Murder and Tainted Tea

by Janet Lane-Walters

  I tasted the sauce and reached for the garlic to add a sprinkle of powder. The multitude of inconsistencies in Bonnie’s kidnapping had left questions she hadn’t answered. Who was the friend she’d stayed with? Perhaps Verdigras. Don’s revelation about Bonnie’s past connection to the young doctor had taken me by surprise. I’d been so sure of her attraction to Damon.

  Why had the ransom note arrived before the event? The whole affair reminded me of one of those single color jigsaw puzzles where only the shape of the pieces aids solution. Unfortunately this enigma had too many missing pieces.

  A second taste of the sauce earned a contented sigh. Perfect. In a heated skillet, I braised seasoned and floured veal medallions.

  How could I find the missing pieces? Tonight I hoped to open Lars’ eyes to his daughter’s selfish behavior. I also prayed I’d find some answers. The players would be present, including Rafe. Would he follow my lead and help me extract a few facts?

  Though I hadn’t made the suggestion, I prayed Megan would leave the kitten at home. Bonnie’s distaste for cats might cause a scene I didn’t want.

  Lars strode into the kitchen. “Smells wonderful, but we could have gone to a restaurant. I know at least a dozen you would enjoy.”

  Not for what I had in mind.

  “Cooking settles my nerves. They’ve been stretched a bit thin lately.”

  He hugged me. “I do wish our time together had been different. I wanted to show you the area, to enjoy these weeks, to help you over your grief. I never intended to inflict my problems on you.”

  “I know that.” I spooned sauce over the veal. “Your problems have been simmering for a long time. Maybe I’m a catalyst.”

  He kissed my nape. “I’ve decided to take action. Asked Rafe to look into that company in Florida. He’s also trying to learn where Carl was when I disappeared. You know, he never came home and he didn’t call.”

  “He was in a meeting with Damon. At least that’s what the secretary told Don. Do you trust her?”

  “Absolutely. Maybe she was mistaken. I asked Bonnie to look at the house for that ransom note. So far she’s had no luck.”

  “What about looking at the office?”

  “Rafe plans to go there after dinner.” He sucked in a breath. “Just to let you know you were on target about my daughter. She had an appointment with a divorce lawyer this morning.”

  “Will she marry Jaime Verdigras?”

  “I don’t know. When she broke the engagement, she was furious. She finds forgiveness hard to grant.”

  He was right about that. “I really thought there was something between her and Damon.”

  “Hardly likely.”

  “Why not? He’s her age and an attractive man.”

  “Just take my word that he’s not her type.” He drew me closer. “I’ve made a decision that could change things for us. I’m putting my retirement on hold.”

  He sounded weary. I turned to face him. “You’ll do what you feel you must, but I don’t understand.”

  “She’ll need me.”

  As always, I thought. I stared over his shoulder and struggled to hide my disappointment.

  He caressed my shoulders. “I know. Another delay.”

  And for the same reason.

  I forced a smile. “We’re friends and will always have that. Let me get back to work so our guests won’t starve.”

  After preparing the garlic bread, I assembled the dessert. Pound cake sliced in layers, sweetened ricotta cheese with bits of chocolate and walnuts added. Later I’d ice the cake with a milk chocolate glaze.

  When all but the last minute things were done, I changed into a forest green dress. Then I carried a mug of aromatic tea to the living room and sat in one of the chairs facing the fireplace. Strains of Chopin filled the air.

  Lars folded his newspaper. “Guess you couldn’t wear the necklace tonight.”

  “Would clash.” Soon I would have to tell him they were gone, but not tonight.

  “All set?”

  “Until they arrive. What have you been doing?”

  “Mulling matters.”

  “You mentioned several businesses Carl recommended that failed. How closely were you involved with them?”

  “Just the first one and we bailed out before we took a real loss. The second one Bonnie oversaw while I was back east. We didn’t fare as well. Why do you ask?”

  I cradled the mug for warmth and courage. What I planned to say might upset him. “Could these businesses have been chosen as a way to siphon money into someone’s pockets?”

