Murder in Humboldt Page 9

  “Leroy, I think he is a dangerous character who can offer some real information about this murder. Were you aware he was a half-brother to the widow and had been staying at their house?”

  He looked shocked. “You’re kidding!”

  “No, I’m not kidding. And did you know that he made verbal threats against JR the day of the murder, and were you aware that Chief of Police Raymond Griggs knew this?”

  “Carson you are just full of interesting information today. No, I didn’t know about the threats, but I haven’t had a chance to talk with Raymond since the murder. Let us get this guy off the streets and then see what he has to say.”

  “Leroy, I think we will all feel safer with him behind bars. What did you learn from the other motel guests?”

  “I’ve got some statements, but not much. Stop by the office later and we’ll discuss,” he said walking back toward the crime scene.

  “Okay, I’m off checking on some other angles. I’ll catch up with you later,” I added as I got in the Ford and left.

  ~

  I really didn’t want to bother Mary Ellen, but if I were ever going to get to the bottom of the murder, she was going to need to talk - and the sooner the better.

  I wanted Elizabeth’s help in talking with Mary Ellen, so I stopped at a phone booth and gave her a call, no answer.

  It made sense for her to be with Mary Ellen, but where? Surely they wouldn’t be at the Maxwell house – well, maybe they might. Maybe Lester had skipped and she had gotten her home back. So I called Mary Ellen’s number, no answer.

  I figured I would take a ride out to the Maxwell house and see if maybe they were outside or in the guesthouse and couldn’t hear the phone. Anyway, what could it hurt? I needed to find Elizabeth and I needed to talk with Mary Ellen.

  When I pulled into the sloping driveway things looked just as before. The 60 white Edsel was in its usual spot, and no other cars present. Guess I would need to look elsewhere for Mary Ellen and Liz, but where? I slowly pulled into the Maxwell home parking area and thought about what to do next. Unfortunately, I didn’t know the location of Elizabeth’s apartment, and I would need to get that information from Judy.

  ~

  The first bullet struck my windshield just under the rearview mirror and then took out my rear driver’s side window. Before I ever heard the report, and realized someone was shooting at me, a second bullet struck the windshield again. This one was only inches from the first, and took out my entire back glass. My car had been rolling when the attack began, not fast but moving. I guess this probably saved my life. Whoever was shooting was not kidding, they were aiming at me!

  A fast exit was my plan, and when I finally caught reverse, the tires gripped the pavement and I could hear them painting two black marks up the Maxwell driveway. The third bullet struck my right headlight, entering my car through the firewall and finally stopping somewhere under the passenger seat. Somehow I think there was a fourth shot, but it either missed or just traveled through all the empty holes the other bullets had made!

  I was in reverse, and I didn’t stop when I left the driveway and reached Warmath Circle. I traveled across the small roadway and deposited the Ford in the ditch! Not good! What was good was that I almost struck a Gibson County Sheriff vehicle, as I made my dash across the road.

  Habit sent me to the glove compartment to get some defense. Unfortunately, my gun was now in police custody and I had no weapon!

  I think deputy Jeff Cole saw his life flash in front of him when my black Ford passed him at a high speed and moving backwards from the Maxwell driveway. When he reached my car, I was already looking for my absent weapon and trying to get out of the car.

  “Jeff,” I yelled. “There is some bastard shooting at me from the Maxwell house. I don’t know exactly where the shots are coming from but I think it is off the right – behind the pool near the guest house.”

  “Are you hit?” he asked.

  “No, just scared,” I managed.

  Before I could get out of the car, Jeff was already on his radio. What I expected to happen happened quickly. Almost half dozen police cars arrived with full lights and sirens. Within a few minutes, they were organized and entered the driveway with weapons drawn. I waited for that inevitable next shot, but it never came.

  What did come was a handcuffed man I assumed to be Lester Blankenship, and he was soaking wet. Jeff and one of the other deputies put him in the back seat of a cruiser. Then Jeff, along with Leroy, walked over to talk with me.

