The Case of the Misplaced Cicada

By John Henry "Doc" Holliday

Bo “Didley” Hart and his side-kick Phredrica J. Fox along with their new detective, Indigo Jones, take on their third case as Private Investigators. A series of murders along the Appalachian Trail all have one thing in common that is bugging the police detectives, the remains of an insect that just shouldn’t be there. Bo and Phred are hired to uncover the why’s and how’s. So, fasten your seat belt and get ready for the ride......

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Henry "Doc" Holliday
• Release date: Apr 19, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005012151

John Henry "Doc" Holliday

The first novel for John Henry “Doc” Holliday, no kin to his namesake., was written at age 60. Doc is a storyteller who weaves the elements of his stories into the written word in the form of a novel.He is not schooled in or studied books on the writing. He avoided reading novels by other writers to not influence or corrupt his own outpourings. In additional to the stories, Doc has written many verses of prose and song lyrics. There will be other stories that will be produced as novels in the near future. His first novel "Cartel El Corazón Negro".His second novel “Rise of the Sanguine Moon”. A detective series "The Hart of the Matter" is a three book series #1 The Case of Mistaken Identity, #2 The Case of the Conniving Conundrum and #3 The Case of the Misplaced Cicada. A love story "A One in a Million Chance of a Lifetime".

Book preview

Prologue

In book number one in the series, The Case of Mistaken Identity, Bo Didley Hart discovered his former Army special Ops partner, Phredrica J. Fox, was actually a long lost sister who had been given up at birth in an adoption. Bo had lost his leg below the knee due to an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound and was being fitted with a new bionic prosthetic at the VA Hospital where he ran into Phred, who was there visiting someone. Bo’s plans to open a Private Detective Agency caught Phred’s attention and ultimately she muscled her way into running the office. While there had been no love interest between them while they were stationed together in Kuwait, interest began to flow as they worked their first case together. The night is was all coming together, Bo’s parents, who had been on a mission trip for two years in the middle of an African jungle, called to inform him they were coming home. In that conversation, when Bo gleefully shared the news of his blooming romance and when asked, gave them Phred’s name; his parents had to make a quick, unexpected disclosure. The news that Bo and Phred were brother and sister was life changing for both. Stopping a romantic relationship, just in time, while creating a new bond as siblings, where rivalry was sure to be an issue. Their new relationship and the challenges that would come with it, led to a new dynamic at the office and in the home they now shared.

The Police Detective, Indigo Jones, who had worked with Bo and Phred to help solve their first case, has now been promoted to Chief of Police as the corruption task force had cleaned out most of the top brass in the Department. At the retirement of Chief Franklin Ferter, he recommended Indigo for the job to the City Council and his parting words were, You have a very capable man stepping into my former office, just know he can be quirky and live with it, as he is the best person for the job.

In Case # 2 , Now Chief of Police, Jones, frustrated by the lack of progress in an unsolved missing child case, once again turns to Bo and Phred for their help. The case has many twists and turns. Is it a serial kidnapper at work or something more sinister? The case takes the team to Mexico where in this case what happens in Mexico, doesn’t stay in Mexico.

The dynamic duo’s fame has spread from their ability to solve bizarre cases. They have changed the name of the firm to The Hart and Fox Agency adding recently retired Police Chief Indigo Jones to the team.

A new case is about to begin…….

The Cicada

Perhaps one of nature’s ugliest creatures, Cicadas infest an area from North Georgia to Connecticut, but thankfully only every thirteen or seventeen years. In 2013 when the soil temperature reached exactly 64*, billions of cicada nymphs emerged from their underground burrows. They grew into adults over four to six weeks, mated, then died. At times they outnumbered the human population 600 to 1. If you live in there population zone, you have more than likely been kept awake by the male cicada’s ninety decibel buzzing to attract a female. After mating the female lays her eggs, which hatch into nymphs that dig underground and feed off tree roots until thirteen or seventeen years pass, when they emerge and start the cycle all over again.

