Icy Betrayal: A Jack Keller Thriller

by David Keith

  His opponent, Jerry Griffith, a retired assistant chief from the Castle Springs PD, had taken a different approach, holding mostly high-priced events at country clubs and high-end hotels. Anyone could attend one of Griffith’s events, provided you could pay $250 a plate or more. Griffith’s strategy targeted the county’s power brokers, while Mick’s focus was more of a grassroots campaign. It was a risky move for Mick as he was being outspent nearly three to one. Griffith had spent sixty thousand dollars in just the last two weeks alone on local cable TV and newspaper ads. Mick’s campaign had used their limited dollars mostly on campaign literature handed out door to door and at town hall meetings and informal gatherings like the rallies at Butterfield Park.

  Despite the lopsided fundraising totals, informal polls showed Mick ahead by a few percentage points. Anything could happen in the last days of the campaign, though, and the race was essentially a toss up.

  Mick looked up and saw Mia and Chuck in the parking lot. He waved and headed their way, but was quickly pulled aside to shake hands with a small group of supporters.

  “The poor guy gets yanked in a lot of directions, doesn’t he?” commented Chuck.

  “Yep, but he’s got the patience of Job. It’s one of the qualities that will make him an excellent sheriff,” Mia replied. “Dad, can you get those campaign flyers over to Barbara?”

  “You bet.”

  As Chuck headed off to find Barbara, Mia made her way towards the picnic area to find Mick. She found him looking over notes scribbled on an index card.

  “You ready to give your speech?” Mia asked him.

  “Yep, let’s do it.”

  Jack and Frito traveled the desolate highway from Tucson to Gringo Pass, crossed the border, and continued on towards Puerto Peñasco. The long drive gave the two a chance to catch up.

  “So tell me about Natalie and Peter.”

  “Ah, my friend. Natalie is señor Donnelly’s corazón.”

  “It’s that serious?”

  “No sé, mi amigo, but they are together most times. They are the big couple in town.”

  “Well, I really don’t like the sound of that.”

  Being part of a high-profile couple was the last thing Natalie needed.

  By mid-afternoon, the rally was in full swing at Butterfield Park. More than three hundred people came out in support of the candidate and enjoyed a BBQ lunch served by Mick and his crew of volunteers. Afterward, they cheered as Mick hit the main points of his platform in a rousing campaign speech.

  Afterward, as Mia and her dad worked the crowd handing out campaign flyers, Chuck spotted a familiar face. Father Jon had taken him up on his offer.

  “Hey, Father, glad you could make it!”

  “How can I turn down a free hot dog on such a beautiful day?”

  Chuck smiled and turned toward Mia. “Father, I’d like you to meet my daughter, Mia Serrano. She’s the one I told you about.”

  “It’s so nice to meet you, Father, and thanks so much for coming today.”

  “My pleasure, Mia. After your dad’s kind invitation this morning, I didn’t want to miss it.”

  “Yeah, he can be pretty persuasive.”

  “Chuck tells me you were partners with Jack Keller. I know Jack from my parish, St. Joseph’s here in Castle Springs.”

  “Jack and I partnered on a case several months back, but now I’m back working patrol. He’s a great investigator, though. I learned a lot from him.”

  “I don’t doubt it,” Father Jon said. “I first met him when he moved to Colorado from St. Louis. We’ve become good friends since then. I haven’t seen him much lately, though.”

  “Well, neither have I. We have different schedules and don’t really cross paths anymore.”

  Thanking supporters along the way, Mick approached the group and Chuck made the introductions. “Father Jon, I’d like you to meet the next Sheriff of Rocklin County. This is Mick McCallister. Mick, Father Jon from St. Joseph’s Church.”

  The two shook hands. “Hello, Father, it’s nice to meet you. Thanks for coming out today.”

  “My pleasure. Is it Captain or Commander or…”

  “Captain. But please call me Mick.”

  “Thanks, I will.”

  “Father Jon was just telling us that he’s friends with Jack Keller,” Mia added.

