become hard.  He takes the dark brown nipples into his mouth and sucks.  Joyce Ann is becoming wet in anticipation of Jimmy entering her.  Jimmy picks his wife up and walks her into their bathroom.  They shower, make love and sleep.  Tomorrow is another work day for both.

Joyce Ann has been married to Jimmy for ten months.  Before meeting Jimmy, Joyce Ann was a sophomore and an A-student at Glades Central High School.  Then she became pregnant.  Jimmy married Joyce Ann.  Their child did not live.  Joyce and Jimmy love one another.

The next morning, Joyce Ann is at work.  Cassie Turner, her best friend is also working at Glades Nursing home in the dietary department.

Joyce Ann, did you hear one of the Jamaican drug dealers were robbed last night?  Girl I hear they have bought guns.  Big Rick told me they will kill the next person who robs them. Cassie whispers.

Well I guess they want to be safe Cassie.  Belle Glade is beginning to become a big city.  How is Big Rick doing this morning?  Jimmy is working today.  Joyce Ann is trying to hide the fear of being shot from Cassie.  Cassie’s boyfriend is Big Rick Nelson.  He is the largest weed distributer in Belle Glade.  The Jamaicans purchase their weed from Big Rick

Girl you know Big Rick is fine if his money is right.  He brought me to work and went back home to sleep.

These two are picking up the breakfast trays from the patients’ rooms.  Both are dressed in green scrubs and black tennis shoes.

Cassie when is Big Rick going to marry you?  You have been living together for eight months now.

Cassie is the prettiest girl in Belle Glade.  She turned down all the handsome boys in high school for Big Rick.  He gives Cassie money for everything she asks him to do.  Cassie moved out her parents’ home into Big Rick’s nicer home.  He does not keep the weed in their home.

I don’t know Joyce Ann.  Big Rick makes me happy. Next Friday he is buying me a car.  He does love me.

A car would be great Cassie. You need that wedding ring.  Big Rick can put you in the street anytime. Your family has moved to New Orleans.  Where would you stay if Big Rick kicks you out?

I know you are right Joyce Ann.  Friday after Big Rick buys my car; I will ask him about marriage again.  He did buy me this expensive engagement ring.

Well we better hurry up with these trays.  Mrs. Agnew will be looking for us Cassie.

Cassie nods.  They are now finally finished picking up all the trays.  Now the dishes and trays must be placed into dishwashers.  They work in silence the rest of the day.  Both leave work at three in the evening with their respective man.

Jimmy, Cassie said the Jamaicans have purchased guns. We have to find another way to get money. Joyce Ann informs her husband on their ride home.

Yeah one of the guys at work told me that too.  Right now, we are good. The money in the safe will make our trailer payments.  How was your day at work?  Mine was hot and hard as usual. Jimmy takes a sip of Colt 45 beer.  Today is pay day for both.

You are right Jimmy. Look the church is selling fried fish sandwiches.  Let’s drive over and get two for dinner.

Okay baby.  Oh, yeah Lisa needs some money.  I told her we would be by to drop off a few dollars.  Is that okay with you?

Joyce Ann feels uncomfortable visiting Lisa.  If she does not agree to go, Jimmy will go alone and return on Monday morning. Sure Jimmy but get the fish sandwiches first.

That is what we will do Mrs. King.  Jimmy turns up the radio.  The windows are down.  They need a new car with air conditioning.  Jimmy knows if he purchases a new car people will know he is the one committing the robberies.

Jimmy drives to the church and picks up the sandwiches.  Joyce Ann drives to Lisa’s house.  Jimmy is beginning to get drunk.  I will be right back Joyce Ann.

Jimmy stumbles into Lisa’s apartment.  His son and daughter run and hug Jimmy.  Lisa opens the front screen door smiling until she sees Joyce Ann behind the wheel.

Jimmy why did you bring that bitch to my house?  Yanno we don’t get along. Lisa is five feet six inches tall. Her dark brown face is frowning.  She is wearing a blue tank top with some white shorts that reveal her butt cheeks hanging out.

Shut up Lisa!  Now here is your money.  I am going home with my wife!  Jimmy throws Lisa two twenty dollar bills.  He stumbles back to his car.  Jimmy crawls into the passenger seat and closes the door.  Joyce Ann smiles while driving away from Lisa’s house.  Not tonight Lisa.  Jimmy is mine! Joyce Ann grins.

