The Hart Brothers

By Brian J. Dunn

When a group of high school students discover a mutilated dead body in an open field in the small town of Ashland, New Hampshire, the authorities believe the body is Betty Evans. Betty has been missing for two days, and the circumstances all fit. Chief of Police Joseph Tobin is reluctant to tell Bettys father the news, but Hank Evans is needed to identify the body of his daughter. When he confirms its her, the investigation begins in earnest.

At first, Joseph thinks this is going to be an open-and-shut casequite a relief in their small town where neighbor knows neighbor. One local man is an obvious suspect, and the eye of the law settles on young Billy Hart, who was dating Betty before her untimely demise. Billy and his brother, Dave, unfortunately come from a family with a reputation.

Billy and Daves father is in prison for drug possession, and their mother is a well-known drunk. Even so, is Billy capable of murder? A high-priced law firm takes on the case, and lawyers Kathy Rahbany and Matthew Russell turn to their private eye, Peter Ray, in order to get some answers. Its going to take a team to solve this case, and Joseph and Peter soon band together to stop a dangerous killer from killing again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Nov 30, 2012
• ISBN: 9781475959864

Brian J. Dunn

Retired controller Brian Dunn worked for thirty-nine years in the defense industry. While in the US Army, he did a tour in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive. Dunn spent most of his life in New England and now resides in Florida. This is his second novel.

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Copyright © 2012 by Brian J. Dunn.

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This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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ISBN: 978-1-4759-5985-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-5987-1 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-5986-4 (ebk)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012921349

Printed in the United States of America

iUniverse rev. date: 11/27/2012

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

CHAPTER 30

CHAPTER 31

CHAPTER 32

CHAPTER 33

CHAPTER 34

CHAPTER 35

CHAPTER 36

CHAPTER 37

CHAPTER 38

CHAPTER 39

CHAPTER 40

CHAPTER 41

CHAPTER 42

CHAPTER 43

CHAPTER 44

CHAPTER 45

CHAPTER 46

CHAPTER 47

CHAPTER 48

CHAPTER 49

CHAPTER 50

CHAPTER 51

CHAPTER 52

CHAPTER 53

CHAPTER 54

CHAPTER 55

CHAPTER 56

CHAPTER 57

CHAPTER 58

CHAPTER 59

CHAPTER 60

CHAPTER 61

CHAPTER 62

CHAPTER 63

CHAPTER 64

CHAPTER 65

CHAPTER 66

CHAPTER 67

CHAPTER 68

CHAPTER 69

CHAPTER 70

CHAPTER 71

CHAPTER 72

CHAPTER 73

CHAPTER 74

CHAPTER 75

CHAPTER 76

CHAPTER 77

CHAPTER 78

CHAPTER 79

CHAPTER 80

CHAPTER 81

CHAPTER 82

CHAPTER 83

CHAPTER 84

CHAPTER 85

CHAPTER 86

CHAPTER 87

CHAPTER 88

CHAPTER 89

CHAPTER 90

CHAPTER 91

CHAPTER 92

CHAPTER 93

CHAPTER 94

CHAPTER 95

CHAPTER 96

CHAPTER 97

This book is dedicated to my wife, Judy Dunn.

CHAPTER 1

A wintry wind howled across the barren field. With every gust, pasty white powder filled the air. It was late January and today Ashland, New Hampshire was bone-chillingly cold. The earth was packed solid in snow and ice and the soil crunched under every footstep. The small amounts of coffee available went stone cold in a matter of seconds. Today was not a day to be caught out of doors.

The local police department was struggling against the elements and losing the battle. Realizing the importance of their task, the shivering men performed their duties as best they could under the harsh circumstances. Earlier that same afternoon, three junior high school students stumbled upon a lifeless body on their way home from hockey practice. The children were taking their normal shortcut across an open field like they had done many times before. The youngsters were horrified by the dead girl’s appearance. They raced the entire last mile home without ever looking back over their shoulders. They needed to inform their parents of their gruesome discovery.

