Wow! Cant believe that it is Thursday already. This town is so quiet although I heard from Charlie that a quick closure is wanted and expected in Vince Adams murder. The town fathers have been pulling in their markers by the sound of it. Sure appears as if they know how to make waves in all the places that it counts. Charlie says hes met some bastards in his time but some of these guys really take the cake. Makes me feel a little fearful that I am connected to them and makes me even more curious as to how they make their damn money.
This morning is Mrs. Adams and CeCes visit to my office. Jim told me that they had shown the edited picture to the motel owners and some of the known sexually deviant locals in Elson Flats with no one admitting to recognizing the leg with the birthmark. So I guess this case is going nowhere fast and Chimmington is nervous indeed. Someone had mentioned that a lot of shouting had come from 15B earlier in the evening of the murder. A young man and Vince Adams seemed to be going at it verbally, hot and heavy. No name for the young man but a reasonably good description. Appears the young man was frequently seen with Adams.
Good old Joe, a fresh pot of coffee going and some donuts, we are set and ready and raring to go. Max follows me everywhere, almost as if I grew another limb. I am becoming well versed at understanding his needs and an expert in the use of the Pooper Scooper, and Joe has been beaming as his prophesy about Max and me appears to be a reality. I sit at my desk and Max takes position at my feet, Joe gets some dry dog food and a bowl of water and puts it on the floor by the little frig. All we have to do now is to wait for Charlie and Jim along with Marcia and CeCe Adams.
The Adams women arrive first. Marcia Adams looks like a grieving widow. Dressed, respectfully, in an obviously expensive but tastefully simple black dress. Her shoes and bag are pricey leather, also in black. Her hair is pulled back and up in a chignon and around her neck a single strand of pearls. CeCe the daughter is more casual in flared levis and Birkenstocks. Her top is gauzy and floral and she almost looks like a poster child for the 1970s. They sit at my desk accepting coffee but declining donuts. We make small talk only, we dont make mention of Vince Adams or the tragedy surrounding his death. The moment is not too uncomfortable but I am more than happy to see Charlies car pulling up outside. Max growls deep within his throat but does not leave my side. Charlie enters with Jim Norman close behind. Charlie introduces Jim to the Adams ladies and they sit down with us while Joe hands them each a mug of coffee which they eagerly take, the coffee might not be the best but the mugs filled with the hot liquid make great hand warmers.
Charlie is very respectful, motioning that they will be taking notes and that if Mrs. Adams has no problems with it he would like to tape record the session. She gracefully acknowledges that in her mind that is a good idea, that way everything said will be cast in stone sos to speak and she welcomes it.
I notice that Charlie is shy in bringing forth the picture. He fills Marcia and CeCe on what has been happening up till now with their investigation. Not very much Im afraid, but they do have a sketch made by the police artist of the young man known to be arguing with Vince Adams a short while before his death. The sketch is placed on the table before them, silence ensues but I swear I see a sign of recognition in the eyes of both women. I believe Charlie picks up on it also, but says nothing.
Jim Norman breaks the silence Ready for the other picture yet Sir? Nothing but the utmost respect in front of others, no first names in situations like this.
Yes! might as well get it done with. Charlie turns apologetically to look at Marcia Adams eyeball to eyeball. Need you and your daughter to look at another picture Maam, I apologies up front for having to do this but I dont have a choice Im afraid. With that the picture is placed on the desk, Mrs. Adams shakes her head and shows no signs of recognition at all. CeCe is another matter, no doubt by her reactions that this person is known to her. Her face crumples and tears begin to flow. Thank God for Kleenex Tissues! Thats Marshall, Marsh Goodman, my boyfriend. How did you get that picture and why?
Jim Norman speaks softly but firmly; you both showed some signs of knowing the young man in our artists sketch, is that Marshall Goodman?
The girl looks to her mother who nods her head. We have a name and Charlie has a suspect and it doesnt feel good at all, feels like crap if the truth be told. Marcia Adams is holding her daughter and stroking her hair, calming her and I cant help but notice how much this woman, who I had always felt was hoity-toity and full of her own self-importance, cares, really cares for her daughter. She has become softer and probably more approachable than she was when her husband was alive and ruling the roost.
