Skein of the Crime

by Maggie Sefton

  “That sounds like a good idea, Kelly girl. You’re a successful businesswoman now with significant assets in your name. So, you’ll be able to get a loan when a lot of folks can’t.”

  Kelly ran her finger around the rim of her coffee cup as the word “successful” shimmered in her head. Curt was right. She had created a successful business in the years since she’d come back to Fort Connor for her aunt’s funeral.

  “I wish I could spread some of that success around, Curt. Steve’s in such a bad place right now. It’s really heartbreaking to watch him work so hard, and things keep getting worse, not better.”

  Curt shook his head in the manner of someone who’d endured his share of economic hard times. “I know, Kelly. This is the roughest construction downturn I’ve seen. I know he’s barely hanging on. I’ve seen those foreclosure signs at his sites. And I heard about the apartment in Baker Street.”

  “Maybe you could talk to him,” Kelly suggested, leaning over her cup. “Suggest that he take on an investor. That would take off the pressure of losing those properties. He’s taking on extra work in Denver so he can earn more to keep those bank loans current.”

  “I’d be glad to suggest it, Kelly, if there were any investors out there to talk to. But they’re scarcer than hen’s teeth right now. They’ve gone to ground, just like the buyers.”

  “Damn,” Kelly said softly. She lowered her voice, so as not to be overheard by neighboring tables. “I was hoping there was someone out there who’d like a stake in prime Old Town property.”

  “I’m sure there is, Kelly, but right now they can’t get investment loans. The money’s not there.” His expression turned solicitous. “They’ll come back into the market, Kelly. It’s just a matter of time.”

  Kelly gave a snort. “Time is something Steve doesn’t have anymore, Curt. He’s watching everything he’s built up over the last ten years crumble away before his eyes. And Jennifer says it won’t be over anytime soon. I don’t know how long he can hold on.”

  Curt leaned over the table. “Believe me, Kelly, I’d loan Steve the money myself, but he wouldn’t accept it. I actually offered last month when he started driving down to Denver. He thanked me and said he’d handle it.”

  “Damn!” Kelly said louder, not caring this time if anyone overheard. “That’s stupid. I thought for sure he’d accept help from you. I mean . . . he won’t take it from me.” She gestured in aggravation. “I offered, but he looked at me with this shocked expression and then said, ‘no way.’ ”

  “Steve’s not going to take money from you, Kelly. So don’t even ask him,” Curt advised sagely.

  “But why? He’d give me money if I needed it.”

  “Steve’s too proud to accept help from anyone right now, Kelly. And especially not you.”

  “But if investors can’t get loans, I may be the only one who could.”

  “It doesn’t matter, Kelly. Steve’s not going to take money from you. You know that,” Curt said with a wry smile.

  Kelly did know that. When she’d first made a tentative offer to help him get through this rough patch, Steve looked at her as if she’d grown another head. A mixture of shock and horror.

  “Arrrrgh,” Kelly complained, dropping her head into her hand. “It makes no sense.”

  Curt chuckled. “Sense isn’t the reason a man and a woman get together in the first place, Kelly.” Then added, “You know that.”

  Kelly grabbed her over-the-shoulder briefcase and her coffee mug, then slammed her car door. She had to have some of Eduardo’s coffee—extra-strong coffee—before she tackled the Houseman accounts. And she was going to work in the knitting shop instead of her cottage. She was still stewing over her earlier conversation with Curt concerning Steve. The more Kelly thought about Steve and his “pride,” the more annoyed she became.

  She heaved the heavy wooden door open and sailed through, heading into the foyer toward the main knitting room, drinking in all the colorful yarns. She’d drop her briefcase first, refill her mug, then settle in with her laptop. Maybe all the warm and fuzzy yarns and fall colors would put her in a better mood. As she turned the corner, she saw retired Fort Connor detective Burt sitting at the library table talking with a young man who looked to be college-aged. They both turned at her approach.

  “Don’t stop talking, Burt. I’m just dropping off my stuff and getting coffee.”

  “That’s okay, Kelly, this young man wants to meet you,” Burt said with his genial smile. “Kelly, this is Tommy Macenroe, Barbara’s son. Tommy, meet Kelly Flynn; she’s the one who lives in the cottage across the driveway.”