  “Jack works in my division. As you probably know, he works homicide cases for us.”

  “Yes, Jack has shared that with me.”

  “We were very lucky to get him out of retirement several years ago. He’s really a top notch investigator—one of the best I’ve ever seen.”

  “I can imagine. I haven’t seen much of him lately, I’m sure he’s very busy.”

  “Well, he’s on vacation right now. Mexico, I think,” Mick said. “Jack’s got a place down there.”

  “I’m sure it’s a wonderful escape,” the priest said.

  “He’s had it for years but doesn’t find the time to get down there very often. It’s on the Sea of Cortez, if I’m not mistaken.”

  “Well, look at me monopolizing your time. You have campaigning to do. Mick, I wish you well in the election and you can count on my support.”

  “Thanks, Father, that means a lot to me.”

  “Have a great day, I hope to see you all again soon.”

  Father Jon headed back to his car. If Jack was in Mexico, was it possible his daughter was there, too?

  Jack waved goodbye to Frito outside the condo and let himself in. Natalie was on the back patio and heard the door. Before he could say anything, she rushed to hug her father.

  “I’m so glad you’re here,” she said, holding him tightly. “God, I missed you!”

  “Me too, Natalie. My God, I almost didn’t recognize you.”

  Natalie posed for him. “Cute, huh?”

  “You look beautiful. And I missed you so much.” As they walked hand-in-hand toward the patio, Jack added, “I missed this place, too.”

  “You must be exhausted. What can I get you?”

  “Iced tea, if you have any.”

  “I can do that. Be right back,” replied Natalie as she disappeared inside.

  Jack plopped himself down on a lounge chair and looked out at the surf. He had spent some important time here after leaving St. Louis. It seemed so long ago, he thought. It was an important place in his life, where he had begun his life of sobriety. Now, this same place was providing a new life for his daughter.

  Jack breathed in the salty sea air as the sun bathed him in warmth. Still, he couldn’t fully relax. His daughter was a fugitive. And while the interest in finding her had waned and the media had moved on to other stories, he knew it could change at any moment. It was a fear that haunted him daily.

  “Here you go,” said Natalie, handing her father his iced tea and breaking his train of thought. “Complete with fresh lemon from Roberto’s house.”

  “Perfect,” said Jack as Natalie sat down in the chair next to him. Jack looked at his daughter and said, “Life down here seems to be agreeing with you. So tell me, how are things going?”

  “Well, I think you know most of it already. I’ve been working at the mission school like I told you on the phone. I miss the restaurant, but I love working with the children and they’re so sweet. When I first came down here, I was stunned at the poverty just blocks away from all the resorts, shops, and nice homes. Just look at Roberto’s family. He and Juanita work so hard and barely make enough to live. I can’t believe that his two daughters don’t even go to school. I’ve been trying to convince him to send them to the mission school. If these kids can get a basic education, they can do so much more here.”

  “How are you able to talk with the kids? I mean, how’s your Spanish?”

  “Pretty good actually. Luckily, the kids I work with at the school are little and so are their vocabularies, so I’ve learned along with them. They also know more English than you might expect, and there’s another teacher there and she’s a big help.”

>   “Wow, Natalie, I’m impressed.”

  “I guess I have an aptitude for language. Who knew, huh?”

  “You sound like you’ve found your niche.”

  “I think I have—I care deeply about the people in Puerto Peñasco. I’ve made some awful mistakes in my life, and I want to make up for it somehow. Helping the local kids here get an education—maybe it’s just my small way of making amends. Not enough, I know, but it’s the best I can do right now.”

  “Well, I’m proud of you.”

  “Thanks, that means a lot to me. You know, sometimes I lay in bed at night and think that less than a year ago I was involved with Scott. I thought I loved him, and I let him talk me into doing something that I would never have believed I was capable of. I sometimes have nightmares about Mr. Lombard, and I can’t get his face out of my mind. But then at the same time, it seems so long ago. I know now that I never loved Scott. I think I just wanted someone, anyone to love, and there he was. He used me, and I can’t change that. But I can change the lives of the kids here and maybe that makes up for it in some small way.”

