Make for a Better Place

By Robert M. Beatty

Olive Clebo, wife of Dan Clebo chief investigator for the Piedmont, NC Police Department was brutally murdered by three released murderers that Dan had previously arrested. This vindictive retaliation was meant to send a warning to other police officers throughout the country.

Dan pledged to avenge Olive's murder. He resigned from the police department, located and executed two of the three men. He left no clues that could legally be used against him. He did this to force a change in the law that would prevent anyone, including himself, from getting away with murder.

While awaiting this legal change, Dan fell in love and remarried. He wanted to stay with his new wife, but if the law was adopted, he would be put in jail for the rest of his life.

Now it was decision time. Which would it be?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 9, 2002
• ISBN: 9781462832415

Robert M. Beatty

The author grew up on a small farm in Indiana before joining the Service and serving as a top turret gunner on an air crew aboard a B-24 Liberator in the South Pacific during World War II. After the war he married a girl from Eastern North Carolina and served as a Special Agent of the FBI for 27 years. He has been married 68 years to his wonderful wife, Cleo, who bore him three sons. He now boasts proudly of five grand- children and three great grand children. The author and his wife now make their home in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

The insistent ring of the telephone awakened Dan Clebo from a sound sleep. As a seasoned detective, he knew a call at 2 A. M. would not be a social one. It meant trouble and probably the loss of another night’s sleep.

At forty-four, Dan Clebo, was recognized as the best detective in the Piedmont, North Carolina, Police Department. At five feet, nine inches and 170 pounds, he was not as big as many detectives but what he lacked in size, he counterbalanced with his ability to anticipate problems before they happened. He ran his hand through his brown, close cropped hair, and blinked the sleep out of his green eyes. He scratched the stubble on his chin.

Clebo wholeheartedly believed in good, solid law enforcement. He frequently would say that good police work would make for a better place when discussing a case with other detectives. In fact, he had said this so often that his fellow officers would mock him before he could comment.

Dan’s suspicions were confirmed when he answered the telephone. Frank Huggins, the night duty officer was on the line.

Dan, I just got a call from Clifford Greyson, the oldest son of Edward T. Greyson, who claims that when he returned home from a date a few minutes ago, he found his father, mother and younger brother dead. According to Clifford, they were each tied up and stabbed. The wall safe, in one of the bedroom closets, is open and empty. I’ve already sent a laboratory crew and some uniform men out to the house. Can you get out there right away?

By now Dan was wide awake and alert. Edward T. Greyson

was a prominent, wealthy businessman, who had always managed to find time to help the local youngsters who had gotten into trouble. Dan had worked with him on several occasions and was impressed by Greyson’s affable personality and business savvy.

I’ll be there within thirty minutes. Have Jim Taylor meet me at the Greyson home, Dan said before remembering that his partner was on vacation. He had taken his wife on a cruise to the Caribbean and wouldn’t return for several days. He told Huggins this. Let me go out there and if I need any help I’ll call in and let you know what I’ll need. Tell the captain I’ll let him know whenever something breaks.

Hanging up the telephone, Dan got out of bed and started to dress. His wife, Olive, had been awakened by the telephone ringing.

What’s the trouble, Dan? What time is it?

It’s two o’clock and I’ve got to go to work. I don’t know when I’ll be back. He threw on his jacket.

Rushing out of the house, Dan quickly backed the unmarked police car from the garage. The deserted streets permitted him to arrive at the Greyson house just twenty-five minutes after he got the call.

As he neared the house, Dan recognized Tom Griffin, the uniform officer stationed in front of the house. A group of onlookers had already gathered.

How bad is it? Dan inquired as he approached Griffin.

This is one of the worst I’ve seen. Really bad.

The laboratory guys here yet? Dan said.

Yeah, the Chief Examiner came out for this one. He asked if you were here a couple minutes ago.

Dan turned to go into the house. Although it was almost three o’clock in the morning, he noticed the group of spectators had grown larger. Turning to the officer, "Keep everybody out. If you have any problems call for assistance.

When he got inside, the bodies had already been covered. Since he and Edward Jenkins, the Chief Laboratory Examiner, were old friends, he decided to talk with him before beginning his detailed examination.

