by Rayna Morgan
“I hope you’re not suggesting—”
“That you provide assistance to Townsend in the process of getting permits? The thought never crossed my mind.”
“Listen here.” Kirk protested but Warren ignored his show of indignation.
“Perhaps you cast a favorable vote on issues which benefit him. You’re also in a position to sway votes of fellow legislators.”
“I resent your implication.”
“Resent it all you want. I’d still like an answer to my question.”
“Townsend expects no reciprocation for his donations. In addition to being a fan of my stand on the issues, he supports the political process.”
He backed his chair from the table and rose to his feet. “If that’s all…”
“Not quite. It’s your affair with Cate Palmer I’m here to discuss.”
Mention of the dead woman created the desired effect. The legislator resumed his seat.
Without bothering to make a denial, he demanded, “How did you find out?”
Warren ignored the question. “How long did the relationship last?”
Flustered, the other man stared out the window. “I don’t remember exactly. Five or six months, I guess. I met her at one of Townsend’s parties.”
“When did it end?”
“Seven weeks ago.”
“You seem more certain of that date.”
“It was the Friday before my son’s birthday. I took my family away for the weekend.”
“Why did the affair end?”
Kirk tried to convey an air of indifference but perspiration dotted his upper lip. “I came to my senses when I understood the fling for what it was.”
“Which was?”
“An immature response to reaching the midpoint in life. Rather than risk losing my wife and children, I ended the affair.”
Warren made no effort to hide skepticism. “Or was it your career and reputation you feared losing?”
Kirk turned pale and lowered his eyes but made no response.
“It’s my understanding that Cate was the one who ended the relationship when she started seeing another man and that you had a hard time with the breakup.”
Kirk made eye contact again. “It was Cate who couldn’t let go. I knew about Mario Torres. She told me about him to make me jealous but I encouraged their relationship. It was a more suitable match. He was single and closer to her age. From what she said, he was crazy about her.”
“What makes you think she didn’t take your advice with Mario?”
“Because she kept calling. First, my cell phone. Then, my office. It was embarrassing. I feared she would call my home and my wife might answer.”
Warren leaned forward, barely able to conceal his surprise. “Are you saying Cate was stalking you?”
“Those are harsh words but I saw her more than once outside my office.”
Warren took a moment to consider the explanation.
“Maybe Cate threatened to tell your wife unless you resumed the relationship.”
“You’re jumping to conclusions,” Allen sputtered.
“Is that why you killed her?”
Kirk jumped to his feet. “How dare you!”
The man at the counter glanced in their direction.
Warren remained in his chair, unruffled. “Tell me where you were the night of Cate’s accident.”
“Let me check.” He grudgingly opened a hand-held device. “Oh, yes. I remember. I attended a dinner party with my wife. Ron Townsend called the next day to inform me of the tragic news.”
“One last question. When did you last see Cate?”
Allen squinted. “It must have been at Ron’s party, the week before her death.”
“Did you speak with her?”
“For what reason? We had nothing to say to one another.” He glanced at his watch. “Just as you and I have nothing more to talk about.”
He picked up his bill. A thin smile spread across his lips. “I’ll pay this on the way out. We wouldn’t want people to accuse you of bribing a public official.”
Warren placed a call to Lea as he watched Allen Kirk get in his car. When she answered, he shared his conversation with the assemblyman.
“His version contradicts what Holly told me,” she said. “Holly said Cate was the one who ended the affair.”
“If it makes you feel better, I doubt a man with Kirk’s ego would tell the truth about being dumped.”
“Who should I believe?”
“That’s always the question, isn’t it?”
Chapter 15
Armed with the information Paul provided, Lea barged past the receptionist and entered Townsend’s office.
He stood up from his desk, frowning at his employee. “What’s the meaning of this, Andrea?”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Townsend,” the assistant whined, rushing in after Lea. “I wasn’t able to stop her.”
He glared at Lea and his voice boomed. “I thought I made it clear you aren’t welcome.”
“I think you’ll want to hear what I have to say.”
“Andrea, call security,” he roared.
The receptionist responded in a trembling voice. “Yes, Mr. Townsend. Right away.”
Lea willed herself to stay calm. “I’m here to discuss Cedar Bluffs.”
Red blotches appeared on Townsend’s face. They all stood motionless as though someone hit a pause button.
Seconds later, Townsend resumed his seat. He issued his next instruction in a calmer voice.
“Never mind, Andrea, I’ll handle this myself. Hold my calls and inform my next appointment I’m running late.”
Lea took a seat and the receptionist left the room.
Townsend’s eyes zeroed in on Lea. “What trouble are you stirring up now?”
Lea gripped the arms of the chair. “The initial plans for that high-rise condominium project failed approval based on problems with safety.”
“So what? We submitted a redesigned plan and permits were issued.”
