A Toy for Christmas

by Mary Jane Forbes

  “Liz, I’m scared. There are so many possibilities, all bad.”

  “Hey, hold on girlfriend. Michael said Frank was meeting a friend. Let’s start there.”

  “You know someone?” Charley said.

  “Me, no. Manny, maybe. First, we try to locate him.”

  “How?”

  “Easy peasy. I have a piece of software in my PI toolkit. It tracks a cell phone. Give me Frank’s number. I’ll call you back in a few.”

  “You’re a wonder. I’m heading to the beach house. My folks probably don’t know Frank’s missing but when they find out Mom will freak out, but I have to tell them. Please call as soon as you have something.”

  “Charley, when did Michael last see him?”

  “I guess it was yesterday. No, he said he hung around a day after Frank left. It wasn’t until this morning that Michael called.”

  “Well, girlfriend, one or two days does not count as missing. On the other hand he didn’t show up when he said he would. So, we’ll call that suspicious, but not missing. That’s what I’d tell your folks.”

  ────

  Charley pulled into the Kangaroo Express gas station and convenience store. Parking in stall 5, she began filling her car’s tank. Glancing at the car on the other side of the island she was surprised to see the driver holding the nozzle.

  “GK, hi.”

  “Hi back,” GK didn’t look at her, keeping his focus on the pump’s increasing numbers, his lips drawn in a tight thin line.

  “How are you? I heard you had a rough time in Vegas. I’m so sorry. You worked hard—”

  “Yep, for all the good it did.”

  Charley ignored his remark. “You wouldn’t happen to know where Frank is would you?” She kept her voice low, not acknowledging the hostility coming her way from GK.

  “Why would I know where Frank is? I quit…didn’t you hear?”

  “Yes, I heard. Michael called from the Las Vegas airport. Said he’d fill me in this evening. We’re meeting for dinner.”

  “He asked you?”

  “Yes, why?”

  “He isn’t interested in you, Charley. He’s only interested in your father’s money. You’re just the means to an end.”

  “GK, I know you’re upset. Anyone would be after you spent so much time on the game, but I don’t think spreading lies is called for. You’ll get over it, blow off some steam. You guys are a team. There are bound to be glitches along the way. Seems to me that’s why Frank wants to hire Janet.”

  A guttural sound came from the back of GK’s throat. “Have it your way.” He snatched the receipt spitting out of the pump’s slot, got into his car and slammed the door. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you, Charley,” he shouted out the window as he drove away.

  Charley’s breath hitched as she finished filling her tank. Her head snapped left, then right, as anger crept through her body. “What a vile thing to say,” she muttered. “Michael may be thoughtless at times…my father’s money? That would really be a low level…if true. What’s the matter, Charley King?” Breathing rapidly, she shoved the nozzle back in the pump, stared at the receipt. “Umm.” Face it, GK struck a nerve. It’s not like you never thought of that very possibility.

  Shaking her head, she pulled out into traffic, GK’s words sticking in her mind.

  Chapter 27

  ────

  EVERY TIME CHARLEY TURNED south a pesky ray of sun hit her in the eyes. She almost missed her exit. Sighing, she hit the gas pedal. She was running late. Dottie and Geoff were expecting her for drinks and a report on the conference if she had one. She braced for her dad’s putdown, “Late again. What is it with you? Late is disrespectful,” she said to the woman in the rearview mirror.

  The Saints were marching. Fishing around in her tote, eyes on the road, she glanced at the caller ID. It was Michael.

  “Charley, my plane can’t take off. I’m waiting with a bunch of angry tourists. The airline is swapping planes. Anyway, I don’t know when I’ll get back. No dinner tonight. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  “Ok, I’ll be at my folks, I’ll eat with them. Meeting wasn’t going to work anyway. Bye.”

  Parking by the flagstone walkway to the front door, she caught her dad out of the corner of her eye. He was standing in front of the door arms crossed over his barrel chest. Charley had a sudden burst of laughter. Strolling up to the door, she kissed his scowling face.

  “It’s not funny, Charley. Late is disrespectful.”

