The Maine Event

By J. Carl Goodman

It was a critical period as The Team helped Harvey recover from his significant injuries !

Then there was the exhausting yet exhilarating move into England House: their home together for the future.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Book Writers
• Release date: Aug 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088263334

Book preview

THE MAINE EVENT!

(The Fourth Novel with The Team)

J. Carl Goodman

Website: www.jcarlgoodman.com

Email: [e-mail]

The Maine Event!

Copyright © 2021 by J. Carl Goodman

Book Cover Design © 2021 by J. Carl Goodman. All rights reserved.

ISBN – 9781958400883

LCCN: 2023911338

All the content used in this book belongs solely to the author. No part of this shall be reproduced, sold, or transmitted in any medium by the third party except after the author's approval.

This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents in this book are either the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to those who came before us to establish the culture of freedom, liberty, and excellence of the United States of America for all her people.  May we all be thankful and appreciative of those who have and are serving in the Armed Forces, as Police Officers, as First Responders, and those who are veterans of such services.  We continue to require your services!

Table of Contents

acknowledgements

Foreword

Prologue

Chapter 1 - Graduation!

Chapter 2 - England House!

Chapter 3 - Ready To Move?

Chapter 4 - A Busy Week Moving!

Chapter 5 - Making It Complete!

Chapter 6 - Celebrating The Move!

Chapter 7 - First Day In England House!

Chapter 8 - Old Friends Together!

Chapter 9 - Time For The Exterior!

Chapter 10 - The Housewarming!

Chapter 11 - Taking Care Of Business!

Chapter 12 - Downeast!

Chapter 13 - The Typical Tourist Stuff!

Chapter 14 - What In The World?

Chapter 15 - On The Job Again!

Chapter 16 - It Begins In Earnest!

Chapter 17 - Learning About Betty!

Chapter 18 - Learning About Betty Still!

Chapter 19 - Learning More!

Chapter 20 - Still More To Find Out!

Chapter 21 - It Keeps Getting Deeper!

Chapter 22 - Investigating The Keeslers!

Chapter 23 - Al Comes Through!

Chapter 24 - Making Friends And Forcing His Hand!

Chapter 25 - Goddard Comes Clean!

Chapter 26 - Any New Discoveries?

Chapter 27 - Doing The Basics!

Chapter 28 - Who Is She? What Did She Have Against Betty Dwyer?

Chapter 29 - The Car Lot Trick!

Chapter 30 - Making Discoveries

Chapter 31 - Who Is This Mystery Killer?

Chapter 32 - This Woman Is Not A Ghost!

Chapter 33 - Figuring It Out!

Chapter 34 - She’s Identified!

Chapter 35 - Protecting And Uncovering; Simultaneously!

Chapter 36 - Why Did Betty Come To Maine?

Chapter 37 - Reasons Present Themselves!

Chapter 38 - Learning Things!

Chapter 39 - Confirming Things And More!

Chapter 40 - Getting To The Reason!

Chapter 41 - Reporting To Agent Goddard!

Chapter 42 - Finding The Link!

Chapter 43 - Hidden Treasure!

Chapter 44 - Research Pays Off!

Chapter 45 - Just One More Thing!

Chapter 46 - What’s A Freeport?

Chapter 47 - News Already!

Chapter 48 - The Fbi Has Means!

Chapter 49 - Ed Explains Some Tricks!

Chapter 50 - Ed Takes The Suggestion!

Chapter 51 - It Happens!

Chapter 52 - Bird’s Flying!

Chapter 53 - The Evidence Is In!

Chapter 54 - Their Role Is Complete!

Chapter 55 - Go Home!

Chapter 56 - Were They Really Done?

Chapter 57 - Home, Sweet Home!

About The Author

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

To Becky, my beautiful wife and encourager of over 54 years!  Although my first continuous summer spent in Maine was in 1951, she has been with me every year since our marriage in 1968 except for three (my overseas tour, COVID, and a significant family illness).  We are excited and anxious about our vacation there this September!