  His groan was long and loud. “You have a devious mind, but you could be right. Carl always needs money. I trusted him. So did Bonnie. I let her handle the second venture. Wanted her to have a chance to prove herself. Was that wrong?”

  “No.” The blame was in not being willing to admit none of his children had the touch or the interest. Bonnie’s failure explained why he wanted Don to give up art and try business.

  I leaned toward him. “I know she denies knowing about the company in Florida. Could she be lying? Could that be her way of persuading Carl to agree to the divorce?”

  “Kate, please. Don’t blame her for everything.”

  “I’m not. Just looking at the possibilities. Maybe you should just close up shop.”

  “I would, but Bonnie’s life is built around the idea of being in control of the company.”

  “And your life is controlled by taking care of her.” The words rushed out and my regret was instant.

  He reached for my hand. “Perhaps and perhaps I’m responsible for her attitudes.”

  “How so?”

  “Bonnie has seen how much I love finding new ventures. She’s always tried to please me. When Marie died the business became my escape from the cares of raising a family alone.”

  “You didn’t have to be alone.”

  “I know and I should have...but that’s part of my problem.” He shook his head. “Once the children were grown, work became my life. An error in judgment, I know. You tried to warn me, but I wouldn’t listen.”

  The logs in the fireplace snapped and sent forth a shower of sparks. “You listened and then did as you pleased. Sometimes you’re dense.”

  He squeezed my fingers. “I want to be involved in life the way you are. You’re surrounded by people who love and care about you. Other than you and my children, my other acquaintances just brush the surface of my life.”

  Though I understood his feelings, I wondered how he would function when work no longer formed the boundaries of his life. Unlike me, he’d never been involved in the community. Oh, he’d given his name and money to charities, but he’d never delivered food to the poor or offered comfort to someone who had lost their home, a job or a loved one. He’d never meddled in people’s lives the way I have. His habit of dividing his time between two widely separated areas hadn’t encouraged involvement.

  “Habits developed over the years are almost impossible to break,” I said.

  He met my gaze. “I want to try. Will you help?”

  Before I had a chance to answer, the doorbell pealed and the front door opened. Megan ran into the room. “Pop, Aunt Kaferine, see my new dress.” The long skirt of her fiesta dress swirled around her ankles.

  “Very pretty,” Lars and I said.

  “We’re early,” Don said. “She couldn’t wait.”

  Lars chuckled. “I see you left the kitten at home.”

  “My sister will be upset enough about eating dinner with a child. Rose Prairie would have sent her running home.”

  His statement nettled me. “What’s wrong with children dining with adults? How else will they learn table manners?”

  “From the nanny my sister suggests I hire to keep Megan out of sight.”

  Megan crawled onto Lars’ lap. “I make a picture for Aunt Kaferine.” She handed me a slightly crumpled piece of drawing paper. “You can take it home and show big Rose Prairie.”

  Though primitive, the draw
ing looked surprisingly like the kitten. “Did your daddy help?”

  She shook her head. “Just me.”

  Don nodded. “She likes making pictures, but I won’t push her. Just provide the means for expression. If she’s still interested when she’s in her teens, we’ll talk about lessons.”

  “Good thinking.” Another evidence of his ability as a single parent. “Let me put this away.” When I returned from the guest room, I held out my hands to Megan. “Want to help me?”

  “Yes.”

  Once the cake was glazed and all but the pasta cooking, I carried a tray of vegetables to the living room. Megan brought the dip. A short time later, Bonnie and then Damon arrived.

  Damon handed me a bouquet of red and white roses. “For the hostess.”

  “Thank you.” I peered into the foyer. “Has anyone heard from Carl?”

  Bonnie shook her head. “He hasn’t called or come home. None of his pals has seen him.”

  “I’m puzzled.” Damon strode toward the dining room where Don mixed drinks. “He left a message on my voice mail saying something had come up and he’d call later. As yet he hasn’t.”

  “Bet he’s hiding from his creditors,” Don said.

  “Have the funds been drawn from that account in Florida?” I asked.

