Subtle Persuasion: Stillwater Mystery Series, #3

By T. E. Killian

Lisa Sherman is teaching at Stillwater High School for one year only. She will get a position in the Phoenix area next year, one way or another. She doesn't like Stillwater or her apartment and can't wait for May to be able to leave both. An older teacher, Marty, tries to persuade her to stay.

Ken Wilson is a county detective trying to make sergeant. Dead bodies keep turning up near the casino. Now he has three murders to solve and the little redhead down the hall from his apartment keeps getting in his way.

Lisa finds out that a former boyfriend from Phoenix, Harlan, is in town, working at the casino and living down the hall from her. He begins to bother her and her roommate, Margie. Lisa decides to ask for advice from Ken who also lives down the hall from her.

Ken finds out that the murders are probably drug related. A new group is coming into the county to take over by killing the old one. He gets information that Harlan Mills is probably involved. Ken's younger brother works at the casino. Is he involved too?

Ken and Lisa start working together to eliminate the threat that Harlan poses to Lisa and Margie. In an attempt to stay safe, the women move in with Marty.

Can they fight off Harlan and the drug organization? Can they work out their differences? Can Ken subtly persuade Lisa to stay in Stillwater, for him?

• Language: English
• Publisher: CCM
• Release date: Jul 24, 2018
• ISBN: 9798223953968

Book preview

Chapter One

Lisa Sherman was having a ball. She was playing kickball with her two little nieces, Kayla and Marla who both looked enough like her for them to have been her own little girls. They had her long red hair and blue eyes along with a few freckles sprinkled across their noses and cheeks. But then, Lisa and her sister, Gina, looked enough alike to be mistaken for twins even though Lisa was two years older.

Those thoughts brought joy to her heart, but they brought sorrow too. She was thirty years old and single. And according to her mom that was a disgrace. But as much as she hated to, secretly, she agreed with her mom. She wanted to be married, and she truly wanted kids of her own. She just hadn’t found the right man yet and was beginning to wonder if she ever would.

Lisa paused to observe the precious three-year-olds romp and play off at the other end of the long walled-in backyard. They often did that. They’d be playing with others and then take off on their own. They were true twins who did everything together.

Lisa didn’t feel left out. In fact, she had been getting tired, so she headed for the patio where her mom and sister were relaxing. She knew her dad and Gina’s husband, Tim, were inside watching football on TV.

Lisa thought about her mom for a moment. Most people commented on how the three of them looked so much alike. As a child, it had always upset her when someone said that her little sister looked just like her and her mother. But now, she thought it was great.

As soon as Lisa sat in the lounge chair next to Gina, their mom started in on her from the other side of Gina.

Have you met any new men up there in that little town Lisa?

Annoyance flared in Lisa as she turned away from her mom and focused on the twins who were now playing on their swing set. She struggled to keep her voice calm and her emotions out of her response.

No, Mom, I haven’t.

She wished her mom would settle for that but knew better. She was afraid her mom was just getting started.

"Lisa, Lisa, Lisa. You’re not getting any younger you know.

Lisa fought back the anger that was quickly replacing the annoyance. She again tried to keep her voice level and emotionless.

Yes, Mom, I know.

She hoped that might appease her mom but deep down, she knew better.

Her mom gestured toward the twins.

Just look at what you could have. Those little girls look as much like you as they do their own mother. That’s what your little girls would look like too.

Lisa was sitting on her hands and clenching her jaw tight to keep from saying something that might hurt her mom. So, what could she say? What could she do?

When she scowled at her sister, the look Gina gave her said all she needed to know. Gina never had been able to help Lisa when their mom started in on her the way she was. Every time she’d tried in the past, they’d both become victims of their Mom’s meddling and interfering.

Before Lisa could say anything, her mom started again.

Lisa, you know good and well that the optimal child bearing age is under thirty and you’re already thirty.

Her mom peeked at Gina as if waiting for her to say something, but Gina remained silent. But nothing could stop Norma Sherman when she got started on either of her daughters.

Lisa almost wished Gina had been the target of their mother’s tirade this time. Oh well. She would survive a few more minutes of this and then she could go back to her little apartment in Stillwater. Right then, Stillwater, which she normally hated, wasn’t looking so bad.

When her mom paused for a breath, Lisa decided to take the initiative away to see what would happen.

Mom, I’ve explained to you over and over for the last four months. I have found no men in Stillwater that I would even want to date, much less marry.

That didn’t stop her mom either. But what about that football coach you dated back in August?

Lisa laughed. Mom! Not only was Forrest twenty years older than me but he’s since married a judge, if you can believe that.

She didn’t expect that to stop her mom for long, but it made her pause to come up with what to say next.