  Tommy leaped out of his chair and approached Kelly, hand outstretched. “Ms. Flynn, I wanted to thank you for helping my girlfriend, Holly, last month. Thanks to you, Holly got the medical help she needed.”

  Kelly shook his hand, observing the earnestness in his brown eyes. Tommy was tall and slender and had a nice face. “You can call me Kelly, and I’m glad I was there to help. My cottage was the only bright spot along the dark golf course, so I’m sure that’s why Holly headed for it.”

  “Well, I’m glad she found you at home. I don’t want to think about what might have happened if she hadn’t found someone to help her.”

  “Tommy’s a paramedic, or at least he was until last month when he moved to Denver to attend medical school,” Burt said, his smile revealing a paternal pride.

  “Yes, I’ve heard about your accomplishments from Mimi. Congratulations, Tommy. Not many people can snag a med school scholarship,” Kelly said, letting her admiration show.

  “Thanks . . . thanks both of you,” Tommy said, a slight blush creeping up his still youthful face. “I was really fortunate.”

  Kelly dropped her things on the table. “I’ve observed that good fortune usually occurs to those who’re prepared. Mimi told me she’s known your mom for years and watched you grow up. Did you meet Burt at church, too?”

  “Actually, Tommy and I met on a traumatic occasion, Kelly. He was one of the paramedics on the ambulance that responded when my wife had her heart attack four years ago.” Burt looked over at Tommy. “I’ve kind of taken a fatherly interest in Tommy since then.”

  “I always appreciate your advice, Burt,” Tommy said, then glanced at his watch. “I’d better get going. I have to find Holly and talk to her before I drive back to Denver.”

  Kelly couldn’t help her reaction. “You drove in from Denver today just to talk to Holly? Why didn’t you call her on the phone?”

  Tommy gave her a sheepish look. “Well, I need to explain why I can’t stay here in town this weekend like I have before. My anatomy professor scheduled a Saturday study session. I just want to make sure Holly understands.” He shrugged. “I want to make sure she’s okay. Holly doesn’t really have anyone else in town, except my mom and me. Her mom’s dead, and her dad moved to Florida.”

  “Holly seems to be doing really well now,” Kelly said, settling into a chair beside Burt. “I’m so glad. She was totally out of it the night she showed up on my patio. Couldn’t remember her name or anything. She couldn’t communicate at all.”

  “I know, that’s what happens when she’s taken Ecstasy. I got her to swear to me she wouldn’t take it anymore. She promised,” Tommy declared.

  “I’m glad to hear that. Those hallucinogenic drugs are dangerous. I saw kids in college get pretty messed up with those. Let’s hope Holly stays away from them for good.”

  Tommy nodded. “This last time really scared her. She’s sworn to me she’s done with them.” Moving toward the doorway, he added, “It was great to see you again, Burt. And, Kelly, nice meeting you, and thank you again.”

  “No problem, Tommy. Good luck with those med courses.”

  “Keep your nose to the grindstone, okay?” Burt added.

  “You bet.” Tommy gave a wave and hurried for the front door.

  Kelly stared after him for a moment, then leaned back in her chair. “Boy oh boy, let’s hope Holly stays on course.”


  Burt shook his head. “We can only hope, Kelly.”

  “Mimi was at the table the other day, and she filled us in on the long history between those two. She also said Tommy has come down to Fort Connor every weekend to make sure Holly’s okay since her incident. Not good, Burt. His medical studies require his full attention.”

  “Yeah, I know.” Burt sighed. “It’s a shame Holly can’t seem to get herself together and stand on her own two feet. Tommy’s got too many demands on him now to run back and forth from Denver to check on her.”

  Kelly pondered what Burt said, then decided to speak her mind. “I think you’re letting Tommy off the hook way too easily. Holly can’t force Tommy to leave his work and drive back to Denver. He chooses to do it.”

  “Yeah, well, apparently Barbara’s told Mimi that Holly whines and cries whenever Tommy tries to say ‘no.’ So, he caves in.”