To the people and places of Midcoast Maine with their sensibilities and warmth!  And to the neighbors, both new and old, at Pemaquid Point!

To Todd and Sara, our adult children who make me proud of their goodness and meaningful lives and achievements!

To the people of my home in Townsend, TN, who have been very supportive!

Finally, to the readers of my books, thank you!  There is no greater feeling than to have you anxiously requesting the next book in the series.  How wonderful you are!

FOREWORD

As you know, this whole series of mystery novels with The Team has been motivated by my interest in and care for the elderly (of whom I am one). But rather than spending my efforts preaching about the difficult issues that plague this specific demographic, I like to spend a bit of effort with the Forewords of the books helping to inform and educate readers. Then, hopefully, these mysteries will be fun, entertaining, and captivating while keeping in the readers’ minds that the protagonists are, indeed, seniors.

The research for this book was based more on our senior population data than the difficult and criminal issues that face them. I felt that all of us need to understand the impacts historically, presently, and going forward that our senior population and the rest of us face or will at some point in the future. Of course, the abuse of seniors (financial abuse, theft, overmedicating, neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, scams specifically designed to separate seniors from their money, etc.) is known to you by now. I understand that we all care; we must care.

Let’s look at some population numbers to aid your understanding. In 1920, only 4.6 percent of the U.S. population was over 65. By 1929, the year that the stock market crash of the Great Depression occurred, the population of the same group had increased to 5.3 percent. In 1932 that percentage was up to 5.7, but it is essential to understand that it was a small actual number because our life expectancy was 60 years! 1935 was the beginning of Social Security. By 1941 (the year that the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor), 7.0 percent of our total population was 65 or over.

Now that I have your attention, I’ll just focus on some critical data. By 1950, 8.1 percent were in that group. By 1960 that number was 9.1! In 1966, when Medicare began, the number was 9.6 percent. A decade later, it had risen to 10.9 percent. And the growth of our senior population continued to grow. Why? Think of better health care, healthier habits, the baby boom, other population growth factors, immigration, and even economic reasons that caused couples to have more children.

This group’s growth has continued; as of 2019, the over-65 population in America was 16.2 percent. In 2018 there were 52 million retirees! And we must figure that nearly 40% of our population is over 65 or under 18. So, who’s doing the work and contributing to our safety nets? And when a considerable percentage of those in their prime working years are not working, what effect does that have? We know that the 65 plus age group is simply a number, and so many, like me, are in their 70s and still working either because of a desire to contribute, boredom, interests or financial need, and other reasons. It doesn’t mean these people are not working and living lives of leisure. Because of my formative career in Human Resources for industry, I hear both sides of the argument. Many younger professionals in the workforce hope for the Baby Boomers to retire because they hold jobs and positions that need to be vacated so the younger people can move up.

I certainly don’t know the answers. That’s way above my pay grade, as is said so often. I do have opinions, but this is no place for that.

Meanwhile, it’s time to enjoy this next adventure of The Team in The Maine Event as we join our friends in their search for truth and accountability. We remember, and some of us even relate to Harvey England, Tory Randall, and Walt Schell as both physically capable and mentally formidable senior sleuths who have had significant success in their results in the previous cases. Enough success even to have them officially recognized by The Illinois State Police as adjunct Investigators, with the added training and authorities being official when used on a case.

PROLOGUE

It is mid-March 2021, and Harvey has mostly recuperated. He still has occasional discomfort in his center-right lower chest from the broken rib from his shooting, but he gets through it well, as one would expect from Harv. The team has begun their training at The State Police Academy. They have been consistently teased and mocked by their much younger siblings but have established some great relationships.