Lisa loved both of her parents, they were usually great and very supportive of most of the things she and her sister did. But her dad was the one she could always go to when she needed guidance or just to talk things through. A big smile lit up her face when she saw him appear behind his wife.

Norma, don’t you think it’s about time for us to head home. I’m sure Lisa would like to start back to Stillwater soon too. You know how that Sunday evening traffic can be in the mountains.

Lisa cringed when she saw the look her mom gave her dad.

But Pete. Lisa and I are right in the middle of a discussion here.

He chuckled. Yeah, and I’m confident that discussion is all about her getting married.

He beamed at Lisa then shifted back to his wife. Am I right Dear?

She had the grace to blush as she reluctantly rose to leave.

Lisa felt relieved as she and Gina followed their parents out to the front door.

Once the door closed behind their parents and Lisa thought enough time had passed that they couldn’t hear her, she moaned.

I don’t know how you can stand living three blocks from her Gina. I’d simply go nuts.

Gina laughed and shook her head causing her shoulder length red hair to sail back and forth.

Oh, it’s not so bad most of the time. She’s at work weekdays and usually too tired to come over in the evenings.

She grimaced then as a thought seemed to hit her. But next year when they both retire, I may move up to Stillwater with you.

Lisa shook her head emphatically. It won’t do you any good. I won’t be there past May. I will get a teaching job here in The Valley between now and then. Period!

But, what if the only job you can get is here in Peoria?

Lisa didn’t laugh with her sister then.

I suppose I’d have to do a lot of thinking about that, wouldn’t I? I would have to make sure I live a lot more than three blocks away from them.

Gina pointed to a sofa in the living room. Why don’t we sit here for a few minutes? Tim will keep the girls occupied out in the backyard for a while longer.

They had barely sat down when the doorbell rang.

Gina gave Lisa a questioning look. I wonder who that could be.

Lisa stood as Gina went to the front door and looked out the peephole. It’s Mom again.

* * *

Ken Wilson had enjoyed the football game he just finished watching on TV. Of course, it helped that the Cardinals won. That always made things so much more fun.

Now what? It was only six-thirty and there was nothing else on TV that he felt like watching for the remainder of the evening.

Chris! Yeah, that’s what he’d do. He would call Chris to see if they could get together for a while. Chris lived in one of the other buildings in Ken’s apartment complex.

As he reached for his cell phone, he heard a knock on the door and hopped up to see who it was. When he looked through the peephole, he grinned and opened the door for Chris.

Hey man, I was just going to call you.

Chris tilted his head to the side and grinned up at Ken. We are so in tune man it’s almost creepy.

They both took a seat in the living area of Ken’s small two-bedroom apartment.

Ken paused a moment to look at his long-time friend and fellow deputy. Chris was two years younger and had served with the Sheriff’s Office two years less. Ken had made detective six years ago but there hadn’t been a slot come open since then, so Chris was still on patrol.

Even though Ken was three inches taller than Chris, they looked to be about the same size and shape since Ken was ten pounds heavier. Chris was literally one of those blond Southern California beach boys. He even had thick blond eyebrows. He’d come to Stillwater ten years ago, wound up with the Sheriff’s Office and had stuck around.

Ken often wondered if Chris ever missed the beaches, but he never asked.

Chris tossed a couch pillow at Ken. Hey man, I’m sure you enjoyed your Cardinals beating my Rams today.

Ken chuckled. Yeah but I’ve seen you rooting for the Cardinals before.

Sure, but not when they’re playing my Rams. That’s why I didn’t come over to watch the game with you. I didn’t want to start any fights.

Ken laughed again. He didn’t think he and Chris had ever had a single cross word much less argued or fought as Chris had inferred.

Chris sobered up quickly. Hey, is that pretty little redhead down the hall home today? Maybe we could talk her into joining us.

Ken shook his head. I don’t think so. You know she’s from Phoenix and I’ve heard she hates it here and can’t wait to move back. She spends almost every weekend down there.

Chris folded his arms over his chest. Hey, Phoenix is too much like LA for me. Still, I sure would like to get to know her.

Ken had entertained those thoughts a time or two himself, but he’d never been able to engage her in a conversation. They were both on the go so much that whenever he saw her, one or the other of them was leaving the building.

Yeah, me too. It’s almost like she doesn’t want to get attached to anything or anyone here in Stillwater.

Just then, they heard a key in the door and it opened. Ken’s little brother, Robert, came through with two other men following right behind him. Ken hadn’t seen either one before. Each one carried a box.

Robert was eight years younger than Ken and they’d never really been close growing up. After all, Ken had been in middle school when Robert started kindergarten. They looked a lot alike with their brown hair and eyes even though Robert was two inches taller than Ken. Their personalities, though, were miles apart. Where Ken was a calm, soft spoken person, Robert had always been loud and excitable.

