Desperate Play

by Barbara Freethy

  "You had a good reason. You were looking for a missing child. Vincent understood that. He's just a reserved man. I wouldn't take it personally."

  "I just wish sometimes I could talk to him about Jamie. I cared so much for his son, but sometimes I think he blames me for Jamie's death. He once told me that Jamie's penchant for falling in love distracted him from what should have been his true priority."

  "Jamie's death was an unfortunate accident. Everyone agrees on that."

  "I know," she said with a sigh. "Sorry to bring all that up. I just got rattled when I saw Vincent. Anyway, let's get back to you. What's going on? Where are you now?"

  "I'm at the mortuary with Avery Caldwell. She and Noelle Price's mother are making funeral arrangements."

  "That's depressing."

  "Very. Have you been able to ID the man at Noelle's apartment this morning?"

  "Not yet, but we're working on it."

  "All right. I've moved Avery to a safer location just in case anyone is interested in going after her. I'm going to stay close to her this weekend, which will actually work in my favor. There's a dinner party tomorrow night for her father's birthday, and the entire Tremaine family will be there. I'm going to get myself on the guest list."

  "That should be an interesting party. I saw Ms. Caldwell's photograph. She's very pretty."

  "Which has nothing to do with anything," he said bluntly, hearing the teasing note in her voice.

  "I know you're always professional on the job."

  "Exactly."

  "And she's definitely not your type."

  "I don't have a type."

  "Well, you don't usually date rocket scientists, do you?"

  "Maybe I would if they looked like Avery."

  "So, you are intrigued," she said knowingly.

  "I'm not blind, but I'm not going to do anything about it. She's terrified and grief-stricken, and I would never take advantage of that. Plus, she has no idea who I really am."

  "Do you ever get tired of the undercover life, Wyatt?"

  He would have normally answered that question very easily, very quickly. Going undercover was what he did best. But today, all he could see were a hundred shades of gray. "I am a little tired," he admitted. "But I'll be fine."

  "Sometimes changing your job isn't a bad thing. I did it."

  "I change my job all the time—every assignment."

  "I mean change your real job."

  "I don't think I could go back into an office at this point." He paused as a car turned in to the lot and a man got out. "I have to go. Looks like Noelle Price's boyfriend just showed up."

  He stood up, slipping his phone into his pocket as Carter Hayes hurried across the lot, wearing jeans and a button-down shirt instead of the suit he usually wore to work.

  In his early thirties, Carter had sandy-brown hair, fair skin, and a boyish look that was strained and frazzled today.

  "Mr. Hayes," he said, stepping in front of him.

  Carter gave him a surprised and blank look. That was understandable. While he had seen Carter numerous times on the security cameras at Nova Star and had also begun to look into his life since Noelle had shown up at a restaurant with Jonathan Tremaine, Carter had no idea who he was.

  "Yes?" Carter said. "Who are you?"

  "Wyatt Tanner. I'm in security at Nova Star."

  "Oh. You're here with Avery?"

  "Yes. She's inside with Noelle's mother. I'm very sorry for your loss. Avery told me that you've been seeing Noelle for several months."

  "I have," Carter admitted. "And I can't believe any of this. It's a nightmare. I spoke to Noelle just a few hours before she went to the pier with Avery and then she's killed, stabbed by some crazy person? How does that happen?"

  "I don't know," he said somberly, seeing what appeared to be genuine horror in Carter's face.

  "Do the police have any idea who killed her?"

  "Not that they've told me."

  "They won't tell me anything. I think they consider me a suspect. I spent half the night at the police station answering questions and an hour ago, I got a call from some FBI agent who wants to talk to me next, but I have no answers. All I know is that Noelle went to meet Avery and ended up dead."

  He nodded. "That's rough."

  Carter hesitated, giving him an odd look. "Is there any chance you can turn down the heat on me? You said you're in security, right?"

  "Yes, but there's nothing I can do to stop the FBI from investigating, and I'm sure you want to find who killed Noelle."

