The Dog Who Ate the Airplane

By Edward Coburn

Adam Martin Swope was driven out of his beloved Chicago by his self-created but ill-advised celebrity status as a "finder." To avoid the emotional turmoil taking a toll on his psyche, he fled to Cancun, Mexico. Forced back to the United States by the resurgence of his mother's cancer, he decided to take a job as columnist for the Tweet; the newspaper purchased by his long-time friend Larry Archibald in the small West Virginia town of Canary Corners. He moved into the Canary House, an apartment house reputed to have resident ghosts. His next door neighbor Livinia Blossom told him the story of Canary House and introduced him to her grandniece, Marti, who quickly became his semi-constant companion. What Adam didn't realize was how soon his investigative and finder skills would be called into play to solve a murder. He was also unaware of how much assistance his dog Bagel, and the clues he provided, would be during the investigation.

This book series will never have any profanity (not one word), any overt sex (the most is the ocassional smile, wink and maybe slight innuendo), or overt bloodshed (someone is always murdered, but, as the reader, you only find out after the fact. You will not be a witness to the murder).

Mine are "Gentle" books that a young person can read and pass to a parent without embarrassment or a parent can read the book first and then pass it to a young person.

There will (eventually) be 26 books in this series (one for each letter of the alphabet).

The Dog Who Ate The Burglar: An Adam and Bagel Mystery: Book 2 and The Dog Who Ate The Crossbow: An Adam and Bagel Mystery: Book 3 are out now and The Dog Who Ate The Drawing: An Adam and Bagel Mystery: Book 4 will be out early in 2013. The Dog Who Ate The Elephant: An Adam and Bagel Mystery: Book 5 will be out mid 2013.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Edward Coburn
• Release date: Jan 6, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301972463

Edward Coburn

Edward J. Coburn is a computer programmer and a long-time writer. He began his writing career while teaching college when he started writing textbooks. Now, with many textbooks to his credit, he began seriously writing fiction in about 1996. His first book, Order of the White Feather: The sword of Dalamar may be purchased at Smashwords along with his latest book The Last Killer Standing. He is now writing a new alphabetical series of books beginning with The Dog Who Ate The Airplane: An Adam And Bagel Mystery Book 1. The Dog Who Ate The Burglar: An Adam And Bagel Mystery Book 2 was released in November 2012 and The Dog Who Ate The Crossbow: An Adam And Bagel Mystery Book 3 was released December 2012. The Dog Who Ate The Drawing: An Adam And Bagel Mystery Book 4 was released April 2013, The Dog Who Age The Elephant: An Adam And Bagel Mystery Book 5 was released September 2013 and the short story Bagel Helps Find Robin Hood was also released September 2013. His wizard book Aaron Franks Attends the Montana Academy for Advanced Magic and Wizard Studies The Order of Magic: Book 1 was released January 2014. His second Wizard book Aaron Franks and the Treasure of Leonardo was released September 2014.

Book preview

The Dog Who Ate The Airplane

An Adam And Bagel Mystery: Book 1

By

Edward J. Coburn

Smashwords Edition

Ed’s Website: EdwardJCoburn.com

Copyright 2012 by Edward J. Coburn. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the author.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

About the Author

Connect with Ed

Chapter 1

Wave after wave of darkly emotional turmoil crashed in on the psyche of the man, flooding his soul to the brink of its capacity. With a grueling effort learned through years of practiced control, he restrained himself until the very moment it threatened to overwhelm him. Without warning, he sprang forward in his seat, almost shouting, Stop.

You got something? the driver said, slowing the car to a crawl.

I absolutely do. I feel fear, loneliness, and an acute longing to go home. I’m not sure where it’s coming from, but it’s intense, so stop. Adam Martin Swope had to scratch the tip of his nose because it itched, for just a second, in a way he’d learned meant something could be amiss somewhere beyond his vision or time frame.

Yes, sir.

After the car stopped, Adam immediately got out. Stretching to his full six foot two inch height, he scratched his head through his dark, thick hair. He maintained a healthy weight at thirty-eight thanks to genetics, rather than any effort on his part, and the many women he’d taken out over the years considered him handsome. He looked around at the shoulder-high growth of corn on one side of the road, and the field of waist-high weeds on the other. He turned his attention back to the nondescript car containing two plainclothes detectives as well as the uniformed driver.