Glad you could get here so quickly, Jenkins said, his face grim. So far, we’ve turned up nothing that will help you identify the killers. Have you seen the bodies?

No. I just got here and haven’t seen anything yet. How were they killed?

They were each stabbed twice. Their hands were tied behind their backs and their feet were tied together. It looks like each piece of rope was cut from the same cord. If the killers had any of it left, they took it with them. It wouldn’t have made much difference, though. It’s from an ordinary piece of nylon cord that’s available at most stores. It looks to me like Edward Greyson was punched around to get him to open the vault before they tied him up. My guess is that at first, he refused to open it. When he refused, he was beaten. When he still wouldn’t cooperate, or it was taking him too long, the killer, or killers started in on his wife. Then he opened it. This is just speculation of course, but when you look at his body, you’ll see the bruises around his face and head. There are multiple cut marks on his legs near his groin. I think there must have been at least three of them. Then he added, Dan, I hope you get these people identified and locked up. Evidently, they killed these three people just to keep from being identified later. But from their torture treatment, it looks as if they actually enjoyed watching their victims suffer. Whatever the reason, the killers certainly took their time. Each person was made to take off their clothes. Then they were tied up and each stabbed twice. The killers knew exactly where to inflict a fatal wound. Get them before they kill someone else.

I’ll do everything I can. You know that. Now then, where’s Clifford Greyson?

I had one of the uniform guys stay with him in the living room to get him away from the bodies and out of the bedroom so my crew could work better. Before you go, take a look at Edward Greyson’s body and you’ll see why I’m so certain as to the sequence of events.

When Jenkins removed the cover from Greyson’s body, Dan immediately saw the bruises around his face and chest. The wounds were so bad Dan winced. The madman had a field day with his victim. Someone obviously had been glad Greyson hadn’t been cooperative at first. Dan’s instincts told him that in all probability, Greyson would have continued to resist had the killers not turned their attention towards his wife.

After viewing Greyson’s body, Dan viewed the bodies of Mrs. Greyson and their son. Even after all these years, Dan found it terribly disturbing to examine the bodies of murder victims—especially when he was personally acquainted with them.

There are no fingerprints around the safe, none on the dial, none anywhere. Most unusual. There should at least be prints left by family members who used the safe. Somebody took time to clean the area good.

Yeah, I can see where they cleaned, Dan said. I need to talk to Clifford so I’ll get out of your way and let you finish. By the way, this must be one of the boy’s bedrooms. Do you know which one?

No, not for sure. Somehow, I got the impression it was Clifford’s.

Okay, Dan nodded. Let me know when you guys are through.

When he entered the living room, Dan saw Clifford Greyson lying on the couch. Introducing himself, Dan asked if he was able to talk. Although he sat up when Dan spoke to him, Clifford seemed to be completely in a daze. Dan knew that he was not really listening to him.

Periodically, looking straight at Dan, Clifford would mumble, Why? Why? So senseless. It was apparent Clifford Greyson was incapable of furnishing any information at this time. After determining from the officer with Clifford that the doctor was on his way to see him, Dan inspected the remainder of the house and the grounds without locating any worthwhile evidence. By the time he was finished, the doctor had taken Clifford to the hospital. The laboratory crew had completed their work and the bodies had been taken to the morgue.

Although it was still early in the morning when Dan was ready to leave the house, he decided to see if anyone in the neighborhood had seen anything that would help in the investigation.

As he had at four other houses, Dan knocked on the door of the fifth house. A middle-aged woman with curlers in her hair and wearing a bathrobe answered the door.

Excuse me, ma’am, Dan said flashing his badge. I’m Detective Clebo, Piedmont Police Department. I wonder if you saw or heard anything unusual at the Greyson house tonight?

No, not tonight, she answered. But yesterday, when I was waiting for my daughter to come home from school, I saw a car drive by very slowly. I’d never seen the car before. I noticed it because it was driving so slow and passed by twice.

Did you happen to get the license or model of the car? Dan answered.

No, not the number but I did notice it was from Missouri. She held up her index finger. And it was making a funny noise.

Anything else? Dan looked up at her.

