The Dark Side of Carmel

By Wendell Vanderbilt Fountain

Carmel, California is an idyllic setting that is very familiar to visitors and residents of that beautiful state; however, there is an underbelly of this place that is the dark side of the community. This book, from a fictional perspective, addresses matters of unspeakable crimes that have taken root, without the knowledge of the local residents and visitors. The former Chief of Police of Phoenix, Lennie Mason, and his friend, Walter Stolz, the Chief of Police of Carmel have led an initiative to eradicate a drug, sex, and human trafficking ring in their city. Lennie, at the behest of Chief Walt Stolz, agreed to assume the temporary role of Special Investigator and Deputy to the Chief of Police of Carmel. In that role, Lennie Mason experienced many unsuspected incidents of suspense and intrigue. Many of the rich and famous, such as Doris Day and Clint Eastwood, to mention only a couple of stars, lived and/or worked in this beautiful hamlet.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jan 12, 2022
• ISBN: 9781665548939

Wendell Vanderbilt Fountain

Though Dr. Wendell Vanderbilt Fountain has been the CEO of Fountain Associates Business & Management Consultants since 1984, he has always enjoyed writing. It began as an avocation, but over time, it became his vocation. Now, as the author of 11 books of an eclectic nature, most of his time is consumed by writing both fiction and nonfiction. Academically, he holds degrees in psychology, human resources management, and an earned doctoral degree (D.B.A.) in business administration. He has enjoyed post-doctoral studies at Harvard Business School, The University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, and The Wharton School. He currently resides in southern Nevada with his lovely wife Dr. Grace Mandicott Fountain. www.wendellfountain.com

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THE DARK SIDE OF CARMEL

WENDELL VANDERBILT FOUNTAIN

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AuthorHouse™

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©

2022 Wendell Vanderbilt Fountain. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author who may be contacted at 15029 W. Gentle Breeze Way, Surprise, Arizona 85374.

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

Published by AuthorHouse 01/12/2022

ISBN: 978-1-6655-4894-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-4892-2 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-4893-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022900307

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Special Acknowledgement

Also by Wendell Vanderbilt Fountain

TRUMP: Man Phenomenon President {nonfiction}

Clay County Country Boy {nonfiction novella}

WILLOBEE’S WORLD {fiction}

UPS and DOWNS: That’s Life on Earth! {nonfiction dramatic comedy}

The New Emerging Credit Union World: Theory, Process, Practice—Cases &

Application {nonfiction}

THOUGHT PROVOKING LESSONS OF LIFE: True Short Stories

from the Real World {nonfiction}

Rainbows from the Heart {Poetry}

How to Build a Southwestern House {nonfiction}

THE CREDIT UNION WORLD: Theory, Process, Practice—Cases & Application {nonfiction}

ACADEMIC SHARECROPPERS: Exploitation of Adjunct Faculty and the Higher Education System {nonfiction}

GRACE {fiction novel & motion picture—Grazia The Movie}

LOVE-40 {fiction}

THE CREDIT UNION DIRECTOR: Roles, Duties, and Responsibilities {nonfiction}

www.wendellfountain.com

For Grace

Chapter One

Lennie Mason was closing down his unique, historic, and cramped motel in Carmel, California Sunday evening when and old friend from Phoenix walked in.

Closing?

Lennie looked up with a smile. He knew the voice of Jeff Eubanks very well. What brings you here this time of night?

I need a place to sleep, he chortled as he dropped his bag.

I’m guessin’ you never thought to call for a reservation, Lennie laughed.

Not really, I forgot.

"Well, Jeff, you’re in luck, I have about a dozen rooms needing an occupant," Lennie said, rounding the desk with an outstretched hand.

"You wanna shake hands? What about the virus, social distancing, and no mask? Well, Lennie, you’re in luck, I was vaccinated and boosted quite a while back, I think I’m up to three jabs and feel like a pincushion, he said with a big smile.

If the damn Chinese virus takes me out, so be it. No one lives forever, except maybe fraud Fauci, Lennie said as they had a firm handshake.

So, what brings you to Carmel?

A client, Jeff replied.

Client, huh?

Yeah, there’s a rather wealthy guy, hedge fund manager, not far from here asked me to collect some information on his wife. They live out on Highway 1 up on a hill overlooking the water. Apparently, she might not be on the up-and-up.

