There is a serial killer loose and only cooperation will bring the culprit to justice. |
RoE D4 Pt 4 Galloway had Anna, Joe and Tom meet him in front of Heilmann High School the next day. “Last night one of the police officers told me about a substitute teacher he doesn’t like the looks of. The guy works here and at Waterton. He might be a person of interest.” said Tom. “What were we able to get from the Hall family?” asked Galloway. “I talked to Dan Hall, the father, “said Anna, “and all that he could tell me was that Rick was a typical teen. He didn’t share too much with his parents and liked to keep to himself.” “We got plenty of evidence from the scene but it is confusing to say the least. The forensics team is still a little behind. We can go over what we do have when we get back to the station,’ said Galloway. A police cruiser pulled up and dropped off Rachel Claire. Galloway guided her over to the rest of the team. “I’ve asked Ms. Claire to accompany us talking to the students. They know her and she is more their age.” “She might have better luck getting records from here,” said Anna. “Anna, you and Rachel canvas the school grounds. Joe, you check out the athletic department. Tom, try to talk to Rick Hall’s teachers and such. I’m going straight to the head of things.” said Galloway. “Rick was on the football team so it will be a good idea to check with the other players,” said Joe. “Talk to the Auto Club too,” said Rachel. “Not too much happens in the school without them knowing. Galloway went to the main offices and got in to see Principal Thorton. James Thorton was short and thin, not at all you would think of as an authority figure. His black Beatles mop top needed a trim as it almost touched the tops of his wire rimmed glasses. He also was in need of a shave. “Detective, how can I help you?” “Agent, Mr. Thorton. I’m trying to put together what Rick Hall’s final days were like.” “Yes, terrible business it all is. Rick was an exceptional student. He was part of the football team here and The Auto Club. Good upstanding boys. Hoodlum gang members like that Michaels boy. That was the problem.” “That would be Darrel Michaels?” “Yes, Delinquents is what they are, all of them. Then that girl, Kristin Claire. I swear she bewitched Rick somehow just to make that devil of hers jealous.” “There were problems between Hall and Claire?” “That,” he cleared his throat, “girl. She kept accusing Rick of sexual misconduct. Of course, no one ever saw anything.” Phone rings. “This is Thorton. No don’t give them anything without a warrant. Tell the students they shouldn’t talk to anyone without their parents present. “Slams the phone down. “I think you and your team have outstayed your welcome.” “I’m sorry you feel that way.” Principal Thorton stood up. “You can contact me through our legal department, Detective.” Galloway grabbed his badge, making a show of the gun he was wearing. “It’s Agent Galloway, Mr. Thorton. You’ll know what that means soon.” Galloway and the rest of the team gathered in the parking lot. Anna was pulling a young girl hidden under a blue and grey hoodie. “Galloway, this is Mary Cartwright. She has some information you might find interesting.” Mary’s pink hair peeked out as she looked around, her hazel eyes darting to look at other students nearby. “I heard the Auto Club boys talking. They were praising Mike Austin for taking care of Timothy Karson. Mike should have never blabbed to Tim about what they did in Waterton.” “That’s good, Mary,” said Anna. “Can I go now? I have to get home.” “Anna can take a car and see Ms. Cartwright home and get her statement. Joe can ride back to the station with me.” “I guess it would be better than the bus,” said Mary. Anna took her to the car and she got in quickly and ducked down in the seat. “Did anyone get anything else?” asked Galloway. “I tried to talk to the football team,” said Joe. “That Mike Austin the girl just talked about seemed nervous. I was going to press them but a faculty member came over shouting about their parents and warrants.” “The principal was irritated by us being here and insisted on a warrant before he would give us anything else.” “I’ll go talk to Judge Tomlinson,” said Rachel. “Principal Thorton tried to keep the Judge’s nephew out of the school on the Judge’s credentials. I’m sure Tomlinson will be more than happy to give us any warrants we need.” “There were stories going around about Kristin Claire being a witch that put a love spell on Rick Hall to make her demon boyfriend jealous. Apparently, it worked because several others said they heard Darrel Michaels threaten Rick Hall’s life,” said Tom. “I heard from the principal about the whole spell thing. He also said that Michaels came to the school and attacked Rick. I think we should get the warrant for the Auto Club members.” “We should also get any files the police have on Darrel Michaels, Kristin Claire, and their associates. “ said Joe. “We need to look at Mike Austin and Timothy Karson.,” said Tom. “The story that Mary Cartwright told is compelling.” “Everything is starting to come together,” said Galloway. “Rachel, I want you to gather the files we need and bring them to the conference room at the Town Hall. We’re going to need more room to sort this out.” |