Justice for Elizabeth

By K. L. Dempsey

Justice for Elizabeth is K. L. Dempsey's newest thriller, which once again points out his unique talent for creating and defining his characters. The novel illuminates the dark corners faced by a smalltown lawyer Luke Black, whose modest goals in life are defined by his annual three resolutions:

That he will continue his long-term effort to destroy the popular belief that all lawyers are necessarily dishonest.

That his net worth will reach his projected $6 million by the end of the year.

That he will continue to elevate his search for Miss Perfect.

The novel begins with the tragic kidnapping of a loving daughter while she was attempting to assist her parents with the payment of a routine bill. With a network of unlikely colleagues providing help along the way, Luke Black involves himself in the cat-and-mouse game of finding the reasons behind the kidnapping and hopeful return of this beloved daughter to her parents. What he finds along the way is that using all his skills have not prepared him for the most challenging case he has ever accepted. Readers will once again find a thriller that blends crime and suspense with romance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9798889607595

Book preview

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Justice for Elizabeth

K. L. Dempsey

Copyright © 2023 K. L. Dempsey

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2023

This story is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead; historical events; or organizations is purely coincidental.

ISBN 979-8-88960-738-0 (pbk)

ISBN 979-8-88960-759-5 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Epilogue

About the Author

For those missing and never found

Also by K. L. Dempsey

The Unholy Vengeance

The Vanishing Pharmacist

Beneath the Earth

Secrets of Eden's Dam

Death before It's Time

Evidence of Failure

The Dark Tomb

Swinging Gates

You radiate a satisfaction that comes from

Being happy with life

A sense of pride in fulfillment

A desire for dreams still undreamt

You are special… You are you

—Anonymous

Chapter 1

Every June 30, Luke Black made the same three resolutions.

That he would continue his effort to destroy the popular belief that all lawyers are necessarily dishonest.

Be worth $6 million by the end of the year.

Elevate his search for Miss Perfect.

This year's goal to disprove the belief that all lawyers were necessarily dishonest would be made even harder because it was an election year and everybody practicing this craft understood the undeniable fact that his selected occupation was less admired in most circles than that of a car salesman.

However, in being a lawyer, he held himself without mock modesty to being the humblest of all individuals that had ever been elevated to the bar. Still, it was a most difficult task to perform with honesty in a small town of 1,500 citizens in which each day many depended upon him to represent their concerns in a fair and just manner unlike most of his legal counterparts that worked hard to create the unfortunate image that now appeared in society.

This year's financial goal was to reach a net worth of six million, and considering the fact that his current net worth was 4.5 million, getting there was a slam dunk considering that the majority of his current income was derived from existing investments. But now while finishing the last of his three bottles of Coors beer, he knew that his number three goal appeared again doomed to failure, as had been the case the last seven years.

Looking up at the massive rack of white-tailed deer, he crammed himself into the corner of Dottie's Bar and Grill restaurant, which had long been referred to as the Great Room. This allowed him to avoid eye contact with the afternoon crowd, who would be looking for free legal advice. It was the nature of small-town residents to expect its professionals to look at their business much in the same way as their local minister who would marry, bury, and tend to the sick with little or no compensation beyond their agreed salary. While small towns tended to have few narcissists that would strut around Dottie's bar, flaunting their glorious new purchases of Rolex watches, today's crowd came here for two simple reasons. Either they were looking for the latest gossip about one another or seeking out free advice. However, today he didn't feel duty bound to charm the hell out of anyone. Right now he was too pissed to be charming because he was thinking about Shaun Lee Conley and his longtime clients, the Cunninghams. While the Cunninghams were probably still mourning their missing daughter Elizabeth, Conley had been indicted on two counts of aggravated murder of two women, Mary Ann Fillmore and Patty Griffith, plus the kidnapping and multiple sexual assaults of another unidentified woman whose 911 calls to the Robin's Nest police had led to Conley's arrest on September 9, 2015.