  A sudden spark of anger swept over her. “Come on, Geoffrey. You look like a Bulldog who lost his bone to a Schnauzer.”

  “Where’s your brother? I expected him two hours ago with a full report on the conference.”

  Sighing, Charley brushed past him. Sighing had become a habit.

  “Mom, where are you?” she called out stepping quickly down the hall to the terrace.

  “Out here, dear.”

  “Come on, Dad. Let’s huddle with Mom,” she snapped over her shoulder.

  Walking out the French doors Charley retrieved her cell. Those pesky Saints again. It was Liz. “Hey, did you find Frank?” Charley said.

  “Sort of,” Liz said.

  Dottie and Geoff stared at their daughter. Did they hear right? Find Frank? Is Frank missing?

  Charley evaded her parents, turning away, walking to the other side of the terrace as Hildy emerged with a tray of cheese and crackers along with a small dish of smoked oysters, a favorite of Geoff’s and Grandpa Bernie.

  “I located his phone outside of Scottsdale, Arizona. His phone was in a house owned by an S. Hunter. Have you heard of that name?”

  “Not that I recall. Did you talk to Frank?”

  “That’s the sorta part. I located the phone but he didn’t answer—voicemail like you said.”

  “What about the Hunters? First name?” Charley said.

  “Ross Hunter. A very, very rich Hunter. We’re talking oil here.”

  “Mom and Dad are with me and are about to jump down my throat. They only know Frank is late for dinner, not missing from the planet.”

  “Manny has a cop friend in Scottsdale. The guy could go out to see if Frank is there. See if he’s Okay.”

  “Hold on, Liz. Let me ask if my parents know of a connection with Hunter. I’ll call you back.”

  “Toodle,” Liz said.

  Heaving yet another sigh, Charley turned to her parents. Dottie was sitting at the umbrella table but Geoff once again assumed the stance of an unhappy Bulldog his bald head shining in the late afternoon sun.

  “Charley, I suggest you tell us what you meant by ‘did you find Frank?’”

  “Sure. There’s probably more to the story but in a nutshell, GK’s video game bombed. He then quit and flew home yesterday.”

  “Well, that’s just great. That game was supposed to be so clever, such a big winner, that Frank was going to pay back the majority of the money I invested.” Geoff paced to the edge of the terrace and back, staring at Charley. “He leaves for Vegas after announcing a ridiculous business plan without mentioning my investment, leaving me to think he expects more money from good old dad.”

  “Wait, Dad, there’s more. Michael called this morning from the Vegas Airport. He was flying back to Florida alone. Frank told him he was meeting a friend and may stay the night. That was two nights ago. Michael got tired of waiting and is flying home.”

  “So, was Frank with him? He was supposed—” Dottie started to say.

  “No, Frank wasn’t with him. I bumped into GK at a gas station, he said…”

  “He said what?” Geoff barked.

  Charley looked out over the water wishing she could dive under the next wave. She certainly wasn’t going to tell her father everything GK said.

  “Charley, did GK know where Frank is?” Geoff asked again, his voice elevating with each word.

  “No. I called Liz to see if there was any way we could find him. I mean, what if he was kidnapped?”

  “Oh, Char
ley, no,” Dottie said her hand snapping over her mouth.

  “Liz and Manny traced Frank’s cell to a house near Scottsdale, Arizona. Do either of you know a Hunter? A Ross Hunter?”

  “No, no. I don’t think I’ve heard that name,” Dottie said.

  “Geoffrey? You?” Charley said.

  “Don’t be insolent, Charley,” Geoff said.

  “I won’t if you start treating me like I’m part of this family.”

  “Hmm. There was a Tavis Hunter,” Dottie said looking up at the sky. “Top of the graduating class with Frank. Beat Frank out by a fraction of a point. Frank called him Tavis not Ross. Charley, Did Liz talk to Frank?”

  “That’s great, Mother. You at least heard of the last name. So, maybe Frank did meet a friend. He must have gone home with him. No, Liz didn’t talk to him. The cell went to voicemail, same as my calls.”

