When pushed for information Gambler did recall Richmond expressing his desire to settle in California. An enormously large state, locating Richmond Rand now would not be an easy undertaking.
* * *
Following the endowments and sharing of wealth, Richard’s assets remained an immense $515,132,000 (million dollars) money he could not give away fast enough. Even though it was earned legally, he didn’t want to see the money wasted or misspent if he were not around. Had he not come into so much cash, Richard would in all liklihood be working at some unskilled monotonous job.
In the meantime, there was a short lapse in his laid back standard of living. He became troubled with the horrifying news from his brother of the two shootings involving the CEO’s, murder of the bank executive and the murder of Curt and Tavis Whitmore. The pain and agony was bottomless! Many nights he would not fall asleep until 4:00 A.M. Every police cruiser, doorbell, telephone ring, and even the news channels were his enemies.
The spending did not stop! He purchased computers for every child in all three Pacific Grove schools. This act of kindness was another $1,000,000 (million dollars).
With all the charity, compassion and generosity now in place, he made the decision to set up a trust fund to the cancer society in the amount of $25,000,000 (million dollars). Another $10,000,000 (million dollars) was also pledged to the Aids Foundation, $10,000,000 (million dollars) to The Harry Chapin Food Foundation. Even with all the spending, Richard Rand maintained immense wealth - and his dignity.
With the goal of having given his fortune away, Richard could now focus on comradeship with Ryan married to his high school sweetheart with two children a Tommy 6, and a Jessica 4. There was a lonesomeness in Ryan’s life. He hardly ever talked about his duty in the war, and he sought help from the VA. He attended weekly meetings where he made the endeavor to apply the philosophy of his group leader and unlike Vietnam, the military made a commitment to assist the returning veterans experiencing a different type of loss and injuries.
He was not at all the same person he was prior to his mission in Iraq. Many returning veterans were cautious in creating close friendships for fear the relationship would be suddenly and unexpectedly taken from them. Ryan sensed he could share his experiences in Iraq with Richard. He was a wonderful father and a good husband. His wife did not need to work and was a stay at home mom. He was financially stable and lived a first-rate upper middle class lifestyle.
One of Ryan’s pleasures was restoring his 1964-½ Mustang convertible. He was offered the classic car from an older farmer where it been stored in an barn since the late 1960’s. When not with his family, he worked on restoring the antique car. By chance, Richard also delighted in old automobiles and always wanted to purchase a 1967 Camero SS.
Richard was a loner, but what he found in the friendship with Ryan was trust. Whenever possible, both men would spend time restoring Ryan‘s classic car. Richard was considerate of Ryan’s time together with his family. He was very generous to Ryans children and was well respected by Ryan’s wife Megan.
* * *
Richmond instructed the restoration shop to do whatever necessary in order to create a showpiece - and send him the bill. At the rate Ryan was making progress, it would take too much money to finish the car and Richard wanted his friend to enjoy the pleasure of seeing him thrilled beyond expectations. Richard escorted Ryan into a back bay where the Mustang was stored. Words were not adequate enough to describe his excitement as he stared in astonishment at his dream car “makeover” completely and thoroughly rebuilt from top to bottom.
The car required 7 coats of hand rubbed original British Racing Green paint. The interior was skillfully crafted in original tan leather. There was not a part of the car that did not have either the original parts, and if the parts were not available, Richard instructed the restoration company to have them manufactured. The price of happiness: $47,500.00. And as the saying goes, the joy on Ryan’s face PRICELESS! Megan was aware of the surprise and to see the expression on his face was a gift that would support his recovery. Ryan embraced Richard, then they drove off on their magnificent voyage.
Officer Wagner had a gut feeling about his friend Richard Rand and required more information. A 25 year old man not retired, comes into town, is financially well to do. Doesn’t have to work. It barely made sense. Most of all what was eating away at Ryan was the speed with which all of the money was being paid out and in his own covert operation made an attempt at obtaining answers.
Persistence was about to pay off in a huge way for Officer Wagner. One evening while the two were relaxing over a few beers and watching a Lakers game. In a moment of weakness Richard removed his driver’s license when the conversation led to comparison of high school photos. Once again, the two licenses fell from his wallet and Richard unintentionally presented the ID of Richmond!
The sharp-eyed cop quickly focused on the social security number but paid little attention to the name. The officer also ignored the two licenses having established that he was possibly onto a scheme. Recollection of numbers was a characteristic that served Ryan Wagner well.
In an effort to keep his inquiries from shedding doubt on Richard, Ryan withheld information from his commander. He bagan by contacting the military records office in Saint Louis. The massive U.S. Headquarters for all personnel was certain to have any and all records of anyone who has ever served in the military.
