Midas Murders [Book 3 of the Katherine Miller Mysteries]

by Janet Lane-Walters

  When we reached the house, Damon's dark sedan was parked just beyond the carport. I pulled around Bonnie's car and parked beside the rental. Then I strode across the lawn to join the others.

  Damon left his car. “Bonnie, good to see you. Where did they find you?"

  "Forget that,” she said. “I want to know what's going on. What's this about a company in Florida?"

  His smile was smug and smooth. “You should now. You're the one who okayed the business."

  "Never. Who's trying to pull something? You? Carl?"

  "I was just following orders,” he said.

  "Where's Carl?"

  "Left him at the office.” He turned to Lars. “You need to get to the bank and cancel that transfer."

  Lars reached for the keys I held. “Looks like we can add forgery and theft to gambling."

  "Are you positive Carl is responsible?” Damon asked. “He's not that clever."

  "You're right about my husband,” Bonnie said. “But you're his friend and you know a lot of tricks."

  Lars looked at his watch. “I've no time for this petty bickering. Let me call the bank and see if someone will wait until I arrive.” He strode to the house. Bonnie and Damon followed.

  "Aunt Kaferine, were you and Pop go?"

  "For a drive.” I waited for Megan and Don.

  "What's going on?” Don caught my arm. “Did Rafe find the house?"

  "Yes."

  "Where did Bonnie come from?"

  "There's no reason for secrecy now. Evidently your sister was kidnapped."

  "You're kidding."

  I shook my head. “Rafe found her car while he was searching for the house where your father was kept. When your dad and I reached the car, he recognized the house. Bonnie was there, but the ransom had already been paid."

  He choked back a laugh. “And whoever did it left her expensive fur. Seems fishy to me."

  "They left your father's jacket."

  His mouth was set in a thin line. “And of course Dad bought her story. He thinks every word out of her mouth is true. He doesn't see how she looks out for herself first. I bet she'll get exactly what she wants."

  "What's that?"

  "Money. Power. Dad. Jaime Verdigras."

  "What?” I paused with my hand on the door. “I thought there was something between her and Damon."

  He shook his head. “Oh, she'll use Damon to goad Carl, but she doesn't like Dad's assistant. Years ago she and Jaime were engaged. Then he chose to go east for medical school and that didn't suit her plans. She demanded he stay in the area. He didn't and she broke the engagement."

  "That explains where he heard some of the things he said to me. I imagine they've revived their relationship."

  He nodded. “Sure looks that way. The moment he returned and joined his uncle's practice, she was in the waiting room."

  "Why did she marry Carl?"

  "You know how she is. I guess she thought she'd show Jaime. I bet she dumps Carl. Maybe the ransom was his pay-off."

  "You don't like her very much."

  "You've got that. The bad news is I love her. There's that twin bond thing and that's a trap, one I was in before I met Ramona. Dad still sits up and begs when my sister commands."

  "He asked me to marry him."

  "Will you?” He put his hand on my shoulder. “Be careful. When she learns, she'll be furious."

  "I don't know if I'll accept."

  "I think it would be great."

  "There's a lot to be settled first.” I opened the door. “How much do you know about the business?"

  "As little as possible. I've done some ads for several of the companies Dad has seeded. Ramona knew more. Too much I think."

  "Do you believe her accident was arranged?"

  His eyes grew cold. “Yes. So does Rafe, but he hasn't discovered who."

  "Is that why you're leaving?"

  He shook his head. “There are a lot of reasons. The first one is Megan. I don't want her growing up around someone who doesn't like her and who constantly picks on her."

  "You're right about that. I've seen how your sister treats Megan."

  "She's jealous of the attention Button gets from me and Dad."

  "How foolish."

  He nodded. “That's my sister. The other reason is fear. If I stay I'll be sucked into Bonnie's plans. I'm not a strong person. Ramona always teased me about needing a leader. She was right."

  "Don't put yourself down.” I patted his arm. “What if you're not compensated for your share?"