  “Won’t know until Monday,” Lars said.

  “Should we be talking about this now?” Damon asked.

  “Probably not.” Lars turned to Bonnie. “If he doesn’t show up, do you have the access codes for his computer files?”

  “They should be at the office,” she said.

  Don handed Damon two drinks. “Martinis for you and Bonnie. A Shirley Temple for Button. Daiquiris for the rest of us.” He filled three glasses and delivered one to me and one to Lars.

  I sipped. “Perfect.”

  “About time he did something right,” Bonnie said.

  Don’s jaw clenched. Lars grabbed Bonnie’s wrist. “That is enough. Can’t we have one evening without you taunting your brother?”

  Her laughter held a nervous note. “Daddy, I was only teasing. Lately he’s lost his sense of humor.”

  “With good reason,” Don said.

  Sure she was teasing, I thought. She seldom missed a chance to put her brother down. Maybe she couldn’t hear the tone of her voice, but the rest of us had. I’d also seen a glint of malice in her eyes.

  Rafe arrived before another word was exchanged. He handed me a sheaf of spicy carnations. “For you, Kate, with my thanks for the dinner invitation.” He handed Lars a manila envelope. “Some of the information you wanted.”

  Megan ran to Rafe. “You got to come to my house and see Rose Prairie.”

  He swung her into his arms. “Muy bonita, nina. After dinner I’ll see el gato.”

  She giggled. “La gatita.”

  After Rafe had a drink, he took some of the vegetables and sat on the couch with Megan. Conversation became general with much talk about skiing. Don and Megan planned to visit the chalet and invited Rafe to go along. Bonnie made a face and asked when they were planning to go since she’d invited a few people to join her there. To my relief their dates didn’t conflict.

  When I finished my drink, I escaped to the kitchen bearing the two bouquets of flowers. Lars soon arrived with two crystal vases. He winked. “Should I be worried? Two bunches of flowers. I believe you’ve charmed them.”

  “Hostess gifts.” I quickly arranged the flowers. “Put them on the buffet.” I dropped angel hair pasta in boiling water, then sautéed chopped garlic and basil in olive oil.

  Once the food was arranged in serving dishes, Lars and I carried them to the dining room. I returned for the garlic bread.

  Moments later tension sizzled. Bonnie scowled, but this time I wasn’t the recipient of her displeasure. Megan, perched on several books between her father and Rafe, was the target. A small spot of red sauce stained the white tablecloth in front of her plate.

  “I still say children shouldn’t be permitted to eat with adults until they learn not to make messes,” Bonnie said.

  Lars leaned forward. “Then I should have fed you in the kitchen until you left for college. Why do you always try to spoil things?”

  Cold anger frosted his voice. Bonnie’s eyes widened. I silently applauded Lars.

  Megan dug into the pasta. “Daddy, Aunt Kaferine cooks good. Her make a beautiful cake. Her can teach you.”

  “Already signed up for cooking lessons after we move.”

  “Goody.”

  Bonnie rested her fork on the plate. “Move? What are you talking about?”

  “You’ve heard my plans. Megan and I will live in Dad’s house back east for a bit.”

  Bonnie’s gaze raked her father. “That’s hardly fair. Daddy, I can’t afford to buy two people out, especially after my husband and your assistant gave away a million dollars. Sorry, brother, you’re stuck here.”

  “Have I asked for money?” Don started to rise. “Since I have a place to live, I can support Megan and myself very well. Keep your money.”

  Lars shook his head. “The dinner table is no place for family feuds. I’m seriously considering liquidating the company.”

  “What?” Bonnie nearly screamed the question.

  Damon looked up. “You can’t do that.”

  Rafe chuckled. “Seems he can. It’s his company.”

  “Wrong,” Bonnie said. “Don and I have equal shares. I’ll never agree.”

  “And I’ll vote with Dad,” Don said.

  “You...you...” Bonnie sputtered.

  “Let’s put this subject to rest,” Lars said. “Kate has prepared a wonderful meal. I suggest we enjoy the food and talk of other things.”

