The Silent Scream of the Straw Man Page 15

  “Chief, I know you have your hands full right now, but I need your thoughts on this. My wife has this harebrained idea about having an impromptu masquerade ball on Halloween night to honor the film crew as a parting gesture. She says it could be held after the Halloween Stroll and hosted by the city commissioners at the Serena Events Center. She reminded me that we, the town council and I, haven’t extended our hospitality beyond allowing them to film here. She insists we have the perfect opportunity to be gracious and has talked to the wives of the commissioners, who are in agreement.”

  “Mayor, you do realize what is happening in this town?”

  “Of course I’m aware of it! My phone’s been ringing off the hook. But Aura Lee assured me you have a suspect and I know how you operate. Things will calm once you catch the little twerp and that will put an end to all this hocus-pocus. I’ll be hanged if I’m going to shut down this town or its events because some drugged up kid wants to get his name in the papers. Big cities deal with this all the time. I’ve been to enough mayor conferences to know how a murder or series of them can produce copycats. Ours just happens to be some brat dressing himself up like a scarecrow so he can peep into windows and scare his friends. I’ll admit the Ferguson girl was unfortunate, but we can’t be acting like we have a serial killer running around loose. If you get this taken care of before Halloween night, you’ll be sitting pretty in the view of town council, despite the murder you have yet to solve.

  “I have to tell you, Chief, your track record is the only reason the council members are giving you the benefit of the doubt regarding the homicide. It might be a good idea to let the ladies have their event and give folks something to talk about other than worrying about being seen in their underwear by a delinquent stuffed with straw.”

  “I don’t know, Mayor. Things have been running smoothly so far out at the compound. With the end of filming almost here, why not have a small reception for them out at the winery? It would be farther from town and I believe Penelope Cather may already be planning something. That’s two weeks away and would not require a security consideration,” Farley replied.

  “What do you mean security? Why would we have to worry about security? Let’s just say this nutcase isn’t caught by Halloween night, and I hope he is. Do you think some kid dressed as a scarecrow is going to scare a bunch of people who dress up in costumes for a living? And say the kid does show up and try to pull a stunt. They’re likely to make a movie out of it!”

  Farley sat back in his chair and looked at the mayor with interest. He’d seen this man stand up to a powerful congressman and hold his ground. He had personally experienced the mayor’s backing when it could have cost him his job. Normally, he would have been calling every day to find out what progress was being made regarding the sightings. Instead he was downplaying the situation and advocating for a masquerade ball. It occurred to Farley that the only time he had ever seen the mayor back down to anyone was the time his wife opposed his stance against approving funds for the beautification of Main Street. The townsfolk of Serena had her to thank for the new benches, floral plantings, and artistically encased wrought iron garbage can enclosures. He must have thought it was useless to oppose her idea about the masquerade ball.

  The mayor continued, “I guess I should tell you, Chief, that my wife has already contacted the director, Richard Sherwood, to gauge his response to the idea. He was in agreement that it might be a welcome diversion for the film company.”

  “Then you really don’t need my approval, Mayor, do you?”

  “Let’s just consider this is a courtesy visit. I’ll take responsibility for the shindig, and you take care of the nutcase squirt spooking my town.”

  Farley sat pondering after the mayor left his office and came to the conclusion that a masquerade party at the Events Center might serve a purpose on Halloween. He called Jeannette Foster’s cell phone and learned she had taken the day off. He set up a time to meet with her and Danny later that afternoon. The Sheriff called to let him know he’d be sending a couple deputies over to discuss a strategic plan for the pre-Halloween evening patrol. This would delay Farley’s drive out to the compound until early afternoon.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  RICHARD SHERWOOD WOULD NEVER HAVE agreed to the masquerade ball if he hadn’t been in such a good mood; never in his life had things gone so well. He felt master of his game directing the film he had envisioned to near conclusion. To be able to do this in front of a woman he found astonishing made the experience all the more exhilarating. He could almost swear she was responsible for re-energizing his wearied soul and spirit. She was a witchy woman, like in the song, but in a calm and pleasing way. The very stillness of her was captivating because her quiet was more powerful than words and her words when spoken were truthful and wise. He wanted her approval and her presence in his life. She had somehow become essential to his daily functioning. He wanted to hold her in his arms. The masquerade ball would give him the opportunity.

