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Mark Stevens
CHAPTER SEVEN
Britt's mind froze for a time, refusing to allow him to comprehend what Brian had just announced. It was Devon who brought him back to the present.
"Tell us what happened, Brian," Devon suggested.
"Evidentially Miss Abbott was in the habit of early morning jogging. At least according to Luke Davis."
"Luke Davis?" Britt tried to place the name.
"A teacher at Madison, if I remember correctly," Devon reminded him.
Brian nodded. "That's right. According to Mr. Davis, he runs every morning on the trail that follows around the lake. He told me that Miss Abbott did the same."
"So, Brian, how...what happened?" Britt asked.
Before the officer could speak, Devon asked, "Are you supposed to discuss this with us, Brian?"
Brian nodded. "That's what I'm here for. I've already obtained permission from the chief to ask both of you for your help. My boss remembers the work you did for him last year," he said giving Britt a smile.
Looking at both men sharply, Brian said, "I appreciate any help you can give me. However, I can't stress enough the importance of confidentially. I'm sure that won't be a problem for either of you. Am I correct?"
Both Britt and Devon agreed and assured him they would fully cooperate with the police department.
"What about Alice?" Britt wanted to know.
"For now, I would prefer she only be told of her renter's death and that she was murdered. And since that's all we do have to go on at the moment, it won't be a problem."
"How did she die?" Devon asked.
"It appears there was a struggle of some kind, according to the tracks made in the dirt. Whoever her assailant was, he or she managed to push Abbott to the ground. A deep puncture wound in the chest cavity caused the death."
"Let me guess. There wasn't any weapon found at the scene," Britt said.
Brian shook his head. "That's correct, Britt. How about taking a trip out to the lake and having a look?"
"We'll get dressed and meet you there," Britt told him.
"You won't have any trouble finding me," Brian said and headed for his car.
Britt and Devon were soon dressed and on their way to Porter Lake. The land it was located on had once been property owned by Devon's great- grandparents, Samson and Amelia Porter. Many years ago the couple had given the land to the City of Porterville and as a result of their gift, Porter Lake, as well as a city park, had come into existence. The entrance to the lake was less than a mile from the McKenzie home.
Britt drove the short distance and entered the main gate. He approached several vehicles, including Brian's patrol cruiser, and came to a stop. He and Devon jumped out of their car and went to meet the officer.
"Hey, guys," Brian greeted them. "Everyone here has been told that the two of you are going to be working with us on Miss Abbott's case."
A young woman slowly made her way to Britt, a smile on her face. He recognized her immediately and spoke to her.
"Miss Baxter," he greeted.
"It's been a while since our paths have crossed, Mr. Williams."
Britt looked at her closely and said, "If we're going to be working together, I'd much prefer you call me `Britt'."
"Britt it is. Diane," she added pointing a finger at herself.
Brian walked over and joined them. "The body has already been taken away," he said for the benefit of Britt and Devon.
"The area's been marked off where the crime took place," Diane told them. "Follow me."
The forensic specialist took off with the two men on her heels. Once they reached the walking trail, they followed the woman a ways. The path suddenly made a sharp turn, and the three were hidden by the growth of several trees. Crime scene tape had been strung out, blocking off the area where Susan Abbott had apparently lost her life.
"I take it that's where her body was," Britt said pointing to the ground."
Brian came up behind them. "That's correct, Britt. As you can see, we marked the dirt, but if it should rain, we'd have nothing left. The tape on the ground just reinforces the fact."
"What time do you think this happened?" Devon asked.
"Luke Davis found her body a little after six this morning," Brian supplied. Glancing at Diane Baxter he said, "Diane will be able to tell us more after she performs the autopsy."
"Brian said something about a chest wound," Britt said looking at Diane.
She nodded. "At this point, I would have to say that's what caused her death. As Brian mentioned, I'll know more after the autopsy. And speaking of, I need to get back to town and get busy. If you'll come by the hospital this afternoon, I should have something for you."
"Thanks, Diane," Brian said.
Britt turned to Brian and said, "Tell me, what is it you want Devon and me to do? When I worked with you last year, things just sort of fell into place."
Brian appeared lost in thought for a time. Finally he said, "Look around here all you want. There's always the chance something's been overlooked. After that, you might want to drop by and give Alice the news."
"Speaking of Alice, will it be up to her to remove Susan's things from her house?" Devon asked.
"For now, even though the crime didn't take place there, nothing will be removed from the house. When this is settled, I would think Susan's brother would be the one to pack her things up."
"Have you spoken with him yet?" Britt asked.
"Very briefly," Brian answered. "In fact," he looked at his wrist watch, "I'm meeting Paul Abbott in my office later this morning. You both are welcome to be there when I interview him. I'm also having a talk with Luke Davis as well. Say eleven o'clock?"
Britt assured the officer they would both be in his office, and he and Devon began searching the area where the murder had taken place.
Half an hour later Britt said, "I think we're finished here, Dev. It doesn't look as if Brian's people missed anything."
