Murder and Tainted Tea

by Janet Lane-Walters

Lars shook his head. “Honey, Kate’s not hurting for money. If she needs to go dress shopping, I’ll take her.”

  “Don’t make offers you might regret.” I gathered the mugs and strode to the kitchen.

  Carl appeared in the doorway. “Let me apologize for my wife’s rudeness. She’s afraid some gold-digger will take advantage of her father.”

  “No apology needed. I’ve known Bonnie all her life. Contrary to her beliefs, I’ve no designs on Lars’ money. Not that it’s any of your business, but I’m financially secure.”

  He laughed. “No one can have enough money.”

  “Depends on your needs. Mine are fairly simple.”

  He moved closer. “You wouldn’t gain much around here. Old Lars pinches pennies. Sure wish he would retire and leave the show to us.”

  “Isn’t that what he plans?”

  “Not if my wife has her way. She’ll do just about anything to keep her daddy here.”

  “Carl, where are you?” Bonnie called.

  “In the kitchen.”

  “Don’t monopolize Aunt Katherine.”

  I brushed past him and reached the living room. “You don’t have to worry. He’s quite safe with me.”

  Bonnie laughed. “How droll. Carl, let’s go home. Damon, call those people in California and find why they haven’t completed their proposed budget. Daddy, take care.” She slipped on her mink and blew a kiss.

  Damon and Lars headed to his study. I returned to the kitchen to prepare lunch. Hot roast beef, potato pancakes, a salad and cake for dessert were on the menu.

  The odd dynamics of the Bonnie, Carl, Damon trio puzzled me. Were they working together or did each of them have a separate agenda? No matter. I sensed something brewing between them that I feared would escalate. Bonnie seemed to be the focus or maybe the instigator. Lars needed to recognize the things I saw, but his doting love for his daughter blinded his sight.

  * * *

  When lunch was ready, I walked toward the study. Loud voices halted me just as I entered the hall.

  “When are you going to make the announcement?” Damon demanded.

  “After Kate leaves.”

  “Then I’ll wait, but not happily.” He paused and then began to speak again. “You need to do something about Carl ASAP. He’s my friend, but he has a real problem. He could be altering the books. Why don’t you call in an outside accountant?”

  “Do you have proof?”

  “I’m no accountant. Neither are you. Lord, he could steal you blind to pay his gambling debts.”

  “Bonnie wouldn’t tolerate my harassing him.”

  “Don’t be so sure of that. She’s growing tired of his weekends in Vegas.”

  “She hasn’t said a word.”

  “She wouldn’t,” Damon said. “She’s your daughter and has your kind of pride. She knows how you feel about the marriage.”

  I wished Lars would forget about entertaining me and attend to his affairs. Perhaps I could end my stay early. I was sure I could find a reason, but would Lars’ danger increase if I left?

  “Lars, lunch is ready,” I called. “Will Mr. Webster be staying?”

  The younger man stepped into the hall. “If I’m invited. Lars has raved about your cooking. And please call me Damon.”

  “We’re having left-overs. I’ll set another place.” I returned to the kitchen.

  Moments later Lars arrived. He took the plates and silverware. “Thanks for the welcome interruption. We were getting nowhere.” He kissed my cheek.

  “Glad to be of service.” I carried the food to the dining room. Questions about the things Damon had said about Carl troubled me. I refrained from voicing them, at least until Lars and I were alone.

  Something about the attitude of Lars’ assistant troubled me. The young man had a ready smile and a charming manner, but my latest experience with a charmer had made me wary. While Damon’s attempt to portray his friend as a thief had been smoothly done, I wondered about his motives. For some reason I couldn’t define, I didn’t trust Mr. Webster. I wished Lars didn’t either.

  Lunch ended with slices of chocolate cake. Lars tasted and grinned. “As wonderful as ever.”

  “Have you ever considered opening a restaurant?” Damon asked.

  “I’ve had two careers. That’s enough.”

  Lars chuckled. “That’s two she’ll admit. Maybe the third’s just a hobby.”

