The conversation I had with his girlfriend, Barbara Baxter, was enlightening. It seems they have been an item for only about six months. She admitted she was in love with Frank and more than once begged him to end his marriage so they could be together. Their liaisons were few at first but with Frank admitting the end of his marriage was close, they upped their meetings to twice a week, but still very discreetly. She didn’t understand the need to keep their relationship quiet since Beverly was screwing around herself.
Wonderful. She knew Frank was married and had no problems with fucking him. What is with these people? I’ve arrested serial killers that had better morals.
According to Barbara, Frank called her the night before his meeting needing her help. He forgot documents essential to his presentation with Baker’s Realty in the morning and with his car being in the shop, he needed a ride home to pick up them up. Since Beverly wasn’t expected to be home, it would be safe for her to go to his house with him.
However, when they pulled up she knew there was going to be trouble. Not only was Beverly home but she was entertaining her lover. Frank was furious. He accepted the fact that his marriage was in name only, but how dare she bring her boyfriend to his house! He went storming in and confronted them both. She couldn’t make out what was being said beyond the yelling. She did see Frank push Beverly’s boyfriend a couple times but that was all he did until Beverly got between them. To Barbara, it looked like Beverly didn’t want Frank to hurt the guy. Frank took a moment looked at them both, turned and walked away. A minute later he came out with the papers he needed. After few hours of dealing with ODOT and the road construction they were back in Parkersburg.
According to Barbara, Frank’s mood wasn’t the best. Barbara said it was impossible not to feel his rage at Beverly for having her lover in his house.
Since this was a very important business trip for Frank, she was never expected to spend the night with him. He wanted to keep his mind on the presentation and their future.
Their Future? They must have had plans. Someone with a suspicious mind would wonder if Beverly’s murder happened because she was in the way of those plans. Another motive.
She thought about staying if only to help calm him down but his mood never improved during the drive. Frank was still furious over what had happened at his home. She dropped Frank off at the motel, kissed him goodbye and told him to calm down and concentrate on the presentation. It was just a little before 10pm before she drove back.
Did I believe her? My gut says she was telling me the truth and it’s normally spot on. She waived her right to counsel and did not hesitate in answering any question I had. But there was something bothering me about her hands. There was something missing. Without that little piece of circumstantial evidence, I didn’t have enough to request a court order for a blood sample nor enough to hold Barbara.