His mind shifted gears to diving. He was motivated more than ever to get going with his scuba classes so that he could get certified. There are probably a lot of cool women taking classes. There might even be a female instructor, he thought. He walked out of Starbucks. As he turned to get into his Vette, he noticed a dark sedan out of the corner of his eye sitting across the street. As soon as Doug spotted it, the car sped off. Doug could see that there was only one person in the car -- a man.
Chapter Twenty-nine
NEW YORK
After Max and Eva had returned from their weekend in the Poconos, they got back into their normal routine. That is if one could call the life of mastermind jewelry thieves normal. But when they weren't planning jewelry heists or looking for missing diamonds, their life had a semblance of normalcy. Max headed off to the executive offices of the pharmaceutical company each day. And Eva ran her interior design company from their apartment overlooking Central Park. Eva was selective about the clients she took on. The reality was she worked at it very little. While she enjoyed the work and was much sought after by the rich and famous of New York, she did not want to be tied down by it. Eva enjoyed the extracurricular activities that she and Max engaged in. She preferred to spend most of her time and mental energies involved in them.
This particular morning Max and Eva were enjoying their coffee in their luxurious bedroom nook overlooking the park.
"When we were driving home from the Poconos, you mentioned planning a trip to Mexico. You were talking about trying to find Doug and the diamonds, weren't you? Are you seriously thinking of doing that?"
"Well, I know that finding him would be like finding a needle in a haystack. But think about all the time we put into the details of this heist. If we were to put our heads together and methodically start checking out possibilities, it might be possible. Are you up for it?"
"You know I am, Max. I would like nothing better than to get those diamonds back. After all, it was my stupidity that is the reason they are gone. I didn't tell you this before, Max, because I didn't want to upset you, but I went to visit Frank in jail."
"You did what? Don't you ever learn, Eva?"
"Calm down, Max. I went to see him for one purpose only. I wanted to see if he remembered anything about that day that could help us find the missing diamonds."
"Well, did he?"
"It appears he was so stoned; he doesn't remember much of anything. He asked me what he was doing in my Corvette when the police stopped him."
"Well, that's a relief that we don't have to worry about him trying to look for the diamonds if he ever gets out of jail."
"I know we don't have much to go on," Max continued, "but I think we can do it. We just have to approach it like a huge puzzle and try to find one piece at a time. First of all, we need a good picture of the guy. And we need to search the web and find out anything we can about any interests he might have, etc. Maybe there is still some social media stuff about him on the web."
"I can get started on that, Max. I'll get on it today. You are right; that is a good place to begin."
"We also know the exact location of the accident from the newspaper article. We can Google Earth the surroundings. Unless he had an accomplice, he would have had to walk from the scene. Maybe someone will remember him that can provide more details about the accident."
"That's another good idea, Max. I'll see what I can find out, and we'll talk about it tonight when you get home."
"Okay, that sounds good."
Max and Eva got up from the seating nook in their bedroom and Max got ready to leave for the office. Eva poured herself another cup of coffee and sat down at her laptop and began her detective work. Eva couldn't think of anything she'd rather spend the day doing. The task Max had outlined for her was exciting and stimulating to her. It was almost like planning another heist.
. . .
When Max returned that evening, Eva was eager to share her findings.
"How was your day?" Eva asked as Max started changing out of his suit.
"It was the same as usual. It seemed to drag because I was looking forward to getting home to see how your search went."
"You finish getting changed. I'll pour us some wine, and I'll meet you in the living room. I'll bring the laptop in there. I have a lasagna in the oven. It should be done in about half an hour."
"That sounds great. I'll be right out."
Max put on some jeans and a T-shirt while Eva went out to the kitchen to check the oven and pour the wine. They sat down on the sofa with the laptop on the coffee table so that they would both be able to view it.
"So here's what I've learned so far. The newspaper account gives the milepost marker closest to the accident. I was able to use Google Earth to zero in on the location of the crash."
As Eva was explaining this, she pulled up Google Earth.
"As you can see, I was then able to search nearby buildings. There is a gas station about a mile away south of the scene and north of the site there is a motel which also seems to be a mile or a mile and a half away."
"That's interesting, Eva. Excellent job. Let's take a minute and discuss how either of these might have played a role in the plan. Do you have any ideas?"
"Well, either location was in easy walking distance from the accident. Let's say he pushed the Corvette over the embankment. He could have then walked to the gas station or motel and got into another vehicle and made his way to the airport. We know the accident scene was near the Albuquerque airport."
"That would be an obvious scenario if he planned this alone. If he had an accomplice, the other person could have picked him up at the scene and then driven him to the airport."