  "I'll manage. Since Dad offered me the use of the house, things have fallen into place. I've some savings and two offers of freelance work.” He grinned. “I feel good about the future."

  "I'm pleased for you."

  Megan ran down the hall and grabbed her father's hand. “Aunt Bonnie yell."

  Anger flashed in Don's eyes. “At you?"

  She shook her head. “At the man who work wif Pop. He yell, too. My ears hurt."

  He swung her into his arms. “Let's go home. Tell Dad I'll stop by tomorrow."

  "Come to dinner. Tomorrow at seven. I hope that's not too late for Megan."

  "I'll make sure she naps. Will it be just us?"

  "Family and friends. I've invited Rafe."

  "Are you sure this is a good idea?"

  I nodded. “There are things we need to learn."

  "I'm sure there are. Are you really going in there while there's a war in progress?"

  "Maybe I can defuse the bombs.” I walked through the foyer and entered the living room.

  "There is absolutely no way I okayed that company,” Bonnie shouted. “When I take over, you and my soon to be ex-husband are gone."

  "We'll see about that.” Damon turned to Lars. “If you don't tell her soon, I will."

  The phone rang and Lars picked up the receiver. “Speaking...Repeat that...We've returned...I see...I'll tell her...I do think you should check your facts.” He hung up.

  "What was that all about?” I asked.

  "Tell you later. Damon, we'll talk soon and all will be explained."

  Damon brushed past me. “You'd better."

  I followed him into the foyer. “You're invited to dinner. Tomorrow at seven. If you see Carl, tell him he's included, too."

  He frowned. “Are you sure this is a good idea? I doubt Bonnie or Lars will agree to have me here.” He opened the door.

  "Lars will be fine with the invitation. I planned one of his favorite meals."

  He laughed. “Let's hope the fireworks don't ruin the food.” He closed the door behind him.

  I returned to the living room. Lars stood at the fireplace.

  "What did he mean?” Bonnie asked. “Tell me now."

  Lars shook his head. “When the time is right, you'll learn. What I want to know is what you plan to do with the ransom money."

  "I know nothing about a ransom."

  "Really. The caller gave me instructions I must follow for your release. I'll admit he didn't ask for money, but I smelled your hand in the demand."

  She grabbed her coat. “Give me my keys. I don't have to listen to this. When I hear from Carl, you'll know what will happen to the money, and it definitely isn't what he thinks."

  "That wasn't Carl.” Lars handed her the keys. “I've had enough of your nonsense. Kate's not leaving until she's ready."

  "Yes, Daddy.” She walked to the door.

  "Come to dinner tomorrow at seven,” I said.

  "Just tell me the name of the restaurant and I'll meet you there.” She smiled. “See, Daddy."

  "Here. I'm cooking."

  "How sweet.” She walked away. “Of course I'll come."

  Once she left, Lars took my hands in his. “You don't have to spend your vacation cooking."

  "I won't. Where are we going for dinner tonight?"

  He laughed. “Somewhere you'll enjoy and where you can look at knickknacks if we have to wait for a table.” He studied me. “This dinner tomorrow. Just what are you planning."<
br />
  "A quiet evening with family and friend."

  "Now why don't I believe you? I imagine you have an agenda."

  "Do I?” If he could hide things from me, I could do the same. “What was that phone call about?"

  "Something between my daughter and me. Go change and wear the silver and turquoise set."

  I paused at the end of the hall. “Knickknacks and formal dress?"

  "Not really. I just want to make sure you enjoy the gift."

  "I do.” Should I tell him now that they were missing? I decided to wait.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter 8

  ~

  El Silencio Dorado

  -

  Quite unwillingly Lars drove me to the grocery store where I purchased the ingredients I needed for the dinner party this evening. Though he grumbled about my hidden agenda, my determination to make sense of the problems surrounding him remained strong.

  Dinner at seven for six guests and hopefully answers for some of the questions that buzzed in my thoughts like bees in a summer garden. While silence may be golden, I have my doubts about the truth of that adage.