Ashland’s Chief of Police, Joseph Tobin, and his officers responded to the scene in record time. The condition of the girl’s body suggested she’d been exposed to the elements for some period of time. The corpse was nearly frozen and an alarming shade of blue. What worsened matters was something had been dining on the body prior to its discovery. Most likely a pack of coyotes had arrived earlier for an afternoon snack. Small pieces of the victim’s anatomy were nowhere to be found. At this point the police could only validate that it was the body of a young female, probably in her twenties with blonde hair and blue eyes. They figured she was most likely a local girl and would be easily identified. The victim was practically naked and without any form of identification on her person. The chief could only hope the coroner would shed some light on the matter once he had the opportunity to examine the body.

Ashland was a small municipality in the Lakes Region near the majestic White Mountains of New Hampshire. It was smack-dab in the middle of Grafton County. The area’s last recorded census was taken in 2009 registering 22,080 people split evenly between males and females. It was a community made up mostly of families. The average age was thirty seven which was relatively young for the area. Ashland was the kind of place people chose to live in to avoid these types of crimes.

Chief, do you think it’s the Evans girl? Chief Tobin considered the question for a minute. He was in his mid-fifties but at the current moment he felt much older. His silver grey hair was thinning, so he kept it closely cropped. Like most middle aged men he carried an extra ten pounds and struggled with a mild case of high blood pressure. Still, all in all, he was in reasonably good shape for a man of his age. Joseph had been the Chief of Police in Ashland for about ten years now and in all that time he’d never experiences anything this appalling. A murder of this nature was hard for any sane person to comprehend.

Together with his wife, Barbara, he had three grown children who were long out on their own. The couple had relocated to Ashland to get away from the crime and violence they had witnessed in Boston. They now resided in a comfortable three bedroom cape that came with the job. The house was perfect for the two of them. Married for just under thirty years they still cared for each other. That in itself was a major accomplishment in these times.

I sure hope that’s not her, Bob, but who can say? I mean, these remains are really messed up.

Yeah, that’s an understatement if I ever heard one.

Look, I need you to make sure the men rope this entire area off once the body is moved. I figure I can’t be too careful so I’m going to post a couple of men out here overnight. I need to be sure the crime scene doesn’t get contaminated. As far as today goes, it just makes more sense to come back first thing in the morning when hopefully it won’t be so damn cold.

You won’t get an argument from me or any of the men.

I mean, it’s getting way too dark to do anything constructive tonight anyway. Don’t you agree?

Joseph, you don’t have to convince me.

No, I know but I’ve been watching the men and, hell, they’re freezing their asses off. Even if they weren’t, did I mention how my own feet feel? My puppies are so damn cold they’re aching. I can’t feel my toes anymore. I’m getting way too old for this outdoor crap. Everyone will be better served if we get a fresh start in the morning.

Like you said, tomorrow makes more sense. I’m afraid we may have another problem, though. I think that’s Hank Evans standing over there by our cars.

Joseph glanced over his shoulder toward the cruiser’s headlights. It was getting darker by the minute and visibility was limited. Being part of this small community for nearly a decade, Joseph was familiar with most of its residents and Hank Evans was no exception. The two men were friendly.

Christ, Bob, I think you’re right. Considering he reported his daughter missing two days ago we shouldn’t be surprised that he’s shown up here tonight. The dead girl certainly matches his daughter’s general description. The dilemma is our victim’s face and body is so battered, even I can’t honestly state whether or not it’s his girl. Well, I better get over there anyway and head him off. There’s a possibility it is Betty and if it is, there’s no way he should have to see her like this.

This is one of those times I’m glad that you’re the chief and not me. Look, I’ll start roping off the area while you go and talk with him.

Thanks a million.

Somberly Joseph made his way across the field toward his friend. A sudden gust of wind ran up his back causing him to shiver. He wasn’t looking forward to this conversation since he’d known Betty Evans for most of the time he’d been in Ashland. It seemed like it wasn’t that long ago that Betty was graduating from high school. Considering all the birthdays and holidays he’d spent with the Evans’ family, she was practically related. How could he prepare for a situation like this? Joseph tried to imagine the thoughts that must be running through his friend’s mind. Here they were on a bitter cold night in a deserted field in the middle of nowhere. He assumed Hank was praying the dead body wasn’t his daughter, possibly someone else’s girl or even better maybe a run-a-way or a vagrant.

