Chasing Treasure: Granite Lake Romance

by Jody A. Kessler

  “You know how bad,” Bodie said. When they were growing up, it had always been Rob who reacted with fists first. His temper ran hot and his fuse short. It made for some interesting teenaged years. “I wanted to drive straight to Reno when she told me what was going on. The only thing that stopped me was the image of you ranting and raving after you showed up to bail me out of jail.”

  “I didn’t study the law for no reason,” Rob said. “I’m glad you didn’t call me from jail, either. It’s not usually worth it.”

  “Yeah, now Rob knows how to manipulate the law better,” Shane said.

  “Hey, if you’re going to educate yourself, do it for your own interests.”

  Bodie shook his head. “Anyway, I’m assuming this guy is trying to scare her into silence.”

  “Intimidation works,” Shane said. “Show me what she sent you.”

  Bodie passed the printed copies of Treasure’s papers to his brother.

  He read them over and passed them to Rob. Shane started typing on the keyboard.

  “I’ve got him.” Shane started reading off his laptop monitor. “The lawyer, Mr. A-hole Trouski, is Court’s brother-in-law. And it gets better. The wife is soon to be his ex-wife. Court has previous charges of sexual assault about two years ago, but the charges were dropped.”

  “Damn,” Bodie said under his breath. He drummed his fingers on the table and considered what Shane just revealed.

  “How did she meet this guy?” Rob asked.

  “In a bar.”

  “That doesn’t help her side of the story,” he said as he continued reading the non-disclosure statement.

  “No, it doesn’t.”

  “If what Treasure told you is true, she should not sign this pitiful excuse of a legal document. Do you have any reason to doubt her?” Rob laid the papers aside and drank some beer.

  “I trust her. She shared more about what happened than I ever should have heard. From any woman’s lips. This guy deserves jail time.”

  “We’ll figure this out for her,” Rob said with confidence.

  “You don’t have to do anything else, Rob. Reading it over confirmed my thoughts. Now, I have to work out a plan of action.”

  “No way you’re leaving me out of the fun part. I’m in on this. Do you have any idea how incredibly boring my job is?”

  “Yeah, but the pay scale makes up for it.”

  “It does,” Rob agreed.

  They took a long drink of the porter.

  “Even if all I do is negotiate with Mr. Trouski, I want to be there.”

  Shane continued to search the internet and utilize his connections. “Let me keep digging tonight. After our meeting with the restaurant suppliers tomorrow, we’ll pay these losers a visit.”

  Eighteen

  SHANE’S EXPERIENCE in private investigating became invaluable as the three Everett brothers devised a plan to help Treasure out of her predicament.

  After leaving the meeting with the restaurant supplier, they hopped into Shane’s SUV. Bodie laid the manila folder full of spreadsheets and purchase estimates on the seat next to him.

  “I’m going to put Mrs. Prescott on speaker phone. Let me handle this part, okay?” Shane asked from the front seat.

  “Sure,” Bodie said.

  The phone rang and a feminine voice answered.

  “Hello? Mrs. Prescott, this Shane Everett. I work for Thompson and Everett Investigative Solutions. I’m calling about your husband, Court.”

  “I don’t think I should be talking to you,” Kassie Prescott said.

  Bodie thought his brother would be hung up on as they listened to the silent pause through the line. Shane filled the gap quickly.

  “We are aware of the financial debts your husband has incurred over the past few years. I’d like to speak to you in person. Would meeting you in person be possible?”

  “I don’t want anything to do with my prick husband. You should talk to my lawyer.”

  “Is that a Mr. Charles Trouski?”

  She went quiet again.

  “If you would be willing to speak with me, I can show you the findings on Mr. Prescott’s default accounts. My client is currently seeking to collect funds owed to him. I assure you I’m not looking for any money from you personally. I’m aware of the financial settlement with Mr. Prescott concerning the divorce. If we could talk, there’s a good chance I can help the settlement lean heavily in your favor.”

  “I should talk to my brother, I mean, my attorney, before speaking to you.”

