A Hole In One

by Tom Ebert

Overview

Detective Pat Handel at the urging of his wife leaves his job and the violence of the big city. The family moves to a rural area, only to find that being the only detective on a small town police force may not be the answer.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781477258798
Publisher:	AuthorHouse
Publication date:	08/27/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	162 KB

Read an Excerpt

A Hole In One

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By Tom Ebert

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2012 Tom Ebert
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4772-5881-1

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Chapter One

The annual golf outing for Carroll Realty is underway. Three members of Carroll'sfoursomestandnearthefourteenthgreenawaitingJohnCarroll's next shot, finally one of the men walks across the elevated surface and looks down. Suddenly his body stiffens, he is unable to speak.

"What's up? One of the other men shouts.

There is no answer.

He runs over and stares in disbelief at the ground near the edge of the green.

A picnic table near the lagoon looks like a perfect spot. Eight year old Matthew helps empty the trunk and then walks along the shore stopping every few feet to try out his new spinning reel. Six year old Katie is more interested in the swings. While Sue is busy setting the table, Pat fills the grill with charcoal. Before he can finish the sound of his beeper penetrates the air.

"Oh no "Sue exclaims, knowing only to well what it means. Pat pulls out the cell phone and after a short conversation shrugs his shoulders.

"Sorry gang, I have to go, there's trouble at the Country Club."

"What, someone had too much to drink?"

Sue's voice is filled with sarcasm.

"Not this time, someone's been shot!"

The Country Club driveway is filled with cars as Pat pulls up. He stops near the front entrance, kisses Sue and Katie, gives Matthew a pat on the head and runs up the hill, before he reaches the door deputy Kelly rushes out.

"Pat, sure glad they found you!"

"What's going on?"

"John Carroll's dead!"

"John Carroll?"

"You never heard of him, he owns this town!"

"Oh, that Carroll, where's the body?

"On the course, I'll fill you in on the way."

Behind the fourteenth green two men stand peering down at a body. Chief Alden appears transfixed, staring straight ahead, while Mayor Turner's legs shake as he moves from side to side.

"Nineteen years, no one has been killed, nineteen years, I've been Mayor nineteen years there has never been a killing," he mumbles over and over.

Alden hears a noise, turns and moves toward the cart path.

"Pat, over here, this is terrible!"

"Easy Chief, tell me what happened."

"Tobin, Turner and I were on the green waiting for John's shot, I heard a whistling sound and I walked to the edge of the hill, there was John, on the ground, dead the club still in his hand!"

Pat bent over and studied the body.

"Hell of a hole. Had to be a high powered rifle!"

"Kelly, take the Mayor to the clubhouse before I have two bodies on my hands!"

"Right Chief."

"And remember, no one leaves!"

"You got it."

"Can't understand, my city, nineteen years," Turner raved as the cart moved slowly out of sight.

Now that the Mayor was gone, Pat again examined the body.

"Where's this Tobin?"

"He's the Club manager; he left to get everyone back to the clubhouse."

Pat looked at the woods surrounding the green.

"He was facing the green when he was struck, the club was still in his hand, and the shot must have come from that direction, where does that path lead?"

"To the rest area, a refreshment stand, rest rooms."

"I'm going to take a look."

"I'll wait for the Medical Examiner he should be here any minute."

Carefully, Pat moved along the path, looking in both directions. Soon he reached a small shed-like building. The refreshment stand was securely locked. On the other-side was a larger building. After moving along a narrow hall, he came to two doors. Pat opened the (gent's only) door, inside were the basics, he saw a window on the far wall.

Pat looked out, there was the path and if he bent over in just the right position he could see the Chief thru an opening in the trees. A screen covered the window. Pat could see scratches on the sill, it had recently been removed. He felt the excitement pulsate thru his body, he was certain the deadly shot came from here.