No, that’s all I remember. I hope I helped.

You did, thank you very much, Dan smiled at her and left.

Dan talked to the other neighbors but got no information of value. He located no one else who had seen the car from Missouri.

Dan returned to his car. He called the station and was plugged into Carl Grouse, Captain of Detective’s line. Dan, some guy who called himself Fancy has called several times. Said he had information about the murders and would wait on Shepard Street until you contacted him.

Dan knew Grouse was talking about John Swartz, a professional gambler who had furnished him information in the past. Swartz was knowledgeable about certain illegal actives and seemed to enjoy playing detective at times. He had been given the name of Fancy years earlier by Jim Taylor and Dan due to his fancy dress and manners.

Dan knew the address. He had met Fancy there before. It was an apartment occupied by one of Fancy’s girlfriends, whom, Dan knew from experience, would not be there when he arrived.

When Dan got to the apartment, Fancy met him at the door. He was alone. He looked as if he had not slept for days. His clothes were wrinkled and his eyes were red. It was apparent he was more excited—or afraid—of something, than Dan had ever seen him before. He shut the door behind Dan before saying, "I heard on the radio about the Greyson murders and I think I know who did it.

You do. Who?

There are three guys in here from St. Louis, Henry Eber, George Spurri and Harry Sagna. Eber’s the leader. Very smart, but sadistic as hell.

Dan interrupted. Wait a minute, Fancy. How do you know this? Where’d you get this information?

Fancy opened his mouth, then paused. C’mon Dan, you know our arrangement. I give you information but I don’t tell you how I got it unless I want to. Right now, I can’t tell you how I know. But believe me, I know. I don’t know why they didn’t already leave town but they’re still here. They have rooms 310, 312 and 314 at the Forest Inn Hotel under their own names.

Dan started to interrupt again, but he could see that Fancy was scared.

Watch Eber like a hawk, Fancy said. He’s a mean bastard. He’s suspected of vicious stuff in at least three other states. He’s only been arrested once that I know off, about five years ago. The cops charged him with the burglary of a house that was owned and lived in by an elderly, wealthy widow. The job wasn’t discovered for a week because the old woman had gone to visit her sister who lived out of town. I don’t know where. Anyway, when the woman returned and discovered the break-in, she told the cops about the $175,000 she had kept hidden in the house. It was gone. So was the gardener she had hired about a month earlier by the name of George Spurri. The police found out that Eber and Sagna helped him. They located and arrested them. The case never got to trial because the widow and one of the detectives who investigated the case disappeared. No one ever found the bodies.

Fancy hesitated. There’s something else these guys do that’s screwy, or at least I heard they do. They use their true names. They seem to figure the cops will be afraid to mess with them due to their reputations.

Dan listened carefully until Fancy finished. What he had just been told didn’t make sense. The killers should have left the city long ago—instead of being in some hotel room. Unless they had to wait on someone—or some thing. Either way, whatever they got out of the wall safe would be hidden somewhere.

With these thoughts floating through his mind, and as farfetched as it sounded, Dan decided he had to act on this information. Fancy had never been wrong yet.

Using the telephone in the apartment, Dan called Carl Grouse and told him what he had just heard. I know it sounds crazy but this guy has always given me good information. I believe he knows what he’s talking about.

Okay, Dan, but you better let me send you some help, Grouse said.

I don’t need any help yet, Carl. I’m just going to get a room near where those guys are staying and nose around some. I’ll let you know when I need help.

Grouse didn’t argue. He had full confidence in Dan’s ability to handle his investigations and to take care of himself. Okay, he said. However you want to do it. But, you know I’ll send you all the help you need. All the guys want to help."

I know they do Carl. But right now, putting more men on the street might flush them. I’ll let you know when I need someone.

After hanging up the telephone, Dan drove straight to the Forest Inn Hotel. Rather than going to the reservations desk, he went directly to the third floor. He checked the room numbers and learned that room 311 was directly across the hall from room 312. Returning to the lobby, he told the desk clerk he wanted a room.

I stayed here about five months age, he lied. In room 311. I’d like it again if it’s empty.