Hmm, one of those deals, huh?

From what I gather, this one seems to be a little more complicated, Jeff replied with a slight frown.

I was wondering why you hadn’t called. For the longest time, we talked at least once a week. I would’ve called you except, since I took over this place, there always seems to be one more thing that demands my undivided attention, Lennie said with a smile.

"Might as well come clean, the truth is I’ve missed playing tennis with ya. That actually prompted my decision, and of course, some very good money. This is too far from my home base in Phoenix, and I don’t like running around naked. I’ve gotten quite partial to my .38 revolver, and God forbid that I should ever bring that thing into the great state of California," Jeff said, raising and shaking his hands in the air; I brought my racket just in case; although, at your age, you probably prefer pickleball. I hate to bring this up but your salt and pepper hair is not so peppery anymore. Must’ve picked up some extra salt, Jeff guffawed.

"You don’t need to worry about my age, you couldn’t best me even if you had help. Hell, you can’t even handle my 140 mile-per-hour serve! Have you had a good look in the mirror lately? Did you add those whitewalls or did they just jump on ya last night?" Lennie said, smiling brightly.

"Hey, hey, now, an old guy like you don’t have a chance against a fit 45-year-old like me," a cheerful Jeff retorted.

We’ll see about that down the road. Let’s sit for a bit and I’ll make us some fresh coffee, Lennie said, pulling up a couple of chairs.

You started missin’ your old job as Chief of Police in Phoenix yet? Jeff asked.

You still using that old saw? You haven’t brought that up in a good year, Lennie replied as he hit the brew button.

Since we first met about 15 years ago, you’d always been totally dedicated to police work, so I naturally assumed, Jeff replied.

Yeah, guess that’s about right. I remember the case you were working on at the time as a PI. That was a humdinger! We all kept gettin’ into each other’s sandbox. You were tailing a suspect that we were trying to surveille, and when one of our guys would show up, you always seemed to be in the way. Yep, we did have a shaky start, Lennie said with a smile.

I suppose you could call it that, but it didn’t bother me much, I knew how police generally felt about us PI’s.

Well sometimes we used to end up working at odds with private investigators, and I guess that probably contributed to our differences, Lennie said, as he got up to get cups and coffee.

Here ya go, Lennie said, handing Jeff a hot cup of black coffee.

This is the only address and phone number, other than your cell, I have for you. I know you and Angie bought a cottage, a place, a while back, Jeff said, taking a sip.

I shoulda gave you our house info and stuff, but since I spend so much time here at the motel, I never thought to give you the address. We like the place, and I think you’ll like it too. It’s only two miles from here, Lennie quickly added, maybe you can squeeze in enough time to have dinner with us, Lennie said.

How does Angie feel about you being gone so much? Jeff asked.

Not happy, not happy at all about the situation. She helps me with this place, when she can, but her work as a psychologist keeps her very busy. Candidly, her absence is not good for me either. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t want to press on. She’s everything to me. I know guys don’t usually talk like this, but that’s the way I feel, Lennie said, looking down at his cup.

Uh, uh, though it’s none of my business, ya never said how you and Angie met.

No . . . I guess . . . I never did . . . because it’s such a long story from many years past, but if you’d really like to know, and have a little time, I’ll tell ya about it, Lennie said, looking up expressionless.

I’ve got the time and curious as hell, but I don’t want to get into your personal business. I was warned a long time ago to never bring up your stint at the Jacksonville Police Department in Florida.

It’s okay, not to worry, I can talk about it now, Lennie assured him.

"If you really don’t mind, please, go ahead."

