Code 61 - Donald Harstad [75]
“This is an ongoing investigation into a possible homicide,” said Hester. “I emphasize 'possible.' Since it is ongoing, there is very little we're able to release to you at this time. The deceased is one Edith Younger, of Rural Route, Freiberg. An autopsy has been performed by the medical examiner's office, and the results are expected to be formally submitted at the conclusion of all the routine laboratory testing.”
It was a nice release. They'd done a nice job. Predictably, as soon as she'd finished the last sentence, the assembled reporters all started asking the vampire question. Hester held up her hand. “There has been a rumor started that there is somehow an involvement of a so-called vampire in this case.” She drew a deep breath. “Vampires are mythical creatures. Period.” She produced a great, open, honest smile. “Any suspect or suspects in this case would be human beings,” she said, in a calm, clear voice, “and would be treated as such. You can count on that.”
“So, who are you looking for with all these people?” the Dubuque TV reporter asked.
I found myself just as curious about her answer as the media.
“We have a possible suspect, who may be in this vicinity. We are checking to see if our information is correct.”
Cool. I almost clapped.
“Is it true that this suspect has been shot?” I peered into the group, but with the TV lights and the light rain, I couldn't see who was talking.
“Nobody has been shot,” said Hester. Too true.
“We were told that a person had been shot, and had fled into the woods.” I moved a step or two to my right, and looked hard into the assembled media people. It appeared as if the La Crosse TV reporter was the one doing the talking. As my eyes moved over the group of media people, I recognized William Chester standing near the La Crosse SUV. I suspected I'd identified their source, although where he had gotten his information was beyond me.
“No one was shot and then fled into the woods,” she said.
She tried to forestall further questions by saying, “The law expressly does not allow the release of more information at this time. The sole reason we chose to respond to the first question was to put an unfounded and kind of silly rumor to rest. We are allowed to do that under departmental procedure.” The smile again. “We're encouraged to do that, in fact.”
There was a barrage of questions, many containing the “V” word. One actually asked if the vampire had drained the blood from the victim.
“I'm really sorry, but I can't say more at this time. We'll keep you posted on the critical steps in the case. Thank you.” She and Lamar turned, and began to walk back into the house.
Hester should have gotten some flowers for her performance.
“Is the dead girl any relation to you, Sheriff?”
Lamar stopped, and stood for a second, with his back to the cameras. We had a good view of his face, and it was absolutely stony. He turned.
“Edith Younger was my niece,” he said. “That's why I'm not personally involved in this investigation.”
He turned, and ignored the hubbub behind him. Then, he did something I'd never seen him do before. As they headed into the Mansion, he held the door for Hester.
About fifteen minutes later, we had all the arrangements made to secure the house pending the return of the owner, and the search warrant team was going to head in for the night. The area searchers were still out there, but it was beginning to look like our quarry had given us the slip.
“We'll keep at it all night,” said Lamar. “And do a daylight search, too. He's gotta be somewhere.”
“Hey, Lamar,” said Hester. “You puttin' everybody on double time and a half?”
“No,” he said gruffly. “They're all just workin' a shift.”
“Not since midnight,” said Hester.