In court documents, her name had been redacted and now simply referred to as Jane Doe. In total, Conley had been indicted on twenty-four counts, all first-, second-, and third-degree felonies with lesser charges, including breaking and entering, burglary, and tampering with evidence. Besides being a general blight against society, most evidence had suggested that murder had not been one of his trademarks. Now being represented by a court-appointed attorney, Mason Bridgewater, cases against him had appeared to be going nowhere until during a press interview with the Robin's Nest Free Press he had unexpectedly confessed to five murders. His trial date now had been set for August 8, 2016. Being that this was an election year, it surprised no one that Prosecutor Kristopher K. Romeo was reported to have said that given the depraved actions and the gruesome evidence, he would likely seek the death penalty. What bothered Luke more than anything was the fact that Shaun Lee Conley, the man that most considered the prime suspect in the case of the disappearance of Elizabeth Cunningham, had never been charged with any real crime until recently.

Now pulling from his wallet a piece of paper, he began to read the clipped article that he had cut from the Robin's Nest Free Press on the subject of Jane Doe. The woman was reported to have called 911 while Conley slept within the house that he was holding her in. At that time she was safely rescued by the local police. Because she had claimed to be the victim of a sexual assault, police declined to reveal her identity. Conley had stated that he never planned to kill her and that in truth, while she had been in the house, she had committed to his offer of marriage. Luke thought back to the period when the Cunningham family had hired him to handle their legal affairs. They had mentioned over and over again how frustrated that they had been over having reported to the Robin's Nest police the fact that she had been missing two weeks before Conley had been arrested. Although the police had taken sympathy into their concern, they had found no evidence to confirm that the man arrested had anything to do with their missing daughter.

Returning the news item to his wallet, Luke started to get up when he looked up at the sweeping balcony on the east side of the room. There to his surprise coming down from Dottie's office was a woman that he had never seen in her bar before. Standing by his booth, he watched as the flurry of blonde hair and pink silk moved toward the resister. She was polar opposite of most of the women that came from these parts and seemed to at first blush Yankee bred, maybe a Harvard Business School trained ruthless big-city female. The type of woman who could make a man's heart flutter to the point of needing a blood pressure reading provided she would let you get close enough to ignite the fire. He wondered if by chance he had just seen the last and only golden-haired angel that had found its way into the bar by some mistake. Luke, taking stock of the situation, decided that he had not succeeded in life by standing on the sidelines and now quickly decided to walk over to her. He knew that one of life skills when trying to meet someone new was the ability to conceal your intended purpose. He was about to use the old line of Haven't we met before? when the hand of fate and long-familiar voice of Otto Nelson pulled him away from his intended meeting with the lady in pink and redirected him to a nearby booth.

Jesus, it's good to see you, Luke. I was hoping that you'd be here today. Our son Jeff was stopped by the highway patrol the other day, and you know how it is. The kid had just left a party, had one drink, and the next thing is that he's calling us from police headquarters, and we're bailing him out.

Luke could hardly stay focused on what Otto was saying as he watched the woman leave the register and head out the front door to her car. What did you say, Otto? Something about your son being stopped for a DUI?

Yes, plus he was doing 30 mph over the speed limit at the time, so they pulled his driver's license and made him feel like some goddamn criminal, which as you know wouldn't be the case. What in the hell do we do now? asked Otto. They told Maggie and I that Jeff might face criminal penalties over this and that we better get a lawyer as soon as possible. It's a fucking nightmare, Luke. Do we even need a lawyer, or is this just some more police bullshit?

As Luke watched the woman pull away from the curb and head out of town, he quickly returned his gaze to Otto. Yes, you do need a lawyer, partner. Something like this is good reason to be concerned about, so on that regard, they were telling you the truth. Luke understood that his friend, Otto, would be concerned about their image in this small town, where they operated the local funeral home, so he knew that it was best to lay out the facts about this offence in a state where DUIs weren't treated as just a minor offence. Look, buddy, from one friend to another, please understand that over 35,000 people are arrested yearly for this type of offense, and my guess is that over the years that you've had more than one family who has called upon you due to someone killed from alcohol-related car crashes. In your case, thank God that Jeff was not one of them, although in this state, over three hundred people die each year from alcohol-accident-related causes. It's not my intent, friend, to pass any type of judgment, but just to make you understand that even a first-time offence is expensive.

