CHAPTER SEVENTY-FOUR
The majority of the small group were already seated around an oblong oak table in Mayor Carver’s conference room, just off to the side of his main office. Chief Miller, Doc Pearlman, Det. Fairchild, and the new coroner, Troy Van Horn were already present as Mayor Carver entered and sat down.
“I called this meeting gentlemen, to introduce you officially to the new coroner, Todd Van Horn. Some of…”
“Brent, that would be Troy, not Todd,” Thomas spoke up.
“Yes indeed, yes indeed, you’re so right. Thank you for correcting me. Now as I was saying, Troy Van Horn is our new coroner, as some of you already know, since he’s already started working on some of the murders. For those who don’t know, he comes to us by way of Millersburg. I have it on good authority he will do a fine job for us. So please make him feel welcome in our quaint little town.”
“That was a nice little speech, you runnin’ for office again?” Thomas said as he and the others couldn’t restrain their chuckles.
“That’s a good one Thomas,” the Mayor said, “I think I’d better turn the meeting over to our new coroner now.”
“Thank you. I’ve spent the last few days doing autopsies on Earl Schulz and Johnny Hudson. I’d like to discuss Earl Schulz first, if that’s okay with everyone?”
“We don’t stand on any ceremony here Troy, so just tell us what you found.” Dick said straight out. The new coroner would soon grasp, Dick wasn’t one to hem-and-haw around; straight to the point was his motto.
“Yes, very well then. As for Mr. Schulz, he was shot twice in the frontal lobe. I removed both slugs, which were .38 caliber bullets. I sent them off to the lab in Millersburg. The knife found at the scene was used to sever his genitals. The blade matched the wounds to that area perfectly. As for Mr. Hudson, I found the same to be true for him. I removed two slugs from his head, and the knife at the scene was used on his genital area. These two murders are basically identical in how they were carried out. I’m only speculating, but I would say for now, both men were killed by the same individual. Does anyone have a question for me at this time? If so, I’ll do my best to answer.”
Miller asks, “Were the genitals cut off before or after they were shot?”
“My findings indicate they were removed after they were murdered.”
“Thomas, you think Beau Camp killed these two? He killed Frances, and he’s still runnin’ loose.” Brent asked.
“It’s possible, but not very likely. Frances was electrocuted, not shot and…well, you know,” Thomas said, “Troy, what do you think?” Thomas inquired seeking another opinion.
“I’d have to agree with you. Frances Hudson’s body was already buried before I arrived, yet I did go over the notes, autopsy report and photographs that were in Mr. Schulz’s files. That would lead me to believe his murderer was not the same man who killed these two men.”
Dick now decides to join in, “Tell me Troy, have you discovered anything new on the murders of Martha Camp and Terri Helms?”
“Sorry, but I haven’t had a chance to review their files yet. I was concentrating on the two latest murders. But just as soon as I can, I’ll take a look and see if anything stands out.”
“You do that.” Dick says, sounding a little condescending.
The Mayor starts to speak when his secretary partially opens the door and pop’s her head in, “Sorry boss, but there’s a call for Mr. Van Horn from the Millersburg crime lab. They said it was urgent. I can send it to your desk phone if you like?”
“Why yes, that would be fine. Troy, you can go on out and take your call. We’ll be here when you’re done.”
The friends made small talk as they waited patiently for Troy’s return, that is, all but Dick who was not use to being idle or sedentary. He was now pacing around the table; he was on his fourteenth lap when Troy returned.
“Good news I hope?” Brent asked as all were eagerly hoping for a much needed break in these two investigations.
“Well, the good news is that the gun used to kill Johnny Hudson and Earl Schulz are one in the same. Both were killed with a .38 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver. The bad news is, they traced the ownership of the weapon to Chief Frances Hudson of the Saint Cloud police department.”
“What?” Brent asked in amazement.
“Are they sure?” Thomas asked.
“They said it was a positive result on all four rounds.” Troy replied.
“When Chief Hudson’s body was removed from his home and taken to the storage area; who took possession of his badge and gun?” Dick asks, looking directly at Thomas.
“I was just about to ask you the same thing.” Thomas states.
Brent interjects, “So, his police revolver was left at his home, which means…?”
“Which means, someone went in and stole it, and now they are using it to commit murders, which for now, can’t be traced back to them, unfortunately.” Thomas says.
“Back too square one, I presume?” Troy asks.
All now sat quietly as they pondered who could have taken Frances’ gun; when they took it, why kill Earl Schulz, a good citizen. They didn’t much care that Johnny had been murdered; for him it was more, do it, then, why not, do it. So many questions and nary an answer to be found.