Good old Joe, hes made a fresh pot of coffee and set it down in front of us. Charlie tells Jim to make himself comfortable and start writing and then he turns his attention to CeCe.
What can you tell us about Marsh Goodman? Take your time, we can take a long as you need, I just need a quick word with your police chief here, so you collect your thoughts and Ill be right back.
We walk out side and both of us take a deep breath and I stand here wondering what Charlie wants to say to me.
Im hungry Deb, so I know Jims gotta be, he likes to eat on time as must you and Joe be as well as the Adams Gals, so your petty cash box going to spring for lunch?
I have to laugh, I had forgotten that Charlie was a three squares a day man.
No problem Charlie, Pizza and salad sound good. Joe can call Tonys place and then pick the order up.
Gets my vote girl, Jim and I like the gutbomb but we can go easy on that today, salad dressings on the side Ranch for me and Blue Cheese for Jim, best go ask the ladies what they want. They opt for chicken Caesar salad with ice tea and a side of fruit and I go for the same and Charlie, Jim and Joe were then happily able to order the large gutbomb - no anchovies.
I call Lester and tell him I cant keep my 1.30 appointment and explain why. He tells me to call when I am available again to see him. He is such a lovely man, he really is. Oh well! back to the situation on hand.
Its funny sitting here listening to CeCe tell us about her boyfriend Marsh. Shes known him a long time and been serious with him for about a year and intimate for nine or ten months. I can tell shes really crazy about him and now that there is a possibility that he killed her father I feel very sorry for her indeed.
No! She is not sure where he gets his money; he always seems to have enough to take her to nice restaurants and stuff yet only works in a grocery store as a stocker at minimum wage.
No! She hasnt asked him, it was none of her business.
Yes! He had quite a nice apartment, he lived on his own and it was comfortably furnished with all necessities.
Yes! He had a mother, lived on the outskirts of Shorelee, just before you got into Elson Flats.
Yes! She appeared to live alone, was an alcoholic according to Marsh.
No! He didnt have a father, didnt even know who his father was.
Yes please I do need sugar for my tea,
I turn around startled at this last statement and then see that Joe is back and putting the lunches out and had obviously held up a packet of sugar to see if any needed.
Why dont we just stop now and eat sociably and try and save us all indigestion by taking a moment to relax.
Every one okays that and it is nice just to sit and eat and be still for a while. The fact that Charlie is being so considerate is helping this little session enormously. Tension has certainly eased and we eat in an atmosphere of relaxed chitchat like old friends. I know that Charlie and Jim are still on alert and taking in every word said by the Adams women and retaining them in case of future need. Charlie was always good at these sort of games and garnered much out of light, casual conversation.
The ladies go into the rest room to tidy up and I ask Charlie how come he has had no interruptions today, normally he is a busy man with constant pages on his beeper and so forth.
Actually Deb, Jim and I arent wearing our beepers today on purpose; anything really important happens today the station knows exactly where we are and how to contact us. Its damaging to the quality of our interview if there are constant interrupts and pretty damn disrespectful in a case like this.
Hes totally right, as usual, so with the desktop cleared of all signs of lunch we are now ready to start again.
CeCe quietly gives us her short little tell no more than necessary statements.
Yes! Marsh had come to the house to meet her father.
Yes! Strangely it did seem as if they knew each other, although nothing was said.
No! Her father had not forbidden her to see him, although he wished that she wouldnt.
No! He never gave a reason.
Yes! She and Marsh continued in their relationship, she was very much in love with him and wanted to marry him.
Yes! He had asked her, and she had said yes.
No! Her father did not try and stop them, although he did not approve seemingly.
No! She had no idea why Marsh and her father were at that motel in Elson Flats or why they were fighting.
No! She could not give Marsh an alibi because she was in Extended Day classes at the local college that night. She was taking courses in cooking before she planned her marriage.
No! She couldnt believe that Marsh had killed her father. He was a gentle person, never raised his voice or hand to her at all. Found it even hard to imagine that he had raised his voice to her father.
Charlie turns to Mrs. Adams to see if she can add anything. She cant. She knew her husband was surprised at Marsh being CeCes boyfriend, but didnt know why, but...She doesnt want to say anything about the homosexual issues in front of her daughter. Charlie got that message, stands up and thanks them for all their co-operation and tells them he will be in touch.
