Murder and Tainted Tea

by Janet Lane-Walters

  “Tell Lars I’m not joking about making certain things public. He can’t hide the truth much longer.” He stepped outside.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Ask Lars. He knows.”

  * * *

  The flames in the fireplace mesmerized me and allowed my thoughts to wander. They slid from Damon’s mysterious pronouncement to Carl’s accident. Then they meandered from Bonnie’s attitudes to the decision I’d soon have to make. Would I accept or reject Lars’ proposal?

  I drifted in a half-sleep until a loud click startled me. I leaped to my feet. Lars entered the living room. He looked exhausted.

  I went to him. “How is he?”

  “The man in the car is dead.”

  “The man? Are you trying to say it wasn’t Carl?”

  Lars shrugged. “The car was his, but the body was too badly burned to make a positive identification. They’re doing an autopsy and that upset Bonnie.” He embraced me. “Why is this happening?”

  “That’s a question I can’t answer. When and where did the accident occur?”

  “They’re not sure when. Happened on a deserted stretch of the high road to Albuquerque, not the super highway. Seems his car was sideswiped.”

  On the road to the airport where flights to places like Florida could be caught. “Was it like Ramona’s accident?”

  He shrugged. “Looks that way.”

  “Damon said something about the truth coming out. What did he mean?”

  His hold on me tightened. “We’ll talk about that in the morning when I’m not drained.”

  “Is that a promise?”

  He released me. “Can one of your teas obliterate the past?”

  “I’m not sure anything can.” I pressed my head against his shoulder. “You can’t hold everything inside forever. You need to talk.”

  “Tomorrow.”

  Chapter 9

  Sunday was spent in a quiet manner and brought no confession from Lars. I’d thought about going to church, but when I reached the kitchen and saw how exhausted he appeared, I changed my mind. He looked as though he’d had a restless night and little sleep. I also put my questions aside for a time.

  After breakfast he retreated to his study. I spent most of the day trying to make sense of the events.

  By the time we left for dinner, there’d still been no word about the identity of the body in Carl’s car. If Rafe had called, he’d spoken to Lars and hadn’t asked for me.

  * * *

  The next morning I showered and went to the kitchen to find Lars already there. I put bread in the toaster and poured a mug of the strong brew he prefers. Then I prepared mint tea using a blend of strong pekoe and several mints. After the toast popped, I sat across the table from him and waited for him to speak. If he didn’t bring up the subject of Damon, I certainly would.

  “Looks like it’s going to be a bright day.” He raised his mug.

  “The weather isn’t what we’re going to talk about. You promised you’d tell me what Damon’s cryptic remarks meant. I let you off yesterday, but I want to know. You asked me to help you, but how can I when I’m in the dark about what’s going on.”

  His chest rose with the depth of the breath he took. “You did and so did I. It’s...embarrassing to me. Damon claims to be my son. Says he has proof and holds me responsible for his miserable childhood. Said his mother died giving birth.”

  I frowned and remembered something Damon had confided while we’d danced at the New Year’s Eve party. “That’s odd. He told me his mother had had a stroke. I’m not sure when, but from the things he said, she must have lived for a time after her illness.”

  “According to his story, his mother’s sister and her husband adopted him. He must have meant her.”

  “What proof does he have?”

  “He said he found the original of his birth certificate and I’m listed as the father.”

  “Have you seen it?”

  “No.”

  I leaned forward. “Demand to see that piece of paper and ask for DNA testing. A birth certificate isn’t necessarily proof. Why are you allowing an opportunist to push you around?”

  “Because it’s possible I am his father.” He covered my hand with his. “Remember how ill Marie was when she carried Bonnie and Don? Had to stay in bed for nearly the entire pregnancy. Several times I had to go out of town for business and my secretary went with me. One night...” He sighed. “We went to bed together. Shortly after we returned, she told me she’d found another job and I never saw or heard from her again.”

  “So you made a slip more than thirty years ago. Marie would have understood.”

  He groaned. “She never knew. You’re the first person I’ve told.”

  “You said this woman never contacted you. She never asked for support money or help for her medical bills. That says something to me.”

  “If she died she couldn’t have.”

  “Lars, a pregnancy lasts nine months. There was time for her to tell you. Why are you worried about this coming out now?”

  “What will my children think?”

  “I would hope they would understand.”

  “What really bothers me is the possibility that a child of mine grew up lacking things. The stories he’s told me about the way he was treated make me cringe.”

  I rose and went to him. “And those stories may or may not be true, but I’m sure they were designed to make you feel guilty. What does he want?”

  “A share in the company.”

  “Then demand proof and stop allowing yourself to feel guilty and threatened. You’re not acting like the decisive man I’ve known for years. Have Rafe look into the matter.”

  “Kate, I don’t want anyone to know.”

  “At this point in your life does it matter if you had a child you never knew was yours?”

  “What if...my children are angry?”

  “They’ll get over it.”

  “What if he refuses to have the tests? What if he turns this into a public spectacle?”

  “If he tries that without the test, he’s a fool. Even if he produces a birth certificate, what does that prove? A woman can list any man she chooses as the father.”

  “I’ll talk to him.”

