The Missionary

By Bruce Whitaker

A dying collector of old and rare newspapers hires the private investigating team of Sherry and Ed Rogen to recover his latest and rarest acquisition called 'The Missionary'. However, what at first seems to be a simple case of lost and found, quickly turns deadly as the Rogen husband and wife team soon discover they are not alone in their quest for the mysterious 'Missionary'.
But what is the 'Missionary'? Is it simply a very rare newspaper as everyone assumes or is it something much more valuable? That is the first question the Rogens must answer in a case where double-cross and murder are always a step ahead and the clues are written in riddles.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bruce Whitaker
• Release date: Mar 9, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370523009

Bruce Whitaker

Bruce is a retired father of two who currently resides with his wife in Winter Springs, Florida. He is a graduate of the University of West Florida with a degree in Computer Science and served in the Army as a Nuclear Weapons Specialist.Bruce is an avid student of history, especially European history where he has traveled extensively. He is also an enthusiastic collector of rare stamps and first editions.An author of many short stories, 'The Missionary' is Bruce's first full length novel. This fast paced murder mystery set in 1980 Savannah is just the beginning in what he hopes is a long line of Sherry and Ed Rogen mysteries.

Book preview

THE MISSIONARY

A Sherry and Ed Rogen Mystery

By

Bruce Whitaker

Copyright © 2016 by Bruce Whitaker

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Photo credit: myfreetextures.com; depositphotos.com

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to my wife Karen whose support and encouragement has made this book possible. To my brother Bob and my son Shaun, who spent many hours correcting my grammar, and lastly to my daughter Lauren who keeps me focused on what is really important, Miami basketball.

Table of Contents

The Mission

Peaches Orchard

Hobbies

No Rest for the Wicked

The Hunt Begins

What’s in a Newspaper?

Ossabaw Country Club

A Natural Death

Possibilities

The Willful Surprise

The Plane! The Plane!

Cyphers and Missionaries

What Key?

The Willoughby Effect

What is in a Riddle?

Triggerfish, really?

Daniela

Death is Never Becoming

Decisions, Decisions

When Bullets Fly

It’s Nothing Personal

So Simple!

A Meadow of Coarse Grass

The Mission

Ed leaned over to his wife and whispered. If he clears his throat one more time I’m going reach over the desk and slap the crap out of him.

Just sit and be quiet, Sherry quietly admonished.

A few moments later, the aged attorney finally lifted his eyes from the jumble of papers and peered lazily over his horn-rimmed spectacles. He couldn’t help but notice with a certain amount of self-satisfaction that the unassuming couple sitting opposite his oversized mahogany desk appeared ill at ease and uncertain. It was plain to see they were intimidated by the ostentatious surroundings and his regal bearing.

The lawyer ran a hand through his silver-white hair and smiled. That was the whole point, of course. To instill some small sense of awe in your clients at the outset was half the battle. Although, technically, the couple before him were not actually his clients. Nevertheless, he studied them closely.

The man looked about forty or so with some greying in his short-cropped black hair. He was well built and muscular and had the look of a man with a mean-tempered disposition. He looked every part a detective. The woman, on the other hand, appeared more polished and sophisticated. Her blonde hair and dazzling blue eyes coupled with her fine full figure aroused the old attorney’s reluctant admiration

Ahem. So, you are Sherry Rogen? The lawyer began.

Ahem. I presume. Ed quickly added with a chuckle.

The attorney simply stared up at Ed in confusion. The joke escaping him entirely.

Sherry sighed and apologized. I’m sorry Mr. Allison. My husband can be so immature at times. Please go ahead. I promise he won’t interrupt again.

The attorney eyed Ed suspiciously but continued. You were related to Mr. Wheeler I presume, Mrs. Rogen? Mr. Allison looked sharply at Ed. But Ed didn’t take the bait.

Yes, he was my second cousin and, unfortunately, I only met him once many years ago. All I really knew about him was that he was very wealthy and everybody in my family seemed to hate him.

The attorney smiled wryly. That sounds like Mr. Wheeler. He didn’t have many real friends.

