Norma Andrews Murder in the Barn

By Bob Looker

Norma Andrews receives a call, from the Assistant Director of the Criminal Investigation Division of the FBI, as she is eating breakfast on her veranda early Saturday Morning.
“I’m sending you to Halam County. They need help investigating a murder.”
Norma tries to object but since she arrived at the FBI’s New York Office she has been badgering for a chance to go out on an investigation so she could hardly turn this down.
“They have a Sherriff’s Office and the State Police to call on,” she said.
Norma not only grew up in Halam County but before she joined the FBI she was one of the Sherriff’s Deputies.
“They need you specifically,” the Assistant Director pointed out.
It appeared to Norma to be a done deal.
“When do I go?” she asked.
“Special Agent ‘Lucky’ Jack Little will be collecting you in twenty minutes,” he said.
“Who’s in charge of the investigation?” Norma asked.
“You are.”
Norma was not even dressed. She hadn’t prepared a ‘Ready Bag’, a job she had earmarked for today.
By the time she heard a car draw up outside her home she was dressed, her bag was packed and she was ready for the journey.
Norma had met ‘Lucky’ before at the FBI Academy in Quantico. He was one of the many ‘guest’ instructors and he had given her and the other girls a very hard time. How was ‘Lucky’ going to be, knowing this new girl was to lead the investigation?
In Jackson City, the capital of Halam County, neither the Sherriff nor the Mayor wanted the help of the FBI but as the killing was on Jacobs Farm they had no choice. Norma Andrews was the only Deputy who could control the Jacobs clan, she was one of them.
On arrival at the Sherriff’s office Sherriff Carter briefed the two FBI Agents. Lori Williams was killed in the barn on Jacobs Farm during a BBQ.
This stunned Norma. 20 years to the day, Susan Jacobs had been killed in that very same barn with the same weapon, a pitchfork. Norma had been there that day and saw the body.
Norma had arranged for both her and ‘Lucky’ to stay at her Aunt Jenny’s farm. This would put them much nearer to the people she would need to speak to during the investigation and her Aunt Jenny had two horses they could use to get about the countryside!
Over the next week Norma and ‘Lucky’ visited most of the people who were at the BBQ and gradually a picture fell into place as to who had killed Lori but Norma was also getting hints as to who killed Susan Jacobs.
At the end of the second week Rodney Jacobs was holding another BBQ at his farm but Norma was not invited, that didn’t stop her going.
Norma and most of the Sherriff’s department arrived at the farm and Norma issued three Warrants. The first one she gave to Rodney Jacobs. This was a Search Warrant.
The second and third warrants were arrest warrants for the murders of Susan Jacobs and Lori Williams.
After gathering the main protagonists in the barn Norma told a story and during this the other two warrants were served.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bob Looker
• Release date: Sep 14, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463183755

Bob Looker

I was born in Winchester and went to various schools until I reached 16 yrs old. With a desire to travel I joined the Army and over the next 23 years I went to over a dozen countries ranging from the Artic circle, the desert and the jungles of Asia. These experiences fed me for my later movement into writing. I write what I call grown up books under my own name but for a series of children's science fiction adventures I use the pen-name of J.J. Maxwell

Book preview

Norma Andrews loved to lie in on Saturday mornings. It was the only time of the week that she knew she was free to do her own thing.

Her partner, New York Patrolman Geoff O’Hara was not on duty today. Geoff had left the house at 8 o’clock with his golf bag slung over his shoulder. And by 8:30 he would be teeing off with his two best friends Jack and Malcolm.

Norma knew that Geoff wouldn’t be home until 6pm at the earliest, most likely not before 9pm. That suited her as it meant she didn’t have to worry about getting him an evening meal.

Although she liked the thought of staying in bed Norma never did. By 8:30 am she would be out of bed and getting herself breakfast. Her favorite would be to cook herself a plateful of waffles. She would carry them on a tray, together with honey, peanut butter and a flask of coffee, out to the veranda. Here she could relax looking out across Forrest Hill towards New York City.

She was halfway through her stack of waffles when the house phone rang. ‘Dam’ she thought as she stood up and headed into the lounge to answer the call. But she didn’t release the honey covered waffle she had started to eat. By the time she had reached the telephone she had nearly devoured the waffle.

Hello she said, as she picked up the phone and put it to her ear.

Can I speak to Special Agent Andrews?

That’s me, Norma said, but she didn’t recognize the voice.

This is Assistant Director Jeremy Gordon.