Chapter One

Business had been brisk, although not exactly the type cases Bo Didley Hart, longed for. His step-sister and partner, Phredrica J. Fox, Phred to all, loved them though. Divorce, cheating husbands and missing pets, were right up her alley. Going undercover to snare husbands and sometimes wives with cheating on their minds, just lit her fire. Those cases also kept the agency afloat. But, Bo liked the big notorious cases that required all his skills and challenged him. Their newest addition, former Chief of Police and skilled detective, Indigo Jones, didn’t care what type case he was assigned, he relished his new freedoms his PI badge from the Hart and Fox Agency, gave him.

The office, located in the Hurt Building, was in jeopardy of being moved as the owner, Alfred P. Dealmaker, had put the building up for sale. It wasn’t much of a building and while they had expanded the office, it was still outdated and in need of renovation. Phred was for a move; Bo liked his comfortability factor, as he called it; Indigo didn’t have a vote. Bo needed something big, a case that would not only possibly provide him with the funds he needed to buy the building, but something to re-launch his fame as the go to guy for tough crime cases.

On this unusually cool morning, Bo had hit the office early. His normal routine was in play. Make the coffee, fire up his computer and spend the morning racing Dale Jr. on his NASCAR video game. He cranked up the sound so that the windows were rattling as the cars zoomed around the track. The roar drowned out the knock on his door. He almost peed in his pants when a hand suddenly flashed across his monitor. He looked up to see a stunning, red head, thirty-something with a body by Fisher. The game quickly was put on hold as he tried to get up from his chair, lost his balance, spilled his coffee everywhere, on the way down to the floor. The red head reached out a helping hand to pull Bo up. He had forgotten the fact that he had removed his prosthetic leg, as it was bothering him, to play his game.

Oh my! the red head blurted, as he looked down to his lower half. Yeah, um, I know, I lost it in combat in Kuwait, got a fake one, just hate to wear it, he explained. Then he realized it wasn’t his missing limb her eyes were locked onto. She tentatively pointed to his coffee soaked crotch, asking Ooh, did you burn yourself? Bo hadn’t even contemplated what other damage, than his pride, had been done. Now, he was beet red from the discovery, seeking words to cover his clumsiness. Uh, um, hi, I’m Bo Didley Hart, guess you can just call me clumsy, he offered. Well, then clumsy, you are just the man I was looking for, the red head replied, I’m Sofia Benton, Chief Detective for the Enotah County Georgia Sheriff’s Department. And I, well, we need your help. The coffee may have scalded him, but her words melted what was left. Her voice was like that of a sultry movie star and Bo’s mind wasn’t on why she needed his help, but on what he would like to do for her. He grabbed a towel and gently dabbed the coffee blob that covered his pants, as he sat back in his chair. Well, Mrs. is it? Sofia Benton, how can I be of service? he questioned, Please have a seat. Can I get you a cup of coffee or something?

He re-attached his prosthesis, got two cups of coffee, gave one to Sofia and returned to his chair. She began to weave a story about the mystery behind the now seven bodies that had been discovered along the Appalachian Trail in her County over the past seven months. Each victim had been murdered in the same fashion and each bore a trademark of the killer or killers. While the identities of all but two of the victims had been confirmed, the question lingered as to how they had ended up on the trail, when none of them were hikers. Complicating the case was the fact that forensics couldn’t find anything in the way of evidence on or around the bodies to lead them to a perpetrator. In at least two of the cases, evidence that the body had been preserved in some way was at least presumed by the forensics team. Bottom line was, there seemed to be a pattern that indicated if the serial killer wasn’t apprehended soon, yet another person could fall victim.

Bo was taking it all in, although his eyes had fixated on her now exposed cleavage as she leaned forward to sip her coffee. Uh, excuse me, Mr. Hart, eyes up here please, she directed, pointing to her face. Oh, um, sorry, it’s been a while, he replied, then realized how that had sounded and quickly added, I mean since I have had a case like those, I mean this. That brought a laugh from Sofia and a tint back to Bo’s face.

