“I really could have taken some of those,” she remarked as he loaded them into the trunk of his car.
“Do you want to make another round?” he asked, smiling at her.
Susan shook her head. “That’s about all my credit card can take for one afternoon. Why don’t we head back—maybe stop in Del Mar for dinner?”
Aaron opened the car door for her. “I Googled things to do while you were in that dress shop. There’s a performance tonight of Les Misérables at the La Jolla Playhouse. If we can get tickets, would you like to go?”
Susan turned to him, wide-eyed in amazement. “You know that’s my favorite musical. I’d love to. It runs almost three hours—are you sure you’re up for it?”
He sensed she was holding her breath, waiting for his answer. He passed his phone to her. “See if we can get tickets,” he replied. “All I want to do today is treat the best girlfriend in the world to a special day.”
***
Les Misérables had been sold out for weeks, the ticket agent told Susan, but they were in luck as a season ticket holder had just turned in two seats for that evening’s performance. They were in the third row, center, and could be hers if she’d give the agent her credit card number to hold them. Susan fumbled in her purse, but Aaron shook his head and handed her his wallet. “This one’s on me.”
With the tickets secured, they drove into La Jolla and found a quaint seafood restaurant near the beach. It was fully booked for dinner, the maître d’ advised, but they could sit in the bar and enjoy the full menu. They perched on chairs at a high-topped table in the most secluded corner and followed their server’s suggestions for appetizers and entrees. By the time they finished their calamari and sea bass with risotto, they were stuffed.
“We ate like mad dogs,” Susan observed.
“I was starved. Being outside all afternoon gave me quite an appetite.”
“Delicious.” Susan smiled at the waiter. When he asked if they’d like to see the dessert menu, they both shook their heads.
“Let’s walk along the beach,” Aaron suggested. “Work off this dinner before the play. I don’t want to fall asleep in my seat.”
***
Aaron took Susan’s hand to steady her as she slipped her shoes off before stepping onto the beach. They walked along, into the light wind, holding their shoes and swinging their clasped hands. Aaron turned to her. “This has been the perfect day. Thank you so much for putting your work aside.”
She smiled up at him. “I’ll pay for it tomorrow, but it’ll be worth it. Even if I have to work all night tomorrow.”
Aaron stopped and looked into her eyes. “I want us to have a lifetime of these kinds of days. There’s nothing I want more, Susan Martin.”
***
The La Jolla Playhouse did a masterful job with the ambitious production of Les Misérables, and the audience was on its feet for a standing ovation at the final curtain. Susan waited in the long ladies’ room line before they undertook the drive home. The parking lot was almost empty by the time they made their way to the car. Aaron was closing Susan’s door when she reached out and stopped him.
“Listen,” she said. “Do you hear that?”
Aaron straightened and paused, then shook his head.
“That!” she cried, stepping back out of the car.
He looked at her quizzically.
“I hear meowing,” she insisted. “Can’t you hear it?” She put her hand on his arm. “There!”
This time, Aaron nodded.
“It’s coming from over there,” she pointed to the dumpster in the corner of the parking lot. “It sounds like a kitten. I’ll bet someone’s abandoned it in there and left it to die. ”
Aaron began to shake his head. “I don’t know, sweetheart. Stray cats eat out of dumpsters all the time.”
Susan was already halfway to the dumpster. “We have to rescue it.”
“It’s probably feral and doesn’t want to be rescued.”
She stood next to the dumpster and waited. The plaintive sounds were muffled but distinct. “We have to get it out of here.”
Aaron studied this woman whose kind heart and generous spirit were so endearing to him. He knew there was no way he could dissuade her.
“There’s a milk crate over there,” Susan said, pointing to the fence behind the dumpster. “I can stand on it and look inside.”
“I’ll stand on the crate,” he said, retrieving it and placing it next to the dumpster.
“Do you see any signs of her?” Susan asked after Aaron had been on his perch for several minutes.
