PENITENCE: An Andi Comstock Supernatural Mystery, Book 2 (95,893 words)

by Ann Simas

  Andi spent the hour after she returned from lunch walking on Cloud 9. She sent Brent an email saying she had urgent personal business and would be leaving at two-twenty. He emailed back that it was about time she took some time off to make up for all the ten- and twelve-hour days she’d been putting in.

  Andi wondered how he knew she’d been coming in early and leaving late, then remembered he could check up on her just by looking at the time stamps when she logged on every morning and when she saved her work every evening. Or, Erica in payroll had snitched on her.

  She emailed back, You’re a peach! and got a huge smiley face in return.

  By the time she reached Denise’s house, her curiosity about the latest upheaval in the widow’s life pushed all thought of being a partner in the Belt out of her mind.

  Andi didn’t have a chance to ring the doorbell.

  Denise flung the door open and pulled her inside, locking it instantly and activating the alarm.

  “The alarm company didn’t waste any time coming out.”

  Denise nodded. “It’s amazing what offering a cash bonus can get you when you’re in a hurry, plus Vaughn did some research and recommended one of their top-of-the-line systems, so that didn’t hurt, either. I hung out with Gayle while Bert came over and supervised, just to make sure they did everything right.”

  Andi grinned. “I’m sure the colonel cracked the whip appropriately.”

  “He did.” She wrung her hands, frowning. “Did Stacy tell you about Clem’s partners?”

  “Just that they want to buy you out.”

  “Let’s get some coffee and I’ll tell you about it. I’m so pissed right now, I could blow my top and the entire neighborhood would go up in smoke.”

  Andi followed her into the kitchen, where they sat at the bar with their coffee mugs. Denise talked, she listened.

  “They showed up this morning just before I was due to go over to the in-laws’ place. By ‘they,’ I mean Gustav Benz and Vincenzo Giustina, otherwise known as Gus and Vince. They marched right in like they owned the place. No deferential consideration for the fact that my husband had just died, no small talk, no nothing except to inform me that they were buying me out of Clem’s share in the company and there was nothing I could do to stop them.” She snorted with disdain. “Can you believe that we’ve known them both since college and they couldn’t even say, ‘Is there anything we can do to help you out, Denise?’ Bastards!”

  “They never asked if you were interested in selling Clem’s share of the business?”

  “Nope. They didn’t even say how much they were willing to pay. They left me a contract and said they’d be back to pick up a signed copy on Wednesday. I told them to fuck off and ordered them out of the house. Bert arrived right about then, or I’m sure they would have stayed to pressure me or argue or whatever. Who the hell do those assholes think they are, God?”

  She picked up her mug, but her hand shook so badly, she had to set it back down again. “Gayle and I spent the morning going over the partnership agreement the three of them had drawn up in the beginning. She was a paralegal in her younger days, with a really sharp eye toward and about contract law. There’s nothing in the verbiage that says I’m forced to sell to these pricks.”

  Denise’s vitriol didn’t bother Andi, but it did speak to the widow’s anger. And who could blame her? “What are you going to do?”

  “I’m not selling, I’ll tell you that. Clem and I lived frugally. Yeah, we’re in a nice neighborhood, but we don’t have the most expensive house or all the exorbitant furnishings or high-end landscaping that requires a truckload of gardeners every week. I clean my own house and Clem and I worked together on the yard. Our kids don’t go to a private school, and we don’t own boats and condos and time-shares. Let them sue me. I can fight them.”

  Andi admired Denise for her spunk, but despite her fervor, the woman really didn’t need this kind of aggravation right now. “Do you have a lawyer?”

  “Gayle recommended a couple. Neither specializes in contract law.”

  “You should ask Vaughn for a referral.”

  “That’s a good idea!” She picked up her mug again with a steadier hand. She took a tentative sip, then a longer one. “How’s he really doing? He’s acting back to normal, but I still see grief in his eyes.”

  “That’s because it’s still there. He loved Sherry so much, and it’s really been difficult for him without her, but he’s managing. I think the kids help keep him sane.”