  Damon’s glance showed a curiosity I was reluctant to answer. “He’s teasing.”

  “Am I?” Lars asked.

  “Finish your lunch,” I said.

  When Damon carried his dishes to the kitchen, he thanked me again. “Better head for the office and make that California call. Bonnie may be focused on party plans, but she won’t forget what she told me to do. If I don’t have an answer, I’ll hear about it. See you tomorrow evening.”

  After he left, most of the uneasiness slid from my shoulders. Lars loaded the dishwasher and I stored the few leftovers and put the rest of the cake in the freezer.

  He pulled me into an embrace. For an instant I rested my head against his shoulder. His entire body vibrated with tension.

  “What is it? Have you remembered more?”

  “No. Seems you’re the only one I can trust. Why does it seem like everyone has their own agenda, even my children?”

  “That’s a question I can’t answer. Why don’t we forget the sightseeing and discover what’s hidden beneath all the rocks?”

  He brushed my cheek with his lips. “Not that long ago, curiosity nearly got you killed.”

  “You need to discover what’s going on.”

  “Maybe I’m afraid of what I’ll learn.”

  Chapter 4

  Lars and I spent the next morning lounging in front of the fireplace while I gave him the latest news from our various friends, including the ones who had moved to sunny climes. He especially enjoyed hearing stories about my family and neighbors. He chuckled over the things I told him about Sarah’s brood. Then he asked about the group we met for bridge.

  “There are still games, but I haven’t had a decent partner since you were last home,” I said. “Do any of your friends here play?”

  He shrugged. “Never asked. They’re not that close. We talk business, meet for lunch or dinner, attend concerts, the opera in the summer and art shows.” He clasped my hand. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

  “The feeling’s mutual.” I shuddered to think of how long he might have been missing if I hadn’t arrived. Though his son and daughter lived close at hand, they might not have worried for several days unless there’d been a ransom note. “What if I hadn’t come? What if you hadn’t escaped?”

  “Why are you so worried about what never happened?” He slid his arm around my shoulders. “Let’s shelve my vanishing act. I’m prepared to make the supreme sacrifice and take you shopping for a dress to suit my picky daughter. She just wants you to make a good impression on people here.”

  Doubtful, but criticizing his favorite child would drive a wedge into our friendship. “She hasn’t changed.”

  Sadness filled his eyes. “And neither have I. I still let her have her way too often. It’s a habit and hard to break.”

  “I know.”

  “Back to the dress question.”

  “I have a perfectly wonderful one that I wore to the hospital gala last spring.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “You went to the gala?”

  “Yes, Lars. With one of the doctors. He’s a widower and I’m not a recluse.”

  “You could have asked me.”

  His wistful expression made me chuckle. “Andrew made the arrangements.”

  He smiled. “Aha. Bonnie does the same thing for me, and never the same woman twice.”

  Of course, I thought. “Would you like to see the dress and give it your seal?”

  “Yes.”

  In the guest room I took the aqua silk dress from the closet. The skirt ended in a series of points embroidered with silver swirls. “
If this doesn’t suit the occasion, I’ll stay home.”

  “It’s perfect. When you see what I have for you, you’ll know why. Be right back.”

  When he returned, he handed me a case containing a magnificent silver and turquoise necklace and earrings. The stones nearly matched the color of my dress. From a band of highly polished metal, five triangles hung. Each was tipped with a round piece of turquoise. The earrings were single triangles.

  “How beautiful.”

  “And just right for you. The moment I saw the set, I knew they were for you. Bonnie wanted them and for once, I didn’t give in.”

  “Won’t she be upset if I wear them to her party?”

  He leaned against the door frame. “Probably, but she’ll save her tantrums for later.” He grinned. “Time for her to stop grasping and for me to cease doting. She has no reason to envy you.”

  He was right and wrong. In some subtle way our relationship hovered on the edge of change. Was Bonnie aware? Since my arrival, both times I’d been in her company, her animosity had pulsed like a monster lurking for an attack.

