“Thanks,” Pete said.
My eyes misted at his heroic action. “Thank you.” I sat because he asked, but I’d rather be driving him to the hospital. Trouble jumped back on the sideboard. What a brilliant kitty to cut the lights like that. I’d fix him as much shrimp as he wanted for the duration of his visit with me.
“Ann Marie tried to shoot Kurt tonight,” Pete said. “It looks like a falling out among thieves. Kurt, what do you have to say for yourself?”
“Nothing.”
“The embezzlement trail leads to you,” Pete said. “Four investment accounts opened in the last year, all in your gaming character’s names, all traceable to a P.O. box you rented.”
Kurt’s face tightened to an emotionless mask.
This development stunned me. I sank into my seat. Pete’s concerns about his staff were validated. These people were out to destroy Pete and his company. Trouble leapt into my lap, purring contentedly.
Pete’s warm gaze met mine across the table, and I suddenly felt less alone. I had Trouble and Pete on my side. As for the embezzlement mystery, I now believed Frank and Opal were innocent. The jury was still out on the other two.
“I opened those accounts for future income streams,” Kurt said, clearing his throat three times. “You had no right to pry into my life.”
“So you say.” Pete’s voice hardened. “I recovered the corporate assets. You’re fired. Per the non-compete clause in your contract, neither you, nor any former North Merrick employee, can work for a competitor for at least a year. If you poach my clients, I’ll take your embezzlement to the cops.”
“You wouldn’t do that.” A muscle in Kurt’s pale face twitched. “Prosecuting me would be an admission of the company’s failure.”
Pete leveled a finger at Kurt. “I have the backing of the entire board and your former boss, Dalbert North. I will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Who are you?” Kurt asked. “You’re not just an I.T. guy.”
“I suppose I owe you that much.” Pete’s cold smile chilled my blood. “I have an aptitude for I.T. work, but I’m a fixer. I straighten out corporations in trouble. Dalbert approached me when the cartel began pressuring him. They wanted access to his client list. I got that situation turned around.”
“If you’re the fixer, why does the company have your name on it?” Kurt asked.
“I wanted in on this venture. Imagine my surprise when I found there was an inside threat to the company.” Pete glanced my way and I gulped. “River, who else should I fire?”
My throat tightened. Pete couldn’t be serious. “I can’t.”
“You heard the responses same as I did. Who do you believe?’
“Truly, I barely know anyone here. You’re putting me on the spot.”
“That’s what I do, and I hope you won’t hold it against me for long. Please, hon, humor me.”
There he went with the “hon” again. “I’ll give it a shot, for whatever that’s worth. “Ann Marie took a shortcut on a casino contract. She appears to be in a relationship with Kurt. He accepted full pay for hours he didn’t work—”
“I can explain,” Kurt said, tugging on his suit coat. “I’d rather be humiliated than go to jail. I had community service hours I owed for speeding tickets. I didn’t want anyone to know I screwed up. I need this job.”
Pete gave a terse nod. “Continue, River.”
So I did. “Frank and Opal pulled extra shifts, and kept quiet about it. Ann Marie sabotaged security programs, which Frank claims he caught and fixed. But Ann Marie brought a gun to this meeting. In what appeared to be a falling out among thieves, she aimed it at Kurt. Both envy and perhaps want your CEO job. Now that I think about it, Kurt seems too obvious to be the embezzler. If he hid money from you, he would’ve done it better. Is there a chance he was framed?”
“Good observations,” Pete said. “I admire how quickly you grasp the essentials.”
“You do?” I blushed. “I mean, thanks.”
“River’s right, Kurt. I’ll crosscheck computer logins against duty hours to follow the money trail. If things pan out, you’ve still got a job.” Pete tapped a few times on his phone. Four bulky men in dark suits stepped through the doorway and stood on either side of the table. He glanced the length of the table. “Ann Marie, you’re fired, and you’re being escorted to the police waiting outside. This entire conversation has been taped and streamed live to the officers.”
“I want a lawyer,” Ann Marie said.