Phred to the rescue, Good morning, brother, she chirped as she blew into his office, not realizing anyone else was there. Morning, sis, he answered, Meet Sofia Benton. Phred looked Sofia up and down and surmised she could be a pro. Well, well, my brother is stepping up in the world, she declared, What street corner did he find you on? Phred! Damn it! Bo exclaimed, Have you lost your mind? Mrs. Benton is the Chief Detective from some place in the North Georgia Mountains. Now you apologize! It was Phred’s turn to turn red. Oh my God, I’m so sorry Mrs. Benton, she began, It’s just that my brother is, um, well that’s not important. I’m Phred Fox, his sister and partner and I sure hope I haven’t offended you too badly. Sofia was a good sport, even sharing that sometimes she went undercover as a prostitute and her peers always claimed she was art imitating life. That brought a shared laugh from all. By the way, for full disclosure, it’s Miss not Mrs., I just wear the ring to avoid getting hit on, Sofia allowed. Phred giggled, adding, I’m sure that didn’t work on old Mr. Sex-hound here. What brings you to our office?

Sofia gave Phred a brief synopsis of the situation and added, she had been trying to call for a week, but couldn’t get an answer. She had come into town for a wedding and decided to take a chance on stopping by to see if they were still in business. Phred’s eye seared Bo’s face as she said, You turned off the damn ringer, again, didn’t you? Do you see what I have to deal with, Ms. Benton? But, to his credit, he is really good at what he does. Mom says he was born under the criminal sign and that’s how he solves cases, he thinks like the perks he’s chasing. Sofia and Phred enjoyed a laugh; he just scowled.

So, Sofia, exactly how is it we can help you? Phred posed. Sofia allowed that the Enotah County Sheriff’s Department and the GBI were at their wits end over the mystery. They needed fresh eyes and minds to start at the beginning and review all the forensics and investigative work to date. Phred, if we don’t catch this guy, God only knows what the number of victims could be, Sofia stated. Bo leaned back in his chair, almost flipping it over. Hmmm, he uttered, Why is it always a guy? You know women can be just as deadly.

Chapter Two

Boy, you can say that again, Indigo called from the office entrance, Take my wife, please! What’s the deal, I didn’t think any one was here. I’ve been calling for over an hour. He stuck his head into Bo’s office. You can thank Mr. NASCAR for that, Phred uttered, He cut the ringer off again. Indigo, meet Sofia Benton, a detective from the North Georgia Mountains. Sofia, this is Indigo Indy Jones, formerly the Chief of Police and hot-shot detective from the Central PD and now our lead investigator. Hellos were exchanged. Indy cracked a smile, then allowed, Oh and for clarification purposes, I am not married, it was just my attempt at humor. Hmmm, I guess then I should clarify, this ring is just for show, I’m not either, Sofia answered. If you two are through, maybe we could get back to business, Phred insisted.

