The sun is shining brightly in cloudless skies as Joe and Rick make their way through town. The duo pulls into the park to find what seems to be the entire police force gathering around the edges of the scene. "This is ridiculous." Bolting out of the car, Joe stomps towards them. The captain points to a group of men and says, "You three start canvassing the area for witnesses. The rest of you get back to your beat before I give you a rip." The men dash to their cars. "That's more like it," Joe says, continuing across the lush green lawn.
"What can you tell me?" The captain asks the first forensic technician he sees.
"The ME believes he was killed within the last hour or so."
"What's the cause of death?"
"He took one to the head, a .38 at close range." He points close to the body and continues. "I found the shell casing a few feet away."
"Who found him?"
The rookie points to a group of young boys and says, "They were riding their bikes, saw him and called it in. They don't know who he is or what direction he came from."
"Do you have an ID on the victim yet?"
"His name is Marco Rossi. He is 24 and lives here in Berryville. He works at his uncle's bar in Eureka when he's not doing time. His most recent is drug possession with intent to sell, released on bail yesterday." He hands Joe two bags and says, "We found this in his pockets along with a wad of cash."
Turning towards his detective, Joe says, "Rick, I want you to check the security cameras and see what you can find."
***
The detectives work well into the evening sorting through the storage unit while the captain continues to question the locals, hoping one of them could give him a lead as to who this mysterious stasher might be.
The townspeople kept repeating the same thing. They were the sweetest people, always helping out the community, social gatherings, festivals and that. Often bringing fresh produce to the food banks and to the different churches in town. Then the economy tanked, forcing them to sell the farm. When asked about acquaintances, they'd say, being as active in the community as they were, I'm sure they knew most everyone.
Since his inquiry was fruitless, Joe decides to see if Wilbur could tell him more. "Think I'll stop by the station first, see if Rick has anything for me yet." He no sooner steps through the door when he hears the desk sergeant say;
"This came for you today. And before you ask, I have no clue as to how it got on my desk." He pauses then adds, "I guess his nickname phantom fits him as good now as it did back then."
"Seems that way." Joe sighs, already fed up with the man's game. Taking the letter from his hand Joe opens it and reads.
Dear Captain
I guess I should have told you that only one of the units was mine. it would've saved you a lot of time and trouble if I had. I sincerely apologize for my little oversight.
"Since You didn't find everything you were looking for, you're probably thinking this is all a game. I assure you captain that it's not. If it were I wouldn't know a few facts you didn't disclose to the media. For instance, Paul Barns has a heart shaped mole on his inner thigh. Joe Murphy is missing his middle toe on his left foot. Jack Lewis was talking to your dispatch when he was abducted. Check your facts, and you will see what I am saying is true.
So why didn't you find what I said you would? You only looked on the surface, what was in plain sight. If you dig deeper you'll find everything you're looking for.
Happy Digging
The Phantom
I hope I can catch them before they leave, Joe thinks, racing out the door.
He pulls up to the storage unit a few minutes later to find his detectives heading to their vehicles "Wait, don't leave." Joe yells climbing out of his car.
"What gives, captain?" Kirk asks.
"I just received a letter explaining how we should dig deeper, beyond what's in plain sight.. So I want everyone to go back to Rachel's unit. This time I want you to look for hidden panels, and trap doors. Check the ceiling too. Kirk, I want you to use that thermal energy scanner, or whatever you call it to check for hidden bodies in the wall."
"Hidden bodies, boss?"
"That's what the phantom said. While you two do that I'm going to talk to Wilbur again to see if he can tell me anything new."
Jerry eyes the exhausted detective then back at Joe and says, "You got it, boss."
Stepping into the storage office, Joe rings the bell.
"Be right there," Wilbur says.
Joe's looking around when Wilbur steps behind the counter.
"How can I help you, Captain?"
"I have a few questions about the unit."
"I'll help anyway I can."
"Did anyone else have access to the storage shed?"
"I didn't see anyone go in or out of there, but there are several ways someone could have gotten to it without me knowing, being so close to the woods and that."
"Do you have any cameras?"
"They've all been down for quite some time."
"Is 151 the only storage unit the elderly couple has?"
"Yes, the other three belong to drifters, Paid for the first month and never saw them again. But the Wesley's made sure a check came in every month. Always arriving a week before it was due. So when it didn't come in I became concerned and that's when I found out they had recently passed. It's a shame really, they didn't get to enjoy the condo they were so looking forward to."
"Well, thank you for your time."
"If I think of anything that I think might be helpful, I'll be sure to call. And I'll ask around to see if anyone noticed someone snooping around."
"Yes, please do. Be sure to keep me posted if you find out something new."
***
A slight breeze adds a little chill to the air. Thunder rumbles in the near distance. A bolt of lightning brightens the dark, stateless skies. The team is busy looking for hidden panels as Kirk scans the storage unit's walls.
Discovering the first body hidden behind a panel, Kirk says, "I found something, guys." he waves the machine back and forth as he continues down the wall.
"There's a small gap between the paneling and the ceiling," Jerry says, pointing towards the upper far corner.
"Oh my God, Joe, it looks like a morgue back there." Kirk replies as he continues towards the end of the wall.
"OK, guys let's start tearing it apart. Please be careful, try not to disturb any evidence when you do. I'm going to call forensics and the ME, get them down here."
Once the wall is torn down and the dust settles the forensic team starts taking pictures of the skeletal remains.
Sharon inspects the first victim, shakes her head and solemnly says, "By the amount of de comp, I'd say they've been there for years. So when you move them, be very careful, and handle as little as possible. The less damage you do, the better chance I have of identifying them."