Riverside's Perfect Murder

Nick's Files

Ollie pulled the car out onto Route twenty-five and headed North. Rita looked at the woods along the road and then went back to the letter and numbers. She didn't know how long they drove for but didn't think it was long before they pulled into a parking lot.

Rita looked up to see the sign St. Joseph Abbey. "What are we doing here? Are you going to steal a car or pray for one?"

Ollie smiled. "If you ever got tired of being a detective, you could always try out for a standup comedian."

"Very funny, wise guy. But seriously, what's here?"

"Our new car."

"What?"

"That is our new rental car," Ollie said, indicating a green Toyota Camry.

"How? Oh, never mind. I don't think I want to know."

"The keys are over the visor could you open the trunk, please?"

Rita got out, and as she walked in front of the car, she could see Ollie wiping off the steering wheel and door handles. Very thorough, aren't you?

Rita popped open the trunk as Ollie got out of the car and transferred the rifle to the trunk. He then wiped the rest of the car and got in the driver's seat.

Ollie continued North for an hour before pulling into a motel. "We will stay here for the night. The key to the room is in the glove box."

Rita shot him a glance and then opened the panel. She took out a hotel key on a large tag reading number six. "How the hell?"

Ollie only smiled and got out.

Exasperated, Rita followed. She noticed the car could not be seen from the road where he had backed it in. The motel was a mom and pop older property with a swimming pool which had seen better days. There were a few other vehicles in the parking lot and except for an occasional car passing by on the road it was very tranquil.

Ollie took the key and opened the door to the room. It was old and tired like the outside but appeared very clean. A small, equally tired tv sat on the dresser. There was a large mirror on the wall past the bed towards the bathroom and a large picture of Elvis hanging over the bed.

"Do you want to shower first?" Ollie asked.

"No. I want to study the numbers more. I think it is something that I know I just can't put it together yet."

"OK." Ollie opened the bottom drawer to the dresser as Rita watched him. To her utter amazement, he pulled out fresh clothes.

"What the..."

Ollie smiled as he set the clothes on the edge of the bed. "It pays to be prepared," he interrupted.

Laughing, Rita asked, "What about me?"

"Middle drawer. Ladies always on top remember?" He smirked.

Rita felt a tingle. "Yes, I remember. I think I am getting number cramps."

Smiling, Ollie said, "Is there a cure for that?"

"I am not sure, but I think sharing a shower might help."

"Oh. In that case, ladies first." Ollie bent slightly at the waist and pointed to the way to the shower with his fingers.

"I may get there first, but I assure you won't be far behind."

"Promises, promises."

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