Without going through it all again, we’ve got seven unsolved murders with all the bodies found on the Appalachian Trail. Similar M.O.’s in all, with no forensics to point to a suspect, Sofia outlined. Serial Killer for sure, Indy responded, I worked one a few years ago, turned out to be one of the toughest cases I was ever involved with. We had zero forensics and even brought the FBI in to give us a profile, still with no leads. It was just the fact that the killer made one stupid mistake, that finally got us the clues to track him down. He took his own life as we closed in, so we’ll never know what caused him to snap. Best we could reconstruct was that he randomly chose his victims while cruising the streets. One teenage girl, three women whose ages ranged from twenty to sixty and two men both in their thirties, fell victim to him. No common thread or pattern was ever discovered. I hate to say it, but if I didn’t know our guy was dead, I’d say he’s at it again. Sofia sighed, replying, Our situation exactly. My people, the GBI and even the FBI profilers are all in a quandary. I happened to read the article on your solving that missing children’s case and something clicked that while I was near, maybe I could pick your brains. When I didn’t get an answer, I just left my laptop and case files in my hotel room. Maybe we could get together for drinks or dinner this evening. I’ve got a bridal party thing till five, but would be available after then. Bo jumped at the opportunity, saying, Yeah, that sounds great, what time and where? Phred smirked then gave him the fickle finger of fate, adding Brother dear, the lady wants to pick your brain, which shouldn’t take long as there seems to be only two things on it, fast cars and faster women. Now, I can’t make it because unlike my brother, I have a real life and a real date. Sofia, honey, forget the fake ring, tote your Glock and good luck. Indy looked like he needed to run to the bathroom, pacing and hopping up and down. Jones, what the hell is wrong with you? Phred asked. He blew out a deep breath, then answered, It’s not fair, that’s all. I’ve got something I’ve got to do tonight and I can’t be there either. Sofia was enjoying the attention, allowing, Why, you two treat me like I’m some T-bone you’re ready to take on, she giggled, Boy’s, I know it’s hard to look at me and think business, but that’s what I am all about. Now, I’ve got to run. Bo, see you at the Marriott main bar, say five-thirty. Phred, Indy, hope to see you again. As she walked out, Bo cheerfully offered, Sofia, it’s been a business doing pleasure with you. Phred tossed her cup of water on him, as Sofia laughed all the way out.

What the hell was that for? Bo questioned, dripping wet. To cool you down, horn-dog, Phred shot back, Don’t you realize this could be the dream case we’ve been waiting for? Money, fame. Buy the building, grow the business? Stop thinking with your little brain and use your head. That woman may be pretty, but she’s got the exact same body parts as I do and you’ve never acted that way around me. Um, Bo uttered. Hand in face, No, stop, I don’t want to know, she chastised, Now, why don’t you kill the NASCAR and do some, you know, actual detective work on the case. And you, horn-dog two, can do the same, I have a nail appointment.

She left the two guys with her instructions. They waited until they were sure she was gone, then turned the NASCAR game back on. They were in the middle of race number two, when all of a sudden the monitor went black and the computer cut-off. Damn it, I had you beat by a mile, Bo chided. Oh really, let me tell you who is going to beat two asses if I catch them playing this or any other game anytime soon, Phred declared, as she held the power cords in her hand, I came back, because the ringer is still off. Now, turn it back on and leave it on or your ringers will be cooked, get me? Yes maam, they said in unison.

This time after she left, Bo put in a search of news stories of multiple murders in the North Georgia Mountains. Sure, enough he came across a photo of Sofia standing at one of the crime scenes, under the banner, Murders on the Trail still unsolved. There were no real specific details, but the scope of the horror and fear the area was under was apparent in the reporter’s story. None of the victims were from the local area. One was from as far away as Atlanta, some one hundred miles. Another from Greenville, South Carolina, again a hundred miles away. Yet a third was from Chattanooga, Tennessee, around one hundred miles away. The other two identified victims all came from within the area between the identified cities. Bo was absorbing it all. Indy was taking notes. Bo stood up, walked over to the large US map hanging on the wall. Indy, give me the three cities mentioned, he requested. Indy read off Atlanta, Greenville and Chattanooga. Bo took a pencil and marked each city, then had Indy toss him a ruler from his desk. He carefully drew lines with the ruler connecting all three cities. He stood back, then offered, Well I’ll be damned Indy, do you see what we have here? Uh, yeah, one pissed off Phred because you drew on her map, Indy answered. No, man, look, it’s an equilateral triangle with the body dump site at the dead center, Bo stated, ‘I’ll bet you the other two bodies came from areas along one of these lines. Like a bolt of lightning had struck, Bo called out, Find me some string and push pins, quick! Indy searched Phred’s desk, a death wish, found a short piece of string and some push pins. Here, I guess in for a penny, in for a pounding. After all she can only kill us once, Indy bemoaned. Oh whatever, Bo snapped as he took the string, placed it on the maps scale, then cut it to represent 100 miles. Taking a red push pin, he ran it through the string and placed it right on the projected body dump site location. He pushed the blue pin through the other end and low and behold, the blue pin reached each one of the identified cities. Eureka, buddy, Bo uttered, I believe we are about to identify where the other two bodies may have come from. Indy had watched Bo’s actions with interest. Now, all we have to do is download a more comprehensive map of the area, blow it up to scale and see what cities sit on the intersections, Bo explained, Why sometimes, I even amaze myself. And you’re so humble, too, Indy added, I’ll get on the other map now, Damn Bo, you might just be on to something."

