by Cassie Page
Tuesday said, “Don’t you think it’s a bit late, sugar pie? It’s after eleven.”
“I’m going to be awake all night if I don’t give him a piece of my mind. No reason he gets to sleep tight.”
Olivia had Scott on speed dial, but he wasn’t picking up. “Scott, call me. I don’t care what time it is.”
Tuesday gave her an odd look. “Any time?”
“Any time.”
Tuesday said, “And I’m not going to get any sleep unless that cat goes back where it belongs.”
“Oh, sorry, Tues. I said I’d find the owner, but it’s just been so hectic I forgot. Tomorrow, I promise.”
Tuesday held out her wine glass. “Give me the dregs of that bottle and you’re off the hook.”
Chapter 10: You Shoulda Seen The Other Guy
10:1
Wednesday, 2 am
“Olivia! Open up. OLIVIA!”
Olivia raised her head off the pillow. Someone was calling her, pounding on the front door. She tried to burrow deeper into her down comforter, back into her deep sleep. Then her phone rang. It was Matt. She got up on one elbow, gave him a groggy hello.
“Olivia, are you okay? I’m here. We’re here. Johnson and me.”
Olivia sat up and checked the time. Two a.m. “You’re where? What’s going on?”
“We’re at the front door. Let us in.”
“Matt, what’s happened?”
“I’ll tell you. Let us in.”
Olivia grabbed her robe and turned on the lights. The banging had woken Tuesday and she staggered out of the guest room, rubbing her eyes and pulling on her Minnie Mouse robe. “What the . . .”
Olivia flew down the stairs, Tuesday behind her. “I don’t know. It’s Matt. Something’s happened. Oh, I hope he doesn’t wake up Mrs. Harmon. I’m coming, I’m coming,” she whispered as she threw open the French doors into the showroom.
The cheery tinkling of the overhead bell sounded incongruous as she opened the door to a clearly upset Matt and his partner, Detective Johnson.
“Olivia,” Matt said, rushing across the threshold. “Are you okay?” He looked to Tuesday. “And you Tuesday? Has anyone been here bothering you?”
The two friends stared at each other, confused and shaking their heads. “Well Charles was here earlier,” Olivia said. “He watched a movie with us. Come in, it’s freezing out there.”
Matt looked frantic. “What time did he leave? Charles, I mean?”
Olivia closed the door behind the foursome. Through the glass panes of the old fashioned front door Olivia saw a light flicker on and her neighbor across the street come to her window, evidently awakened by Matt’s pounding and calling. She had a fleeting worry that the easily irritated neighbor would file a noise complaint, but how could she if the police were causing the ruckus?
She ushered them past armoires and chests of drawers toward an arrangement of chairs and a loveseat where they all sat down.
“Please, Matt. Tell me what’s going on?” Olivia turned on a table lamp she had for sale, then sat down herself.
“Somebody attacked Gutierrez.”
Olivia clutched her throat. “What do you mean attacked? By whom? How is she?”
Tuesday put her hand on Olivia’s knee to steady her. Olivia said, “Tell us what happened. But first, is she okay?”
Matt nodded, gave her a wry half smile. “Actually, Olivia, I think her attacker got the worst of it.”
“That sounds like Sonia.”
Matt explained that before she went to bed, Sonia had gone outside to bring in her kids’ soccer ball.
Johnson quickly glanced around the showroom at the expensive antiques. Then he gave his full attention to Matt’s account.
“It was late and her boys had forgotten to put their stuff away before they went to sleep. They’d had a ball stolen once before when they’d left it on the front lawn, so Sonia wanted to retrieve it. It was near the hedges where it was really dark. She was bending over to pick it up when she heard someone behind her. She couldn’t see very well because there wasn’t much light, except for the outline of a stick or a bat in the guy’s hand. He came up behind her just as she had the ball in her hand. You know Sylvia.”
Olivia nodded, her pulse racing.