"When I met Angie, about 25 years ago, she was working for a good friend, a psychologist, Winston Roland, in Jacksonville, Florida. At that time, I had no romantic interest in Angie Thompson. I was a very happily married man to my first wife, Celeste. That all ended when she was tortured and murdered by a lunatic who wanted to hurt me. Actually, then, I thought my friend, Winston, was secretly in pursuit of Angie. Only later did I discover that she had no emotional involvement with him, but I have no doubt that Winston was smitten with her. Winston, myself, and two other friends used to regularly play tennis together, and I often spoke with Angie on the phone. Sometimes, she’d coordinate our matches at Boone Park Tennis Courts. For a public course, those composite clay courts were terrific, the few hard courts, 16 in all, were in good shape. Sorry, I digressed. After my boy, Aaron, and I arrived in Phoenix over 20 years ago, she flew out and visited with us on a number of occasions. After Celeste died, Aaron was an eight-year-old little boy with a huge hole in his heart. He needed the love of a mother, and thankfully, Angie was there essentially as a surrogate for him. I also knew that Angie had feelings for me, but I wasn’t ready for that. It took me nearly three years to get to that point. She was finally able to land a job at the Capitol in Phoenix and moved from Jacksonville permanently. Not long after that, she began working on her doctoral degree in clinical psychology at Grand Canyon University. I asked her to marry me when Aaron had just turned 13, and she accepted. Aaron was my best man, and he still is. You know the rest," Lennie said as he leaned back in his chair, stretching out his long frame.

How’s that young man doing these days?

Not bad, but I think he made a mistake by following in my footsteps. Despite that, he’s up for a promotion in the Phoenix Police Department. We miss him a lot. Carmel is a good 10-hour drive. I think you remember that he got a degree in criminal justice in Phoenix at GCU. He had no problem gettin’ hired. He’s on the fast track. Still, I do worry about him as a young police officer. The way the cops are treated today is beyond just being a crime. We have too damn many crazies out there with Antifa, Black Lives Matter, and other lawbreaking communists committing crimes all over the place without consequence. Lawless America. Hell, even Phoenix is gettin’ weird, Lennie said sternly.

How’s Aaron’s love life? Jeff inquired.

He doesn’t seem to stick with anyone in particular. He’s had several girlfriends but nothing lasts. At this rate, I may never get to be a grandpa, Lennie sighed.

I wouldn’t worry about that, as good looking as that kid is, the women have to be swarming him. After all, he looks like a damn movie star. He’s a big six-foot-five physical specimen, not as tall as you, but big. Hell, I’m six-one and I have to look up to him.

"Yeah, I know the kid’s a handsome devil, and I don’t hassle him ‘bout his girlfriends. I think he’s searching for someone like his mother or Angie. Not easy to find.

Speaking of Angie, I always wondered why you two didn’t have more children. If I may say, she’s still a very attractive woman, Jeff said with a sly smile.

You’re right about her being a looker, so was Celeste. One time many years ago, Angie told me that it was possible to win the lottery more than once, and she was right, I did. You asked about children and the fact is Angie can’t have kids. Her ability was cut short by that lunatic I mentioned earlier. It’s a long story but he raped and tortured Angie and then later savagely murdered Celeste outside of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

"Wow, sorry, I really opened a dusty book of bad memories, that was not my intent," Jeff said, remorsefully.

Nothing to worry about, Jeff, it’s all in the past. More coffee?

Yeah, that’d be good, gimme your cup and I’ll do the honors, Jeff said, reaching for Lennie’s cup.

As Jeff was returning, Lennie became curious about his case, Without mentioning names, tell me more about this man’s wife.

Remember, all I know is what the husband has told me. According to him, she frequently disappears from home for extended periods at odd times, never really saying where she’s going or for how long.

That sure doesn’t sound normal, ya think it’s another guy? Lennie asked.

As you know, that’s the usual situation, but ‘til I check this out, I really don’t know. I might add, she’s about 10 years younger than her husband, and according to him, very attractive and sophisticated. He emailed me photos of her and she dresses very well, and based on those pictures, I must agree.

I presume you’ll be meeting with him tomorrow.

Yeah, gotta meeting in the morning, and a couple of weeks ago, he and I met by Zoom, but he said Pandemic or no Pandemic, he wanted an in-person conference, so here I am.

In light of that, I better get ya to your room, don’t wanna keep the man waitin’, Lennie said.

After Lennie got Jeff squared away, he returned to the front desk area where he had a cramped room not far from behind the registration desk. It had a cot, sink, toilet, shower, and armoire. He often used it to stay overnight when he found himself stuck there because of one thing or another. Ordinarily, he closed the lobby at 10:00 P.M. He felt too tired to go home and he wanted to have some juice and coffee with Jeff before he left for his meeting. One look at his watch told the story and he made a quick call to Angie.

"Hellooo there, big guy, how much longer, I miss ya, ya know?"

Not ‘til tomorrow. I was just talking with Jeff Eubanks.

When’s he gonna visit us? Angie asked.

