A Christmas to Die For_Mrs. A 1

by Kristine Frost

  "Walter Van Ostendorf was a crook. You know the kind. They use the law to make money hurting innocent people. When Walter died about a couple of years ago his widow took over the company. She's a hundred times worse than her husband. When I'm around her she reminds me of a Black Widow spider. She is poison through and through."

  Mrs. Arbuthnot looked at John. "You're sure of your facts, I take it?"

  "Positive." John declared. "If you want more information you can call Phillip Rochdale. He was the one who investigated the whole mess."

  Mrs. Arbuthnot walked over to the telephone. She picked up the receiver and dialed a number. She was quickly connected with Arbuthnot Management Systems.

  "Gladys, this is Ruth. Connect me with Gerald Ripley."

  Martin pointed to the other phone. "Can I listen in?" Mrs. A. nodded. Martin and John hurried to the other phone and held it between them.

  "Gerald. This is Ruth.There is a Jim Park coming to see you on Monday. Find a job for him."

  "But Ruth we just laid off a bunch of men." Ripley protested vehemently.

  "Yes, but I also know that they were men who weren't working out. He can replace Fred Clements. He retires in six months. Fred can train him."

  "But Ruth, I thought Danny Emery should get the job." Ripley’s tone was strident.

  "I told you before,” Ruth said patiently, “Danny just doesn't have enough experience or enough know-how to be a building foreman. Jim Park does. Danny can be Jim’s assistant which would put him in line for the next foreman’s job that comes open. If you give Danny a raise, and tell him he’s next in line, he’ll be okay with this change. Danny will learn a lot from Jim. He's good, loyal and trustworthy."

  "That's not what's been filtering down through the grapevine."

  "Listen. Gerald, I know for a fact that he was framed by our dear friend, Alice Van Ostendorf. Give Jim the job. Then I want you to do two other things for me."

  He moaned. "Ruth, I hate it when you talk in that tone of voice. I know I'm in for it."

  Ignoring the moan, Mrs. Arbuthnot continued. "I want you to find out what hospital Jim Park was in."

  John covered his receiver with his hand. “El Paso General,” he whispered.

  “Okay, he was in El Paso General. I want his hospital bills paid, but I don’t want my name to come into it. Make it look like the Industrial Commission or some non-profit did it.”

  “But Ruth, the Industrial Commission is a government department.”

  “Gerald, just use your ingenuity. Leave the name blank on the money order. Have the hospital send a letter saying it’s paid.”

  He sighed. “All right, but if I get arrested, I’ll expect the fine and court costs to be paid by the company.”

  “I promise I’ll pay them. Just get it done and done quickly. I don’t want the Parks to lose any more than they already have. Let me know how it goes.”

  Lepley frowned. “Since it’s been four days since the kidnapping, I was told to switch the phones to automatic. If someone calls, they will automatically switch to tracking mode, but after the attack on Ann, I’m thinking that I need to put guards on the two—he looked at Martin—the three of you.”

  Ruth met Martin’s eyes, then said, “I don’t think that it’s necessary. I’ll have Bryan, my security chief, send up some body guards. That way, you won’t have to go against Director Carlson but we’ll be protected.

  Lepley looked suspicious, but all he said was. “Thanks. That makes me feel better.”

  Ruth said, “I’ve been thinking about the ransom note. I also told Max DeWitt about the note. We think that Allison and Antonia were kidnapped because of my business dealings. He thinks the ransom note was sent to keep me occupied so I wouldn’t keep investigating Paradise and several other people in my other companies that have government contracts. He thinks that these people are selling government secrets to terrorists.”

  Lepley nodded. “We already notified all the relevant groups.”

  “I know. I’ve already had visits from some of them. Max told me very bluntly, that no matter what I do, my granddaughter and her friend are probably dead. He said most kidnappings don’t have happy endings.”

  Lepley looked sad. “That’s true, too. We try but most of the time the person who is kidnapped is killed before the kidnappers ever send out a ransom note.”