What was her boss doing calling her at home, and on the weekend? Norma had only finished her training at Quantico a few weeks previously, she was still on probation.

How can I help you Director? Norma asked.

We’ve got a special job which requires your talents.

I don’t understand Sir.

Norma was confused. She had passed out at Quantico as the top recruit but she didn’t remember showing any particular area in which she stood out.

We’ve been requested to send you to Halam County, to solve a murder, The Assistant Director said.

But they’ve got the State Police and their own Sherriff’s department. They can cope, Norma stated.

It was only a few months ago that Norma was a Deputy Sherriff at the Halam County Sherriff’s department. She had left there to become an FBI Special Agent. What was this all about?

Well Senator Richardson disagrees. He wants you, and only you.

Sir, I’m an FBI Special Agent, not local police, Norma tried to protest.

They know that. But they say that you are possibly the only person who can crack this case. The FBI Director has agreed that you can go down there to help out.

To Norma this appeared to be a done deal. After all, she has been badgering for an assignment, she could hardly turn this one down.

When do I go Sir? Norma was now resigned to the assignment.

Special Agent ‘Lucky’ Jack Little will pick you up in about twenty minutes.

What for?

The two of you are going to Halam County.

But… Norma wanted to object.

Agent Andrews this is your chance to show that you are as good as your Quantico report says you are. Special Agent Little is coming along to observe and to give you advice.

Is he in charge of the investigation? Norma asked.

No. It is your lead, the Assistant Director said.

I had better get a move on then Sir, Norma said.

I’ve emailed you all we know about the case. You need to read this before you arrive in Halam County. I understand the Sherriff will brief you, he informed Norma.

Sir, you did say I was in charge, didn’t you, Norma asked again.

Yes

Does Special Agent Little know this?

Yes

I bet he wasn’t happy, Norma said, more to herself than to the Assistant Director.

I think you’ll be surprised, he replied.

Now off you go, you’ve only got fifteen minutes to get ready. Good luck, the Assistant Director signed off.

Norma so much wanted to tell the Assistant Director to stuff his assignment. After all, this was her day off, but she thought better of it.

It’s only three weeks since Norma had completed her Special Investigators training course at Quantico. She was then assigned to The FBI Office in New York. All that training and she is a filing clerk!

Norma looked at her watch and noted the time, it was 09:05 am and ‘Lucky’ would be drawing up outside her house at 09:20, but if she knew his type it would most likely be 09:15.

On the training course they had been told that all agents should have a ‘Ready Bag’ packed. That was one of the tasks she had planned to do later today, even though she was unlikely to need a ready bag for some months.

Norma made her way to the bedroom, opened up her wardrobe and reached up to the top shelf and pulled down the overnight bag she intended to use as her ‘Ready Bag’.

‘Now where the hell is the list of things they suggested we put in the bag?’

Norma didn’t have time to search for the list. She just hoped she could remember everything.

In a few minutes she had raided her drawers and packed her underwear, blouses and a couple of pairs of trousers, including a pair of jeans. With already a good knowledge of Halam County, she made sure she had a good pair of strong shoes.

Norma picked up the bag and headed for the bathroom. As she entered she glanced at her watch. It was 09:12 so there was no time for a shower. That could wait until tonight. In the meantime she needed to ensure she packed all her essentials.

As Norma closed the final zip of the ‘Ready Bag’ she heard a car drawing up outside the apartment block, but she was still not dressed.

‘He will have to wait’ she said to herself as she dropped the bag off by the front door and returned to her bedroom to find her clothes for the journey. A T-shirt, Jeans and trainers would have to do. She threw her discarded clothes into the washing basket. Hopefully Geoff would put them through the washing machine. Norma now pulled on her jeans and trainers. As she ran towards the front door she ensured she had put on the T-shirt the right way around.

On her way out she collected her revolver and her FBI issued holster, together with her special holster, from the locked drawer in the side table in the hallway. Also on the table were her mobile phone and the works mobile, a Globalstar GSP-1700, which she may well need in Halam County. The communications were not that good and being able to link with a satellite could make all the difference. As well as picking up the bag she reached up and grabbed a coat, as she knew it could get cold there in the evenings.

Norma had previously met ‘Lucky’ during her training. He was one of the experienced Special Agents who came to assist in specialist areas. Since working at the FBI’s New York Office she hadn’t come into contact with him.

