The Sarah Woods Mystery Series (Volume 7)

by Jennifer L. Jennings

  I had considered going home to freshen up before meeting Max for dinner, but I didn’t have time. Why did I care?

  I made it to the Mexican restaurant ten minutes early and headed straight for the lady’s room and stared at the mirror with despair. My long brown hair was in need of a trim and a color. I pulled out a few gray hairs, swiped on some lipstick, and popped an Altoid.

  I’m not the kind of woman to spend hours a day fretting over my appearance, but staring at the wrong end of forty was no picnic. No amount of fitness and healthy eating was going to make me look thirty again, so why worry about it? There is a certain feeling of freedom that happens when you learn to grow old gracefully.

  When I got back out to the dining area, Max still hadn’t arrived, so I stood by the hostess station and waited.

  The restaurant was a lively place, with colorful Mardi Gras decorations and Mariachi music playing in the background. Max and I had spent many a weekend night at this place, drinking margaritas and sharing plates of nachos. Our relationship had been easy going. No pressure. No expectations. Newly divorced, that was the best scenario for me, and I was grateful to Max for knowing that I needed space back then.

  I wondered what might have happened had I moved to San Francisco with him.

  The hostess seated me at a table toward the back and set down two menus.

  “My friend should be here any minute,” I told her.

  After she left, I double checked my phone to make sure he hadn’t cancelled. No calls. Just one brief text from Carter that had come in five minutes earlier. Tell Max I said hi.

  I chuckled to myself while sending a reply. I’ll only have one drink and a burrito, then I’m going straight home.

  A few seconds later he replied with a heart imogie, which was a first for Carter. He was finally giving in to the ease of social media icons.

  Just as I was putting my phone away, I looked up to find Max standing a few feet from the table, dressed in a dark, slim-fitting business suit.

  As I stood up, he closed the gap between us, and the next thing I knew we were embracing. He still smelled like pine soap and it sent me into a momentary breathless state. His cheek brushed against mine as he planted a soft kiss on my earlobe. I felt my face flush.

  “You look great, Max.”

  He took the seat directly opposite me and clasped my hand on the table. “You look beautiful, as always.”

  For some reason, I couldn’t think of what to say. The first thing that came to me was, “Carter says hello.”

  Max smiled, biting his lower lip. “Too bad he’s not around. Maybe next time.”

  We ordered a round of drinks, and for the next few minutes he kept looking at me with those green eyes, just like he used to do when we were together. I squirmed in my seat and decided to talk about work.

  “I just got a new job today so I’m sorry if I seem a little preoccupied,” I said. “You know how it is at the beginning of a new case. So many things to think about.”

  “I miss hearing about your cases. If you want to tell me what it’s about, I’m all ears.”

  I gave him a brief explanation about the accident, leaving out names and other details. He seemed genuinely intrigued.

  When our drinks arrived, we ordered dinner. Max ordered another margarita, but I was still nursing mine.

  “Enough about my work,” I said to him. “Tell me what’s going on with you.”

  “Well, let’s see, my apartment has a partial view of the Golden Gate Bridge.”

  “Lucky you.”

  “Yeah, it’s nice, but it certainly isn’t home.”

  I felt compelled to ask the question. “Have you been dating?”

  He smiled and looked away. “I’ve been on a few dates. Truth is, work has been so crazy, I haven’t had much time to date.”

  “You’re such a liar. You don’t have to be embarrassed, you know. You can tell me anything.”

  He held up his hands in mock defense. “There’s nothing to report, honest!”

  “OK, fine.”

  He leaned back in his chair, head tilted slightly as he regarded me with trepidation.

  “What is it?” I said. “C’mon, don’t keep me in suspense. You asked me out to dinner for a reason, so what is it?”

  “How did you know?”

  “Because I know that look.” I pointed at his face. “What’s on your mind? Spit it out.”

  “I was gonna wait till we were done eating before I brought it up.”