  The final days of shooting would be focused on Megan’s character, Evangeline. To those observing Megan’s performances, her acting had a mesmerizing effect. Sherwood was aware of the toll it was taking on her, but she refused to be coddled. The spoiled young movie star who had arrived only weeks before, had miraculously turned into a magnificent actress with superb skills and fortitude. He credited Miss Pen’s sister, the sagacious Mamma Phoebe, with giving Megan the knowledge to bring depth to her role, and Buddy Larson, for helping her through her artistic crisis. Without their help, his film would have been a fiasco, and he certainly would have not been in any mood for a party.

  He felt as though a lucky star was shining down upon him. Even Steven Frye had not let him down. Frye was on the set every day, re-writing every night, coming up with script changes that enhanced every segment of dialogue leading to each dramatic climax. The best thing that could have happened to him was becoming a houseguest in an old church, perhaps for him a sanctuary, away from the distractions and temptations at the Lodge. He felt grateful to have Frye’s indelible contribution to the film.

  Buddy was pre-occupied regarding Megan. She would be filming all day and he’d promised to be there, even though their scenes together were finished. Pressure was building inside of him again, like it always did when he wasn’t working or entertaining with his good-ole-boy routine. Megan had taken flight now, like a bird on the wing. She’d stopped checking to see if he was there, no longer needing his presence to function. She had become Evangeline. He felt proud of her, very proud, but also felt restless.

  Zack felt downright angry. One of the scenes he was in had to be reshot on a back road location, and he would not be able to return to the set until after lunchtime. This had thrown a wrench in his plans and he was infuriated. He thought it was stupid to have to be reshot playing some ignorant bootlegger running through the woods to the getaway car—no dialogue, no close-ups, just part of the scenery for the main characters. His big ideas about a movie career had come to nothing. On top of that, he was being treated like an intruder any time he came on the set, even when he was helping out or had been told to be there. They were all nothing but a bunch of phonies. He’d had everything worked out for today and now he’d have to wait. But he knew the pattern and it wouldn’t be long, maybe tomorrow, maybe the next day. Someone needed to be taught a lesson.

  During the lunch break, Sherwood informed the cast and the crew that a masquerade ball was being planned for Halloween night in their honor. He heard some groaning until he told everyone they would have the weekend off afterward and resume filming early Monday morning to give everyone a breather. He told them the Serena Women’s Club had offered to provide extra costumes and masks, which would be made available at the lodge. Costumes from the wardrobe department were also allowed to be used as long as they were returned without damage. For those not comfortable wearing a costume, a mask would suffice.

  The initial reaction changed to enthusiasm as the day wore on. Megan, who had rested i
n her trailer during lunch, asked if she could wear Evangeline’s dress to the party when she returned to the set. Megan felt truly excited. Evangeline had never been able to attend a party, much less a masquerade ball. This one would be held in her mountains and by her people. She’d been set apart from them, enclosed in a clan dominated by her father, cut off from society. Megan could feel Evangeline’s wildness within her, and her innocence. Megan had lost hers as a child star in Hollywood, exposed to the world, with no protection whatsoever. They were two sides of a beautiful coin. Megan’s side would make a Cinderella night possible for the other.

  Mamma Phoebe had told Megan how she had seen Evangeline dancing alone beneath a moonlit sky by her sacred and shimmering waterfall, the place where she would wait in vain for her lover. Megan would bring her to life to dance under the glittering light streaming from a sparkling revolving globe, feeling the admiration of everyone there, having this one night for all time.