“Well, she stood up and threw the ball at the guy’s head. She must have really nailed him. She said he almost fell over, but he took off. She ran after him, but she was in floppy slippers. She tripped over her robe and lost him.”
Olivia dropped her head into her hands. “Oh, no. Sonia.” She looked up. “But she’s okay?”
Johnson answered, checking his notes on his electronic notebook. “She’s shaken up, that’s for sure. Her husband came running out and they were afraid for the kids. He made sure they were okay and then called us. We searched the whole neighborhood, knocked on doors but nobody saw anything. We’ll have a better look in the morning to see if there are any traces of the guy.”
Matt added, “With all that’s going on and that creepy candle on your doorstep, I immediately thought of you. I had to make sure you were okay.”
Olivia and Tuesday looked at each other. They agreed that they hadn’t heard anyone skulking around.
Johnson seemed eager to go. He’d been in Olivia’s showroom before, when they were hunting for what the press called the Armoires and Arsenic killer. Olivia and Johnson had gotten off on the wrong foot during the case and had yet to mend fences. “Matt?” he said, nodding toward the door, eager to go.
Matt stayed where he was. “We sent a squad car out to check on Charles Bacon and Pierce. We need a list of names of anyone working on the project that you think might be in jeopardy. I don’t think this is a coincidence.”
Olivia noticed that her hands were shaking big time now. She put them in the pockets of her robe while she answered him.
“There’s Russ Bowers, the architect, but he lives in San Francisco. He’s really the only other person deeply involved at this point. As construction gets going other firms and individuals will get involved. But I don’t understand why Sonia is a target. Or any of us, for that matter. This project is good for Darling Valley. If there’s a land use problem because of Native American artifacts, that will be worked out eventually. Of course, short term it will cause budget problems for those involved. But nothing worth killing over. At least that’s the way I see it.”
Johnson was making notes on his tablet, Matt on his notepad.
Johnson said, “I just got a text. Bacon’s fine. Wanted to know how you were doing apparently. We have a car watching his house tonight just to be on the safe side.”
Matt said, “I tried to get in touch with Scott Pierce but there’s no answer. We have a car watching his house, too.”
Johnson said, “Tell me about the architect.”
Olivia scooped her hair back and held it for a few seconds. She searched in her pockets for a rubber band, finding none she let it go and it tumbled over her face and shoulders. She brushed it back with her fingers, all the while trying to think how she could sum up Russ Bowers.
“Let’s see. Russ is a talented guy, very motivated and aggressive. It’s the kind of personality you want on a big job. He’s one of the name partners in his firm but he oversaw the work of others on our project. I’m not sure exactly how much of the design is his own. That would be insider info, but he definitely approved it, guided the younger designers. That’s how these projects work. No one person is responsible for the whole idea. Could be someone at his firm who harbors resentment that he takes all the glory, but that’s what it’s like on the way up the ladder.”
Johnson asked, “Would this architect have a reason for hurting Sonia? Or Jed Fisher for that matter?”
Olivia turned to Matt. “We’ve talked about this before. The principals on this project all have a lot at stake, with the exception of Sonia. That’s the thing. She’s an employee of the bank and while she has a lot of power, it’s the higher ups that approve loans of the size Charles w
ent after. It’s been her job to oversee things, but even that is winding down for her. Because everyone respects and likes her so much, she was invited to our ceremony out of courtesy. The same is true of our meetings, She doesn’t need to attend but she can if she wants to. We all love her, but none of us would want to get on her bad side. If you know what I mean. She calls it like she sees it. What you want in a banker.”
Johnson tapped in a few words on his device. “So no reason for harming her that you can think of.”
Olivia shook her head. “Absolutely not. Could this have been a random thing? Not connected to the museum?”
Matt shrugged. “It’s possible, but highly suspicious.”
She briefly considered mentioning the lawyer from the tribal group, but he wouldn’t have known about Sonia’s involvement. Then Matt’s phone rang. He answered it, then grew very serious. “What time was this? Is he getting medical attention? We’ll be right over.”
He hung up and turned to Olivia. “Does the name Alistair Marsh mean anything to you?”
