Skydiving, Soufflés and Sabotage

by Cindy Bell

  “You look so beautiful when you’re lost in thought.”

  Jeff’s voice drew her attention. She met his eyes as her mind continued to try to connect the dots.

  “I am definitely lost.”

  “Tell me about it, maybe I can help?” He led her towards his car. On the drive back to Freely Lakes, she filled him in on what she’d discovered.

  “What I don’t understand is why was Pete Coulter calling Kevin Lang? It just doesn’t make sense. Is he somehow connected to Pete? We haven’t been able to turn out any information on the internet about Pete Coulter. No history, nothing.”

  “Just like Austin.” He turned into Freely Lakes. “Interesting, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, you’re right, just like Austin. He’s a ghost, too. So, what does that mean? Maybe they did know each other? Maybe they were there together for a reason?” She groaned as she stepped out of the car. “Jeff, none of this is adding up.”

  “It’s okay.” He placed his hands on her shoulders. “Just try to keep in mind that all of this will come together. All you have to do is find the missing piece that links everything together. Sometimes the easiest way to find that, is to relax your mind and focus on other things. Why don’t I make you something to eat? We can put on some music? I’ll give you a neck rub.” He smiled.

  “All of those things sound wonderful. But I should really be hunting down Pete.” She frowned as she unlocked the door to her apartment. “We can’t forget that Ally could still be in danger.”

  “Where is she now?”

  “At Mainbry PD.” She collapsed on the couch.

  “Then she’s at the safest place she can be. Now, I’m going to help you to relax.” He closed the door, and kept his gaze fixed on her. “No argument.”

  “Have you met me?” She managed a short laugh.

  “All right, just a little arguing.” He headed into the kitchen.

  “Oh Jeff, you really don’t have to do that. Just let me get up and I’ll fix something.”

  “No, you don’t.” He waved the wooden spoon he’d already picked up in her direction. “Sit down. Turn some music on, and get ready to relax.”

  She sighed as she fiddled with her phone. She knew that Jeff meant well, but what she really wanted to do was find out exactly what happened to Austin. That wasn’t going to be discovered during a neck rub. She sent a quick text to Ally, updating her on what she’d discovered, then set her phone down and turned on some music. Jeff was willing to bend over backwards to help her to relax, and she knew he wouldn’t let up until she did. She would surrender to the pampering, if it meant she could get back to the investigation sooner.

  After dropping Arnold off at the cottage, Ally headed to Mainbry PD. It was right outside of Blue River, so it wasn’t too far of a drive, but to her it felt like forever. All she could think of was the knife on the seat next to her. Would they even consider it evidence? Or would she be laughed out of the precinct? Even though she’d been dating Luke for a long time, she still felt nervous around other law enforcement officials. Luke knew her well enough to take her seriously or at least humor her, but to everyone else she was just a meddling citizen with a hunch. As she walked into the station, she tried to appear confident. The two officers at the front desk were engaged in a lively discussion, punctuated by throaty laughter. When she walked up to them, they didn’t seem to be interested in taking a break from their conversation. She waited a few minutes as they continued to joke and laugh.

  “Excuse me?”

  One of the officers, a burly man with ruddy cheeks and a broad forehead looked at her with annoyance.

  “What is it?”

  “I’d like to speak to Detective Harrow please.”

  “What is this about?” The officer straightened up.

  “It pertains to a murder he’s investigating. Please, I’d like to speak to him.”

  “Do you have an appointment?” The other officer piped up. He was shorter, very thin, with a tan complexion and sharp dark eyes.

  “No.” She frowned. “Could you just see if he has a minute?”

  “Do I look like a secretary to you?” The first officer grumbled.

  “You know what, I’ll just call him myself.” She pulled out her phone, but before she could dial his number, she heard his voice.

  “No need, Ms. Sweet, I’m right here.” He stepped past the front desk and shot a reproachful look in the officers’ direction. “What can I do for you?”

