Random Acts of Fraud (Holly Anna Paladin Mysteries Book 5)

by Christy Barritt

  Chapter Eleven

  A few minutes later, Drew finally got away from the man who was talking his ear off. He introduced me to other people who worked with Wilford Funeral Home. I welcomed the break from the ever-attentive Hookers, who’d now latched onto one of Travis’s aunts who’d just shown up.

  After Drew introduced me around, his brother pulled him to the side to talk about something. I kept my eyes on them while trying to make small talk. Raul looked a lot like his brother, but he was taller and thicker, and his eyes weren’t as kind. What could he and Travis have been arguing over? I’d hate to point the finger at one of Drew’s relatives, but I needed to keep my eyes open.

  “I still can’t believe Travis is gone,” the woman beside me said.

  The twentysomething woman named Alicia worked as a receptionist at Wilford Funeral Home. She was probably around my height with light brown hair cut to her shoulders and pixie-like features.

  She’d be a good person to know because receptionists, in my experience, seemed to know a lot about what went on around the office.

  Another was a man named AJ, and I could tell he and Drew were good friends from their banter. I’d guess him to be five eight. He had blond hair and a hipster vibe, with his suspenders and bow tie. He worked some kind of career within the death industry. He either was a rep for an organ donation company or a casket company. I’d tuned out part of the conversation, unfortunately.

  “We’re all in shock,” AJ said. “It’s hard to believe we were playing basketball just last week.”

  “He was just talking about buying a house,” Alicia said. “A nice one. It was going to be like a trophy to him. That was so Travis.”

  “He’ll be missed,” AJ said.

  Silence fell for a minute, and I could feel their eyes on me.

  “I hope this doesn’t sound rude, but I didn’t realize Travis was dating anyone.” Alicia stared at me, curiosity on her face.

  And here I went again. “It’s complicated.”

  She nodded as if fully accepting that answer. “I get that.”

  I needed to play this for all I could. Maybe it was wrong, but right now I had their sympathies.

  “What I can’t figure out is why someone would kill him.” I shook my head, still fishing for information. “It just makes no sense.”

  “That’s been all I can think about also,” Alicia said, lowering her voice. “Who would do something like this?”

  “Maybe it’s that doctor who was so mad at him,” AJ said. “Travis said the man was threatening him, coming by his house even.”

  Dan Gilbert.

  “I heard the police talked to that guy, and he had an alibi for the time of the murder,” I said. When they stared at me longer, I shrugged. “I asked when they were questioning me. Apparently, the police question everyone connected with the victim in a case like this.”

  They both seemed to accept that answer and nodded.

  AJ stepped closer. “While we’re theorizing, some people have pointed to Ronald over there.”

  “What do you think of that?” I asked quietly.

  “I’m not sure,” AJ said. “He’s always seemed like an upright guy to me. But do we really know people? Maybe their issues went deeper than I thought.”

  “You’re saying he has no motive?” I asked. “I heard Travis and Ronald argued a lot. Any idea what that was about?”

  AJ shook his head. “No idea. Could just be work life in general. The job can be stressful, and not everyone is cut out for it.”

  “I hope the police will figure it out.” I stepped closer. “What about Raul? I heard he and Travis had some issues. Do you know if the police are looking into him?”

  AJ’s eyebrows shot up. “Raul? Really? I don’t know what to say. He does work for a medical supply company, so he’d have access to the supplies needed to poison someone—if that’s really what happened. It’s all a rumor right now.”

  Interesting.

  “There’s one other thing that’s been bugging me,” Alicia whispered. “Travis seemed to legitimately come into some money lately. I don’t know where it came from. His job didn’t pay him that well.”

  Another very interesting fact. These two were full of information. “Why do you say he came into some money?”

  “He told me that debt collectors were going to be a thing of his past,” Alicia said.

  “You think he was doing something illegal on the side?” I whispered.

  She frowned and shrugged. “I hate to talk ill of the dead, but maybe. Otherwise, it just makes no sense. But there were a lot of things that didn’t make sense about Travis. Some things, I guess we’ll never understand this side of heaven. He took his secrets with him to the grave.”

  Before we could talk anymore, the Hookers joined us. Mama Hooker took my arm, ready to introduce me to more people as the love of Travis’s life.

  As she did, my phone buzzed again. I sneaked a look at it and my muscles went stiff.

  I know what you’re doing. Your time is coming. First opportunity and you’ll meet Travis . . . in the afterlife this time.

  I went back to work for a few hours, then stopped by the youth center where I volunteered. After dinner, I stared at the card with Drew Williams’s information on it.

  Tonight was Bible study. Should I go or should I stay home?

  I wasn’t sure.

  But the thought of returning to my empty home wasn’t appealing.

  With that in mind, I headed toward Drew’s. There in the driveway was his cherry-red Mustang. The police must have already processed it and given it back to him.

  A million doubts clashed in my mind as I walked up to the front door. What if I felt uncomfortable and awkward inside? What if everyone assumed I was Drew’s date? Again—awkward. What if I had nothing in common with anyone here and felt like an outsider?

  There were three other cars outside also. I could hear happy voices drifting from the interior. That was a good sign . . . right?

