Silver Wilderness Range Read online

  The deputy said, “Well now, that was accessible. Much easier than I thought. The key to it was his ego super name.”

  “Plenty amazing,” Royce whispered to herself.

  ***

  The District Attorney and staff would have volumes of data to research. As usual, in these cases, where computer evidence was so critical to their case, they would scour the files. Look for various code words that might make each form of abuse noted, but hidden.

  For some reason, Royce’s thoughts seemed stuck on the names. The list that was on the flash drive owned by Alec, and stolen by Seth. How were Seth’s victims implicated in Alec’s life? The importance of a victim’s list suddenly became much more important.

  Royce and Chance stepped outside. She saw the school bus and suddenly realized that it was much later than she thought. Chance whined when the school bus rolled to a stop. Royce walked toward it. Chance loved being there when the kiddos returned from school. Royce saw Hertha at her door. She was coming out to get them. Royce made the signs telling Hertha she would take them to Molly’s Pantry for an afterschool treat. Hertha said thanks, and waved. She went back inside.

  Royce knew with the cracking of the ‘computer case’ that they’d had a wonderful break. She wanted to share that lift of spirit with the children. They’d seen her retreat into the case. They’d witnessed her sorrow. Although they didn’t know why Royce was saddened, they seemed to forgive her. Just as she forgave her father when he had witnessed brutality and crime. And when his mind was filled with criminals and cases.

  When they exited the bus, the children rushed to her, hugging her, and chattering wildly about their field trip. They always made Royce smile.

  “Let’s go see if Molly has any treats for two young scholars.”

  They rushed ahead of her. Their hands playfully petting Chance as they tried to keep up with her. Royce opened the door, and Chance took seat in her designated place outside when the sheriff pointed.

  Vannie’s words rushed. “Will Molly give us an extra cookie for Chance?”

  Entering, the children spotted Molly. Molly had heard their conversation. “I have enough plain cookies for each of you to give her a cookie.”

  While the children went from counter to counter, looking through the glass to see the special treats, Royce watched on. She and Molly smiled at one another. Royce said, “Mom, I remember being that small. Looking, deciding. Not wanting to miss anything, but wanting to hurry to get a treat.”

  “Those two remind me of you when you were six and seven.” She went to the counter. “And how is your case going?”

  “It was good day, Mom. An excellent day. Deputy Sam was outstanding. I’ll tell you about it later.”

  Molly began to gush, “I just love that Sam. He comes in here and spreads sunshine. I’m glad he’s in Timber. When he’s workin’ in Crystal, I don’t see as much of him. I wonder if his parents are as cheerful.”

  “I’ll bet they are.”

  Antero was pointing, then he asked, “Royce, what are you going to get?”

  “I’m thinking of a butterscotch brownie.”

  “Me, too.” He nodded. “I’d like a butterscotch brownie, please,” he said as he leaned against the glass.

  Vannie was deciding between pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, and the chocolate buttermilk sheet cake. She asked, “Molly, do you have ice cream to go on the cake?”

  “I most certain do. I could put some on either the cookies or the cake.”

  Antero inquired, “Does ice cream go on the brownies?”

  “It surely does,” Molly answered.

  “Mine with ice cream, please,” they ordered in unison.

  “Royce, want ice cream on yours?”

  The sheriff answered, “No thanks, Mom. Just a side of coffee.”

  As they ate, Molly took the orders from customers. She’d check back from time to time to see Royce and the kids. When they’d finished chattering, Molly came around the counter with wet napkins and gave a swipe to each child’s face. “Tidy you up so your mom doesn’t need to tell you to wipe your hands and face.” Molly then took two plain cookies and handed them each a cookie to give Chance.

  They all thanked Molly before leaving. The children rushed to Chance. Royce laughed. “No wonder Chance loves you two. You spoil her. Now, let’s get you back to your mother.”

