Sadness aged Lars’ features. “I spoiled her. That was wrong, but I can't change the past and I can't give you the money."
Don reached for Megan's hand. “Time and time again you've given Carl money to pay his gambling debts. I don't even need a whole share. Just enough to buy a house so Megan and I don't have to live in an apartment."
Lars sank on a chair. “There's a big house back there that's empty for most of the year."
"What a good idea,” I said.
Don turned to me. “Are there good pre-schools in the area?"
"Several. A friend of mine runs a Montessori program I'd recommend. When I return home, I'll have her send you an information packet and when you arrive, I'll introduce you."
That idea made me smile. Though years ago I'd forsworn matchmaking, that didn't mean I couldn't bring two lonely people together.
Don ruffled Megan's hair. “Button, how would you like to live near Aunt Katherine."
She nodded. “We bake cakes and cookies and see big Rose Prairie. Pop, you come too?"
"I just might."
Don lifted Megan from the chair. “Is Bonnie's play house still in the backyard?"
"Sure is,” Lars said. “Might need some paint and repairs before it's ready for use."
The phone rang. Lars headed to the living room. For a moment I wondered why he hadn't used the portable one on the counter. Then I realized if the call was about Bonnie, he wouldn't want Don to hear.
"This will work,” Don said.
"I agree."
As I tested the cookies to see if they were cool enough to store, I thought about what Lars had said about his retirement plans. Would that make our marriage impossible? I couldn't imagine living near Bonnie. Though I hadn't accepted his proposal, I felt a moment of regret.
Lars waved from the doorway. “That was Rafe. He's found something he wants us to see.” Excitement and hope filled his voice.
Don looked from his father to me. “Did he find the place where you were held?"
Lars stared at the floor. “He didn't say, but that's a good possibility."
"Then go. I'll take care of the cookies. Even leave you one or two."
By the time I had my jacket buttoned, Lars was in the car. I slipped into the passenger's seat. “What did he find?"
"Bonnie's car."
"How?"
"By accident. After the cabbie told him where he picked me up, Rafe started a search in the area for a house that was for rent or sale. Your suggestion, I believe."
"Mere speculation based on the things you told me about the house. Musty smell. A cot as the only furniture."
A frown wrinkled his brow. “A table and two chairs. A different room. That's where I found my jacket."
"Anything more."
"Nothing."
A short time later Lars drove into an area of town where the streets twisted and turned. Though the houses were smaller that the ones where Lars lived, they were behind stucco walls. He spotted Bonnie's car and parked at the curb. After he left the car, he stopped. Then he walked to an iron gate.
"What's wrong?” I asked.
"I think...that's it."
"What?"
"That's the house."
Rafe reached us in time to hear Lars. “Are you sure?"
"Positive."
"Let me check the list of properties a realtor gave me. If this house is on the list, we can get in."
He and Lars strode away. While they were engrossed in making plans, I walked to the gate and peered at the house. Wouldn't hurt to look.
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Chapter 7
~
El Descubrimento Dorado
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I examined the unique grillwork of the gate and reached for the handle. With a low eerie groan, the gate opened far enough for me to squeeze through. The noise had startled me. Afraid the men had heard, I turned to look for them. To my relief they remained halfway down the block beside Rafe's dark sedan, engaged in an animated conversation complete with hand gestures. Not wanting to alert them, I slipped through the narrow gap then paused to study my surroundings.
The adobe house was squat and sand-colored. The garden, touched by winter, was brown and barren. Small patches of dirty snow were scattered across the lawn. Bushes with gnarled branches lined the walk. Against the side wall, a bench stood. A pair of trees had been trimmed to form an arch above the bench and probably provided shade from the summer sun.
The men's voice rose from a low drone. I peered toward the street and saw them slowly making their way toward the house. Though I could await their arrival, all I wanted was a few minutes to discover if I could see inside—unless I found a way to enter.