  Bible study sounded great after a day like today. I still couldn’t get the Hookers out of my mind. They just seemed to like me so much, and I hadn’t had the heart to break it to them that I’d never even met their son. When I’d left the luncheon, they’d handed me their number and asked me to be in touch. Like a robot, I’d nodded and said okay.

  I knocked at the door. My breathing was much more shallow than it should have been as I stood there. I’d never thought of myself as one to get social anxiety, but maybe I was.

  In fact, maybe this was a terrible idea.

  I turned to flee back to my car. Obviously, no one had heard the doorbell. I could leave now, and no one would be the wiser for it.

  Just as my shoe hit the top step, the door opened behind me. I froze and slowly turned around, realizing the only thing worse than feeling awkward during a Bible study was feeling awkward before the Bible study when you’re caught trying to run away.

  Drew stood there with a smile stretched across his face. “Holly, you came. I’m so glad.”

  I raised the plate of cookies I’d brought with me. I’d baked them with my girls at the youth center earlier. “I bring good news of great joy.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “Come again?”

  “That’s what the cookies are called. Good news of great joy. I’ve been waiting to use that line for a long time.”

  He chuckled. “We always accept food, with special priority given to those with biblical references.”

  “That’s what I was hoping. If the biblical name doesn’t win people over, maybe the chocolate and caramel will.”

  “You had me at cookies.” He took the plate and smiled again. “Please, come in. I was hoping you’d show up.”

  I stepped into his home. I’d already studied the outside of his neat two-story, brick house, and I’d been impressed. The inside didn’t disappoint—it was decorated just as neatly. Glossy wood floors, classic furnishings, clean lines. Not too many accessories, but just enough to make it warm.

&n
bsp; “Nice place,” I said.

  He looked behind him. “I can’t take any credit for it. My mom helped. So did my sister.”

  “Well, they did a good job.”

  “I’ll let them know.” He took my arm. “Come meet everyone.”

  Another quell of nerves rose in me. But when I stepped into the living room, I recognized two faces from church. Both of those ladies came over and gave me a huge hug. As soon as their arms wrapped around me, the tension in my muscles eased.

  Coming here had been the right choice.

  This is it, Holly. This is you. Moving on.

  Chapter Twelve

  The Bible study was all about trusting that God was in control—living it out, putting it into action, and not just talking the talk. It had been just what I needed to be reminded of. Coming here had been the right choice, despite all of my insecurities.

  And, somehow, I ended up being the last one to leave. Probably because I’d offered to help straighten up. After all, it was the polite thing to do, and Drew seemed to appreciate the help.

  When I put the last dish into the dishwasher, I found my purse and turned toward Drew. A rush of nerves rippled through me as we stood in front of each other. “I should run.”

  He stepped closer, and his sandalwood scent surrounded me. His eyes were warm on mine and that ever-ready smile present. He was smooth and gentle, yet he’d taken charge of the conversation at Bible study, keeping the group focused on the topic. He’d made everyone feel welcome, yet he still gave off a masculine vibe. I’d been impressed.

  He stuffed his hands deep into his pockets. “I’m glad you came, Holly.”

  “Thanks for inviting me.” I walked slowly toward the door, Drew shadowing my steps, and we paused.

  “Holly?”

  I turned. “Yes?”

  “Do you want to have dinner tomorrow night?”

  I hesitated but only for a minute. I’d been kind of hoping that he’d ask, and I had no good reason to say no. “Yes, I’d love to.”

  His grin stretched wider. “Great. I’ll call you with details—if you’d be as kind as to pass on your number. Would that work?”

  “I’d be more than happy to.” I rattled off my number, and Drew typed it into his phone. “I look forward to it. Good night, Drew.”

  “Good night.”

  I felt myself beaming—just a little, at least—as I left. Drew seemed too good to be true. I had to remind myself that if something seemed too good to be true, it probably was.

  But not always. Certainly, there was hope for a few nearly perfect things in this world.

  I paused when I got into my car and checked my cell phone. I held my breath, waiting to see if I’d gotten any more texts.

  Nothing.

  I released the air from my lungs.

  Maybe the man had backed off. After all, he had no reason to come after me. I knew nothing.

  Yet he seemed to think I did. Or that I had something that I didn’t, at least.

  As I scrolled through my screen, I saw that I’d missed three calls and none had left voicemails.

  I squinted at one of the numbers. Who was that?

  The number seemed strangely familiar, yet I couldn’t place it.

  I didn’t usually call unknown numbers back, but I decided to this time. I locked my door—just to be safe—and listened to the phone ring.

  As I waited, I glanced around, a feeling of unease washing over me again. Why did I constantly feel like someone was watching me? Was it Drew? Had he walked to the door and waited to see if I’d get home safely?

  Or maybe it was the sender of those texts. Would he carry out his threat? Did he still believe that I knew more than I actually did?

  I glanced at Drew’s house. I didn’t see him peering from any windows or doors.

  I swallowed hard, wondering if it was a good idea to remain in my car unmoving. Just as I cranked the engine, a woman answered.

  “Holly?”