  Joyce Crenshaw had returned to the set, but was disappointed to see no sign of Zack. She sat talking to Jake Randall, the male lead, who was now brought to the forefront for his scenes with Megan. Jake was a seasoned veteran, ten years Megan’s senior, comfortable in his own skin, and committed to a long term relationship. He was also a generous actor who was smart enough to allow Megan her moment in the sun. Everyone on the set knew they were witnessing an Oscar-worthy performance and felt privileged to be a part of the film.

  Back in town, Farley was held up again by an incident occurring after meeting with the sheriff’s deputies. A contingent of mothers stormed into the police station demanding to know what he was going to do to protect their children during the Halloween Stroll. He patiently explained to them that the children would not be in danger and that rumors about the scarecrow had been overblown. He encouraged each one of them to talk to their children and try to convince them that no supernatural creature was behind the sightings. He reminded them that downtown events for Halloween had become a new custom in towns and cities to protect children from danger. He added that Serena had never had an incident of a child being harmed on Halloween and assured them the capture of the prankster was imminent.

  After the mothers left, he looked at his watch, and then put in a call to Joyce Crenshaw.

  “Nothing new here, Chief. He’s working all day out on the back roads, playing extra again. I did find out where they are parking the stunt vehicles. It’s a field the film company is renting from some farmer out near the lake. It backs up to the forest and is near the roads where they’re shooting most of the chase scenes. They have a special camera crew with them on days they are filming, after which they all return to the set to check in with Sherwood. Most of the stunt cars are left on the lot because it’s easier to use vans to transport the crews back and forth and also to the lodge. Some of the stunt vehicles are used if members of the crew are delayed for one reason or another. Zack drives his own vehicle back and forth as well.”

  “Thanks, Joyce. I won’t have time to ride out there today, but will be there tomorrow to check it out. In the meantime, keep your eyes open.”

  “Yes, sir,” she said.

  When the call ended, Farley called Dev. Within a half hour, they were on their way to Danny Foster’s home.

  Danny felt much calmer than he had the day before and was prepared for Chief Farley’s questions. Trent had been cautious from the beginning about internet communication so nothing could be traced or linked to them. As a result, they had relied on face-to-face exchanges. Their most private meeting place at school was in the janitorial supply room, rarely used during the daytime. Trent had warned him about being seen together once the sightings began, so they met during the lunch hour when most of the students were in the cafeteria. Their meetings were usually a brief exchange of information. In-depth conversations were saved for the hideout. Today had been different.

  Danny had told Trent he wanted out and pleaded with him to understand after explaining why he felt as he did. He swore a solemn oath that he would never reveal, inform, or confess anything concerning their involvement in the sightings.

  He’d almost cried with relief after they parted, but had held it in. He’d shown his weakness to Trent and knew their friendship would never be the same. Trent was far beyond him in every way, but he no longer admired him. It was one thing to frighten a bunch of kids, like a joke or a game, but quite another to hurt someone as he’d been made to hurt Sarah.

  When Danny came home from school to find Chief Farley and another man in the living room talking to his mother, he steeled himself for the interview and held true to his oath. When it was over, he knew he hadn’t fooled Chief Farley or the man with him or his mother. He felt overwhelmed with guilt and shame, and almost numb with fear. A stern warning had been evident in the eyes of the Chief, a penetrating knowing look in the eyes of the other man, and a sad look of disappointment in the eyes of his mother. This was the punishment he would have to endure. The loss of Trent’s friendship and respect seemed mild in comparison.

  Dev said to Farley as they drove away from the Foster residence, “If Danny played the scarecrow to give his friend an alibi I doubt he will don his straw-man hat again. He’s a scared kid, Jeff, with guilt written all over his face. His mother saw it, too. He’s best left in her hands. He doesn’t seem a bad kid, not the type really, but one susceptible to a stronger influence. I think he’s holding his tongue because he’s afraid not to.”

