“Donna, when will I be able to speak to Colin?”
“We’ll set up a call where we can bounce the signals. I’ll get word to him and make the arrangements. We wanted to be sure that no one could trace you to Boothbay Harbor. My contacts say there’s been no attempt on Franklin’s part to find out where you are. He’s in a federal facility and cannot have any contact with the outside except for his lawyer, and his lawyer isn’t going to do anything to screw up his career. At least if he’s got half a brain.”
CJ was relieved. “There are still a lot of things that need to be explained before I can start to settle Snapper’s estate.”
Donna got a look in her eye that portended something unpleasant about to happen, and said, “CJ, there’s something you need to know.”
“I don’t like the sound of that.” CJ didn’t think she could deal with any more bad news.
“There is an ongoing investigation into securities fraud and insider trading. That’s why Leonard Franklin was arrested, not because of anything he might or might not have done to you. That’s why they needed you to identify him as coming and going into the Rayburn House Office Building and whom you saw him with.”
“But what does that have to do with—” CJ immediately stopped asking her question, realizing what was coming next. “Snapper?”
“They’re pretty sure that he was involved, which is why he committed suicide. The wheels were coming off that bus.”
“God Almighty.” CJ deflated like a punctured balloon. “I cannot believe Snapper would get involved in something like that. But that would certainly explain the mysterious stock trading on the dark Web.” CJ was struck by her own stupidity in letting information about what Colin had learned out of the bag. “Damn it. I mean . . . son of a bitch.”
“They know about those stock transactions, CJ. They just couldn’t reveal anything while evidence was being collected. Your pal Colin almost blew the whole thing when he started poking around.”
“So they also know about the secret condo?” CJ’s eyes widened.
“Pretty much.” Donna felt sad for CJ. She had admired her boss to such an extent that the idea of Snapper doing anything untoward struck her as impossible.
“I simply cannot believe it,” CJ said, her voice a mere whisper.
“As far as they can tell, he was using the money to support his brother. What he was doing was noble in one way even if it was highly illegal. Unfortunately, that sort of behavior can’t be swept under the rug.”
“I think I might puke.” CJ wasn’t kidding. She finally understood why Snapper would take his own life. “I guess we can tell Colin he doesn’t have to play forensic-accountant detective anymore.”
“They already have. Actually, it was Matt who told him. He had to. Colin was about to screw up the entire investigation. Not intentionally, mind you, but they had to stop his snooping. I’m really sorry about all this, CJ.”
“Wow. Wow. Wow,” was all she could muster, as her eyes began to well with tears.
“Come on. You’re going to play hooky today. Grab your sunglasses and a cap.”
“Where are we going?” CJ was almost afraid to find out.
“Some place pretty. Let’s go.”
Donna pulled two bottles of water from the fridge and tossed one to CJ. “I promise this is as close to water as you’re going to get.”
They climbed into the car and Donna pointed the vehicle in the direction of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. “Most people think of Maine as a very rocky place, which is true to some extent, but the flora here is absolutely spectacular!” Donna’s passion for her home state was obvious, and once they arrived, CJ could understand why.
The red celosia and purple alliums scattered among the rich greenery were breathtaking, and the sound of a brook in the distance created a sense of peace and wonder. CJ allowed herself to become immersed in a place of calm and beauty. When she finally let the muscles in her neck relax, she realized just how tense she had been from learning about Snapper’s involvement in illegal stock manipulation.
They walked silently along the meandering paths of the rich, lush gardens. “Donna, this place is incredible. Thank you so much for bringing me here.” For the second time that day, CJ’s eyes welled up with tears.
“The day isn’t over yet, my friend. We have one more stop to make.”
CJ gave her a suspicious look. “Not to worry. No water involved. Well, maybe a little, but it comes from a tap! Trust me.” Donna put her arm around CJ’s shoulder and gave her a friendly shove toward the car.
Within a short time, they pulled in front of Whispering Winds, the local spa.
“Thought you could use a facial and a massage.”