Devon agreed. "I've been thinking about the weapon. If she was stabbed, there has to be a knife somewhere. I think that's the clue we have to look for first."
Britt gave a nod and said, "I agree. Any ideas where it might be?"
"At this point, no. Let's go talk with Alice and then head over and meet with Brian."
They were the last two people to leave the crime scene. Britt drove them home, and they went in search of Alice. They found her in the drawing room having her coffee.
"You two are certainly up early this morning," she greeted. "Especially after your late night."
Devon walked over to his sister and took a seat beside her. He smiled and said, "Something's happened, Alice. Concerning Susan Abbott," he added.
Alice set her cup down on the table beside her. She glanced at Britt and then let her eyes rest on her brother. She remained silent, waiting for him to speak.
"Alice, Miss Abbott was murdered this morning near the lake. A jogger came across her body."
"Oh my God." Alice brought her hands to her face. "How awful! I don't understand. Why would anyone want to harm her?"
"That's what we're going to try and find out, Alice," Britt spoke up.
Alice looked at him and said, "We?"
Devon reached for his sister's hand. "Brian has asked Britt and me to assist him with Susan's murder investigation."
"I'm glad," Alice replied. "No one deserves something like this."
"You're right, they don't," Britt agreed.
Alice thought about her house. "What do we do about the house?" she asked.
"According to Brian, nothing can be done for the time being," Devon explained. "Even though the crime didn't take place there, nothing can be removed until it's clear to the police what actually did take happen."
"That makes sense," Alice replied.
"Hopefully when that time comes, her brother Paul will take care of that matter," Britt told her.
Devon stood to is feet. "Alice, are you going to be okay? Brian has asked Britt and me to meet him this morning. If you want company, I'll be glad to stay with you."
Alice assured her brother she would be alright. She added, "I may give Catherine a call and drop by to see her. I want to give her the news before she hears it somewhere else."
Britt gave her a gentle smile. "I appreciate you doing that, Alice," he said. "Thanks."
"Your mother always favors the underdog, and since Susan's arrival in town, she has seemed to be that. She always looks for the good in people, no matter what their situation might be."
Britt and Devon managed to shower, dress, eat breakfast, and walk into Brian's office by eleven o'clock. He asked them to have a seat.
"Thanks for coming by, you two. I really appreciate your willingness to help me out." Leaning on the corner of his desk, Brian said, "Here's what's happening. I want the two of you to sit in on the interviews I'm going to conduct. At this point, I want you to just listen. Of course, if you feel I'm overlooking something, or you pick up on something I might not catch, feel free to speak."
The telephone on the desk rang, and he leaned over to answer it. "Send him in, please," he said. "Luke Davis is here," he announced.
Luke Davis, second grade teacher, was suddenly standing in the doorway. Brian greeted the man with a handshake and asked him to take a seat.
"Luke, I've asked Britt Williams and Devon McKenzie to sit in on our talk. I hope that's okay with you."
Luke assured the officer he was fine with the two men being there.
"First of all, thanks, Luke, for taking time to come in to see me," Brian began.
The man assured him he would be glad to help, adding, "I want you to catch whoever did this."
"How are you doing, Luke?" Brian asked. "Is there anything you need?"
"I'm hanging in there, Brian. As for needing anything...just catch the bastard that killed Susan."
"We will, Luke. You have my word on that." Brian took a seat behind his desk. Folding his arms across the top of it, he said, "I want you to tell me everything you know; exactly what you saw this morning. Try to be as specific as you can." Brian reached for a tape player. "I'm going to record what you say, and later your response will be typed up in a statement. I'll need you to sign it."
Luke Davis sat forward in his chair and began his story.
"Like I told you earlier, Brian, I jog every morning out by the lake. Susan began running right after she moved here last summer. Although the two of us never ran together, we ran into each other daily. She was usually ahead of me."
"Ahead of you?"
"I mean she was always jogging by the time I arrived at the lake," Luke explained.
"I see." Brian leaned back in his chair. "Please continue, Luke."
"There's not much else to tell you. Like I said, I saw Susan every morning. Today didn't seem any different...until I saw her lying on the ground."
Luke's voice broke.
"What did you do after you discovered her?" Brian asked quietly.
"I went to her...she was so still...not moving. I called 911."
"I think we're through, Luke...unless there is something you haven't mentioned."
Luke shook his head. "I've told you everything I know."
"Thanks for coming in, Luke. I'll be in touch."
Luke stood to his feet and turned toward the door of Brian's office.
"Would you happen to know if Miss Abbott had any enemies?"
"Not that I was aware of," Luke answered.
"One last thing, Luke. Where were you between five o'clock this morning until you hit the lake for your run? Sorry, but I have to ask."
"My alarm woke me up at five-thirty," Luke answered.
"Okay, thanks. Try and get some rest, Luke."
After the school teacher left, Brian turned to Britt and asked, "What did you think?"
