Deadly Deception

by Rayna Morgan

Barbara visited with Paul as he heated the grill on the patio. Spirit maintained a position close by, hoping for fallen bits of chicken or meat. In the yard, Jon and his grandfather engaged Gracie in a game of Frisbee.

  Lea placed a pitcher of lemonade on the picnic table and took a seat.

  She stared at her son recalling her father’s disclosure and wondered how good a mother she was.

  Am I failing Jon in some way?

  Does my work take too much of my time?

  Am I not here when he needs me?

  Gracie jumped in the air and twisted, catching the disc in her teeth.

  “Did you see her, Mom?” Jon hollered.

  She nodded and waved.

  Who will he turn to the next time he needs advice? Whose praise will he seek? Whose shoulder will he cry on?

  A girlfriend?

  A coach or a teacher?

  She thought of Dylan. Her heart skipped a beat.

  A drug dealer?

  Panting, Gracie crouched on the grass and Jon turned on the garden hose.

  Lea walked over and stood beside him. They laughed together, watching the dog chomp water.

  She rested her hand on the boy’s shoulder.

  “You know you can talk to me about anything, don’t you, Jon?”

  “Sure.” He glanced in his grandfather’s direction. “Why are you asking?”

  “No particular reason.”

  She brushed a strand of hair from his forehead. “Just making sure our lines of communication are open.”

  Jon looked over her shoulder and waved. “There’s Maddy.”

  Surprised to see her sister alone, Lea headed in her direction. “I’m going to talk with her. We’ll be ready to eat as soon as your father is finished grilling.”

  “Where’s Tom?” Lea asked, joining her sister at the table.

  “I didn’t invite him,” Maddy murmured.

  Lea raised her eyebrows. “Why did you exclude Tom? He’s almost a member of the family.”

  Maddy put her finger to her lips. “Not so loud. I couldn’t face him after hearing Dad talk about keeping secrets in a relationship.”

  “You shouldn’t interpret what Dad said as a reason to avoid Tom.”

  “I’m worried I’ll give everything away about Pat next time he sees me.”

  “Don’t be silly. Tom doesn’t expect you to share information about our cases.”

  “Normally, that’s true. This is different because he and Pat work together. Believe me, Tom won’t be happy when he finds out what’s going on behind his back.”

  “His only reason for being upset would stem from his concern for Pat’s safety. Not because she’s keeping secrets.”

  “Maybe so. But he’ll feel betrayed if he learns I’m involved.”

  Lea crossed her arms. “How upset do you think he’ll be when he finds out we had a family get-together and you didn’t invite him?”

  Maddy chewed on a nail. “Maybe he won’t find out.”

  “What makes you think he won’t?” Lea scoffed. “He and Paul play racquetball every Monday. They always discuss what they did over the weekend.”

  Maddy squirmed. “Don’t make me feel worse. I feel bad enough already. One secret leads to another and another. Where will this end?”

  Lea stroked her sister’s arm. “Look. We handled Pat’s situation poorly at the outset, but we’ve learned a lesson. I will never keep secrets from Dad again.”

  “And I’m not keeping any more secrets from Tom.”

  Lea held up a finger. “There’s a difference, Mad. We can’t keep secrets from Dad because he’s our partner. The business won’t succeed if we don’t work as a team. But there’s no need to divulge case information to Tom.”

  “I guess you’re right. I support Tom, but I know better than to ask for the lowdown on what he’s working on.”

  Lea steered her sister toward the table.

  “Call Tom and stop worrying. With Dad’s help and a bit of luck, we’ll solve Pat’s case and Tom will never be the wiser.”

  Maddy rolled her eyes. “Famous last words.”

  • • •

  Maddy walked inside and called Tom. Excuses tumbled out the moment he asked where she was.

  “I’m at Lea’s. She called earlier and asked me to come by. I assumed she wanted to discuss a case we’re working on, but it’s a family dinner. If I’d known, I would have called you.”

  “It’s okay, Mad.”

  She barged in before he uttered another word. “It’s not too late. You can still come.”

  “There are plenty of dinners with your family in my future. I don’t mind missing this one.”

  His kindness made her feel guilty. She offered more excuses. “It’s probably just as well. Lea and I will be talking about stuff you can’t hear.”

  “You don’t need to explain. The separation between sharing a person’s life and respecting their right to privacy is a juggling act for every couple. The lines are even narrower in our case because of the nature of our work.”

  She breathed a sigh of relief. “I knew you would understand.”

  “Of course, there’s a difference between respecting boundaries and keeping secrets from each other.”

  She suddenly felt worse.

  “Speaking of secrecy, I’ve been meaning to ask you about Pat.”

  “What’s wrong with Pat?” Maddy croaked.

  “She’s been acting oddly. I can’t put my finger on it, but I’m sure she’s keeping something from me. When was the last time you saw her?”

  Maddy clenched her jaw, angry at the awkward position Pat and Lea had put her in.

  Before she thought of an answer, Tom went on. “Maybe it’s my imagination. Have you noticed her acting differently in any way?”

  Feeling worse by the moment, she blurted the only response she could think of.