  “Well, this is very irresponsible on Frank’s part. GK quits and your brother doesn’t even call me. That’s it. No more money. Not a penny. I’m not his personal banker. My business dried up over the past five years with the downturn in the economy. If the company doesn’t pick up big time, I’ll have to declare bankruptcy.”

  Geoff stomped into the house leaving his daughter’s and wife’s mouths agape.

  “Charley, really, what’s this business calling your father Geoffrey?” Dottie said.

  “Forget it, Mother. It’s something between me and Geoffrey.”

  Chapter 28

  ────

  JANET SCOTT WAS BACK in Daytona Beach. Sitting in the condo manager’s office she signed the lease document. With a smile she leaned forward picking up the keys.

  “If you need anything, Ms. Scott, give me a ring,” the manager said looking at the beauty in front of him. Janet’s check for first and last month’s rent had cleared. “As I told you, the owners will be traveling for two years. They are delighted a woman with no children rented their home.”

  “Rest assured Bill, I’ll take good care of the place. No wild parties. If things work out I will be joining a startup company, and if not I’ll find another job. Maybe something in security. Retired military seem to be in demand these days.”

  Janet left the overly solicitous manager and rode the elevator to the third floor. Turning the key in the lock she stepped into her new home. Glancing around, she felt she’d made a good choice. The condo wasn’t on the ocean but the cluster of condo buildings was close to town and I-95. North, south, east, west, she was situated nicely no matter where she worked and DroneKing was only a ten minute drive. She was anxious to talk to Frank but he hadn’t returned her calls.

  Retrieving Charley’s business card from her shoulder bag, Janet stored her number on her cell and then tapped the entry.

  “Janet, hi. How are you?” Charley said.

  “I’m fine and excited to talk to Frank. Do you know where he is? I’ve left a couple of messages—”

  “Join the group. We don’t know where he is. My parents are beginning to worry.”

  “Umm, the conference, Vegas…it must be over and—”

  “Janet, it’s not like him. I called Liz. You met her at the beach house,” Charley said.

  “The private investigators? Are you saying you think something happened—”

  “That’s just it,” Charley said. “We don’t know. Yesterday Liz and Manny traced his cell to a town outside of Scottsdale, Arizona.”

  “Can you give me Liz’s cell and address? I can stop by. Maybe I can help. Military buddies of mine are good at finding people,” Janet said with a chuckle.

  “Sure. That would be great.” Charley gave her the information, and then she had a thought. “Janet, please call me back if you learn anything. It’s probably nothing in which case I’ll wring his neck next time I see him.”

  “Count on it. Bye.”

  Janet made a quick trip to her minivan and hauled two large suitcases up to her new rental. Then she called Liz asking about Frank. Liz was surprised Janet was back in town so soon and invited her over to cool off with an icy beer.

  ────

  Manny was working a case on his office computer when Liz joined him. She had just returned from dropping off little Lizzie at her parents for a sleepover.

  “I told you so,” she said stepping behind his desk chair.

  He swiveled around pulling her onto his lap. “And what was it you told me?”

  “I had a call from Janet Scott. You remember—”

  “Yes, I remember. You thought she was going to join Frank’s company.”

  “Yup. She’s back in town. Seems she couldn’t reach Frank and she called Charley asking his whereabouts. Charley told her about our tracing him to Arizona.”

  “So?” Manny said as Liz slid off his lap.

  “So, I invited her over for a beer. I think I’ll put out a tray of cheese and crackers, blend up some hummus.”

  “Good idea. I’m hungry.”

  A plate of snacks was ready on the screened porch when the dogs announced a visitor.

  “Hey, this is a great spot,” Janet said as she strode up to Liz and Manny standing at the door.

  “We like it especially on hot summer days. Come on in,” Liz said.

  “Hi, Janet, nice to see you again. Where are you staying?” Manny said shaking her hand.

  “Rented and moved into a condo today, a complex off of I-95. So life is good but I’m exhausted. Drove straight through. I’ve been trying to reach Frank. Charley said you traced him, or rather his cell, to Arizona. So, still no actual contact?” Janet said as she took a seat in a wicker chair with flowered chintz cushions.

  Manny and Liz sat opposite on the wicker couch. “No. All calls go to voicemail,” Liz said.