Every morning, Walt and Harv run with the group, and then Tory joins them for physical training, including capturing and restraining suspects, the use of certain holds, and less lethal punches and kicks to gain suspect control. They are also trained in the use of force, powers of arrest, lethal force, and firearms. It includes effectiveness on the range and tactical training where they are trained to quickly identify threats from civilians and innocent bystanders on dynamic, pop-up targets shooting in a mock urban environment. Tory has done an admirable job, from standing and moving to becoming effective, even from her wheelchair. Their training also includes Police Powers. They all regularly discussed how important the training was and how little of it they could have predicted. Harv, Tory, and Walt have also considerably enhanced their knowledge and skills in the issues of handling physical evidence, the chain of custody rules, and investigative techniques. The training has proved to be of great value.

Because of the training load, Harv, Walt, and Tory spend a lot of time in the Baytowne Fitness Center doing strength exercises. They are all coming along nicely. Weekly reports are being forwarded to Nolan, so they are trying to compete at a very high level and succeeding! Even when they are worn out after each day, they continue to work with Gil as the house is developing and being finished rapidly. It’s beautiful! But it’s been funny because of their total involvement in the police training, the house has taken on a less important priority.

Ben, the Designer from Lippman’s, has been in constant touch to keep Harv apprised regarding the items purchased, and he has taken much responsibility out of The Team’s hands, thank goodness.

Harv, Tory, and Walt have decided to complete the training scheduled to end in April. They want to graduate with their peers. They often comment on keeping up with 20-year-olds in excellent physical health. But they’re holding their own!

Nolan checks in on them often and occasionally shows up for coffee but tries carefully not to let others view him as unfairly biased. As March wears on, the weather is getting a little better and better. It’s a wet spring. April proves to be much better. It’s warmer, and things dry out, which is important for doing all the stonework and starting the landscaping and planting. During their visits to England House, they see amazing progress and must work to keep from getting too excited and taking their minds away from their mental and physical training. Things are coming together!

chapter 1 - GRADUATION!

It was Friday, April 9th, 2021. It was a great day! The weather was sunny and warm, and the three were excited. This day was graduation from the academy for them. Harv, Walt, and Tory would graduate with their State Police Academy class! Normally the classes for recruits lasted for 26 weeks. Because of their specific and special circumstances, they have had a grueling but abbreviated course of six weeks of specialized training. They have spent their weeks in Springfield, II., in the housing provided. They have each done very well.

Their special class consisted of themselves and others from other police organizations and needed training updates for those who had been promoted but had not been through training recently. Presiding was the Director of the Illinois State Police. Nolan and Skitch were there to watch and congratulate their special people. As Harv, Walt, and Tory were recognized, the Director made some brief statements that spoke to the exceptional and unusual circumstances of their credentialing and training. He included comments that they had been held to the highest standards, including physical ones.

Harv, Walt, and Tory were brought to tears. Nolan and Skitch applauded the loudest. As Nolan and Skitch came forward to congratulate them, Harv said, Finally, this is over!  Nolan grabbed his hand and arm and said firmly, No, Harv, this is just the beginning. I’m so proud.  Skitch and Nolan went on about the same with Walt and Tory, with each of them feeling special. All three of The Team had been presented with a Glock 22, a .40 caliber handgun which was the standard for the State Police, and the weapon with which they each had trained.

Once graduation was over, they all headed for Harv’s truck to drive home to Champaign. With their luggage packed and ready to go, it didn’t take long to hit the road. They were soon on I-72 straight to Champaign. They were too excited to be tired but realized some relaxation would be in order. Harv commented, Think of the poor troopers returning to their duty assignments tomorrow. It’s good to be ‘an adjunct.’ But I learned a lot and will improve as an investigator.

Amen, said Tory. I think the training was eye-opening. The amount that I didn’t know amazed me.

Ditto, stated Walt. I wish the news organizations would send some people to the training.  It would make their reporting more accurate!

As they drove, they became more relaxed and began talking about their next priority, the house. Landscaping would be worked on, and the drive, the connector to the covered patio, and the sidewalks were finished, they knew from the calls with Gil. Landscaping would occur very soon. As they spoke about it, Harv dialed Gil.

