Bridges to Burn

Fifteen minutes later the chief returned with Ben’s address book. He was accompanied by the park manager, Hank

Summers. Hank was a tall, thin man about Ben’s age; he was wearing a pair of horn-rimmed glasses. Hank reached

through the bars to shake Ben’s hand. Ben was pleased to find he had at least one friend in town.

“I heard about your troubles when I was in the drug store,” Hank said. “I just knew that anyone who owns and loves a dog

as fine as yours couldn’t have done what they say. So, if you need something, I’ll be glad to help.”

“What I need is a lawyer, but I don’t know one,” Ben responded. “I have a navy buddy in San Diego who has a son that’s

a lawyer. The son wouldn’t be able to come all this way to represent me but he may know a lawyer in the area. If you could

call my buddy I’d appreciate it. I’ll pay for any phone calls you make.”

“Don’t worry about that,” said Hank. “The important thing now is to get you cleared of this ridiculous charge and out of

this pigpen. Just give me your friend’s name and number and I’ll get busy on the phone.”

Ben copied the number out of his address book and handed it over to Hank. “I sure appreciate this,” he said. “There

aren’t many people who would step in like this to help a stranger.”

“You’re not a stranger, you’re navy,” was the reply. “We swabbies have to stick together. I’ll get back t you as soon as I

can. In the meantime, if there’s anything else you need let me know.”

Ben hesitated a moment then said, “I could use some decent food. What they serve her looks like what we threw out in

the navy.”

“Gotcha,” Hank replied. “I’ll have my wife bring you some food. Do you have a wife I can call?”

“No, my wife died in January. I have a sister in Denver but I want to wait until things look better here before calling her.

Thanks again.”

“No problem.” With that Hank left accompanied by the chief who had stood there throughout the conversation looking as

if he was about to explode.

Hank’s wife, Toni, a dark-haired, young looking woman in her fifties, brought Ben a lunch of ham and cheese sandwiches

then topped that off with a pot roast that evening for dinner. Ben was overwhelmed by the kindness this couple was showing.

It was the next morning, however, before Ben got word that a lawyer was on his way from Missoula.

The night, as it was a Friday, had been even worse than the previous night. As it was the beginning of a weekend ore

drunks were in the tank than on Thursday night. They were not hymn singers but loud and boisterous in other ways.

At about nine o’clock Saturday morning a young man dressed in jeans and t-shirt approached Ben’s cell. He appeared

to be in his thirties, was of medium height, and had an already receding hairline. The man reached through the bars to shake

Ben’s hand and introduced himself.

“Hi, Ben, I’m Chuck Stern, from Missoula. Steve Roess called me from California and told me about your problem.

Sorry I couldn’t get here sooner but we had a family gathering yesterday and I was out of town. Before we begin talking I’m

going to ask Chief Wyant for a room where we can sit and talk. This leaning through the bars is for the birds. I’ll be right

back.”

Chuck returned in a few minutes with a young policeman who opened Ben’s cell door and escorted the two men to a

small room next to the chief’s office. Here, he locked them in and left. The room was sparsely furnished with an old desk and

three rickety folding chairs.

“Better than nothing,” said Chuck as he sat down, wrinkling his nose in distaste. “Now, before we discuss anything else, I

didn’t ask you if you want me to represent you.”

Without any further thought Ben replied, “If Steve Roess called you that’s good enough for me. I’ve known Steve and his

father since Steve was a toddler. I‘m sure they wouldn’t lead me astray.”

“Okay,” Chuck continued, “tell me everything you can remember about meeting the woman and your subsequent actions.”

With this chuck took out a tape recorder and turned it on. Ben related the entire situation as he remembered it, including

conversations he’d had with Cindy and their agreement to meet Thursday morning. From time to time Chuck interrupted to

insert a question or ask for clarification. In all, the narration took about thirty minutes.

After returning the tape recorder to his briefcase Chuck said, “I talked to the chief this morning before I saw you and, from

what he says, he has no evidence to use against you, only an unfounded suspicion. If this wasn’t Saturday I’m sure I could

get a judge to issue an order for your release. In the meantime, as detestable as he is, we have to try not to antagonize the

chief any more than has been done already. It may be just his nature but he seems to have it in for you. Is there something

you haven’t told me?”

Ben thought about it for a moment then replied, “He threatened to shoot my dog and I told him if he did I would shoot him.

And I don’t even own a gun.”

“Okay, there’s not much more that I can do here right now. I’m going to talk to the chief again, then I’m going to see if I

can talk to the doctor who has been treating Mrs. Anson. Perhaps he can come up with an opinion on what caused the

wounds, whether they were caused by fists, or an instrument of some sort. If he has no opinion I’ll search out the county

coroner. There may be some forensic information he can come up with: signs of a struggle, bloodstains, that kind of thing. I

may not get back to you today but I’ll be sure to see you tomorrow. Then Monday, I’ll go see the local judge and try to get you

out of here. Is there someplace you can stay locally while this problem is cleared up?”