  “Natalie, I need to tell you something about the Lombard case that I haven’t shared with you before.”

  “What?” she asked, frightened.

  “Don’t worry,” Jack said quickly, calming his daughter. “Just something you probably should know. After Lombard was killed we did an autopsy, standard procedure in any suspicious death. Anyway, the doctor who did the autopsy found George Lombard had cancer. It had spread and… The bottom line is Lombard was dying. He probably had only three or four months to live.”

  Natalie put her hand to her mouth and the color drained from her face. Dazed, she walked to the corner of the patio and broke down sobbing. Jack gave her a moment and walked over to give comfort.

  “You okay?”

  Natalie nodded.

  “I didn’t mean to shock you. But I thought you should know. Maybe to give some perspective.”

  Natalie took a deep breath. “It doesn’t make it right.”

  “Natalie, listen to me. You’ve found a new life here, doing great work for people who need your help. You didn’t kill Lombard, Scott did. You just helped him cover it up. That’s different. You thought you were in love with the guy, and you weren’t thinking clearly. Believe me, I’ve seen people do much crazier things in my career. My point is, you are now in a place where you are doing some real good. You have a new life, and it was Lombard’s death that put you here.”

  “But we killed a man.”

  “No, Scott Lennox killed a man. And if you two had known he had cancer, Scott wouldn’t have concocted this plan to kill Lombard. But we never would have been reunited, and you wouldn’t be in Mexico helping kids. You can’t go back and change things, Natalie. But a greater good has come from all of this.”

  FORTY-ONE

  Father Jon made the call from his rectory office.

  “Hello, I’m trying to reach Father Diego Montanez. Do you speak English?”

  “Sí, señor. Who may I say is calling?”

  “This is Father Jon Foley, calling from St. Joseph’s Parish in Castle Springs, Colorado.”

  “Very well, Father. Let me ring him for you.”

  “Thank you.”

  Father Jon hadn’t spoken to his friend in years. The two had been seminary roommates. The familiar voice of Diego Montanez brought back fond memories.

  “This is a wonderful day. To what do I owe this great honor, my friend?”

  “Hello, Diego, it’s been way too long. How are you?”

  “I am well. The Bishop blessed me greatly by me assigning me to a mission at this wonderful parish in Mexico. Are you still in Colorado?”

  “Yes, I’ve been here for several years now. It’s a busy parish in Castle Springs. Things are good. Where exactly are you in Mexico?”

  “I’m in the state of Jalisco. I’ve been here three years now. In another year, I will see where the Bishop wants me to go.”

  “We should be better about staying in touch, my friend.”

  “I agree, Jon. But I’m guessing there’s a reason for your call today. What can I do for you?”

  “Yes, I need some help.”

  “Anything for you, Jon.”

  “Do you know anyone there in Mexico who might be able to track someone down for me? Specifically, if I gave you a name, is there someone there who could find where this person might own some property in Mexico?”

  “Sure, I think I could probably make that happen. What have you got going on there, Jon?”

  “I’m not one hundred percent sure, really. It involves one of my parishioners, and I believe he has a place somewhere on the Sea of Cortez. I don’t know how many possible places that could mean, but I thought I’d give you a call and see what you thought.”

  “Well, the Sea of Cortez is large and there are several resort towns. Los Cabos, La Paz, Puerto Peñasco, San Carlos… Those are the largest.”

  “Do you know someone who might be able to do a little quiet checking if I gave you a name?”

  “This sounds serious, Jon. Can you tell me why you are trying to find this man?”

  “To be truthful, I’d rather not. At least not right now. It’s just a hunch on my part, and I’m not really sure what, if anything, it will lead to… Can you just trust me on this one, Diego?”

  “Of course, Jon. You have a name?”

  “His name is Jack Keller. He now lives in Castle Pines, Colorado, but he lived in the St. Louis area when he bought the place. He’s owned it for several years now.”

  “How old would he be?”

  “I’d guess around sixty or so.”