  Bodie understood her hesitancy and couldn’t blame her.

  “That’s fine, Mrs. Prescott. My client is anxious to move before all funds are distributed. I thought you would want some of the money owed to you before it’s gone.”

  “What money?”

  “I’m willing to show you what I’ve discovered. How about meeting me and my partner at Three Beans coffee shop on Sixth Avenue? Do you know it?” Shane asked.

  “Fine. Give me an hour.”

  “Thank you. See you soon.” Shane ended the call and grinned at Bodie in the back seat.

  “How did you do that?” Rob asked.

  “That was nothin’,” Shane said.

  “Spinning bullshit has always come naturally to you,” Bodie said.

  “And I have years of practice. Besides, there wasn’t much bullshit to spread. The Prescotts have over a hundred grand in debt. She inherited about the same amount of money six years ago. There are multiple vehicle registrations in his name and stacks of credit cards. I’ve been doing this long enough to put two and two together.”

  “I’m not sure how you put up with these people. I wouldn’t. You’re the man.” Bodie slugged Shane’s upper arm.

  “You got that right, and don’t forget it. Let’s hope she’s like most scorned wives and is bitter and vengeful.”

  * * *

  Shane turned on the Everett charm. He smiled while somehow remaining considerate of Kassie Prescott’s plight as he shook hands and pulled out her chair.

  Kassie was of medium height, had glossy brunette hair, and a voluptuous chest that appeared out of balance with her narrow hips. She was good looking in the sort of plastic way so many women strived to achieve.

  She wasn’t wearing her wedding ring, even though Treasure had mentioned the huge rock Kassie flaunted at the meeting. Shane introduced Bodie as his partner. He smiled, and tried to play his role convincingly and professionally. They wanted dirt on Court. Enough to establish the lying bastard he really was, and any information to help prove Treasure’s innocence.

  Shane reached into his briefcase and pulled out a pile of papers. He handed over a business card. Kassie read the card and set it down on the table in front of her.

  “My attorney was unable to join us,” she said.

  She appeared apprehensive, but not unwilling to hear them out. Bodie planned on leaving most of the interpreting to Shane. His brother’s ability to read people and extract the information he wanted was part of what made him good at his job.

  “Please, tell me if you would like me to stop at any time. I’m not here to make you uncomfortable. I understand how you must feel, Mrs. Prescott. I’ve dealt with hundreds of cases similar to yours. Your cooperation is appreciated and could speed up the case, which could lead to receiving the money owed to you sooner.”

  “How do you know Court owes me money?” Suspicion settled in her eyes.

  Bodie interrupted. “Can I buy you a coffee or anything else to drink?”

  “No, thanks. I want answers. And I want my damned money. You have no idea what it’s been like being married to a lying, cheating, money-grubbing pig for eight years. I’ve wasted the best part of my life on the asshole. I want my money and to never speak to him again.”

  Bodie glanced at his brother. This was exactly what Shane hoped for. A pissed off ex who was willing to share all the sordid details. Shane kept his expression sympathetic as she continued.

  “He spent my inheritance on cars, moto
rcycles, and vacations. Sure, we went on a couple of expensive trips, but then he brought some slut to Barbados and thought I wouldn’t find out about it.”

  “I’m terribly sorry, Kassie. You don’t deserve to be treated that way.”

  “I’m so sick of his bullshit. The other day, he promises me five thousand dollars if I’ll sit with him in some meeting and pretend to be a doting wife while one of his whores tries to accuse him of sexual harassment. The crazy thing is, I fell for it. My brother tried to tell me to get the money upfront. I should have listened. Court gave me a thousand in cash, but as soon as we left, he started spewing the usual excuses about how the sale of his stupid motorcycle fell through. Blah freaking blah… as soon as he sells the bike he’ll be over to deliver my money. Yeah, right. I won’t hold my breath on an empty promise.”

  “Another sexual harassment charge?” Shane asked as if he had no knowledge of the recent meeting.