What do you mean expensive? asked Otto, now paying attention to Luke's words.

Well, just for an estimate, this could cost a first-time DUI driver raised insurance rates plus the temporary loss of income and also administrative penalties that you must consider.

What administrative penalties for Christ's sake? yelled Otto.

Nothing is easy when it involves a DUI, answered Luke. First-offense DUI in this state can result in license suspension of driving privileges for six months, although the driver might be eligible for a MDDP. That's what's called a monitoring DUI driving permit issued on the thirty-first day of suspension. If you hire a good attorney, sometimes but not always it's possible to prevent license suspension and related license reinstatement complications if you understand what I'm saying, Otto.

What I'm beginning to understand and no offence to you is that this whole thing appears to be one big scam, Luke.

In some respects, I can understand your feelings, Otto, but it just so happens that this state forbids a plea option entailing reduction of charges to lesser offenses. Thus, using legal counsel can help with obtaining dismissal charges, or if not feasible, an attorney can help you work toward gaining some favorable terms. Sad as it is, it's not a question about if you need a lawyer but making certain that you pick the right one, Otto.

Well then, would you represent Jeff? Maggie and I know of your reputation and want our son to have the best legal help that's possible. Money, in this case, is not a problem, Luke.

I understand and thank you for your confidence in me, Otto, but again things aren't always the way we want them to be. First, I don't accept DUI cases because I would be doing an injustice to those that I want to help. You need to consult with a DUI lawyer. That's someone who specializes in this field and can best help your son more than I could. Luke reached into his pocket, pulling free his wallet and removing a card that contained the name of Phillip Cousins. He is the best when it comes to these things, Otto. We graduated together from law school, and I'll put in a good word for you so that you get the Luke Black discount. Yes, I remember that you said money was no issue, but these are my rules when handling a friend. Besides, he owes me more favors than he would ever want to admit.

Well, now I really owe you, said Otto.

Well, let's just say, friend, that I'm in no hurry to collect unless by chance you know who that woman was that was in line just before you got my attention, Luke said.

"You mean Dottie's kid from her first marriage? She's the model they use in those Venus fashion magazines that originate out of Jacksonville, Florida. She's just in town for a few days from what I understand, said Otto. Oh, now I get it. He laughed. Small-town lawyer has been taken aback by the lady in the pink outfit. Well, I can't blame you for that, but fair warning. She's been on the radar of every man over the age of fifteen, but who can blame them? The woman looks amazing just walking through this bar and grill let alone modeling one of those triangle bikini tops or ribbon-and-lace tunics, which she appears in each month in their magazine. If you haven't had the opportunity to see one, I suggest that you put yourself on the mailing list."

Well, I was just curious, nothing more, he said while quickly shaking Otto's hand before moving to the door.

Luke, now turning into the driveway, wondered if his decision had been a good one. He looked at his watch: 1:45 p.m.

By now, both of the Cunninghams should have finished their lunch and would be well rested for his unexpected visit. He had been working on their request for a new will for some time, and today was as good as any to update them on the finished product. Pulling his car into their driveway, he shut the engine down and secured the parking brake. Taking a deep breath, he exhaled slowly and mentally braced himself for the things that were surely to come. There would be the usual inevitable verbal pummeling directed toward the local police and all law enforcement agencies, which had long been the topic of choice when dealing with their missing daughter Elizabeth, which now had been going on for more time than any one parent needed to deal with. Getting out of the car, he walked the few steps to the front door and tapped the intercom button while smiling at the security camera, something that they must have recently installed since his last visit. Hearing the footsteps from inside the house, he waited until the massive redwood door opened and Florence Cunningham appeared.

Harold, it's Luke Black! she yelled, letting her voice carry to the back of the house. Within seconds, the man of the house appeared and put his arms around Luke.

Jesus, Luke, it's been a long while. What, has it been two, maybe three months? he said.