As Gil answered, Harv said, Congratulate us, Gil! We all graduated. Now we can officially arrest you!

I’ll come quietly, I promise, declared Gil. Congrats to all of you!

After thanking Gil, Harv said, We’re returning to Champaign. When can we come to see the house?

Is tomorrow soon enough? asked Gil.

With that, they all agreed to meet at England House at 10:30 Saturday morning, April 10th.

Now they could and would focus on getting ready for the huge move. Tory still led the men in enthusiasm. She was so ready. They all were!

As they got closer to home, they decided to go out to eat rather than cook at the apartment. Besides, they didn’t know if they had any food that wasn’t frozen. As they entered Champaign and I-72 turned into University Ave, it wasn’t far from the Texas Roadhouse, where they went for dinner. The rolls were excellent, and the steaks were fine.

After dinner, they went straight to Baytowne, where Tory had agreed to spend the night with them. Harv parked the truck, and he with Walt, unloaded their gear.  Harv went out to lock up the truck and returned inside. They all kicked back while Harv opened a bottle of Sangria. Because it wasn’t refrigerated, he served it at room temp. It was a sweet after-dinner drink, and they enjoyed it.

Tomorrow they will go to the house!

chapter 2 - ENGLAND HOUSE!

After a good night’s sleep, Harv and Walt decided to continue their good habits of a morning workout. They snuck downstairs quietly but only to find Tory up and about. They all greeted one another, then Harv and Walt took off. In about 50 minutes, they were back and promptly went upstairs to get ready. Tory had spent the time they were gone doing the same. The men came to the kitchen at about 8:45 a.m. and had breakfast. It was good that Tory had made a big pot of coffee!

While they looked at the News-Gazette, the three were more consumed by thoughts of the new house. It would be within a few short weeks that they would move in! How exciting!

At about 9:45 a.m., they all loaded into Harv’s Ram truck and went off. It was a good April morning, about 53 degrees, warming with good sunshine.  The ground was dry, which made it even nicer. They arrived at England House around 10:05, and Gil was there to meet them proudly. As they exited the truck, Gil came over, hugged each of them, and congratulated them personally. It was nice. The Team’s focus was on the large home.

It was stunning! The stone driveway, a wide path to the back-covered porch, and the beautiful sidewalks! The Port Cochere and curb appeal were unmatched. The mission-style windows were special! The flower beds had been outlined but not yet planted. The lawn had been wonderfully leveled and had been seeded. One could see whisps of young grass peeking through the soil. The landscaping would be completed over the next two to three weeks depending upon the weather, of course. They noticed a beautiful, three-dimensional sign hanging on the front porch as they approached the house to enter. England House, it beckoned. Gil had made it himself. Harv, Tory, and Walt commented on how special it was, and Gil’s pride showed.

As they toured the house inside, it was completed and beautiful! The colors were just as they had hoped, and the details were fabulous. All the paint lines were straight and accurate, the cabinetry and kitchen were those one would see in House Beautiful magazine, the carpets were great, and the rooms spacious.

They then toured the bathrooms. All they could do was make utterances of surprise and almost awe. Gil again demonstrated the automatic doors to the covered patio, the communications system between specific rooms or the whole house, the central locking system, and so much more. The place was spotless! All of the glass was almost invisible. The carpets, wood flooring, and tile work looked like they had just been vacuumed and cleaned. They had!

Tory was so excited. She walked through the main floor. She commented, It looks move-in-ready! 

Gil responded, It is! You may start bringing your things right away.  As they went from the kitchen into the garage, he noted, I’ve put down some of the carpet remnants so as you bring things into the garage, the floors won’t get dirty, and you can wipe your feet easily before going into the house proper. You should plan to bring your hanging clothes that you’re not currently using and put them in the closets. You can bring your tools and some kitchen stuff.

Has Ben been working with you? asked Harv.

Very often, replied Gil. "He’s been great. We exchanged pictures often so he could keep up with the progress. That’s important because before you move all your stuff in, he’ll need to have the furniture