Hank, what are you doing out here on a night like this?

Hank was a tall slender man who normally had little to say.

Don’t try to con me, Joseph. I know some kids found a girl’s body out here and I need to make sure it isn’t my Betty.

Well, I’ll tell you what, you really don’t want to see this body until we get a chance to clean it up a little. On the outside chance it is your daughter, you shouldn’t see her like this. How about you go on home and I’ll call you later when I know more?

Are you telling me I can’t see the body?

No, I’m just thinking of you.

Why don’t you let me decide what’s best for me? If it was your child I’m sure you’d want to know the truth, even if it was bad.

Are you sure you’re up to this?

I’ve never been surer of anything in my life.

All right then, I’ll take you over to the girl but I need to ask you to watch where you step. It’s still a crime scene and I know you wouldn’t want to jeopardize our investigation.

I’ll make sure I trace your steps.

Ok, let’s go then.

The pair made their way across the frozen field. They reached their destination just as an officer was putting a blanket over the corpse.

This is your last chance, Hank. Are you sure about this?

Let’s get it over with.

The chief pulled the blanket far enough aside to expose the face of the young woman. He shone his flashlight on her face.

Come on down here then, Hank. You need to get a little closer.

Hank slowly leaned over to get a better look at the dismantled face.

My God, Joseph, it’s my baby girl… it’s my Betty. What in all creation happened to her? Who could have done something like this? The father moaned as he went to his knees in an attempt to embrace his daughter’s mangled body. Joseph grabbed him before he completely collapsed.

Hank, I’m sorry but I can’t let you touch her right now.

The father reluctantly removed his hands from the body. He stood up and stared through Joseph as he tried to regain his composure.

Listen to me now, you’re positive it’s Betty? I mean the face is pretty distorted.

Don’t you think I know my own child when I see her? My girl has a small scar on her left temple that she got roller skating when she was twelve. That was the first thing I looked for. Who the hell would do this to my baby girl?

We’re just starting our investigation, Hank. It’s way too early to know anything concrete. I need to ask you one final time, are you sure it’s Betty?

Check her right ankle. Betty had a small tattoo of a rose there. Can you see it?

The chief pulled the blanket up far enough to expose the girl’s ankle. His flashlight lit up the area. Sure enough, there was a rose tattoo.

Hank looked like he was going to collapse again but somehow drew the strength to remain upright.

What happens now?

We need to take Betty’s body back to the coroner’s office and run some tests. Later, we’ll be able to release her to your family for funeral arrangements. This may take some time though, this appearing to be a homicide and all. Do you understand what I’m telling you?

Yes, I understand. Listen, you need to promise me something now. You need to promise you’ll find out who did this to my child and severely punish them.

I’ll do everything in my power, Hank. Eventually, I’m going to need to ask you and Marge some questions but that can wait until later.

Hank grabbed the chief’s arm. If you need to talk sooner, we can talk tonight. There’s no way on earth Marge or I are going to sleep after this. Dear God, what am I going to tell her mother?

I understand. Do you want one of my men to drive you home?

No, I’ll be all right. I just need to be alone right now. Joseph, I don’t know why I’m thinking about this now but you might want to have a talk with the younger Hart boy. I’m referring to Billy. He’s been seeing my daughter for some time now. Betty didn’t think her mother and I knew about it, but we did. I guess she assumed we wouldn’t approve of him considering all the trouble his parent’s have caused over the years. His old man is serving time in Grafton County for drug possession and the majority of the time his mother is either drunk or strung out on pills. I mean, the young man had two strikes against him coming out of the womb. Still, as far as I could tell, he was keeping his nose clean. I believe his big brother, Dave, was a good influence on him. I know he helped Bill get a decent job at the paper mill. Either way, I think the boy might be a good place to start, considering all the time he and Betty were spending together.

I’ll definitely talk to him, Hank. I’m assuming you’re going straight home now or do you intend to follow me to the coroner’s office?

