Relic: The Morelville Mysteries - Book 1

  We made love most of the night.

  Chapter 25 – Down to Business

  Dana

 

  A phone was ringing. I tried to shake off the stupor of sleep as strong arms encircled me and pulled me tight into a warm chest. I reluctantly extracted an arm from the embrace and reached for my cell on the stand beside the bed.

  “’Lo?”

  “Rossi? ‘That you?”

  I sat bolt upright. Mel looked up at me. “Of course Tim.”

  “Hey, it’s after 8:00. Phil and Ron are already in the air and due back any time. Will you be joining us?”

  “Yes, of course. I got tied up. I’ll be there shortly.” I watched as Mel scrambled up, nude, and began digging through her bag of clothes. She was quite the specimen. My heart thudded in my chest.

  “Yeah, okay. Anyway, bring coffee. The swill they serve here sucks.”

  “Roger! Anything else?”

  “Nope. Later boss!” He hung up.

  “Mel pointed toward me and then the bathroom. I nodded and bolted in there.

  Through the door I heard, “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have… I didn’t mean to…”

  “Mel, don’t you ever be sorry. It takes two. As far as the guys are concerned, I was checking up on my informant or something.”

  She laughed. I probably didn’t want to know what was going through her mind, but it really was such a nice sound to hear.

  By 9:30, we were all gathered around the conference table again, except for Holly who was stuck manning the phones. Coffee and doughnuts had placated Tim. He was munching quietly.

  “Ron, Phil; what’s the story?” I asked the pilot and my scout.

  Phil took the floor. “We got a good look at the layout of the dairy farm. I think the big barn with the loading bay is where we need to focus. It seemed like typical farm operations going on elsewhere but that building is off a little by itself. Everything else has big bay doors that are wide open but the couple of people we were able to observe going in and out of that one use a man door and the only bay door is the delivery dock overhead. That seems out of place on a farm.”

  Mel spoke up. “You’re right about that. On most farms, even a dairy farm, you have to move either animals or heavy equipment in and out of the barns. There’d be a single big door or double doors at one or both ends and sometimes, especially during the work day, they’d be open all the time.”

  “But, if it’s something that can be off loaded from or onto a truck with a fork lift that could easily have come off a truck itself,” Phil continued, “and you were trying to keep prying eyes out...” There were nods all around.

  “We need to get a surveillance schedule set up and get out there. Is there any place that would be a good observation point?”

  Ron spoke. “Yes, but given the location of that particular building, if you want to watch all the comings and goings directly to it, you’re going to need to be on Chappell land.”

  “Well, we don’t want to do that just yet. What I want to do first is watch the freight traffic in and out of there. Any thoughts on that?” I looked at both Ron and Phil.

  Phil spoke again. “Yes, actually. From what we could see, all traffic to and from the farm is via State Route 44 into two entrances.” He got up and pointed along the wall map. “This one services the home, primarily, and this one appears to get most of the dairy operations traffic. Out across from the main operations entrance is a heavily wooded area that, according to this map, is not Chappell owned.” He looked at Mel.

  “That’s right. On the other hand, I do believe that it’s Amish owned and that might be a problem. They’re peace loving people who pay their taxes but otherwise stay out of Government affairs.”

  “Ouch!” How do we work around that?” Great, a roadblock before we’re even out the door!

  “Let me look into it. It’s not hunting season – yes, they do hunt, for food, not sport - so we’re not running any risks to send agents in, in that regard. If we agree to send them in, unarmed, for observation only, I can probably talk the property owner into agreeing. If it’s who I believe it is, he’s a reasonable man.”

  “I’m not sure I want any of my agents or any of your deputies in there, unarmed.”

  “Just to observe, for now?” Mel looked at me intently.

  I shrugged and looked back at Phil. How would we get them into position if we do get permission? We need to start watching ASAP. Any sort of motorized vehicles are going to look mighty out of place on Amish property.”

  “We could move surveillance in there from the northwest by going overland, on foot. You’re working right off the road with family owned property all around you to get in there any other way, anyway.”

  I turned back to Mel. “Well, here’s your shot. You wanted to get out and do what you do.” I smiled outwardly but my heart was quickly tying itself in a knot.

  “Roger Chief!” Mel shot back. Everyone laughed.

  Holly poked her head through the door. “Dana, Gene Corelli is on line two. He said it’s about the extradition and, since you’re all meeting, to put him on speaker.”

  “Great, thanks.”

  Mel picked up a phone from a side table, placed it down in front of me and pushed a few buttons then nodded to me. “Gene, what’s the word?”

  “The word is “extradition!” Jonathan Joseph has been transported to Chicago. He’s being held at MCC. I’m waiting to board a flight to Midway now. I’ll be on the ground by 11:30 local time and, as soon as I reach the MCC facility, they’ll transfer him to interrogation.”

  “Awesome!” Phil and Jason high fived.

  “Let’s hope he has something to give us to save his own ass. That said, anything from what you’ve learned there in the last 24 hours that you want me to hit him with?”