Dark green shutters covered the front windows and prevented a view of the rooms on either side of the entrance. I turned the knob and wasn't surprised to find the door locked.
As I strolled toward the rear of the house, I noticed a slat missing from one of the side window shutters. I slid between two bushes and peered through the gap. Once my eyes had adjusted to the gloom of the interior, I saw a cot and what looked like a heap of blankets—or a body. I tapped on the glass. Had I seen movement?
For an instant I considered calling the men. Before I acted on that thought, I decided to see if there was another door. After stepping back onto the walk, I made my way along the broken flagstones to the rear of the house. I found what I'd been seeking. I paused then turned the knob. To my surprise the door swung open. With no more than a second's hesitation, I decided to enter.
"Kate, where are you?"
Lars’ shout made me jump. I grabbed the frame and willed my pounding heart to quiet. “Around back. The door's open. I'm going in to look around."
"Kate, no.” Both men shouted the order.
The command arrived a moment too late. I was already inside. Light filtered from outside and revealed a table and two chairs against the side wall. Were they the ones Lars had remembered?
Draped over one of the chairs was a fur coat. Though I didn't recognize the coat, the clinging sweet scent of Bonnie's perfume was clear. Yes, I thought. She was here.
The light from the kitchen door failed to penetrate the darkness in the hall. I stumbled over the sill and nearly fell. A musty odor filled the air. A sneeze exploded. I leaned against the wall and waited for my eyes to adjust. A thin band of light slid through the gap in the shutter.
"Bonnie?” My voice was muffled by the thickness of the walls.
The lump of blankets moved. Without another thought I strode to the cot and pulled the rough wool blanket away. Bonnie stared at me. White cloth had been jammed into her mouth. I pulled the wad free and dropped it on the floor. When I saw the way her arms had been bound to her body with wide strips of adhesive tape, I knew the origin of the bruises on Lars’ upper arms.
"What...I thought...Th...thanks.” Bonnie clamped her lips together. She tried to rise.
"I'll help you sit and remove the tape.” I slid her legs over the edge of the cot. I frowned. Not a hair was out of place. If I'd have been beneath that blanket, I'd have emerged looking like a bag lady.
"Kate, where are you?” Lars called.
"In the front room. I've found her."
"Daddy,” Bonnie called.
I found the end of the tape and soon had Bonnie's arms free. “Thank heavens they didn't apply the tape to your skin. You may have bruises like your father did.” Though I wondered if she would. The binding hadn't seemed that tight.
Lights flashed on. Tears blurred my vision and I blinked them away.
Lars appeared in the doorway. “Honey, are you all right?"
"Now I am.” She scrambled from the cot. “Daddy, how did you find me?"
She bumped against me. I lost my balance and landed on the cot.
"Rafe found your car while he was looking for the place where I'd been held."
"My car...but...Why was he looking for that place?"
"Your brother asked him to."
&
nbsp; She shook her head. “How did my car get here? I was in the parking garage near the office when I was attacked.” She took a deep breath. “How did you know I was in this dreadful place?"
"We didn't. I recognized the grillwork on the gate and then the house,” Lars said. “Rafe was trying to locate the owner and get permission to search. We noticed Kate had vanished so we looked for her. You'll have to thank her for barging in."
"Already did.” She stood in the circle of Lars’ arms. “I was so scared. Aunt Katherine, you were very brave. What if someone had been here?"
"I would have screamed."
Her voice seemed louder than her usual dulcet tones. Was the volume caused by excitement, relief, or was she warning someone? She didn't sound like someone who'd been frightened. She sounded like a child who'd successfully pulled a prank on her elders. Silently I chided myself for allowing the dislike that had blossomed since my arrival to sit in judgment.
Rafe crossed to the cot and held out his hands. “Do you always act on impulse?"
"Coming in was hardly an impulse, but an action based on a logical deduction. I weighed the facts. Lars recognized the house. Bonnie's car was nearby.” I grinned. “At the rate you and Lars were moving, next Christmas would have come and gone before you acted."