No, I think its best I get home and break the news to Marge before she hears it on the TV or something. If it’s ok with you, I’ll come by the coroner’s in the morning. I imagine you’ll call me if you learn anything about what happened here sooner.

You can count on it.

That being said, Hank Evans slowly retraced his footsteps back across the field. The man’s shoulders were slumped and his gait was slowed.

What an unthinkable thing to happen to someone thought Joseph. Ok, men, let’s start wrapping things up around here.

You got it, Chief.

Twenty minutes later, the deceased was loaded into an ambulance. Two officers stayed behind to insure the crime scene remained intact overnight. The men would be relieved in six hour shifts since Joseph only had four fulltime and one part time officer at his disposal.

During the ride back to town, Joseph put in a call to his wife and informed her that he’d be home late and not to wait up for him. Finding dead bodies was a rare occurrence in an out-of-the-way town like Ashland and Joseph suddenly had a lot on his plate. He hoped the town council would give him the opportunity to work the case before they called for outside help. At a minimum, he deserved a chance to solve the crime on his own. Hopefully, he’d know more once an autopsy was performed. Still, he knew the council would be all over his case if he didn’t show some immediate progress. Unsolved murders didn’t help people get re-elected in small towns that depended on tourism for the bulk of their income. Crowded lakes in the summer months and skiers in the winter were key elements to the community’s financial health. Joseph pulled his cruiser into a parking space outside a small brick building that served as the town’s coroner’s office. He stayed in the car for a brief moment, collected his thoughts and opened the door to the cold air and made his way inside.

A man with a shaved head was busy at work. He was dressed in a white coat, corduroy pants and hush puppies. Even though Marv Tripton had been the local coroner longer than Joseph had been chief it was still only Marv’s third murder case. This kind of crime was an infrequent occurrence in Ashland. Marvin was forever talking about retiring but never seemed to get around to it. The girl’s body had just arrived and he was already busy at work. He seemed somewhat keyed up with the goings on but that was to be understood. Most days his job was uneventful.

Now, don’t you start asking me questions! The deceased just got here a few minutes ago. It will be awhile before I can tell you anything conclusive.

Relax, Marvin. I totally understand. Listen, if it’s ok with you, I’d like to head home and wait for your call. Does that work for you?

I would prefer that.

Ok, but listen, Marv, you have to call me if you discover anything, I mean, anything at all. If I don’t hear from you, I’ll be back first thing in the morning.

Goodnight, Joseph.

The chief patted the smaller man on the back and returned again to the frigid night air. The inside of the car was already freezing cold. He turned the key and pushed the heater to full blast.

Prior to relocating to Ashland, Joseph had been a cop in Boston for nineteen years. Though he’d never been lead on a homicide case he’d assisted on numerous occasions. Now, after ten years, he was no longer accustomed to working crimes of this nature. Truth be told, it was his first encounter in New Hampshire of what appeared to be violent, sadistic behavior. He’d handled a number of domestic squabbles since his arrival in town but nothing even close to the brutality of this case. Self doubts were already popping into his mind. He began to question whether he ever should have taken this job in the first place. Was he doing all he should be doing? He thought about talking to the Hart boy on the way home but settled on a drive-by of the young man’s house. Finding the boy’s dark green Mustang parked in the driveway, he assumed he was home. He told his dispatcher to have someone drive by Bill’s house every hour and make sure the car hadn’t moved. He then decided it was safe to head home for the night. The office was to let him know immediately if anything happened. It was time to stop for the day.

Barbara met him at the door in a Patriot’s sweatshirt, pajama bottoms and comfortable slippers. It was easy to see that she had been worrying.

I told you not to wait up for me. You should’ve gone to bed.

His wife, knowing him better than he knew himself, ignored his concern.

You really expected me to sleep with you not home and a murderer roaming our streets? I want details, Joseph; what happened? Do you know whose body it is? Do you know who the murderer is?

Slow down, honey. I’ll tell you everything I know which at this time isn’t much.

Before you start, I have some supper for you in the oven. All I need to do is heat it up; or would you rather I make you some eggs and toast?