  The front door closed with a slam. “Daddy, now what am I going to do?”

  Bonnie’s cry heralded her entrance. As usual her grooming was impeccable and her clothes black and stylish. Tears glistened in her eyes.

  Lars rose. “What’s the problem now?”

  “I called the police and there’s no news yet. What if they can’t identify him? Will I be in limbo forever? Why did he do this to me when he knew I wanted a divorce?”

  “They’ll find a way to identify him.” I carried my dishes to the sink.

  As though she hadn’t heard me, she continued. “Why won’t they believe me? You know how he was about the Jaguar. Can you imagine him letting anyone else drive that car?”

  Lars patted her hand. “They have to be sure. So do you.”

  She walked to the door into the sunroom. “Why do they have to cut him up?”

  “An autopsy is standard procedure in sudden deaths,” I said.

  She whirled. The anger in her eyes made me step back. “Why did you have to come? This is all your fault. You’ve ruined everything.”

  “Bonnie, that’s enough.” An edge of steel entered Lars’ voice. “Kate is my friend and my guest. You will treat her with courtesy and respect and put your childish jealousy aside. Her presence comforts me.”

  To give them space I headed to my room and took the hanging bag from the closet. Maybe I should pack and go to a hotel. I sank on the bed. How could I leave Lars to face this trouble alone? I had family, friends, neighbors who cared about me. Lars had no one. His family was anything but supportive. Yet how could I stay? The golden cord binding him to his daughter was about to strangle him and he was the only one who could cut it.

  He’d been drugged and left in a deserted house. He b
elieved his daughter was behind the event, but he would never confronted her. Her disappearance had been a distorted mirror image of what had happened to him.

  Ramona had died when her car had been sideswiped to crash and burn. Perhaps she’d been murdered. Now Carl was presumed dead in a similar accident.

  Damon claimed to be Lars’ illegitimate son. He wanted a share of Lars’ company. Was he the one behind the events? Was he looking for revenge?

  “Kate.” Lars appeared at the door. “Are you leaving?”

  “I don’t know.” The misery in his voice and on his face added to my indecision.

  He sat beside me. “Sorry about plunging you into another mess.”

  “That seems to be the way of my life these days.” I met his gaze. “Isn’t it time for you to take charge?”

  He nodded. “I plan to spend the rest of the day reading what Rafe left for me and making a list of files I need to pull. I’ll also call Damon and invite him here for a talk.”

  “Can I do anything?”

  “Not really.”

  “Then I believe I’ll have that day of shopping I promised myself. Just keep the doors locked and don’t let anyone in.”

  He laughed. “Yes, boss...Here, you’ll need this for the gates.” He handed me an opener.

  “How many of these do you have?”

  He frowned. “I’m not sure. Why do you ask?”

  “Just curious. Maybe I shouldn’t leave.”

  “Go. Enjoy. Oh, I’ve persuaded Bonnie to stay here until this is settled. I worry about her being alone in that big house. Do you mind?”

  “Why? She’s your daughter.”

  “The two of you have little love for each other.”

  My hands tightened into fists. “Don’t paint me with her colors. I don’t hate her, just her attitudes and actions toward others.”

  “Sorry.” He shook his head. “I shouldn’t listen to her, but she has this uncanny ability to make me see things her way.”

  “I’ll agree with that. I know she’s your only daughter and you love her, but you need to look at her with clear vision. Sometimes children need to be set free even when they fight against the process.”

  His lips touched mine. The kiss held desperation and need. I responded and then drew back. “This isn’t our time.”

  “One day it will be. That’s a promise.” He released me.

  Perhaps he spoke true, but I wouldn’t hope or dream of what might never come to pass. “Let me get out of your hair for a few hours so you can work. If I hang around you’ll think you have to entertain me.”

  He laughed. “You know me all too well.”

  As I drove the rental from the estate, I spotted Bonnie’s gold sedan on the road several cars ahead of me. Where was she going? The need to know strengthened. I followed her into town. Fortunately the car I’d rented was a common make and color so I doubt she was aware of being tailed.

  She pulled into a parking garage near a cluster of office buildings. I found a spot and waited to see which building she entered. Then I followed. Was this where Lars had his office? What would I say if she saw me?

  Once inside the lobby, I realized she’d vanished. What now, I wondered. The panel above the elevator showed a stop on the second floor. I checked the directory. The offices on two belonged to a doctor, a lawyer and a travel agent. When the elevator returned, after a mere moment of debate, I boarded.

  I’d half-expected to see Bonnie in the lawyer’s office. Instead, through the window of the travel agency I spotted her talking to a woman behind a desk. Bonnie looked angry. As she spoke, she waved her arms.

  When she turned to leave, I scooted into the doctor’s crowded waiting room and picked up a magazine. While glancing through the food section, I planned a story to help me discover why Bonnie had been here. Fifteen minutes later, I left the doctor’s office and entered the travel agency.

  “Can I help you?”

  My cover story was set. “I’m here to pick up tickets for Mr. and Mrs. Carl Grayco.”

  The woman frowned. “Mrs. Grayco was here just a short time ago. I told her there’d only been one seat booked and that her husband had picked it up on Friday.”