  “I’m sure you’ve found the previous charges from two years ago. The worst part is, I stood by him through all of those lies. Back then, I believed him. My brother and Court made the woman disappear. It wasn’t until I discovered him cheating with someone else that I realized how stupid I was.” Her gaze shifted away from Shane’s and she stared out the window of the coffee shop.

  “Why did you attend the hearing when you knew this other woman was in the right?” Bodie asked, incredulous. It was unthinkable in his mind that Kassie would do anything to help her lying, cheating soon-to-be ex-husband.

  She sighed and turned her gaze on Bodie. “I’m not proud of it, but I need the money. He said he had five K for me. He told me he would lose his job if I didn’t go with him. If he gets fired, I’ll never see any of the cash. I hate him, but I need to live, too.”

  Bodie blinked and then blinked again at her logic. He was speechless. The woman didn’t even consider she was ruining Treasure’s future.

  Shane kept the ball rolling. “This has been informative, Kassie. Thank you for speaking with us. Can you verify Court still owns these vehicles? Can you tell us if he has any other assets that may not be public knowledge?”

  Shane presented a page listing a couple of classic cars and a few motorcycles.

  Kassie answered with a huff. “Yeah. He still owns those vehicles. They’re in contention for the divorce.”

  Shane guessed as much, but he needed to make this interview sound legit. He threw out some legal terms and other lingo Bodie only half heard. They rose from the table, shook hands again, and told her they would be in touch. Bodie was anxious to move onto part two of his plan. Then he would be more than ready to meet Court Prescott face to face.

  * * *

  “Hey! Long time no see,” Paul Fielding said as Bodie entered his old boss’s office. Paul clapped him on the shoulder. “I saw you on the news the other night. What an amazing response time. Outstanding job.”

  “Thanks. I couldn’t have done it without my commander. Sometimes it pays to know people.”

  “It sure does. Have a seat.” He gestured toward an empty chair.

  Bodie did his best to remain calm and focused, but the seething anger toward Court burned beneath his skin. “It’s good to be back. Thanks for seeing me on short notice.”

  “Please, tell me you’re here asking for your old job,” Paul said as he rounded the desk and took a seat. “We could really use you.”

  “Not at this time. To be honest, I’m still deciding where I want to live. And I’m busy opening a brewpub with my brothers.”

  “Sounds like quite a change.”

  “It is. I’ll be able to continue with the Mountain Division of Search and Rescue, which is what I want to do.”

  “Have your paramedic days come to an end? You’re one of the best we’ve had around here, Bodie. You and Treasure were a great team.”

  “We are. And she doesn’t deserve this kind of treatment from Washoe County EMS.”

  Paul’s face fell and he dropped his gaze for a split second. He straightened his spine before speaking. “I couldn’t believe it either, at first. But then she does have a history of partying and clubbing on her days off.”

  “Bullshit. I’ve worked with her for as long as she’s been with us. She may have had some car and motorcycle trouble here and there, but she’s as good as we are. She’s an asset to the company and you know it.”

  “I don’t want to assume the worst about Treasure, but I saw the video. She was all over the motorcycle and she placed herself in Court’s truck willingly. I’ve been pals with Court since we were young. He wouldn’t lie to me about this.”

  Bodie adjusted himself in the chair and sat back. He ran his hand down his leg and unclenched his fist from the envelope full of documents in his hand. Smoothing it out, he opened the flap and pulled out his evidence.

  “I would say I’m sorry to break the news to you about your friend, but I’m not. Court Prescott is a liar and he should be prosecuted for what he did to Treasure.” He passed the paperwork Shane prepared to his former boss.

  “What’s all this?” Paul asked, his eyebrows reaching for his hairline.

  “Proof that Court Prescott is not the person you think he is. He had other sexual assault charges filed against him. He’s in the middle of a bad divorce, and he has collection agencies coming after him any day now.”

  “But,” Paul said, and didn’t finish. He read the top sheet. “How did you find all this? Why are you in here telling me?”