For three months, Joyce Ann and Jimmy live drama free.  Jimmy stays home at night with his wife.  One Friday night while Joyce Ann is sleeping, Jimmy drives to Lisa’s apartment.  Joyce Ann wakes up on Saturday morning alone.

Cassie is Big Rick sleeping?

Yea, he is knocked out.  Why Joyce Ann?

Jimmy is at Lisa’s house.  Come on over and we can spend some time together.

Okay, I am leaving Big Rick a note where he can find me.  Yanno he will act a fool if I don’t.

Yea, you are right.  Stop by and picks us up a pizza.  I will give you the money back.

Joyce Ann that sounds good.  See ya in thirty minutes.

Into the shower, Joyce Ann runs.  After showering and dressing, the bed is made.  Next the living room is picked up.  The television is on.  Soul Train is on now. Joyce Ann sits down watching the show. The doorbell rings.

The front door is opened.  Cassie’s hands are full.  She has brought over pizza, salad from the local grocery story with chocolate cake.  We are going to pig out Joyce Ann!

They grab a plate and walks into the living room to watch Soul Train.  I knew Jimmy would not continue being good for long.  Joyce Ann, I want to go to New Orleans with my family.  Mom said jobs are good there.  Besides, Big Rick ain’t never going to marry me. You should consider leaving Jimmy. Where would go to live?

Joyce Ann wipes her mouth with a paper napkin.  Now is the perfect time to leave Jimmy.  They have money in the safe. I will think about it Cassie. Did Big Rick say he is not going to marry you? My grandmother lives in South Carolina.  I could live with her. Now let’s sit back eat and have fun.  Big Rick will be calling for you to come home soon.

Cassie nods.  Yea he said we don’t need no marriage license. I am stealing small bits of money from him.  New Orleans here I come! Big Rick wants fried chicken and French fries tonight.  I put them in your refrigerator.  Remind me to take them home.

I will remind you Cassie.  Jimmy will not return until Monday morning.  I will not be cooking any big dinners for me.

Girl, I don’t blame you! I like that new song by the SOS Band, Be Good to Me.  Why can’t Big Rick understand the meaning of this song.

I can say the same about Jimmy.  He married me but where is he? In bed with Lisa.  So maybe now is the time for me to leave him.  I will call my grandmother.

You never talked about your grandmother before Joyce Ann.  Is this your grandmother on your mother’s side of the family?

No she is on my father’s side.  She writes me all the time.  I hide her letters from Jimmy.

I saw Kim at the grocery store.  She said call her when Jimmy is not home.

Joyce Ann nods her head.  I will call my sister when you go home.  Kim and I miss seeing one another every day.

How is your foine brother Sam doing?  Now he should be my husband.

Joyce Ann laughs.  You never said a word to Sam.  If he walked into the room where we were sitting, you would giggle.  So exactly how was he going to be your husband?

Sam and I were connected through our souls.  He knew I was the one for him.

Yea, right, Cassie you are full of jokes today.

Two hours later, Cassie drives home to Big Rick with dinner.  Joyce Ann is home alone watching television.  Soon Jimmy will be alone.  It is time for a change of location for Joyce Ann.

At six pm, Kim Small Davis arrives at Joyce Ann’s home with dinner.  Joyce Ann opens the front door smiling.  Come on inside sis.  I guess you knew I was hungry.

Kim nods as she walks inside the home. I cooked pork chops, mashed potatoes and corn.  Now let’s sit down and eat.

Kim places the food on the dining room table.  She quickly hugs Joyce Ann.  Cassie told me Jimmy is back to being himself again.  You can always call me.

I know Kim.  Since I married Jimmy, my life seems like a failure.

You are not a failure.  Joyce Ann dropping out of school does not stop you from returning.  I graduated.  So, did Sam.  We want to see you achieve greater than us.  Leon has paid for my college tuition.  I begin classes in January.

Joyce Ann smiles.  Leon is a good husband.  I am happy for you Kim.  How is Mom and Dad doing?

Sit down and eat.  We can talk while eating.  You are so skinny.