Actually, Harold, it's been just two weeks. I know that it seems longer, but remember, it was on July 3 of this year that we all sat down and talked about a new will for you and Florence. I've finished it now and wanted to leave it with you and maybe go over some of the details, he said.

Well, come right in, Luke. Florence just made a new pot of coffee, so let's just go into the family room and make ourselves comfortable. I'm certain this is complicated, so maybe I should have a notebook and pen?

Following Harold, he said, That won't be necessary. These things are pretty cut and dry as long as you don't have farm machinery and thousands of acres of land plus a number of children that want a piece of the pie, he offered, sitting down on the leather couch.

Florence followed Harold to the love seat, and after placing the coffee down in front of both men, she sat down directly across the room from Luke. Will this piece of paper be foolproof and avoid any court battle if someone should produce an earlier will? she asked.

That's an interesting question, Florence. Neither you nor Harold ever mentioned that you might have a concern on this subject with anyone, said Luke.

We don't, offered Harold. The only small concern is that Florence was married once before for a short time, and although she had two girls from that union, they aren't considered to be a future problem, although we still want our assets protected just in case.

First, it's important for you folks to remember that there is no standard, legally foolproof will. State laws vary as do the needs of the people making wills. What you've done, in this case, in allowing me to prepare this document is to establish the fact of your intentions to make it clear that this is your current and updated will. This piece of paper gives your name, place of residence, and revokes any previous wills and codicils.

What do you mean by that? asked Florence.

Simply put, it cancels any amendments to previous wills should either of you have ever done that, said Luke.

We haven't, responded Harold. Like a lot of people, I'm sure we never actually thought about creating a will until you mentioned the matter during the last time that you did our taxes, he said.

Well then, let's get started, folks, he said, handing a copy to each before he began. As you can see, the first item deals with funeral expenses and payment of debt. You have named your son Harry J. Cunningham as the executor. Under the terms, he handles everything should either of you not survive this will. He will pay from the estate all enforceable and unsecured debts and, of course, the funeral expenses to include any costs that remain from one's last illness along with those expenses involving the administering of the estate. If that's understood, we then move to the subject of money and personal property. He waited until satisfied that no questions existed. Continuing, he went on, Like with most married couples, you've instructed me to make certain that each of you give all the tangible personal property and all polices and proceeds of insurance to the surviving spouse that survives. When you both have left this earth, you then want that these assets to be given in equal shares to your children after the executor makes payment out of the estate for any remaining responsibilities. If that's clear, we can move on to the subject of real estate, said Luke.

I have a question, asked Florence.

Certainly, it's time to take a break anyway, said Luke.

You remember the situation that involves our daughter Elizabeth, correct?

Of course, how can anyone in our community not be aware of this painful tragedy? Why? Have you learned something from the authorities, Florence?

No, and it's going on two years now with little or no word from anyone in the last several months. It's almost as if the authorities have given up caring and just consider it just another one of those missing cold cases and nothing more. My point and concern is that we want her protected in this will just as if she's alive and will be returning home. Until this matter is closed, we want her share remaining for her, she said.

Luke watched them both and could tell this was a painful part of the meeting. Look, both of you need not worry a moment about this. In the paperwork, I'll direct Harry as the executor of this will to make certain that your wishes are carried out regarding Elizabeth. Unless we've reached a point that you would wish that I come back to finish this, we can now move onto the part that covers real estate.

Let's continue, said Harold.

Good, then look at the section that covers residences. You two have this beautiful home plus property in Tampa, Florida. Since most people want their spouse to keep the family home and the other property, it's sometimes preferable to leave these residences to your spouse in what we call a marital trust. To give you an example of what I mean, let me review that part so that it's clear. It states that ‘I give the rest of my estate to my wife or husband. If he does not survive me, I give my residuary estate to those children who survive me in equal shares to be divided among them.' The only other thing that I want to cover at this meeting is the section marked Fiduciaries. In that, you will notice that for the purpose of this will, I've appointed Florence as the executor of the will. If she is unable or unwilling to act or for some reason resigns, then Harry, your son, is successor. Remember, the executor operates under the strict requirements of what you specify to be done in the will, so don't worry. Checking his watch, Luke got up from his chair. I think that we've covered all that we can today, so I'll let you both study the paperwork that I'm leaving for you, and when you both are comfortable with what I've put together regarding your will, just leave a call for me, and I'll stop over, and I'll get it filed officially. Do either of you have any questions at this time?