"That's true, Max. I guess we better hope he planned this alone. If he walked to the gas station or the motel, there is a possibility someone may remember him when shown a picture. But even if someone did remember him, it's not going to tell us where he is now."
"No, it won't, but remember my puzzle analogy. We have to reconstruct what happened, piece by piece. This is a good start. Let's take a weekend and fly out to the location of the accident and see if we can find someone that recognizes a picture of Doug. Were you able to locate a good picture online?"
"I sure did." Eva pulled up a picture of Doug she had stored in her photos.
"I have a newspaper photo of him announcing his appointment as a division manager at Raynott. I also found a few social media pictures of him in Saint Martin. It must have been a vacation. In one of them, he was parasailing. I found another photo in front of the airport in Saint Martin. He is with another couple. When you zoom in on his T-shirt, it says, Diving is Better in St. Martin.
"That's excellent, Eva. They are good pictures. We can enlarge them and enhance them with a beard, mustache, change of hair color, etc. And we now have two interests -- diving and parasailing. You accomplished a lot today. Come over here and give me a hug. Now I know why I married you. You are not only beautiful; you are talented as well."
Eva slid over next to Max. They kissed for a few minutes until Eva suddenly pulled away.
"Oh no, the lasagna!"
Both noticed a slight burning smell coming from the kitchen. Max followed Eva in and watched her open the oven as a stream of smoke came out.
"Is it ruined?" Max asked.
Eva put in on the counter and replied, "I think it is still edible. It looks like it's just the edges that are burned. We can cut around it."
"Great. I'm starving. I've been looking forward to your lasagna all day. Let's sit down and enjoy our dinner. I think we've had enough talk about the missing diamonds for the day."
"I agree. Hold up your plate."
Chapter Thirty
Chicago
Michael and Catherine had been keeping in touch with each other while she was on vacation. Catherine had phoned him when she had arrived in Texas to visit Emma and Will. She had also called several times during her stay with them. She promised to call last night when she arrived at The Osprey Co
ve Lodge, but she hadn't. Michael had tried several times today but had gotten no answer. He was concerned.
"Who were you trying to call?" Marilyn asked. She and Michael were on the terrace of his home having lunch.
"I just tried Catherine again -- no answer. I can't understand why she didn't call last night. And now she is still not answering. I'm starting to worry."
"She's a big girl, Michael. I think she can take care of herself. She's probably busy and just forgot."
"It's not like Catherine to not call."
"Sometimes I think you are too involved in your sister's life, Michael."
"Catherine needs me right now, Marilyn. She has no one else. She has just lost her husband. She's pregnant. And she has to rebuild a new life for herself and her child. That's some pretty heavy stuff to deal with alone."
"She seems like a pretty capable person. She certainly has the means to hire a good nanny to take care of the child so she can get on with her life."
"I have invited Catherine to move back to Chicago and live here. I think it would work out well. Jean and Ella can help with the baby while she works with me at the company."
This was the first that Marilyn heard of the idea of Catherine moving back to Chicago. She was hoping that Michael was getting close to asking her to marry him. How would this idea of Catherine moving into the Gregstone estate fit in with any future marriage plans? She decided to try to probe to find out how serious Michael was about this.
"How does Catherine feel about moving back?"
"I'm not sure. She promised to think about it. She has a lot on her plate right now. She said that she was going to use the time up at the lodge to sort things out and come to some conclusions. She needs to decide fairly soon. She only has five months until the baby arrives."
"Won't that be a little awkward for you to have her living here -- having a baby in the house? It's going to cut down on your privacy somewhat."
"Nothing would make me happier than to have Catherine move back here. I would love for her child to grow up in this house. My parents would have been happy about their grandchild being raised here. There would be no privacy issues. The estate is plenty big enough. And besides, Catherine and I are close. Even as children, we always got along. She and I are a lot alike. No, it will not be a problem in any way."
This was not what Marilyn was hoping to hear. She had detected this close bond that Michael had with his sister from day one of their relationship. He talked about her all the time. It was evident from all he said about her that he idolized Catherine and thought she was next to perfect. There was a certain amount of resentment that had developed in Marilyn even before she met her that night at the country club. After Marilyn had met her, she saw that she was all that Michael projected her to be. This made Marilyn more resentful and jealous. She did not want Michael's attention to be divided between her and Catherine. Furthermore, she suspected that if push came to shove, Catherine's interests would be given priority over her own. This was a real problem that Marilyn had not anticipated. She did not see the marriage proposal she was hoping for coming anytime soon. