He opened the folds.
“It’s not the actual plastic,” she explained. “That’s still coming in the mail, although I did convince their customer service supervisor to overnight it rather than using the standard method. It will be delivered to your California office tomorrow morning.”
“Nice work.” His eyes went back to the screen on his phone while he took a nibble from the toast.
She told herself not to expect effusive compliments from this guy.
“Sorry,” he said. “I should’ve asked. Want some breakfast?”
“No, thanks.” She turned to the manila folder. “Is this for me?”
“Yeah. It’s all the stuff that events lady gave me yesterday. She promised a quote for our gala in two days, but if you can nudge her any faster on that, it’d be great.” Again, his focus went to the phone.
“Certainly, Mr. Williams. I’d be glad to check on it.” She didn’t mention that she’d already met Cicely Bradshaw yesterday afternoon.
“Rob—just call me Rob. People say Mr. Williams and I think they’re talking to my dad.” He chuckled at his own humor.
“Okay, Rob. I’ll follow through on all this. Am I correct in thinking you are only considering the Royale, or are there other venues in mind? Competing bids, or something like that?”
He stared out over the golf course for a few seconds. “Nah, this is good. I got things to take care of elsewhere. Don’t want to run around all over the city looking at a dozen places.”
“Very well. I’ll bring you the figures and we can go over the line items.”
“Yeah, whatever.” He looked in her eyes for the first time this morning. “You know, you don’t have to be so formal. We’re a fun, casual organization, Sandy, not some stuffy old bank.”
She sent a smile meant to assure him that she knew how to relax.
“Great. Got it.”
“Okay, now the other thing we need to go over this morning is the guest list.” He picked up a small notebook computer she hadn’t noticed, from the seat of the chair beside him. “I’ve got names and contact info here. Once we’ve confirmed everything for the venue, we’ll want to get invites printed up and mailed immediately. Go with first-class engraved stuff, thick paper, all that. And we’ll follow up by email as well.”
She nodded and took notes. “Do you have a way to get the names and addresses to me?”
“Yeah … do you have a computer with you? If not, no worries, just pop over to Best Buy or someplace like that and pick one up. Here, take the credit card number.”
Sandy tried not to appear startled. Thinking fast, she decided it would be best to have a separate computer that would contain only the Rob Williams information. There was a good chance it would end up confiscated by the law.
“I’ll get one this morning,” she said.
“Perfect. I’ve got things to do right now, so you get your computer and we’ll meet back here at the hotel … let’s say at two?” He drained the Bloody Mary, shuddered slightly, and picked up his phone and laptop before walking away.
Okay. Sandy watched him walk through the restaurant and lost sight of him. She fingered the page with his credit card information, amazed at how cavalier he seemed with spending.
The rest of the morning went quickly. She had wondered whether she would hit a snag in purchasing a computer with a brand new credit card, but the purchase went through easily once the clerk could be convinced to manually enter the numbers at her terminal.
She took the new machine home and set it up with a password and basic information to get it running. Amber came over to assist, assuring her if she used Intrepid Dog Pictures, the company address and contact information, her personal name wouldn’t be shown in any capacity other than as a user. Their young computer whiz also performed a few programming tricks that Sandy didn’t actually understand.
“Just in case,” Amber said. “What I’ve done here is install some tracking applications in case the machine and you become separated, so we can figure out where it is. He’ll have no way of knowing about it.”
“He wants to transfer some files to me,” Sandy said, “a guest list and such. I’m thinking that could be super valuable to a prosecutor.”
“Absolutely. Okay, so here’s your file-share software.” Amber walked her through a little tutorial so Sandy wouldn’t fumble anything in front of Rob.
“And make sure I can do video chats.”
“Done. It’s right here. And, you can tap into his phone calls—once he’s within range with his phone, to sync them just do this—” Amber clicked a couple of icons. And you’re not only limited to sharing or conversing with Rob. You can send anything you want to my computer, as well.”
“Will the police find that suspicious?”
“Um, let’s just say they won’t necessarily know either.”
“But, if this thing is taken into evidence, they have experts—”
“I can wipe the connection with one click, if it comes to that. Meanwhile, think of it as additional backup. If Rob gets wise and decides to dump this computer, fire you, do whatever … we’ll have the guest list and other stuff in a place he can never get to.” Amber shut down the computer. “I’d also recommend you get a separate phone to use for his calls. Just pop in at a Walmart and get something cheap, and buy some pay-as-you-go minutes for it.”
Sandy smiled. “Great idea. We’ll fill the throwaway phone with evidence on Rob, and I’ll be happy to turn it over to the law.” She noticed the time. “I’d better be getting back to the resort. A meeting with the new boss.”
Forty minutes later, he met her in the lobby, waving from a quiet corner with cushy chairs and a small table. She showed him the new computer, and he immediately got out his own machine and began transferring files—the guest list, layout for the invitations to which she only had to insert the finalized date and time, the document for the investor contract. He instructed her which documents to print and how many copies. Sandy felt herself practically salivating at all the important data.
“Any questions on this?” he asked, once the documents had transferred to her machine and he’d described the purpose of each. He closed his computer, stuffed it into the front pocket of an airline bag, and they exchanged phone numbers.
“It all looks very straightforward,” she said. “One thing I’ll need to know when I see Ms. Bradshaw again tomorrow—what’s our budget for the gala?”
He raised his eyes upward, thinking. “I’m guesstimating twenty thou should do it. If it goes a little higher—say, twenty-five—that’s okay. Any higher bid, call me in California and we’ll discuss.”
“Right.” In her head, math figures zipped along. Based on rough math at the Newport event, she knew they would likely bring in several million. Not a bad investment return.
Too bad the innocents who thought they were investing in a winner didn’t get the same assurances.
Chapter 26
Sandy set a plate of sandwiches on the coffee table, fluffed the sofa pillows, and was about to check the teakettle when the doorbell rang.
“Make yourselves at home,” she told Amber and Pen, the first to arrive.
Mary had a midday self-defense class to teach, but Gracie should be along any minute. As if reading her mind, the doorbell rang again while she was in the kitchen. “Get that, someone? I’m making my special autumn cider.”
It was always hard to get into the spirit of fall and winter in the Phoenix area. November typically was one of the mildest months of the year, and it wasn’t uncommon to have Thanksgiving dinner outdoors under a full moon. People considered it ‘cold’ when the temperature hit sixty, and out would come the sweaters and shawls. Sandy liked to do a little pre-Thanksgiving treat, her own hot cider recipe. She could hear the Ladies gathering at her back sliding door, commenting on how well the oleander was still holding up.
“All right,” she announced, carrying a thermal carafe. “A very simple lunch is served.”
“So, you’ve
been a week in the employ of Mr. Williams,” Pen commented once they had all taken sandwiches and were seated around the living room. “How is it going?”
Sandy smiled and nodded toward Amber. “I think we’re gathering some good evidence, wouldn’t you say?”
Amber’s wild curls bobbed as she nodded, her mouth full of egg salad.
“It’s been a little challenging to keep Rob believing I’m working from home when I’ve actually been at the bank several days this week. Can’t see using up all my vacation time just waiting for his calls, so I’ve taken them on my new throwaway cell phone. I’ll warn you, though, I’ve been committed to a video chat with him at some point today.”
“Is he suspicious?” Gracie asked.
“I don’t think so—well, certainly not about what I’m doing with the data he’s sent to my computer. He’s been a little impatient about my not making the move to California yet.”
“It’s only been a week.”
“Yes, and my stalling is working for now. I told him I’ll have to rent or sell my house and it must be organized and packed. The details all of us understand, but a guy—well, he’s just used to making a decision and moving on it immediately. Maybe it’s a youth thing.” She looked at Amber, who shrugged.
“Rob isn’t that young,” Pen said. “But I do get the impression he’s accustomed to the quick-quick-quick lifestyle.”
“I can put him off as long as I need to. What do we know from the police in Califor—?” An electronic tone interrupted. “Oops—the video chat signal. You all stay in here and keep quiet, okay?”
Sandy rushed to the kitchen counter where she’d left the new computer set up. Circling, she came face to face with Rob.
“Good morning, boss,” she said, clicking the button to activate the audio.
“Sandy, hi.” On the screen, he appeared freshly showered, goatee trimmed. “Okay, what’s on our action list today?”
Behind her computer, Sandy saw Amber, Gracie, and Pen appear in the living room doorway. She started to raise a finger to her lips and remembered Rob could see her.
“Uh, well, all’s on schedule, I think.” She turned her eyes back to him. “The invitations are being printed and will go in the mail next week. Our events manager assures me the holiday decorations will be up all over the resort so our chosen date will be among the most festive of the season.”
“Yeah, okay, that sounds good. Look, I haven’t seen any charge on the credit card for this thing—weren’t they going to bill us a fairly hefty deposit?”
“Actually, I was able to waive the requirement for an advance deposit. I admit it, I threw around some of the celebrity names you’ve told me about, and when they realized how important you are … she was somewhat wowed, I have to say.”
He grinned. “The old bird was impressed, huh.”
Amber almost laughed out loud and Sandy sent her a firm look.
“Somebody there with you?” Rob asked.
“The cats. One of them jumped up where I’ve got my glass figurines. I may need to go swat him or something.” She aimed her gaze firmly back at the computer screen.
“You didn’t tell me you had pets.” His tone was somewhat accusing.
“Oh, yes, Heckle and Jeckle—two black cats. But I’m sure they’ll adapt to life in California when it comes time for the move. Don’t worry about it at all.”
“Cats. No, I’m not worrying.”
Gracie made a fist, as if she wanted to punch him. Sandy used every bit of will not to acknowledge the women.
“So, yeah, the deposit for the venue will be due two days before—I felt sure that would be okay with you—and the balance is billed on a net thirty-day invoice.”
His mood went back to chipper. “That’s great. Sandy, you’re really good at this.”
“Thank you.” She matched his happy tone and asked if there was anything else she needed to attend to in the coming days.
“The venue, the food, and the invites. That’s it for this stage of the game. I’ve got production tweaking the video trailer we’ll show at the conclusion of the dinner. Just doll yourself up for a black-tie affair, as you’ll essentially be acting as hostess, my second in command.”