“Yes,” Ben replied. “I’ve gotten to know the manager of the local RV park; he’s also ex-navy. He’s taking care of my dog

for me. His name is Hank Summers; his wife, Toni, has been bringing me meals so I won’t have to eat the rotgut they serve

here. You might want to talk to Hank, he seems pretty knowledgeable about things going on around here. Oh, come to think

of it, perhaps Hank can check out my camper to see if every-thing in it is okay. He could empty the fridge and turn it off. I’d

hate to get out of here and open up a refrigerator with spoiled food in it. You might have to convince the chief that it’s

necessary.”

“I’ll do that,” said Chuck. “Now, I guess you’ll have to return to your cell. Sorry, but I can’t do anything about that today.”

“I’ll manage,” said Ben, with a shrug. “One other thing I just thought of, Cindy has an ex-husband in Corvallis, Oregon and

some family there too. I don’t know if they’ve been notified.”

“I’ll look into that also,” replied Chuck.

That noon, with his lunch, Toni brought Ben a newspaper and several books to read. Also, a book of crossword puzzles.

“Something to keep your mind occupied,” she commented.

“I sure appreciate your kindness,” said Ben. “Some day I’ll be able to repay you.”

“I’m sure if you don’t repay us you’ll do something for someone else who needs help. That’s our philosophy, anyhow.

Many people have helped us along the way.”

The reading material and the delicious meals Toni delivered made the rest of the day easier for Ben to accept.

Late Sunday morning Chuck Stern returned. Ben was escorted to the same dingy room to meet with him. After both

men had seated themselves chuck began:

“I talked to Chief Wyant again and finally got him to make a statement about why he suspects you. According to the

chief, you were seen by a local resident, at the laundry Tuesday morning talking to Mrs. Anson. This person described you

and your vehicle accurately. On Wednesday, this same vehicle, or one just like it, was seen by another person in the vicinity

where Mrs. Anson was found. I haven’t talked to either of these people yet. I hope to later today.

“Incidentally, Mrs. Anson was found by the chief’s brother-in-law near the highway you would have to travel on to get to Elk

Creek, about 3:30 on Wednesday.” Chuck consulted his notes and continued, “The brother-in-law’s name is Walter Patch;

he lives here, in town. When the beating took place is only conjecture but Dr. Menard thinks it was late morning from the

condition of the wounds when he first treated her. What time of day did you drive through there?”

“Probably about nine in the morning, give or take a few minutes,” Ben answered.

“Okay, next. Dr. Menard says there is no indication of a weapon or instrument of any kind, other than fists, was used.

There were signs of a struggle but no flesh beneath the fingernails, or anything like that. She had not been sexually assaulted

but whoever attacked her is a very strong person to be able to overpower her the way he did. Her vehicle, a minivan, was

found nearby, her purse in it and no indication of anything missing. So far, there’s no apparent motive for the assault.

“The good news is Mrs. Anson’s body signs are improving and the doctor feels confident she is going to make it. Oh,

one other thing. Hank Summers picked up your camper and parked it at his place. He says not to worry, he’ll take care of it,

and your dog. Also, I asked the chief if Mrs. Anson’s ex-husband had been notified and he informed me they don’t have an

Oregon address for her. Apparently, her driver’s license had a Missoula address which turned out to be a motel. He wasn’t

aware she had lived in Corvallis but he will look into it.”

Ben thanked Chuck and, after Chuck assured him he would see the judge the next day, was escorted back to his cell.

For once the drunk tank was not occupied and every-thing was quiet. Ben used the opportunity to catch up on some much

needed sleep.

At two o’clock Monday afternoon the jailer opened Ben’s cell door and told him his lawyer was in the chief’s office and

Ben was to see him there. When Ben arrived at the office both Chuck and the chief were there. Chief Wyant appeared to be

very angry, his face was red and he stood there clenching and unclenching his fists.

“I spoke to Judge Pell and he agreed to release you on condition you stay in the area until this is cleared up,” said Chuck

as Ben entered. “I’ll drive you to Hank Summers’ place so you can rejoin your dog, and your camper.”

“Make sure you stay in the area,” the chief barked. “If I had my way, you would rot in that cell but I’ll be here to return you

there after you’re found guilty in court.”

“Did it ever occur to you that you arrested the wrong man?” asked Ben.

“I know you’re the right man,” was the chief’s surly reply.

Ben shrugged his shoulders at that and walked out with Chuck. As they were driving to the trailer park Chuck advised

Ben that he had to return to Missoula for some other pressing business.

“I’ll be working on things both here and in Missoula,” stated Chuck. “One other item I didn’t mention. The chief insisted

that as a condition of your release, you stay away from Mrs. Anson. He didn’t say, and I didn’t mention it, that someone else

could not visit her on your behalf. I suggested to Dr. Menard that Hank could do that for you. Not that it would do any good at

present, considering that she is still unconscious.

“Anyway, I think I have convinced Dr. Menard of your innocence and he has agreed to keep Hank posted. He says he

knows Hank real well and sees no objection to Hank visiting her when she’s ready to receive visitors. In any event, I have to

go back to Missoula now, but I’ll keep in touch.”