  “I found something out at Harris’ farm.” She pulled the wrapped-up knife out of her pocket. “I have a feeling it has to do with the investigation.”

  “What is it?” His hand went to his weapon when he saw it. “You can’t just walk in here armed!”

  “It’s not like I’m going to use it.” She sighed. “I found it, well actually my pig found it, in the dirt near the plane.”

  “Your pig?” He narrowed his eyes. “Never mind, I’ll take it into consideration. Thank you for your time.” He took the knife and turned to walk away.

  “Maybe it was used to cut the cord on the parachutes?” She called out to him.

  “Maybe.” He turned back to look at her. “Or maybe someone dropped it. It’s a big and busy farm. There are farm workers in and out of there every day. Like I said, I’ll look into it.”

  She felt dismissed as he walked away. She wasn’t sure what she expected from the detective, but that wasn’t it. Frustrated, she placed a call to Luke on the way back to her car. As she did she noticed a text from her grandmother.

  “Kevin Lang?” She blinked.

  “What about him?” Luke’s voice drifted into her ear.

  “Oh sorry, I was reading a text.” She shared the information her grandmother had given her, and told him about her visit to Mainbry PD.

  “Yes, Detective Harrow is not known for his social skills. I’m glad you turned the knife in, though. I have some information for you, too.”

  “Oh?” She listened as she settled in her car and started the engine.

  “I’ve had my feelers out with a few connections, and I finally got confirmation that Austin was using a fake identity and he was indeed working as a hitman. As soon as I got that confirmation I began checking the bank records of everyone connected with the case. So far I have discovered one person with any connection to Austin that pulled out a large sum of money.”

  “Who?” She held her breath as she listened for the answer.

  “Matthew Carter. He has a large amount of money in his accounts that can’t all be accounted for and more importantly he pulled out five hundred thousand dollars last week. That’s not pocket change.”

  “No, it’s not.” Ally gritted her teeth. “It sounds more like a payment.”

  “Yes, a very large payment. And it also happens to be Austin’s going rate.”

  “You’re sure?” She gasped.

  “As sure as I can be. Without proof, the police won’t be able to arrest Carter. It’s not illegal to pull his own money out of his bank account. We have no evidence that he ever met with or even interacted with Austin at any time. But this is serious, Ally. If Carter was willing to hire a hitman, then he is a murderer himself.”

  “I understand.” She bit into her bottom lip. It was easy to follow a theory, but when it became a reality, it was much harder to swallow. “Thanks for the information, Luke. I know that you’re busy with the case you’re working on.”

  “I’m never too busy to help you. However, in this case I am telling you this so you know how serious this is. I know it is pointless for me to tell you to keep out of this. So please be careful.”

  “I will be. I promise.”

  After Ally hung up the phone she found herself driving in the direction of Dolphin Collectible Cars. If Gregory Marris was Austin’s intended target, and Matthew Carter was the person who hired Austin, then that left one partner who might have information for her. She wasn’t sure how Kevin Lang was connected to Pete Coulter, but maybe it didn’t matter. If Kevin Lang kne
w about the hit his partner put out on Gregory Marris, then she might be able to get him to admit it. If she was able to get that admission, it might be enough for Detective Harrow to arrest Matthew Carter. As she considered this, a question burned in the back of her mind. Why would Matthew Carter pay or intend to pay Austin five hundred thousand dollars, and then kill him before he even had the chance to get the job done? And just how had Matthew Carter gotten access to Austin’s parachute? Maybe he was driving away from the farm so quickly because he had tampered with the parachute? Maybe he tampered with the parachute because Austin took the money and then didn’t follow through with the job?

  Although the proof was there that Carter had hired Austin, the pieces didn’t quite fit when it came to Austin’s murder. Hopefully, whatever information she got out of Kevin Lang would clear that up. That was, if he would even speak to her.