  As soon as we returned to the house, Lars closed himself in his study. He refused to discuss either of the kidnappings or ease my curiosity about Damon's enigmatic statement. This morning at breakfast I'd asked again. Lars had shaken his head. Regretfully I'd pushed further questions aside. The walls Lars had erected seemed far too high to climb. Burrowing beneath a barrier takes time, but somehow I would have my answers.

  Just before lunch he emerged and walked to the mailbox that stood outside the gates. When he returned, something in his expression gave me concern. He slumped in a chair at the kitchen table.

  "Lars, what happened?"

  He handed me an envelope about the size of a party invitation. “This."

  I pulled the card free and read the brief message.

  The time to listen has arrived.

  Ramona Claybourne did not die in an

  accident. Proof will be forthcoming.

  I waved the card. “You must show this to the police."

  He plucked it from my hand. “Not yet."

  "Why not? Lars, you need to tell them about the two kidnappings and what you suspect is happening in regard to the business."

  "I don't have enough data about the thefts. Besides I was right about the reason for the kidnappings."

  "How can you say that?"

  "The phone call last evening. The man said Bonnie would be released the moment you boarded a plane for New York."

  "So where did the ransom come in?"

  "I have no idea."

  "What about this card?"

  "It proves nothing. If I had any evidence that Ramona was murdered, I'd go straight to the police."

  "Don't throw it away like you did the others."

  He nodded. “I'll keep it, but until there's tangible evidence this stays between us.” He took a sandwich and a glass of juice to his study.

  Exasperation drove me to the foyer. Lars knew some of the missing pieces I needed to solve the puzzling events that had happened during my stay. How could I persuade him to divulge them?

  I snatched my jacket from the closet. In hopes a walk would ease my annoyance with the man who'd been my friend for years and who was the lover I might never know. I strode to the door.

  Why wouldn't he go to the police and let them look into these bizarre events? Just because he believed his daughter was involved wasn't reason enough for me. I'd give him the rest of the weekend before I issued an ultimatum. Let me help you with your problems or there's no reason for us to consider marriage.

  A yearning for my peaceful Hudson River village made me pause. Did I really want to leave Lars to face his troubles alone?

  I'd come here looking for an escape from the guilt that had plagued me since Roger's death. Though not completely gone, that emotion was now buried beneath the mudslide of new mysteries. Part of me wanted to leave. Part of me wanted to accept Lars’ marriage proposal. I knew this wasn't the time to act on either. Until I learned what was happening here and why, I couldn't walk away and I couldn't tell Lars yes.

  * * * *

  I stood at the stove and stirred a red sauce redolent with garlic and basil. When worries swarm like gnats, cooking is my escape.

  How could I encourage Lars to examine the farcical nature of the double kidnapping? Had it truly been a game to send me running from Santa Fe? Lars believed it was.

  A million dollars waited to be claimed in a Florida bank. Carl hadn't come home last night. To me that added up to his guilt.

  The note Lars had received this morning added another strand to the widening web. While not a threat, I'd sensed a subtle kind of taunting that frightened me more than anything about this affair. Was there more than one threat? Was I seeing plots within plots and conspirators in quantity?

  I tasted the sauce and reached for the garlic to add a sprinkle of powder. The multitude of inconsistencies in Bonnie's kidnapping had left questions she hadn't answered. Who was the friend she'd stayed with? Perhaps Verdigras. The revelation about Bonnie's past connection to the young doctor had taken me by surprise. I'd been so sure of her attraction to Damon.

  Why had the ransom note arrived before the event? The whole affair reminded me of one of those single color jigsaw puzzles where only the shape of the pieces aids solution. Unfortunately this enigma had too many missing pieces.

  A second taste of the sauce earned a contented sigh. Perfect. In a heated skillet, I braised seasoned and floured veal medallions.