  “I’m relying on that myself. God, I hate that I have to be away from them for even this short period of time.”

  “How did they take the separation?”

  “Surprisingly well. They love their grandparents to pieces and Bert and Gayle dote on them. The kids are kind of looking at this as a mini-adventure. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Bert bought an Xbox and let them each choose a game for it.”

  “Bribery will get you anywhere,” Andi said, chuckling.

  “Ain’t that the truth?” Denise fiddled with her mug handle. “Did you hear from Clem today?”

  “Not a peep. Jack’s back, though, and he’s trying to track down Dex Moran.”

  “Jack?”

  “Jack Harmon. He’s a detective in Stacy’s unit.” After a moment’s deliberation, she added, “He’s also my boyfriend.”

  Denise blinked at her. “How does he handle your connection to the dead?”

  “Pretty well, considering.” Andi prayed Denise wouldn’t ask her to expound.

  Denise was silent for a few moments, then her head bobbed once, as if she’d reached a decision. “I hope to God your man can find this bastard. I’m not holding out much hope, but I was wondering….”

  “Wondering what?”

  “What if we texted the hitman again and offered him a new proposal?”

  “What kind of new proposal?”

  “A hundred thousand dollars, if he calls off the hit.”

  “Wow! Do you really have that kind of money?” As soon as the words were out, Andi chastised herself for being so crass.

  “No, but when Clem’s life insurance pays off, I’ll have that, plus some. He had a policy for one million.”

  That put Andi’s mind on another track, one she wouldn’t have thought of if not for her earlier conversation with Orion and Vaughn. “Did the partnership, or corporation or whatever structure the company has, carry a life insurance policy on Clem?”

  “They did.” Denise’s eye’s widened. “I wonder why that wasn’t in the partnership contract.” She climbed off her barstool and left the room. She returned a while later waving another set of papers. “Found it! Bless Clem for being anal-retentive about organization.” She worked herself back onto the barstool and slapped the document down on the countertop.

  Together they read the terms. Five million, payable on the death of the insured to the surviving partners, Benz and Giustina.

  “Five million,” Andi said. “That’s a healthy chunk of change.”

  “And exactly the amount they want to give me for Clem’s share of the business.” She looked up at Andi, her expression grim. “Dammit! Using Clem’s life insurance money to drive me out… that just rubs me the wrong way.”

  Andi couldn’t disagree. Something about the tactic reeked of betrayal, greed, and dishonesty. “How much do you think the business is valued at?”

  “Clem kept copious spreadsheets for various accounting purposes. Gayle and I were looking at those this morning, too. He showed the estimated value of Benz Giustina and Naylor at around a hundred million.”

  Andi whistled. “That’s a substantial amount.”

  “The partners hold title to a lot of properties they’ve accumulated over the past eighteen years. Even though the housing market has experienced some ups-and-downs, commercial properties have shown a healthy increase during that time.”

  “I’m glad you told them to take a hike,” Andi said. “What the heck are they thinking?”

  “That’s ex
actly what I’d like to know,” Denise said, “and I intend to find out.” She reached for the phone. “Do you have Vaughn’s number handy?”

  Andi pulled out her smartphone, called up Vaughn’s number, and turned the phone so Denise could see it.

  Denise dialed and set the phone on speaker. “Hi, Vaughn, it’s Denise.”

  “Hey, Denise. What’s up?”

  “Andi suggested I call you for a little advice.” She explained the situation and included all the financial numbers she had.

  “You need to do two things,” Vaughn said. “First, hire a good contracts lawyer, and second, hire a good forensic accountant and have the books audited.”

  “You think they’ve cooked them.”

  “I think it’s possible. Something sure doesn’t sound right.”

  Andi said, “I knew you were the go-to guy for the answers.”

  “Remind me to hire you for my cheerleading section,” Vaughn retorted with humor.

  “Hoo-rah!” Andi shot back. “But I don’t do pom-poms.”

  . . .