The detectives sitting in the backseat also got out to stretch. Glancing around and seeing nothing but corn and weeds, Detective Sam Waters said, This is the fifth time we’ve stopped and the third time on this particular road, Adam. There’s nothing here.

Nothing you can see, but I know something’s here because I can feel it. It was more intense before we stopped, but it’s still there. It’s almost as if someone was under duress and now they’re not, but they’re still afraid. I think it’s coming from somewhere in roughly that direction. Adam pointed off to the right, where a small stand of trees could be seen above the top of the weeds. You know as well as I do that what I do is an inexact science—not that it’s even a science—and I don’t always know how to interpret what I see or feel. My vision wasn’t all that clear but the feeling was extremely strong and—wait… He interrupted himself. He closed his eyes for what was little more than an exaggerated wink. His shoulders twitched and his cheeks reddened. This is it. He opened the car door.

Sam pivoted his head to the left and right again. Are you sure? I still don’t see anything.

Adam nodded. But I did. I saw a road, just ahead. Somewhere down that road… He shook his head.

Then let’s get this over with. Detective Harriet Masters, known as Harry, opened her door. She had a smooth, flawless, chocolate-brown complexion with an easy smile, which belied her caustic wit. Though considered pretty by everyone, virtually everyone at the precinct had seen her stare wither the hardest criminal.

As she slid into the car, Sam opened his door. How far?

As I said, it’s just ahead. Adam climbed in and turned to the driver. Let’s go.

Yes, sir. Tom Givers started the car again. Before driving away, he turned to the backseat. Should we call for backup? They were in a rural area southwest of Chicago and their backups waited on the main highway in case they were needed.

Though Sam had only worked with Adam a few times, he’d known him ever since Adam had first slogged through the human scum invariably found on the homicide beat for the Chicago Sun-Times. They’d been fast friends all that time. They occasionally grabbed a quick one at one of the local cop hangouts or the press club, though Adam never drank anything stronger than club soda. Sam had come to trust Adam’s abilities over time. They’d never proved to be completely inaccurate and most of the time they’d led directly to the criminal or his playground. Even knowing this, Sam still felt reluctant to commit all his resources quite yet. We’ll hold off until we see what’s down this road. He had a big, husky, powerful six-foot-four frame, with a ruddy complexion, a quick smile and quick wit to match.

Okay. Tom put the car in gear and drove slowly forward, looking for the turn he didn’t yet see.

There’s the road. Adam pointed at an opening almost completely hidden by tall field grass.

Right or left? Tom said.

Right. Drive slowly. There should be a house just ahead.

They all stared down the road after Tom turned, straining to see what each fervently hoped they might find.

I don’t see… Tom started, but finished with, Oh, there’s the house, almost hidden in those trees. Stopping the car, he turned to the backseat again. Shall I call them now? He put a bit more sarcasm in the word now than might be prudent, considering the promotion board would meet soon, with Sam as his supervising sergeant.

Maybe. Sam ignored Tom’s delivery. They wouldn’t want to miss out on this bust. What you got, Adam? Anything?

I’m not sure. I’m getting mixed signals. One moment I feel fear, then nothing, then darkness, and then loneliness. I’m pretty sure the girl’s ahead of us, but I can’t tell if she’s in danger. There seems to be an odd mix of…Just a…

Sam again saw the telltale signs his friend saw something not necessarily in the present. He’d learned that when Adam’s shoulders twitched, he hung his head, and his cheeks reddened, his mind expanded beyond anyone’s normal vision. I’ve received a flash of a little girl being carried into a house. Adam pointed. That house.

Was she struggling? Who was it? Do you think we can afford to wait for backup? Sam asked rapidly without waiting for answers.

I can’t really say for sure. I don’t know who I saw, but she wasn’t struggling. I got the sense of a resigned reluctance and an overwhelming wish to be somewhere else. As I said, I feel fear, and then… Adam hung his head again for a few seconds but then shrugged, only once, as any normal person would do. I’m not getting anything else. Perhaps you’d better call them, but we’d better not wait. It’ll probably take them several minutes to get here and considering I’m really not sure what to make of what I’m getting and not getting…

All right—call them, Tom.

Tom picked up the mike and told the backups to move. He gave them directions as precise as he could.

Now, go, Tom, but slowly—no lights or siren. We don’t want to give whoever’s in there advance notice.