  Ruth bit her lip, then swallowed hard. “I will go ahead with the ransom drop, just in case, but Max thinks that I will get another note changing the amount, time and place. His men are going to handle the drop since the kidnappers specified no police.”

  “Who is the Max? You mentioned him once before.” Duncan said.

  “Max DeWitt runs an extraction service, although he does other things like the ransom drop for me. I met him in Hawaii last summer.” Quickly she told him about Suzette Bishop, the kidnapping and the horrible aftermath where Ruth and Suzette’s grandfather was kidnapped. She explained about the end of the affair.

  “So you see, I’m in good hands. Max knows what he’s doing.”

  “If you trust him, then I think it’s a good idea, if he checks out. Can I have his contact information.”

  Ruth looked at Martin who wrote a number on a pad and handed it to Lepley.

  “There is another thing. Since the odds are against my getting the girls back, I want to offer a reward for information. If someone has hurt my girls, I want them and I want them badly. I’ll pay up to $500,000 for verifiable information about the kidnapping.”

  “But what about the ransom?”

  “I’ll have the reporters announce that I think it is bogus because it came so long after the kidnapping. I believe that I’ll get another note or a call. Max thinks I should keep whoever is behind all of this off balance. This is a good way to do it.” Her voice trembled a little and she had to wipe her eyes with an embroidered handkerchief.

  “I never liked that ransom note.” Duncan said. “I’ve never heard of a ransom note being left at a receptionist’s desk with only a nickname on it. I’ve been wondering if it’s a copycat trying to make money off a published kidnapping.”

  Martin nodded. “I wondered the same thing. There are a lot of scavengers who don’t hesitate to prey on people who are hurting.”

  Where is Judith Lathrop. She should be here. The thought popped into Ruth’s brain. She said, “Inspector, I thought I’d be hearing from Judith Lathrop. Didn’t you notify her?”

  “We haven’t been able to contact her. From what Senator Lathrop’s staff told me, they are somewhere in China or Mongolia combining business and pleasure. I left a message to have them contact me when they call in, but so far, I haven’t heard anything.”

  “Thank the heavens for small blessings. I’ve been dreading having Judith descend on me. She won’t be happy and when she’s unhappy she’s very vocal.”

  Lepley nodded. “I don’t like it, but I don’t see what else I can do.”

  Ann said, “What about Bob?”

  Ruth nodded. “I will include his name with the girls. He’s an employee and deserving of my loyalty.”

  “We’ve been pressuring our sources for information but so far, we haven’t heard anything. A reward like that might bring them out of the woodwork.”

  “I’m afraid you’ll have more tips than we or the police can handle.” Lepley said. “It will take weeks and we don’t have weeks.”

  “Max has people who can check them out. He has a lot of retired people—people who are smart and loyal, but who can’t do the rigorous work his younger men do. His men have to pass a stringent physical every three months. He told me he can muster up to 200 men to follow the tips, if we need them. It will cost me, but I don’t care about that.”

  Lepley nodded. “That’s a relief. It looks like you have all the bases covered. I think you should go ahead with it since you understand that it might not get your granddaughter back.”

  “It might just stir up some greed in the gang who’s involved. You might get more than you bargained
for.” Duncan said.

  Martin picked up the phone. “I’ll contact your four choices, and then set up the news conference.”

  Lepley grabbed Martin’s arm. “I don’t have enough people to help you. Make sure that this Max and Bryan can handle the fallout. Things could get brutal.”

  Chapter 21

  El Paso

  A few minutes after Lepley and Duncan left, there was a sharp tap at the door. Ruth jumped nervously, then sprang to her feet. Martin beat her to the peephole by two steps. He looked out, then opened the door on the security chain. When he saw who it was, he shut the door, removed the security chain and then opened the door.

  “Dr. Craig,” Mrs. Arbuthnot said as she hurried forward to shake his hand. “I didn’t know you were coming.”

  “I called him, ma’am.” Martin said.

  “Don’t call me ma’am. Don’t use that word as an excuse to get me off track.”

  “I wouldn’t dream of it.” Martin said with a smirk. “I called Dr. Craig because I am afraid you are going crash and burn. I know you won’t listen to an old duffer like me so I called in reinforcements.”