  “Before you ask, I don’t know,” I said. “I just pulled into the driveway and he started shooting. The rest you’ll have to figure out on your own. I have three bullet holes in my car, and thanks to Deputy Cole, none in my head. However, I don’t know where Mary Ellen Maxwell is, and my fear is that she, or Elizabeth Teague might be harmed and somewhere on the property.”

  Leroy spoke. “We’ve checked the house and guest house and found nothing. My guys are still searching over the property, and we might even think about looking in the lake.”

  “Why is he wet?” I was asking about Lester and I was curious.

  “When he saw us coming, the idiot tried to swim the lake and I actually don’t think he could swim! Basically, we saved him from drowning. Maybe we should have just let him swim for it!” Leroy laughed.

  Jeff called me a wrecker and I asked them to have my wounded car dropped off at Deloch Auto. I didn’t think the injuries were serious or terminal, but it was in a real need of some auto-glass work!

  I walked over to Leroy’s cruiser and sat down. He eventually came over and I asked him to give me a ride to Chiefs; this would give us a few minutes to catch-up.

  ~

  “Carson, I think we have our man,” Leroy said as we headed back to the highway. “Convicted felon, parole violation, publicly told others he would kill JR and I expect some blackmail. He is a bad guy. I don’t intend for him to leave my jail except for his return trip to Pine Bluff and Cummins prison.”

  “Did you find his weapon?” I asked.

  “Nope, and I assume it must be somewhere at the bottom of the lake. We’ll find it, I’m sure.”

  “Leroy, what did you learn from the occupants in rooms adjacent to Room 7?” I asked.

  “Nothing, we can’t find them. Both Room 6 and Room 8 checked out early and were gone before you and Lucille found the body. We have the address they left at check-in, but it could take weeks before we ever get to talk to them, assuming the addresses are even real.”

  “Anything from anybody else that was staying there when JR was murdered?” I questioned.

  “An older couple in Room 5 claimed they heard a lot of activity before and just after midnight. The man says he ‘might’ have heard something like a gunshot sometime during the night, but he wasn’t sure, it could have been a dream. Basically, nothing any DA would ever even look at. I’ve got Lester and a bucket of reasons why he might be our killer and I’m going in that direction.”

  “Leroy, I don’t think he did it,” I said staring at Leroy.

  “What - are you kidding or crazy? This guy just tried to kill you and we don’t even know why. He is guilty, trust me.”

  “Oh, I’m sure he’s guilty of many things, but I don’t think killing JR is one of them. Have you been able to talk with Elizabeth Teague yet?” I asked.

  “Not yet, but she is on my list.”

  “There are several things you should know. Elizabeth was at JR’s room last night at about 4:30. I said AT – not IN! She heard an argument and decided not to interrupt. Why she was there, I’ll leave it up to her to tell you. Also, Gerald Wayne’s ‘61 white Caddy was parked at the motel when I woke and checked the parking lot just after 4:30. Finally, JR and Gerald’s wife, Dorothy, was a thing at one time, and I don’t mean anything tied to Humboldt rumors. I mean things that happened before they ever knew where Humboldt was. You need to talk with Elizabeth and she will confirm what I am telling you, except for Gerald’s car, she didn’t see that.�
��

  “So Mr. Detective, what are you saying?” Leroy frowned.

  “I don’t know what I am saying, other than I don’t think Lester did it, that’s all.”

  We pulled into Chiefs parking lot; Leroy put the cruiser in park and then turned to talk to me. “Okay, here you are at your home away from home, but I need to ask you to do me a favor.”

  “Okay, what?” I was listening.

  “Stay off the streets and out of the way tomorrow, something huge is going down. It’s not solving our murder, but is undoubtedly related. You will just get in the way, and I can fill you in after it is all over. Will you grant me that favor?” Leroy asked.

  “Okay, you have your favor. Besides, I don’t seem to have any transportation. I’ll be walking until Deloch gets me some new window glass.”