Eggs and toast sound great. I’m going to have a beer. Do you want one?

No, I think I’ll just stick to coffee. Come on, let’s sit in the kitchen. You can talk to me while I cook the eggs.

I’m right behind you, honey.

Meanwhile, the town coroner planned on pulling an all-nighter. Presented with such a horrific crime, people would be looking for answers quickly. He needed to pinpoint the cause of death as soon as possible. The body was in dreadful condition but it was obvious the girl hadn’t died of natural causes. The bruises on her neck looked like strangulation marks but he needed to be sure. He sipped his lukewarm coffee and went back to work.

CHAPTER 2

Joseph pulled into the coroner’s office at eight am sharp. He knew he should have a greater sense of urgency to get back out to the crime scene but part of him was putting it off for as long as possible. It was twelve degrees outside and getting colder by the minute. If that wasn’t bad enough, snow was in the forecast. He found Marvin dressed in the same clothes from the night before, although somewhat more disheveled. The weary man was sipping a cup of stale coffee. A murder case was not the norm and Marvin was bound to be a little overwhelmed.

Pulled an all-nighter, did we?

What did you expect? I figured you’d need some answers fast so I put the pedal to the metal as they say. Let me bring you up to speed with what I’ve learned so far.

Ok, but first, I brought you a fresh coffee and a blueberry muffin.

Thanks, Joseph. I think I’ve already drank a gallon of this stuff. He pulled off the coffee lid and burnt his mouth on the first sip. Damn, he shouted, that’s hotter than Hades.

Sorry, Marv, I should have warned you.

Weren’t your fault, I should be more careful. Ok, let me see what I have for you. Our victim most definitely didn’t die of natural causes. I believe the primary cause of her death was strangulation.

So she was murdered?

That seems to be the case. Not only that, I’m reasonably sure our dead girl was sexually assaulted. There was a great deal of vaginal bruising which would indicate forced entry. The bruises themselves suggest that rape may have occurred just prior to the girl’s demise.

So our killer’s some sort of a wacko?

Seems that way, anyway, I took some hair samples from around her labia and sent them out for DNA testing. God only knows how long it will take to get any results though. They have to go to the state police forensic evidence department so it might take a while. It depends on their backlog.

That doesn’t sound good. How about if I make some calls to the state police and see if I can speed things up a little?

That would be helpful. Now, unfortunately, I thinking our rapist wore a condom because I didn’t find any semen in the area. Of course, I don’t have the greatest of equipment here so maybe we should have sent the body to state police headquarters in Concord.

I’m sure you did fine, Marv.

Well, I suppose the killer could have cleaned up after himself or maybe he never ejaculated. Anyway, I scraped under her nails for skin samples and found some traces of skin. I believe if you apprehend the guilty party, I should be able to match his DNA to those samples. Again, I need to wait on the state police but they’re usually pretty responsive on DNA issues.

Good work, Marv.

Yes, well, I think we’re definitely working with a homicide.

When did you send your samples out?

Earlier this morning.

Anything else you can tell me?

Let me think. Oh yes, she wasn’t murdered at the spot where you found her body. There were scrape marks on the back of her legs and more on her backside which suggests someone dragged her to where those kids discovered her. What else do I have for you? Um, I’m convinced she was exposed to the elements for about forty-eight hours. That means she was killed two nights before you discovered her body.

Jesus. Two nights, that’s great work. I’m curious; you got any thoughts why the killer didn’t do a better job of hiding the body?

I can only speculate. Maybe he wanted her found. Then again, maybe he was in a hurry or even interrupted.

Those are all good theories. Well, I guess I better hit the bricks and find me a murderer. You got anything else?

Not at the moment. I want to run a few more tests before I head home and get some sleep. I may know more then. I’ll be in touch if I learn anything new.

Thanks, Marvin. You did an exceptional job. Listen, Hank and Marge Evans will most likely be stopping by to see their daughter this morning.

I figured that. Could you see if you could convince them to come sooner rather than later, Joseph? I mean, I’m pretty spent and would like to get some sleep.

Will do and again, great job.

