The Case Of The Barefoot Boys - Robert F. Clifton (christmas read aloud .txt) 📗

you a cup of coffee?”

“No thank you,” said Baxter taking a seat on the couch.

“In that case let's get to work, shall we?”, asked Basham.

Alan Baxter opened his black, leather, briefcase and removed three files each contained in a manila folder. After placing them on the coffee table in front of him he picked up then opened one single folder. “I suggest that we start with the Beckmen murder. Here are the photographs taken of his body at the crime scene. After that are the photographs of the alleyway where he was found. One photograph shows the alleyway as one would see it from the walkway. The other shows a view from inside the alleyway facing the walkway.”

Basham carefully examined each photograph. Seeing nothing new he said, “ It's the same as I recall when I went there”.

“Next, I have the autopsy report”, said Baxter.

“I believe that we spoke about Beckmen's autopsy sometime

ago. Is there anything new that I should know about?”, asked Basham.

“Not at the moment”, Baxter replied.

“Then who or what is next?”

Reaching for and taking the next file in his hand Baxter said, “ The file on Micheal Woolford.”

“Ah yes, found at the Penn Crest Hotel alleyway and side porch. Please, proceed.”

“The killer's M.O. is exactly the same as in the murder of Beckmen. Death was caused by a blow to the head, resulting in a fatal injury to the brain. And, as you know, he was found barefoot and with no sign of his shoes. Here are the photographs of the crime scene.”

Basham studied the photo taken of Woolford's body half on and half off of the hotel side entrance porch. Handing it back to Baxter he said, “I don't need to see the others pictures. I was there. I know what I saw. Proceed.”

“Well, that then brings us to Harry Lodell.”

“This I am anxious to see and hear about. It's different then the other two cases”

“This is a photograph of the apartment complex on Delaware Avenue where the murder took place.”

“I say, could you tell me just how far away it is from Virginia Avenue to Delaware Avenue?”, asked Basham.

“I'd say if the killer was to travel from the beach block of

Virginia Avenue he or she would have to cross Pacific Avenue, walk to Atlantic Avenue turn right, walk to Maryland Avenue cross the street and walk or drive to Delaware Avenue. I'm saying four blocks the way the crow flies.”

“I beg your pardon, but I see no entrance to the vestibule

of the apartment house,” Basham replied.

“Oh, I'm sorry sir. Although the building is located on Atlantic Avenue the main entrance is on north Delaware Avenue,” Baxter explained.

“Then what is this?, asked Basham pointing to the photo.”

“That's the barber shop located under the complex. It faces Atlantic Avenue.”

“I see. Pass me Mr. Lodell's crime scene photographs please.”

Basham paid particular interest in the photo of Lodell's dead body face down, his head on the second step that led to the two upper floors of the building. Although the photograph was a black and white glossy, Alistair knew that the black image next to Lodell's head was that of a pool of blood. “Well, so far old chap the difference between the other two murder and this one is that it appears that Mr. Lodell's head was a bit more brittle than those of Beckmen and Woolford. Nonetheless, do you have any ideas about this case?”, asked Basham.

“Other than the fact that the killer is responsible for all three murders, no.”

“I see. Then is you will allow me, I'd start with the obvious. Beckmen and Woolford were killed out of doors. Each in an alleyway and as we know one city block from each other. Yet, Lodell was killed inside a building. I would say and this is merely speculation on my part, but I would say that killer first, knows the victims, second, he knows their movements and third, he knew where Lodell lived. In this last matter I'm almost certain that the killer laid in wait.

I suggest that he most likely hid under the stairwell. Better take another look at that area. Also, question the janitor or maintenance man as to whether or not he replaced light bulbs in the ceiling lamp in the vestibule.”

Baxter took notes, writing in a small notebook. “Anything else?”, he asked.

“Yes, if the killer knew the victim did the victims know him or her and each other? By their age I would say they are or were registered in a high school.”

“Well, there's three in the city, Atlantic City High School, Holy Spirit High School, Atlantic City Technical High School and I almost forgot, Friends School, which is a private school, but does go to the twelfth grade”.

“Then it doesn't appear to be a large task. Now, I see it is near lunch time. I suggest that we walk over to the university cafeteria and take part in the midday meal. My treat of course”, said Basham.

After paying the cashier Basham led Baxter to a table where Joyce sat. “Sergeant Baxter, allow me to introduce you to my daughter, Doctor Joyce Hampton. Daughter, Alan Baxter.

The three went through the familiarities of the introduction and after taking a seat at the table Baxter said, “It is finally nice to meet you. I knew you were with your father in Atlantic City, but he failed to tell me your name, what you do and for that matter just how attractive you are.”

“Thank you, but you must forgive Pa Pa. There are times I'm afraid when his mind wanders. Isn't that right, Pa Pa?”

“Yes, my love”, Basham answered.

“I suppose that since you have met with father it's in reference to the crimes in Atlantic City,” said Joyce.

“That's correct,” Baxter replied.

“I hope that Pa Pa was of some help”, Joyce responded.