“Thanks to the support and influence of your buddy, Assemblyman Kirk. Nevertheless, it indicates a willingness on your part to cut corners during construction to improve the bottom line and increase profits.”
“The building passed inspection upon completion.” He spoke softly but the edge in his voice could cut glass. “Before you proceed, I recommend you consider the liability associated with making unfounded allegations.”
Lea continued, undaunted by his threat. “Not long after the condominium units were sold, buyers complained of strange odors. An engineering firm commissioned by the homeowners association discovered gaps in the walls which present risks in case of fire.”
“The builder I used on that project and my attorneys are addressing those issues. What concern is this to you?”
“I believe Cate Palmer had information which could prove damaging.”
An invisible veil covered his face creating an expression impossible for Cate to interpret. Still, she was sure of one thing. It wasn’t the first time Ron Townsend had heard this.
“Your insinuation is preposterous. If such information exists, which I vehemently deny, Cate Palmer would never have access to it. We hardly traveled in the same circles.”
“She had a bad habit of eavesdropping on people’s conversations during parties where she worked.”
“It’s no concern to me. You’re speaking of past events which have no relevance.”
She looked around the room. “Safety issues are always of concern, even in an impressive building like this.”
“You must be joking. My offices occupy the entire top floor of this building. I wouldn’t be here if the building is unsafe.”
He leaned back, his eyes blank and lidded like a toad. “This conversation is beginning to bore me. I’m afraid I must ask you to leave, Ms. Austin.”
Lea grabbed her purse and walked to the door. With her hand on the knob, she turned to deliver a stinging innuendo.
“Congratulations on gett
ing approval for your new ten-acre office complex. When do you plan to move from this building?”
“Get out!” he shouted.
Lea passed the receptionist without stopping.
“I assume you’re not interested in validating my parking ticket.”
Chapter 16
Since Lea was in the building, she paid another visit to Holly Hanson. This time she received a cooler reception.
“Are you still snooping around Cate’s accident?” Holly asked.
“Does that make you nervous?”
Shuffling papers, the woman feigned lack of interest. “I think it’s a waste of time, that’s all.”
“It wouldn’t be if you offered more help.”
She glared at Lea. “What other information could I provide?”
“What else can you can tell me about Ron Townsend’s party? You aren’t leaving anything out, are you?”
“I told you everything I know,” Holly said. A bored expression crossed her face.
“The smallest detail could be significant,” Lea insisted.
Holly raised a finger. “There is one thing…”
“I’m listening.”
“Did I mention Sean came by?”
“Cate’s brother was a guest at Townsend’s party?”
“He wasn’t invited. He didn’t even come inside. That’s why I didn’t remember him being there.”
“Did he come to speak with Cate?”
“That was the odd thing. He was looking for Mario.”
“Tell me what happened.”
“The minute she saw him, Cate got mad and took him outside. They had quite a row. I went out to see if I could help.”
“Tell me what they said to the best of your recollection.”
“I’ll try.” Her eyes narrowed as she visualized the scene.
“Cate started the argument. ‘I told you Mario wouldn’t be here.’
‘I don’t believe you,’ her brother shouted, and pushed his way past her. ‘Where is he?’
‘He’s not here,’ Cate insisted. ‘You’re making a fool of yourself playing the part of big brother.’
‘If you can’t stop Mario from deceiving you, I will.’
‘Don’t be ridiculous. You have no control over him. Besides, our relationship is none of your business.’
Sean exploded. ‘He’s not good enough for you.’
‘Stop it, Sean! You’re worse than Dad,’ Cate yelled back.”
Holly paused and looked at Lea with a haunted expression. “I can still hear her last words.”
“Go on,” Lea urged. “What did she say?”
“She warned her brother that if he spoiled her happiness, she would never forgive him.”
Lea gave Holly a moment to compose herself. At the same time, she wondered why Sean never told her he went to the party to confront Mario and of this conversation with his sister.
“Let’s talk about Mario,” she continued. “I checked his record. He has a previous arrest for possession. At one time, he was suspected of distributing drugs. Do you know anything about that?”
Holly’s tone turned bitter. “What do you expect me to say? Mario is a friend.”
“A friend who’s gone missing, possibly in connection with Cate’s death.”
“You’ve got your wires crossed. I told you he was in love with her.”
“If Cate was murdered, the people Mario deals drugs for could be responsible. You aren’t helping your friend by covering for him. If he’s involved with the cartel, he could be in serious danger himself.”
Neither woman spoke for several moments.
Holly rocked back and forth, chewing on a fingernail. When she spoke, her bottom lip quivered. “Mario uses his job on the cruise ship to bring drugs over the border.”
“Is he running drugs for the cartel?”
“I don’t think so. He only supplies a few select clients in town. Except…”
“Tell me, Holly.”
Holly pinched her lip. “Since he met Cate, he’s been talking about making a big haul. He wanted money to run off with her. It’s conceivable he took his dealing to a higher level.”