The information specialist in St. Louis also an Iraqi veteran instantly connected with Wagner. There is a harmony that exists when veterans relate to a particular place and time. In this case, the researching colleague was willing to investigate the name Richard Rand. Several days passed when Wagner received a call with news the name did not produce a match. The only Richard Rand was a World War II Marine who was now 87 years old residing in Naples, Florida.
St. Louis then asked if the officer could obtain Richmond’s social security number. Several days passed when a call confirmed the social security number was assigned to a Richmond Rand. With the belief it was an error in spelling Ryan asked for clarification. The clerk researched the records one more time and e-mailed Ryan a copy of signature on the enlistment record. The identity was unquestionably that of a Richmond Rand - based on a social security number. If this was Richmond’s identity - then there was the probability the brothers switched names.
Wagner asked Richard what type of work he did to become so financially independent before he reached Pacific Grove. Richard was sensitive about sharing information and Ryan Wagner was just on the threshold of an unsolicited area. Did he finally broken the case wide open? Now, there was no alternative but to put into words what his brother expected of him.
Richard reluctantly began to explain that he was at the black jack table in Ogunquit and lost everything. As he was leaving the casino, he put his last buck into a slot machine and instantly won $17,765.500 (million dollars).
The information about winning a lot of cash was not unusual. People win money every day in Ogunquit. There was more to the circumstances than just the winning of the jackpot.
With approximately $504,000,000 (five hundred four million dollars) remaining in his estate Richard wanted to assign the estate to someone he trusted. That individual was Ryan Wagner. Richard was of the opinion Officer Wagner was on to his brother’s former life. In a quick move, he immediately instructed his attorney to pay off the mortgage of Ryan Wagner. He also directed the lawyer to place into trust $250,000 for each of his children, and another $2,500,000 (million dollars) each for Ryan and his wife Megan. It would have to be arranged and completed quickly. By now, Richard could feel his brother’s ghost breathing down his neck. The Ryan family was unaware of the kindhearted act and would only be made aware when they received a letter that their house was paid in full.
It all came to completion one evening when officer Wagner was surfing the web for a friend of his who won
$50,000 in the California lottery and came across a pop-up where two young brothers from Maine were listed as missing. The alert was in huge bold letters: Have you seen these men? requesting the readers call the Ogunquit, Maine police department if you have any information about the missing men, or if you have questions.
If it were not for the photo in the background, the identification would not have been revealed. There, in the far corner of the photo, in what appeared to be a sand bagged bunker was a photograph of Richmond Rand and Curt Whitmore in uniform!
Alexis Whitmore posted a photo of her missing brothers on the internet and it was only by chance that Ryan Wagner discovered it. Now it began to have meaning. When Richard revealed he won $17.7 million dollars, and with the internet photo of Richmond Rand, and her brothers Curt and Tavis Officer Ryan was able to put together more pieces to the puzzle.
The officer contacted the Ogunquit police inquiring about the connection between Richmond and the missing Whitmore brothers. Ogunquit, Sergeant Mike Truslow a longtime friend of the Rand family supplied Ryan with the following: Richmond and Richard Rand were identical twins. Richmond was assigned as a sniper with the Marines in Iraq.
In
“Until the mega gaming complex became top headline in Ogunquit, “O-Gonk-It” (as the locals pronounce it). Richmond was the local hero - talk of the town! He’s the only person in the military who managed to accumulate the most kills as a sniper from a distance of a mile and a half. - a world record - 34, and the kid’s only 25 years old. Ayup! Local boy puts little ole’ O-Gonk-It on the map.”
The Sergeant went on to say that in addition to Richmond holding the sniper record, both brothers were one of three sets of twins in the world who were so identical that medical experts were mystified by their precise likeness, similarity and resemblance.
Until recently, it was discovered that even their mother could not tell them apart and in an extreme move resorted to placing a tattoo on one of the boys when they were infants.
Suddenly, the flood gates opened for Ryan. The officer quickly determined somehow the boys switched identities and the likelihood Richard was covering for his brother.
The letter from Argentina:
Dear Brother:
Thank you for placing one million dollars in my account here. I’m distraught and saddened about not being able to attend mom’s funeral. I know you gave her a very respectful memorial service.
I am living the good life here. Nobody seems concerned about who I am, what I do, or where I’ve been. I guess that’s the way they do things in Argentina.
By now, you should be facing some very tough legal issues. The most serious is the identification swap. I’m sorry to have put you through all of this.
I hope the money will carry you through. This is why I have given it as a gift. The taxes have been paid on it and it should all be legal.
Love,
Richmond
* * *
By now, all of Pacific Grove was aware of the kindness and compassion of Richard Rand and especially aware of his close friendship between Ryan. Everyone in town benefited in some way by the charitable conduct of Richard. There was no reason for anyone to doubt the sincerity of the assistance. Those who were about to lose their homes, or lost their jobs, cars, and college plans for their kids were all grateful to Mr. Rand. Due to his compassion for the residents of Pacific Grove, the lives of everyone have been forever changed.
