Secrets Can Be Deadly (16 page)

47
Saturday, January 26, 1980
(Sam)

I
’d spent two weeks living out of my car. Today I finally had a place to live. I’d gathered valuable information listening to people while working at the nursing home. Three homes were empty. For some reason, these people thought they’d be getting better and able to move back home.

The elderly like to talk
. They’d answer any question. I was their friend at the nursing home.
Liar.
Over the course of a week, I was able to make keys to the three houses.

After work, I went by the first house. It belonged to Elizabeth Camp.
Quiet neighborhood, little house far away from the street, two large oak trees in the front yard, no garage. The backyard was small, pine trees on one side, shrubs on the other side. The back of the property was a wooden fence. I could come and go without being seen. I parked my car two blocks away. In case I had to leave in a hurry, no one would see me drive away.

I entered the house
through the back door. A musty smell. Elizabeth had been in the nursing home almost three months. It didn’t look like anyone had been here since then. I didn’t want to turn on any lights and alert the neighbors. It would only be a couple hours until sunrise. I sat against the kitchen cupboards and drifted to sleep.

A dog’s barking startled me. I looked at my watch. Seven-thirty. Surveyed the kitchen. Curtains covered the windows. I could stand up without anyone seeing me. I peered around the corner. The living room had a big picture window, concealed by heavy light pink drapes, an easy chair, glider, rocking chair, small sofa, and television. The front door was to the left of the window. Down the hall to the right, were two bedrooms and a bathroom. On the other side of the living room, another bedroom. I picked the bedroom that had a window facing the back of the house. If someone came in the front door, I could make a quick exit.

I went back to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. Ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, ranch salad dressing, pickles, margarine
. In the freezer—a few TV dinners and a box of ice cream sandwiches. I looked through the cabinets. Dozens of canned soup and vegetables, several boxes of crackers, twenty cans of tuna fish, five boxes of cereal, two boxes of cookies. I grabbed the box of Cheerios.

I sat at the small kitchen table and ate the Cheerios
right out of the box. A notepad sat on the table, red cherries outlined the edges. A coffee mug—
world’s greatest mom
—held a variety of pens, pencils, scissors. Elizabeth had talked about two children. One lived in North Carolina and the other in Vermont. They didn’t get home much. I remember Elizabeth saying it had been two years since she’d seen them. The last time was to spend three days with Elizabeth on her eightieth birthday. She talked about those three days often. I think she missed spending time with her kids.

I st
arted making a list of things I’d need at the grocery store. Milk, ramen noodles, orange juice, bread, bologna. I also needed two bells that I could put on the doors to warn me if someone entered the house.

This was a nice, cozy home. I pictured Elizabeth cooking,
baking pies, and singing. Elizabeth loved to sing.

I needed sleep. My shift at China Buffet started at five. I took my backpack and walked into my new bedroom. It was a small room
—a twin bed, dresser, and small round table with photos of Elizabeth in her younger years. I put the backpack next to the bed, in case I needed to leave in a hurry. I took my shoes off, but decided to sleep in my clothes.

It had been a while since I
’d slept in a soft bed. I pulled the covers over my head.

Before my shift at the restaurant, I checked out the other two houses on my list. I sat in my car across the street from each house for a half hour, paying close attention to the cars in the neighborhood, kids, adults, animals. I’d visit each house at different times over the next week and make notes. Those notes would be useful if it became necessary to leave Elizabeth’s house.

48
Monday, March 10, 1980 (Mason)

“H
ave a nice trip?” the muffled phone voice asked.

“Who are you? What do you want?” Mason shouted.

“Soon. Soon. And then you’ll choose.” Click.

I will choose.
Choose what?

Mason was walking back to his desk from the break room when he saw Sophia rush in the front door. “Sophia, what’s wrong? Sit down.”

“Th
e man knows where I work.” Sophia’s hands were shaking as she handed Mason the envelope. In big black letters:
are you next
? “I didn’t open it. I couldn’t. I came straight here.”

“Tell me what happened.” Mason held Sophia’s hand.

“I was at my teller station when a young woman walked up, asked if I was Sophia Knox. She told me a man outside had given her this envelope to deliver to me. I tried to stay calm when I asked her to describe the man. Then she asked me to break a five. I came straight here after she left the bank.”

Mason
carefully opened the envelope. Inside was a list of names.
york. riley. ponder. amstead. knox
?

“We need to talk to the Chief. Come on.”

“I’m sorry
, Sophia,” the Chief said. “This is a threat. Mason can use police resources to find this guy. He’ll keep you safe.”