“Boy could I! You’re the best!” CJ’s day had gone from the gloomy disappointment at learning about Snapper’s connection to Franklin, to the calm serenity of walking in the beautiful gardens, to a lovely way of winding down. She was truly grateful for Donna’s kindness.
Feeling totally relaxed after two hours at the spa, they went back to the triplex and unwound further with a bottle of Whispering Angel Rosé. They joked about whispering being the theme of the afternoon, and CJ carried on with a hushed conspiratorial query. “So tell me something about the Wellington men. The kids are cute, and so is Maggie. I assume that Randy is, too.” CJ was looking forward to something different. Different from all the cloak-and-dagger activity of the past couple of months.
“Oh, the Wellington men are very good-looking. When they shave, that is. You don’t want to see them after they’ve been out a few days. Salty dogs. But they sure clean up real nice!” Donna was enjoying the girl time she was having with CJ. Most of her witnesses were white-collar criminals. Boring men. Having a personable woman to shepherd was a welcome change.
“Really?” CJ was intrigued. “What’s Derek’s story? Single, I assume, since he’s tagging along with his brother and sister-in-law.”
“Single indeed. It’s a sad story. He was engaged, and she dumped him for some rich old guy who had a bigger boat. Broke his heart. They had started dating about four years ago, then moved in together a couple of years after that. Everyone assumed they would be getting married, but last summer, when Derek and Randy were out for a week, he came home to an empty apartment and a note that had one word—‘Sorry.’ ”
“Wow. That sucks.” CJ winced, remembering something similar happening with one guy in her succession of asshole boyfriends.
“Yeah. Not sure if he’s over it yet. He was crushed.” Donna swirled her wine in her glass. “The two of you will get along just fine.”
“Don’t even think about going there. He’s a boat guy. Not on my playlist,” CJ protested. “I was just curious as to what I was getting myself into for the evening.” CJ emphasized “evening.” “Nothing more.”
“Take it easy, girl. We haven’t printed the bridal shower invitations yet. That will have to wait a week.” Donna was trying to cool CJ with a bit of wit. “Besides, it was Maggie who invited you, and you won’t be here forever.” She stood and poured another glass for both of them. “Relax. Just making small talk. They are very nice people. I’m sure they’ll show you a good time. It’s almost impossible not to enjoy the Windjammer festival even if you hate the water!”
“I know you mean well. It seems like everyone around here does. Hard to get used to. It’s nothing like DC.”
“See? I told you. Water or no water, it doesn’t suck here.”
CJ had to admit to herself that her phobia had gotten worse over the past two months. PTSD? In her case it spelled Political Trauma Sudden Death. It was as if Snapper’s death had magnified all her fears. Losing a person as close to her as Snapper was a reminder of all the other people no longer in her life, asshole boyfriends included.
The only person left was Colin, but other than him, she had no one. She felt utterly alone and feared she would remain that way forever.
“You okay?” Donna’s voice pulled CJ out of her dark musings.
>
“Just thinking.”
“Sometimes not a good idea.” Donna’s concern was obvious.
“I guess I have a lot of baggage. I should probably ask for a refund from that therapist.” CJ was valiantly pulling herself from the deep pessimism into which she had sunk.
“Therapy can work, but more often than not we need to just ‘do the thing and cut the shit.’ I heard that from Shakti Gawain. She’s a New Age author. Wrote Creative Visualization about forty years ago. Maybe more. She did a workshop here one summer. But that was my takeaway from it. We spend so much time talking about things rather than doing something about whatever it is that’s getting in our way. Of course, we don’t want to completely throw caution to the wind, but think about how many people have been going to shrinks for more than half their lives. Anyhoo . . . enough woo-woo guru stuff. Try to relax while you’re here. I know the trial is looming, but that will only take a few days. You won’t have to do much. Enjoy this beautiful place and the wonderful people while you can.”
A tear rolled down CJ’s cheek. She realized she had been close to an emotional breakdown the past couple of days. Heck, probably the past two and half months, but except for the episode at the cabin just before she became aware of being watched, she had not allowed herself to feel, to grieve, to express her profound sadness.