  Hertha seemed edgy, Royce sensed. When the kids went to play, Royce asked Hertha if she was worried. “Later,” Hertha answered. When the client left with the little kitten, Hertha divulged, “They had taken that driver, Earl Harris, off that route for the past few days. But this morning Harris was driving again. I called the school, and Jane Garnet was very snippy. She said that they couldn’t please everyone. But this afternoon, I saw the regular driver left them off.”

  “Maybe your phone call did the trick.”

  “Maybe. But I was also assured that for the field trip, if Harris drove a bus, he would be driving the middle school kids. I don’t want my children taking his abuse.”

  “I can contact her again.”

  “I don’t want to keep sic’ing the sheriff on her driver. Am I being unreasonable?”

  “Not at all.” Royce took her hand. “You’ve got every right to complain. I don’t want them near him either.”

  “But they aren’t your children.”

  “I don’t see that mattering. Hertha, I just saw my mother, busting at the seams with adoration for those children. Molly adores them. And so do I.”

  “I worry about them being endangered. They are Native Americans. Their mom is lesbian. They’ve got so much to overcome.”

  “They’re both strong. And we’ll keep watch,” Royce promised.

  “I’m frightened for them,” Hertha divulged. “Harris is evil. I can tell.”

  Royce put her arms around Hertha. “I feel he is, too. We both want what’s best for them. I’m hoping that my hometown accepts them. And continues to accept how we are.”

  “Mostly, they do. The townspeople have treated me with respect. And have mostly accepted them. A few hate us. I can tell. I can see it in their eyes. That bus driver is one of the most despicable people I’ve ever met. I know what being hated means.”

  “But you turned out to be strong, proud and loving.”

  Hertha’s eyes clouded over. “I’d die to protect them.”

  Royce knew that feeling. She would die to protect them, too.

  ***

  It was customary for Royce to spend three or four late afternoons at the Crystal Sheriff’s Department gym. When Royce went off duty, she would visit the exercise room for an hour or two. The unofficial name for the exercise room was the Situation Room. She used her time on the exercise bikes, having a run on the treadmill, or sometimes rowing.

  The sheriff would change into either her summer outfits of shorts and a top, or the winter version of exercise clothing – usually long-sleeved sweatshirt and pants. As she entered, she began her workout with the rowing machine. When Nick arrived, he began to petal the exercise bike.

  “Royce, who is our new and improved favorite prime suspect?”

  Chuckling, Royce shook her head. “What’s your take?”

  “Forensics dumped Alec’s phone and it was searched. A few women and romantic calls. A couple of guys and they were using burn phones. There certainly could have been drug dealings, but no conversations about it. Nothing pointing to our victim having been a stoner. No talk of pills. So, who knows?”

  “Nothing alluding to opioids. However, he’s smart enough to never have used the street terms. Nick, I just don’t know. I can’t see Eileen, or the doctor, out there planting a rope on the path.”

  “Eileen and her stilettos would have not only left footprints, but would have had some second glances from anyone walking the trail.”

  “She could have had a pair of mountain boots in her closet. Most women up here do. Some I’ve seen make fashion statements, and are still tough enough to hike.” Royce paused. “But she reall
y isn’t the type. Ropes and makeshift clubs probably aren’t part of her expertise. She would have someone do her bidding.”

  Nick’s words were choppy as he accelerated his exercise. “Rhinestone cowgirl, at best. And Larry would most likely do her bidding.”

  “Dr. Verner was in surgery at the hospital. That’s his alibi. And if the medical examiner’s time is correct as to the lividity, and blood trail, then Verner has hospital staff verifying his whereabouts.”

  Nick went to get bottles of water from the fridge. “Here, you need hydrating.” He leaned back against wall. “Larry fits the bill. He’s a mountain man. He wasn’t a fan of Alec’s. Maybe the three of them put their heads together and feared that Alec might spill the beans about the scheme to steal folk’s property, etcetera.”