Carefully Pat searched the building, his trained eyes looking for clues, he found nothing, outside he circled around to the back. A six foot wire fence protected the grounds, on the other-side a road was just a short distance away, beyond that a group of condos. A shooter could easily climb the fence, do the deed and take off in a waiting car. The condos were also an option. Pat's head swirled with possibilities, suddenly his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a motor, he looked back down the path. Chief Alden was talking to two men while Kelly roped off the area. One man knelt over the body the other seemed to be taking notes. The man standing looked at Pat. He was big, at least six-five and as wide as he was tall. Alden noticed Pat and turned.

"Pat Handel, this is Sheriff Osinski and Pete Hendricks, the coroner."

"You're the big city detective; I understand you moved here for a rest."

The Sheriff's eyes seemed to pierce Pat's skin.

"I don't know where you got that information Sheriff."

"Whatever the reason you better be as good as I was told!"

"I hope I can live up to the billing.

"We need your expertise, John was a good man, and without him I wouldn't be where I am today. He was well respected in this county, as well as all over the state, he had many friends."

"And at least one enemy," Pat replied.

Osinski's face turned a bright red, he turned to Hendricks.

"What have you got Pete?"

"Somebody was big game hunting, a large caliber rifle, one thru the heart, died instantly."

"I know where the shot came from," Pat interrupted.

Osinski head snapped back.

"You what where, how do you know?"

"That path leads to the rest area; a window in the men's room faces this way and fresh scratches show the screen has recently been removed."

I told you Chief, he's a hot shot detective, you didn't happen to find the weapon did you?"

"And the bullet," added Hendricks as the body was placed in the van.

"Not yet, in the morning, we'll be out with metal detectors, we'll find it." "No weapon, no bullet and I understand you have sixty people waiting

in the clubhouse."

"Love to stay, but we better get this body to the lab."

"When can we expect the forensic team?"

Pats voice did not hide his irritation.

"Oh, you mean Hal Brooks, first thing in the morning, if I can get his butt moving."

"Pat, wait here until I send Reese."

"Right Chief, Pat couldn't hide his displeasure."

Alden hesitated in front of the door to the clubhouse, like Mayor Turner he also was in shock, everything moved in slow motion.

He could see John Carroll smile as he went to look for his ball. Only his training kept his emotions in check, in thirty years he had seen dead bodies, but never anyone he had known so well. He hated the thought of facing these people wondering if one was John's killer. He slowly pushed open the door; a cloud of smoke momentarily blinded him. Inside every inch of the room was filled with people milling about. Only Mayor Turner looked peacefully asleep on a couch. When they saw him there was a moment of silence, then panic turned to anger.

"Why are you keeping us here?"

"Who would do such a thing?"

"Why did it happen?"

Questions filled the air.

"Take it easy, calm down; I'm sure you all know what happened today."

"Are you kidding, sure we know!"

"Poor John, what are you going to do?"

"I need statements from all of you."

"Statements, what statements, you think one of us is the killer!"

Alden felt the anger spreading.

"Easy, all of you, if you want us to find John's killer, let us do our job!"

"What can I tell you, I was on the fifth green," a voice from the rear of the room again fueled the anger.

"I want you to think hard" "Anything however trivial could help."

"Ok, ok, let's get it over with!"

Before the questioning began, Officer Reese took Mayor Turner and his wife home. The fourth member of the fatal foursome was Ben Tobin the "Club" manager, he was allowed to return to his duties. The rest of the golfers would be questioned individually. Kelly was sent back to secure the area. Jim Hunt, the assistant pro had a list of the participants, to his knowledge there were three no shows. Pat made a note of those not accounted for; he could check them out later. Tobin offered his office as an interview room. Alden still clearly shaken insisted on helping. After a brief debate, Pat persuaded him to search the golf bags on the carts outside while he did the questioning. Pat had planned on taking the golfers by tee times, he was not aware of the shot gun start. Everyone started at the same time from different tees. All sixty people were on the course at the same time and they each had individual carts. Many went out early to practice.

Some admitted to being on the course at least an hour before starting time. This was turning into a nightmare. Pat's hope of eliminating any of the golfers was unfounded.