Robert had come to Stillwater a few months ago after supposedly getting fed up with working for their father in the family construction company down in Phoenix. Ken had allowed Robert to move into his spare bedroom, but the arrangement did not seem to be working out for either one.

All three of the newcomers continued to stand by the door but Ken knew some kind of an announcement was coming from his little brother.

I’m moving out, Ken.

With that announcement, Robert headed for the small hallway where the two bedrooms and the bathroom were.

Wait Robert. Aren’t you going to introduce your friends?

Robert glared at his brother then turned toward the other two who still stood by the door.

Wiley, Ricky, this is my brother Ken and his friend Chris.

With that, Robert continued on toward his bedroom and the other two followed close behind him.

Ken tried not to laugh. Robert had to have told his friends that Ken and Chris were both with the SO. They looked quite nervous and wouldn’t look either one in the eye. That didn’t speak well for Robert’s new friends.

Ken knew he couldn’t say anything to his brother about his decision to move out. They’d both known it would only be temporary until Robert got his ninety-day probation period finished with the casino where he worked. Ken hadn’t been counting but that probation period must be over now.

Ken and Chris sat quietly while the other three were in the spare bedroom apparently packing all of Robert’s things.

After about five minutes, Robert returned to the living room with his friends beside him.

Where are you moving Robert?

Robert stared down at him for so long that Ken didn’t think he would answer at first. Finally, he shrugged his shoulders and proceeded to the door with a duffel bag in one hand and a box in the other.

The next building over on the south side.

Ken said nothing but glanced over at Chris. That was the same building Chris lived in.

When the door closed behind Robert and his friends, Chris studied Ken with one eyebrow raised.

Those two didn’t strike me as the kind of guys I’d want my little brother running around with.

Ken drummed his fingers on the chair arm. Yeah. Have you seen some of the people who work at that casino?

Chris gave a bitter laugh. Yeah, I’d be willing to bet we could find rap sheets on both of those guys.

Before Ken could react to that, his cell phone rang. When he looked down at it, he groaned.

Dispatch!

You on call tonight?

Ken nodded as he answered the phone.

Detective Wilson, some teenagers found a dead body in the lake three miles south of the casino. Patrol is already on the scene.

Okay. I’m on my way.

When Ken disconnected the call, Chris chuckled. Better you than me my friend. What you got?

A body in the lake three miles south of the casino.

Chris hopped out of his chair and headed for the door. See you later buddy. Good luck out there. Be safe!

Ken watched his old friend go through the door and then headed for his bedroom to get his gear.

* * *

Gina quickly opened the door to let their mom come in. Lisa was afraid something had happened to their dad. He had a minor heart condition that was kept under control with medication. She could see from the concerned look on Gina’s face she must be thinking the same thing.

Did something happen to Dad?

Before their mom could answer, Harlan Mills came through the door behind her almost bumping into her as he did.

Girls look who we met outside. It’s Harlan. What a delightful surprise.

That was when Lisa regretted not disclosing her ordeal with Harlan to her mom. But then her mom was so determined to get her married that it probably wouldn’t have mattered, anyway.

Well, Dad and I really need to get home now. She turned to Harlan. I’m glad I got to see you Harlan. Enjoy your visit.

Lisa collapsed back onto the sofa and closed her eyes. She didn’t want to deal with her ex-boyfriend. She could not figure out what she’d seen in him before. They’d met when she’d gone back to ASU to get her teaching degree and gone out for almost six months. She hadn’t seen him since she’d moved to Stillwater and that was okay with her. The guy was a loser.

As he stepped into the living room, he called out. Hi Lisa. He looked back at the now closed door. Your mom sure is a nice lady.

Great! She’d have to remind herself to thank her mom for that little betrayal.

Harlan plopped into a chair between Lisa and where Gina had been sitting. Gina gave Lisa a look behind Harlan’s back and shrugged her shoulders before sitting back down.

The two women only listened as Harlan told them story after story of all the things that had happened to him in the last four months.

Finally, twenty minutes later, Lisa breathed a silent sigh of relief when Harlan stood and made his way to the door. Great!

Lisa didn’t get up, but Gina followed him. When he reached the door, he swung around and leered at Lisa. Then he grinned that grin she knew meant he was about to drop something he considered to be big on her. Great! Now what?

Oh, by the way Lisa. He paused, seemingly for effect. He did that a lot. I thought you might like to know we’ll be neighbors as of tomorrow.

Before she could process that, he went on. I’m moving to Stillwater to be near you.

He started out the door that Gina was holding open, but Lisa leaped to her feet and raced over to them.

What do you mean Harlan? You can’t just drop a bomb like that on me and then walk away.