How about now?

"He’s in Carmel? She asked quizzically.

Yeah, he’s staying here at the motel.

What brings him to town?

He has a client nearby and he wants to play some tennis, Lennie replied.

That’s good, but when’re you gonna be able to play?

I’ll get, our part-timer, to cover for me for a couple of hours.

Len, she seems to do a good job, but she’s awfully young, Angie commented.

"I hear ya, but she’s a bright college student who shows maturity beyond her years," Lennie replied.

"Why didn’t you consider asking me?" Angie asked dejectedly.

"Now, Angie, you’re always my first choice but your work takes priority," he replied in his deep baritone voice.

I know, but I can always help out. I just need a day or two’s notice.

Okay, kiddo, you’ve sold me. I’ll see when Jeff’s free. Should be in the next couple of days.

"That, sounds more like the guy I love," she said with an approving smile.

I love you, too, and I have a suggestion. How about you and me having breakfast in the morning here before you go to the office? Lennie asked.

That’s a very good idea, and why don’t you ask Jeff to join us? Maybe we could coordinate your tennis match.

Okay, but be here by eight. He may need an early start. He’s down for a wakeup call at seven.

"You know I don’t like sleeping alone. Nothing’s the same when you’re not in this bed with me," she said in a hushed tone.

How-do-ya think I feel, Angie? Your absence is a miserable experience, but hopefully, in the not-too-distant future, we can bring on a fulltime person. Occupancy has been up for the past six-months. My guess is by spring we can afford it.

Spring’s just around the corner, and I can hardly wait ‘til we can spend more time together.

I love you, sweetheart, see ya in the morning, Lennie said tenderly.

Love you, too, Len, time for bed, goodnight.

Lennie quickly undressed and climbed onto his cot. It was late and he was tired. He thought he’d be able to drop off immediately, but that was not to be. He told Jeff it was a long time ago and he could handle discussion about his time in Jacksonville, but that wasn’t the case. The peril of those days brought it all back. He could still see the naked, tortured body of Celeste hanging in that deserted windswept old barn outside of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For that matter, the images of Randal Glasgow were permanently seared into the pages of Lennie’s memory. He could still recall the animal smells of the barn where Celeste died and the condition of her ravaged, tender body. She had nearly been decapitated by the fine wire Glasgow had fastened around her neck. Then, the investigation he and his partner, Ennis Stanislaw, had conducted regarding the Angie Thompson rape and torture, swept over him like a cold, damp winter wind. He had worked hard to not think about the details of Angie’s ordeal anymore, but the vision of Glasgow’s savagery could not be suppressed. He could still hear the surgeon’s words ringing in his ears who told him that he had to remove both of young Angie Thompson’s traumatized ovaries just to spare her life. Aaron flashed into his consciousness, bringing back his kidnapping and the chase down the state of Florida and into a dark and mirky swamp where Glasgow shot him, but that did not stop him or prevent him from subduing and physically breaking Glasgow’s back against an ancient cypress tree. It took him nearly an hour to finally succumb to slumber.

Instead of using the automated wakeup call machine, Lennie called Jeff himself.

"Good morning! Rise and shine, morning glory, hope you slept well."

Uh-uh-uh . . . yes, yes, I had a good night’s sleep, don’t you have automatic phoning? He asked groggily.

Yeah, but I was up at five and needed to invite you to breakfast with me and Angie. What time’s your appointment?

Angie’ll be here? That’s great, what time’s chow? Jeff asked as he sat up in bed.

When’s your appointment? Lennie asked again.

Oh, oh, not ‘til 9:30. His house is about 10-15 minutes away.

Good, Angie’ll be here at eight, and I’ll rustle up something special for breakfast. Don’t bother with the breakfast buffet. It’s good and very popular with my guests, but I wanted you and Angie to have something a little different, Lennie said with a smile.

Sounds great, see ya in a bit.

Five minutes of eight, Jeff came in wearing a dark Hart Schaffner Marx jacket, white shirt, dark blue tie, and wearing a very shiny pair of black Johnston Murphy shoes. He sat his briefcase on an unoccupied table.

"What’s for breakfast? He called out.

Keep your fancy coat on! I know ya like spinach omelets and so does Angie, Lennie yelled back.

She’s not here yet? Jeff asked, surveying the room.