He pulled me to my feet. “We were observing the legalities. I believe you're trespassing."
"Actually I only intended to look, but the back door was unlocked. Nurses are trained to act with speed during an emergency."
"Was this one?"
His voice held the same doubt as my thoughts. “For Lars it was."
He nodded. “You're right about that.” We moved toward the others. “From the tales Lars has told me, I imagine your local police would like to see you locked up."
I chuckled and remembered the times Pete Duggan had expressed similar thoughts. “They've learned to listen to my hunches.” I tripped over an end of the blanket. Rafe steadied me.
"Careful.” He put his lips to my ear. “What do you think about this?"
I shrugged. To voice my suspicions where both Bonnie and Lars would hear would be foolish. “I have some questions.” I glanced at Bonnie.
Rafe's gaze followed mine. “So do I."
Had Bonnie been kidnapped or was this part of some scheme to drive a wedge between Lars and me? Her clothes seemed too unrumpled, her hair too perfect, and her fear seemed feigned. For someone who'd been missing for four days, bound and gagged, she seemed too energetic and too sure of herself.
Questions multiplied like viruses during an epidemic. Why had her car been left on the street so close to her place of confinement? Had the mysterious someone planned to return and free her arms so she could escape the way her father had? Had the car been left as a guide for Lars once the money had been transferred?
Rafe joined Lars and Bonnie. “Sure was an unexpected surprise to find you. This must have been an ordeal. How are you feeling?"
"Confused. Thirsty.” She pushed her hair back from her face. “I want out of here. I don't like this place.” She edged toward the door.
"Any idea who took you?” Rafe asked. “Do you think it was the same people who took your dad?"
She stared at her shoes. “How would I know? He didn't speak."
"He?” I asked.
She pursed her lips. “Had to be a man. I'm tall. Whoever hit me on the head had to be taller and strong. I was getting out of the car when the attack occurred."
"Any headache, nausea, blurred vision?” I asked.
She shook her head. “Daddy, please take me home now."
"Sure, Honey.” Lars started to guide her to the door. He stopped. “I know you're upset, but you need to tell us as much as you can remember. Start with New Year's Day. Tell us what happened."
"What else. Carl and I had a fight. How dare he let those men come to our party? I'm sure everyone's talking about that."
"He said you didn't come home.” Lars clasped her arm. “Why?"
She straightened. “And walk into another fight? How could I stand to be around him? You were right. He'll never change. When I told him I wanted a divorce, he demanded a large settlement. You have to help me get free.” She tried to pull away from him.
"You know I will. Haven't I offered to help you time and time again?"
"What did you do after you left the house?” Rafe asked.
"Drove around.” She flashed a hostile glance in my direction. “Daddy, I really needed to talk to you. I went to the house, but you were off somewhere with her."
Had she helped herself to my jewelry during her visit to the house? If I asked now, I'd only muddy matters.
"Kate and I went to the chalet."
"No, you didn't. I called and called."
"We did spend the night in town.” Guilt flashed in his eyes. “Where did you go?"
"That hardly matters."
"Tell us about the attack,” Rafe said.
"I drove to the office to pick up some papers Damon was supposed to leave for me. When I got out of the car, the man hit me."
"Did you smell anything?” I asked. “Like aftershave or tobacco smoke?"
"Nothing.” She looked away. “Just that smelly scratchy blanket."
"Hear anything."
"Don't you ever listen? I said he didn't speak. Besides this is none of your business.” She fisted her hands on her hips and stepped toward me. “Why don't you just go home?"
"Bonnie, that's enough,” Lars snapped.
Rafe edged between Bonnie and me. “Are you sure there was just one man?"
Her lip curled into a sneer. “How would I know? I was unconscious. I suppose there could have been more than one. Daddy, can we go home now?"
The nurse in me surfaced. “How long were you unconscious?"
