Carol Higgins Clark Boxed Set - Volume 1: This eBook collection contains Zapped, Cursed, and Wrecked.

by Clark, Carol Higgins

  61

  What in tarnation?” Ethel cried. “Mugs, slide over. I want to see what’s going on!”

  In her effort to escape, Lois shoved a waiter who was carrying a tray of tropical drinks. Peach slices, berries, and glasses of sugary sweet liquid went flying. She stumbled and started to fall. Nelson grabbed her arm.

  “What’s your hurry?” he asked.

  Lois scowled at him.

  “We’re going to have to arrest you for disorderly conduct. The thing is, you’ll have to take those gloves off before we slap on the handcuffs.”

  Dean climbed over Cody to get out of the booth. “I’ve got to see this.”

  “Regan, I can’t take it,” Abigail whispered.

  Lois started to cry as she yanked off the gloves. Her hands were rough and irritated, the nails worn down to the quick. A jagged purple scar ran across the top of her right hand.

  No wonder she needed that lotion, Ethel thought. Look what happens when you don’t use it for two days. The redness comes right back.

  “Who’s your agent?” Dean sneered. “Which hand is Meryl and which is Angelina?”

  “Shut up!” Lois yelled. “I hope your movie never gets made!” She looked over at Abigail. “I’m sorry. I started wearing gloves after my hand was slashed a couple of years ago. Someone asked me if I was a hand model. I got carried away. At first it was fun…”

  Abigail just stared at her in disbelief. “What do you do for a living?”

  “I clean houses…”

  “You clean for anyone under eighty years old?” Nelson asked sarcastically. “I doubt it. I can’t wait to hear what you do with your free time, besides, of course, accompanying elderly people like Nicky Tendril to their spouse’s gravesite every weekend. Let’s go.” He turned to Dean. “By the way, if you write a script on your own, I’d be happy to take a look at it.”

  Dean gave him the thumbs up.

  The whole room was still as Lois was handcuffed and led away by Vormbrock and Nelson.

  Cody broke the silence. “Abigail, I’m sorry. I promise I’ll pay you back tomorrow. I’ll borrow the money from my mother. All of a sudden, she’s trying to make up for my miserable childhood.”

  “I’m leaving!” Stella cried. She turned on her heels and flounced out dramatically.

  Ethel hurried over to Abigail’s side and put her arm protectively around her granddaughter. “What have we here?” she asked.

  “Grandma, this is Cody. I lent him the money you gave me to buy a house. Then he disappeared. I didn’t want to tell you…”

  Ethel smacked Cody on the side of the head. “That’s no way to treat my granddaughter.”

  “I know that. I’m sorry. I promise I’ll pay her back tomorrow.”

  “You’re a disgrace.”

  “Grandma, I’m sorry. I never should have…”

  Ethel kissed Abigail’s cheek. “No you shouldn’t have, honey, but we all make mistakes. You’ve been through enough today. Let’s go back to the booth and order dinner. I’m hungry! I never eat this late.”

  Abigail turned to Regan. “Ready for dinner?”

  “I sure am,” Regan said with a smile. “Now we can really celebrate your birthday.”

  Ethel and Abigail turned and started walking arm in arm back to the booth. “Honey, I remember the day you were born,” Ethel was saying. “Even though it was Friday the thirteenth, we were all so thrilled…”

  Regan turned to Cody, who couldn’t look her in the eye. “I know you say you’ll pay Abigail. But I’m a little less trusting than she is. Can I have your contact information, please?”

  Dean whipped out his business card. “Here’s my number and address. I’ll make it my personal business to insure that Cody pays Abigail back every cent!”

  Regan took both their cards and turned away. Her eyes met the openmouthed stare of the woman who had identified Lois. “Would you like to join us for dinner?” Regan asked. “We have an extra place at the table.”

  “I’d love to!” Gloria said quickly.