  “Give me a few days and I’ll see what I can find out.”

  The last wedge of sun was fading into the Sea of Cortez as Natalie jostled Jack on the patio lounge chair.

  “Huh? Oh. I must have nodded off. Wow, look at you.”

  Natalie, wearing one of her favorite sundresses, took a quick bow.

  “It’s time for dinner. I took the liberty of digging in your bag and pressed some clothes for you. Our ride is here in ten minutes, so let’s get a move on.”

  “Are we having dinner with Peter?” he asked, stretching.

  “Yes, and I need you to look respectable.”

  “Nag, nag, nag,” Jack muttered as he headed toward the bathroom.

  The doorbell rang.

  “Oops, I’m wrong. Our ride is here now. You have three minutes. I’ll be in the car.”

  “All right, I’ll hurry.”

  When Jack came out the front door, he was surprised to see Natalie and a large, muscular man standing next to a black luxury SUV. The back passenger door was open.

  “Meet Miguel, he’s our driver.”

  “Hi, Miguel, I’m Jack,” he said, climbing in the back seat. “Wow, this is quite a ride.”

  “Mr. Donnelly is sorry he could not be here when you arrived, señor.”

  “Peter’s meeting us at the Marbella for dinner,” Natalie said, fixing his collar. “You look nice.”

  Miguel closed the door behind him. When Jack heard the sound the heavy doors made as they slammed shut, he knew. He took a quick look around. The windows and glass partition that separated the front and back seats were laminated polycarbonate—commonly called bulletproof, though technically just bullet-resistant. They were riding in what was essentially an armored car, and Jack quickly wondered why his daughter’s boyfriend would need such a vehicle.

  “So, just how serious are things with Peter?”

  “Why, what did Roberto tell you?”

  “Just that you two are an item.”

  “Like I told you on the phone, we’ve been spending a lot of time together. He’s very special to me, and I know what you must be thinking, but it’s not like that. He’s not like Scott.”

  “I’m not thinking anything. I just want what’s best for you.”

  “I know you do, and there’s nothing to worry about.”

  They rode
in silence the rest of the way to the Marbella, both thinking about Peter Donnelly.

  When Natalie first told him of her involvement with Peter, Jack called a friend in D.C. His buddy was able to gather some intelligence on Peter Donnelly. He was 42 years old and born in Newport, Rhode Island. He attended Brown University in nearby Providence where he earned a masters in international business. His police record was clear, short of a couple traffic violations. Financial records showed Peter Donnelly was worth more than forty million dollars.

  So why the fancy armored SUV? Jack knew Mexico could be a difficult place to do business, especially for Americans, but did that warrant such a vehicle? Corruption in Mexico was commonplace in government, construction, and labor, and there was always the presence of organized crime. If his daughter was going to be a constant companion of Mr. Donnelly’s, maybe it was a good thing the guy had a nice armored car. Still, the whole idea made him nervous.

  A few minutes later they pulled into the entrance of the Marbella Resort. The building and grounds were beautiful and looked like a Mexican oasis.

  “Gorgeous, isn’t it?” Natalie said as they pulled into a giant portico. “Oh look, there’s Peter!”

  A doorman walked quickly to the SUV, opening the doors for both Jack and Natalie.

  “Welcome to the Marbella,” said Peter, extending his hand. “It’s wonderful to finally meet you, Jack. I’ve heard so much about you from Natalie.”

  “Yeah, nice to meet you, Peter. And thanks for inviting us to dinner.”

  “My pleasure. I’m sorry I wasn’t there when you arrived, Jack. Business, I hope you understand.”

  “No worries.”

  “Right this way.”

  The three walked through the opulent lobby to the elevators. Jack eyed the beautiful marble and tile. This should have been Frito’s job, he thought.

  “So, Jack, how was your trip?”

  “Hot and dusty, as usual. But worth it. I’m just happy to see Natalie and the beach again.”

  “Well, the chef has something special planned for us. I hope you’re both hungry.”

  “Starving,” said Natalie.