Not on the will, said Harold, but in the future, we'd like to spend some time with you and cover some additional concerns that we have about Elizabeth, but we'll make an appointment for that.

Luke paused for a moment and looked at both of them. Should we do that now? he asked, showing his concern.

No, you finish your day, and we get back to you, said Florence, giving Luke a warm hug.

Chapter 2

Now that he was finished with the Cunninghams, he knew that one more stop would be possible before ending the day, so after driving a few miles, he pulled his car into the small commercial lot and proceeded to visit his friend. Getting out of his car, he walked the hundred feet, then entered the building and walked up to the receptionist.

I'm Luke Black, here to see Mr. Silver, please.

The woman sitting at the circular desk just outside Silver's office was someone new and didn't recognize him. Her gold nameplate said Tami, and she looked very much like a Tami. She had long, flowing blonde hair, a somewhat dated pair of Tina Fey glasses, and a prim white silk blouse. She probably had modeled for Cosmopolitan in her past job he thought. His guess was that she was connected to some rich boyfriend and had one or two security guards hired to watch her every move for Mr. Boyfriend. This was a woman that needed to be watched, and his guess was the boyfriend wouldn't trust his prized find to be running loose. He knew that he shouldn't care but couldn't help wondering why most Jewish people were always named Silver, Goldstein, Goldberg, or Grossman. Almost standing at attention, he waited for Tami to acknowledge him.

Did you have an appointment with Mr. Silver, Mr. Black? She looked up at him, giving him an ample view of what the blouse was designed not to hide. She knew that he didn't have an appointment and appeared to be taking pleasure in reminding him that she was the gatekeeper, and nobody would get in to see the president of the investigative team without her authorization.

Okay, I get it, he thought. She's beautiful, a bitch, probably self-powerfully promoted, and spends a lot of time serving as Silver's seat cover in those late evening meetings. Still, he found that it was unnecessary to play the Don't fool with me card, so instead he simply handed her his card and said, Tell Mr. Silver to call me when his schedule allows it.

Tami watched as he walked away from her desk and read his card, Luke Black, attorney at law. Specialties: corporate malfeasance, aviation, medical malpractice, and divorce. She had seen cards like this before but without the footnote at the bottom of the card. Justice is invisible. Walking over to the large oak door, she knocked softly.

Yeah, who is it? came the rough voice inside.

It's Tami, Mr. Silver.

Well, come on in, you don't need a special invitation! he yelled.

Walking in, she noticed that he appeared to be working on several spreadsheets. Sorry to bother you, Mr. Silver, but this man wanted me to give you his card right away.

Silver looked at the card carefully before looking up at his secretary. Three things, Tami, and pay close attention so as not to miss any of this in the future. One, if Mr. Black ever shows up again, escort him into my office right away, not after he leaves. Two, you are free to always call me David when we're alone for the obvious reasons. Three, find a way to have your jealous boyfriend get rid of those two bodyguards that he's hired to watch you, or I will, and that could cost him dearly in broken bones.

Is there anything else, David?

Nothing, just pick that up for your trouble, he said, pointing to brown envelope at the edge of his desk.

Tami removed the envelope and pulled the door close, then walked back to her desk and sat down. Taking her letter opener, she sliced the sealed flap, looking inside, finding the typed letter plus several hundred-dollar bills.

Congratulations on your new promotion as office manager. You may feel free to hire us a new secretary.

Tami smiled while she counted the bonus of $2,500. There was little doubt that David and her would be working late tonight she concluded.

*****

The desk sergeant watched as Shaun Lee Conley walked past him almost as if he didn't have a care in the world.

Some system we have, remarked Corporal Benson Hightower as he observed the former prisoner walking out the front door.