  “Head on over to the booth. I think I’d better call my husband.”

  Wednesday, January 14th

  62

  By the next morning, numerous sorry details about Lois had come to light. Abigail and Regan were in Brennan’s kitchen sipping coffee when Detective Nelson called to fill them in.

  “Do you mind if I put you on speaker phone?” Abigail asked.

  “Not at all. Make yourselves comfortable. That woman had a lot to say. She must be hoping for leniency.”

  Abigail and Regan sat across from each other, listening to an account of the dastardly deeds of someone who Abigail had considered a friend.

  Lois used several aliases and disguises. Wigs and various kinds of clothing and makeup were found in the trunk of her car. She played many different roles in her attempts to get close to elderly people. Cleaning houses, offering rides, assistance in paying bills. She gained their trust, drained their bank accounts, and then was on her way.

  When Lois learned that Nicky Tendril was a millionaire, she tracked his movements for a couple of weeks, following him to the Pearly Gates Cemetery two Sundays in a row. On the following Sunday, she waited for Nicky at the cemetery and introduced herself when he was at his wife’s grave. She told him that her mother was buried in Pennsylvania, and she couldn’t visit her grave very often. Because she felt so bad, she came to the Pearly Gates on Sundays to walk among the tombstones, praying for all the departed, particularly her mother.

  Lois was jealous of Abigail. Even though Abigail said she was cursed, it seemed to Lois she had a much easier life. Abigail always got the attention from guys when they went out. She liked her job. Had fun on the set. Had friends. She didn’t have to hide who she was. It frustrated Lois, who felt like she never got a break, so she purposely did things to trip Abigail up. Like having someone call and tell Abigail that mattresses were to be delivered to a home she was house-sitting at a time when Abigail was desperate to find Cody. But the most surprising thing of all was the identity of the man who made that call.

  “Who was that?” Abigail interrupted.

  “A guy named Oscar. Your friend Kaitlyn’s boss.”

  Abigail’s jaw dropped. She shook her head and continued listening.

  Oscar’s number was on the speed dial of Lois’s cell phone and records showed that she called him and he called her several times a day. Lois had met him when she tagged along with Abigail on a trip to the Orange Grove facility. She didn’t want to miss any opportunity to visit a place where there would be vulnerable elderly people. When she and Oscar were introduced, there was an immediate connection. The police were now checking into Oscar’s background and the possibility of fraudulent Medicare claims emanating from his office at Orange Grove.

  Oscar had been with Lois at Jimbo’s the night Lois saw Cody. He told her she shouldn’t bother to tell Abigail she’d seen Cody.

  Most important, Lois confessed to Nicky Tendril’s murder, though she claimed it was an accident. She had parked the car near Nicky’s apartment and was shocked when she saw Dean running out the door. Then Cody. Once they were gone, Lois went inside. Nicky was anxious and upset, but so was she. They were in the kitchen. She asked Nicky why the two men had been there. He waved his hand at her and told her it was none of her business. She had come to pick up five thousand dollars that she was supposedly going to use to have a special new headstone made for his wife. She picked the envelope of cash off the counter and started to stuff it into her purse. Nicky blew up. “Everyone wants to take my money!” he yelled as he grabbed her bag.

  Lois gave him a shove. She swears she never intended to kill him.

  Regan and Abigail looked at each other.

  “Poor Nicky,” Abigail said.

  “One more thing, Abigail,” Nelson continued, “Nicky wasn’t the one who wrote ‘witch’ on your picture.”

  Abigail was silent for a moment. ‘’I’m really happy to hear that,” she said softly.


  63

  For the second night in a row, Regan, Abigail, and Kaitlyn gathered at Mugs’s apartment. They were there to celebrate the successful conclusion of intense negotiations between Mugs and Ethel over the purchase price of the apartment and also to toast the fact that Cody had actually handed over the money. His mother had wired him the funds. She was vacationing in Palm Beach, Florida, but had managed to get it done immediately. Abigail and Regan had met Cody in a supermarket parking lot where he was holding a certified check. Abigail couldn’t help but ask about the movie. Pristavec hadn’t pulled out, because he felt sorry for Dean and had already planned his screening party. But Dean and Cody had to hurry and find a new star. Stella was already back in New York.