  Royce sighed. “Usually if we round up a gang of thugs, we can get one of them to turn on the others. Verner, the Austins, they all three have tight lips.” Royce took a sip. “And we’ve got proof that there is something going on as far as the books being fiddled. And the forgery. At least according to both Lyn and Mike. I’m hoping that Sam can get some of the patients to chat. They seem reserved. Not willing to talk. But maybe they fear retribution if they talk. They’re completely dependent on the trinity.”

  “You said the two nightshift nurses seem to be loosening up,” Nick commented.

  “I understand their reticence. Their livelihood is on the line.” Royce stood. “Maybe the D.A.’s detectives will come up with something from the files. I was amazed that Sam got us into the flash drive file. He’s worked cases with drones, and now he’s a genius at computer files. I wonder why he isn’t going for the high ranking, prestige professions with the FBI.”

  “Sheriff, I know you’re too delicate and kind to ask him what the hell he’s doing working a pathetic, lowly job of deputy in a small town. But I’m less people-skilled. I did ask him. He said he likes to be around genuine folks. And he loves the mountains.”

  “Glad he decided on Timber County,” Royce said with a smile. “Everyone loves the guy.”

  “His happiness kinda balances the rest of us dismal and cheerless lawpersons.”

  “You think I’m humorless?” Royce queried.

  “Not at all, Sheriff.”

  After a moment’s pause, Royce stopped exercising. She muttered, “You’re being facetious, aren’t you?”

  Chapter 18

  Royce knocked on Gwen and Nadine’s front door. When it opened, Gwen ushered the sheriff toward the kitchen. In the hall, the two women stopped to talk privately. “Glad to see you. Daisy has been antsy all week. She feels imprisoned.”

  “I can understand her cabin fever. But right now, I’ve either got to arrest her, hide her, or return her to her legal custodians – Silver Wilderness. I don’t want to take her to jail or hand her over to people that might have murdered their coworker.”

  “Still no ideas on who murdered Alec Zellner? Or Seth?”

  “None. The murder cases seem to be breaking apart. But the D.A.’s office is carefully examining the computer files. They seem to have financial information, costs, contract information, and it is all being studied. Mike said it is a bonanza. The files taken from Alec’s office appear to be medical files. Both Mike’s team and Lyn are handling them.”

  “Nobody wants to see the elderly abused. Physically or financially.”

  “It’s a labor of love kind of case. No mistake about that.”

  Gwen asked, “And how can we help?”

  “I need to find out about the list of local people that Seth bilked money from. We know Larry Austin. He seems angry. In fact, he stated that he would have killed Seth before he would have murdered Alec.”

  Gwen chuckled. “Two unpopular men. It’s probably a tossup. Look, the two men on the list that we couldn’t find a link with Timber are both dead. One had homes in New York, California, and Florida, and too rich to care one way or the other. The other one lived here for only a short time. Mostly he was from Denver and Grand Junction. He died right before Seth’s trial. I vaguely remember him. A man named Humphrey. I do recall that because his death was a suicide.”

  “Larry Austin was very bitter, and stated that none of the retrieved money was returned to any of the victims. It was all used on legal fees,” Royce added.

  Gwen declared, “That’s correct. After the court costs, lawyer fees, and all, not a cent went to retribution funds. They said that Seth had some money stashed away, but it was never found. Rumor has it the ex-wife relieved him of it.”

  “I’d like to see any information on the Humphrey’s death you might have.”

  Gwen frowned, then smirked. “I’m pretty sure that Humphrey didn’t kill Seth.”

  Royce said, “I would concur. But maybe a relative did.”

  “One thing I remembered, Humphrey didn’t have any relatives in these parts. But I’ll try to check it out.”

  The women continued to the kitchen. After coffee and tea were poured, Daisy asked, “Royce, when do I get to go home?”

  “We’re working on it. For now, we have no good options. We can’t release you to Silver Wilderness, and I won’t jail you.”

  “Those options aren’t so hot.”

  “Miss Daisy,” Royce said, “Have I got your word that you’ll stay in here and out of sight just a tad longer?