Thank you Mrs. Adams mouths silently behind CeCes back.
Joe holds the door open for them and they leave. CeCe is visibly upset by all the questions but I feel sure that she will be fine once she gets home and can talk openly and freely with her mother.
This morning is Mrs. Adams and CeCes visit to my office. Jim told me that they had shown the edited picture to the motel owners and some of the known sexually deviant locals in Elson Flats with no one admitting to recognizing the leg with the birthmark. So I guess this case is going nowhere fast and Chimmington is nervous indeed. Someone had mentioned that a lot of shouting had come from 15B earlier in the evening of the murder. A young man and Vince Adams seemed to be going at it verbally, hot and heavy. No name for the young man but a reasonably good description. Appears the young man was frequently seen with Adams.
Good old Joe, a fresh pot of coffee going and some donuts, we are set and ready and raring to go. Max follows me everywhere, almost as if I grew another limb. I am becoming well versed at understanding his needs and an expert in the use of the Pooper Scooper, and Joe has been beaming as his prophesy about Max and me appears to be a reality. I sit at my desk and Max takes position at my feet, Joe gets some dry dog food and a bowl of water and puts it on the floor by the little frig. All we have to do now is to wait for Charlie and Jim along with Marcia and CeCe Adams.
The Adams women arrive first. Marcia Adams looks like a grieving widow. Dressed, respectfully, in an obviously expensive but tastefully simple black dress. Her shoes and bag are pricey leather, also in black. Her hair is pulled back and up in a chignon and around her neck a single strand of pearls. CeCe the daughter is more casual in flared levis and Birkenstocks. Her top is gauzy and floral and she almost looks like a poster child for the 1970s. They sit at my desk accepting coffee but declining donuts. We make small talk only, we dont make mention of Vince Adams or the tragedy surrounding his death. The moment is not too uncomfortable but I am more than happy to see Charlies car pulling up outside. Max growls deep within his throat but does not leave my side. Charlie enters with Jim Norman close behind. Charlie introduces Jim to the Adams ladies and they sit down with us while Joe hands them each a mug of coffee which they eagerly take, the coffee might not be the best but the mugs filled with the hot liquid make great hand warmers.
Charlie is very respectful, motioning that they will be taking notes and that if Mrs. Adams has no problems with it he would like to tape record the session. She gracefully acknowledges that in her mind that is a good idea, that way everything said will be cast in stone sos to speak and she welcomes it.
I notice that Charlie is shy in bringing forth the picture. He fills Marcia and CeCe on what has been happening up till now with their investigation. Not very much Im afraid, but they do have a sketch made by the police artist of the young man known to be arguing with Vince Adams a short while before his death. The sketch is placed on the table before them, silence ensues but I swear I see a sign of recognition in the eyes of both women. I believe Charlie picks up on it also, but says nothing.
Jim Norman breaks the silence Ready for the other picture yet Sir? Nothing but the utmost respect in front of others, no first names in situations like this.
Yes! might as well get it done with. Charlie turns apologetically to look at Marcia Adams eyeball to eyeball. Need you and your daughter to look at another picture Maam, I apologies up front for having to do this but I dont have a choice Im afraid. With that the picture is placed on the desk, Mrs. Adams shakes her head and shows no signs of recognition at all. CeCe is another matter, no doubt by her reactions that this person is known to her. Her face crumples and tears begin to flow. Thank God for Kleenex Tissues! Thats Marshall, Marsh Goodman, my boyfriend. How did you get that picture and why?
Jim Norman speaks softly but firmly; you both showed some signs of knowing the young man in our artists sketch, is that Marshall Goodman?
The girl looks to her mother who nods her head. We have a name and Charlie has a suspect and it doesnt feel good at all, feels like crap if the truth be told. Marcia Adams is holding her daughter and stroking her hair, calming her and I cant help but notice how much this woman, who I had always felt was hoity-toity and full of her own self-importance, cares, really cares for her daughter. She has become softer and probably more approachable than she was when her husband was alive and ruling the roost.
Good old Joe, hes made a fresh pot of coffee and set it down in front of us. Charlie tells Jim to make himself comfortable and start writing and then he turns his attention to CeCe.
What can you tell us about Marsh Goodman? Take your time, we can take a long as you need, I just need a quick word with your police chief here, so you collect your thoughts and Ill be right back.