  Chapter 15

  When Ally pulled into the parking lot of Dolphin Collectible Cars, she noticed that there was one other car there. A fancy silver car that likely cost more money than she had ever had in her life. She recognized it as the same car that she’d seen the day of Austin’s death. She parked a few spaces away from it, then headed towards the door. As she neared it, she realized that Kevin had just started to unlock it. This was her chance to catch him off guard, and out of his opulent surroundings.

  “Hi Kevin.” Ally crossed her arms as the man turned towards her, startled.

  “Ally, right?” He narrowed his eyes as he looked at her. “What are you doing here?”

  “I’m here to see you.” She unfolded her arms and let them hang at her sides. “If you have a minute to talk.”

  “What could we possibly have to talk about?” He furrowed a brow.

  “Maybe, Pete Coulter?” She held her breath as she wondered how he would react to that name.

  “What about him?” His hand lowered from the handle of the door. “Should I know him?”

  “I think you do.” She shifted from one foot to the other. “He called you twice, not long ago.”

  “Oh? Lots of people call me. Usually customers that want to check on the shipment of their purchase, or to see if I have a particular car that they’re looking for. You’re going to have to be more specific if you are hoping for something from me.” He squinted at her. “What is all of this about?”

  “Remember when I warned you that you and your partners might be in danger?” She crossed her arms as she studied him.

  “How could I forget?” He chuckled. “It was quite a spectacle.”

  “I happen to know that someone hired Austin to kill Marris. Now, I know that Marris wouldn’t hire someone to kill himself. So I wonder, who might have something to gain if Marris was dead?”

  “Careful now.” He folded his arms. “You’re treading into some rather offensive territory.”

  “I’m not here to accuse you of anything, Kevin. I have reason to believe that it was Matthew Carter that hired Austin. My question is, do you think your partner would go so far as to eliminate Marris and possibly even Austin?”

  “Wow. I would never expect Matthew to do something like that. I can’t say that we haven’t had some difficult times lately. But murder?” He shook his head. “I just can’t believe it.”

  “Believe it or not, but I would make sure to watch your back. If Marris has a price on his head, then I think it’s possible that you do, too.”

  “Do you now?” He studied her intently. “You’ve been quite busy, haven’t you?”

  “A man was murdered, Mr. Lang, I want to know who did it. I want them to pay for their crime. It could have just as easily been Gregory Marris, or even you. If Matthew is willing to hire someone to kill a business partner, a close friend, you could be next.”

  “Darling, I’m not afraid of Matthew Carter. Or anyone else for that matter. I don’t want to hear another word about this. If I see you again, I will contact my lawyer and have him file harassment charges against you. Do you understand that?” His severe gaze made her certain that he meant every word he said.

  “If you change your mind, please feel free to contact me. You may think you’re safe, Kevin, but no amount of money or power can protect you from an ambitious murderer.” She turned and walked back towards her car as her heart pounded. He hadn’t told her anything she could use, but the exchange between them made her break out in a light sweat. There was something about the man that made every muscle in her body tense.

  After leaving Dolphin Collectible Cars, Ally placed a phone call to her grandmother. She wanted her to meet her at the cottage. If anyone could help her sort things out, it was her.

  “Bye Jeff!” Charlotte waved to him as she stepped through Ally’s door.

  “He doesn’t want to stay?” Ally peered out through the door.

  “Shh, I convinced him that I was coming here to relax with you.” Charlotte laughed. “If he finds out we’re going to be figuring all of this out, he’ll come back and rub my neck again.”

  “That doesn’t sound so bad.” Ally quirked a brow.

  “Trust me, it’s not.” She grinned. “But I’m ready to tackle this mystery once and for all. What do you have to tell me?”

  Ally couldn’t be still as she recounted the events of the day to her grandmother. She expressed her frustration with Detective Harrow, and all of the information that Luke gave her, as well as her encounter with Kevin Lang.

  Charlotte watched as Ally paced back and forth through the living room. She’d not stopped talking in quite some time, and she wondered just how she was able to have so much energy.