  "Of course. But it wasn't me. And I'm up for a promotion at Nova Star. I've been working really hard for it. If the Tremaines get wind that I'm a suspect…well, I don't want to be fired. I've been at the company for three years. I'm a loyal employee."

  "I doubt anyone is looking to fire you," he said, although it seemed like Carter's concerns at the moment were very self-centered for a man who had just lost his girlfriend.

  Carter shifted back and forth, digging his hands in his pockets. "I'm sorry. I'm wound up. Too much coffee, not enough sleep."

  "I can understand that."

  "I don't want to be here, but when Noelle's mother called me, I couldn't say no. Is she inside?"

  "She's with Avery. They're meeting with the director now."

  Carter hesitated. "What's her mother like?"

  "You haven't met her?"

  "No. I've just heard Noelle argue with her on the phone. Her mom has been having money problems, and she has been asking Noelle for help. But Noelle hasn't been on the job long, and she doesn't have extra cash." Carter paused. "I'm a little afraid Noelle's mom is going to hit me up for money, and that's why she wants me here."

  Now Carter was worried about money as well as his job? Noelle was getting pushed further and further down his list of concerns.

  "You think she'd do that now?" he asked.

  "Maybe. Noelle says her mom is terrible with money, that she always has to bail her out. On the other hand, I know how much Noelle loved her mother. I feel like she'd want me to help her."

  Carter's words echoed what Avery had said earlier. Maybe he needed to look more closely at Kari Price. If Kari had had money problems, had Noelle done something to get the cash her mother needed?

  He stepped back and opened the door for Carter. "After you." For a split second, he thought Carter might bolt, but the man drew in a breath and stepped inside the lobby.

  Wyatt had no sooner followed him inside when Avery joined them.

  Relief flashed through her brown eyes as she saw Carter.

  "Carter." She gave him an emotional hug. "Kari said you were coming down."

  "Sorry I'm late. It's been…a lot." Carter ran a hand through his tousled hair.

  "I know. I feel the same way."

  "Where's her mom?"

  "Kari is still meeting with the director. If you want to join her, I'm sure she'd be okay with that."

  Carter swallowed hard. "Maybe I should just wait."

  "All right. She's almost done."

  Carter nodded. "Is, uh, is Noelle's body…is it back there?"

  "No," Avery said quickly. "Her body hasn't been released by the medical examiner yet, but Kari doesn't know how long she can stay in town, so she wanted to start making arrangements."

  "Is she taking Noelle back to Florida?"

  "I think she wants to talk to you about it."

  Carter appeared panicked by Avery's words. "Me? I don't know what to do. I mean, I loved Noelle. I did. But we haven't been together that long."

  "It's okay, Carter," Avery said, putting a hand on his arm. "I know how shocked and upset you are, because I feel the same way."

  "I am shocked," Carter echoed. "I don't know how we got here."

  "I don't, either."

  "The police said you found Noelle, but why weren't you with her? Why was she alone?" Carter asked.

  "She wanted to go into the funhouse, and I didn't, so she went without me. When she was taking too long, I decided to look for
her. I'm so sorry, Carter," she said, her eyes filling with tears.

  "You're not to blame, Avery. I know you cared a lot for Noelle. She was happy the two of you were friends again."

  "I was happy, too." Avery took a breath. "So, getting back to what needs to be done now…Kari is very concerned about the financial burden of a funeral. I don't think she has much money."

  "From what Noelle said, she doesn't," Carter said, his lips drawing into a tight line. "She was always calling, asking Noelle to send her some cash. She was sending her a check almost every other week, but it never seemed to be enough."

  "I didn’t realize things were that bad," Avery murmured.

  "Look, I can contribute something toward this funeral," Carter said. "But I don't want to talk to her mother. I have to go. If you need help, call me." He pulled out his wallet and handed Avery a business card.

  "Please, don't go, Carter," Avery said. "I know Kari would like to see you."