The clerk, after checking his register, saw that the room was empty and told Dan he could have it. As soon as he had registered, Dan went straight to the room. He heard no sounds coming from any of the three rooms across the hall.

once inside his room, Dan noticed he had a glass peephole in his door. He also noticed he had a good view of the large hotel parking area from his window.

While he was looking out the window, he noticed a new dark blue Mercury being driven by a woman, turning into the lot. The thing that drew his attention to this particular car was the Missouri license plates.

As the car came to a stop, the driver quickly got out and entered the hotel. She was neatly dressed, had shoulder blond hair, was about five feet six inches, tall, slender and appeared to be in her late twenties or early thirties. In a few minutes, Dan heard a knock on the door of room 312 and saw the same woman enter the room while he watched through the peephole. As he continued to watch, the men in rooms 310 and 314 came out and they, too, went into room 312.

Dan tried to hear what they were saying without leaving his room. He could hear nothing. He opened his door and stood in the hallway briefly but still could hear nothing.

Returning to his room, he called the police department to have the Missouri license checked. There was no stolen report.

Before Dan could get any more information, the woman and all the suspects came out of the room and started toward the elevator. As soon as they were of sight, Dan, ran down the stairs, and was able to get into position to watch as they went through the lobby and started towards the woman’s car.

Quickly getting into his own car, Dan swung in behind them at a safe distance. The heavy traffic made it easy to follow them without being observed. Twenty minutes later, the suspects parked their can and entered the same bank where Dan had banked for many years.

Following the suspects into the bank, Dan gave each employee who knew him, a prearranged signal that told them to show no sign of recognition. Fortunately they remembered. He watched as the suspects went into the space where the safety deposit boxes were kept. He made no attempt to follow them. Instead, he contacted the supervisor of the section and had her activate the bank camera to photograph them without their knowing it. Then she obtained their box number for him.

After he made the arrangements inside the bank, Dan returned to his car. From there he could see both the unknown woman’s car and the front entrance of the bank.

He waited no more than five minutes before she and the suspects returned to her car. They went directly back to the hotel. They all went back to room 312 and, as before, Dan could hear nothing they said.

After about thirty minutes, the woman came out of the room. She started down the hallway. She turned back. When did you say your car will be ready?

Tomorrow. As soon as we get it, we’ll leave here and come back to St. Louis, Okay? See you later.

Dan made no effort to follow her, choosing to stay with the main suspects. From his window, he could see she wasn’t carrying anything. He was sure he could get her identified from a license check later. H wondered if she was aware of the murders.

As soon as he watched the woman drive from the parking lot, he called Carl Grouse.

I need that help now, Carl. If you can send a couple guys over here to meet with me in room 311, I can get some investigation done while they keep their eyes on the suspects. I don’t think they’ll leave until they get hungry, but if they do, they might split up. I guess you’d better send two guys.

Ten minutes later, Jack Love and Don Ball, two experienced and well-qualified detectives arrived. Dan briefed them on what had taken place, pointing out, that at the moment, all three suspects were still in room 312.

As soon as Dan had his associates briefed, he rushed to his car and returned to the bank. The film from the camera had already been removed and was being developed. He learned the safe deposit box had been rented about a week earlier in the name of Samuel W Jones, who gave 1118 Chestnut Street, as his address.

Learning the film would not be developed and printed for about two hours, Dan decided to check out the Chestnut Street address which he found to be nonexistent as he had expected it to be. He had lunch and returned to the bank. The photographs were ready for him to see. They were the clearest bank photographs Dan had ever seen. Three of them plainly showed the suspects holding $20 bills. One photograph showed one of the men holding a bond on which the victim’s name could be clearly seen. The other pictures showed the box was full of money.

Arranging to be notified immediately if the suspects returned to the bank, Dan left to get arrest warrants for the three men. Because of the photographs and Jack Swartz’s identification, he had no problem getting them. He made no attempt to get one for the woman who was not yet identified.

After getting the warrants, Dan called Carl Grouse, told him what he had done, and that he was returning to the station.

When he arrived at the station, Dan found both Carl Grouse and Lawrence Ledre, Chief of the Piedmont, North Carolina Police Department waiting. He gave them a full account of what had taken place and requested help in making the arrests.