  Before she could continue, Dr. Craig took her hand and led her to the sofa. “Dear Ruth, Martin is right. After swearing me to secrecy, he told me about your granddaughter and her friends. He told me about the murder and the young woman you have staying with you. He also told me about the altercations you’ve had with Chief Wilson and Dr. Menzies. I believe he is right to be concerned about you.”

  Mrs. A took a deep breath. “I have to admit that it has been a stressful few days. It’s not what has happened that is stressing me, though. It’s what hadn’t happened.”

  Dr. Craig frowned. “What hadn’t happened?”

  “It’s been four days and we only got the ransom demand last night. It was delivered to the Tribune. Tom Cramer brought it to me. They only want five hundred thousand to get the girls back which I can easily get, but they don’t tell how they would deliver the girls, just how the money is to be delivered. I don’t feel very trusting. I want some assurance that the girls will be available to trade when the money is delivered.”

  “Have any bodies been found?”

  “No. Inspector Lepley has put out a warrant so that he’ll be notified if any Jane Doe’s surface anywhere in the United States or Mexico. So far, nothing.”

  Dr. Craig frowned. “I see. Of course, you can’t keep from awfulizing so your mind keeps seeing horrible pictures.”

  Mrs. A nodded and wiped the tears that were running down her cheeks.

  He took her wrist and felt for her pulse. Then he checked her eyes and glands. “I think you are suffering from shock. Your iron will has forced your body to keep functioning, even though your body is fighting you every step of the way which frustrates you more. I am going to give you a couple of--”

  “I don’t want to take anything that will--”

  He held up his hand. “I promise you that these won’t impair anything. All they will do is lower your cortisol levels. Trust me, Ruth. If you don’t do something now, your body will shut down when you need it the most. I am only going to give you three for right now. You will take one right now, one in the morning and one tomorrow night. You should be back to normal by tomorrow. The one for tomorrow night is a precaution just in case things don’t work out with the ransom demand.”

  He put a small white pill in her hand. Martin poured her a small glass of water from the carafe that stood on a clear, crystal tray. Dr. Craig handed Martin a tiny plastic bag containing two pills.

  “Martin, please be sure she takes these, tomorrow.”

  “I will, doctor.”

  Dr. Craig got to his feet. “I need to be going. I have a big day tomorrow.” Martin helped him on with his overcoat. He stopped at the door, paused and turned back to Ruth. “I checked your young friend before I left the maternity wing. She is doing remarkably well in that environment. She was up talking to one of the young mothers. The nurse told me that she was helping with one of the babies that hasn’t been doing well. The mother nearly died and hasn’t been able to do much with the baby so Mary is filling in and helping the mother, too. I think she’ll be able to come home a lot sooner than Dr. Gordon thought, providing that there are no more attacks.”

  After Dr. Craig left, Ruth lay down on the sofa. “I am tired. What time are Tom and the others coming?”

  “You have about an hour. If you’ll rest, I’ll get the cake and coffee ready.”

  Ruth had turned on her side and was already asleep.

  Ann motioned to the kitchen. Martin nodded and they tiptoed into the kitchen.

  “Martin, I need to get back to work. I can come here after work, if that’s okay, but I don’t want to lose my job. Besides, I need to keep an eye on Roger. Nothing is going to convince me that he isn’t behind Bob’s disappearance.”

  Martin looked thoughtful, then said quietly. “I’ll call Bryan. He can have someone from security take you to your office since you don’t have a car. If you call when you’re ready to leave, I’ll have someone pick you up. I did have Bryan station a couple of security people outside your apartment.”

  “Thanks. I need to go there this morning to get some more clothes. I can’t wear jeans to work.”

  Martin nodded and flipped open his cell phone. After he talked to Bryan, he said, “Let me show you the service elevator. It locks with a key so you should be safe using it. Bryan will have Gunnar waiting at the bottom to take you to your apartment and work.”

  An hour later, there was a knock at the door. Jerked awake, Ruth sat up. “I didn’t think I’d sleep like that. I wonder what was in that pill.”