  Stacy, one patrol officer, and two representatives from the personal security firm arrived within minutes of each other around five o’clock. Denise took them all on a tour of the house and showed them how to activate and deactivate the security system.

  “Officer Haley will be outside until eleven,” Stacy said, “at which time, he’ll be replaced by another officer from then until seven. After that, someone new will come on at three, then you’ll see Haley’s smiling face outside again.”

  The officer in question grinned. “At your service, ma’am.”

  “Thank you,” Denise said sincerely.

  “I’ll take a look-see around the outside of the house, then I’ll be in the patrol unit. If you need me, you have my cell number.”

  She nodded. Once he’d gone, the female security rep, Meg Blythe, got some final instructions from her supervisor before he headed out. “Just remember,” said Clancy Poe, “you have a landline and a cell phone. You can make simultaneous calls to the cop outside on your cell phone and 911 on your landline. Don’t hesitate if you see or hear anything suspicious. Better to be safe than sorry.”

  The four women stared after him, pondering both the wisdom and the implications in those final words.

  Meg broke the silence. “I hope you’re not worried that I might not be able to protect you.”

  “I’m not.”

  “Good, because what Clancy didn’t tell you is that I could beat the crap out of everyone in my unit when I was in Iraq, and I’m not just whistlin’ Dixie.”

  “Good to know,” Denise said, flashing her a tense smile. She turned to Stacy. “Thanks for staying with me over the weekend.”

  “Not a problem.”

  “Your husband will be glad to have you home.”

  “I’m sure he will,” she said, her tone droll. “He hates the hell out of cooking. I’ll check in with you later, okay?”

  “Sure.”

  “I’d better get going, too,” Andi said. “I’ll keep in touch, but don’t hesitate to let me know if you need anything in between times.”

  “I will. Thanks so much for brainstorming with me, Andi. You’ve really helped me crystallize what needs to be done with the forced buyout.”

  Andi grinned. “Go get ’em, tiger!”

  Denise growled and made claws out of her fingers.

  Andi laughed and followed Stacy to the front door.

  “Lock up and don’t forget the alarm,” the LT said.

  “Yes, Mom,” Denise replied, a fond smile on her face. When Stacy hesitated, she said, “Go home to your family, Stace. Meg’s here, your cop is outside. We’ll be fine.”

  Stacy didn’t look like she believed the assurance, but what else could she do? Andi took her by the arm and led her outside. They waited until they heard the deadbolt slide into place before they moved down the walk.

  Stacy went over to have a word with the cop. Knowing how anal retentive Jack’s LT was, Andi figured she was probably threatening Officer Haley with the removal of his family jewels if he let anything happen to Denise.

  Andi climbed into her car and headed home, excited because Jack was coming for dinner.

  Truth be told, though, she was more interested in what they planned to have for dessert.

  . . .

  Locked together in each other’s arms in Andi’s bed, Jack said, “You should be proud of yourself, Andi. Look at everything you’ve accomplished over the past year and now you have an opportunity to be an equal partner in Orion’s Belt.”

  “Rags to riches,” Andi agreed somewhat somberly.

  Jack pulled away to study her face. “Are you thinking of telling them no?”

  “No, I’m going to say yes, but I still feel like this is all a dream. Pinch me, will you?”

  He obliged by tweaking a butt cheek.

  “Ouch!”

  “Hey, you’re the one who told me to do it.” He rubbed his palm over the same cheek. “Want me to kiss it better?”

  “Yeah,” she said, her voice husky with desire, “but work your way down to it, just in case any other places need special attention.”

  Jack kissed her first on the mouth and with such tenderness, Andi almost cried.

  He slid down a little, raining kisses on her neck, the swell of her breast, the tip, taking his time, wincing occasionally. She knew he was being careful not to irritate his cracked rib, but making love wasn’t conducive to protecting a broken bone.

  She put her hands in his hair and gave a mild tug. “Jack?”

  “What, baby?” he responded, busy tonguing her navel.

  “Jack, look at me.”