Before Chuck left Ben suggested that he check out the motel Cindy had used as an address. “Who knows, maybe some

important information might come out of it. And also, she said she had some important business to take care of in Missoula.

If she never made it there it’s still unfinished business.”

***

Being back in the camper and with Ruff again were like a medicine to make Ben well. His discomforts in the jail cell

were soon an unpleasant memory. Ruff was overjoyed at Ben’s return, practically knocking him down with his show of

affection.

The next few days were relaxing ones. Even with the threat of the upcoming court case Ben was certain things would

work out well for him. After being cooped up for several days he used his freedom to get some needed exercise. Several

times a day he walked around the perimeter of the park with Ruff, a distance of about a mile.

In the meantime, Chuck Stern kept busy. He conferred daily with the doctor but there was no additional information from

that source other than the fact that Cindy’s ex-husband had been located and the doctor had talked to him on the phone.

Also, Chuck had finally located the person who claimed to have seen Ben’s pickup and camper near where Cindy had been

found but the person would not answer any of Chuck’s questions.

Later Chuck told Ben, “I think he was intimidated by Chief Wyant. I could get a court order requiring him to answer, but at

present I don’t think that’s a good idea. If we do have to go to trial I would rather have him as a friendly witness. I think my

interrogation at that time will bring out the intimidation and will work in our favor.”

Chuck also informed Ben that the motel Cindy had used as an address was a dead end. No one there even

remembered her. “What personal business she had to take care of is another question mark. We'll probably have to wait

until she is able to tell us.”

Hank called the hospital every day and was advised each day there had been no change in Cindy’s condition other than

all her signs were stable. “We’ll just have to keep this avenue open,” Hank told Ben. “Dr. Menard has authorized the hospital

personnel to provide me with information. Apparently, Doc hasn’t bothered to tell the chief.”

During those days in limbo Ben began to give serious thought to another aspect of the situation. If he didn’t administer

the beating, who did? Was there any way of finding out? This had him stumped but he made a note to discuss it with Chuck

next time he came to town.

Chuck returned to Davis Thursday morning. At this time Ben brought up the subject of who else might be involved in the

crime. “What can we do to find the guilty person?” he asked.

Chuck replied, “If we can find a motive for the beating we would have a starting point. So far, that has eluded us.”

“Could it be her ex-husband?” continued Ben. “Or is there a local nut case who goes around bashing women?”

“Those are two ideas to look into,” was Chuck’s response. “It will cost some dough, though. I’ll need to obtain the

services of an investigator and they don’t come cheap.”

“Wait a minute,” said Ben. “I just remembered I have another ex-navy buddy who went into the private investigator field in

Seattle when he retired. Perhaps he’ll help. I’ll give him a call and see what he says.”

“You do that and I’ll see what I can find out about Cindy’s ex-husband.”

When Chuck left at 11 A.M. Ben walked over to Hank’s office to call his friend, Angelo Costello, in Seattle. Luckily,

Angelo was between cases and could come immediately to Davis.

“My wife and I need a vacation anyway. As soon as we can get our motorhome packed we’ll head out. I’ll call Doris right

away and have her get started. She’s very well organized in situations like this; with luck we should be there by Sunday. See

you then, buddy.”

Before hanging up Ben told Angelo about Hank’s RV park and gave him directions for finding it.

Friday morning disaster struck again. While Ben was cleaning up after breakfast Chief Wyant and his sidekick, Lonnie,

approached Ben’s camper, guns in hand. “Okay, come out of there, Foster,” the chief yelled. “We’ve got you covered.”

Perplexed, Ben opened the door and stuck his head out. “What’s the problem now, Chief?”

“Back in the slammer for you,” said the chief. “Now, come out of there with your hands up.”

“This is crazy,” Ben exclaimed, but followed the chief’s instructions.

“You’re the one that’s crazy, thinking you can get away with things in my town.”

While this was going on several of Ben’s neighbors had come to their doors and Hank had come running from his office.

“You keep out of this, Summers, unless you want to keep your pal company in jail,” Chief Wyant declared.

“I’ll call your lawyer, Ben,” Hank called out.

Ben was returned to the same cell he had occupied earlier. If anything, it was even filthier than it had been on his first

incarceration. An hour later a harried Chick made his appearance.

“Seems like there’s been another assault, Ben,” were his first words. “The chief automatically found you guilty. I’m going

to see Judge Fell as soon as I leave here and try to get you released again. This time it might be more difficult.” Chuck

retrieved his tape recorder from his briefcase and asked Ben to describe his actions later Chuck left on Thursday.

“First, I called my private investigator friend in Seattle; he’ll be here Sunday. Then I walked Ruff around the perimeter of

the park a couple of times. After lunch I tied flies for a couple of hours, listened to the radio for a while, and took a nap.

When is this assault supposed to have taken place?”

“I don’t have that information yet,” Chuck replied. “I’ll talk to the chief before I go see the judge.”

Chuck was back in an hour with discouraging news. “The judge says no to my request for your release this time. While

he agrees that Chief Wyant still has no evidence to connect you with either affair e feels he has to appease the chief in some

ways. Politics, probably. Even worse news than that is that this time the victim died.” At this Ben groaned.

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