  “Oh yeah! Besides what you and I have already discussed, we need to know if he knows who “Relic” actually is and if it’s Delores Chappell. We have to establish that with a credible witness to have any hope of getting the warrants we need, even under RICO. We’re going to try to work some other angles but we really have no probable cause for a warrant yet that doesn’t smack of sheer speculation on our part. If Relic really is Delores, we need to figure out what her tie to this gang is.”

  “Right. Anything else?”

  “Gene, it’s Sheriff Crane. See how much he knows about overall ops in this area, if anything. I’ve got what I think is a clean department here but I need to know if there are other bad apples on the force. Carter may have been it or he may have had help.”

  “Gotcha Sheriff. They’re calling for boarding everyone. I’ll be back in touch once I can break this guy.”

  “Go get ‘em Gene!” Tim spoke for the first time since the meeting started.

  “I got this. You all get that!” and, with that, he was gone.

  “Okay everyone. While Gene is working on Joseph, we need to get cracking here. Mel, if you’ll talk to the Amish farmer, that will be a huge help. In the meantime, Jason and Holly can work to put together a surveillance schedule. Ron, we’ll need you on standby to do flyover looks since we’re not going to be on the property. Phil, you work on placement and surveillance equipment. Tim, check on access to those shooters and get those warrant requests finished up. If Gene gets anything out of Joseph, we’re going to be moving on those quickly. Anybody have anything else?”

  Heads shook all the way around. “Let’s go then.”

  “Mel, you’re amazing! The first shift is headed out now. I don’t know how you did it.”

  “I told you; I know the man and he’s reasonable. I just talked to him friend to friend.”

  “Where are you headed now?”

  “To Morelville to do the things we talked about.”

>   “Please be careful… I…I don’t want you to get hurt.”

  “Always Dana. I’ll report back on anything I find.”

  “Thank you.”

  ###

  Mel

  I put on a brave face for Dana but I was well aware of the dangers ahead of me. I knew though that I couldn’t let my fear get the best of me and get in the way of me doing my job. I refused to hide anymore.

  I rounded the bend around a property line and slowed as I came upon the gas station at the edge of town. I pulled up to a pump and hopped out to top off my official county vehicle. It didn’t really need much fuel but my plan was to both be highly visible and to amble around town and just see what I could stir up.

  I nodded at and greeted the folks that were pulling in and out around me. Our little town had always been a friendly one. I desperately wanted to keep it that way.

  “Hey Sue, how are you?” I greeted the day manager that was filling in for my sister while she recovered and rehabbed from her wound.

  “I’m doin’ just fine. The question is, how’s your sister?”

  “She’s getting along great. You won’t be doubling up shifts much longer!” I grinned.

  Sue smiled back at me. “Good to hear! We’ve all been worried about you all, you know? You’ve had all kinds of people taking shots at you folks.”

  I raised my eyebrows at her. “Not all kinds. Probably, the same couple of losers.” Just a little white lie, there. “They’re in custody now and everyone’s okay. I do though certainly appreciate the concern.”

  “We wouldn’t want to be losing another Sheriff ‘round here, now Sheriff!” She patted my arm in a kindly gesture.

  I stepped aside as another customer came in to pay for his gas. “You won’t be losing me anytime soon. That’s a promise!” I nodded to her and headed back out to my truck. Sue lived a few miles out of town. She was certainly nice enough and she’d chat all day but what I really needed to do was run down some of the folks that lived right in town that always knew everything that was going on. Some called them nosy. I called them informed and on the lookout for the best interests of the town. I decided to make my next stop the store and I headed down there.

  Stepping into the Morelville General Store was like stepping back in time. It was laid out shotgun style with a main aisle and a half back aisle that stopped where the more modern conveniences of refrigerated and freezer units took over. Everything else was a throwback to the late 1800’s; high ceilings, creaky wood floors, and an old fashioned low wood counter with high shelves behind it, running the length of one side of the store, save the deli case in the middle. It had been running continuously selling food, animal feed, hardware, plumbing supplies and more for generations.

  The store’s current owners, Terry Ford and his wife Sheila, are typically always on site during open hours. Though they aren’t ones to gossip, they stay on top of things. They both seem to have their fingers on the pulse of the community. Most people happened through the store for one thing or another, at least once a week. Some people were daily regulars. Terry and Sheila know them all and they know a lot about them.

  I found Terry where I expected him; on his bench, just inside the store, under one of the front windows. His perch was steps from the cash register and it afforded him a view of everything going on in the store and of everyone coming in and going out. With a quarter turn of his head in either direction, he could also see what was going on outside in the immediate area of the store. No wonder he sees and knows everything!

  “Hey Terry, how goes it?”

  The older man smiled. “Well hello there Mel! How are you?”

  “Great, great. Thanks for asking.”

  “All is well here. ‘Been a quiet couple of days since the dustup over there at the pizza shop, and your sister being shot, and all. Hopefully, it stays that way.” He eyed me in appraisal.

  “Those guys are all in custody and they’re not going anywhere, I assure you. I’m just checking in with everyone to make sure nothing else seems weird or off.”