CJ walked over to Donna, wrapped her arms around her, and began to weep in earnest. Heavy sobs emerged from her chest. Small explosions of emotions.
Donna rocked her in her arms as CJ finally surrendered to her pain.
When CJ’s body began to relax, Donna walked her over to the sofa and grabbed a hand towel. Tissues were not going to clean up the waterfall.
She handed CJ the towel, and said, “You sure are soaked, girlfriend.” Her comment helped to lift CJ’s gloom, and CJ finally gave Donna a tiny smile.
“Wow. Who knew I could expel so much water? And other stuff?” CJ was more than surprised at the emotional meltdown she had just gone through.
“You’ve been holding it in for a long time. Stoicism isn’t always healthy.”
“I guess that’s what they mean when they say ‘have a good cry,’ but that seems like a big contradiction to me. On the other hand, my mother would always say ‘Don’t cry. It makes you look ugly.’ Not very motherly advice, eh?”
Donna didn’t want to pry, but it sure made CJ’s mother sound cold.
“Go wash your pretty face, and we’ll get some dinner. Then we have to decide what you will be wearing to the festival. It’s dress-up day!” Donna tried to be as reassuring as she could be considering she’d had no idea CJ would break down the way she had.
“Oh goodie. Dress-up day. Please don’t tell me I have to wear a pirate costume or a mermaid outfit.” CJ was being facetious since she had no idea what to expect. Maybe she should Google it and see if there was a YouTube video. She wasn’t in the mood for any surprises.
“Ha. No, but you have to wear a sailor suit. Just kidding!” Donna figured she should ease up on overboard attempts at humor. CJ was a bit fragile at the moment.
“Seriously. How dressed up do I need to be? I don’t know if I have anything dressier than khakis and a button-down white shirt!”
“Let’s go to Mona’s on the way to dinner. She has a boutique of some cool clothes. Nothing nautical!”
“What a relief!”
Mona’s proved to have a selection of stylish clothes, and CJ settled on a pair of floral Capri pants with a cobalt-blue tunic. She looked stunning, the shade of her shirt complementing her eyes and hair. “Wow. You clean up real nice, too!” Donna was hit by just how striking CJ looked. “Maybe a new purse? That backpack-tote thing isn’t going to do it.” Donna handed over a white straw-and-canvas bag. “Perfect.” She then looked down at CJ’s feet. “New sandals? Please?”
“Okay, fine!” CJ was quite pleased with the image she saw in the store’s triple mirror. “Yes. Fine indeed. Who is that person?” She pointed to herself and let out a guffaw. Her makeover part two was in the works.
“Mona, wrap it up for my friend Carolyn. She’ll be spending the next month here, and we need to get her in the summer groove ASAP.” Donna made the veiled introduction. “She’s working at the Wharfside Gallery. School project.”
“Welcome to the Boating Capital of New England!” Mona held out her hand to CJ while Donna looked on with trepidation.
“Thank you! Beautiful town. Lovely people.” CJ shook Mona’s hand and responded in a surprisingly comfortable way. “Lovely store, too! I’m sure I’ll be back.” Mona handed CJ a colorful shopping bag, and she and Donna proceeded to the bistro.
“See, that was relatively painless, right?” Donna was still paying attention to CJ’s mood.
“You’re right. I’ve been too rigid about pretty much everything. Pretty much my whole life. And thanks again for such a lovely day. I feel like I’ve shed a skin of sorts. That big cry was shocking to me, but I really do feel better. I did have a mini-meltdown at the cabin, but this one was much more wrenching, not to say drenching.”
“Yeah, that was some kind of downpour!” As both women doubled over in laughter, Donna was relieved that CJ was pulling it together.
For the first time in she couldn’t remember how long, CJ was feeling better about life.