Britt shrugged his shoulders. "The man appeared to be devastated by her death."
"What are your thoughts, Devon?"
"At this point, all I can say is that he appears to be very sincere. Do you think he had a motive for wanting the woman dead, Brian?"
Brian shook his head. "I would say no. It's still early, however, to say for sure," he added.
Brian's telephone rang for a second time. When he ended his conversation, he said, "Paul Abbott's here."
Brian stood to his feet and met the man standing in his doorway. He reached out a hand and gave the newcomer a hearty handshake.
"Mr. Abbott, I am so sorry for your loss. Please, have a seat."
As Paul Abbott entered the office and took a chair, Brian introduced him to Britt and Devon. He explained that the two of them would be working as consultants on his sister's case.
A look difficult to describe suddenly appeared on the man's face. "All I ask is that you find the son of a bitch that did this to my sister."
"You have my word, Mr. Abbott," Brian assured him. "We will find out who did this."
"That's all I'm asking," Abbott repeated.
Brian waited a few moments for the man to compose himself. Then he said, "I just have a few questions for you, sir. I'll promise to be brief. I know you are dealing with a lot at this time."
"I appreciate that."
"Were you living with your sister, Mr. Abbott?"
"Yes, but only recently. Until a week ago I was living in Oklahoma City. I lost my job, and Susan was kind enough to let me come stay with her until I could get back on my feet."
"What did you do up in the City?" Brian asked.
"I worked for a life insurance company," Abbott answered.
"Which life insurance company?"
"Mutual," Abbott said.
"How long had you worked for the company?"
"Close to five years," the man said.
"If you don't mind me asking, what happened? With your job, I mean?"
Paul Abbott's face took on a guarded look. "I was suddenly `not working up to standard', whatever the hell that meant." The words came out of his mouth laced with bitterness.
"I see. Tell me, Mr. Abbott, did you and your sister get along?"
"I guess you could say we were a typical brother and sister. We might have words now and then with each other, but we'd fight to the death for each other."
Brian was silent for a moment, thinking how he wanted to ask his next question. Then, "Mr. Abbott, can you think of anyone who might want to do your sister harm?"
"Not really," he answered.
"Not really?" Brian eyed the gentleman sitting in front of him sharply.
Abbott shook his head. "No, I can't."
"You say you've been living with your sister for about a week?"
Abbott nodded. "About that," he replied.
"In that time, did she ever mention any worry...any concern she might have? Did she appear to be frightened about anything?"
"No, not at all."
"One last question, sir. Where were you this morning between five o'clock and seven?"
"I was at my sister's house sleeping in her guest room," he answered.
Brian looked across the room at Britt and Devon, but remained silent. Finally he turned back and faced the man before him. He told Abbot he didn't have any further questions and told him he was free to go. As the man reached the door, however, Brian called out his name.
"Do me a favor, will you?" Brian asked. "Hang around town until we know something. Also, should you remember anything else that might help find your sister's killer, will you give me a call?"
The man promised and left Brian's office.
Brian asked Britt to close the office door. "What's your take on him? I want to hear from both of you."
Britt went first. "My first thought is: why did the man lose his job? I mean, if you work for a company for five years, it's obvious you know what you're doing. While it might not have any bearing on the woman's murder, I think we should find out why the man suddenly lost his job."
Brian nodded his head. "Good point," he agreed.
"I think we should try and find out if Abbott and his sister really got along as well as he claims," Devon spoke up.
"I agree," Brian said. "Would the two of you like to check these stories out?"
Britt told him he would get in touch with Mutual Life Insurance and try and find out the real story there."
Brian stood to his feet. "Wait here, guys. I'll be right back."
A few minutes later Brian returned carrying two identification cards. He said, "These are for you guys." He handed each one a card. "I think you'll get a better response if you introduce yourselves as consultants for the police department here in Porterville. You don't have to mention that you're not on the payroll," he added giving them both a grin.
Britt took his card and placed it in his wallet. Then looking at Brian once more, he asked, "So what's next on the agenda?"
Brian glanced at his watch. You guys might want to grab a bite to eat. I'm talking with Charlie Rogers this afternoon at two o'clock. I want you guys to hear what the man has to say."
Britt and Devon stood to their feet, and Britt said, "We'll be back at two, Brian."
Brian shook their hands and said, "I really appreciate you guys. I owe you big time," he added. "I just don't know how to repay you."
"We'll think of a way," Devon said giving the man a grin.
Standing outside the police station, the two men discussed what their next step should be. It was Devon who made the decision.
"We've got a couple of hours. I think we should pick Alice up and take her out for lunch. I'm sure she's wondering what's taking place."
Britt reached for his cell. "She's probably still at Mom's," he said. "If she is, we'll take them both out to lunch."
"Good idea," Devon agreed as he walked to the car.
Britt joined him a minute later. "We're all set for lunch," he said climbing in behind the wheel.
"Good. After the morning we've had, I'm ready for a pleasant break," Devon remarked.
"Me, too, Babe."