Mr. Allison leaned back in his chair and cupped his hands across his chest. His business dealings were cut-throat, and that is being generous. I’ve had the dubious honor of being his legal representative for the last twenty years and can count the number of times on one hand that I was invited to his home. He was a man driven by the love of money and had time for little else.

What was my cousin’s business Mr. Allison? Sherry inquired.

He bought and sold used airplane parts. A very lucrative business; but as I said, very cut-throat.

I knew there’s a reason that I don’t like to fly, Ed quipped.

Let’s get down to business Mr. Allison. Why did you want to see us? Sherry was growing impatient, and the attorney’s condescending manner was beginning to grate.

The old attorney crinkled his nose as if he smelled something unpleasant. I believe that a couple of your recent adventures captured Mr. Wheeler’s attention. Your last case of the lost Stieglitz quite impressed him, and believe me, impressing Mr. Wheeler was hard to do.

The attorney leaned over the desk and handed Sherry a folder, ignoring Ed completely. Before his death, he had me draw up this contract. As he lay dying, he made me swear that you would be given the opportunity to execute it.

Sherry slowly leafed through the document. I’m to find a missionary?

Sherry’s eyes grew wide. I’m to get fifty thousand dollars for finding a missionary?

Ed whistled. Fifty thousand dollars? Now that’s some serious money.

I don’t see a name. What’s the name of this missionary? Sherry asked.

Mr. Allison shrugged. I don’t have a clue. He didn’t tell me.

Ed was incredulous. How are we to find someone without a name?

Mr. Wheeler said that if you were as good as he heard, you would know when you found him. For some reason, he seemed to find the thought quite amusing.

What am I to do when I have found this missionary? Sherry loved a good mystery, and fifty thousand dollars was undoubtedly a great incentive. She was definitely motivated no matter what the handicaps.

Mr. Wheeler said you would know what to do about that as well.

You must know something. Ed queried. We have to have someplace to start.

I know absolutely nothing. He didn’t confide in me at all. However, I can tell you this. Charles loved treasure hunts and riddles. The more difficult they were, the better he liked it.

Well, Mr. Allison, that’s what my wife and I do. Solve puzzles, Ed retorted.

The lawyer leaned back in his chair and smirked at the Rogens. I for one, consider your quest a lost cause from the start. As you say, you have not one clue to go on. However, I suppose if anyone can shed any light on the mystery, it would be his wife, Peaches. But, good luck with that. She is clueless concerning her husband’s affairs.

Why, Mr. Allison, you made a pun, Ed laughed.

The lawyer looked up sharply. What pun?

Ed sighed. So, Peaches is where we start. Ed cocked his eye at Sherry. She sounds interesting.

The attorney addressed Sherry, trying hard to ignore Ed. Their home is called Peach’s Orchard. It is one of the finest estates here in Savannah. My secretary will give you directions. Then, with a wave of his flabby hand and a glaring look of disgust directed at Ed, they were summarily dismissed.

Peaches Orchard

I don’t understand why we have to dress for dinner? Ed fumed as he struggled with his tie.

Because it’s expected. I know Peaches will be insulted if you show up in her dining room wearing a T-shirt and a pair of Bermuda shorts and I’m not about to throw away fifty thousand dollars because you can’t knot a simple tie, Sherry scolded.

Watching her husband trying to put on a suit and tie was like watching an elephant trying to do the jitterbug. It wasn’t only that his jacket had gone out of style two decades before, but Ed’s waistline had spread accordingly. Sherry eyed the result and shook her head morosely. Ed definitely needed a makeover.

Do you think we’ll have to dress every evening? Ed petulantly demanded while scowling at the mirror.

Sherry sighed. Yes we will, and for God’s sake Ed, please don’t cuss, belch, or fart. Try to show a little class.

Yeah, did I mention how really sorry I am about your sister’s birthday. I really had no idea it was going to pop like that. It just sort of snuck up on me.

I was never so embarrassed in my life. I swear, the older you get, the worse you get. Now, remember. Peaches may be the key to our fifty thousand dollars. If she wants to play the part of Scarlet O’Hara, then for God’s sake play along.

Ed sighed. I must admit this four poster-bed is quite impressive. It wouldn’t be very hard to imagine yourself back in the old south.