“Thank you
, Chief Franklin,” Sophia said weakly.

Mason
nodded to the Chief. He grabbed Sophia’s arm and helped her walk out. “I’m going to take you back to work. We’ll talk to your manager, security too. They can watch over you until I catch this guy. Now that it’s an official case, I can work on finding him twenty-four seven. I also think it would be a good idea for you to stay at my house so I can protect you.”

“I’m so scared,
Mason. My name was on a list with other dead people.”

“I know
, sweetheart. We’ll get through this. Together. I’ll catch him and put him away.”

Mason pulled a chair next to his desk. Sophia sat
. “First, I need to file an official report. I need to ask you some questions.”

“Okay.” Sophia nodded, took a couple deep breaths.

“Describe the woman who handed you the note.”

“She was a little shorter than me. Short dark hair. No makeup.
Wearing a flannel shirt and jeans.”

“Good, good
. Keep going.”

“She had a crumpled five dollar bill
. Pulled it out of her pocket. Got five ones.”

“
Did she say anything about the man who gave her the envelope?”

“Just that he had a hood, wore gloves, sunglasses. That’s all she said. I was trying so hard to be nice to her, not show any emotion. That’s what I’m trained to do.”

“I know. I know. You were wonderful.” Mason rubbed her hand. “Let’s get you back to work. I’ll see if we can get any prints off the envelope, but if he wore gloves we probably won’t get anything.”

Mason reviewed the bank’s security tapes. The woman in question appears at four minutes past nine. No sign of any man.
He knew where the cameras were.
He paused the tape and printed a picture of the woman. She looked familiar, but couldn’t place her.

George was standing by the front door when Mason walked in. “Mason, what’s going on?”

“A man threatened
Sophia.” Mason said quietly.

“What can I do to help?”

“First, keep your voice down. I don’t want everyone to know.”

George looked around the station. He whispered, “Sorry.”

Mason told George the story. “I need to catch this guy.”

“What does he look like?”

“I’ve no idea.” Mason shook his head and sat at his desk.

“H
ow are we going to find him?”

“I’m not sure. I’m going to come up with a timeline of all the notes and phone calls
, then try to figure out something. Why don’t you check for any reports of break-ins, strange phone calls. Check who’s rented a place the last few months.”

“I’ll get right on it.” George went to his desk
, pulled out a legal pad, and started scribbling notes.

Mason
looked at the photo of the woman from the bank.
How did he know her?

49
Tuesday, March 11, 1980 (Sam)

T
he last of the liars—the secret-keepers—was about to meet his fate. He had no idea who was playing games with him. That’s what made this so fun. I inherited the lying gene. I lied to get what I wanted. I didn’t want much—only revenge for all the secrets.

I was getting tired of living in other people’s houses
. I wanted a house of my own in a warmer climate. In a few days, I’d be starting over in Florida. No one would ever know I had a family in Iowa. It would be my secret. If people asked, I could tell them that my family members had died.
That
wouldn’t be a lie.

Everything I needed had to fit in my backpack. I had to be mobile for my last plan. I
’d burn the photo albums, my journals, all my research. I didn’t need these things to remind me of a past filled with secrets.

In my travels exploring the area, I found a country field
that had many junk cars. When the time came, I’d park my car in the midst of the junk cars and cover it with leaves and dirt. It might be discovered one day, but it’s the last place the police would look if they were trying to find my car in the coming weeks.

Today I was finally going to introduce myself to my dad.

50
Tuesday, March 11, 1980 (Mason)

M
ason walked in the back door. George rushed over to him, looked around the station, and whispered, “I’ve been waiting for you. I’ve got some news.”

“Spit it out man.”

“No house rentals the last two months. We’ve had ten break-ins reported—that’s high. I contacted seven victims. They all said nothing was taken. They went away a few days and when they came back, things were out of place. Like someone was living there while they were gone.”

“So this mystery guy knew when people were going out of town.”

“Haven’t figured out how he knows that yet, but I know who our mystery woman from the bank is. You’ll never guess.”

“George.”
Mason was impatient.

“Right. She’s one of the waitresses at
China Buffet. I picked up Chinese last night to take to my grandma. I thought I saw her at the nursing home, too. It was from a distance, so I couldn’t be sure.”

Mason
thought back to the day he’d received a note at the restaurant. The woman had been his server. He also thought about the night Sophia went to the bar. She hadn’t noticed any strange men, but said a woman talked to her.

“I think our mystery man
may actually be a mystery woman.”

“Whoa. Where did that come from?”

“Makes a lot more sense.” Mason looked at the photo again. “Why didn’t I see that before?”