“Tell it to the police,” Pete said.
“You’re heartless,” Ann Marie shouted.
“I’m adding assault and property damage to the theft charges against you.” Pete motioned his men forward. “You shot me and the sideboard.”
“I need medical attention,” Ann Marie wailed. “That cat has rabies, and I demand you destroy it.”
Trouble stretched on the sideboard, and his rabies tag dangled in plain view. The year stamped on it was current.
“The cat doesn’t have rabies,” I crowed. “He’s up to date on his shots.”
Ann Marie shrieked all the way out the door.
“What about me, boss?” Kurt asked, clearing his throat as he stood.
“You should’ve come to me about your community service requirement.”
Kurt hung his head. “I was ashamed. I thought if I paid the late fees, I could get off but that judge made an example of me.”
“I believe in second chances,” Pete said to Kurt, but he looked at me. “If you’re exonerated, you’ll be on probation at North Merrick and back on a time clock.”
“Thank you,” Kurt said. “I’ll go upstairs to my room now.”
After he left, I noticed Opal and Frank grinning. “Did y’all know about this ahead of time?” I asked.
“Some of it,” Frank said. “Opal found the accounts under Kurt’s character’s names three weeks ago and told Pete. We’ve been tracking the deposits and waiting for the culprits to make a mistake. Opal and I burned the midnight oil to uncover the virtual fingerprints. We narrowed it down to Ann Marie or Kurt last week, but Pete waited to expose them at the retreat. Personal reasons, he said.”
Personal reasons, I thought. That would be me and my love of mysteries. Hmm.
Pete coughed. “I can take it from here. Thanks for going the distance with me. Take the night off and we’ll regroup in the morning.”
When we were alone, Pete took my hand in his and gently tugged me to my feet. “We should get your arm looked at,” I said.
“My arm is fine. I didn’t know about the gun,” Pete said. “I’m sorry I accidentally knocked you down when I dove for the gun. I never considered weapons would be involved. I don’t know how she got a gun between here and the airport, but somehow she did. Please forgive me for that security lapse. I’m glad your cat knew when to jump at the light switch. A target is much harder to hit in the dark.”
“The cat was brilliant.” A thousand thoughts circled in my head. I latched onto the most distressing one. “Pete, what’s really going on with you? Why am I just hearing you took on a drug cartel? You could’ve been killed.”
“I couldn’t tell you at the time. It was the only way I knew to protect you,” he said.
Now that he was close, his familiar ocean fresh scent enveloped me. My pulse quickened as I struggled against a riptide of emotion. “You broke up with me.”
“I did it to keep you safe. I could not have any personal ties at that time or they would’ve used them against me. Getting this company running smoothly has been a full-time job. I may have overestimated how good I was because I expected to come for you months ago. My plan was simple. Fix the company, get the girl. Righting the company took much longer than I intended.”
“Get the girl,” I repeated slowly. “Me?”
He gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. “You’ve always had my heart.”
Actions spoke louder than words. He’d ignored me for months but he’d been grazed by
a bullet because of me. His behavior confused me. I tugged my hand free. “I thought you abandoned me.”
“I knew you were busy with your mom, and I heard your brother was in jail. I want to help you. I want to make us work. I did this for you.”
I felt as if I’d stepped in the softest of mud and sunk up to my neck. “What are you talking about?”
“The embezzlement mystery. The roses. The horses. I courted you with the things you love. I know how much you enjoy solving the crimes on those detective shows you watch. I booked this horse rescue farm for our retreat hoping it would make you smile. As soon as I saw you wrapped around the paint, I believed I had a fighting chance to win you back. Tell me it’s not too late.”
Anger roiled inside me and bolted out, lightning-strong. “You should’ve told me you still cared for me. Why should I trust you now? You don’t know what I went through when you stopped calling. My mom kept getting sicker and I had to keep putting one foot in front of the other. I may have survived our physical breakup, but I’ve felt empty inside.” My voice hitched with emotion. “It’s been awful. I counted on you and you didn’t even care enough to say goodbye.”