If I can use Don Ball, Jack Love and three uniform men to help with the arrests, we can get the job done, Dan told them. If Ball, Love and I each have a uniform man to help us and hit their rooms about four o’clock tomorrow morning, we shouldn’t have any trouble. All the information we have indicates they’re going to stay put. This way we can limit the possibility of something going wrong. We don’t want any shooting.

Your plan sounds good to me, Grouse said. Since there are three of them, any number of things could go wrong if you try to take them on the street.

I agree with the both of you. If you will tell Love and Ball, Carl will arrange for the uniform men, Ledre added.

Good. Have them come in a side door and come straight to the room without going through the lobby. They should be there by three o’clock tomorrow morning.

Now that we’ve gotten that taken care of, there’s some things you should know about, Dan, Lawrence Ledre said. After you gave us the suspects names, I made some inquiries. During at least two investigations, in other states, a total of three police officers have disappeared while they were investigating similar brutal crimes in which Henry Eber and the others were suspects. They have never been found. In the three months I have been the chief here, I’ve learned you well enough to know you won’t let this information stop you from making the arrests. But, be damn careful, both during, and after the arrests are made. You sure you’ll have enough help?

I’m sure. Any more and we’d get in each other’s way. With just the two of us for each room, we’ll be in the room and have them cuffed before they know what happened to them.

Okay. It’s your baby.

Going to his office, Dan called his wife and told her he would not be home until at least the next afternoon. Next, he checked with his friend at the bank who told him no one had tried to get back into the safe deposit box the suspects had rented. Now he felt even more sure the suspects would remain where they were until the next day.

As soon as he completed his call, he returned to the hotel to join Don Ball and Love.

Anything going on? Dan asked, as soon as he was inside the room.

Nope. Everybody is still in 312, Ball answered. It’s been quiet over there. No activity at all.

Good. You guys were chosen to help make the arrests in the morning, at about four o’clock. We each get a uniform man to help us. They’ll get here about three o’clock. We’ll stay here and keep watch. Okay?

Okay with me, Ball said.

Yeah, me too, Love agreed.

Hey! Ball said as he looked out the window. A taxi just stopped in the parking lot. Someone must have called it. There’s no one in it except the driver.

Dan started toward the window but before he got there, he heard a door open. Looking through the peephole, he saw all three of the suspects leave the room. A few minutes later they entered the taxi.

Want us to tail them? Love inquired.

No. Dan said. If they make the tail, it could spook them. They’re probably going to eat. But to be safe, I’ll call the cab company and find out where they’re going.

Picking up the telephone, Dan called the dispatcher whom he knew. Hi Bob. Dan Clebo. You just had a cab leave the Forest Inn Hotel. Know where he was going? You can. Swell. I’ll wait.

Dan turned to the other two. He’s going to ask the driver for his destination. Then we’ll—okay Bob. Thanks a million. No, that will take care of it. Thanks again.

Dan replaced the receiver. They’re going to the Chinese restaurant down by Curtis Street. It looks like they’re just going to eat but to play it safe why don’t you go down there Don and watch the door from the outside. When they come out, follow them, but stay real loose. I’m sure they’re coming back here. They aren’t going to leave all that money.

I’m on my way. I’ll call you when they leave the restaurant.

only forty minutes passed before Don called but it seemed much longer. In fact, Dan had gotten worried. He wondered if he had done the right thing in not keeping a closer watch on the subjects fearing they had left and were not going to return. But shortly after Don called, another taxi pulled into the parking lot and the three suspects got out. This time each returned to his own room. From Fancy’s description of Henry Eber, he was the man in room 312.

After about fifteen minutes Don Ball came back to the room with three roast beef sandwiches.

I didn’t bring any coffee with me since you always have your coffee pot with you on stakeouts.

Thanks, Don. I have it as always and a lot of coffee to go with it.

CHAPTER 2

The hours of waiting passed slowly. Dan and each of the other detectives got a few minutes sleep by rotating, with Dan being the last to sleep. He woke up around two o’clock and made a pot of coffee while they were waiting for the uniform officers to arrive. As they arrived, each entered quietly without speaking until they were inside the room and the door was quickly shut.

