Something Fishy
Page 24
“I agree.” My mind wandered back to the cocktail party, when Katie showed me the captain’s study. “She had a room of treasures, but she only valued them as part of her heritage, not for their monetary worth.”
Abby shook her head. “There’s still a piece of the puzzle we haven’t solved. What was the rumor that Katie heard about Jack that might explain his murder?”
I shrugged. “Katie may have heard about Jack’s angry outburst. The one he had at the aquarium three days before his body was found. When he vented to Oscar. She may have made assumptions based on what happened. We’ll never know.”
I paused. “At least Paul Andre knew nothing about the murders until after they happened. I shudder to think that my mother dated this man.”
“How’s grandma?”
“I spoke with her last night. She’s still upset, but she’s doing better. She’s planning a trip to Greece next summer to visit the village where grandpa’s family is from. She’s getting ready by taking a class in Greek language at the local college. Also, Marcia Silver plans to visit her this winter. Once Marcia sells her house, she’s thinking of moving to Florida, perhaps in the same condo development as grandma.”
“I’ll bet grandma’s happy at the thought of having her best friend live nearby.” Abby smiled, but it quickly faded. “Will Mrs. Silver get her money back on the valuable items Paul sold?”
“It doesn’t look like it. Most is gone. Paul spent the money as quickly as it came in. “Luckily, Marcia didn’t lose too much. I understand some of his victims lost tens of thousands of dollars.”
“What about Paul’s condo? Isn’t that an asset that could be sold and the proceeds distributed to his victims?” Abby asked.
“He doesn’t own it. He rents a unit. I understand he’s two months late on payment. And the convertible he drove in Florida is about to be repossessed.”
“What about Sam Wong?” Jason asked. “What’s his plan?”
“I talked to him yesterday,” Abby answered as she grabbed another candy bar. I’d definitely need to replenish my “trick or treat” supply for tomorrow. “Sam’s opening up a private practice, specializing in criminal law. After being falsely arrested, he wants to make sure other people’s rights are protected.”
“I hope he tells his clients not to allow a search without a warrant.” I chuckled. “Abby, did you ever find out why he had Katie’s diary?”
“He took it after her death. He wanted to read about her thoughts and feelings. I understand he took some other personal items too—just to be close to her.”
“I’m glad this is over. Let’s hope things quiet down.” Matt stretched out his arms and yawned. “I could use less excitement.”
“But I’ve got exciting news,” Abby grabbed her boyfriend’s hand. “Jason and I are going shopping tomorrow.”
I smiled. “That sounds like fun. But I don’t know I’d classify that as exciting news.”
Abby grinned broadly. “Oh, but it is. We’re shopping for a diamond ring. Jason proposed to me last night. We’re getting married.”
About the Author
A mystery fan since she read her first Nancy Drew, Lois Schmitt combined a love of mysteries with a love of animals in her series featuring wildlife reporter Kristy Farrell. She is a member of several wildlife conservation and humane organizations, as well Mystery Writers of America. Lois received 2nd runner up for the Killer Nashville Claymore Award for her second book in the Kristy Farrell series, entitled Something Fishy. Lois worked for many years as a freelance writer and is the author of Smart Spending a consumer education book for young adults. She previously served as media spokeperson for a local consumer affairs agency and curently teaches at Nassau Community College on Long Island. Lois lives in Massapequa, New York with her family, which includes a 120 pound Bernese Mountain Dog. This dog bears a striking resemblence to Archie, a dog of many breeds, featured in her Kristy Farrell Mystery Series.