“I never meant to say goodbye, but I should’ve thought of a kinder way to temporarily let you go.” He hung his head. “I apologize with my heart and soul. You saw a fraction of what I’ve been dealing with. I’m sorry for any pain I caused you.”
When he shut me out, I’d wanted to crawl into bed and let the world pass me by. Everything I did hurt because it wasn’t with him.
“I’m counting on your big heart. I need you in my life, River.”
I took a few calming breaths. “I learned a valuable lesson from getting dumped. I deserve a man who puts me first. That’s what it would take for us to try again.”
Something akin to panic flashed across his face. “I’ve been counting on our reunion for so long. All those lonely nights I told myself, ‘Soon you can go to her.’ That became my mantra when I woke up and when I went to sleep.” He paused. “I hope you enjoyed solving the mystery. I had hopes it might help you begin to forgive me.”
“You’re asking a lot. You expect me to erase all the hurt you caused and be your companion. I need guarantees.”
“River, there are no guarantees in life, but I’ll do right by you. I will love you with every breath I take.”
My bones felt warm for the first time in a year. “You love me?”
“What do you think I’ve been saying?” Pete’s emerald eyes glittered with emotion. “You nearly gave me a heart attack because I didn’t mention the ‘L’ word?”
“Yes.”
“Let me be clear. I love you more than anything. I never want us to be apart again. This is long term.”
“Marriage?”
“Yep. We’ll pick out the rings together. Anything you want.”
“An engagement ring would be lovely, but let’s try being a couple first.”
His shoulders sagged. “You won’t marry me?”
“I want to try again, and if all goes well, you can propose on a romantic night we’ll both remember, one that’s about us. One without guns or embezzlers.”
“That’s a yes?”
“It is, and I believe it’s traditional to seal a bargain between lovers with a kiss.”
Pete drew me into his arms. He kissed my hair, my forehead, my nose, and then his lips touched mine and I couldn’t think anymore. I was right where I wanted to be, with the man I loved. Life was good.
* * *
Finally! I thought I would have to nudge her into his arms. Not bad for a day’s work. The thieves were caught, the guy got his girl. I knew the lady in red was up to something as soon as I sniffed her bag. Thank goodness for my quick action. My mission ended successfully for all concerned. Time for Trouble the feline detective to take a well-deserved nap.
About the Author
Formerly a contract scientist for the U.S. Army and a freelance reporter, mystery and suspense author Maggie Toussaint has nineteen published books, sixteen as Maggie Toussaint and three as Rigel Carson. Her previous mysteries include Gone and Done It; Bubba Done It; Doggone It; Dadgummit; Death, Island Style; the Lindsey & Ike Mysteries; and three titles in her Cleopatra Jones series: In for A Penny, On the Nickel, and Dime If I Know. Her June 2018 mystery, Confound It, is Book Five in her Dreamwalker series about a psychic sleuth. Maggie won the Silver Falchion Award for Best Cozy/Traditional mystery in 2014. Additionally, she won a National Readers Choice Award and an EPIC award for Best Romantic Suspense. Maggie is the president of the Southeast chapter of Mystery Writers of America and vice president of LowCountry Sisters in Crime. A native Georgian, she lives with her husband in coastal Georgia, where secrets, heritage, and ancient oaks cast long shadows.
www.maggietoussaint.com
Tidbit From Trouble #7
I believe I have mentioned I have a way with the ladies. Although, like my father, I have a weakness for calicos, one lovely feline, a gray and white longhair named Priscilla, won my heart with her gentle affections and winsome ways. In fact, I was quite besotted. It’s ridiculous, really, but also rather wonderful, the lengths a gentleman such as myself will go to for the lady he loves.