  “Maybe it’s her relationship with Jack. You Elliot brothers have a way of throwing a woman off balance.”

  Tom chuckled.

  He ended with a parting sweet remark. “Thanks for calling, but don’t apologize for being you. I love every crazy part of you as you are.”

  “Tom, I—”

  “Thanks for letting me know about dinner, but I couldn’t come anyway. I’m covering the late shift tonight.”

  She hung up with a sigh.

  The fact he was working did nothing to relieve her guilt.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  Monday morning, Toby was in his office gloating over the big commission he earned on the sale of the copper penny. He strutted in front of the other broker’s desk, describing the transaction.

  “My timing couldn’t have been better. The buyer stopped by Saturday morning. By six o’clock, I had the coin in her hands and the payment transferred into my account. Slick as a whistle.”

  “It’s better to be lucky than good,” Phil replied, enviously.

  Toby grinned. “Whatever it takes, man, whatever it takes.”

  “You can buy me lunch to celebrate.”

  “Sorry. I’m going to the car dealership.”

  “What’s wrong with your car?”

  Toby smirked triumphantly. “Not for repairs, airhead. I have my eye on the red sports car in their showroom. It’s a beauty.”

  He returned to his desk, but his mind was elsewhere. He decided to take an early lunch.

  Before he left, he received a call which ruined his perfect day.

  • • •

  A flustered Maddy apologized as she explained her reason for calling.

  “This is rather embarrassing, but I need my father’s coins back.”

  “Has your father decided not to keep an account with us?” Toby sputtered.

  “Not at all. We’re looking forward to doing business with you. But we want to sell part of the collection.”

  Toby sighed with relief. A sale would mean a commission.

  He rubbed his hands together. Even more, if he found a buyer as well.

  Maddy rushed on w
ith her explanation. “The reason my father couldn’t have lunch on Friday—”

  “I remember. A doctor’s appointment.”

  “The news wasn’t good. He’s having more problems with his heart. The doctor informed him surgery is necessary. It can’t be put off any longer.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “His doctor assures us he’ll be all right, but insurance won’t cover the cost. Dad will feel better knowing the money for the extra expense is available.”

  “I understand completely,” Toby assured her. “Tell your father not to worry. Let me know the amount he requires and I’ll start looking for buyers.”

  “That won’t be necessary.”

  Toby held his breath. “I don’t understand.”

  “Didn’t I tell you? My father has a friend who’s an avid collector. He’s more than happy to buy. In fact, he’s been hounding Dad for months to sell.”

  Toby tried to hide his disappointment as visions of a big commission faded.

  “How fortunate. That makes things easy for you and your father.”

  “Yes, I’m relieved this won’t take much of my time. Father plans to meet with his friend this evening and I have a busy schedule today.”

  Toby could imagine what occupied her time. Shopping, luncheons, tennis games, and manicures.

  She continued, impervious to his schedule. “I’ll meet you at the storage facility in one hour.”

  He agreed reluctantly, not wishing to offend. “No problem. See you then.”

  Before he rang off, curiosity got the better of him. “Which coins does your father plan to sell?”

  “Only one. The copper penny.”

  Toby stopped breathing. He felt lightheaded, as though his own heart was failing.

  “The copper penny,” he repeated, barely above a whisper.

  “Father’s friend has coveted the coin for years. He’s elated to finally lay his hands on it.”

  “I can imagine how he feels.”

  As far from how I’m feeling as possible, Toby thought bitterly.

  He shook his head to clear his thinking.

  What can I say to prevent their requiring possession of the penny?

  “I don’t mean to sway your father from his decision to sell, but I feel a responsibility to advise you. The economy is slumping. According to recent valuation prices, you won’t get the highest and best price for the coin. You should wait until prices have risen.”

  “Father knows that. He keeps an eye on all the markets. But even at a price lower than it might bring another time, it will be more than enough to take care of medical bills.”

  Toby’s chest tightened. Trying not to sound desperate, he tried another angle.

  “I didn’t want to bring this up…”

  “Go ahead. I’m listening.”

  “On further examination of your father’s collection, I realize the penny is not in the mint condition we thought. You won’t get what you expect. Other coins in the collection would serve your purpose.”

  “That won’t be a problem. For years, this man has hoped to possess the penny. He won’t be deterred by any flaws.”

  Toby exhaled the breath he was holding.

  It’s no use. I’ll have to give her the coin. I only hope she and her father aren’t savvy enough to realize a switch has been made.

  He went out on a limb in a last-ditch attempt to dissuade her.

  “If your father is determined to sell, at least give my firm a chance to buy the coin.”

  Toby had no idea whether the money man would fork over the money for such a purchase.

  But he should be willing when I tell him the whole operation could go up in flames.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

  During her third drive-by past the park, Lea spotted Mary.

  Approaching the bench, she used Mary’s expression. “Mind if I take the load off?”

  Mary sat up. “Hey, Lea. How ya doing?”

  “Good. How about yourself?”

  “I’m not complaining.”

  Lea studied the woman closely. “I hope there are no hard feelings over Amber talking with you.”

  Mary shook her head. “Naw. I know you both mean well. But I’m not ready for the major overhaul she’s talking about.”