Right. Tom let the car drift slowly forward, stopping directly in front of the small house. A minivan had been parked on the left side of the house, hidden between two rows of bushes.

They all immediately piled out of the car and walked up to the front door. Tom, you go around back. Sam allowed a few seconds for him to get there. He pulled his weapon, beating on the door with it. Chicago PD, he shouted.

Adam jumped as if startled. What? Sam said.

When you hit the door, it startled whoever’s inside and I felt it.

Amy?

I couldn’t tell. Someone’s in there, however.

Tom came back. There’s no way out the back. There’s a window, but it’s covered with bars.

After a few moments, a tall, thin man, with a long, narrow face, came to the door. What’s this all about? He opened the door wide but raised his hands in a defensive posture when he saw the gun. He took a few steps back.

The man obviously liked strong aftershave. Sam knew he’d smelled it before. As he didn’t wear aftershave, he didn’t think much of the scent. I know you. Sam recognized him and the aftershave left no doubt. Aren’t you a teacher at Amy’s school?

The tall man didn’t even pretend he didn’t know what they were talking about. I am. My name is Harold Minden and you’ve already talked to me. Is there something else I can do for you and can you please put the gun away? It makes me nervous.

No, I won’t put the gun away because we have reason to believe she’s here.

What could possibly make you think that? He raised his eyebrows as if confused.

It doesn’t matter. Just get out of the way, Harry said as she shoved past Minden.

Now just a minute. Don’t you need a search warrant?

Not if there are exigent circumstances, Sam said.

What the heck does that mean?

Never mind. You just stay here with this officer while we look around.

Tom grabbed Minden’s arm, pulling him roughly aside.

Ow. He looked at Tom with venom in his eyes. Go right ahead. You won’t find anything. I had nothing to do with Amy’s disappearance.

Sam glanced at Adam, who felt the slight tickle on the back of his neck that told him Minden was lying. Adam looked at Minden and then back at Sam. He’s lying. He knows something. And there’s somebody else here. Where, I don’t know, but someone else is here.

Is it Amy? Harry looked hopeful.

I can’t tell. But I sense somebody.

How dare you say I’m lying! A look equal parts of shock, fear, and defiance settled on Minden’s face. You don’t know me and I don’t know you.

But I know him, Sam said, pointing at Adam. And I’d believe him long before I’d ever accept your word. He turned to Tom and said, You hang back with him while we look around.

Tom’s grip tightened on Minden’s arm. He tried to shrug off Tom’s hold, which only prompted Tom to move behind him and grab his other arm.

Sam looked at Harry and pointed off to the right with his weapon. Harry drew her gun and went into the kitchen. She held the gun in front of her with both hands and slightly bent elbows, to absorb the recoil if she had occasion to shoot. Like most police officers, she hoped that wouldn’t be necessary.

Adam followed Sam down a short hallway into a small bedroom on the right. The room held a single bed, with undisturbed covers, a small dresser with a mirror above it, and a small closet. Sam ran a finger across the top of the dresser, leaving a trail in the thin layer of dust. He pulled out each drawer, but they were all empty except the very bottom one. He picked up a children’s clothing catalog from a store he’d never heard of. He flipped through the many pages of young girls and boys. He could only shake his head at the multitude of salacious thoughts he knew must have run through Minden’s mind when he scanned the catalog. Meanwhile, Adam opened the completely empty closet.

Sam waved his gun, ushering Adam into the bedroom across the hall. This bedroom, a bit larger, had a full-sized bed rumpled on one side, a fairly large dresser with an attached mirror, and a double closet full of casual clothes. The wall of the room also housed the window Tom had seen at the back of the house, the one with bars on it. As he walked by the closet, Sam again caught that horrific odor of aftershave lotion. He almost felt like holding his nose. He looked through the drawers but he found nothing but adult, male clothing.

Nothing, Sam said.

Nothing obvious, at least. Adam finished leafing through the closet by waving his hand in front of his nose. That guy must really like aftershave lotion.

Don’t I know it. He must bathe in the stuff. The least he could do is pick one with a decent scent. Let’s go.

They walked out into the hall and met Harry. Anything? Sam said.

Harry shook her head.

They both looked expectantly at Adam. I still sense something that’s just not right here. He again felt the telltale tingle on the tip of his nose. I sense darkness.