  “Well, I can’t wait that long.”

  He laughed. “OK, I might have a job for you, if you’re willing.”

  “What kind of job?”

  “I’m thinking about leaving my company. One of my colleagues is starting a new venture and she’s invited me to come on board. She’s given me a twenty-page contract to look over, but I haven’t signed anything yet. I’m not sure if I trust her.”

  “Wouldn’t a lawyer be better suited to look over a contract?”

  “I have a lawyer, but I need someone to perform an in-depth background check on her. I don’t have access to all the databases you have.”

  “What’s her name?”

  “Her name is Martha Peyton.”

  “What are you looking for, exactly?”

  “Martha has managed a few companies, but they’ve all dissolved in one way or another. Bottom line; I’d like to know more about her background. Find out why those companies didn’t work out.”

  “You’re afraid the same thing might happen with her new venture?”

  He nodded. “There’s never any guarantees with start-ups, but the potential is enormous. The pay structure isn’t as good as my current situation, but she’s promised me stock in the company. If it takes off, well, I stand to gain a lot.”

  “But, you’d also be taking a risk if the company fails.”

  “Of course. Can you look into her for me?”

  “I suppose.”

  “Catch is, I need it by Monday.”

  “This coming Monday?”

  “I know it’s not much time, but I have a meeting with Martha and I need to give her an answer.”

  I thought it was interesting how he referred to his potential new boss so informally. “Shouldn’t be too hard. Does she live in California?”

  “Actually, no. The company is in Boston.”

  “Really? Wait. So, you’ll be moving back East if you accept this position?”

  “Yeah.”

  The way his eyes locked with mine sent a chill through me. “Are you kidding me? After that big move?”

  He donned an innocent expression. “What can I say? I’m a New England boy at heart.”

  When the food showed up, we ate in silence for a few minutes until I finally said, “I’ll do the job, but I can’t promise I’ll be able to find everything you need by Monday.”

  “Do what you can. And, I don’t expect you to work for free, so I’m paying whatever your normal rate is or more, since it’s a rush job.”

  “We can discuss that later.”

  He set down his fork and leaned toward me. “Look Sarah, I don’t know if I ever apologized for the way I acted before, when you said you wouldn’t move to California with me. I was kind of a prick, and I’m sorry.”

  “There’s nothing to apologize for. Water under the bridge.”

  “I never should have asked you to leave your family behind. I know how close you and Brian are. I just never thought you and Carter ...”

  “You never thought we’d be a couple?”

  “I guess I didn’t think it would last this long. No offense, but Carter doesn’t seem like the kind of guy to settle down. He’s a lone wolf.”

  “We’re still adjusting to the living situation. We give each other space and, so far, it’s working.”

  “So, you think you’ll ever get married?”

  “To be honest, we haven’t discussed marriage. Things are fine the way they are.”

  “Sorry to pry. It’s none of my business.”r />
  “Believe me, you’re not the first person to ask about the future of my relationship with Carter. My family is expecting a ring on my finger any day now.”

  Max laughed. “Speaking of family, Brian told me about your half-brother Andrew. I can’t imagine finding out I had a secret sibling after forty years.”

  “I still can’t believe it some days. He reminds me of our mother in so many ways, which is odd considering he never knew our mother.”

  “Is he interested in becoming a private eye?”

  “Yep. Turns out, he has potential. He worked a case in Hawaii with Carter a few months ago.”

  “Man, your life is way more exciting than mine.”

  “Most days are boring, but I do find myself in precarious situations from time to time. You know what I mean.”

  He nodded with a knowing smile. “So, I have a confession to make. Promise you won’t be mad.”

  “What is it?”

  “I friended Brian on Facebook. We’ve messaged each other a few times, and well, he told me about what happened. How you got shot. I’m just glad it wasn’t a life-threatening injury.”

  I rotated my shoulder with ease. “Almost back to normal. All the physical therapy has paid off.”