We walk out side and both of us take a deep breath and I stand here wondering what Charlie wants to say to me.
Im hungry Deb, so I know Jims gotta be, he likes to eat on time as must you and Joe be as well as the Adams Gals, so your petty cash box going to spring for lunch?
I have to laugh, I had forgotten that Charlie was a three squares a day man.
No problem Charlie, Pizza and salad sound good. Joe can call Tonys place and then pick the order up.
Gets my vote girl, Jim and I like the gutbomb but we can go easy on that today, salad dressings on the side Ranch for me and Blue Cheese for Jim, best go ask the ladies what they want. They opt for chicken Caesar salad with ice tea and a side of fruit and I go for the same and Charlie, Jim and Joe were then happily able to order the large gutbomb - no anchovies.
I call Lester and tell him I cant keep my 1.30 appointment and explain why. He tells me to call when I am available again to see him. He is such a lovely man, he really is. Oh well! back to the situation on hand.
Its funny sitting here listening to CeCe tell us about her boyfriend Marsh. Shes known him a long time and been serious with him for about a year and intimate for nine or ten months. I can tell shes really crazy about him and now that there is a possibility that he killed her father I feel very sorry for her indeed.
No! She is not sure where he gets his money; he always seems to have enough to take her to nice restaurants and stuff yet only works in a grocery store as a stocker at minimum wage.
No! She hasnt asked him, it was none of her business.
Yes! He had quite a nice apartment, he lived on his own and it was comfortably furnished with all necessities.
Yes! He had a mother, lived on the outskirts of Shorelee, just before you got into Elson Flats.
Yes! She appeared to live alone, was an alcoholic according to Marsh.
No! He didnt have a father, didnt even know who his father was.
Yes please I do need sugar for my tea,
I turn around startled at this last statement and then see that Joe is back and putting the lunches out and had obviously held up a packet of sugar to see if any needed.
Why dont we just stop now and eat sociably and try and save us all indigestion by taking a moment to relax.
Every one okays that and it is nice just to sit and eat and be still for a while. The fact that Charlie is being so considerate is helping this little session enormously. Tension has certainly eased and we eat in an atmosphere of relaxed chitchat like old friends. I know that Charlie and Jim are still on alert and taking in every word said by the Adams women and retaining them in case of future need. Charlie was always good at these sort of games and garnered much out of light, casual conversation.
The ladies go into the rest room to tidy up and I ask Charlie how come he has had no interruptions today, normally he is a busy man with constant pages on his beeper and so forth.
Actually Deb, Jim and I arent wearing our beepers today on purpose; anything really important happens today the station knows exactly where we are and how to contact us. Its damaging to the quality of our interview if there are constant interrupts and pretty damn disrespectful in a case like this.
Hes totally right, as usual, so with the desktop cleared of all signs of lunch we are now ready to start again.
CeCe quietly gives us her short little tell no more than necessary statements.
Yes! Marsh had come to the house to meet her father.
Yes! Strangely it did seem as if they knew each other, although nothing was said.
No! Her father had not forbidden her to see him, although he wished that she wouldnt.
No! He never gave a reason.
Yes! She and Marsh continued in their relationship, she was very much in love with him and wanted to marry him.
Yes! He had asked her, and she had said yes.
No! Her father did not try and stop them, although he did not approve seemingly.
No! She had no idea why Marsh and her father were at that motel in Elson Flats or why they were fighting.
No! She could not give Marsh an alibi because she was in Extended Day classes at the local college that night. She was taking courses in cooking before she planned her marriage.
No! She couldnt believe that Marsh had killed her father. He was a gentle person, never raised his voice or hand to her at all. Found it even hard to imagine that he had raised his voice to her father.
Charlie turns to Mrs. Adams to see if she can add anything. She cant. She knew her husband was surprised at Marsh being CeCes boyfriend, but didnt know why, but...She doesnt want to say anything about the homosexual issues in front of her daughter. Charlie got that message, stands up and thanks them for all their co-operation and tells them he will be in touch.
Thank you Mrs. Adams mouths silently behind CeCes back.
Joe holds the door open for them and they leave. CeCe is visibly upset by all the questions but I feel sure that she will be fine once she gets home and can talk openly and freely with her mother.