What was his attitude going to be? Having to work with a new female Special Agent straight out of training was one thing but Norma was going to be the lead Agent? Norma hoped he would be genital with her and that they could work together.

Norma got into the car, after throwing her ‘ready bag’ into the back seat.

Morning Boss, ‘Lucky’ greeted her.

Good morning Special Agent Little, she replied.

While in training Norma had looked him up on their computer systems and knew him to be a top agent. He had many successes and bravery awards to his name and as such she should be respectful.

Call me ‘Lucky’ and I’ll call you Norma, if that’s OK with you?

Thank you, Norma was a bit overawed.

Have you read the case file the Assistant Director sent you? he asked.

No. Since the Assistant Director rang I’ve been running around getting ready before you arrived.

I bet you hadn’t packed your ‘Ready Bag’? he smiled at her, as they made their way through the traffic to get out of town.

How did you know?

I did the same when I was out of training. I was lucky I had the full six months before I got called away, so I had time to find the list and pack the bag.

I’m just hoping I’ve got everything, Norma said.

Don’t worry I’m sure they’ve got shops in Jackson.

Look you get on and read that file while I find us the route out of here and towards Halam County. Once we are on our way you can brief me, ‘Lucky’ said.

Norma took out her official iPad and brought up her emails. As promised the Assistant Director had sent the case files. She opened the attachment and started to read.

She recognized the style of reports made by Sherriff Henry Carter. They were never very detailed but she knew how to read between the lines. Not that there were many lines to read between.

What Norma had here was the single fact that a woman named Lori Williams had been murdered last Sunday at Jacobs Farm, while attending a BBQ. There was no mention of how she was killed or any suspects. This was worrying. What was Sherriff Carter hiding from her?

They were still fighting their way through the traffic and it was not a good time to distract ‘Lucky’ so Norma laid her head back against the head rest and closed her eyes. She needed to think.

It was half an hour before ‘Lucky’ spoke,

Well what’s in the report?

Norma opened her eyes and looked around. She wasn’t looking for ‘Lucky’ but wanted to get some idea about the countryside they were travelling through.

Not a lot. The dead woman is Lori Williams. I used to know a Lori Hall but not a Williams.

How was she killed? he asked.

It doesn’t say. Nor are there any suspect named.

Forensics, Coroners reports? he asked.

No

What’s going on?

I’m willing to bet that this is as much as they have, Norma said.

You’re joking?

I wish I was, Norma said.

This is unfair on you Norma. I mean fresh out of training and nothing to work with, ‘Lucky’ stated.

I’ve got you, Norma smiled at ‘Lucky’.

I know why they sent for me, Norma said.

I wish I did, he replied.

These are county people and they are very territorial. This murder happened at Jacobs Farm. The Jacob’s clan controls a large part of Halam County and so this area is virtually lawless.

But there is a County Sherriff? ‘Lucky’ observed.

Not in the Jacob’s area there isn’t.

So why have they asked for you specifically? ‘Lucky’ was curious.

I was the only Deputy accepted by the Jacob’s clan and that’s partly because I’m one of them, Norma said.

‘Lucky’ had to think about this for a few moments. If Norma is in the clan how on earth do they expect that she would find the killer and bring them to justice?

I know what you’re thinking ‘Lucky’. They are sending a lion into the lions den. Norma cut into his thoughts.

Are you joining the pack? ‘Lucky’ asked.

No I’m going in and routing out the bad wood, Norma stated.

They travelled on until it was mid day and ‘Lucky’ pulled into a gas station and filled up the tank. While he did this, Norma made her way to the gas station’s café. She ordered herself a coffee and a slice of apple pie. They didn’t do apple pie in New York like they did out here in the countryside. ‘Lucky’ soon joined her at the table.

With the food on the table ‘Lucky’ had something he had to tell Norma. He didn’t want them to get off on the wrong foot.

Norma. At the end of this investigation I have to write a report on how you worked, what you did and if you are a good agent.

Can I do the same? Norma smiled at ‘Lucky’.

Seriously I’m here to observe and, if you need it, assist. This is your case.

Thank you. I was worried that you wouldn’t like it, working for me.

I’ve read all your training reports. You’re going a long way in the bureau so I have no problem working with you, he smiled across the table at her.

"Working for me, surely?"

"Yes, Boss. Working for you," he smiled at her.

While ‘Lucky’ was finishing his lunch and Norma was having her second cup of coffee Norma took out her mobile phone and dialed a number,

Aunt Jenny its Norma, she said, when the call was answered.