Joseph’s next stop was to the Hart’s house. He got nervous when he noticed Bill’s Mustang missing from the driveway. No one had notified him. The downstairs lights were on so it figured someone had to be at home. He dreaded the thought of dealing with Bill’s mother. He knew her casually from previous scrapes with the authorities and didn’t care for the woman very much. He rang the bell and waited for a response. Not hearing anything he guessed the bell might be broken. He opened the screen door which was practically falling off and knocked on the inside door. He waited and knocked again. He thought he heard movement on the other side.

Who the hell is it? We don’t want whatever you’re selling!

It’s Joseph Tobin, Doris. Could you open the door, please?

Joseph could hear locks and bolts turning inside. Doris Hart greeted him in all her glory with a half-smoked Marlboro dangling from her mouth, disheveled hair and dirty bare feet; every man’s dream. Her housecoat was half-open, exposing anatomy most men would prefer not to see. She appeared to be somewhat intoxicated, probably high on something or other but not Joseph’s concern today.

Well, if it isn’t our local police chief. What’s the boy done this time?

The chief took a step inside.

Why would you say something like that, Doris? I’ve never had any trouble with your sons.

That’s because you’ve never caught them in the act. Bill and his brother, Dave, are their father’s blood, you know.

Is Bill home now?

I have no idea. I thought I heard him stumbling around a little while ago.

Would it be ok if I looked around?

Look around? Has he done something bad or hasn’t he?

I’m not sure. That’s why it’s best if I talk to him soon. I could come back with a warrant but I was hoping you’d co-operate.

Go ahead and take a look around; just don’t touch any of my stuff. His room is in the back, last room on the left.

Thanks, Doris.

Joseph made his way to the back of the house. He glanced to his right as he passed what he believed to be Doris’ bedroom. Empty bottles were strewn everywhere and the room smelled rank, almost like urine mixed with vomit. Thank God the boy’s mother wasn’t his concern.

Bill’s room was a contrast to the rest of the house. The bed was made and his clothes were hanging up in the closet. It didn’t appear as though someone had left in a hurry. There were a few pictures of Betty Evans on the dresser. She was smiling in most of them, obviously happier times. Some of the photographs were of Betty with what must have been girlfriends. Joseph noticed Bill’s brother, Dave, in a few of the photographs as well. After a quick scan, Joseph found no clues to the boy’s current whereabouts. He finished up and decided to move on. He’d put out an APB on the boy as soon as he got back to his car. Reluctantly, he decided to make one last attempt at questioning the mother.

So, Doris, can you tell me the last time you saw your younger son?

Like I told you earlier, I think he was here a few hours ago. You know how kids are, you’re never sure where they are or when they’ll be home.

Would you know where he was last Tuesday night?

Chief, I don’t know where I was Tuesday night. No wait, I remember I was watching House on TV. I love that show.

I’ll take that as a ‘no’ as to where Billy’s where-a-bouts is concerned. Do you know if he’s been dating anyone in particular lately?

Do you think he actually shares that kind of information with me? I have no idea where he goes or who he sees. I have noticed him getting all spruced up some evenings though but, like I said, where he goes or what he does is beyond me. He must be seeing someone, don’t you think? I mean, he does have a bunch of pictures of Marge Evans’ daughter on his dresser. I do believe I’ve heard him talking to her on the phone once or twice.

But you have no idea where he is now?

No, but if you do see him, tell him I’m getting low on gin and Marlboros.

Thanks for all your help, Doris. If Bill does come home, have him get in touch with me, ok? Tell him it’s real important.

I guess that means you’re not going to tell me why you’re looking for him.

Joseph hesitated before answering. The Evans girl has had an accident and we need to ask Billy some questions.

What kind of accident? Did that boy of mine cause a car accident or something?

Just have him call me, ok?

Whatever you say, Joseph; listen, are you sure I can’t interest you in a drink?

Thanks anyway.

CHAPTER 3

Joseph’s next scheduled stop was Betty’s parent’s house before heading out to the crime scene. Maybe they could shed some light on the situation having had time to think about things. He knew if they weren’t home he’d catch up to them at the coroner’s office. When he pulled into their driveway, he was pleasantly surprised to find Hank’s truck parked out front. He knew questioning the couple was going to be another difficult task but he preferred not to have to do it at the coroner’s. A strong shot of whiskey would go a long ways right about now. Hank opened the front door before Joseph had time to ring the bell.