Chapter Three

Indy was able to go to Google Map, zoom in on the area, then project it to scale on the monitor. Bo’s computer skills were limited to game consoles and simple word processing. Indy’s weren’t much better. The two were wishing Phred was back, as they needed her computer expertise.

A sweet young female voice called from the outer office, Hello, is anyone here? Indy popped up to see who was calling. Standing in the office doorway was a uniformed Girl Scout, carrying a tote bag full of cookies. Why, hello there, are you lost? Indy posed. She flashed a big smile, answering, Nope, I’m here to sell you my cookies. I have all types and I can take a check with proper ID. Indy motioned to Bo to come out to check this out. Hey, I know you, she blurted, You’re that famous detective that saved those boys! Bo beamed; Indy just shook his head. Bo was not only a sucker for a compliment, but for cookies and thin mints which just happen to be his favorite, and happen to be the box protruding from her tote. I’m Candy, Candy Cartwright, and no I’m not as sweet as nor to I live on the Ponderosa, Candy made clear. Bo introduced himself and Indigo, as he eyed the thin mints. So, Candy, what kind of a deal can you make a famous detective on your cookies? Bo asked. She grinned then replied, Well, they are normally three-fifty a box, but for you how does two for seven dollars sound? Bo jumped on the deal with cash in hand. Indy was incredulous. You know, I think I want to be a detective when I grow up, Candy offered, Are you working any exciting cases, you can tell me about? Indy, who was still chuckling over how the little nymph had suckered Bo, jumped in saying, Well, we are, but if we were to tell you about it, we would have to kill you. Indigo Jones! Bo shouted, Uh Candy, sorry, he’s just trying to be funny. Actually, we are working on one but we are having a computer problem and are stuck.

Candy’s face lit up. Oh wow, that’s so cool, I just got my computer technology badge, maybe I could help. Bo and Indy looked at each other. Well, I suppose it couldn’t hurt to let you look at it. It’s in here, Bo directed. She looked at the monitor and saw everything seemingly normal. She shrugged her shoulders, then asked, Well, what are the problems? Bo chuckled, then replied, he and I, we are like computer illiterates. That brought a smile to Candy’s face. Hmmm, I tell you what, she began, You agree to buy the other ten boxes of cookies I have and I’ll make your computer do whatever you want. The kid was like a junior mobster, gleefully holding Bo and Indy in the palm of her hand. Bo knew that if Phred returned to find a dozen boxes of Girl Scout cookies paid for from petty cash, she would kill them both, twice. But the clock was running and he wanted something to take to dinner and impress Sofia. Okay kid, you drive a hard bargain, but let’s see what ya got, Bo allowed. Instead of putting her fingers on the keyboard, she held out one hand and pointed to it, indicating cash before delivery. Indy sighed as he went to retrieve thirty-five dollars from petty cash, dropping it into her hand. She counted it, then placed it in her purse. Well, what do you want me to do? she asked. Bo explained as he showed her his handywork on the map. She clicked on the keyboard, tapped this and that and thirty seconds later, she was done. Okay, here it is, she gloated. Bo and Indy were blown away. She had created a new map with the exact specs Bo had given her. That’s it, wow, Indy, look just like I suspected, Bo blurted, We have the cities that sit right along those lines. All we need to do now is confirm that one or both of the other identified cities fit the parameters. Damn, Bo, you’re right. Sometimes you amaze even me, Indy added. Ahem, excuse me, your junior crime solver made this happen, Candy asserted, Now give me the juicy details. Um, Bo, she’s just a kid, Indy warned, But she is a Scout and we can make her swear not to disclose anything on that honor thing. Hmmm,’ Bo reflected, Yeah, that’s a good point, I guess it wouldn’t hurt. But look kid our cookie deal is over, agreed? Candy grinned, answering, Un-hu, scout’s honor. But before you begin can I get something to drink, please. Not a cola, no diet, no caffeine, just a little sugar, with two cubes of ice. Indy called Bo over to the refrigerator. The only drink that might fit was Phred’s Seven-Up, which had a hand written note attached, drink and die. Bo grabbed the drink, put two ice cubes in a glass, poured some Seven-up in it, then took it to Candy. Bo began to explain the case, as he unconsciously opened a box of thin mints. He grabbed a handful, then passed the box to Indy, who took some then tried to pass it on to Candy, who declined. I can’t eat those things and keep my girlish figure. She informed.