It was safe to say there was a genuine fondness and tenderness for Richard Rand. There was not a school, or church, that was not the beneficiary of his great wealth. The police departments, fire departments, civic organizations, open pantry, and especially 300 from the church community were beyond grateful for this guardian angel who descended upon them in their hour of need.
The residents of this closely knit Pacific Grove were well connected to each other and would do anything to protect one of their own. Before anyone was aware of the charges which would soon be pending against Richard Rand: for the most part, having knowledge of a murder or having committed homicide. There was little doubt once arrested he would be charged with the slaying of the Whitmore brothers. The news would be sensational!
Officer Ryan Wagner made the decision to honor his promise to spend time with Richard in the mountains. By this time, Wagner was given a new Chevy pickup by Richard. The two men loaded the gear, food, supplies and headed for the cabin getaway. It was a breathtaking scene when they arrived at the mountain lake. There was a crispness in the air and fall was rapidly approaching.
They unloaded gear, and set up living quarters in the log cabin before heading out to do some fishing. Prior to leaving Pacific Grove they loaded the ice chest the with plenty of beer. In another chest they packed bacon, eggs, and meat and other provisions which was to last them for a week.
The only communication was a cell phone used by Ryan to speak with his wife in the event of an emergency.
Richmond carried his Rugar .357 revolver into the cabin. They planned to do some hunting as well. Ryan brought along his service revolver - a Glock pistol. Things could go terribly wrong, but Ryan was of the expectation that all would go well between friends. The young cop was his best friend and he would make certain that no harm came between them.
Ryan an expert cook, planned a dinner of fresh lake trout, pan fried potatoes, wild onions and homemade biscuits. It was particularly tough for the officer to get through the meal anticipating the emotionally charged outcome. There was no time like the present, and Ryan was crushed at the vision he would have to take his best friend into custody.
Prepared to confront Richard the fishing trip was an ideal time to approach the identity switch. In the previous call to Officer Truslow the conversation disclosed that his investigation provided some damaging and incriminating information in the case.
Two bodies turned up dead and by all accounts Richmond may have been involved. Motel records indicated the deceased brothers were rooming with Richmond at the time of their death and from that moment on he had vanished.
It didn’t look promising for either of the brothers, especially with the knowledge mounting in Ryan’s profile.
This was probable cause for Ryan to detain Richard as a person of interest. With such an elaborate plot unfolding the likelihood Richard may disappear with millions of dollars was a possibility.
It was only a matter of hours before Ogunquit police and the Maine D.A.’s office would make the matter public knowledge.
Following dinner, both men were relaxing in the living room. The grandiose vanishing sun on the snow covered mountain graced the large picture window. The fireplace was roaring with a fresh stack of white birch. Gas lanterns hissing with the sounds of propane. It was picture perfect. The two men seemed to have not a worry in the world. Suddenly, Richard asked Ryan if he would like another beer. When Richard left the room and entered the kitchen Ryan made his daring and bold move.
“Richard tell me about Richmond and the switch in identity” That is all Ryan had to say! Stunned by the answer, Richard walked into the room, dropped down into the soft chair and heaving a sigh looked at Ryan with a sad expression and simply stared at his friend. The encounter appeared to last for hours, but it was less than 15 seconds since the initial shock astonished and stunned Richard.
“How long have you known?” Richard asked while at the same time shaking his head and then dropping it into his hands.
I’ve known for several weeks.” Ryan answered.
Richard was unaware of the extent of his brothers crime spree as Ryan informed him following a Grand Jury session, the Ogunquit police were about to issue an arrest warrant charging him with murder of the brothers.
“I know it was all too good to be true. I was living in fear of the other shoe dropping - and now we are at that point.” Richard said.
“I was searching the web several days ago and by chance a photo of two missing men from Maine
popped up on the screen.” Ryan explained.
“I have been unsure for months about your arrival in town and it didn’t make sense. It just didn’t seem right. I can understand the real estate transaction where gold was found on your property. Then I checked Richmond Rand with the California Motor Vehicles Department. There was no such person. Ryan continued. “After discovering your brother’s photo with the Whitmore boys, I checked with the records division of the military in St. Louis, and with a social security number I obtained when you showed me your license.
“There’s even a fishing boat operator who maintains you hired him to dispose of the two bodies. This is really serious Richard and we things are about to get ugly!”
“Ryan, I did not kill those men!” Richard maintained.
I have a twin brother whose name is Richmond. He was a sniper in Iraq and the person in the photos you discovered on line. Once he experienced the smell of gunpowder in his nostrils and wrapped his hands around a rifle, he changed completely . I was living in Maine with my parents when he returned from the service and he was never the same. He suddenly began to act eccentric and his vocabulary was filled with nothing but hatred for anyone who in his mind was taking advantage of the system.