  He gave me that look. Like he didn’t quite believe me. “I don’t know, Sarah. Brian said that it was a big deal. You were out of work for a few months.”

  “Yeah, well, I needed to catch up on my knitting, anyway.”

  He rolled his eyes. “Are you still running?”

  “A little. I’m slowly getting back to that.” I patted my stomach. “I’ve been enjoying the good life. Eating too much. Drinking too much wine. And, generally being lazy.”

  “Well, you look great. I always thought you were a bit on the skinny side, but now, you look healthy.”

  I figured that was his nice way of noticing I’d gained some weight. “If that’s how you feel, then you won’t mind if I order us a dessert to share.”

  “Just like old times.”

  Noticing his mischievous smile, I felt a little guilty. The energy between us was still there, our conversations easy and comfortable, like we’d never spent time apart. But we were different people now, with different lives. And I was in love with Carter.

  “You know what, I changed my mind,” I said. “I don’t want dessert.”

  “Why not?”

  “I’m kinda tired, actually. It’s been a long day. And I really don’t need the extra calories.”

  He nodded as if he understood, but I could tell he was confused at my sudden change of heart.

  “I’m sorry,” I said. “I’ve enjoyed our dinner, but we’re getting too cozy for comfort, don’t you think?”

  “Too cozy for comfort? Never heard of that one.”

  “You know what I mean. We didn’t have to meet for dinner, we could’ve had lunch at the diner to discuss the job.”

  He leaned back in his chair and sighed. “Well, why didn’t you suggest that?”

  “I should have.”

  “I’m sorry, it wasn’t my intention to put you in a compromising position, if that’s what this is.” His tone was slightly hurt.

  “Look, I want us to be friends, but I also need to be respectful of Carter’s feelings. He was fine with me having dinner with you, but if he could see us sharing a dessert over candlelight, I don’t think he’d be too pleased.”

  “I get it.”

  Max paid the check and we went outside into the chilly autumn air. It reminded me of the first time we had dinner together, just a few days after his sister Beth was murdered in my massage office.

  As he walked me to my car, I said, “You know, if it wasn’t for you, I never would have become a private detective.”

  “The past three years seem like a dream,” he said. “But thanks to you, I got through that horrible time. I’ll never forget that.”

  I realized then that Max and I would always have a special bond because of the tragedy we both endured. Maybe it was a fruitless effort to try and deny that I would always have feelings for him, and him for me. I reached out and took him in my arms. We embraced for a long time.

  He finally said as he let go and took a few steps back. “Whatever you can find out by Monday will be a huge help.”

  “I’ll do my best. By the way, where are you staying in town?”

  “The Sheraton in Peabody.”

  “Awe, you have to drive back to Boston tonight?”

  “Yeah. I’m meeting up with some college buddies tomorrow. They’re dragging me to a golf course as an excuse to drink beer all day.”

  “Have you ever played golf?”

  “No, but I don’t think that’s a requirement.”

  As we stood in the dark parking lot, I could barely see his face, but I sensed he wasn’t ready to go. He took my hand one last time and said, “Carter is a lucky man. I hope he knows that.”

  “I think so.”

  He leaned over and kissed my cheek. “Good-night, Sarah. Talk to you soon.”

  “Night.”

  Chapter 6

  The next morning, I woke up around seven to find a voice message from Carter. He didn’t mention Max in the message, but I knew he must be wondering about the dinner date.

  While I waited for coffee to brew, I showered quickly, got dressed, and then called Carter back once I had a full mug in hand.

  “You slept in today,” he said. “Must’ve been a late night.”

  I sighed with relief when there was no sarcasm in his tone. “As I suspected, Max has a job for me. Nothing too involved. He’s thinking of joining a new company and he wants me to look into the woman who owns it.”

  “Is it a favor, or will he pay?”

  “He’s going to pay me.”

  “Anything you need help with?”