"I don't know."
"We'd better take you to the hospital so they can run some tests."
"Why? I'm fine."
"You've been missing for four days. You could have post-concussion syndrome, not to mention dehydration."
Bonnie laughed. “I haven't been here that long. This happened this morning around ten."
I gasped. “What?” Why had the ransom note arrived before she was grabbed?
Lars frowned. “Where were you all that time?"
"At a friend's.” The ends of her lips curved upward. “Aunt Katherine, I know you're concerned. When we get home if I feel worse, I'll call Jaime Verdigras. He'll come to the house."
Lars hugged her. “Smart idea. Home it is. I'll drive your car and Kate can follow in mine. Your coat's in the kitchen.” He steered her from the room. “I need to stop the transfer of funds if possible."
Bonnie halted. “What funds?"
"For the ransom."
"What ransom? Daddy, what's going on?"
What indeed. Her reaction echoed mine. Every time I thought I'd discovered a piece of the puzzle, I learned it didn't fit.
"A note was delivered to Carl early this morning. It specified a million dollars was to be transferred to the account of that plastic's firm in Florida."
She shook her head. “What are you talking about? We have no Florida connections."
"You signed the papers about a year ago."
Bonnie put on her coat. “I couldn't have."
Rafe grasped my arm and prevented me from following them. “Does something seem strange to you?"
"Absolutely."
"Are you planning to follow her directive and return home soon?"
"In about two weeks."
He frowned. “Hope there are no more mysterious events before then. I've uncovered a few interesting tidbits."
"Will you share?"
"When I put them together."
"Maybe I can help make connections."
"Tell you later. They're about Ramona and when I have all the facts, I'll act.” His eyes turned hard.
I shivered. “What will you do?"
"Whatever's right."
What did he mean by that? I studied his fa
ce and found no answer. He smiled. My tension ebbed. Since he'd been a police officer, I felt sure he'd turn the evidence over to them.
"I'm just glad I'm here to give Lars my support."
"He needs it."
We left the house and started down the walk. I turned to Rafe. “Lars has always been good at making money but poor at judging people, especially when they're family."
"Could be he believes one family member over the others. That's not right.” He dropped his hold on my arm. “Be careful. I'll talk to you and Lars after I learn more about what's going on."
A plan that had been slowly forming coalesced. “Come to dinner tomorrow evening at seven. I've decided to invite a the people involved in this mess."
He arched a brow. “What brought this on?"
"Perhaps I'd like to thank people for their kindness since I arrived. Maybe I'd like to see if there's something I can learn."
He grinned. “I'll be there. Wouldn't miss this even for an invitation to dinner with the governor."
"Will you have some information to share?"
"Might.” He paused at the gave. “See you tomorrow at seven."
I walked to where Lars and Bonnie stood. Lars handed me the keys to his car. “I'll see you at the house."
"Daddy, I can drive.” She pulled the keys from her coat pocket.
Lars took them. “I'm driving. I have a few things to say to you. Kate, take care."
"Will do."
As I followed the gold sedan along the twisting streets, I thought about the ransom note. Why had it arrived hours before Bonnie had been captured? What puzzle pieces were I missing? Had the money in the Florida bank been transferred yet again? Was there a way to learn?
I glanced at the dashboard clock. Nearly five. Not much time before the banks closed.
My thoughts drifted to Bonnie. Though she claimed she'd only been a prisoner for a few hours, her clothes and her hair gave the impression of minutes. Had there been another person in the house? Once we'd found her, we hadn't looked beyond the room where she'd been kept. Maybe Rafe had lingered to conduct a more thorough search.
Had Lars seen the anomalies in the scenario or had he been so delighted to see his daughter, he'd dismissed them? Was he hiding from the truth? My patience with his avoidance tactics had thinned to tissue paper thickness. I hoped it wouldn't tear.
Midas Murders [Book 3 of the Katherine Miller Mysteries] Page 9