Anyone could have dropped the gun off in the men's toilet, picked it up later, or more than one person might have conspired to kill Carroll.

To make matters worse, three women took out the prize markers and rode around in beverage carts during the outing. The three were Carroll's wife Barbara, Ken Bey's wife Ann and Carroll's secretary Mary Podell. There was a fourth Amy Biel, who left early. Pat had much more than he bargained for, maybe he was wrong to leave the city where he had help available. Now he was on his own. The questioning continued an hour passed, then two. As was prearranged Carroll's group began on the tenth tee, the others were picked at random. No one knew where they would start or who would be in their foursome. Pat began with the groups closest to Carroll's. The golfers nearby saw nothing unusual, being weekend golfers; most of their time was spent in the woods looking for errant shots. No one had left the group for any reason. Then Pat heard something that caused his curiosity to rise. Paul Schmidt was waiting to putt on the the twelfth green when he saw someone running near the back of the rest area. He wasn't sure if the person was inside or outside the fence. The sighting lasted for only a second; Schmidt believed it to be a jogger and at the time thought no more about it. The twelfth green on the opposite side of the rest area was parallel to the fourteenth, knowing this group was the closest to Carroll's, Pat continued the questions.

"Was it a man or woman?"

"It happened so fast!"

"What about clothes, a hat, anything?"

"I'm sorry, I just saw the top of a head," Schmidt's voice quivered.

"Ok, relax, you can go, here's my card, if you think of anything give me a call."

"Yes, I will."

Pat finished with the remaining groups, he felt numb interrogation was not his favorite pastime.

Except for Alden, Tobin and his staff, the clubhouse was empty. Food had been put out to appease the golfers but little was touched. It looked good; breakfast was over eight hours ago.

Pat took a soft drink and made three sandwiches, one for him and two for Kelly. He wanted to check the crime scene once more. He heard voices from the pro-shop. The door flew open, it was Alden and Tobin.

You'll stay closed until I tell you to open!"

"I will not." "This is a private club, you have no jurisdiction here!"

"This is a murder scene; I have jurisdiction!"

"You have no proof; it might have been an accident!"

"I'll get a court order!"

"I'll lose my job!"

Pat heard enough, he walked out, jumped on a cart and headed down the path. Until now he hadn't realized how nice the day was. The area around the fourteenth green was roped off but there was no sign of Kelly. He continued along the narrow path to the out-buildings. On the bench near the concession stand was Kelly's jacket.

"Where could he be?"

Pat was about to look in the men's toilet when he heard a noise coming from the twelfth fairway. He ran thru the woods, there was Kelly; somehow he got a club and ball.

"I didn't know you were a golfer." Pat yelled.

"Oh, sorry Pat, I didn't see you, I'm just bored, thought I'd hit a few."

"Where did you get the club?"

"I borrowed it from the pro; this may be my only chance to play at a Country Club."

"How do you know, someday you might be Chief!"

"That wouldn't be enough to afford this place."

"Alden plays here."

"That's because he kissed Carroll's ass!"

"It doesn't sound like you thought much of Carroll."

"He was the king; he ran everything, owned everything, including the people!"

"He bought people, they loved his money!"

I'd better get going; I brought you a couple sandwiches.

"Great, thanks Pat, sorry I got carried away."

"No problem, I need a favor."

"My wife dropped me off, I need your squad."

"You got it, Joe's relieving me at midnight, I'll take his, just don't tell Alden about my golf, or I might not have a squad.

"Don't worry, I've got enough troubles."

During the ride home Pat reflected on the events of the day. He felt sure the shot came from the rest area. What about the gun, the shell casing. Was the shooter the person running near the fence?

What about the Condo's across the road?

Pat pulled into his driveway, Matthew was shooting hoops, he heard the car and came running.

"Hey dad, did you catch the bad guy?"

"Not yet, Matthew."

"If you need me I can help!"

"Maybe tomorrow, after school."

"I don't have to go to school."

"Why not?"

"You can tell the teacher, I'm helping!"

Pat picked Matthew up and put him on his shoulder.