“Do you think he’s doing business with a drug lord?”
“Possibly. I honestly don’t know.”
“Either way, a drug lord or the cartel, he’s put himself in a dangerous position.”
Holly’s voice was barely audible. “I know. It’s one of his failings. He has no fear.”
“Why do you suppose he’s done a runner? Cate was upset by his involvement with drugs. Is it possible they argued and he killed her in the heat of the moment?”
She shook her head. “I told you. He’s not capable of hurting anyone, especially Cate.”
Lea tried another angle. “You don’t imagine he was foolish enough to steal from his supplier, do you?”
“I warned him to watch his step. Mario is impetuous. He never thinks things through.”
Lea’s heart skipped a beat. “Mario may not be capable of murder but consider the people he’s dealing with. If he stole from them, would they go to his girlfriend looking for answers?”
Holly’s eyes filled with tears. “For his sake, I hope the answer is no.”
After getting information about Mario’s friend in Ensenada, Lea offered what reassurance she could.
“My father and I are doing everything we can to find Mario. Once we locate him, we’ll try to keep him safe.”
She reached for her shoulder bag. “One last thing. Who was the friend who suggested you invite Cate for dinner?”
“I’d rather not say.” Holly's cheeks turned red. “It might put him in an awkward position.”
Holly’s sudden show of modesty seemed out of character.
Chapter 17
Lea’s phone rang as she sat in her father’s study later that day. The voice on the other end surprised her. It was the manager at the Wheelhouse Restaurant.
“Danny didn't show up for work today. I called his mother. She’s worried sick.”
“What happened?”
“She doesn't know where he is but her car is gone. You talked with him yesterday. Did he say anything to indicate where he’s gone?”
“Hold on a minute,” Lea said.
She told her father Danny was missing. “What should we do?”
“He doesn’t drive,” Warren said. “He couldn’t have gone far.”
“That’s not completely true,” Lea admitted. “He sometimes sneaks off with his mother’s car. Her car is missing, along with Danny.”
“What! Are you telling me Danny knows how to operate a vehicle?”
His loud voice put her on edge. “Can we talk about it later? They need to know what to do.”
“It’s too early to report a missing person. His mother should sit tight and wait for him to come home.”
Lea dispatched the information to the manager. “Give me his mother’s number and let me know if he shows up at the restaurant.”
She ended the call, avoiding her father’s angry eyes.
Warren glared at his daughter. “How long have you known Danny can drive?”
“Since I talked with him at the Wheelhouse. He admitted he takes the car after his mother goes to bed. He only drives around the block. It’s nothing more than joyriding.”
“Have you verified that information with his mother?”
Lea blushed when she realized her oversight. She tapped the number for Danny’s mother into her phone.
After introducing herself as a friend of Danny’s, she said, “I may be able to help find him. First, I need to clarify something.”
“What do you want to know?”
“Is Danny allowed to drive?”
After a brief hesitation, the mother answered. “He’s determined to pass a driving test and get a license. I know I should help and supervise but when I get home from work, I’m too tired. I suspect he sneaks the car late at night.”
She rushed on with excuses. “I tell him no. What more can
I do? I can’t lock him in his room.”
“Did Danny take the car the night of Cate’s accident?”
“How would I know? I don’t check the mileage every morning.”
Lea ended the call and repeated the mother’s information.
Warren’s anger barely dissipated. “When were you going to share this nugget of information about Danny driving?”
“I've hardly had time to process it myself,” Lea replied defensively.
“Does it change your view of him as a possible suspect?”
“I don't know what conclusion to draw.”
“There's a better chance of drawing the right conclusions if we share all the information at our disposal.” His voice softened. “Would you agree?”
Lea lowered her head, reliving the shame she felt as a child when her behavior warranted a scolding from her father.
She nodded, chastened by the lecture. “Two heads are better than one.”
“It’s more than two perspectives, Lea. It’s a balance of my wisdom and experience with your intuition and compassion.”
“Similar to Maddy and I working together.”
“With you and your sister, you’re the leader. Maddy’s along for the ride. You two are motivated by different things. You seek truth and justice while your sister seeks thrills and adventure. What you and I have is a more equal partnership. We complement each other’s skills but we’re after the same thing for the same reason.”
“You’re right. From now on, I’ll share whatever I discover.”
“Good. Do you also agree this information blows a hole in your theory that Danny lacked means to run Cate’s car off the road?”
“I concede Danny had access to an automobile. That doesn’t mean he was skilled enough as a driver to force a car into the ditch.”
Warren shook his head. “You’re being stubborn.”
“Don’t forget motive,” Lea argued. “Besides a schoolboy crush, what motive did Danny have?”
“He was angry Cate showed his note to the boss. Betrayal is a common reason for retribution. And he may have been more upset by the boyfriend’s existence than he let on.”
“We’ll never know unless we find him. That should be our priority at the moment.”
“I agree. Do you know where he might go?”