  Lea smiled. “No pressure. One step at a time. Whenever you’re ready.”

  Mary leaned back and closed her eyes. “Can’t beat this weather, can you?”

  Lea took a moment to bask in the sun, unwilling to alarm Mary with further questions.

  The bell of an ice cream truck jingled.

  “I’d like a popsicle. How about you, Mary?”

  Mary opened her eyes and grinned. “A fudgesicle would hit the spot.”

  “Save my place. I’ll be right back.”

  For the next half hour, the women chatted amiably, enjoying the frozen treats. They giggled as they licked their empty sticks before throwing them in the trash.

  Lea hated to break the spell, but it was time to get answers.

  “I talked with your neighbor,” she said.

  The girlish grin on Mary’s face disappeared.

  “Were you snooping on me?” she asked, angrily.

  “I hoped someone knew where I could find you.”

  “My neighbor couldn’t have helped,” Mary said. “It wasn’t like I left a forwarding address or anything.”

  “He helped by telling about the men who came looking for Ronnie.”

  The lines on Mary’s forehead deepened.

  Lea held up her phone. “Your neighbor identified this man.”

  Mary glanced at the picture of Mickey Flynn, but made no comment.

  “When Mickey couldn’t find your husband, did he come looking for you to settle Ronnie’s debt?”

  Mary’s face turned pale.

  Lea placed a hand on the woman’s knee. “Tell me. I want to help.”

  Mary shrugged. “Mickey expected me to hand over the money. I informed him Ronnie blew town without leaving a cent.”

  “Did he believe you?”

  Mary shook her head. “They tore the place apart looking. That was the real reason I had to move. The landlord wasn’t happy over the damage done by Mickey and his goon.”

  “What did Mickey do when he found no money?”

  “He said I’d have to do other things to pay off Ronnie’s marker.”

  “Let me guess. He wanted you to send messages to Pat Fisher on a burner phone so they couldn’t be traced to him.”

  “I was mad at the cop anyway so I didn’t mind if that’s all it took to get Mickey off my back.”

  “Did he tell you his reason for wanting the messages sent?”

  “He didn’t say and I wasn’t interested in knowing. I had my own beef to settle. Scaring the cop felt like getting even.”

  “Such acts are considered illegal harassment.”

  Mary looked surprised. “What harm is there in texting?”

  “The harm lies in the nature of the messages. Harassment means to threaten, alarm, or put a person in fear of their safety. Unwanted contact via text messages is a form of harassment.”

  “In that case,” Mary chuckled, “it’s a good thing I didn’t do it.”

  It was Lea’s turn to be surprised. “What do you mean?”

  “Mickey found someone else to do his dirty work.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

  Warren parked on the street in front of the storage facility and went to Maddy’s car to wait for Toby.

  “What’s that?” he asked crossly, pointing to a Crispy Donuts box on the seat.

  “Toby said he’d come right away, but I learned my lesson. This time, I came prepared.”

  Moments later, Toby arrived. Maddy sighed and dropped a half-eaten donut in the box.

  “Ed couldn’t come,” Toby explained when they got to the safe. “He gave me the combination.”

  He turned his back while he extracted the velvet case. When he faced them, he held the copper penny. “This
is what you came for.”

  Warren reached for the coin. But instead of leaving with the penny in his possession, Warren pulled a magnet from his pocket. The coin stuck to the magnet.

  “This penny is made of steel, not copper,” Warren said sharply. “It’s worthless except as a novelty item.”

  “I see you’re upset, but I can explain,” Toby sputtered.

  “Not nearly as upset as my friend at the Commission will be when I return a coin other than the one he loaned.”

  Toby’s jaw dropped. “Your friend where?”

  “My friend at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. I assume you’ve heard of it?”

  A pale-faced Toby pinched his lower lip.

  They stood back to give him time to assess his predicament.

  When he stopped pacing, his cockiness had vanished. “Give me a chance to make things right.”

  “Don’t waste your breath. Your gold and silver scam is over.”

  “It’s not my scheme. I only follow orders.”

  “From Ed?”

  Toby laughed. “Ed has no idea what’s going on. There’s a money man behind the operation.”

  “Tell us what you know and the name of the person in charge,” Warren ordered.

  Toby reminded Maddy of a cornered animal. She stepped in front of him. “Listen to my father. Your only hope is to cooperate.”

  Emptiness replaced the frantic movement of his eyes. His voice lowered to a whisper. “I was new to the business—”

  “Speak up, we can’t hear you,” Maddy said.

  She turned on a pocket recorder. Her father warned her that recording would be considered entrapment. But for their purposes, it didn’t matter. They were only after a name.

  He raised his voice. “I knew nothing about precious metals when I came to work for Integrity. I was hired for my public relations skills rather than expertise in the field.”

  “You mean your talent for ingratiating yourself with people vulnerable to your charm.”

  When Toby refrained from acknowledging the slight, Warren continued. “Tell us how the business works. In particular, your commission structure.”

  Toby outlined a method of compensation that encouraged manipulation of investors. “The highest commission is for selling gold coins. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out where to steer clients.”

  “What other streams of revenue do you have?” Warren asked.