  How could I find the missing pieces? Tonight I hoped to open Lars’ eyes to his daughter's selfish behavior. I also prayed I'd find some answers. The players would be present, including Rafe. Would he follow my lead and help me extract a few facts?

  Though I hadn't made the suggestion, I prayed Megan would leave the kitten at home. Bonnie's distaste for cats might cause a scene I didn't want.

  Lars strode into the kitchen. “Smells wonderful, but we could have gone to a restaurant. I know at least a dozen you would enjoy."

  Not for what I had in mind.

  "Cooking settles my nerves. They've been stretched a bit thin lately."

  He hugged me. “I do wish our time together had been different. I wanted to show you the area, to enjoy these weeks, to help you over your grief. I never intended to inflict my problems on you."

  "I know that.” I spooned sauce over the veal. “Your problems have been simmering for a long time. Maybe I'm a catalyst."

  He kissed my nape. “I've decided to take action. Asked Rafe to look into that company in Florida. He's also trying to learn where Carl was when I disappeared. You know, he never came home and he didn't call."

  "He was in a meeting with Damon. At least that's what the secretary told Don. Do you trust her?"

  "Absolutely. Maybe she was mistaken. I asked Bonnie to look at the house for that ransom note. So far she's had no luck."

  "What about looking at the office?"

  "Rafe plans to go there after dinner.” He sucked in a breath. “Just to let you know you were on target about my daughter. She had an appointment with a divorce lawyer this morning."

  "Will she marry Jaime Verdigras?"

  "I don't know. When she broke the engagement, she was furious. She finds forgiveness hard to grant."

  He was right about that. “I really thought there was something between her and Damon."

  "Hardly likely?"

  "Why not? He's her age and an attractive man."

  "Just take my word that he's not her type.” He drew me closer. “I've made a decision that could change things for us. I'm putting my retirement on hold."

  He sounded weary. I turned to face him. “You'll do what you feel you must, but I don't understand."

  "She'll need me."

  As always, I thought. I stared over his shoulder and struggled to hide my disappointment.

  He caressed my shoulders. “I know. Another
delay."

  And for the same reason.

  I forced a smile. “We're friends and will always have that. Let me get back to work so our guests won't starve."

  After preparing the garlic bread, I assembled the dessert. Pound cake sliced in layers, sweetened ricotta cheese with bits of chocolate and walnuts added. Later I'd ice the cake with a milk chocolate glaze.

  When all but the last minute things were done, I changed into a forest green dress. Then I carried a mug of aromatic tea to the living room and sat in one of the chairs facing the fireplace. Strains of Chopin filled the air.

  Lars folded his newspaper. “Guess you couldn't wear the necklace tonight."

  "Would clash.” Soon I'd have to tell him they were gone, but not tonight.

  "All set?"

  "Until they arrive. What have you been doing?"

  "Mulling matters."

  "You mentioned several businesses Carl recommended that failed. How closely were you involved with them?"

  "Just the first one and we bailed out before we took a real loss. The second one Bonnie oversaw while I was back east. We didn't fare as well. Why do you ask?"

  I cradled the mug for warmth and courage. What I planned to say might upset him. “Could these businesses have been chosen as a way to siphon money into someone's pockets?"

  His groan was long and loud. “You have a devious mind, but you could be right. Carl always needs money. I trusted him. So did Bonnie. I let her handle the second venture. Wanted her to have a chance to prove herself. Was that wrong?"

  "No.” The blame was in not being willing to admit none of his children had the touch or the interest. Bonnie's failure explained why he wanted Don to give up art and try business.

  I leaned toward him. “I know she denies knowing about the company in Florida. Could she be lying? Could that be her way of persuading Carl to agree to the divorce?"

  "Kate, please. Don't blame her for everything."

  "I'm not. Just looking at the possibilities. Maybe you should just close up shop."

  "I would, but Bonnie's life is built around the idea of being in control of the company."

  "And your life is controlled by taking care of her.” The words rushed out and my regret was instant.

  He reached for my hand. “Perhaps and perhaps I'm responsible for her attitudes."