"School comes first young fella!"

"Ah, shucks!"

Inside Sue was busy in the kitchen.

"You could have called," she was still agitated.

"Sorry, I had my hands full, I wasn't thinking."

"I feel like we're back in the city, once you get on a case there's no time for us!"

"You know that's not true," Pat leaned over and gently kissed her.

"The only thing you'll get for that is a cold supper I couldn't keep the kids waiting."

"I had a sandwich right now I need a shower."

"I noticed!"

Before Pat could get undressed the phone rang.

"Is this the Handel residence?"

"Yes, who's this?"

"Bob Hopkins City News." "A little bird told me there was a murder at the Country Club."

"What little bird told you that?"

"My sources are confidential."

"Sorry I can't help."

"Can you confirm it was John Carroll?"

"Yes it was, now leave me alone!"

Chapter Two

It seemed like the night would never end. Pat dozed off a few times, only to awake and check the clock. Anxiety filled his body, eager for the first rays of light. Finally he could wait no longer; he showered, shaved and dressed in record time, then crept into the kitchen. He filled the coffee pot; outside the black of night was surrendering to another day. Pat opened a cabinet and reached for his cup.

"I'll have what you're having."

"Sue, what are you doing up?"

"I might ask the same of you."

"I just couldn't sleep."

"I'm not surprised; you're hot on a case!"

"I guess I am."

"It's no guess, sit down, I'll make breakfast."

"No, really, I just want coffee."

"If you want to catch the bad guy, you need a good breakfast."

"Sounds like you're talking to the kids."

"Chip off the old block!"

Before Pat could think of a come-back the phone rang.

"Who would call at six in the morning?"

"It must be the Chief!"

Hurriedly Pat called in. Sue put two slices of bread in the toaster and was about to crack a couple eggs when she looked at Pat, he had a puzzled expression on his face.

"What's wrong?"

"Chief's in the hospital, they think it's his heart."

"When did this happen?"

"Around midnight, I've got to go."

"Why, there's nothing you can do."

"I know. I just feel I should be there."

"What about Carroll?"

"Carroll's not going anywhere."

Pat kissed Sue and was out the door.

"Where did I go wrong?" thought Sue as she put the eggs back.

Many conflicting thoughts raced thru Pat's head as he drove along the empty roads. Maybe Sue is right. He called the hospital and was informed the Chief was resting.

Doctor Pierce felt it was acute indigestion. He sampled too much of Carroll's buffet was the explanation. Pat changed direction and headed for the club.

The sun resembled a bail of fire climbing over the trees as Pat arrived. He drove directly to the fourteenth green. Joe Reese was already combing the ground.

"Hey Joe!"

"Oh Pat, how's the Chief?"

"Ok, Pierce thinks he ate too much."

"Whew, that's great!"

"Find anything?"

"Twenty cents, a dozen bottle caps, a key and a watch."

"Where did you find them?"

"The key was near the path leading next to the rest area, the watch was in back of the shed near a fence."

"What kind of a watch?"

"Couldn't tell, looked like a lawnmower ran over it, I'm sure I saw it somewhere."

"A lawnmower?

"That's right it looked like the grass had just been cut."

"How about the key?"

"It could be a suitcase key." "Want to see them?" "They are in the squad."

"Later, I want to see Tobin, keep looking."

As Pat approached the Club-house, he could see people milling about.

Must be golfers waiting for the course to open," he thought. Then he saw trucks and cameras, they were reporters. Before he reached the practice green, he was surrounded.

"You must be Handel, what have you found, got any leads?"

"Nothing, I have nothing to say!"

Lights flashed, a television camera pushed forward. A slight man grabbed Pat's arm, Pat pulled away.

"We're on live T.V. people have a right to know."

"They'll know when I know, at this time I have nothing to say."

"Is it true, Chief Alden had a heart attack?"

"Not to my knowledge."

"I understand he's in the hospital."

"He's in for tests."

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from A Hole In One by Tom Ebert Copyright © 2012 by Tom Ebert. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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