  “We have to find a way to catch Carter in a lie. If we do that, then we could at least get Mainbry PD to suspect him.” She finally sat down on the couch beside her grandmother. “The more I think about this the more I realize just how easy it will be for Carter to get away with it. He has all of the money he needs to prevent people from investigating him. If he can make Austin disappear, then surely he can make anyone else that he pleases disappear. We can’t let that go on.”

  “No, we can’t. But we also can’t be sure that it was Carter. Suspicions do not equal proof. Again, why would Carter kill Austin before he had completed the job? Marris was still a problem. If Carter hired Austin to kill Marris to prevent him from telling the truth about his underhanded business dealings, then he must still want Marris dead. His problem isn’t solved.”

  “So you think someone else killed Austin?” Ally leaned forward and sighed. “It’s possible that it’s Marris who killed Austin when he found out.”

  “That’s true, and more likely.”

  “Either way, that means we have Austin, a professional killer, Carter, someone who hires people to kill other people, and possibly a third killer floating around who took out Austin?”

  “That would be my best guess right now, yes.” Charlotte frowned. “Jeff said we just need to find the one piece that fits everything together. I would say that piece might be Kevin Lang. He might have some idea of what happened.”

  “More than some idea, I’d bet. Shep told me that Kevin was just as guilty in these criminal activities. I bet he wanted Marris dead just as much.” She sighed. “He’s never going to admit anything if it will implicate himself as well. So we’re stuck. We’re at a dead end. Detective Harrow has nothing, and we have nothing we can prove. Matthew Carter is going to get away with it, and may just hire someone new to go after Marris. Austin’s killer is going to get away.” She frowned.

  “No, we can’t let that happen. From what we know Austin’s killer is the one who chased after you, Ally, and he might not be done coming after you. We have to figure out who he is. We just need to think of a way to make Kevin Lang talk.” She pursed her lips. Then she started to say more, but Ally’s cell phone rang and interrupted her.

  “Oh Mee-Maw, it’s Kevin Lang. I can’t believe he’d call after that conversation we had. What should I do?”

  “Answer it.” Charlotte waved her hand towards the phone. “See what he has to
say.”

  Ally accepted the call and placed the phone to her ear. “Hello?”

  “Ally. It’s Kevin. I hope I’m not bothering you.”

  “Not at all. What can I do for you, Kevin?”

  “Well, you said I could talk to you about anything, and I think I need to take you up on that.”

  “Okay, I’m listening.” She shot a brief smile at her grandmother.

  “Not on the phone. That’s too risky. Could you meet me at the showroom? I need to talk to you both about something I’ve discovered. I’m not sure how to approach the police about this.”

  “Sure, we can meet you there.” Ally glanced over at her grandmother. “Are you sure it won’t be a problem?”

  “No, there’s nothing to worry about. Carter and Marris are busy with meetings, and the showroom is closed today. It’ll just be us.” His voice wavered some, as if he might be nervous. Ally’s heart leaped as she hoped that he might have the final clue that would solve the murder.

  “Okay, we’ll be there in about thirty minutes.” She hung up the phone and met her grandmother’s eyes. “I think he knows something, but he’s nervous about going to the police. Maybe if we talk to him about it we can get him to turn the killer in.”

  “So, you still think it was Carter?” Charlotte grabbed her purse.

  “I think it’s possible. He drew out the money. The best assumption we can make is that he used it or intended to use it to pay Austin. But I still can’t get passed the idea that it might be Marris.” She narrowed her eyes. “Let’s get over there before he decides to change his mind.” She grabbed her own purse and the two headed for the door. As Ally opened it, Peaches meowed loudly and ran to her. She put her tiny paws up on Ally’s knee as if to hold her back.

  “Peaches, it’s not time for food. I’ll be back in time for dinner, I promise.” She gave the cat a quick pat, then hurried her grandmother out the door and into the car.