  “Good. That is where you need to be tomorrow. And, by the way, your two buddies Bubba Knight and Bobby James are in town. They got here today, and I expect they are staying in Jackson.”

  “Oh shit.” I said shaking my head.

  “Yeah, I thought you would think so. Sleep well, Mr. Reno, we’ll talk tomorrow,” Leroy said as I got out of the cruiser and headed toward the front door of Chiefs.

  ~

  I walked into a still very crowded Chiefs restaurant and bar. Fighting the patrons, I managed to find a stool at the far end, right next to my favorite jukebox. Nickie saw me and quickly made me a drink without my asking.

  I was watching the rowdy crowd when she walked up with my drink and I noticed she didn’t leave. She was giving me one of those ‘I’m real mad looks’.

  “Look, handsome. I know you are an important guy, and I know we dumb hicks here in Humboldt aren’t on your level. But if you need an answering service, you get one, I’m not it. I have a business to run, and it seems I have spent most of the day taking phone messages for a Mr. Carson Reno. Understand?”

  “Yes, Nickie, and I love you for taking care of my business when I’m not available. You are so sweet to do that. Did I get a call?” I was trying to be as kind as possible.

  “A call!” she screamed. “You’ve been getting calls all day! I can’t wait on customers for taking your messages. What did you think I meant?”

  “I only meant ‘thank you’ for taking my messages. Anything important?” I asked with a grimace.

  “How the hell would I know,” she yelled. “Mostly from your female friends trying to find out where their ‘Carson’ is. Are you running an escort service from my bar pay phone?” Nickie was pissed.

  “Nickie – can I have my messages?” I asked quietly.

  “Yes, when I get time. Keep your pants on, or better yet, take them off. It seems you work much better that way! I’ll get them and be back in a minute.” I actually think Nickie was mad, or maybe just jealous. Either way, she was not happy with Carson Reno.

  The ‘mute’ TV was showing a Channel 5 report on the recent incidents in Humboldt. The union situation, and of course the murder, along with a biography of JR Maxwell, were all being broadcast on television. I got all that from a TV report with no sound!

  Fortunately, there was no picture of me and no mention of an apprehended suspect. That was good news, I think. But I’m not sure how up to date these reporters were, things had been happening quickly.

  Nickie came back with my messages, all quickly written on her waitress green order pad, just like she was taking a hamburger order.

  “First your lawyer, Jack called. He said he knew you were out of jail, and wanted to know if he needed to drive up, or if you needed him to do anything else. He said please call him. Then Judy Strong called. I just started numbering her calls, 5 times today. She just asked for you to please call her. You got two calls from a Liz Teague. On her first call she wanted to know if you enjoyed breakfast and when could you guys do it again? PLEASE Carson – eat where you want, but I know this lady – she isn’t your type,” she said with disgust.

  “Oh really. So you know my type? Anything else?” I asked sipping my drink.

  “Yes, a lot else. In between your Judy Strong calls, Liz Teague calls again. This time she left a Jackson phone number, 829-2324, and asked that you please call her. Since that was earlier, I guess you already missed that date. Huh?"

  “Please Nickie – anything else?”

  “Let’s see. Leroy Epsee, the sheriff called, Scotty Perry the sheriff’s deputy called and Gerald Wayne, of Wayne Knitting called. Your last call was from a Cheryl Ripe and she left 784-6342 for her return call. And who is Marcie?”

  “I told you she takes calls for me at my office in Memphis. Did she have messages for me?”

  “I have no idea. She called about 3PM asking for you. I told her you weren’t here, and I asked if she wanted to leave any message. She said yes and then started crying again. At some point she hung up and never called back.”

  “Okay, I’ll call her. Did Gerald Wayne leave a number?”

  “Nope. I assumed you knew it.”

  “Nickie, can I have a kiss?” I asked with a big smile.

  “No you may not! I’ve just gotten Ronnie’s hands, mind and privates back under control. I certainly don’t need to give him any reasons to put them back in motion. It sounds nice, but tonight I’ll pass, thank you.”