Many cases much like Conley's haven't been investigated properly, said Sergeant Casey Stoner, so this is the price we pay. It's the new world that we live in, where some in society care little about a police officer being shot and choose instead to link arms together as they march down our streets singing praises for Black Lives Matter. The whole world is screwed up, and not much can be done about it other than to stay out of the way, collect your paycheck, and get home to your family and retire.

Wow, and I joined this force to serve and protect, said Hightower as he now watched the woman who had pulled the car up outside and picked up Conley. Looks like he'll be having some fun tonight, he said.

What did you say? asked Stoner.

Nothing really, just thinking out loud, that's all.

Well, while you're thinking about your future and all, please consider that if you want to keep working in this field that you're going to be one busy fellow trying to serve and protect the citizens of this great state, especially if they happen to be women. There are now over 627,000 missing women in America, which in itself is something to think about, but there's much more to that statistic. Consider that as you will tomorrow morning while you're shaving that while our black friends have 13.8 percent of the population, they account for over 78 percent of all total crime. Why is the big mystery. However, I'll provide you with something to think about. Remember the case years ago of a young high school girl by the name of Nadalee Holloway?

Hell, who could forget that case. It was all over the news every day and covered by every major news outlet, said Hightower. I believe that she disappeared in some island called Bermuda.

Actually, the island was Aruba, said Stoner. My point being that if you can recall a single black woman that has gone missing in 2015, I'll buy you the best steak dinner in town, Stoner said.

I can't in all honesty, responded Hightower.

That's my point, my friend. The news media frankly just doesn't give a damn about those folks. It's the young white damsels in distress that sells newspapers, not some African American woman who has gone missing. I know that sounds terrible, but facts are facts, my friend.

So with all your experience on the force, what do you personally think is going on? asked Hightower.

With black females or missing women in particular? asked Stoner.

Both, responded Hightower.

Blacks present the greatest mystery, and frankly I haven't a clue, but in general, this is what happens in my opinion. Many of these women, both black and white, are not victims of some kidnapping but went missing on their own accord for a multitude of reasons. Their disappearance and future unknown location had been well thought out in advance. They are escaping from their current environment that they are unhappy with and in many cases with the help of someone that they trust. In the case of teenagers and young adults, it may well be with the male that they are currently living with while then telling their parents that they are staying with a girlfriend. Then we have the married woman who is tired of playing housewife and caregiver to their children while her husband trots off to work each day and finishes off his tiresome day with a couple of cocktails, then comes home and wants to play hide the sausage while she is still tired from doing the laundry, washing the dishes, and helping the kids with their homework just for beginners. Very few of these cases are ever solved, and because each police department is underbudgeted and understaffed, what we then offer to the public is the standard lines just to keep everyone happy.

Are you saying that none of these people are ever found? asked Hightower.

Of course, some of them are found, but most are just pure luck or through the help of some citizen. When the public or the press gets restless, we just use those catchy phrases like ‘We're still following up on the leads that we have' or one of my favorites, ‘Sorry, but again this is an ongoing investigation, and I can't comment on that.'

What do you say to the aggressive reporter who sees through all this double talk and wants to know what you've been doing to find the person? asked Hightower.

Sometimes you can make them go away by letting them know that you've had an aerial search going on for days and that maybe you even went up in the plane with the flight crew to help view and direct the operation. You might even refer to the canine searches and foot searches by both volunteers and police.

So in the end they just become cold cases and end up in some detective's file cabinet? asked Hightower.

In a manner of speaking, yes, but if it helps your concern any, just remember the vast majority of these missing people are located eventually because most of those people have left on their own accord, said Stoner.

Was that the case with that young woman by the name of Elizabeth Cunningham? asked Hightower.

Oh, you've heard about that one? asked Stoner.

Everyone has heard about that one, Casey. The Cunningham parents have been coming up here for years so just about every detective has had to talk to them about that case, and everyone has had to tell them once again that the case has gone cold.

Word has it that the guy that just walked out of here might have had something to do with it, said Hightower.

Shaun Lee Conley might have a lot to do with a lot of missing women, but so far nothing can be proven. He's like a Teflon frying pan. Nothing sticks if you understand my meaning, said Stoner. All we can do is ask the public for is their continued assistance in keeping an eye out for any information no matter how small or insignificant they may think that it is. As we like to tell the public, every small piece may add to the bigger picture.