“Alistair? Yeah. He’s our art curator’s assistant. I may have mentioned him to you. He’s out here for the groundbreaking because his boss had to attend a conference. He’s nobody, as far as the project is concerned. Why?”
“He was just attacked by a man with a bat. The attacker got away but Marsh is in the urgent care center. Sounds like our guy is having a busy night.”
“Are you sure you don’t want some coffee?”
“Thanks ma’am, but I’m not going to be much good to you hanging out in your kitchen. I’m fine.”
So Olivia and Tuesday left the officer guarding the house on the front porch while they went back upstairs.
Tuesday refused coffee but went foraging. In the freezer she found her favorite Darling Valley indulgence, Salted Caramel Ice Cream and the jar of fudge sauce in the refrigerator. She spooned a generous portion of sauce into a small cup and nuked it until it was smooth and creamy, then drizzled it over the large mound of ice cream. A smile of anticipation wafted over her face as she contemplated her indulgence.
“Are you sure you don’t want some of this poison girly girl?”
Olivia shook her head. “On top of the wine, I’d be a goner tomorrow. That is, if I get any sleep at all.”
“Well, if you’ll excuse me,” Tuesday said as she dug in.
Olivia decided her quest for more sleep was hopeless now, and fixed Paymoor’s special instant double espresso and rubbed a twist of lemon rind along the rim of her cup. She drank it almost in one gulp, explaining, “I want to be sure I don’t miss Matt’s call about Alistair.”
“Oh,” opined Tuesday, “I think you’ll be awake into next week after that shot of caffeine.”
“I’m feeling so guilty.”
Tuesday held up her bowl. “You should after refusing this treasure.”
“No, I mean about Alistair. I’ve been so mean to him and here someone is trying to kill him.”
“Look, Olivia, you can’t go back in time and make him a good guy just because he’s the target of a crazy. They are two separate things.”
“I know, but still. How awful to know that someone wants to do you harm. I’m so upset about both of them, Sonia and Alistair.”
The stress of the week was showing in Olivia’s red-rimmed eyes.
Olivia rinsed out her coffee cup and stuck it in the dishwasher. “I’m thinking we should all get together tomorrow, well, later today, the design team, Alistair of course. I’d like you to come, too. We need to figure out some plan to keep us all safe.”
Tuesday added, “Maybe figure out who’s doing this.”
Having finished off her ice cream, she licked the back of her spoon. “It’s probably not my place to bring this up, but have you noticed that Scott Pierce is noticeably absent tonight? While you’re trying to reach him, someone comes after two of your colleagues with a battle axe.”
Olivia groaned. “I haven’t wanted to think about that, Tuesday. Scott is looking more and more like a bad guy. I mean, he didn’t invite me to the meeting with the environmental people. What’s up with that? Does he have something to hide?”
Tuesday got up from her chair and walked over to the sink with her bowl and spoon. “And on that note, I will say good night.”
Olivia, staring at the sink, remembered something. “Oh, the disposal. Did Vittorio come over today?”
“I don’t know. Not while I was around.” Tuesday jiggled the disposal switch and it roared to life.
Olivia looked up at that the lights. “They haven’t been blinking. He must have dropped by while we were out today. In the morning I’ll ask Mrs. Harmon if he knocked on her door. He didn’t leave an invoice or any packaging so I guess he didn’t need to replace any parts.”
“Nice guy to have handy.”
“Oh, he’s a sweetie. We’ll have to visit his mother’s shoe store before you leave.”
“Did I hear shoes?” Tuesday put her hand to her hear. “Did someone say shoes?”
“Good night girlfriend,” said Olivia. “I love you.”
“Good night, girly girl. I love you the mostest.”
10:2
Wednesday morning
Charles helped Alistair to a straight back chair.
Russ said, “I’d hate to see what the other guy looked like,” but nobody laughed.
Alistair had his arm in a sling and his head was heavily bandaged. He apologized for his tattered sport coat. “I’m living out of a suitcase while I’m here and I don’t have another jacket with me. The guy knocked me right into a concrete pillar and tore my coat to shreds.”