  “Nickie – my heart is broken.” I said leaning toward her.

  “No, it isn’t. I’ll get you another drink while you see if you can get your harem back under control.”

  I got some dimes and went to the outside pay phone. I needed to return some calls.

  ~

  My first call was to Judy, who answered on the second ring. I asked her about her conversation with Leroy and briefed her on the day, minus the shoot out, and told her to keep a low profile. I promised to call her tomorrow.

  My second call was to the Jackson number that Liz had left. No one answered, but I learned it was the number of the Holiday Inn in Jackson. I left a message at the desk, telling her I would call back first thing in the morning. They promised to see that she got the message.

  I had no number for Gerald Wayne, so I would put that off until tomorrow.

  My last call was to the number left by Cheryl Ripe. She answered after the third ring. I introduced myself and asked why she had called.

  “Mr. Reno – I need to see you about the JR Maxwell murder,” she said quickly.

  “Oh, really. And just what do you have to offer?” I asked curiously.

  “I would prefer to tell you in person. Can you come over?” she asked quietly.

  Without explaining my absence of transportation, “Cheryl, I’m afraid I can’t do that tonight. But, if you want to stop by here later, I would be happy to talk with you.” I was curious.

  “I assume your ‘here’ is Chiefs – right?” she asked.

  “Right, I am staying in Cottage 4.”

  “I’ll see you in about 20 minutes, good-bye.” She hung up.

  It was a strange ending to the call, but I went to my room and made a drink, waiting on Cheryl Ripe to knock on my door. It took less than 15 minutes.

  She was a short and cute number, dressed in a very short skirt, tight top and smelled of cheap perfume. I reluctantly opened my cabin door and she quickly entered, looking over her shoulder as I closed the door.

  “Cheryl, what can I do for you?” I was cautious but curious.

  “Mr. Reno, what do you know about General Samson and his dealings with Maxwell Trucking?” she asked.

  “Wait a minute,” I asked with a big question on my face. “You came here to tell me something, not ask me questions. I’ll listen to you, you talk I listen. That’s the way this works. I’ll only answer questions after that, if it makes sense.”

  “Okay. Let me get something from my car to show you. I’ll be right back.”

  Before I could reply, she was up and out the door. Almost immediately the door opened again – it was Bubba and Bobby! How could I have been so stupid! This was not going to have a happy ending.

  Bubba spoke
fist “Okay super sleuth, we asked you to stay out of town, and evidently we were not convincing. I hope you used that money to pay up your life insurance – your beneficiary will appreciate it!

  He took a step toward me and I hit him with a table lamp. Bobby came from the other side, and I managed to cross the bed and avoid his attack. Then they stopped, got quiet and pulled their silenced weapons. Just as I was thinking about all the things in life that I had missed, the door opened – it was Jeff and Leroy! They quickly tackled B and B and the crisis was over. I would live to fight and love another day!

  They already had Cheryl in the cruiser, and made room for Bubba and Bobby along side her in the back seat.

  “Leroy, you are my hero!” I was ecstatic.

  “Carson, you must remember what I made you promise. Stay off the streets tomorrow and stay out of the way. And one more thing, the next time some unknown lady wants to visit your room late at night – give it some thought.”

  He was right, I would!

  DAY NINE

  Friday

  I ordered Ronnie’s breakfast special and while it was cooking, used the outside pay phone to call Liz at the Jackson Holiday Inn. She answered quickly.

  “Good Morning, again Mr. Reno. Is this becoming a habit, I hope?” she said slyly.

  “Listen Liz, if it was your idea to relocate to Jackson, it was a good one, congratulations. However, I need to talk with Mary Ellen today and would appreciate it if you would be available also.”

  “Okay. What time can you come over?”

  “I can’t, and for two good reasons. First, my car was damaged yesterday, and I’m not sure when I will get it back. Second, I am under instructions from all Humboldt and Gibson County law enforcement to stay off the streets today. Could you girls possibly make a trip over here sometime today?”