  Rafe winked at me. “Lars is right about the food.”

  Damon nodded. “I think she should open a restaurant.”

  “In my next life.”

  Rafe turned to Damon. “Saw a house the other day that’s a real steal. You interested?”

  Damon shook his head. “I prefer my condo.”

  “Know what you mean. With a condo there’s no yardwork and no repairs to worry about.”

  “Only if you rent.” Damon turned to me. “What’s housing like back east?”

  “Pricey though the further you are from the city, the less expensive it is.” I glanced at Rafe. “Is the house we saw yesterday for sale?”

  A noise startled me. Bonnie’s fork had dropped onto her plate.

  Rafe nodded. “It is not. There was a binder but the prospect called this morning and backed out.”

  Something in his dark eyes puzzled me. What did he know that he wasn’t saying? Who had put the binder on the house? Could I corner him and extract a name before he left?

  I turned to Bonnie. “I want to buy some gifts for my family and friends. As you know your father has no desire to go shopping. Do you have any suggestions for the best places?”

  “The shops around the plaza are good.” Her voice held an air of condensation. “Most of them cater to tourists.”

  The conversation turned to books and movies. Though the tension no longer crackled, beneath the geniality, rancor bubbled. I’d certainly learned nothing new, except no one seemed to miss Carl.

  When the meal ended, Lars and I cleared the table. Dessert was served in the living room. As I poured coffee I listened to the idle chatter. Several times I tried to inject a search for clues with no success.

  At a little before ten, Don rose. “Dinner was great, but it’s time for me to head home.” He pointed to Megan who had curled on the couch beside Rafe.

  Rafe stood. “I’ll go along with you so I can see the kitten.” He pressed my hand. “Thank you for dinner. Lars, I’ll call tomorrow to see if you have any questions about the material I left. I believe you’re in for a surprise.”

  What did he mean by that?

  Bonnie put her cup down. “I didn’t realize it was so late. There are a couple of places I need to visit to see if anyone’s seen Carl.”

 
; “Do you need an escort?” Damon asked.

  She smiled. “Not tonight.”

  After she left Damon, Lars and I carried the plates and cups to the kitchen. “Still think you’d make a fortune if you opened a restaurant, or maybe you could write a cookbook.”

  “Too much trouble. I cook by instinct.”

  He turned to Lars. “We need to talk. Your decision to close shop is unacceptable.”

  Why should it matter to him, I wondered.

  Lars shook his head. “The decision is mine.”

  Damon smiled. “Don’t be so sure. I’ve no problem about making your secret public.”

  The slam of the front door reverberated through the house. “Daddy,” Bonnie screamed. “Daddy, help me.”

  The three of us reached the living room at the same time as Bonnie. My thoughts raced with possible disasters. Had she encountered an intruder in the house? Had she been attacked? Had she found Carl’s body?

  “Honey, what’s wrong?” Lars asked.

  “A message on the answering machine. From the police. About Carl.”

  Lars gathered her into his arms. “It’ll be all right. Let me call them.”

  I returned to the kitchen to store the remains of the meal. Damon joined me and loaded the dishwasher. “Sure hope Carl’s not in trouble.”

  “Why should he be?”

  “You’ve seen his car. He likes to push it to the max. Not a good idea on these roads.”

  Lars appeared in the doorway. “Carl’s had an accident. I’m going with Bonnie.”

  “Do you want me to come?”

  He shook his head. “Just wait up for me.”

  After Lars left, Damon turned to me. “What did I tell you? I’ve warned him a hundred times.”

  “Maybe he wasn’t at fault.” I left the kitchen and walked to the living room where I put a log on the fire.

  A short time later, Don arrived. “Where did Dad and Bonnie go in such a rush?”

  “Carl’s been in an accident,” Damon said.

  “How bad?”

  “We don’t know,” I said.

  He turned to leave. “Call when you hear something. I’d better go so Rafe can leave. He has an appointment.”

  When the door closed behind him, Damon took his coat from the closet. “Mind if I leave?”

  “Go ahead. There’s nothing you can do here.”