  “Speaking,” I said, trying to place her semi-familiar voice.

  “It’s Blake.”

  Blake. I hadn’t expected to hear from her so soon. “Blake. How are you?”

  “I’m in a bit of a pickle.” Her voice shook with uncertainty.

  “What’s going on?” Still unable to escape the feeling of being watched, I eased down the road, hoping a change of location would make me feel better, safer.

  “Like I told you yesterday, I don’t know very many people in this area,” she started. “I hope you don’t mind me calling. You just seem so . . . trustworthy. It’s like I feel a kindred bond with you and instinctively know we could be related.”

  I’d felt that also.

  “Anyway, the house I was renting had a water leak we discovered on Friday,” she continued. “The contractors came in today and said there’s black mold everywhere. I had to move out for health purposes, and I’m looking for a new place to stay. I called a couple people I’ve met at school, but none of them have an extra room at their places. Most of them live in apartments. You know, we’re all poor college students. I was hoping you had some recommendations of someone who might be looking for a last-minute tenant.”

  I quickly ran through a mental list of anyone I might know who fit the bill. I had no good ideas, unfortunately. I merged onto one of the main traffic arteries that led through my area of town, glancing in the rearview mirror.

  I didn’t see anyone following me. And, yes, I was looking.

  “Off the top of my head, I can’t think of anyone,” I said. “Have you looked around at some apartment complexes? Maybe there are some openings.”

  “I tried that. Most people don’t want someone who’s only going to be there for a month. The rest are too expensive.” She let out a sigh. “It’s okay. I just thought you might have some recommendations since you had so many connections in the area. Long shot, right?”

  Guilt sank into me. I didn’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have family in the area to help me out when I needed it. Everyone needed a support system. “That stinks about the mold.”

  “I agree. It was so unexpected.” She paused. “Well, I’m sorry to bother you, Holly. Let me make some more phone calls.”

  Do something, Holly. She’s family.

  Maybe she’s family.

  Still, I hesitated a moment. Then I remembered our Bible study tonight. We’d talked about living out the belief that God was in control and acting out of faith instead of fear.

  God didn’t call me to live a life of comfort but a life of service. It was so easy to forget that. Faith was something you lived out, it wasn’t just talking points to recite. Wasn’t that what the Bible was about?

  “You know what?” I started. “I have an extra bedroom. Why don’t you stay with me until you can figure something else out?”

  “I’d hate to impose on you.”

  “You’re not.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Absolutely.” I rattled off my address, and she told me she’d be over in an hour.

  Pushing myself out of my comfort zone. That’s what I was doing. I just hoped I didn’t regret it, especially in light of everything that was going on lately.

  “What do you mean a stranger is moving in with you?” Jamie said.

  She’d called right after I hung up with Blake. She already knew the whole story about my supposed cousin, and she’d been a tad skeptical when she heard the details.

  “It’s not a big deal.” I shoved the phone under my ear so I could turn my windshield wipers on.

  A light rain had begun to fall. Thankfully, I was almost home. Driving the Mustang during a downpour wasn’t my favorite thing. While there were many things classic cars had in their favor, there were other things they didn’t have—like anti-lock brakes.

  “Of course it is,” Jamie said. “Letting someone in your home isn’t to be taken lightly.”

  I glanced behind me once more, making sure no one was there. As far as I could tell, I was good. But it was dark outs
ide, and everyone’s headlights were glaring. It was hard to tell one car from another. Maybe I’d just been paranoid earlier.

  “I appreciate your concern,” I told Jamie. “But Blake is family.”

  “She’s family you just met, and her blood relation hasn’t been confirmed. What if she’s faking it?”

  Her words made me pause. “Why would she do that?”

  “Who knows? There are crazy people in this world.”

  My head was starting to pound now. Why was it that the moment I started to try to act out of faith not fear that someone was certain to point out I was wrong? “Yes, there are crazy people. You’re crazy sometimes.”

  “It’s usually your idea.”

  “You’re not going to get any argument from me there. But can we change the subject? I’ve already invited her. I can’t exactly turn her away now.”

  “Have you considered she might be connected to this Travis guy? You know, the one who’s dead? I mean, the timing of her arrival is suspect. And did you find out who posted on those adoption boards? I still can’t see your mom doing that.”

  “I don’t even know where to start after everything you just said,” I muttered. “So maybe I won’t start. Just let it be known that I heard you.”

  Jamie let out a sigh, and I could tell she wanted to say more. “Okay, fine. Are you up for going on another date on Friday?”

  I wanted to snort. “Um . . . let me think. No. Absolutely not. I took down my profile from that site.”

  “Why’d you do that?”

  “Do you not remember the events of Saturday night?” I gripped the steering wheel tighter as the downpour thickened.

  “How could I forget? But that was isolated. Unrelated. It’s not like something like that would happen again.”

  “I’m out, Jamie. I’m sorry. I know we promised to double date, but I just can’t do it again. The first time, Travis died. The next time I might be dating a serial killer, for all I know.”

  “Or he could be Prince Charming.”

  “Or he could be a serial killer disguised as Prince Charming.” Drew’s face flashed into my mind, but I pushed the image away. No way.