  “Thank you.” I put the case on the dresser and hung the dress in the closet.

  Lars held out his hand. “Now that the dress question is settled, would you like to take a drive?”

  “Where?”

  “Just around. We’ll stop somewhere for lunch.”

  “Sounds like fun.”

  Making our escape proved to be an exercise in logistics. Every time Lars tried to back onto the drive, another car, truck or van appeared; A florist times three, several vans belonging to the caterer, a truck from a place where tables and chairs were rented, plus a number of cars moved in a stream up the drive.

  We looked at each other and laughed. Lars reached for his cell phone.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Calling Bonnie to see when there’ll be a break in traffic.”

  “I could stand in the middle of the drive and play traffic cop.”

  “Might be the only way.” He glanced toward the gate. “After this gray car, we’re clear.”

  * * *

  That evening we dined on the doggie bags we’d brought from lunch and then dressed for the party. In casual clothes Lars is a handsome man, but in a tuxedo he took my breath away. His cummerbund and tie were turquoise and a near match for my dress. The studs were chunks of the same semi-precious stones as my jewelry.

  “Making a statement?” I asked.

  “Staking my claim. You’re a beautiful woman and there will be a number of unattached men in attendance.”

  “None to match you. Should I worry about unattached women?”

  He chuckled. “We’re quite a pair. Shall we walk or drive? We’re early enough to get a close spot.”

  “And be blocked in so we have to walk home. It’s not far.” I reached for the silver fox cape that had been my mother’s.

  As we strolled up the luminary-lined driveway, Lars told me what to expect inside the house. “It’s a showplace and made for entertaining. The lower floor isn’t family space. The house is a huge square with a center courtyard. On one side there’s a formal living room and a dining room where doors open into the court. The...I suppose it could be called a ballroom is on the other side and is connected to a hall that opens into the court and leads to the chef’s kitchen.”

  “Sounds wonderful.” And just the proper place to showcase his daughter.

  “She’s hired an orchestra for dancing.”

  The sand-colored adobe glittered in the moonlight. “Truly a house of gold.”

  “Fool’s gold. She had something added to the stucco to create the effect. Bonnie has these pretensions, but she means no harm by them.”

  Was his assessment true? His daughter might not physically harm anyone, but from what I’d observed and heard from Don and Megan, she used words as weapons. I wanted to share these thoughts with Lars, but refrained. Why shred his beliefs? Bonnie was his pet and I would soon be a guest in her house.

  Lars rang the bell. A dark-haired man dressed as a hidalgo answered. He took my cape and Lars coat.

  On one wall a picture of Bonnie hung. I glanced at the other wall where a multitude of mirrors in gilt frames reflected the portrait again and again. I choked back laughter.

  At the end of the foyer, a graceful staircase led to the second floor. A grandfather’s clock in white marble and gold works stood near the stairs. Soft lights and shadows were cast by the crystal chandelier.

  Bonnie glided into the foyer. “Daddy, you look so handsome. It’s good you came early.”

  Her dress was gold lame and white satin and molded to her figure. She wore a pearl and gold necklace. White and gold like everything I’d seen.

  “I wanted Kate to have a chance to see the house before the guests arrived.”

  She turned to me. “Aunt Katherine, what a nice dress. Don’t you just love the necklace and earrings? Take good care of them. They’re only on loan, you know. I would hate to see them broken.”

  “They’re Kate’s and perfect for her,” Lars said.

  “But Daddy...” She thrust her lower lip into a pout.

  “Bonnie.” A hard edge entered his voice.

  Damon appeared in the doorway. “Lars, I thought I heard your voice. Mrs. Miller, the jewelry and the dress are stunning.”

  Bonnie turned to him. “Have you seen Carl? He should be at my side to greet our guests.” She put a hand on Lars’ arm. “I need a host. Aunt Katherine, can you spare Daddy for a bit?”

  “No problem.”

  “And think about how much I love the jewelry.” She smiled. “You’ve always done the right thing.”