He shook his head. “I think we were mistaken. I don’t think there’s anything in there.” He waited another two full minutes before stepping off the crate.
Susan nodded and reluctantly retraced their steps to the car. They were headed to the exit of the now empty lot when Susan unhooked her seat belt. “I need to get up on that crate and see for myself. I know she’s in there, Aaron. I can feel it. She’ll come to me.”
He thought about protesting the futility of the effort and the lateness of the hour, but turned the car and drove slowly to the dumpster.
“Stay back,” Susan urged. “Let me go alone. She’s frightened. Both of us will scare her off.”
“You don’t even know if there’s a cat in there, let alone that it’s a girl,” he remarked.
Susan was out of the car. “She’s there, and it’s a girl,” she turned and whispered.
Susan climbed onto the milk crate and hung over the side of the dumpster, ignoring the fact that she was still dressed in her expensive business suit. She extended her arm and cooed softly. She was beginning to lose hope when she heard a soft meow. She reached in the direction of the sound and two matted ears, followed by two enormous eyes, emerged from the trash and debris.
Susan leaned further into the dumpster, whispering soft assurances to the bedraggled creature. Her efforts were rewarded, and the tiny kitten emerged. Susan scooped her up and brought the filthy animal to nestle under her chin. The kitten made no protest, instinctively understanding that this woman was her salvation. They made their way back to the car.
“Let’s take a look at what you’ve got here,” he said.
Susan held the kitten away from her chest but didn’t relinquish her.
“She must be only a few days old.” He turned on the dome light and leaned in to inspect the kitten. “Her fur is patchy and her eyes are goopy. She’s full of fleas.” He looked at Susan and knew she would not abandon this animal. “She may not survive, sweetheart,” he said gently. “She needs to see a vet right away.”
Susan looked into his eyes. “I’ll take her to the vet first thing and nurse her back to health. Don’t you see? This is a sign—I’m meant to have her. I’m naming her Cozette, after the poor little orphan girl in Les Mis.”
Aaron ran his finger lightly along the kitten’s cheek, and Cozette began to purr. “We’ll nurse her back to health. Let’s get the two of you home.”
Chapter 10
Police Chief Andy Thomas handed a Styrofoam cup to Special Counsel Alex Scanlon. Alex took a swig and winced. “This coffee is lethal.”
“It’s been on the burner since I came in at four.” He turned to face Alex. “We’re finally going to get Chuck Delgado. We’ve had him in our sights for years.”
“Don’t get your hopes up. The evidence is thin, and we won’t convict him unless we can lay our hands on something else. His lawyer will have him out on bail by dinnertime.”
The chief blew out a heavy sigh and leaned back against his desk, crossing his ankles. “That may be true, but it’ll be good to put the cuffs on him. Lock him up in a cell, even if it’s only for a few hours.”
Alex nodded. “I plan to stop by the jail to see him in custody. It’s been a long time coming.”
“What’s next?
“We’re hoping he’ll talk and cut a plea deal.”
“What?” the chief pushed himself to his feet. “After all this,
you’ll let him off?”
“You, of all people, know that we’re after bigger fish.”
“I understand that, Alex, but the chances that Delgado will finger anyone in the mob who’s higher up the food chain are slim to none. It’d be a death sentence, and he knows it.”
“We could offer to put him in the Witness Protection Program.”
The chief shook his head. “He’ll never go for it. His lawyer will tell him how weak our case is and advise him to lay low and keep his hands clean.”
Alex smirked. “You know how likely he is to follow that advice? Delgado’s got no self-control at all. That’s our best hope—that he’ll do something stupid.”
The chief shrugged. “You may be right.”
“When do you plan to take him into custody?”
“Any time now.”
“Arrest him at his home?” Alex asked.
“That was our plan. Except he didn’t go home last night. Stayed in that office of his above his liquor store, and he had company.”
Alex arched a brow.