Chapter 21
The day of the parade, CJ was feeling both anxious and excited. Never since the death of her parents had she thought she would be eager to meet new people and try to experience something related to water. Maybe that stroll in the gardens, the massage and facial, and that great big sobfest had shifted her attitude. Perhaps the other thing at work was the thought that she could finally put the idea of a murder conspiracy to rest. Even though she was disturbed about the circumstances surrounding Snapper’s death, at least now she knew why he would have committed suicide. That mystery had been solved. Sad. Disappointing. Even shocking. But solved nonetheless. Soon enough, she would be able to settle his estate—unless, of course, the government confiscated his assets. That would create a major problem when it came to continuing George’s care.
Then, as if she had been hit by a bolt of lightning, she thought about the money she had inherited from Kick. She was, after all, a multimillionaire with a substantial income apart from what she earned from the investment portfolio Colin managed for her, as he had for Kick. Finally, she decided, she was comfortable about the size of her inheritance since she could see a way to use it other than spending it on frivolous luxuries.
She’d have Colin figure out how to use some of that money for George. That was the least she could do for her former boss, the boss who’d had enough faith in her to give her a job for which she had no experience, a job she had wanted in the worst way, and then seen her abilities and moved her up the ladder until she was the chief of staff to the chairman of the House Ways and Means committee.
An unexpected sense of calm washed over her. She was finally undergoing a real makeover, on the inside as well as on the outside. Exactly what she had hoped for when she stepped into that salon many weeks before was coming to pass. As she looked in the mirror for her final once-over, she also realized she was going to need a touch-up soon. She was hoping Donna could direct her to a hairdresser who could do the same meticulous transformation.
Donna rapped on the door and CJ pulled it open, displaying her new outfit and shoes, and wearing a bit of makeup.
“Holy smoke! And I do mean ‘smoke’! You look hot!” Donna was taken aback by how gorgeous CJ looked. And not only that, what she saw was a CJ quite different from the sad, apprehensive young woman she had come to know. “Boy, you do clean up real nice! I don’t know if the townies can deal with you!”
“Oh stop!” CJ was slightly embarrassed. She had never thought of herself as a beauty. Just normal, even verging on plain. “It feels good, I must admit.”
“Well, let’s not keep our friends waiting. I’ll walk you down to the gallery. That’s where you said you’d meet them, right? Derek
and Randy always get a good spot for the parade of schooners. They used to take their boat out, but the harbor gets so cluttered with amateurs that it takes too long to get back to the dock to drop the kids off.”
“What are you going to be doing today?” It hadn’t occurred to CJ until that moment that Donna had never mentioned her own plans.
“I’ve got to run back to Portland. If I still want to have a boyfriend, that is. He’s working this weekend, so he can’t come up, and if I ignore him for another day, I might be the one getting the ‘sorry’ note.”
“That’s funny. I mean all this time you never mentioned anyone. I just assumed you were single.” CJ looked puzzled.
“Yeah, Kurt and I’ve been on-again off-again for about three years. He works for the Bureau. That’s how we met. Our schedules are never the same, so it’s been slow going in getting the show on the road, if you know what I mean.”
“I sure do. Working for a congressman means you have no life. But I guess I’m going to have one now if I can actually figure out what it might be.”
“You will. Another month or so here, then the trial, and you’ll have time to sort things out. Heck, you might actually like cataloging for a gallery!”
“Well, it’s been interesting, and as you like to say, ‘It doesn’t suck!’ ”
CJ grabbed her new bag and slung it over her shoulder. “I’m a little nervous. Not sure why. Or maybe it’s just the excitement of doing something I would never have planned on my own.”
“Sometimes that’s the best way to approach life. A little Zen will do ya!”
As they rounded the corner to the street of the parade, the crowd was getting deeper. “Wow. This is a big deal, isn’t it?” CJ hadn’t seen so many people in one place since the lighting of the National Christmas Tree.
“You have the disposable phone I gave you, yes? And you know only to call me and no one else if you need anything?”
“Yes, ma’am!” CJ saluted her, acknowledging the rule. Donna had given CJ a burner phone just in case of emergencies, and CJ was not foolish enough to use it for anything else. She would have her call with Colin Monday morning at a secure location, as Donna planned. For today, she was going to let herself be open to whatever the day would bring and leave her worries, concerns, and apprehensions behind.
Deep Harbor Page 21