I Want To Live

Chapter Thirty-four

    One fine day in early August, Graham Stellarman convinced his wife, Marci, to accompany him on a drive to Eastern Washington. He had been contacted by an Alderman in Claremont about a proposal the city wanted to sponsor. Councilmen were considering bids for a low rent housing project similar to the one he constructed in Seattle. 

    “Why don’t we spend the weekend in that Bavarian town, Mittenwald? You can enjoy yourself roaming in all the shops while I present my plan to the Council. We’ll enjoy wiener schnitzel with spaetzle in a renown German Beer Hall, stroll the streets at night, relax in a hot tub and make mad passionate love in the suite I’ve booked at the Alpensee Inn. How does that sound, darling?”

    So they drove on Highway 2 heading toward the Wenatchee Mountain Range. Marci was his very own classic model, trophy wife. Heads turned wherever they went together. Graham realized all red-blooded men were envious of him. They were a stunning pair. He was tall, athletic, dark hair with white sideburns and classic patrician face. His persona was one of grace and caring for other people. Cross him however and he could be ruthless. No one wanted to see that nervous tic over his right eye when challenged. 

    Weekend traffic flowed at a steady pace until the outskirts of Grovers Corners. Cars slowed to bypass an accident involving two cars. Paramedic Ron Harrison was loading an elderly woman strapped to a gurney into an ambulance. Her dazed husband, head bandaged, climbed into the emergency vehicle to accompany her. Ron closed the doors, informing the driver that all was secure. Siren blaring, the ambulance pulled onto the highway and headed for Mittenwald Community Hospital. 

    Rookie Patrolman Charles Morrison directed traffic around the accident site. Traffic flow was down to one lane so a tow-truck driver could maneuver into position to haul the crumpled car away. Another compact car responsible for hitting the elderly couple had been towed already. Officer Bret placed markers on the side of the road after taking photos of the vehicles before removal. Officer Sam was interviewing the teenage driver of the out-of-control car in the back seat of the Crown Vic. He had sustained only minor cuts and facial bruising from the air bag. His safety belt had done its job. 

    Ranger Mike Garrett directed traffic going to and from Grovers Corners so everyone could continue to their destination in an orderly manner. 

    The tow-truck driver signaled he was all set. Rookie Morrison and Officer Bret halted all traffic as did Ranger Garrett. The tow truck pulled onto the road and drove towards Claremont and the impound yard. Weekend traffic was free to resume unimpeded again. 

    Majors Wayne and Angela Goodman drove their Honda Civic past the accident site after it was cleared of all official vehicles. Disturbed soil and deep ruts testified to the recent accident. Angela prayed that the persons involved were alive and well. They were driving to Claremont to assume their reassignment to the Salvation Army facilities there. The previous couple had retired due to health problems. “Look at the majestic scenery around here, Wayne. I have a good feeling about this area. Can you sense it?” 

    Detectives Ken Stapleton and Corrine Hudson drove their Crown Vic along Highway 2 late that afternoon. They planned to interview Katie MacKenzie the following morning. They located her current address by going into the DMV data base. They had booked a cheap motel in Claremont. Their budget didn’t allow much leeway.