Although it was only three o’clock, Dan decided to get their work done without waiting until the planned hour of four.

"Okay guys, we’ve got a job to do. If you haven’t been told before, across the hall are three men believed to have killed the Greyson family. Hopefully, they’re sleeping. I’ve got a warrant for each of them charging them with murder. From what little we know about them they’re mean as hell, so don’t take any chances.

Now, about getting into their rooms. As you can see from looking at the door in this room, the only obstacle other than the door key is the security chain. That’s got to be popped out which is not hard to do. I don’t have the keys but I’m going down to the desk and get them. Any questions?

No one spoke.

"Okay then, lets do this unless one of you has a better idea. I’ll give Don and Jack each the signal. They will unlock the door quietly. When this is done, hit the door hard. Once you’re inside, yank those bed covers off fast and grab him. If everything goes well, he’ll still be half asleep when you have him under control.

"If that latch doesn’t come off the first time you hit the door, get away from in front of it and don’t try again. We’ll talk him out or force him out later.

Any questions.

No one said anything.

Good, Dan said as he looked at Mark Thompson. Mark, how about you working with me?

Sure, Dan.

Fine. I’m going down to the desk and get the keys. While I’m gone, the rest of you pair up and make your plans.

Dan started for the door. Donald Ball spoke up. I’ve been wondering, Dan. Do you know the desk clerks?

No. Why?

In that case, maybe we should have someone down there with them to make sure they don’t call these guys after you leave them.

I’m glad you brought that up, Don. I forgot to mention it, but I called the dispatcher while you were sleeping and another uniform officer is going to meet me. He’s probably down there already. Thanks for reminding me. Anyone else have any suggestions?

No answer.

Dan slipped quietly out the door. Then he walked down the steps and into the hotel lobby. It was empty except for the uniform police officer standing by the desk talking to the middle age registration desk clerks.

Hi. Working kind of early aren’t you? the officer asked as Dan approached. These guys want to know what I’m doing here. I told them you would tell the three of us when you got here.

Sure will George. Dan showed the two clerks his identification. Upstairs in room 310, 312 and 314 are three men suspected of murdering the Greyson family a couple nights ago. I assume you heard about it.

Both nodded.

I rented room 311 yesterday and right now there are five police officers up there waiting to arrest them. I’ve got warrants for their arrests and now we need your help.

The two clerks looked at each other. What can we do? one asked.

I need the keys to each of those rooms so we can get in and arrest them before they wake up.

What good will the keys do? There’s security chains on those doors, the same man said.

No problem. Those chains will pop right off if the door is hit hard enough. The city will pay for any damage. Now, may I have the keys?

I think I should call my manager before I give any keys to you. I don’t have that authority. He looked at the other man who appeared bewildered and said nothing.

I’ll take full responsibility, Dan assured him, hoping this would satisfy him. You don’t want three murderers running around in your hotel do you? This would make our job much harder. There is also the possibility of them taking hostages and who knows what else.

Dan could see that what he had just said, especially about the possibility of trouble was registering with both men.

I sure don’t want any trouble, especially for the other guests, the man who had done the other talking said as he handed Dan the keys he needed. But, remember, and these guys heard you, you are taking full responsibility.

Thanks, Dan smiled. Now, until you hear from me or see us leave with the three men in custody, don’t make any telephone calls. If any calls come in, how about letting the officer here, answer them. Okay?"

Yeah, okay.

See you later, George, Dan said as he started to walk away.

All right. Be careful

You can be sure of that, Dan replied.

When he reached the room, he slipped in quietly. He handed out the keys to rooms 310 and 314, keeping the key to room 312.

Let’s go gentlemen!

Following Dan out the door, not a word was spoken. Each team took up their position. They watched Dan for the signal to open the door and when he was satisfied each officer was ready, he gave that signal.

Slowly and silently each key was inserted into the lock. Not a sound was heard. Each doorknob was turned until the door would release. The uniform officers hit the doors with such synchronization only one screw popping noise was heard. All the chains gave way instantly.

As he passed through the door, Dan hit the wall switch by the door without even slowing. Before Henry