  “No, I’m good. How’s it going out there?”

  “I’m having an awful time without you.”

  “Ha! You’re such a liar. Seriously, you bringing home any new toys?”

  “Maybe. I have a dozen more booths to check out today.”

  “Have you made some new friends?”

  “You know me; the life of the party.”

  I had to laugh knowing that nothing could be further from the truth. Carter was a loner by nature, and he despised small talk with strangers. “Well, I have a ton of work to do today, now that I have Max’s job added to my list.”

  “How are you making out with the kid who crashed his car?”

  “I spoke with his girlfriend last night, but she didn’t have any idea why Blake would drink, especially since he was so close to being a year sober. I’m heading to her office this morning to speak to her ex-husband. They own an insurance company together, and he was at the event before Blake’s accident.”

  “Sounds like a sordid love triangle.”

  “Not according to Gail, but I’ll make my own assessment after I talk to her ex.”

  “Well, don’t let me keep you. Be safe, OK?”

  “Of course.”

  * * *

  When I got to Langdon Insurance Company, located in a posh office downtown, a secretary pointed me in the direction to the office of Kevin Haas.

  When I knocked on the door, a man’s voice told me to enter.

  The large office was adorned with rich mahogany furniture and a massive desk with an antique brass lamp. The man seated behind the desk was in his late thirties, with thinning brown hair and blue eyes. He was mildly attractive and seemed fit.

  “I’m Sarah Woods. I hope Gail mentioned that I’d be stopping by.”

  “Yes, come on in and have a seat.” He held out his hand and offered me a stiff but courteous handshake. “I’m Kevin Haas.”

  Once I got settled into the leather chair provided, I noticed the framed picture on his desk. It was Kevin and a young blonde woman whom I presumed to be his new wife. “Thanks for meeting me on short notice. I won’t take up too much of your time. Did Gail tell you that I’m working for Sue-Ellen Pr
att, Blake’s mom?”

  “Yes. How can I help?”

  “Would you mind telling me what you thought of him?”

  “Blake?” He shrugged like it wouldn’t be a problem at all. “I didn’t know him that well, but he was always decent to me. In fact, I admired the guy for working so hard to stay sober. Alcoholism is a horrible disease.”

  “Yes, it is. Now, I understand that you and Gail have been successful in running the business after the divorce, but it must be hard, sometimes, right? I mean, I don’t know very many couples who would be able to do what you’re doing here. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s commendable, but there must be challenges.”

  He nodded thoughtfully. “Sure, there are challenges, but Gail and I are both adults and we both realize that we are better business partners than as husband and wife.”

  “What about your new wife?” I asked. “I’m sorry, Gail didn’t mention her name to me.”

  “Nina.”

  “Well, how does Nina feel about the business arrangement with your ex?”

  “She’s fine with it,” he said with unwavering confidence. “She knows that she has nothing to worry about.”

  “She’s very pretty,” I said, pointing to the framed picture. “Where did you two meet?”

  He paused with a look of mild annoyance, probably wondering why the topic had changed to his young wife. “We met at a conference two years ago, but I really don’t see what that has to do with your investigation.”

  “Sorry, I was just curious.” I took my time to formulate the next question as I made a show of looking around his office. “So, did you speak with Blake at the event?”

  “No, I didn’t have a chance. I was busy entertaining our clients.”

  “I forgot to ask Gail the question last night, but why do you host these elaborate events for your clients?”

  He leaned back in his chair and fiddled with the pen on his desk. “Competition is fierce. Hosting these events lets our clients know that they are valuable to us. We’ve been doing this for the past five years, and I guess they’ve come to expect it, now.”

  “Who handles the caterers and the bartender?”

  “The office manager, Carla. She’s the one you spoke with at the front desk.”

  “According to Gail, a bottle of Scotch was missing when the bartender did inventory at the end of the event. If Blake stole the bottle, somebody must’ve seen him with it.”