  In her eyes I had. Not this time. I intended to treasure Lars’ gift.

  Damon took my arm. “Let’s find Carl.”

  We entered the spacious L-shaped living room. Sofas and chairs in gold and white brocade were arranged in conversation areas. A fire burned in the large corner fireplace and the fragrant aroma of burning wood filled the air.

  Damon steered me through an archway into the dining room where a large terraced buffet filled with chaffing dishes stood against one wall. Small tables for two or four were scattered through the room. A man in a spotless white uniform backed through a door that must have led to the kitchen. He placed a crystal bowl of shrimp on the serving table.

  Damon motioned to Carl who stood at the bar. “You’re presence is requested in the foyer.”

  Carl left his glass on the bar. “On my way.” He paused. “Mrs. Miller, you look fabulous. Lars was right. The jewelry suits you perfectly. My wife must be heartbroken.” He sauntered away.

  He sounded as if he was pleased to see his wife had lost something she desired. What was going on between the pair of them? Damon released my arm. “Mind if I abandon you? I need to check on the orchestra.”

  “I’ll be fine.” I wandered into the living room.

  A short time later, Lars arrived with a young couple. He made quick introductions and drew me to one of the chairs by the fire. “Don’t even think about giving her the jewelry.”

  “I wasn’t.”

  “Good. What would you like to drink?”

  “What do you think?”

  He patted my hand. “My daughter doesn’t serve mint tea.”

  “Very funny. A daiquiri will be fine.”

  Moments later he returned and handed me a drink. The daiquiri had been blended to perfection and the crust of sugar on the rim of the glass added a touch of sweetness to the tart lime.

  Before long a crowd had gathered. Lars and I put our glasses on a tray held by a young woman wearing a bright fiesta dress.

  As we circulated, he made introductions. Though I tried, most of the names were quickly forgotten. To my surprise, many of the women exclaimed over my necklace and earrings. The silver and turquoise creation was in competition with diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires. The amount of glitter in the room hurt my eyes.

  Music drifted from the ballroom. “Where’s
Don?” I asked.

  “He and Megan are with friends. He refuses to leave her with a sitter and he avoids Bonnie’s house.”

  “How long has this been going on?”

  “Almost since his marriage. Bonnie and Ramona never got along. It’s been worse lately. Not long after Ramona’s funeral, he and Megan had food poisoning after eating dinner here. Megan ended up in the hospital. Don blamed Bonnie. I’ve tried to make peace and pretty much failed.”

  Poor Lars. He had a knack for making money but little fortune with his children. When he’s back east, his meetings with his older sons and their wives are few and generally take place in restaurants.

  My reflections were interrupted by the arrival of Dr. Verdigras. “Mr. Claybourne, you’re looking fit.” He faced Lars and turned his back on me.

  “Feel great,” Lars said.

  “Uncle Joe said you haven’t made an appointment for a follow-up.”

  “No need. A good night’s sleep and I was fine.” Lars tugged me closer. “You remember Kate...Mrs. Miller.”

  The doctor’s nostrils tightened. “Yes...of course. Have you remembered anything about where you were?”

  “No.”

  I captured Verdigras’ gaze. “Before Lars and I left the ER, I spoke to the admitting nurse. Did you read her assessment?”

  Anger flashed in his dark eyes. “I did what I felt was appropriate. I believe Bonnie was right when she said you dared to meddle where you weren’t wanted. I suggest you keep out of my affairs.” He walked away.

  Lars pulled me into a corner. “What was that about?”

  “At the hospital I asked him to do a blood test for drugs. He refused.”

  “Why would he do that?”

  “I haven’t a clue to his motives. Could be he’s young enough to believe he’s always right. Or he could want to please your daughter.”

  Lars shook his head. “Stop seeing conspiracies in every smile. Do you want to go across the way and dance with me?”

  “Later. Let’s visit the buffet.”

  Several times we stopped so he could introduce me to local politicians, businessmen and their wives. Some of the women seemed young enough to be daughters, but that wasn’t much different from home.