  "She doesn't know me; I don't know her. I've just said hello over the phone. It's better this way." Carter whirled around and dashed out the door, leaving Avery with a stunned look on her face.

  "Well, I didn't expect that," she said, turning back to him. "What did I say?"

  "Nothing. Carter was amped up before he walked in here. He said the police gave him a grilling last night. He's worried he's going to be accused of Noelle's murder."

  Avery stared back at him. "Really? He's worried about that? I know boyfriends and husbands are often people of interest, but that can usually be cleared up pretty quickly."

  "Maybe Carter is overreacting to whatever the police asked him."

  "He has to be. I don't believe Carter had anything to do with Noelle's death." She paused, frowning. "Do you?"

  "I wouldn't think so, but I've learned never to count anyone out. So, what's going on back there? Is Kari planning a funeral?"

  "No. I don't really know what she's going to do. She kept bursting into tears every few minutes, especially when she heard what things might cost. The director asked me to let him speak to her alone, and I was fine with that."

  As she finished speaking, Kari returned to the lobby, her cheeks wet with tears, her eyes bloodshot. "I'm sorry, Avery."

  "What?" she asked. "What's wrong now?"

  "I don't have the money to do any of this. I thought maybe I could swing it, but the truth is I can't. I don't have the funds to bury my own daughter or to give her a memorial. I'm a horrible mother." She collapsed into Avery's arms, sobbing her heart out.

  He knew Kari's grief was real and raw, but he also thought some of the drama was part of her play to get Avery to step up to the financial plate.

  Avery gave him a helpless look and then helped Kari over to the couch. "It's going to be fine. I'll help. Carter said he would contribute, too."

  "He was here? Where did he go?"

  "He just left. He's very upset."

  "But I wanted to speak to him. Why didn't he wait?"

  "I don't know. He's exhausted and sad and angry—like we all are. I think we should take a minute or a day and just let things ride. We don't have to decide anything right now."

  Kari looked a bit more encouraged. "That's true. We can take a little time. She just died last night."

  "Exactly. We can talk later or tomorrow," Avery said. "How did you get here? Did you drive? Do you need a ride somewhere?"

  "No, my friend Connie is picking me up. I just called her. She's only a few minutes away. I'm staying with her for a few days."

  "I'm glad you won't be alone. I'll wait with you until she comes."

  "No. I'm okay," Kari said, wiping her eyes. "You go ahead, Avery. This is a dreary place to wait in."

  "We can go outside."

  "I'll be all right. I'm sorry about my meltdown. I'm just so overwhelmed."

  "Completely understandable. We'll talk later."

  "I'll call you." Kari turned her gaze toward him. "It's Wyatt, right?"

  He nodded. "Yes."

  "Please help Avery find out who killed my daughter. She was my only child, my baby, and she deserves justice."

  "Believe me, I'm going to do everything I can."

  "Are you sure you don't want me to stay?" Avery asked.

  "No, thank you. You were always a good girl, Avery, such a positive influence on Noelle. When you were around, I trusted she'd be okay, she wouldn't go too crazy. When you stopped being friends, I was very sad. I'm glad you got back together before…before all this. I know how much you meant to her."

  "She meant a lot to me, too. I'm never going to forget her."

  "I know you won't."

  Avery gave Kari another hug and then got to her feet. He opened the door for her and followed her outside. Afternoon shadows were falling, and the temperature had dropped ten degrees, but the crisp air felt great after the stifling atmosphere in the mortuary, and he could see Avery drawing in deep, calming breaths as they walked to the car.

  As they got into the vehicle, he said, "You handled both Kari and Carter quite well."

  "I have to admit they surprised me in different ways. Carter bailed out on everything. Kari apparently can't afford even the cheapest funeral. Which leaves me."

  "It sure looks that way."

  "I didn't realize Kari's problems were so bad or that Noelle was supporting her. She never said anything about that, although she might have thought I'd say something judgmental. I always liked Kari, but I did have a front row seat to a lot of her screw-ups." She paused. "I guess I now know why Noelle was so desperate to get a corporate job instead of pursuing her acting ambitions, the way she had before. It makes sense."