What can I do for you dear?

Look I’m being sent to Halam County to investigate a case and I need somewhere to stay. Can I stay with you? Norma asked.

Why not stay at your Ma’s farm? Aunt Jenny asked.

Your place is nearer to where I have to work, that’s all,

OK when will you be here?

Today. One other thing Auntie, I have a man with me. Can you put him up as well? Norma hoped she would say yes.

Of course I can. It’s not Geoff is it?

No. A work colleague

Remember dinner’s at 6 o’clock.

With that both women rang off.

What’s that all about? ‘Lucky’ asked.

Just finding us a good place to stay, that’s all, Norma said, with a smile.

We usually stay at one of the approved hotel chains, ‘Lucky’ informed her.

Well there aren’t many Hotels in Halam County and none from the approved list, Norma said.

So why are we staying with your Aunt and not at a hotel in Jackson?

Our work will be centered well outside Jackson. Aunties farm will put us in the middle of our area of investigation, less travelling, Norma informed him.

‘Well it seemed logical’ ‘Lucky thought.

Once they had finished their meal they got back in the car and set off on the last leg of the journey to Jackson city in Halam County.

Chapter 2 – I’ve got too

On the previous Sunday evening, as the BBQ at Jacob’s Farm was coming near its end, there was the discovery of a body in the main barn. Of all days this could happen. The BBQ was arranged to commemorate the death of Susan Jacobs, 20 years to the day.

The local Sherriff’s department was called but Rodney Jacobs had already sent his guests home. Rodney thought there was no need for them to hang about, as it would take the Sherriff’s Deputies at least an hour to get to the farm.

Sherriff Henry Carter had sent Deputy Richards to Jacobs Farm to secure the scene. Deputy Richards was attending at the William’s farm, investigation a dead cow. Being the nearest Deputy to the Jacobs Farm he was dispatched as a dead body was more important than a dead cow.

Deputy Richards hadn’t been happy going to the Jacobs Farm. There had been a long running feud between his family and the Jacobs. Their families had been on different sides during the civil war and memories still ran deep.

On his arrival at the farm Deputy Richards was shown into the barn. While he waited for the Coroner, Doctor Allen Edwards to arrive Deputy Richards took a few photos of the scene. Once Doctor Edwards arrived he proclaimed Lori Williams dead, Deputy Richards could get about taking statements.

With the help of his assistant, Doctor Edwards bagged the body and, with the additional help of Deputy Richards, they lifted the body into the coroner’s vehicle and the Doctor and his assistant headed back to Jackson.

With the body off the farm Rodney Jacobs told Deputy Richards to leave his farm but the Deputy protested as he had to take statements from all those attending the BBQ.

It took the threat of arrest before Rodney would agree to give him a list of those who were attending the BBQ. But no, he was not giving a statement.

It took two days before the list of those attending the BBQ arrived at the Sherriff’s Office. During Wednesday and Thursday all the deputies were dispatched to take statements from all those on the lists but only a small handful had agreed to give any form of statement.

Sherriff Carter was getting frustrated at the slow progress. Surely the death of a woman in a barn, with a pitchfork in her chest, was not a hard case to clear up?

The other thing that was worrying the Sherriff was that it was the election season. In two months time he would be up for reelection. If he hadn’t closed this case by then he could well be out of a job.

The Sherriff had a restless nights sleep on Wednesday. He was tossing and turning all night, so much so that his wife went into the lounge and slept on the sofa.

The one thing that local police don’t want to happen is for the FBI to be called in. But Henry realised that if he didn’t solve this murder that’s exactly what he would have to do.

Why he had done it he didn’t know. It must have been because they had grown up together. Henry had let his best detective join the FBI and he could really do with her back here right now.

When Norma first applied to join the FBI the Sherriff thought she wouldn’t have passed the physical fitness test but she past that with top marks. Then there was the interview followed by a long wait to be called up for the training course. He was hoping that these delays would change her mind, but it didn’t.

Time had gone on while Norma waited for the course date and in the mean time she had met up with Geoff, a man she had befriended during her Basic Police training course. Henry was hoping that being involved with this man would delay or even cancel her application but no, just after she returned from her holiday with Geoff, the letter came through giving her the course start date. That was seven months ago and since then he had seen neither hide nor hair of Norma Andrews.

The Sherriff’s only way of getting her back was to call in the FBI.