Sam shuddered a bit. He knew that generally when Adam sensed darkness, it meant they were about to discover the worst. You don’t mean…

No. Not that kind of darkness and I don’t feel cold. I think whoever I’m sensing is alive. But she seems to be in a dark place and she’s scared. Where, I’m not sure, but I’m pretty sure she’s alive.

What now? Harry asked.

I’m just not sure. Adam wandered back down the hallway and into the living room, followed by Harry and Sam. He stopped, held out his right hand, palm downward, closed his eyes, and hung his head. The living room had wood floors, a large couch with a throw rug in front, and a coffee table resting on the throw rug. That indicative shoulder wiggle appeared again and his cheeks reddened. I still can’t see anything but darkness. There’s no pain or any other feelings except fear. Suddenly, Adam knew what needed to be done. He looked at Harry. Help me move this. He grabbed one end of the coffee table.

Sam glanced at Minden, who suddenly looked stricken. Anything the matter?

Minden cleared his throat, but just shook his head.

Harry grabbed the other end of the table and they moved it off the rug. Adam tossed the rug aside, revealing a trap door hidden beneath the rug. Harry pulled on the ring of the trap door but it wouldn’t budge. The door had a keyhole. Give me the key, she demanded, looking directly at Minden.

Isn’t one. I’ve never had a key. I don’t even know what’s down there.

Of course you don’t, Harry said. She didn’t need Adam’s help to detect that lie. Empty your pockets on the table.

Minden’s mouth had a defiant smirk, but his eyes betrayed the fear overcoming him. After he’d emptied his pockets, Harry saw a set of keys on the table but knew none of them was the right size to fit the lock on the trap door. Search him, she said to Tom.

As Tom patted him down, he stopped at Minden’s front pocket. Give me what’s in that pocket.

There’s nothing in my pocket.

Cut the crap. Tom spun him around until they were face-to-face, keeping a tight grip on his left arm but releasing his right so Minden could do as directed. Empty that pocket on the table.

Suddenly, Minden tried to break free, but Tom had too good a grip. Tom reached into Minden’s pocket to extract the key he’d felt as Minden struggled to keep him from it.

That looks like the key for the trap door, Harry said as Tom handed her the key. It easily fit into the lock. She turned it, pulling the door open. The odor of Minden’s aftershave rose from the depths, along with a weak whimper.

Amy, Harry called in the gentle, singsong tone that generally calmed her children.

Yes, came the tremulous reply.

Harry looked at Adam and smiled grimly. Sam let out the breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. Adam felt a great sense of relief wash over him. Thank God I’m right and she’s alive, he said.

Ladder rungs led down to some type of basement. No light shone from the pit of blackness. Harry pulled her flashlight from her duty belt and flashed it into the darkness. As expected, a little girl’s eyes sparkled in the light. She put one hand over her eyes and pulled up a dirty sheet to cover her face. Harry couldn’t tell whether she was Amy, but Harry assumed she was. She’s down there all right.

Tom pulled his cuffs from his belt with one hand while keeping a firm grip with the other. He swung Minden around and roughly slapped the cuffs around both wrists behind his back, making sure they were tighter than they had to be. He turned Minden face forward, keeping a firm grip on the cuffs. He leaned over and recited his Miranda rights to him, even though he didn’t think people like Minden should have any rights. He felt they should all be immediately put to death to save the children of the world from the trauma such perverts inflicted and the courts the time and effort to give those guilty the slap on the wrist that, unfortunately, so often happened.

Sam and Adam joined Harry at the opening. Harry kept her light on the little girl. She didn’t move now as she cowered against the wall on the mattress and under the flimsy cover. Sam turned to Minden. She’d better not be hurt, you scumbag.

I haven’t hurt her, Minden said. I love her.

Right. Sam started down the ladder. Keep your light on her, Harry.

When he reached the bottom, Sam took the few steps to where Amy lay on the dirty and soiled mattress. He gently touched her exposed arm.

I wet my pants, she whispered shakily and pulled her knees into her chest.

Sam smelled it and thought even urine smelled better than Minden’s aftershave. That’s all right, sweetheart. We’re here now.

Can I go home now?

Yes. You can definitely go home now. You’re okay, Amy. I’m a policeman.

She started to pull the sheet down, but covered her eyes and raised it anew.

Harry, get the light out of her face.

Sorry. Harry aimed the light against the far wall.