  Gloria was also in attendance, proud of herself for recognizing Lois.

  Walter had been invited to join the ladies tonight and was in his glory. “I just knew if I called a meeting, we’d figure out something that would help the police. I just wish I’d been there at the Polo Lounge to see it all unfold…”

  “It was something,” Mugs said. “When the two detectives walked in, I couldn’t believe it. And then Abigail knew them! It was crazy.”

  “I still can’t understand why you didn’t tell us yesterday that your friend had been murdered,” Ethel said.

  “But, Ethel,” Mugs answered, “I hadn’t seen you in so long, and it was Abigail’s birthday. It’s a sad story. I didn’t want that to be the first thing I brought up…”

  Kaitlyn was in shock about her boss. “Last night I said it was a tough day at work. You should have seen it today. Federal agents were swarming the place.”

  Regan looked over at Abigail. With all she’s been through, she finally looks at peace, Regan thought. This apartment will be perfect for her.

  And Walter and Ethel seemed to be hitting it off. They were sitting next to each other on the couch, smiling and laughing. They truly looked as if they’d both been shot by Cupid’s bow. Abigail caught Regan’s gaze, subtly pointed to the two of them, and grinned.

  Regan’s cell phone rang. “It’s Jack.” She walked out to the terrace and flipped open her phone.

  “Hey there.”

  “Hey yourself. You didn’t come across any stalkers today, did you?”

  “Not a one.”

  “Any more earthquakes?”

  “Nope.”

  “I miss you.”

  “I miss you, too.”

  “You didn’t decide to move back to Los Angeles, did you?”

  “Not a chance.”

  Abigail appeared at the terrace door. “Tell Jack that thanks to you, I no longer feel cursed!”

  Regan laughed. “I will. Jack, did you hear that?”

  “I did. So now that Abigail’s curse has been lifted, are you ready to come home?”

  “I certainly am.”

  “What do you think of flying to Miami tomorrow? We’ll stay for the weekend and get some sun. The weather in New York is lousy.”

  “I’d love that,” Regan said.

  “Good. I already bought your ticket.”

  “Perfect!”

  “You sure? If you don’t get the rest of your stuff out of your mother’s garage before she gets back, you might end up cursed.”

  Regan laughed. “No I won’t, Jack. Not if I’m with you…”

  Three months later

  64

  Regan and Jack were in their bedroom getting ready to go to a NYC Police Foundation Gala at the Waldorf Hotel. Luke and Nora were meeting them there. Regan’s cell phone rang as she was combing her hair.

  She walked over to the dresser and picked up her phone. “Oh, it’s Abigail. I haven’t talked to her in a while.”

  “Regan, please,” Jack said as he adjusted his tie. “I’m begging you. Don’t answer it. It’s been so peaceful…”

  With a laugh, Regan waved her hand at him dismissively. “Hello.”

  “Regan!”

  “Hi, Abigail. How are you?”

  “I’m starting work on a movie next week, thank God. I’m using the money from my settlement to redo my kitchen. But I have to tell you, the curse is back!”

  “The curse is back?” Regan repeated, surprise in her voice.

  Jack’s head whipped around from the mirror. He stared at Regan, shaking his head. “Hang up,” he mouthed.

  “Yes! I’m cursed again. Walter and my grandmother just got engaged. She’s moving to Los Angeles. His apartment is two blocks away!”

  Regan exhaled, as she burst out laughing. “Is that all?”

  “Yup.” Abigail chuckled.

  “That’s really good news. I’m so happy for them.”