What's the deal on her anyway? asked Hightower.

Her father was away on business when it happened. Mrs. Cunningham indicated in her report that their daughter Elizabeth was a college student at the University of Iowa and spending her last few days at home. She had gotten in her little red Honda to go downtown for school supplies and left the house about ten in the morning. That was the last time her mother had seen her until she reported her missing to the local police. Later the police found her Honda abandoned at an intersection in the 700 block of Hawkeye Avenue in West Davenport, Iowa, still running with the driver's side door open. There were no signs of foul play or that of Elizabeth Cunningham. She has never been heard from again. The police had her car towed without the officers at the scene recognizing that it belonged to a missing person. Her mother and father describe her as a responsible, intelligent, and deeply religious young woman. She had no known boyfriends, and during the years in high school, she played the clarinet, saxophone, and piano along with being an organist at her church, said Stoner.

So the investigation is stalled with once again the news media having plenty to say on the matter, but in the end, like so many other missing women, the clues ring hollow and the killer gets away, said Hightower.

Look, buddy, think of this like a hibernating bear when one day will come out of his den and provide the clues that aren't in place today. Sad as it is, that's the way the system works, and police work takes place. In the meantime, the captain has to duck the media on things like this, but he's become good at it. I hope that you have an opportunity to attend one of his press conferences. He's more of a politician than a police officer, and before you know it, his words become touchy-feely and leave you with the feeling that you're in a massage parlor being worked on by Scarlett Johansson. He's such an aw-shucks, golly-gee kind of guy. When he talks to the press, it almost makes another police officer like me wanting to believe some of the earnest consensus nonsense that comes out of his mouth. What really is going on at these campfire talks is much like the definition of a bunker. Pass the beans and encourage the families to forget about their loss and join with him and sing some morale-boosting songs.

What takes place when some parent or member of the press calls him out on his failed effort? asked Hightower.

Remember what I told you? He pulls out one of those canned pieces of excuses, like ‘We had a lot of guys in and out of the lineup, and I can't go through them all.' Or ‘We're all judged on wins and losses.' Then there is the part that I like best. I am responsible for this whole department, and before long, we expect to take all this exceptional talent that is part of this police department and solve these crimes.

He says all that? asked Hightower.

Yes, and there many of us who feel that those are words to lose by because the words are nothing more than someone pulling out a knee brace and a baby rattle for a nice visual. Unless you haven't noticed, partner, there has been significant change in our police roster since you've arrived. Only three veteran detectives remain on the force, and everyone else has less than two years' experience. During the year 2010, just to give you an idea, our closing rate for all types of crime was 87 percent. Today it's at 19.5 percent due to a lack of manpower and general inexperience. If you've got any idea on how to improve it, you could be the next gold shield detective, said Stoner.

Maybe I can get the shield faster if I just can solve these two missing cases, he said, handing the file to Stoner. Captain Peters gave this to me when I reported in this morning. He said both cases were still open and had been actively investigated by Detective John Brown before he suddenly retired to Florida.

"Just for your information, I worked with Brown for the past ten years. He was a real good guy, but the pressure was getting to him, so it was good for his family that he got out of this rat race before he had a heart attack. This file that Peters gave to you is about two adult women from Rock Island, Illinois, who both just happened to move to Davenport, Iowa, before they went missing. Neither one apparently knew the other according to the lead investigator. One is Laverne Laws, twenty-three years of age, who disappeared according to the report on January 11, 2016, and was reported missing by her family on January 13, 2016. The other woman is Brenda Manson, thirty-one, who disappeared on January 5, 2016, and was reported missing by her husband soon after she failed to come home from her job. I talked to Brown several times about the case, and he had concluded that he had no reason to believe that the cases were in any way related due in large part because it was not uncommon to have multiple missing people from a close geographical area such as Davenport, Moline, and Rock Island. I actually agreed with him at the time. He had gone on in this report to point out that over a hundred people had been reported missing and that