“Are you sure you don’t have a concussion?” asked Sonia. “Should you be up and about today?”
Alistair waved his good hand. “Ah, it’s only a flesh wound.”
But again, nobody laughed.
Olivia knew Alistair had at least three suits with him. He was probably playing the sympathy card by wearing that jacket to show how badly he’d been hurt. Mentally, she kicked herself for her nasty thought.
Charles brought the meeting to order. “First of all, Scott sends his apologies. He couldn’t make it today. He knows what we’re up to, though. I thought we should get together after last night. Safety is paramount now.”
He pointed to armed security guards standing in each corner of the room, grim-faced with rigid military postures.
“I hired these guys to watch over us until this crazy is caught. You will each have one security guard with you at all times and I’m picking up the tab. So no worries there.”
Sonia looked visibly relieved. “I can’t thank you enough, Charles. I know this will take a big load off my husband’s shoulder. He’s worried this creep is going to come after the kids next.”
Charles reassured her. “I’m taking care of everything. You’ll be as safe as the president. I guarantee it. The boss says his guys have each done two tours in Afghanistan. They can handle anything.”
“No, no, no!”
Everyone turned at Alistair’s outburst.
“I mean, that is too, too generous. And not necessary, I’m sure. Whoever did this has probably crawled back into his hole. I for one am not afraid. And I won’t be staying in Darling Valley much longer anyway. So you don’t have to worry about me.”
Charles brushed his objections away. “Not a problem, Al. Don’t worry about the cost or nothing. And make sure you send me those doctor bills. It’s bad enough you got slugged working on my job. It ain’t gonna cost you a penny.”
Alistair squeaked, “It’s Alistair, not Al. And really, it’s not necessary. I’m a very private person.”
He pointed to his arm in a sling. “And I’m only a little banged up. I can take care of myself.”
Charles ended the matter when he said, “You’re being too modest. I insist. I wouldn’t sleep at night if I didn’t think youse was all okay. Case closed. Next order of business.”
For once Olivia agreed with Alistair. The cop who had parked hims
elf on Olivia’s front porch last night had been for her own good, but she also thought it was kind of creepy having somebody hovering over her like that. But Charles was adamant, so she didn’t argue. Instead, she brought up the environmental issue.
“Charles, perhaps you can report to us on the meeting you had with the consultant from the State.” She looked pointedly at the ceiling to show her displeasure. “Since the rest of us weren’t invited. I’ll talk to Scott about that when I see him.”
Charles said, “She was a very nice gal, the environmental supervisor. She’s going to have a look see at the site and come back to us in a few days with what she finds. If it’s just a few arrowheads and such like, no problem. But you all know a finger was found, right?”
He looked around the room and everyone nodded to indicate they’d been so informed.
Charles continued. “If it’s a burial site, we got a mess on our hands. The feds are involved because of our grant money and that could delay things quite a while. She said she would expedite her report being as it was messed up the first time. These things should have been discovered when they did their original assessment.”
That statement set off Russ, who had not attended the meeting with the State’s consultant.
“And are we going to get an answer to that, why their evaluation wasn’t thorough? Charles could have chosen a different piece of property if we had any forewarning that this was an important archeological site. I mean it’s not like this is the first piece of property smack in the middle of former Native American lands that they’ve had to research.”
Charles answered, “My point exactly. I axed her that. I got the usual blah, blah, blah pinhead answer. We did our best, etc., etc. I mean, she looks like a nice girl and all, but this never should have happened. But like they say, you can’t unplow a field and what we got is what we got.”
Olivia cringed, wondering how a professional environmental consultant would react to being called a girl and a gal. But she had a more urgent question. “How long before she completes her assessment?”
“I axed her that too. She said she wouldn’t know until she had a looksee. She’s doing that now as we speak. She might have something preliminary for us this afternoon. She’s going to contact Scott and if he’s busy she’ll call me.”