  “Me, too. I don’t have to worry about her bothering me. She won’t have time! They’re planning a cruise for their honeymoon, then a trip to Florida to visit Mugs, then they want to hit Niagara Falls before the year is out. The two of them are like teenagers. I’m going to have an engagement party for them next month. Any chance you and Jack can make it?”

  “Gee, Abigail,” Regan began, “I’m just not sure. We’ll try…”

  “It would be great if you were here.” Abigail paused. “I’ve been dating this fanastic guy who I want you and Jack to meet. He’s wonderful, I know he is. But if you two give him your seal of approval, I’ll feel much better.”

  “Abigail, I know you’ve been burned, but if you really think he’s that wonderful, you should trust your instincts.”

  “I know, Regan. But there is one problem.”

  Regan braced herself. “What?”

  “He has thirteen letters in his name!”

  BOOKS BY CAROL HIGGINS CLARK

  Cursed

  Zapped

  Laced

  Hitched

  Burned

  Popped

  Jinxed

  Fleeced

  Twanged

  Iced

  Snagged

  Decked

  WITH MARY HIGGINS CLARK

  Dashing Through the Snow

  Santa Cruise

  The Christmas Thief

  He Sees You When You’re Sleeping

  Deck the Halls

  CAROL HIGGINS CLARK

  WRECKED

  A Regan Reilly Mystery

  Acknowledgments

  I would like to thank the following people for getting Wrecked—through its journey to publication.

  A very special thanks to my editor, Roz Lippel. I am so grateful for her constant hard work, wonderful guidance, and best of all, her dedication to my books. Thank you, Roz! I couldn’t have a better person at the helm!

  Associate Director of Copyediting Gypsy da Silva.

  Scribner Publishing Manager Kara Watson.

  Scribner Art Director Rex Bonomelli.

  Senior Production Manager Lisa Erwin.

  Copyeditor Anne Cherry.

  Proofreader Ted Landry.

  Designer Carla Jones.

  My publicist, Lisl Cade.

  My agent, Esther Newberg.

  My mother, Mary Higgins Clark, my aunt Irene Clark, and the rest of my family and friends who saw me through the storm.

  The sun’s out now! Thank you all!

  In memory of Denis J. Carey III

  “DJ”

  Whose multitude of friends remember him with joy

  DJ—New York City isn’t the same without you!

  Contents

  Acknowledgements

  Part 1: Friday, April 7th

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Part 2: Earlier that morning

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

&nbs
p; Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Chapter 46

  Chapter 47

  Chapter 48

  Chapter 49

  Chapter 50

  Chapter 51

  Chapter 52

  Chapter 53

  Chapter 54

  Chapter 55

  Chapter 56

  Chapter 57

  Part 3: Saturday, April 8th

  Chapter 58

  Chapter 59

  Chapter 60

  Chapter 61

  Part 4: Sunday, April 9th

  Chapter 62

  WRECKED

  Friday, April 7th

  1

  Regan Reilly shivered as she padded around the kitchen of her in-laws’ summer home. Outside, the wind was howling. Sheets of rain pelted against the house. At the sink Regan stopped and stared out the window. As far as the eye could see, whitecaps churned in the waters of Cape Cod Bay.

  Regan pulled her terry-cloth bathrobe more tightly around her waist and smiled. I love this weather, she thought. There’s nothing like riding out a storm in a house like this. She and her husband, Jack, had driven up from Manhattan the night before to spend a quiet weekend in celebration of their first wedding anniversary. Arriving just as the bad weather started, they’d lit a fire in the den, poured glasses of wine, and enjoyed the basket of sandwiches and fruit and cheese Regan had prepared for the trip. They relished being alone and just doing as they pleased for the next three days. The only big plans they had were to go out for dinner on Sunday night to an award-winning restaurant on the water that had been converted from an old captain’s house and served only twelve meals a night. Apparently the chef could get a little cranky if he was asked to cook a morsel more.