  “Can’t say that there is anything. Like I said, ‘been pretty quiet the last couple of days. ‘Probably a good thing.”

  “Very true.

  “Talked to your dad. Says your sister’s getting on okay.” Terry was just a few years older than my dad. They’d known each other a long time.

  “Yes, she’s doing well. She should be out and about in no time.”

  “Good, good.”

  “Now, not to make you work today or anything, but I need a few things.” I smiled at him and then I looked toward Shelia who was putting away a deli meat order. Sheila, would you be so kind as to make me a roast beef and Swiss on wheat? You make the best deli sandwiches in town!”

  “I make the only deli sandwiches in town!” It was our running joke.

  I moved to the cooler and grabbed milk, juice and diet Pepsi. I knew the fridge at home was empty and I liked variety.

  Terry rang me up while Sheila wrapped up my sandwich. I chatted with them for a few more minutes but I didn’t learn anything new. I took my leave and headed down the street for home to show my presence and to put my purchases away.

  I drove slowly the block and a half to the house while I took in the rhythms of the town going on around me. Life was moving much as normal in the little village. I pulled into my drive, grabbed my purchases and then entered my own home for the first time in a few days. It was eerily quiet without Kris, the kids or the dog.

  I slipped the drinks into the fridge and then stepped into the living room in the center of the lower floor so I could keep an eye on the Post office from the window. The window in the family room at the front of the house would have been a better vantage point but the glass hadn’t been replaced yet. It was still boarded up. I munched my sandwich while I kept my semi-secret vigil.

  I didn’t have long to wait. At about 12:35, per her usual schedule, Delores’ Buick pulled through the alley across the street and turned west toward the post office. I grabbed my keys, locked up the house and ambled up the street, on foot.

  Chapter 26 – Thwarted

  I entered the post office to find Delores standing next to the counter, chatting with the Postmaster, Molly, while she sorted through her daily half of a large tote of mail. In addition to hoarding office supplies, she also hoarded mail. It seems she was on every conceivable catalog mailing list. She probably really was mail ordering all the books Holly had seen before.

  “Hello Delores,” I greeted the older woman first and then nodding my head toward the Postmaster, “Molly.”

  “Hi yourself, Sheriff. How are you today?” That came from Molly while Delores just stared at me.

  I pretended not to notice her staring as I busied myself with the checking my own mailbox. “I’m just fine. Thanks for asking. Isn’t it just a beautiful spring day out there?” Let’s get this party started!

  Molly obliged my attempt at a conversation starter with, “That it is. There’s been a little bit of damp and a little bit of warm. It’s the perfect storm for mushroom growing. I should be a great festival this year!”

  I needn’t have worried about how to pull Delores into the conversation. Molly’s statement got her all riled up.

  “You know, not all the folks around here like that Mushroom Festival! It just brings in too many outsiders and too much trouble!”

  Hmm…wonder where this line of thinking is coming from. “Well, it does bring in a lot of people but trouble doesn’t typically follow. I’ve been on duty or at the festival most of the last several years and there haven’t been any real problems. What it does do, is a lot of good for the village coffers and for all of the merchants.”

  Delores stared at me intently again. Molly looked back and forth at both of us. I turned to Mol1y, “What do you think
of the festival?”

  “Oh, I really enjoy it. My kids aren’t fans of all the mushroom food, of course, but the whole family looks forward to it otherwise and, you’re right, it really does do a lot of good for the town.” She turned to Delores, “Those new streetlights that got put up on your road last year were funded from money raised from admission fees.”

  I nodded. Molly’s husband is a township trustee. She’s in the know, in more ways than one. “A lot of people have told me they like the security of having all of the side streets lighted now.”

  Delores wasn’t done being cranky. “Damn light shines right in my bedroom window. I had to buy blackout drapes so I could get some sleep!”

  I started to snort but then I caught myself. Everyone in town knew that Delores was up until the wee hours of the morning, almost daily, watching television. She probably had to buy the blackout drapes so the sun wouldn’t wake her up so early… Instead of a snort, I coughed and then excused myself. Delores started to move toward the door. I need to keep her talking.

  Thinking fast, I reached out to touch her arm and slow her. Think, think, think… “I’ve been meaning to ask you, do you, um, do you still collect stamps?” Whew, pulled that one out of my hip pocket!

  Molly leaned forward and opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something but then she stepped back away from her side of the counter and busied herself doing something. Curious! I’ll have to ask what she was about to say later.

  “No, I quit years ago. Why do you want to know?”

  “Ah, that’s too bad!” I shrugged. “I just wondered. Cole is working on a history project for school and I thought something that was a little bit of a throwback to the days before email and texting might be a good choice for him.” Maybe that will set her off on a rant about computers or schools or something!

  Delores didn’t take the bait. “Sorry! Can’t help there.” She turned to Molly, “Well, I must be off. I’ll see you tomorrow. With that, she was out the door.

  I shook my head and turned back to Molly. “Sometimes she can be the nicest person in the world and sometimes…” I trailed off on purpose. Molly did take the bait.