  She squinted. “Cousin Rick had to fly out of here. But he’ll come back when I need him. So, I’m needing new companions. I’ll stay put on one condition. Will you ask Dora to come visit me again?”

  “Or course, I’ll ask Gran,” the sheriff declared. “And I’ll bet she’ll bring you something wonderful to snack on.”

  “Mention some of her Rustic Pecan Pie. Oh, I do love Dora’s pecan pie.”

  Royce gave the thumbs up. “Just promise me you’ll let me know when Gran comes over. I wouldn’t mind a slab of that pie myself.”

  Daisy patted Royce’s hand. “You got it, Sheriff. And thanks for everything you’re doing to get those thieving folks to return my house to me.”

  “My pleasure, Miss Daisy.”

  As she strolled back to her vehicle, Royce was overwhelmed with anger. Anger for all the elder abuse. Anger that there wasn’t honor and reverence for the trusting elderly.

  ***

  Making certain it was late enough in the afternoon; Royce approached the Austin’s lodge home. Luck was with her, Eileen Austin opened the door. “You,” she stated with distain.

  “I wanted to have a talk with you, outside of the office. So that we wouldn’t be disturbed,” Royce explained.

  “My husband isn’t home,” she said curtly.

  “We know that Larry hated Seth, and well might have murdered him. After all, he’d been cheated by Seth.”

  “I don’t know my husband’s dealings, and he doesn’t know mine. There hasn’t been a body found, so there isn’t a murder of Seth.”

  “Did Alec have a reason to dislike Seth?”

  She appeared perturbed. “No more than anyone else acquainted with Seth.”

  “Dr. Verner? He wouldn’t want to kill one of his patients. Each time he stepped into a room to take two minutes to look at a patient, he charged Medicare a big chunk of money. So that just leaves you and Larry. The Center was out the money that Seth agreed to pay by signing his home over to the Center. However, the home Seth owned was upside down.”

  “His bills, charges here at Silver Wilderness, would have been paid through other funds. Social Security.”

  “That would never have covered it.”

  “Listen, I’m busy, and there is nothing more to say to you. Larry isn’t here to defend himself.” Her lips pressed tightly into a line.

  “I really just wanted to speak with you. Unless Larry has access to the financial files of Silver Wilderness.”

  “That falls into my bailiwick. Mine and Alec’s.” Her words were scathing. “And the D.A. is rifling through confidential information as we speak.”

  “Alec no longer has a reason for
his files.”

  “And you’ll find nothing out of the ordinary. Everything is completely legal in the files you and the D.A. took.” Her fake smile flashed. Her teeth clenched.

  “There was Alec’s computer.”

  “He took pains to make certain his computer wouldn’t be hacked, or in any way be intruded upon. I understand that it would be completely corrupted if tampered with.” She crossed her arms. “I’d invite you in, but I’m very busy.”

  “That’s alright, I’m comfortable standing. We were discussing Alec’s computer rigging. He was highly competent with the computer.”

  Eileen bragged, “Many times Alec assisted me with computer difficulties.”

  “Nice to have a tech available. We have one of those in the Sheriff’s Department.”

  “What are you getting at, Sheriff Madison? Or is there a point to this chitchat?”

  “There is indeed. You’re a savvy woman. I’d like to know who you think murdered Alec.”

  Her grimace created cords in her neck. “You could vary your questions. I didn’t know last time you questioned me. I don’t know now.”

  “What I know is that Alec had a special name he called himself. Maybe that was his password.”

  “There is no way anyone would have broken to his computer password.”

  “He always claimed he was valiant, so I wonder if that doesn’t have something to do with his password.” Royce watched as the color drained from Eileen’s face.

  “What have you come here for?”

  “Daisy Barnaby’s property and land – the range, was stolen from her.”

  “No one stole anything from her. It was a deal. Sheriff, I explained that it was a matter of sinking funds. We took assets and set them aside for the purpose of caring for Miss Barnaby. That isn’t anything new for nursing and assisted living homes.”