  Kelly shook her head. “You know, I only met Holly a month ago, so I don’t have any past history with either of these two kids like you guys do. So I’m just telling you what I see. It appears to me that Holly depends on Tommy to take care of her. Mimi says she calls Tommy every day and even when he’s here in town trying to study. That sounds like manipulative behavior to me, Burt. And Tommy is allowing himself to be used, for whatever reasons. He needs to grow a backbone and learn to say no. If he’s serious about becoming a doctor, he’s going to have to make hard choices, and this is one of them. He doesn’t have time to study and pass medical school exams and do the class work and be at someone’s beck and call. No matter who that someone is.”

  Burt sent Kelly a wry smile. “I have to hand it to you, Kelly. You nailed it. I felt the same way at first, but I’ve allowed my friendship with Barbara and Tommy to cloud my objectivity in the situation. It’s good to have you around, Kelly.”

  Kelly grabbed her mug and pushed back her chair. “Well, you’ve done the same for me, Burt, so I thought I’d return the favor.”

  Steve pulled off his tie and tossed it to the coffee table. His suit jacket was already across a chair. He plopped down on the black leather sofa, leaned his head back, then let out a long sigh.

  “Rough commute, huh?” Kelly said, settling beside him, her favorite microbrew in hand. Steve was already upending the bottle with the colorful label.

  “Yeah, Friday-night bad.” He tipped back the bottle again. “Can we order pizza or something? I don’t feel like driving anywhere. I’m beat.”

  “Well, the gang is already gathered at Lisa and Greg’s. Pizza’s already delivered,” she said, feeling slightly guilty for even suggesting it.

  “Awwww, hell . . . I don’t feel like seeing anybody tonight, Kelly. I just want to crash.”

  Kelly put her hand on his arm. “I know, but they’re really anxious to see you. It’s been nearly a month since we’ve gotten together. Everyone’s there. C’mon,” she coaxed. “It’ll relax you.”

  Steve let out a sigh that came from inside. “Okay, let me change clothes.” He gave Carl a head rub. “You drive, all right?”

  “Deal.”

  “Smells like pepperoni,” Steve said as he sank onto the love seat in Greg and Lisa’s living room. Kelly settled beside him.

  “Dig in, Steve. These starving beasts have already gone through two boxes,” Megan said, gesturing to Marty beside her on a sofa and Greg across the coffee table.

  Jennifer placed two bottles of Kelly’s and Steve’s favorite Colorado microbrew on the coffee table. “There’s a sausage and cheese pizza in the kitchen, if you guys would rather have that,” she offered as she settled into a chair beside Pete. “And Pete brought two of his raspberry pies.”

  “Whoa, that’s worth driving through all that Friday traffic,” Steve said, a crooked smile forming. “Thanks, Pete.”

  “No problem,” Pete said with his genial grin. “It gives me an excuse to indulge. Gotta stay away from the customers’ pies in the café.”

  “We’re supposed to stay away from those?” Jennifer looked over in feigned surprise. “Uh-oh.”

  Kelly watched Steve gobble up two slices of pizza while their friends teased each other about dessert weaknesses. She wasn’t sure, but she thought she saw Steve’s shoulders relax.

  Steve glanced around the living room of Greg and Lisa’s rental house—one of his Wellesley houses. “You guys have added more stuff since I was here last. Looks good.” He inhaled another pizza slice.

  “Thanks. Since we now have more wall space than we did in our condo apartment, Greg and I could bring out those pictures we’ve been storing in the closets,” Lisa said, her hand resting on Greg’s shoulder as he sat beside her.

  After another two slices, Steve tipped back a beer. “Let me know if you see any action on those foreclosure houses, would you, guys?”

  “Sure, Steve, absolutely,” Greg answered, his normal teasing grin disappearing.

  Kelly watched all her friends’ expressions change once Steve mentioned the source of his current economic problems.

  “Don’t worry, Steve, I’m keeping a close eye on Wellesley. I’ve taken a couple of foreclosure buyers here already,” Jennifer added, sipping from a canned soda.

  “Bless you, Jennifer,” Steve said. “Were they serious buyers or just looking?”