Mason
got up and walked out the back door, leaving George standing in the middle of the room.

Mason walked to the bank and into the manager’s office. “I need to get the security guard in here right away. Sophia, too.”

Mason
stood behind the partially opened door. Sophia walked in first. Mason held his finger to his mouth. Sophia nodded and sat. The security guard came to the door. “You can stand there if you like,” Mason said. “The woman who was in the bank yesterday, the one who brought you that note, is actually our suspect. If you see her in the bank again, call me immediately. Officer, if you would quietly pass photos of the suspect to the employees. She works at China Buffet and possibly the nursing home. I’ll verify that this morning. Consider her…dangerous.”

“She doesn’t look like she
’d hurt a fly.” Sophia was stunned.

“It’s the quiet ones you have to watch out for. Be careful
.”

Mason
wanted to hold Sophia tight and take her far away. He had a job to do and catching this woman was top priority.

It was too early for China Buffet to be open so Mason drove to the nursing home.

“
Officer Pierce. I need to see your human resource director right away,” Mason demanded.

“Yes
, officer.” The receptionist made a call. “Crystal Smith will be right up.”

“T
hank you.” Eight large tables filled the small front entrance. Three elderly women were sitting at one table. A man in his thirties, dirty apron, cleared cups and saucers.

A woman in a gray suit came out
of a back door. “Officer Pierce, I’m Crystal Smith. What seems to be the problem?” Crystal had a nice soothing voice. Mason assumed dealing with the elderly made her have a calm demeanor.

“I’m looking for this woman
.” Mason handed Crystal the bank photo. “I understand she might work here.”

“Yes. Samantha York.
Works the late shift. Checks on patients to make sure they’re resting comfortably. Cleans up any messes. Very good worker. Is she in trouble?”

Mason took a deep breath.
“How long has she worked here?”

“I’d have to check my records for the exact date
. It was just after the first of the year. I remember one of her first jobs was to take down all the holiday decorations.” Crystal pointed to the table of women. “She gets along wonderfully with the patients. Would you like to talk to the ladies?”

“If it would be alright, yes
, please.”

“Ladies. This is Officer
Pierce. He’d like your help.”

Mason
knew lying wasn’t good, but he had no choice. “I’m checking up on Samantha York. I need to make sure she’s taking good care of you ladies.”

“Oh, she
’s an
angel
.”

“I go to bed early. Don’t see her except when she swaps shifts with Brad. She’s done that a couple times. She doesn’t fluff my pillows like Brad does.”

“I know she’s not supposed to do this...” the lady looked at Crystal, “but, she fills my pill dishes every night.”

Mason
smiled at the women. “You’ve all been wonderful. Thank you.”

“Bye, bye,
” the three ladies sang in unison, then laughed.

“What time will Samantha be here this evening?”
Mason asked.

“She starts work at
nine-thirty.”

“I’
d appreciate it if you wouldn’t say anything to her. In addition, if you could make sure the ladies don’t say anything. Here’s my card. If Samantha shows up early, please give me a call.”

Mason cocked his head. “George, come with me.”

“What’s up?
You rushed out of here like your pants were on fire.”

“You’ll find out in a minute,”
Mason said. “Let’s go see the Chief.”

Officer Goode passed
Mason and George in the hall. “Hope you filled out your paperwork correctly. Chief’s not in a forgiving mood.”

George stopped. “Maybe I shouldn’t go in there with you right now.”

Mason glared at him. “George, how many times have we been through the proper procedures?” Mason paused. “You’re a part of this case and I need you in the meeting.”

Mason
knocked on the open door. “I’ve got an update on the case.”

Chief Frankli
n motioned them to come in. “What’s new?” the Chief asked.

“All the notes and calls I assumed were coming from a man were really coming from a woman. I went to the
nursing home this morning and talked to the HR director. The woman we’re looking for is my sister. I was working on family research this weekend and came to the conclusion that my sister is connected to eight deaths.”

George interrupted. “I thought your si
ster died when you were younger.”

“That’s another part of the mystery. I haven’t figured
it all out yet. Dad and I moved to Sheldon after the house burned. I was always told my mom and sister died in a car accident, but that’s not true. Recently I found out that they thought my dad and I died in a house fire.”

“Your dad has some serious explaining to do,” George said.

“It wasn’t till I was at the nursing home this morning that Crystal identified the woman in the picture as Samantha York. Samantha is my sister’s first name and York is my grandpa’s last name. I think she’s in Sheldon to get revenge. I think she blames me for leaving her.”