He turned and grinned down at her. Just what I said. I got a job at that casino south of Stillwater. He paused again. And I’m moving into your apartment building tomorrow.

With that, he quickly left the house and Gina slammed the door behind him.

I never liked that guy. I don’t know what you ever saw in him.

Lisa tried to laugh. Frankly, I don’t either, now. I guess I was kind of lonely when I first went back to college after I got out of the Army.

Gina shuddered. I’d have to be mighty desperate to go out with a creep like that.

Lisa went back to the sofa and sat down. At first, I don’t think I saw him for who he really was. He was so nice to me and he was always doing things for me and buying me little presents.

An hour later, Tim and the girls came in and Lisa said her goodbyes and left. She wanted to get over the mountains before dark.

As soon as Lisa had her car on the freeway heading east, she began to think about Harlan and his surprise visit to them earlier. Most of all, she couldn’t stop thinking about the fact that he had said he’d be living in her apartment building. It was disgusting.

That caused her to think back to when she’d been dating Harlan. As she’d said to her sister earlier, she’d just gotten out of the army and was terribly lonely. The loneliness hadn’t started then though. When she’d been in the army, she’d finished out her six-year obligation after going through college the first time on the Army ROTC Program.

They’d paid for all of her college and commissioned her as a second lieutenant right out of college. That had all seemed so glamorous to an eighteen-year-old fresh out of high school. But in reality, everywhere she’d been stationed, she’d been the finance officer in departments where she was the only officer among ten to twenty enlisted men and women.

With the army’s strict policy of no fraternization between officers and enlisted, she’d led a lonely life for six depressing years.

When she’d finally been eligible for discharge without Army Reserve obligation, she’d left the army and gone back to school to become a math teacher. She’d had enough of finance in the army thank you very much.

Of course, right at her most vulnerable time, Harlan was there to, as he called it, help her through a rough time. In reality though, all Harlan had done was to make it worse, much worse.

Well, enough of those thoughts. As her mom always said, Tomorrow is a new day.

Ninety minutes later, she was pulling her overnight case into her apartment building when she almost bounced off a man coming down the stairs a little too fast. She quickly stepped back and looked up at him, almost falling but he caught her elbow to steady her. He was almost a foot taller than her. Ha! At five four, she had to look up at almost everyone.

Then she recognized the guy from two doors down the hall from her third-floor apartment. Someone once told her he was a cop of some sort. She was glad she knew that little fact since when he’d reached out to steady her, she’d seen a gun on his belt under his light jacket.

I’m sorry.

He looked like he wanted to say something more but simply shook his head and went on out the door into the parking lot.

She stood there watching him through the glass door until he climbed into one of those unmarked SUVs she knew belonged to the Stillwater County Sheriff’s Office.

She went on to her apartment, not thinking any more about him. She was tired and needed to rest up for school tomorrow.

* * *

Ken had looked forward to spending the remainder of the evening with Chris. Well, so much for that. He’d never thought about it too much, but he’d be willing to bet that more than half of his call-outs had taken him away from something he enjoyed, like this time.

He was in a hurry. Dispatch said the body had been found ten minutes ago. He wanted to make it to the scene as fast as he could. That way there was less chance that someone could contaminate his crime scene.

Then when he thought about it, there probably wasn’t much of a crime scene with the body having been in the lake.

He was busy pulling on his light jacket as he went down the stairs. It was December after all and the temperature outside was in the mid-forties. That wasn’t actually cold for most of the rest of the country, but for someone who grew up in the Phoenix area, it was cool. Stillwater wasn’t that much cooler than Phoenix, but it was two thousand feet higher in elevation.

He opened the stairway door on the ground floor of his apartment building and all he saw was red, lots of red hair almost in his face as he bumped into something soft. He stepped back and realized the woman was about to topple over with her suitcase trailing behind her.

He reached out to steady her, but she jerked away from him as if she’d been scalded. Before he could say a word, she almost ran up the stairs leaving him standing there with his mouth hanging open.

He did call out, Sorry.

The other impression he’d had was that of blue. Blue eyes. Weren’t redheads supposed to have green eyes or some other color but not blue?

That was when he recognized the woman as that new teacher at the high school who’d moved into the apartment two doors down from his. She was the little redhead Chris had been talking about earlier.

He’d been hoping to talk to her but every time he’d seen her so far, one or the other of them had been in a hurry like tonight.

Oh well. She probably wasn’t someone he’d want to get to know, anyway. He’d never dated a redhead but had heard stories about them, all of which were probably not true.

Shrugging his shoulders, he went on out to his Tahoe to get down to the lake as soon as he could.

When Ken pulled to the side of the state highway and into a parking area by the lake, he searched for Jackie’s Tahoe and was surprised when he didn’t see it. She usually beat