She froze in her tracks. We were at least fifty feet apart and she couldn’t conceal the surprised expression on her face. Then I realized it was more than her surprise to see me, she was frightened.
I took a step toward her and she took a backwards step toward the exit door. “Jennifer, what’s wrong?”
“Don’t come any closer, Mark, or I will leave and you will never see me again. All I want to do is retrieve this bag and be on my way.” She pointed a beige satchel toward me. “Will you allow me to get my stuff and leave?”
“Why wouldn’t I? What is this about?”
“I was forced into this,” she said nervously. “He had Kenny murdered in prison, and threatened to hurt Gwen if I didn’t follow his instructions because after Charlie killed himself, the original plan went to hell.”
Jennifer began to weep.
“Calm down, Jennifer. We can fix this. Just tell me who had Kenny
murdered. Who threatened to harm your child?” I asked stepping toward her.
She panicked and fled through the exit. The satchel she carried must have been partially opened because she left a trail of money as she escaped. I ran toward her but realized I would never catch her wearing mining boots and a mining belt. After opening the exit door just in time to see her speed away, I ran in the opposite direction toward the mine elevator.
There were two phones at the shaft, one used to page mine personnel and one to make outside calls. Security had both types of communication, but I wasn’t about to page anyone on the mine phone, or use my radio where everyone could hear me. I dialed security on the private line.
“Robin, don’t open the gate at the entrance. Stop the blue car coming from the mine and call the police. Have Jennifer Johnson detained for questioning about a murder.”
Loud noise and commotion clamored in the background. “Hello, hello. Robin, are you alright?”
“It’s too late. The car just crashed through the gate, but I got the license number before the car sped out of sight.”
“You’re the best, Robin. Call local law enforcement and have her picked up for questioning relating to the murder of Kenny Miser while he was in prison. I think she knows who did it. Explain the episode at the security gate and tell them she is wanted for destruction of property at the mine also. Advise law enforcement to use caution. She may have her young daughter with her. Robin, keep this as quiet as possible at the mine. We don’t need this turmoil in the middle of a mine tour with
Senator Jackson,” I explained.
“This isn’t my first rodeo, partner. We’ll have her corralled as soon as possible and I will contact you to call me on a private line when I know something.”
“Rodeo, partner, corralled--this isn’t a western, Robin,” I said and laughed. “Get maintenance to repair the gate so we don’t have a mess when the senator leaves later.”
“Excuse me, sir. I may have become overly excited which I shouldn’t have done. I am a professional security guard. Calling maintenance now,” Robin informed me. “Over and out.”
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