  “First of all, I have more than just connections in Search and Rescue. This information was researched by a professional investigator. Second of all, Treasure needed an outside influencer. It’s disappointing the good ol’ boys network counts for more than dedication and hard work. You should have trusted her. And third, you should be asking yourself why you’re still doubting me and not your buddy. He’s an epic scumbag.” Bodie rose to his feet. “We’ve been colleagues for a few years. I thought you were above this, Paul. Read the evidence and you’ll see who Court Prescott is. And don’t skip the signed affidavit from Kassie. It’s an eye opener.”

  Paul visibly paled even as his cheeks flared hot. Bodie left the office and didn’t feel better for what he’d done. Disappointment mingled with fury. He always considered Paul to be an all right guy. The ball is in his court, Bodie thought as he stepped outside. He sincerely hoped Paul would eat the humble pie served to him and do the right thing. If not, Bodie would take the paperwork to Liz in Human Resources.

  * * *

  After leaving the ambulance barn, the three Everett brothers headed home to their parents’ house. As willing and eager as Bodie was to add assault and battery to his clean record, Rob and Shane refused to drive him to Court’s home address. During the drive back to Redwood Valley, they brainstormed fresh ideas on how to handle Court that didn’t involve a hospital or jail time.

  “Come on, man. If you were in my position, you’d be pounding the dickhead into the ground.”

  “You’re wrong.” Shane answered, even though Bodie was talking to Rob. “I’d be on my computer devising a way to ruin him. I’d change his identity, decimate his finances, and other things I can’t even tell the two of you.”

  “That’s great, Shane, but I was talking to my other brother,” Bodie said.

  “Listen, I’ve got your back on this. You have to trust me. I’m meeting Court tomorrow at ten a.m.” Rob said.

  “What?”

  “That’s right. We’ll be back in Nevada tomorrow morning. If everything goes as planned, you’ll have satisfaction in spades.”

  Bodie crossed his arms over his chest and sat back. “Do I get to nail him in the face at least once?”

  “No. You’re too valuable to us as a business partner. I won’t let you screw yourself.”

  “That’s what Treasure’s for,” Shane slipped in.

  “Watch it,” Bodie warned.

  “God, you need to relax. Even Treasure would’ve liked the joke.”

  “Shut up,” Bodie said. A tiny lift of hi
s lip betrayed him. He knew Shane was right. Treasure would’ve had the perfect comeback.

  “It’ll work out. Trust the plan,” Rob said, and turned up the radio, effectively putting a halt to their round-robin debate about how Court was going to receive his just desserts.

  * * *

  Their directions were to meet Court at a storage facility on the east side of town at ten in the morning. Rob made the appointment with Court to look at a motorcycle he had for sale. Damn if it wasn’t the same 75’ BMW R90 S that started all the trouble with Treasure.

  “This is my good friend, Marshall,” Rob said, introducing Bodie to Court.

  They were using Bodie’s middle name in case either Treasure or Paul had ever mentioned his first name. Bodie declined the hand shake. Court lowered his hand, a perplexed look on his face.

  “How come you’re selling the bike?” Bodie kept his eyes trained on the classic motorcycle rather than let Court see the blatant dislike for the man.

  “Oh, you know. Making room in my collection for something new.” Court’s nonchalant attitude about the motorcycle didn’t cover up the smug self-righteous tilt to his chin.

  Bodie said nothing in return. He crossed his arms over his chest and set a hard glare on him. Wary discomfort crossed Court’s features, but he turned his attention to Rob. His brother was bent down inspecting the engine of the BMW. They stood in the parking lot of the storage facility. Court had ridden the bike out of the gate in front of the storage units to meet them.

  “Your collection is so large you have to rent a garage to store them. Must be a nice problem to have,” Bodie said.

  “First world problems, right?” Court said in a joking manner.

  Bodie gave a curt nod and tried to smile. It was more like a sneer.

  “The BMW looks even better in person. It’s a sweet bike. How long have you owned it?” Rob asked.

  “A while now,” Court said, lying through his rotten teeth. “You can’t beat a BMW 900cc boxer engine. Cruises at over a hundred miles an hour. I hate to see it go, but I’ve got my eye on something a little newer.”