  “I have his cell…I think I’ll call one of my buddies—you know, us retired military stick together,” she said accepting a bottle of very cold beer and a glass from Manny. She set the glass down taking a swig from the bottle. “Oh, boy, that tastes good right now. Thanks.”

  “Wow, Okay, if you think…well, it still hasn’t been very long…two or three days,” Liz said.

  “This hummus is really good, Liz. Where did you buy it?”

  “I made it—easy peasy—chickpeas and a hummus mix, press the blender button.”

  Janet finished off the last drop of beer and stood up. “I hate to eat and run, as they say, but I’m worn out, still have to unpack. If you hear anything let me know and vice-versa. Maybe we can meet for dinner sometime. I’m sure I’ll have questions about the area.”

  Liz politely gave Janet a quick hug. Manny held the door and they both waved goodbye watching Janet’s small white minivan turn out of the driveway onto the road.

  Liz looked at Manny. “What was that about? No chitchat and she didn’t say a word about taking a job with Frank?”

  Chapter 29

  ────

  HILDY BEGAN PUTTING DINNER on the dining room buffet when the doorbell rang. Geoff started for the door but Dottie brushed by him. She was expecting a package from Amazon and tried her darndest to intercept her husband. He’d been grumpy of late with the number of boxes being delivered. Opening the door she saw a box about the size of a breadbox on the front porch. The hum of a drone buzzed off in the distance.

  Geoff held the door for his wife. Shaking his head, she deftly brought her delivery inside.

  “Dottie, you have to stop spending. I’ve told you—”

  “Geoff, you know I’m redecorating the guest room. Honestly, it’s not so much—some bedding, a couple of lamps and a pretty throw blanket for the end of the bed. A nice, soft cover for a quick nap. Just wait. You’ll love it…our guests will love it.”

  “Stop, stop, stop,” he snapped. “Money is short and—”

  “What do you mean short?”

  “A job I bid on hasn’t panned out yet. How many times do I have to tell you? This is the end. I’m canceling your credit cards.”

  “Geoffrey, you always say that. Stop grumbling. You’
re constantly afraid we’re going to land in the poor house. Come on now, Hildy fixed us a nice pot roast with sweet potatoes. One of your favorites. Charley’s back for an early dinner. She’s still worried about Frank. Be nice,” she said, but he had turned away.

  ────

  Charley heard her parents arguing before but this was different. Her dad was angry. Was he really having financial problems?

  The phone rang in his office as Charley walked in.

  “Frank, where are you?” Geoff snapped.

  “I told you I’d be home for dinner today. I’m bringing a friend.”

  “Today? I heard you were in Arizona. Why did you leave Vegas? Nobody could find you. What’ve you been doing?” Geoff said his breathing rapid, his free hand holding his bald head as if it was exploding.

  “Who told you I was in Arizona?”

  “Oh, let’s just say an alligator stopped by to give his regards. It doesn’t matter who told me.”

  “I was in Arizona, now I’m on Atlantic Avenue and turning into your driveway.”

  Geoff slammed the receiver down and yelled for Dottie. “Frank’s home…with a friend. Oh, Charley, I didn’t hear you come in. Can you beat that? Frank’s here with someone. If he thinks he can just waltz in here like everything is hunky dory he’s got another thing coming.”

  “Did he tell you who was with him?”

  “Geoffrey, how many guests is Frankie bringing?” Dottie said, poking her head in the door.

  “How should I know? He said a friend so let’s assume one.”

  “Now, be nice, dear. Let’s meet the friend and have a nice dinner. Hildy’s adding more places at the table.”

  Charley held her tongue. It was like a hockey game—the puck flying from one end of the ice to the other, each player making a point, not listening to the other.

  The doorbell rang.

  “Anybody home?” Frank said laughing, obviously tickled he surprised his parents.

  To say Frank’s entrance with his friend Tavis was memorable you’d get a different story from each person rushing to the front door. Charley followed her parents. She wasn’t going to miss the confrontation with her brother. Her parents tabled their argument and welcomed their son’s guest. Tavis smiled, “It’s nice to see you again, Mr. and Mrs. Kingman.”