  “They act serious, but there are a lot of foreclosure houses in northern Colorado to look at. So they aren’t anywhere near a decision. And even if they were, who knows if they could get a loan,” Jennifer said with a worried frown. “The mortgage market is in total chaos. People with good credit, good jobs, and savings in the bank can’t get loans. It’s ridiculous.”

  “Tell me about it,” Steve said, finishing the last piece of pepperoni pizza.

  “This won’t last forever, buddy,” Marty said, resting his arms on his legs as he leaned over. “Jennifer was telling us the buyer demand for these foreclosures is building. Banks have got to loosen up the credit soon.”

  “We hope,” Kelly said as she went over to the green-and-black granite counter to retrieve the sausage and cheese pizza.

  “Any nibbles on the Baker Street condo?” Megan asked, clearly concerned.

  “None yet,” Steve said, then drained his beer. “And I just got an e-mail from one of the retail tenants that they’re going out of business, so they’ll be moving their stuff out this month.”

  “Whoa . . .” Greg said softly, balancing his beer bottle on his knee.

  Silence settled over the group as Kelly watched each of her friends ponder the implications of what Steve said. Another Baker Street tenant moving out meant less rent received, and that would make it even harder for Steve to keep up with the payments on the new loan he’d negotiated, which covered both the Wellesley and the Baker Street Lofts properties. Kelly chewed her lip, wishing she had something reassuring to say, but she had run out of words. The continuing wave of bad real estate news washed away what feeble encouragement she might offer.

  After another quiet moment, Pete leaned forward, hands clasped between his knees. “Hang in there, Steve. You’re doing everything you can to keep it going,” he said in a quiet voice. “Jen said you’ve taken on some extra work in Denver. Are you consulting or what?”

  Steve shook his head. “Naw, consulting is too risky right now. All the companies have cut back. So I hired on at night with a Denver builder who needed extra help drawing up plans for a Northglenn shopping center he’s building.”

  “Wow, how was he able to get funding?” Marty asked before he grabbed a sausage and cheese slice.

  “He had it nailed down before this downturn started.”

  “What are you doing exactly, Steve? Making architectural drawings?” Lisa asked.

  “Yeah, and checking all the specs. Believe me, it was a challenge. I hadn’t done much commercial work since I was in grad school in architecture. So, it was a struggle at first. But I’ve settled in now, so it’s coming easier. Plus, all the software programs have improved so much.”

  “What kind of hours
are you working, Steve?” Greg asked, slipping a slice of pizza from the box.

  “Hey, save the rest for Steve and Kelly,” Lisa scolded. “You and Marty ate nearly two pizzas yourselves.”

  “Ahhh,” Marty said, with a satisfied grin. “And delicious they were, too.”

  “I’m working as much as I can, actually,” Steve said, balling up his paper napkin and dropping it onto his plate. “I’ve been going over to Fred’s office straight from the architectural firm around five thirty a couple nights a week. But I’ll have to start working more, now that the other foreclosure has popped up here in Wellesley. And that guy’s moving out of Baker Street.” He sank back into the sofa and toyed with his empty beer bottle.

  Kelly settled beside Steve and placed her hand on his shoulder, touch trying to convey what words could not.

  “So, we may not be seeing you much, I guess,” Megan offered after a minute of quiet. The ticking of Lisa’s grand-father clock was the only sound.

  Steve gave her a wry smile. “I’m afraid not, guys. Marty and Greg can have my share of the pizza.”

  “He’s promised he’ll come back on Saturday nights if he can, so we can all get together then . . . maybe,” Kelly offered, not sure if that would happen or not. Who knows how much time they’d have together?

  Marty slapped his hands on his knees. “Well, since we don’t know when we’ll see you next, maybe this is the time to tell you some great news.”

  “Yeah, please. We can use it,” Lisa said, tearing off a piece of pizza.

  Marty and Megan looked at each other and grinned, then turned to the others. “I asked Megan to marry me, and she said yes,” Marty announced. Megan grinned beside him, her face flushed.

  Kelly stared at Megan, then Marty, mouth open. She hadn’t expected this. She glanced around the circle. The rest of her friends looked just as surprised.