“We don’t want to increase the drama of this arrest by having his lady friend in the picture. We’ve got him under surveillance and the minute she leaves, we’ll bring him in.”
Alex nodded.
“I’m going to put the cuffs on him myself. I’m just waiting for the call. Care to join me?”
For the first time in weeks, a genuine smile spread across Alex Scanlon’s face.
***
Chief Thomas’ cell phone rang thirty minutes later and they were underway. Two burly young officers mounted the exterior stairway to Delgado’s second-floor office, followed by Chief Thomas. Alex Scanlon brought up the rear. Their footsteps reverberated on the metal stairs, making a racket that would wake the dead. It did not, however, wake Chuck Delgado, who was sprawled across the decrepit sofa in the corner of his office in a state of unconsciousness that was more hangover than sleep.
The first officer knocked loudly. “Police. Open up.” He listened at the door, then repeated his summons. This time, he could hear sounds from within. After what seemed like an eternity, Delgado fumbled with the door and opened it a crack.
“To what do I owe the pleasure?” he slurred, running his hand through the few remaining hairs on his greasy pate.
Chief Thomas pushed past his officers and into the office. Surprise and fear raced across Delgado’s face.
“You’re under arrest.” The chief took the list that Alex handed him and read the eighteen counts of fraud and embezzlement. “You have the right to remain silent …” When the chief concluded the Miranda rights, Delgado stepped toward the door. “Bastard,” he spat.
“We’re not done yet, Delgado.” The chief took one of his arms and motioned for Alex to take the other. The chief secured the handcuffs.
“What the … ? You bastards are taking me in in cuffs? Afraid I can get away from Westbury’s finest?” he scoffed. “I’m a town council member and an upstandin’ businessman. You don’t need no cuffs.”
The chief grabbed Delgado’s arm and pulled him toward the stairs. “Watch your step. We wouldn’t want you to fall and break your neck. We’re looking forward to providing hospitality to our distinguished guest in the town jail.”
***
Alex punched Maggie’s number into his cell phone as soon as he and the chief were back in the patrol car. “He’s in custody,” he said as soon as Maggie answered.
“Thank goodness. I was getting worried that something had gone wrong. It’s almost ten.”
“Delgado had a visitor last night, and the chief thought it best to wait for her to leave.”
“So you didn’t pick him up at his home?”
“Nope. At the liquor store.”
“Did anyone see him being taken away?”
“There weren’t any customers at this time of day, but the clerk noticed and was on his phone before we got to the car.”
“He’ll spread the news, and I’m sure it’ll be no time before it gets to the highest levels within the mob.”
“I suspect you’re right about that. I wouldn’t be surprised if Delgado’s lawyer isn’t waiting for him at the station.”
Maggie remained silent, digesting this news. “That might not be the worst thing, you know.”
“How so?”
“If he won’t talk, the next best thing is for him to do something stupid. He can’t do something stupid if he isn’t out on bail.”
Alex laughed. “You’re right about that. You always find the silver lining in any black cloud, don’t you?”
“I don’t always succeed, but I try.” She took a deep breath. “Keep me posted. I’m in my office at Town Hall and will stay here. Our phones will light up shortly, and the press will be all over this.”
“I’ll stay with Delgado until he’s in a cell. I’ll call you when he’s booked. Why don’t you schedule a press conference for three this afternoon? We can make the announcement together. That’ll give the receptionist something to tell callers.”
“Will do.”
“I’ll come to your office by two thirty.”
“Perfect. And Alex—well done. You should be really proud of yourself.”
“I’m proud of us. We make a great team.”
Maggie leaned back in her chair as she ended the call. Alex was right—they made a great team. What had started as a small group of concerned citizens tackling corruption at Town Hall could end up taking down part of the Chicago mob. With any luck, pairing her expertise as a forensic accountant with Alex’s experience as a prosecutor would prove the undoing of those who stole so much from the people of Westbury.