“Sounds like
your dad tried hard to make it look like you two died,” George said. “Wouldn’t your sister want him dead?”

Mason
hadn’t thought that his dad might be in danger.

“My dad
’s never wanted to talk about my mom and sister. It’s possible he hasn’t told me about any threatening calls or notes.”

“
Mason, call your dad and have him come to the station. I want to talk to him,” the Chief said. “Tell him it’s not optional. He’ll need to come voluntarily or I’ll have Officer Goode haul him in here.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Go make the call. I have another issue to discuss with George. Close the door on your way out.”

N
o answer at his dad’s house. Wednesday morning his dad was usually at a rotary meeting. He’d try again later.

At eleven, Mason walked to China Buffet.

“You’re a little early for lunch
, Officer Pierce.” Chelsea was a regular waitress.

“I’m actually here to
see Lee. Maybe you can answer a question. Do you know Samantha York?”

“
She works five-to-nine. I’ve only had to work with her a couple times when I’ve had to switch shifts. She’s quiet. Good worker,” Chelsea said. “Let me get Lee.”

Chelsea disappeared behind a curtain.
Minutes later, Lee came out.

“Officer
Pierce. You one of my best customers. Anything wrong?”

“
I need information on one of your employees—Samantha York.”

“Been here few months. Only wants work at night.
Quiet. Never misses.”

“Do you know where she lives?”

“Staying with friends. I have PO box address.”

“Thanks
, Lee. Here’s my card. If you think of anything else, please call me.”

Chelsea walked up to
Mason. “Samantha just called in to say she won’t be in for a couple days. Said she had family business to take care of.”

“Chelsea, d
o you know where she lives?”

“No. I asked her once. Said she
was staying with friends.”

Mason called his dad. Still no answer. The Chief stopped at his desk. “You talk to your dad yet?”

“He’s not answering his phone. I’m going to stop
by at lunch.”

“Just remember what I said. He comes in to see me
, one way or another.”

“Yes
, sir.”

Mason
called the bank. Sophia was fine, having lunch in the break room with two other bank employees.

Mason drove the squad car into his dad’s driveway. The garage door was open and the car was in the garage. He walked to the back of the house to find the back door was open.

“Dad
!” Mason shouted as he walked in.

T
wo bags sat on the counter. Mason looked inside. Milk, cheese, canned soup. Mason started putting the groceries away.

“Dad
!” Mason yelled again, this time a little louder.

When there was no answer, he walked into the living room, then the bedroom. He knew his dad wouldn’t just walk away and leave the garage and house open.

Mason waited five minutes before calling the police station.

“I need all available units at 555 Walnut Street. Possible abduction.”

Mason walked to the end of the driveway. He had already disturbed evidence by putting the groceries away. Too many thoughts were going through his head—he needed fresh air. What if his dad had been getting threatening letters? What if Samantha came by the house and took him? What if he was already dead?

“
Mason, Mason.” The next-door neighbor came running down the sidewalk.

“What’s wrong
, Mrs. Phillips?”

“Oh my. I’m not in very good shape.” Mrs. Phil
lips stopped to take a breath. “I was on the phone with my doctor. You know how hard it is to actually talk to a doctor on the phone.” Another pause, deep breaths. “I was supposed to deliver this to you when I saw you. The nice lady said you would be coming by today.”

Mason
took the envelope from Mrs. Philips.
officer pierce
. “The nice lady that gave you this envelope, is this her?” Mason took the bank photo out of his pocket.

“Oh
, yes. She and your father left an hour ago. I saw them through the window. I thought it was odd he didn’t wave. He always waves when he drives by.”

“Thank you
, Mrs. Phillips.”

Two squad cars pulled up in front of the house.

“Is something wrong, Mason?” Mrs. Phillips asked.

“We’re going to be look
ing around my dad’s place. Go back home and let the officers’ do their job.”

“Okay. Let me know if I can do anything to help.”

Mason opened the envelope.
walter or sophia. you choose. come alone
.

He walked inside and used the kitchen phone
to check on Sophia. A woman at the bank told him Sophia wasn’t at work. Mason demanded to talk to the bank manager.

“
I thought I told you not to let Sophia leave without me.”

“Your dad called. He said he was coming to pick her up.”

“And you let her walk out of the bank.”

“I watched her get in the back of the car. Your father was in the front seat. They drove off pretty fast.”

“Who was driving? Describe the person.”

“
Short brown hair. Had on a hat and uniform just like yours.”

“What kind of car?
Do you remember the license plate?”

“White Ford Tempo. Didn’t look at the plates.
Is something wrong?”