A Hole In One

CHAPTER 8 The newspaper was quartered in an old warehouse. The main room was filled with reams of paper, barrels of ink and a giant press. On the far end is a glass door leading to a small office, inside two men are to busy to notice their visitor. Pat knocks on the door, the heads of the men raise in unison. “Who is it,” their voices seem to echo. “Detective Handel.” “Come in, come in,” Bo Hopkins tone is not pleasant.” What do you want?” “You were looking for a story, I have one for you.” “Just this morning you wanted nothing to do with us, what changed your mind?” “I need your help.” “In what way?” “I want you to do a story on John Carroll.” “John Carroll, you’re a little late, we’re just finishing our story.” “I need a special edition with pictures, the whole works!” “Pictures, what kind of pictures?” “The Carroll family built this town, the article should include Mayor Turner, Chief Alden and his staff, the members of his family, maybe some close friends.” “You’re asking an awful lot, we only have two days!” “I’ll help is your photographer available?” “You’re talking to him.” The other man nodded. “I’m Neil Brandt “You up to taking some photos,” Pat reached for Brandt’s hand. “This is short notice, with your help it might work.” “Think of the publicity, with all the reporters in town the whole country will see your story!” “I like it, lets do it, wait a minute, how do I get the Chief and his staff at the same time?” “I’ll take care of that, the Chief will love it.” “Then you’ll call when everything is ready?” “Stay near the phone and you also could take a few pictures at the County Club of the manager and the pro giving lessons that was John’s favorite hang out.” Pat stopped home and picked up his camera, fortunately Sue was not home. Now the hard part is getting the Chief’s permission. Unfortunately Alden was not alone in his office; Mayor Turner was seated across the desk. “You what,” the Chief’s voice rose a few octaves. “A picture of the staff, it will only take a few minutes.” “For what?” “Hopkins is doing a tribute to John Carroll, a special edition, pictures the whole works.” “A tribute to John?” “Everyone says without John and his family there won’t be any Carrollville.” “That’s true, I certainly wouldn’t be here.” “I think it’s a wonderful idea,” Mayor Turner approved. “What about Kelly and Reese, they’re still at the barn.” “What barn?” “Oh, it’s nothing Mayor, just checking out a fire hazard.” “That’s good, we don’t need another fire!” “I’ll relieve them.” “How about your picture?” “No one cares about me, I‘ve only been here a few months.” “This better not take long!” “Don’t worry chief, it won’t.” On the way to the barn, Pat went out of his way to go past the Carrroll residence. Parked in the circular drive was a service car from the Country Club. Pat wondered if it was Hunt, he would have loved to find out, but he promised Alden no delays. I hope this works, Pat thought as he pulled up to the barn. Kelly and Reese were told the story and reluctantly posed for pictures.now Pat had time to check out the barn. Osinski’s boys had cleaned out the marijuana but missed a few cigar leafs. “Cleaver, very clever,” Pat muttered to himself as he crumbled the leaves in his hand. The tobacco would hide the tell-tale odor someone could smoke a cigar without anyone knowing it contained marijuana. The next day Pat, Kay and Fernando the interrupter stood near a long table covered with pictures. As was expected all the prisoners pointed to the pictures of Kelly, Pat and Kay. Two also picked out Barb Carroll and Jim Hunt. Pat was right they came once a week, the vans were loaded and they left. After interrogation one man recognized Kelly from the trailer park on the night of the fire. He was sure he saw Kelly earlier before the fire. “Before the fire, are you sure he said before the fire,” Pat questioned Kay. “Do you want me to question him again?” “That’s a good idea, find out where he saw Kelly and the time if possible.” “Kelly always seemed to be where the action was, always a step ahead of everyone,” Pat thought. He remembered the day of the murder, Kelly met him at the door and drove him to the directly to the fourteenth green. The next time he saw him was on the fairway hitting balls when he was suppose to be guarding the murder scene. The sand trap where the gun was found was nearby. Again he was first at the barn. And what about his fathers watch that was found near the rest area. His story about John Carroll taking over the family farm could be a motive. Now he was seen near the Hernandez trailer an hour before the fire, before he could go any further Fernando interrupted Pat’s thoughts. “One of the men saw Kelly near the Hernandez trailer, he does not know the time only that it was still light, will you need me any longer?” “No, thank you that’s all for now.” As Pat left the county jail, he heard a voice behind him. “Detective, hold up a minute.” It was Bob Carlson. “I have good news for you.” “I could use some.” “Because of the drug operation, I’ve been told to extend my stay.” “What about Martinez?” “He stays with me.” “That’s great news!” “There’s one problem.”