She shook her head. It hadn’t been that long ago that she was alone and dealing with the mess left by her philandering, embezzling late husband. And now she was married to the love of her life, mayor of this town, and living at Rosemont. Never discount the possibility of a happy future, she thought.
Chapter 11
Tonya Holmes picked up the complimentary toothbrush and sample of floss that her dental hygienist supplied after every cleaning. She pulled her phone out of her purse as she walked the short distance to her car. There were three missed calls from Maggie.
Tonya opened her car door, slung her purse onto the passenger seat, and tapped the Call Back button.
“Thank goodness!” Maggie said, answering on the first ring.
“I was at the dentist. What’s so urgent?” She reached for the ignition, then stopped. Something told her to give this call her full attention.
“Delgado’s been arrested.”
“What?” Tonya gasped. “When?”
“This morning. About five minutes before my first call to you. I wanted you to know before you got here. Town Hall is crawling with reporters.”
“I’ll bet it is.” Tonya leaned back against the headrest. “About time we put that creep behind bars. When will you talk to the press?”
“We’ve scheduled a news conference today at three in the lobby here at Town Hall. I’d like you to be there, and I need to fill you in.”
“On my way. Have you thought about who you’ll appoint to fill Delgado’s seat while he’s awaiting trial?”
“Haven’t gotten that far yet. We’ll need someone that everyone in town knows and respects. They’ll have to be squeaky clean.”
“Are you open for a suggestion?”
“I’d be grateful. Who do you have in mind?”
“The perfect candidate. And if you ask him, I’ll bet he’ll say yes.”
“I’m all ears.”
“Tim Knudsen. Voted most respected Realtor in the state the last six years.”
***
Tim Knudsen pulled into the lot at Town Hall shortly before noon. Maggie’s cryptic call an hour earlier intrigued him. What urgent assistance did the Town of Westbury need from one of its busiest Realtors?
Maggie’s assistant rose from her desk as soon as he entered the anteroom to the mayor’s office. “Mayor Martin and Council
Member Holmes have been waiting for you. I’ll take you right in,” she said as she knocked lightly, then opened the door.
“Ma’am, Mr. Knudsen is here to see you.”
Maggie came around the side of her desk and extended her hand. “Thanks for coming on such short notice. I know you had to juggle your schedule.”
“Good to see you, Tim,” Tonya said, offering the seat next to her.
“Happy to do anything to help, Maggie. You two know that,” he said, taking a seat. “I’m beyond curious. What does the town need from me? Are you planning to sell some of its property?”
Maggie shook her head. “It’s much bigger than that.” She took a deep breath and launched into her story.
“So, you see, Chuck Delgado’s seat on the town council is now vacant, and I’d like you to fill it. The mayor has the authority to appoint a replacement, and I need someone on the council that is experienced, well-respected in the community, and—most importantly—someone I can trust.” She looked pointedly at him.
“We think you’d make a strong addition to the council,” Tonya added.
“I don’t know. I’ve never aspired to political office. I don’t know the first thing about it. You can do a lot better than me.”
“I disagree,” Maggie replied. “Your business acumen and knowledge of the local real estate market will be invaluable as we dig ourselves out of our current financial mess. And after the arrests of both William Wheeler last year and now Council Member Delgado, the public perception of local government is significantly tarnished. Your presence on the council will restore credibility.”
Tim dropped his gaze to his hands.
Maggie scooted to the edge of her chair and leaned toward him. “I know this is sudden. You should be afforded the time to think this through. Being on the town council right now will eat up a lot of your time. The pay is inadequate. But I know you love this town with every fiber of your being. And I am absolutely certain that you are the best person for the job. I can’t afford to appoint someone who isn’t qualified. The town needs you.” Tim raised his eyes to meet hers. “If you need time to think about it, I’m willing to give it to you. But if you know—in your heart—that you’d like to do this, I encourage you to commit right now. If I can announce your appointment at the news conference today at three, it will send a positive message to our constituents.”
Drawing Close: The Fourth Novel in the Rosemont Series Page 5