Double Trouble
By Eve Osborne
It was early February and Tammy Lynn was in a bad mood. Muttering, “And to think I trusted that man” and “I should have known he had skeletons in his closet,” she stamped her foot and shoved a red tissue carnation into a wire rack with such force that she had to grab the rack before the entire display could topple. She was decorating her Wetumpka, Alabama bookstore, the Book Basket, in red, white, and pink, with a chubby cupid pointing at the new bestsellers for the Valentine’s Day celebrations. Some exciting new novels had just been released, which she said would make perfect gifts for her customers’ loved ones. Historical romances, romantic mysteries, and enticing love stories were all attracting a lot of interest from customers walking past the store.
Tammy is my human. She takes very good care of me—she is single, although in a relationship with Aiden—and she is the most caring, loving, and stubborn person I know. As the Brits would say, she’s a fine bird, so I worry when she’s out of sorts. But that day, I also had problems of my own.
My name is Trouble. I’m a three-year-old black cat—son of the famous cat detective Familiar—and on the way to becoming a super sleuth cat detective myself. I watched all the episodes of Sherlock Holmes played by Benedict Cumberbatch, after my friend Coal Shaft, who was addicted to the series, got me hooked. This has given me a slight English accent but, if I may say so myself, it lends me an air of mystique and slight superiority.
This story I’m recounting here took place last February, and I’m wont to recount it to friends and family regularly. I hope you enjoy my tall tale. Perhaps the Queen will knight me for my talents and I’ll become Sir Trouble, revered author!
* * *
It had been a busy few months, and I had recently completed my case at the Summer Valley horse farm. Upon my return, I caught up with my long-time love Priscilla. She appeared as delighted to pick up our relationship as I was, waiting for me at our appointed meeting place at the sheltered end of a large garden near the community centre. In the spring, it was a magical place. The full moon, spring blossoms, and delicious fresh smells of wild herbs and budding lavender under the delightful flowering shrubs created the perfect atmosphere to spend some quiet time, enjoy each other’s company, and make plans for the future. But now the ground was chilly, and the shoots had a few weeks yet before they pushed their heads up through the earth. We didn’t mind. Our romance and joy in each other’s company was enough.
I was one lucky fellow.
With Valentine’s Day coming up, I had made some plans for Priscilla and me to become officially betrothed. I spent hours imagining what I was going to say and do, what tasty morsels I could present her, and how stunning she would look in a jewelled neck collar I saw for sale in Wetumpka.
; I had every expectation of the holiday being perfect with Priscilla. Then, on the 5th of February, she was not at our appointed meeting place. I was a bit disappointed but not worried yet. After all, she might have had urgent responsibilities for her human family. Still, I was unsettled. Two days passed, and by day three I was downright worried.
This was totally out of character for Priscilla. She was punctual, caring, loving, and wanted to be taken care of. There was no way she would suddenly drop me without any notice. I walked all the streets around the area of our meeting place. I picked up her scent, but it was several days old, and I couldn’t follow it all the way to its source.
* * *
That evening, I picked half-heartedly at a bit of lemon-pepper salmon, and Tammy and her beau, Aiden, enjoyed a romantic dinner. Aiden’s cell phone rang. He excused himself, then came back to say he was being called away on a personal matter and might not be back for several days. Now, Tammy is a reasonable human, and she understands the importance of Aiden’s career responsibilities. A personal issue was another matter. I knew she had been looking forward to a quiet Valentine’s with him, and his reticence on his reasons for leaving seemed to trigger all her insecurities. She’d been hurt badly by suitors before, and as she cleared the table, I couldn’t help but notice the disappointment in her eyes.
Tammy and Aiden (the Elmore County deputy sheriff) had become an item the previous year after Aiden rescued Tammy from a mad killer in Wetumpka. It created a bond that they could not ignore, and their relationship had been growing strong. They were catnip for my romantic heart! With her hazel eyes, red hair, and a flawless complexion, Tammy was the perfect match for the good-looking young deputy. The only fly in the ointment lately between Tammy and Aiden had been a mild disagreement about whether she should buy me a smartphone or whether that was pushing and assisting my detecting abilities too far. After all, I can’t talk other than meow, and there are precious few humans who understand this when answering a call.
The Trouble with Cupid Page 17