  “I don’t believe that woman. ‘Oh, Katherine, be a doll and stop at the travel agency for our tickets.’” I used my most indignant voice. “Why did she pull me away from my work and then come herself? Secretaries get no respect.” I shook my head. “Guess she got a shock when she learned what he did. Bet he’s off to some tropical isle for fun and games.”

  “Just to Florida. Miami.”

  To where the funds had been transferred. “Did he book accommodations through you?”

  “No.”

  I turned to leave. “Sorry to have bothered you on a fool’s errand.”

  When I reached my car, I chewed over what I’d learned. If Carl was on a plane to Florida, who was the dead man in his car? Should I return to the house and tell Lars what I’d learned? I wasn’t sure how he’d react to the news I’d been playing detective.

  The sight of a pay phone gave me a way to escape a lecture. I called and told him about the ticket Carl had bought.

  “Already know. Bonnie called. She told me loud and clear about his perfidy. Go shopping, Madame Spy.”

  “On my way.”

  * * *

  I returned to the house with enough presents for my family and neighbors to fill the carry-on I’d brought for that purpose. Before going to my room, I paused in the living room doorway.

  With the restless anger of a caged cat, Bonnie paced around the room. Her voice was shrill. “Why haven’t they called? I told them about the ticket he bought...one way. I can’t stand not knowing.”

  “When they have answers, they’ll call,” Lars said. “Go wash your face.” He turned. “Kate, you, too. We’re going out to dinner.”

  “Are you sure we should leave the house? You don’t have an answering machine. What if there’s a call?”

  Bonnie’s eyes widened. I imagine she was shocked to hear we agreed.

  “Daddy, she’s right. You two go. I’ll stay here.”

  “I made reservations for three.”

  “I couldn’t eat. Please go. Aunt Katherine, persuade him.”

  Knowing Lars, I had to find a way around his normal stubbornness. “Bonnie could be right. We should stay home and eat leftovers. If that doesn’t suit you, I could find something to cook so we could all have dinner together.”

  Lars pointed to the door. “You’re not cooking another dinner in this house. You’re my guest. Go get pretty so we can leave.” He looked at his daughter. “Are you sure you don’t want to join us?”

  “I’ll be fine. I have a few calls to make.”

  * * *

  When we returned from dinner, Bonnie rose from the couch. “Daddy, I’ve decided to go home.”

  Lars crossed his arms on his chest. “You’re staying here until we hear from the police. I want to know you’re safe. Why do you think I sent Don and Megan to stay with friends?”

  She scowled. “You don’t know that any of us are in danger. You don’t have a clue about what’s going on.”

  Do you, I wondered. “Your father’s right. What if something worse than a kidnapping happens?”

  She glowered. “Stay out of my affairs and take your greedy claws out of my father.”

  “Bonnie.” Lars’ voice was low and controlled.

  She stood with her hands on her hips. “For years she’s hung around hoping you would ask her to marry you. Guess she’s finally succeeded.”

  “Excuse me,” I said. “I don’t need to marry your father. If I accept his proposal, it will be because I love him.”

  “Sure. His money.”

  “Bonnie, that’s enough,” Lars said.

  “That’s right. Take her side.” She stormed away. Moments later one of the bedroom doors slammed.

  “Sorry,” Lars said.

  “Stop apologizing for things you haven’t done.”

 
“Kate.”

  “Don’t you think it’s time you informed your daughter you’re the one who proposed marriage and I’m the one who’s hesitating?”

  I followed Bonnie’s example and retreated to the guest room, though I closed the door with a firm click, not a slam. After a hot bath, I crawled into bed and was soon asleep.

  Around two AM a nightmare invaded and woke me with a start. No matter how hard I tried, sleep remained elusive. Finally I decided I was wasting my time. I reached for my robe and strode to the kitchen. After selecting a full assortment of calming mints, I boiled water. The first cup had no effect, but the second soothed my frayed nerves.

  As I passed Bonnie’s room, I heard a man’s voice. I stepped to the door. She responded, but the voices were too muted for me to hear what they said. Who was with her, I wondered. Not wanting to barge in or be caught snooping, I returned to my room.

  * * *

  Bright sunlight woke me. A glance at the clock showed it was nearly nine. After dressing I went to the kitchen.

  Lars sat at the table with coffee and the newspaper. He looked up. “Been up awhile. Nearly knocked to see if you were alive.”

  “Just a restless night.”

  “Me, too.” He reached for my hand. “Let’s not quarrel anymore.”

  I laughed. “That’s something I can’t promise, especially when I don’t agree with you.”

  “That doesn’t surprise me.”

  The buzzer for the gate sounded. Lars went to the foyer to attend to the caller. I finished my toast and strode to the living room. A tall man stood next to Lars.

  “Mr. Claybourne, I have some questions for your daughter.”

  Lars turned to me. “Kate, this is Detective Rodgers. Kate’s a friend from back east. I’ll get Bonnie.”

  The officer moved to the archway. His copper-colored hair and his ready grin made me think of Pete Duggan, my police officer friend at home.

  “Did you know Mr. Grayco?” he asked.