Triple Double. James Lewis

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      *****

      “The Newman Lake murders have similarities to Rose Lake. Ron and I feel something else is afoot,” Terry began.

      “Theory?” asked Captain Saunders.

      “Newman Lake was payback, motivated by one of the victims’ occupation. We believe only one of the McCoys was targeted. Phyllis and David McCoy were posed for law enforcement benefit,” Terry replied.

      “Whoever killed the Nelsons would, in no way, want to bring more heat to a cold case. A case so cold that all of law enforcement had given up looking for the motives or the perps. All CDA sheriff’s findings from Rose Lake point to torture of the deceased father, Joe, as a tool for gathering information. Joe Nelson was still alive for some time while suspended. The coroner’s report points to torn muscles in his abdominal area, shoulders, and neck. He was probably trying to defend himself by flailing his body hanging above the ground.”

      “Christian questioned the doctor who did the autopsy on Phyllis and David. Phyllis was brain-dead before she hit the ground. The stab wounds were for effect. The autopsy on David showed no signs of struggle. He died before being hung by his hands in the garage. The cause of death is listed as a bullet to the heart. The McCoy killings may not have been a copycat.”

      “Have you reported any of this to Captain Croop or her team?”

      “No, sir. We have certain suspicions and need more time before letting our thoughts become theirs. With your permission?”

      Saunders nodded his approval. “Are you getting any new information from CDA’s people?” asked the captain.

      “Drug deal and manufacturing equals illicit cash. That heads their list. Same old stuff. Like somebody’s suppressing information. Abron told us yesterday in the hospital that he thought the crime scene and investigation went south too quickly.” Abron’s attack and subsequent discovery of the underground room reopened the case to the CDA and the Spokane Sheriff’s Department.

      “Ron and I both agree the attack and murders were over something greater than we are seeing. Certainly more valuable than the small cache of drugs found on the premises. And why the brazen second attack at the hospital?”

      “Chief, can our team get more freedom to investigate in Idaho?”

      “I’ll contact Terry Croop this morning” was his reply. “CDA’s captain is not afraid of jurisdictional overlap. Make sure you question every neighbor in the area, even if they just moved in. I’m shifting Abron to your team. He can’t be pushed physically for a while. Use his knowledge of the law and forensic abilities to your advantage. Try to find out who the Nelsons did business with, including grocery shopping, locals, and their routines. Let’s hope our person-of-interest list grows substantially. Remember to keep CDA’s man, Lieutenant Bara, in the loop. I’ll handle all calls to Ms. Croop,” cautioned Saunders. “FYI, their theory, when you rule out drugs, brings our own aluminum refinery in to play. Both Nelsons worked there. Do not get caught up with the idea that both double homicides aren’t related. You, Ron, and Abron are now a team in this.”

      Terry Hollander had worked closely with Ron Rowe before. Kelsey was a newbie. Captain Saunders would use his new lieutenant, Jake Monroe, to lead the investigation of the McCoys. Detective Pat Price would be his partner. Saunders foresaw promotions within his department and new hiring to bring his force up to the tasks at hand. His search began for seasoned detectives available within the Pacific Northwest. “Gwen would have been perfect for the task,” he uttered out loud.

      Before departing the captain’s office, Terry asked, “Any updates on Abron’s condition?”

      Shawn answered, “I’ve never dealt with anything like this, or for that matter, I’ve never even heard of an incident like this except in the movies. To be shot while recovering from injuries—he shouldn’t have survived in the first place. Imagine how quickly his mind and body had to react to save himself from his attacker! Abron had an IV in his arm attached to the metal stand he used.

      “Add to that a neck and head brace screwed into his skull. Fortunately, the new bullet hole to his hand is the least of his injuries. Kelsey summoned so much strength for that strike it opened his midsection wound and twisted the head brace beyond repair. He went through a refitting with no painkillers, just a local deadener. Amazingly, he’s none worse for the wear. As far as being able to begin his duties, Dr. Marsh said he expects him to stay on the same schedule he had until fully recovered, just like the attack never happened. Officer Hollander, you can quote me on this—Abron Kelsey will be at his desk, working, in less than four weeks no matter how hard we try to keep him away from the station.”

      “When we ID his attacker, it should lead to who’s behind our unsolved double homicides.”

      “I’m guessing the assassin is either Union or an acquaintance of the Nelsons and/or McCoys.” Terry Hollander and Ron Rowe had a lot on their plates: Rose Lake, Newman Lake, and Abron’s attackers. Both detectives wondered about the hiring of Lieutenant Jake Monroe. Making the new deputy the lead investigator of the Newman Lake incident left them scratching their heads. They both liked the personality, but he was an unknown when it came time for working in the trenches.