  "Does it also make sense that she picked a lawyer to date, someone who could probably take care of her, if she needed it?"

  "Maybe. He wasn't her usual type, but people change. But if she did think she could count on him, she was probably wrong. Today, he seemed like the least likely person anyone should count on. I don't care if he thinks he's on the hot seat with the police. His girlfriend is dead. He should have manned up and helped out."

  He liked Avery's passionate, angry response to Carter. "I thought the exact same thing."

  She met his gaze. "Right? Who acts like that?"

  "Something in his behavior was off," he agreed, wondering if it was just grief and shock or something more sinister. Avery let out a heavy sigh, drawing his attention back to her. "What are you thinking now?"

  "I feel guilty for saying it."

  "You need to stop feeling guilty. It's a waste of emotion. You can't change the past. You have to move forward. Focus on finding Noelle's killer, getting to the truth, instead of blaming yourself for what happened to her."

  "I wasn't actually feeling guilty about that."

  "Oh, then what?" he asked with surprise.

  "I'm hungry. I'd like to get something to eat."

  The conflict in her eyes curved his mouth into a smile. "It's not wrong to be hungry. It's almost dinner time."

  "I know, but it feels like getting something to eat means I'm just going on with my life, like nothing ever happened."

  "Which is what you have to do. But it will never ever be like nothing happened. Noelle was important to you. You're going to miss her. You're going to carry her with you through your life. It won't be enough, but it will be something. And what choice do you have?"

  "None. But I do like the idea of carrying her with me through my life. Thanks for those words of wisdom."

  "I have my moments," he said lightly. "Now, let's get something to eat. What do you like?"

  "Pretty much everything. You choose. I don't think I can make any more decisions today."

  He heard the weary note in her voice and wanted to make that decision for her. In fact, he wanted to make a lot of things easier for her.

  A voice inside his head reminded him that making things easier for Avery was not his job; he was just supposed to keep her safe. Maybe he could do both…

  Eight

  He took Avery to a Mexican
restaurant he'd found a few weeks ago. It was a hole-in-the-wall café, a dozen blocks off the beach, tucked between a dry cleaner and a thrift shop. There were only eight tables in the small space, but the delicious food was cooked by Carlos Ortiz, an amazing chef in his early fifties. Carlos's wife, Magdalena, ran the front of the house, his son, Felipe, was his sous chef, and his three daughters, who looked so much alike Wyatt could never remember their names, provided excellent service.

  He'd eaten there a dozen times already, which went against his usual practice of never being too predictable or settling into too much of a routine. But the food was that good.

  "Hola, Wyatt," Magdalena said with a cheerful smile.

  "Hola." He pointed at an empty table at the back of the room, away from the windows and the front door. "That one okay?"

  "All yours," she said. "Katerina will be right with you."

  "They know your name?" Avery asked as they settled in at the table.

  "I guess I have become a regular."

  "Then you must know what's good."

  "Everything. I like the burritos. They are huge, though."

  "Good, because I'm starving." She set the paper menu down. "And I'm thinking a margarita would taste really good."

  "Did I hear someone say margaritas?" Katerina asked, giving them a smile as she dropped off two glasses of water. "How are you, Wyatt?"

  "I'm hungry," he said with a smile. "And we're ready to order."

  "That was fast. What can I get you?"

  "I'm going to have the loaded chicken burrito."

  "And I will have the same," Avery said. "As well as a margarita."

  "You're not going to let her drink alone, are you?" Katerina asked him.

  "Sure. I'll take a margarita."

  "Great." Katerina picked up their menus and headed toward the kitchen.

  "It smells good in here," Avery commented as she glanced around the room. "How did you find this place?"

  "I stumbled in one day, and I was amazed. I've had good Mexican food in California, but this is at the top of the list."

  "So, is this your home away from home?"

  "I suppose, but…" He paused, thinking this restaurant was really nothing like any home he'd actually lived in.