Sam gently tugged on the sheet and she let it be lowered to just below her eyes.

You don’t look like a policeman, her voice quavered. She sniffed and wiped her nose on the sheet.

Not all policeman wear uniforms, but I am a policeman. Would you like to get out of this basement?

Yes, please. She unclasped her legs and shakily stood, bracing herself with her small hand on the wall.

Do you think you can climb the ladder?

She nodded and sniffed again. I can try. She moved to the ladder, keeping her hand on the wall for support. At the ladder, she grasped the highest rung she could reach. Slowly and carefully, she climbed to the top. She stopped when she saw Harry and Adam by the opening.

It’s all right, sweetheart. I’m a police officer and this nice man helped us find you. Reaching down, Harry gently grabbed her wrist and added, Let me help you out.

Okay. She didn’t resist as Harry helped her the rest of the way. Freed from her prison, she fell into Harry’s waiting embrace.

You’re safe now, Amy. We won’t let the bad man hurt you.

Just then, Harry heard something outside. Looking out the window, she saw three police cars driving up. I think there’s someone outside eager to see you. Shall we go outside?

I guess.

Tom pulled on the cuffs to get Minden as far from the door as possible, to give Harry and Amy an unobstructed lane. As Amy walked by, Minden leaned forward and said, Amy, please.

She turned to him with a hateful look worthy of an adult and it saddened Tom to see a girl of eight with such a malevolent visage.

Tom grabbed Minden’s thumbs and bent them until they were ready to snap. Minden groaned, but Tom didn’t ease his hold. Instead, he jerked Minden back. Putting his mouth right next to Minden’s ear, he whispered, Another word out of you and I’ll break your thumbs.

As Amy walked through the doorway, she caught sight of her mother running toward her. She shook free of Harry’s light grip and walked down the two stairs with tiny, careful steps. She ran unsteadily into her mother’s arms.

Tom shoved Minden through the door and waved at two uniformed officers to come take him. Tom twisted one of Minden’s thumbs and Minden screamed and swore. The two uniforms each grabbed an arm and jerked him down the two stairs, none too gently. Tom accompanied them to the patrol car, where one of the back doors stood open. Minden started to lean down, to get in the backseat, and Tom reached over and shoved his head so it crunched against the door frame. Sorry, Tom said. But you should watch your head when getting in the car.

Minden glared at Tom, but didn’t say anything.

Back inside the house, Adam said, We’re not done here.

Of course not. We have a lot of evidence to gather. Sam knew there had to be more to it than that.

That’s not it. I’m still sensing darkness. Adam scratched his itching nose as he looked toward the back of the house. We need to go outside, in back of the house.

What’s there?

I don’t know yet. I just know something’s not right. Adam closed his eyes briefly. I see…just darkness…nothing else.

I hope you’re not saying what I think you are…

Adam nodded grimly. I’m afraid I am. I’m not sure I really want to go back there.

You don’t have to. Harry and I can check it out if you want to wait here.

Adam really didn’t want to go in back of the house. He had a strong feeling he knew what they were about to find. No, he said with sudden conviction, let’s finish this. I don’t want to, but I need to see what’s out there.

Well, let’s go then. Sam knew better than to question anything Adam said. He freely admitted he didn’t know how his friend did what he did, but he knew better than to argue. Adam’s feelings and visions invariably led to some type of discovery, often just at the last moment of safety for the victim. Of course, at other times they were hours, days, or even months past any possibility of saving the victim. Sam had a strong feeling of his own that whatever lay behind the house would prove one of those times.

They walked out the front door and Sam waved to Harry to join them as they walked around the side of the house. Adam stopped, closed his eyes for just a second, and again felt the itch. Sam saw Adam’s cheek redden as if he were blushing. He knew it meant Adam was seeing whatever there was to see in his mind’s eye. I can’t see anything except darkness, but I can sure feel that something’s not right. Adam shivered and scratched the end of his nose. Suddenly I’m cold...so cold.

Sam knew it didn’t bode well when Adam felt as he seemed to at this moment. They didn’t walk far before they found a small mound of dirt. Oh, God. Sam looked at Adam. Is this…

I’m afraid so, Adam said.

Harry, go back to the car, and get a shovel, Sam said.

Yes, sir. I’ll be right back.

I presume this is what you were sensing.

"I guess so. This one