Joyce Ann and Kim sit down facing one another. 

Joyce Ann takes a bite of her dinner grinning.  This is good Kim.  She continues eating.

Kim smiles.  Leon is a great husband!  Mom and Dad are good.  Dad is working at the convenience store.  The sugar cane season is over.  Where is, Jimmy working?

Jimmy is working at the grocery store.  He is working in the stock room.  Yanno Jimmy will not be home until Monday morning.  Jimmy is determined I don’t miss work.

Jimmy needs your money to pay the utilities.  Joyce Ann, you can always live with me and Leon.  Leon is driving trucks long distance.  He is home every other weekend.

I am going to call grandmother.  Maybe it is time for me to leave Jimmy.  What do you think?

Joyce Ann, yes, it is time to leave Jimmy!  Do you want me to call our grandmother?

No.  I will call grandmother tonight.  Jimmy can’t read the phone bill.  He does not know who I call.  You will be told when I decide to leave.  When Jimmy calls and tells you that I am missing, call in a missing person report on me. Joyce Ann smiles while eating.

Joyce Ann I am not asking any questions.  When you leave Jimmy, don’t look back!  Don’t you dare come back to this disgusting city!

Kim, once I leave, there will be no coming back! Now let’s enjoy our meal.

Chapter 1 -Present Day

The six o’clock morning news is live from Lake Okeechobee. The lake is abuzz with police and news media activity today.  This lake is located at 10430 W Highway 78 in Okeechobee, Florida. Lake Okeechobee is Florida’s largest fresh water lake. This is the second largest freshwater lake in the United States.  It is nicknamed the big bass lake. This quiet lake is usually filled with fishermen with poles and commercial fishermen.  The state of Florida requires a fishing license for pole fishing in fresh water.

Largemouth bass and black crappie fish are what fishermen seek from this lake.  Commercial fishermen on boats throw their nets for catfish.  The commercial fishermen are limited to ten nets.  This a way of conserving the dwindling catfish population.  The sun has yet not risen.  Darkness is shielding the fishermen.

The dark blue water of Lake Okeechobee has been hiding a secret. Some fishermen are enjoying a gorgeous cool Friday morning on the lake.  A fisherman receives something unexpected in his net. The net is reeled into the boat filled with catfish.  Something else has hitched a ride with the fish.

A skeleton was caught in the fisherman’s net.  This occurred at five am. Never in a million years would this fisherman believe a skeleton would be in his net.  He picks up his cell and calls the Palm Beach County Sheriff Department.  The fisherman steers his boat up to the docks.  Soon the sheriff department will be here.  He reaches into the cooler and pulls out a can of cold soda.  This is a nice catch he believes.  After a ten-minute wait, the deputies are now here.  Their cruisers blue lights illuminate the quietly busy Lake Okeechobee.

Every person present is being interviewed.  Yellow crime scene tape is everywhere.  The boat that the skeleton was pulled aboard is now being examined by the CSI unit from the Palm Beach Sheriff Department. 

After each person is interviewed, their name, address and phone numbers are being collected for the investigating homicide detective. There is over sixty people present at the lake this morning.

Detective Sean Williams has been assigned this case.  Detective Williams is an eight-year deputy of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Department violent crimes unit. Since the remains are skeletal, Detective Williams believes this lake was the victim’s burial ground.  The victim was most likely murdered somewhere else.

The skeletal remains have been removed from the net.  The net has been placed in an evidence container. The fisherman was given a voucher for the torn net.  He will be reimbursed for a new net.  The Coroner’s Office is now at the roped off area.

Since the skeleton was found, there will be no DNA evidence at this scene. Trace evidence has long since disappeared with time.  Now Detective Williams needs to find out who the victim was. Then he can create a timeline to try and find out who murdered this victim.

How far out were you when the skeleton was discovered?  The detective asks the anxious African American fisherman.  Detective Williams is also African American.  He is working the midnight shift. Detective Williams is scheduled to leave work at eight. The three shifts that the officers work are rotated. Now the detective will work longer if the evidence dictates.

The fisherman who appears to be in his fifties replies.  "I was near the middle of the lake.  Usually I get a lot of catfish there before sun up.  The net felt a little weird. I pulled the net up into my boat.  The skeleton