  He raised his hot, stormy-sea gaze to settle on her face.

  “I love you.”

  He smiled at her so sweetly, she almost melted on the spot. “I love you, too, Andi.”

  Chapter 14

  Jack ended up spending the night, which was just fine by Andi. It wasn’t just the sex that was good with him. Having him beside her, being able to talk to him about anything, was an equally important piece of their relationship.

  Yeah, Jack lectured her frequently with his me-cop-you-not mantra, and sometimes he delivered it with anger, but she knew he only did it because he cared. He’d gotten particularly steamed after romancing her on Sunday night when she admitted she’d considered putting herself up as Denise’s stand-in. Fortunately, that was now water under the bridge, though in retrospect, after she’d told him that The Liquidator, aka Dex Moran, knew what Denise looked like, the part of the story with Andi-as-substitute could have gone untold.

  Andi stretched, missing Jack’s warmth beside her. She could hear the shower running and decided to join him. Water conservation and all that.

  Thirty minutes later, they sat at her table, each enjoying a bowl of oatmeal and an English muffin.

  “You’re great in the kitchen, babe,” he said.

  “You’re pretty great there yourself,” she replied.

  They weren’t talking about cooking skills. Exchanging heated, knowing looks, they both smiled.

  “How’s your day stacking up?” he asked.

  “Bunnicula is waiting for me with his bunny fangs hanging out.”

  “Want to have a celebratory dinner out tonight?”

  “I don’t know. Shouldn’t we wait until I sign something?”

  “It’s up to you. Are you going to have a contracts attorney look everything over?”

  “Vaughn recommended one to Denise for the buyout Clem’s partners are trying to force her into. I suppose I could hire him, too.”

  “Might not be a bad idea. It’s not that I don’t trust Vaughn or Orion, but you gotta look out for yourself first. Look what’s happening to Clem’s wife with his partners.”

  Andi nodded and made a mental note to contact the lawyer first thing. “What’re you going to be doing today?”

  “The hit-and-run idiot will be arraigned this afternoon, but other than that, I’ll b
e catching up on paperwork that didn’t get done last week. Unless someone calls in a violent crime.”

  That set Andi to thinking about the next day, Wednesday. “I hope The Liquidator holds to Clem’s birthday for the hit so we have a shot in hell of stopping him.”

  “Me, too. I’ve run this Dex Moran bastard through every database EPD has access to and can’t find him anywhere.”

  “It must be an alias. It doesn’t even sound like a real name. I mean, who names their kid Dex?”

  “It could be short for Dexter, which I’ve also run through every damned database I can.”

  “Have you just Googled him?”

  “Not yet, but I plan to do that this morning. Surely someone, somewhere will have put something up about this guy.”

  They cleaned up the kitchen together, then left the apartment, sharing a lingering kiss in the parking lot.

  Andi arrived at work to find a prototype of the Wild Hare’s vampire likeness taped to her door. Drawn by Lacey, who was one of two Belt artists, he was exactly as Andi had pictured him in her mind. She walked down to Lacey’s office to congratulate her on yet another great character depiction, then went back to her office and set to work immediately on the Bunnicula chapter.

  At noon, her co-workers asked if she wanted to get in on a pizza delivery. Andi, who never turned down an opportunity for pizza, said yes. Besides, she was on a roll and didn’t want to take an hour lunch break.

  Mid-afternoon, the dense smell of smoke filled her office. She got up and closed the door.

  I did something bad, Andi, and I don’t know how to fix it.

  “Hello, Clem.” Not for the first time, Andi wondered if there was an afterlife manual that mandated troubled souls to speak to her by repeating the same unsettling, opening salvo before they said anything else. Sherry Hemmer had done the same thing.

  Have you found him?

  “No, not yet. We can’t even find anyone by the name of Dex Moran.”

  You’ve learned nothing at all about him?

  “He attended your memorial service, and we only know that because he signed the guest book and left behind a picture of Denise with….”

  With what? Dammit, Andi, tell me!