You’re lucky to have caught us, Joseph. We were just about ready to head into town to see Betty.

I promise not to tie you up for long. I know Marvin is waiting for you to arrive before he heads home. He worked all night and looked exhausted when I saw him earlier this morning. If you prefer, I could drive you and Marge to town and then take you back home after. That would allow us time to talk in the car.

I’d be ok with that but I don’t think that’s what Marge will want. She didn’t sleep a wink last night. She spent the night crying so she’s exhausted. I’m pretty sure she needs to see her little girl’s body. I’ll ask her what she prefers to do when she comes downstairs, all right.

That will be fine, Hank.

A few moments later, Marge Evans appeared. The woman’s eyes were red and swollen.

Marge, Joseph needs to speak with us for a few minutes. He’s offered to drive us to the coroner’s and back home again or we can talk to him now and drive ourselves after.

I’d rather we drive ourselves. I don’t need to arrive in town in the back of a police cruiser. We’ll talk here if that’s all right, Joseph. So, how are you, anyway?

I’m fine, Marge. I’ll try to be quick as I can.

You can relax, Joseph. Sit down and warm yourself up. Do you want some coffee or something stronger?

No, I’m good. I had a cup of coffee earlier.

The chief could see the strain on the mother’s face but knew he had to ask his questions anyway. Do either of you have any idea who Betty was with two nights ago? he asked.

Marge answered, Let’s see, that would be Tuesday, right? If my memory serves me, she left the house that night saying she was going to the movies. Someone picked her up around six. I assumed it was the Hart boy. She didn’t talk about him much lately but I’m pretty sure she’s been seeing him on a fairly regular basis… I say for a few months, at least.

Did Bill come in the house when he picked her up that night?

I think someone came to the stoop but Betty bolted out the door before they could ring the doorbell. I think she thought we disapproved of Bill but that wasn’t the case at all. The boy has a steady job and he always brought our girl home at a respectable hour. It isn’t his fault his parents are the way they are. You don’t think he had something to do with this, do you?

I have no idea, Marge, but I need to talk to him. So you’re telling me you don’t actually remember seeing him pick her up Tuesday night?

That’s correct.

How about you, Hank, did you happen to see who picked Betty up?

No, I didn’t see anyone either. I can tell you though that I called Bill up later that same night when our daughter never came home but no one answered the phone at his place. I finally reached him at work the next morning but Bill said he hadn’t been with Betty the night before. Said they had a little squabble and weren’t exactly on speaking terms anymore. He offered to help me search for her but I declined his offer. I believe the boy went looking for her anyways. He called here three times Wednesday seeing if she had showed up yet. He seemed truly concerned.

Do you have any idea what they were arguing about?

We don’t have a clue, Marge responded. What silly things do all young couples argue about?

True but can either of you think of anything else, anything at all about that night?

Not really, said Marge. It was like any other night, you know. Betty wasn’t one to share her private life with us. She was a good girl though. Never gave us any trouble. You need to find out who did these unthinkable things to our baby.

I know, Marge. We’ll find out who’s responsible. Look, I’m going to let you guys go for now but if you think of anything else, call me. I don’t care what time of day it is.

Ok. Come on, Hank, we need to get going. We need to go see our little girl. You let us know if you learn anything, right, Joseph?

I promise you I will. Ok then, I’ll be going. I’m so sorry about everything. I almost forgot, Barbara sends her love and prayers.

With that, Joseph left. He needed to find Bill Hart quickly and bring him in for questioning. He headed to the crime scene in the hopes of finding additional evidence. On the way, he put out an all points bulletin to the surrounding towns and the state police on the young man. His instructions were to bring Bill in for questioning and under no circumstances was he to be hurt. It was important that he find Bill before some angry local did.

An hour earlier, Bill Hart had been doing some investigating of his own. He was positive Betty had been seeing someone else for a while.