When Bo finished his description of the case, Candy was sitting on the edge of her seat. She appeared slightly pale. Candy, are you all right? Indy questioned. She looked pitiful. I, um, don’t feel so well, you should have warned me about all those dead people, she answered, I think I need to lay down. Bo helped her over to the couch and laid her down. Indy grabbed a coat from his office and laid it over her legs. The boys went back to marveling over the map on the monitor. Then it occurred to them they needed to save it and print a copy or two. Bo went over, sat on the edge of the couch, saying, Candy, I know we agreed on thirty-five dollars to please us, but sweetie, we need a little bit more. What the fuck, is going on here? Phred screamed in the doorway, Oh my God, you’ve paid a Girl Scout for sex, I’m going to kill you both, as she began fumbling in her purse for the gun. What? Sex? No way, come on Phred you know us better than that, Bo pled, as he searched for an exit just in case. Indy was inching towards a window. Candy shot up over Phred’s vulgar entry, saying, Oh my, you used a dirty word, you need to take that back, she chastised. Sweetie are you okay, did these men hurt you? Phred frantically spewed, Did they drug you and steal your cookies? Candy looked totally confused, but responded, Oh, no maam. They paid for the cookies from something called petty cash and I was just helping them with something on the computer. I asked them to tell me about the case and my stomach got to feeling funny when I thought about all those dead people. So, Bo helped me lay down and that’s when you came in using that dirty word. Phred spied the cup on the desk. Is that my Seven-Up? she angrily questioned. Hey, it was for medicinal purposes only, Indy explained. Phred helped Candy up, suggesting she might want to go ahead and leave, because she was about to use words she hadn’t used in years. Candy grabbed her purse and empty tote and took off. Bo held his hands up to ask Phred to stop for a second. Sis, before you kill us, just go over and look at the computer monitor, please, he begged. She let out a sigh of disgust, then walked over, gazed at the screen, uttering, Holy shit!

Chapter Four

You two, you really did this? Phred questioned, How? From what information? Bo was hoping her anger had subsided and wanted to test the waters before saying anything else. So, you forgive us? he posed. She looked puzzled, answering, For what? He listed their misdemeanors to her. Okay, maybe I over-reacted a little, she responded, But just think how that all looked and sounded like to me. Now, let’s get back to business. Oh, that reminds me. At the nail salon they were talking about three walk-in robberies at offices in this area just this week. We might better keep the front door locked. Now, where was I, oh yeah, you two produced this outline of the crime scene? A sudden creaking noise emitting from the front office, ceased all conversation and caused Bo to reach in his drawer for his gun. Phred signaled Indy to go back around through her office, while she found her gun in her purse