She’ll be along any minute now, I set up a table behind the desk, so come on back here, Lennie replied.

Be right there, Chief Mason, sir! He chuckled.

Before Jeff could round the registration desk, Angie arrived, smiling brightly. She rushed over to him and gave him a big hug. Len and I miss you so much, we’ve always enjoyed your company and friendship. We’re so glad you’re here!

Me too, though I must admit, I miss you more than that big lug you married, Jeff said with a hearty laugh.

Hey, Eubanks, don’t make me spank you in front of all my guests. They’re trying to have breakfast, Lennie chuckled.

Angie and Jeff threaded their ways through the masked buffet throng and around the desk as a rotund, long- term lodger, with mask hanging on one ear, spoke up, Lennie, we’d like to see that spanking ya gonna give this guy. We need some entertainment ‘round here! He bellowed with a chuckle.

Chuck, you keep that up and I’m gonna raise your rate! Lennie yelled back with a hearty laugh.

Lennie’s attention then turned to Angie and Jeff. Jeff, though I shouldn’t, I’m gonna let you sit between me and my beautiful wife, he said, pulling out a chair for Angie.

That’s the best thing you’ve done all morning, a chuckling Jeff commented.

Don’t be so certain, ya haven’t tasted my spinach omelet yet.

After they were seated, Lennie asked about his wife, Madge, and Jeff sort of paused for a second. "Professionally, she’s doing quite well, but . . . uh . . . we’re not in good shape. We have agreed to a six-month separation. If that doesn’t work out, we’ll go our separate ways."

"Oh, no, I like Madge a lot!" Angie exclaimed.

"I’m real sorry to hear that, Jeff, very disappointing," Lennie responded empathetically.

We’re two reasonable people who’re trying to work things out. We’ll have to see where it leads, Jeff replied.

Let’s not dwell on the bad news, Jeff’s got a job to do, so let’s eat, a smiling Lennie urged.

Lennie said you and he plan to play some tennis. Do you have a day and time in mind? Angie asked, crunching down on her toast.

Since this is Monday, I was thinking about hump-day, uh, say . . . Wednesday morning?

That sounds good to me. Angie’ll fill in for me here on the property. I’ll call Forest Hills on Lorca. It’s public, only two courts available, but they’re in good shape. The courts are less than a mile away. There are no fees, Jeff, that should make you happy, Lennie said with a smile.

Does that mean you think I’m cheap?

Nope, it’s a compliment, you’re frugal, Lennie chuckled.

At about 9:00, Jeff headed to Highway 1. He had rather be a little early than late; besides, he was a bit nervous because he was not used to working for such high-profile clients. It took him a full 15 minutes to locate the unique house on the hill. He thought the view was spectacular as he drove up the winding drive.

Jeff rang the doorbell and a matronly maid answered.

Are you Mr. Eubanks? She asked in a pleasant tone.

Yes, I am, I have an appointment with Mr. Arland Shankforth.

Follow me, please, Mr. Shankforth is waiting.

The maid escorted him up one floor and led Jeff to a spacious office which took him to an outdoor firepit, separated by sliding glass doors where Shankforth came into view. He seemed to be obliviously peering out over the water. Even though he had spoken with Shankforth a number of times by phone, then the Zoom call, where they could see each other’s faces, he was surprised that Shankforth was probably 40 or so and shorter than he assumed with thinning brown, windblown hair.

You’re five minutes early, he said, turning around. Feel free to remove your mask, you remind me of a train robber of the 1800’s, but I like to see the face of the man who’s going to take my money, and I also prefer an old-fashioned handshake," he said chuckling. After they shook hands, Shankforth sprayed each of their hands with hand sanitizer.

Mr. Shankforth, have you been vaccinated yet? Jeff asked with a big smile.

"Actually, I have and two booster shots, but you can never be too careful, because I’m not sure how many shots are needed to neutralize this virus from China, and before we conduct business, I’d like you to meet my wife, Anna, come along with me to the top floor. She’s sunbathing by the pool.

As they were making their way up, Jeff put his mask back on, he was surprised that Shankforth wanted him to meet the subject of his investigation. He thought, I don’t get it, this makes my job more difficult, but since everyone has to wear a mask, she won’t recognize me anyway.

"Anna, my dear, I’d like you to meet Mr. Johnson, an associate. We