Sherriff Carter arrived at his office at 8 o’clock Thursday morning and asked about any developments on the case but, as he expected, there were none. This made up his mind. He firstly needed to speak to the Mayor but then he would need to call the Divisional Commander and request he calls in the FBI. In particular they wanted only FBI Special Agent Norma Andrews.

Henry looked at his watch and instantly knew that it was too early to go and see the Mayor but he guessed that Daphne would already be in the Mayor’s office. So he rang to make an appointment to see the Mayor.

Mayor’s Office, can I help you?

Daphne I need to see the Mayor urgently, Henry said.

Is that you Sherriff? she asked.

Yes

He’s not in yet and he has an appointment at 9 o’clock.

Good, let me know when he gets in and I’ll come right over, Henry said.

But… Daphne began.

Look this is urgent, it can’t wait, with that he rang off.

Henry sat back and needed to think about how he was going to approach the Mayor. The last time the FBI came to town there was trouble everywhere and the Mayor got the blame.

Just after 8:30 am his phone rang.

Sherriff Carter.

Sherriff the Mayor’s just come in. If you hurry you can see him now, Daphne informed him

Thanks Daphne, I’ll be right over.

The Sherriff stood up and headed for his office door. As he opened the door he reached out and took his hat off the rack and placed it on his head. He always liked to be dressed right when he was walking about the streets of Jackson. He not only wanted to be noticed but by being seen about town, he hoped this would reassure the towns’ folk that the law was looking after them.

He crossed the road and walked the few yards to the building which has a large brass plate above the door announcing that the Mayor of Halam County was Jason J. West. It always made Henry smile when he looked up at this plate, Why was the Mayor’s name so much larger than the name of the county? He entered the front door of the Mayor’s offices and was greeted by Daphne.

I’ve told him you needed to see him urgently. So he said you can have five minutes, Daphne said.

Thanks Daphne.

Chapter 3 – He’s not happy

Henry took off his hat and dropped in on the seat outside the Mayors inner office, opened the door and went in.

Good morning Jason, the Sherriff greeted the mayor.

What’s the urgent problem you need to see me about, and before my first cup of coffee?

It’s about the killing out at Jacobs Farm.

I thought you had that in hand.

No and that’s the problem. I can’t get those people to talk to us. They are clamming up and building fences, Henry informed him.

You’ll have to knock the fences down.

That is easier said then done. You know what those people are like. If it hadn’t been for Owen Robinson being there I doubt if we would ever have been told about it.

The Mayor knew he was right but like Henry there were town elections coming up in a couple of months time and if this murder was not solved by then the two of them would be out of their jobs.

It suddenly came to Jason that this meeting had nothing really to do with the lack of progress in the investigation. Henry had something to ask.

Well what is it you want? Jason asked.

I need Norma back.

This surprised the Mayor. He knew how happy Henry had been when Norma was selected to become an FBI Special Agent. They had reports that she not only passed out with flying colors but also received the Director’s Leadership Award for best recruit.

She’s only just finished her FBI Training. Norma won’t want to come back here, Jason said.

I know. I need her back in her FBI capacity. Henry said, knowing the fire he was jumping into.

I’m not having those animals crawling all over my county, never! Jason snapped.

Henry had known this would be the Mayor’s stance but he had to find an argument that would persuade the Mayor to agree to get Norma back.

Look Jason, Norma is one of them. The Jacob’s clan trusts her.

Well I don’t trust those scumbags.

The Jacobs are not scumbags, Henry said.

I’m talking about the FBI scumbags, Jason said angrily.

But you know Norma, she’s different.

She’s one of them now.

No she’s not. She wouldn’t change, not this quickly anyway, the Sherriff said.

Jason sat back for a moment to think things out. Then the door opened and Daphne walked in with her father’s first cup of coffee.

Don’t upset him Sherriff. Doctor Vincent said he must take it easy or he’ll have another heart attack, Daphne tried to protect her father.

All he has to say is ‘Yes’ and I’ll be out of here, Henry smiled at Daphne.

Even though she was his daughter and not just his clerk, Jason had learned to trust his daughter’s advice.

The Sherriff wants to bring Norma back to help find this killer, Jason addressed his daughter.

Daphne’s face lit up. She liked Norma and they had been friends for several years but she knew her father.

But she’s an FBI Special Agent now, Daphne stated.

I know but she knows these people and they trust her, even when she worked in the Sherriff’s office they trusted her, Henry stated.

But pa doesn’t like the FBI, Daphne said.

I’m not that happy either but she is special,