“He was most helpful”, said Baxter.

“Speaking of those cases again. I forgot to mention one other thing Alan”, said Alistair.

“And what would that be”, asked the detective.

“This missing shoe thing. I firmly believe that the killer is searching for something and it's related to the shoes worn by the lads. Now, it is possible that the killer has either a shoe or foot fetish. I suggest you look into any persons known to you having such an odd personality.”

“Baxter took out his pen and notebook and wrote down,

Foot fetish, check into.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Six

Multiregional

 

On a Tuesday morning Joyce Hamilton paced back and forth in front of the seated students who not only watched her movement, but also listened intently to every word she spoke.

“Continuing from yesterday's lecture, let me say this. At present there is a debate on the origins of modern humans. There are advocates, such as I, that believe that the MRE, or Multireginal Evolution argues against the strictly, OOA, or Out of Africa for modern humans. Currently some. Notice I say some, some Multiregional advocates have or are about to bow in the face of the Out of Africa supporters allowing for Homo Erectus leaving Africa, entering Europe over one and a half million years go and eventually, evolving into homo sapiens. Naturally, I disagree.”

A female student raised her hand.

“Yes?”, asked Joyce.

“Will it matter that if a student taking this class disagrees with your theory and as a result receive a low or failing grade?”

“No, should any of you decided to believe firmly in the Out Of Africa Syndrome no one will be punished. I will however expect a complete and thorough paper that reinforces your position and argument. Now to continue. We, believers in the Multiregional concept support that if. I repeat, if Homo Erectus

was in Europe, he was European Homo Erectus, in Asia, Asian Homo Erectus and naturally in Africa, African Homo Erectus. Moreover, it is important to understand that three hundred thousand years ago the only inhabitant of Europe was Neanderthal. At the same time no fossil remains have been found of Neanderthal in Africa. Let me correct that last statement. Remains of Neanderthal actually were found in Africa. North Africa. In 1932 the Skulk V cave was discovered near Mount Carmel. Israel. The site was thought to be about forty thousand years old. However, further examination placed the age of the site at between 120,000 and 80,000 years old. After precise dating techniques it was determined to be ninety thousand years old. Why is this important you may ask? Here's why. The fossils found in that cave consisted of bones from what is considered a family of homo sapiens. To sum up, the discovery showed that homo sapiens lived at the same time as Neanderthal in the region. Therefore, the Neanderthals could not have been the ancestors of modern humans at Mount Carmel. So what do we find? We find that there were two species of man living at the same time and in the same area. Some today say that Neanderthal walked out of Africa and into Europe. I subscribe to the theory that Neanderthal walked the other way, out of Europe and into North Africa. Why? Because his remains have been found in Spain, and Israel and once again not yet found in the southern parts of Africa. Thus, we have two species of humans created and living side by side, Multiregional.”

**************

Joyce Hampton sat in an easy chair in her apartment occasionally taking sips from a glass half full with gin and tonic water. Alistair sat on the couch with a smile on his face as he looked at the bottle of London Stout that Joyce had acquired for him. “I still don't know how you got this. Surely it's not in large demand in America,” he said.

“Of course not. I had the owner of Winberies get it for me. Now, are you going to open it and drink it or are you merely going to hold it and stare at it?”

“Oh, I say, I will drink it of course, but only by taking small sips. I want to relish the taste of it. Back home I always had London Stout in the cupboard.”

“How are your classes going? Do you think that you are getting through to your students?”, asked Joyce.

“Yes, however I might have struck a nerve with some when I mentioned that some sociologist's are or become, do

goodies, bent on saving mankind by making changes in society. Since you mention it. How are you making out?”, asked Basham.

“I can only say, fair. A young lady asked me today that if she disagreed with me would she receive a low or failing grade.”

“And, that upset you?”

“Only to the point that I knew then that not only she, but others in all probability disagree with the content of my lectures.”

“Forget it. When I was a student at Harrow a professor took me aside and said, Alistair should you decide to become a teacher always keep in mind that you can't save every student from themselves.”

“ Your professor didn't consider women academics when he told you that. Nor, did he ever think of a female paleoanthropologist lecturing on the Multiregional concept of the evolution of man. So, here I am faced with two prejudices.

The first, being female. The second, my choice on the contriversable theory of evolution,” Joyce explained.

“Well, if you were to ask me I'm damn glad that you are a female. Makes me remember when I was young, but then again that could result in me being referred to as a womanizer. When it comes to your theory on evolution I suggest that you keep in mind one thing.”

“What's that?”, she asked.

“So far, even though there is argument, no one has proved that your and others that share your opinion has actually been disproved. Off hand I'd say that you Multiregionalist's are still in the game. As they say.”

“Thank you Alistair.”

“You're quite welcome. Now, could I trouble you for a bottle opener?”

At approximately five thirty, PM, Tuesday, August 1, 1950 Alistair Basham answered his ringing telephone. “Hello”.

“Doctor Basham? Alan Baxter. I just want you to know that we think that all three victims