“Got it. I’m excited about it!”
“’K—bye.”
The chat ended and she closed the computer screen. “Ohmygod, acting in front of an audience is not my forte. I couldn’t have faked one more second of enthusiasm.”
“You did a great job,” Gracie said. “Amber’s little laughing spasm didn’t help.”
“Sorry.” A contrite Amber went back to her sandwich.
Pen spoke up. “The details about booking the Royale and mailing invitations …”
“Are completely false, all for his benefit. I told the woman he’d changed his mind and decided to book another venue.”
The Heist Ladies had decided, early on, not to let the event go through—Rob Williams would not get a chance to take money from any more unsuspecting victims.
“He won’t call and check up on it?”
“Nah. He’s not at all into details like this. Even if he did call, I learned the woman he had spoken with, Ms. Bradshaw, is out on medical leave through the first of the year. The resort has someone else filling in, and Rob doesn’t even know who to ask for. At the first roadblock he’d call me and demand that I get it all straightened out.”
“Still, I think we don’t dare wait too long,” Pen said.
Chapter 27
Rob stared at the photo of the villa. He’d made it the background on his computer’s desktop and the temptation was to look at it for hours, imagining himself walking through the rooms, hosting lavish parties to which the entire Cannes crowd would come, bedding one sexy lady after another …
He snapped himself back to reality. The villa wasn’t his yet, nor had he ever actually visited it. One inquiry to the real estate agent in the area told him he’d better brush up on his French or take along a translator when it came to negotiating the deal. Still, he checked the online listings every few days to be sure the house of his dreams was still available. He sent a longing glance toward the photo, then went to his email.
A message from Sandy informed him that a hundred guests were now confirmed for the Scottsdale presentation. He gave a satisfied sigh. In three weeks, Sandy Werner had accomplished amazing things—snagging the prestigious venue only weeks before Christmas, for one thing. The way she’d had the invitations printed and mailed in record time was another.
His only complaint was that she still hadn’t moved out here. He missed the convenience of having an assistant right here in the office, someone he could shout for, who came running at his whim. Okay, face it, he missed the other services Abby had provided—his pulse rose a little at the thought—but that wouldn’t be happening with Sandy, even if she were here. Frankly, her businesslike efficiency would have intimidated him a little in the bedroom.
He idly flipped through his contact list, looking to see which of his past young beauties might be available. He was ready for the kind of dinner that put a woman in the mood, followed by an evening of pleasure—his place or hers. It didn’t matter, as long as she satisfied the increasing itch that had begun to build since Abby left.
He even thought of calling Abby herself, just to see if her mood had mellowed, but that was asking for trouble. She would want her job back, then she’d start with the ‘When are we going to France?’ crap, then it would come back around to whether they’d get married. He took a deep breath and deleted her from the contact list. On to other things—he spotted the number for that flight attendant who frequently overnighted in L.A. She’d been a lot of fun. Her phone immediately went to voicemail and he left a quick message.
Back to emails, a couple of bills had arrived and he paid each with a click or two, glad for the multiple credit cards in his various corporate entities. The Intrepid Dog Pictures card would soon be filled with charges from the Scottsdale event, and this way he could rack up
some social expenses during the holiday season, maybe even a little extra travel, without Sandy becoming aware. Since he’d given her access to the new card, she’d handled all the details without wasting his time.
He closed the browser, and there was the photo of the villa again. What if … He felt his pulse quicken.
The Scottsdale event was nicely filled. If history was any indicator, he would easily bring in enough to meet his goal. He could grab a business-class ticket to Paris, then into Cannes, go personally to check out the property and have the agent write it up. A grin spread across his face—he’d been scrimping and saving for a couple years now, and this was the big one, his dream.
If all went smoothly, he could be lounging beside that big indoor pool, a gorgeous hottie on each side of him, by the new year. He went to the Air France website and began searching flights.
Chapter 28
“Gracie Nelson?” The man’s voice on the phone was vaguely familiar; otherwise she would have taken him for a telemarketer and hung up.
“It’s Detective Roy Mason, in Los Angeles.”
Gracie quit chopping the pecans for her favorite cookie recipe and set the knife aside. “Yes, Detective Mason. Do you have some news for us?”
“Well, don’t get your hopes up. We don’t have Rob Williams in jail or anything. But I do think there’s reason to be optimistic.”
“That’s great!”
“Let’s call it semi-great,” he said with a chuckle. “We’ve contacted some of the other names you gave us. Turns out one is a guy I know personally.”
Grace felt a tingle of optimism.
“My partner—I don’t think you met him—he’s familiar with Rob Williams and he’s eager to push this to the attorney general’s office as quickly as possible.”
“That’s good news, right?”
“I think so. And we’ve got a contact named Jim Hesperson in the A.G.’s office who, by some weird stroke of luck—I’m guessing the holidays—has made the time to work on it. The courts typically have a long recess in late December and we might, just might, be able to get this case heard. At least as far as the arraignment phase. I think we can make a good enough argument for Rob Williams’s ability and means of escaping jurisdiction that we can have him held in jail until his trial.”
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