  “Well, let’s hope that Trent Williams is as frightened as Danny, because if he pulls another stunt tonight or tomorrow night, I’ll have to show him how scary I can be, and I don’t need to dress up in a costume to do it.”

  Dev laughed and said, “I’ve seen that side of you, Jeff. I thought you saved it for the big boys.”

  “I guess this whole business is getting to me, Dev. Maybe that’s the problem. Before taking this job, I was trained to deal with foreign enemies and hardened criminals, and even had to deal with a few since taking it, but this thing with the kids is something different, and it’s having a detrimental effect on the community. Someone committed murder here and the nature of that murder led to this. I feel like I’m wasting my time trying to catch a kid when I should be looking for a murderer. I haven’t had time to pursue the thoughts I’ve had about the homicide because of these distractions.”

  “What kind of thoughts, Jeff, if you don’t mind my asking?”

  “Don’t laugh, but after paying a visit to Mamma Phoebe the other day, I was in the area checking out the compound where the movie is being filmed, I began to think there might be more significance to the place Willis Gaither’s body was found than the mutilated scarecrow he was placed beneath. It was something Mamma Phoebe said about scarecrows and protection, but I haven’t had time to think it through. I did some checking on the history of the Sutton farm; Jim inherited it from his father over forty years ago. Many of the surrounding properties have changed hands over the years and been subdivided into sections. Aura Lee’s cousin works at the Office of Deeds and Records and is gathering information for me. It seems a vague pursuit at best because I’m not sure what I’m looking for.”

  Dev laughed. “Listen Jeff, if you came away from Mamma Phoebe with an idea in your head, you’d be wise to pursue it because she reminds me of the seers we have in Ireland, born with the gift. She said something to point you in a direction, with faith you will find the clues you need. She has a great fondness for you, Jeff. She won’t steer you wrong.”

  “I hope you’re right, because my primary suspect has been befriended by your wife and I’d hate to think Kate is spending her time with a cold-blooded murderess.”

  “Don’t worry about Katie. She’s introduced Eleanor to our houseguest and they seem to be hitting it off. They’re having dinner with us on Halloween night after we hand out candies to the costumed urchins who will be descending upon us. We are close enough to downtown to be on the trick or treat circuit and the wee folk make their way up the hill like we are the pot of go
ld at the end of the rainbow. At least you’ll know where your suspect will be while you are out patrolling the neighborhood.”

  Farley replied, “I feel like I’m in the Twilight Zone.”

  They both laughed.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  THE DREAM HAD COME AGAIN last night, but this time was recalled in its entirety upon waking. The missing piece, finally revealed, was confirmation of something that had been subconsciously known but not accepted, the true horror not fully realized, until now.

  Rage took hold as daylight turned to darkness. The van wouldn’t be missed, nor the shovel. Trudging through the plowed earth to the center of the garden was difficult without a flashlight. The pale moon, hidden behind a mass of murky clouds, seemed nonexistent. Dampness could be felt in the breeze, the sound of distant thunder warned of rain. But none of this was a deterrent, not even the yellow tape surrounding the crime scene.

  The digging began and continued, for at least a good fifteen minutes, when suddenly a howling noise came from the farmhouse. It sounded like a strange crying bark. There was no sign of a dog let loose. Last time, there had been no dog. The lights in the farmhouse came on. An outside spotlight followed. The howling became more frenetic. The dog would be following next. It was run or be caught with the shovel. A shotgun fired into the night. Escape to the van seemed impossible at first, but no one came out to chase, and the dog was kept inside.

  It was after ten o’clock when the van sped away in the night. In downtown Serena, Hell Night had almost gone by without incident. Deputy Purdy reported Trent Williams’ whereabouts as home with his parents. Jeannette Foster assured Farley that Danny had been home with her all evening. A car full of potential vandals had been waylaid on the highway coming into town. Deputy Stanley Thorpe of the sheriff’s department had pulled them over because he recognized the group as one he’d had dealings with. They were sent on their way back down the mountain.