Don’t kid yourself, Sherry cautioned. It may be 1980, but Peaches still thinks she is in the old south. Let’s hurry; we don’t want to keep her waiting.

Ed led the way down the grand staircase lined with imposing portraits of the Wheeler dynasty. This is more like a plantation than an estate. How many rooms do you think this place has?

I think I remember my great aunt saying she counted over thirty once.

Ed whistled.

Abruptly, a pair of wooden doors slid open, and an immaculately dressed manservant appeared. Sherry guessed that he was probably in his late thirties or early forties and looked remarkably like Errol Flynn.

Ed, for heaven’s sake shut your mouth. I can’t take you anywhere, Sherry pleaded.

Madam is waiting for you in the drawing room. The manservant stoically proclaimed. Please follow me.

Ed leaned over and whispered in Sherry’s ear. I wonder if he expects a tip?

You’re such a moron.

They followed the butler down through the grand hall covered with large tapestries and fine murals. Shortly, they arrived at another pair of wooden sliding doors embossed with large pineapples. The butler ceremoniously opened them with a flourish.

The Rogens, he loudly announced.

Welcome to Peaches Orchard! Peaches Wheeler gushed as she rushed forward to grasp Ed’s hands in hers. She completely ignored Sherry as she brought Ed’s hands up to press against her ample bosoms.

Ed stammered something unintelligible.

Finally turning to Sherry, Peaches cooed. How handsome he is. You are to be congratulated on such a fine catch.

That’s a matter of opinion. Sherry sharply retorted but couldn’t help but be amused as Ed stumbled about in confusion. It was obvious that he was at a complete loss at how to handle Peaches flirtatious overtures. She struggled whether to throw him a lifeline or sit back and enjoy the show. However, she quickly decided that leaving Ed to his own devices was a dangerous proposition at best, and was more likely to blow up in her face than not.

Sherry moved forward and took one of Peaches hands forcing her to abandon Ed for the time being. We are so sorry to hear of Charles’ passing. I hope you understand why we couldn’t make the funeral.

Of course, I completely understand. Obviously, the bar exam had to be your first priority. The family is so proud of you.

Sherry’s timely intervention gave Ed the opportunity to retreat behind one the room’s large sofa chairs. He wasn’t particularly averse to a little harmless flirting, but Peaches was easily his mother’s age, and the peach fuzz crowning her upper lip was a bit off-putting to say the least. He wondered if that’s how she came by her pet name. Cruel if it was, although Peaches seemed to be quite fond of it. Good thing she was born a blond, Ed thought to himself.

A sharp knock at the door quickly cut short Ed’s musings. The butler, without waiting for a response, glided into the drawing room with the grace of an aspiring Miss America. Ed couldn’t help but be impressed.

Drinks madam.

Oh, excellent Carl, Peaches cheerfully acclaimed.

Personally, I was hoping for Jeeves, Ed quipped.

Ed! Sherry barked.

If the butler heard the remark, he chose to ignore it. Silently, with serving tray in hand, he offered each of them a shot glass filled with a clear, nondescript liquid. Ed was surprised to find it felt warm to the touch. He started to lift it for a quick sniff, but caught a warning look from Sherry. Fortunately, Peaches quickly solved the mystery.

Charles was a man of tradition. That is to say, he had his own way of doing things. And when he decided that a thing was to be done a certain way, that was the way it was to be done.

Peaches lifted her glass and took down her drink in one quick gulp. Premium sake heated to just the right temperature has been our dinner drink for the last twenty years, and I for one am not going to change tradition.

Ed took a small sip and was surprised how smooth and agreeable it was. I’m not one to flaunt tradition. Here’s to dinner. Ed threw back his head and down went the shot. He was surprised how quickly the warmth spread to his stomach. I did hear somewhere that sake is great for the digestion, he volunteered.

Peaches laughed. That’s just what Charles use to say.

Sherry had finally finished hers and put the glass back on the serving tray. Ed was not so reticent to give up his glass so quickly. He was secretly hoping for another round, but those hopes were dashed when another set of double doors suddenly opened and a female servant brusquely