  Martin looked at his watch. “I’m sure it’s Cramer and his bunch.”

  He opened the door and ushered the four men into the living room.

  “Come in,” Ruth said as she got up from the sofa. She motioned them to the chairs around the coffee table. “Help yourself to the cake and coffee.” She smiled as Martin bent to lift her legs. “I hope you don’t mind if I lie down—Doctor’s orders.”

  After they all had cake and coffee, she said, “Gentlemen, I think you know why I’ve asked you here today.”

  “Sure, Mrs. A., you want a favor.” Tom Cramer teased.

  “Tom, you are a bit of a stinker, but I like you and you’re right. I do want a favor. However, I fully intend to do you a favor in return.”

  Tom pulled out a notebook. “You don’t owe me anything. Just tell me what you want me to do.”

  The other men pulled out their notebooks.

  “I appreciate that, Tom.” She looked at the other men. “I am giving you a one-day exclusive to break this story. After you break it, I’m calling a press conference which I’d like, you, Tom to handle.”

  Tom nodded. “I’ll do whatever you need.”

  She smiled. “Thanks, Tom.” Quickly she told them what had happened including the ransom note. “I have consulted several experts and they think the ransom note could be bogus—someone trying to get money for something someone else did.”

  Martin handed out photos of the two girls. There were pictures of the girls in casual poses and then a studio portrait of each one. Then he handed out a picture of Bob Black.

  “Who’s this?” Jeremy asked.

  “That’s Bob Black. He was investigating Weldon when he disappeared. We believe that he has been kidnapped. I’d like you to show his picture, too.”

  She looked at each of the three men. “I am willing to pay up to 500,000 dollars for information leading to the return of the girls and Bob or to the conviction of the kidnappers.”

  Tom said, “That’s a lot of money.”

  “It sure is,” Neil Patrick said. “Aren’t you afraid of worthless tips? And how are you going to handle the traffic these tips are going to generate.”

  “Good question. I’m sure there will be worthless tips. We are expecting that. This isn’t for publication, but we aren’t using the police. I’ve hired an extraction
service to check out all the tips. There will be operators standing by at the number Martin is giving you to take the calls. The phone company has put in fifty lines and I have that many operators ready to take the calls. It’s all set up so that as soon as the number goes out, there be people to answer.”

  Jeremy Lund said, “That’s why there are three of us—one from each division of the news, TV, radio and print.”

  “That’s right. I’d like to have all three of you set it up so that the story hits the public in a blitz. Tom, I had you hold the presses so this can go out front page. The paper hits the streets at, what 5:30?”

  “Yes. Of course, the papers that are delivered get there around six.”

  She looked at Neil and Jeremy. “I want you to do a ‘just in’ and the story at 5:30. Can you do that for me?”

  Neil said, “I’m the anchor tonight. I can announce it at 5:35. We always have a bottom of the hour commercial. A lot of people tune in around 5:30 when they get home from work.”

  “I do the news tonight. I’ll make sure we break the story at 5:35. We’ll catch those people on their way home from work. A lot of people listen to the news while they travel home from work.” Jeremy added.

  “So how do you want us to play it?” Neil asked.

  “I thought about a sob story,” Ruth said.

  “No.” Cramer looked thoughtful. “I think you should be natural. You’re angry about this aren’t you?”

  “You have no idea how furious I am,” she said through gritted teeth. “If I came across the kidnappers right now and I had a gun in my hand, I’d shoot and I’d shoot to kill.”

  “What about the FBI. How do they feel about the reward?” Jeremy looked at his notebook.

  “They are okay with it. I checked with them before Martin called you.”

  Tom nodded. “We’ll put that in. I think we ought to tell the world the truth. You’re angry at what’s happened to your family. You’re willing to pay good money to help them. It’s a story that will be believed because it’ll ring true because it is true. It will also generate a lot of sympathy for you. I know we’ve hit the Weldon investigation hard. Do you want us to say that you think that investigation and the kidnapping are related? You do think that, don’t you?”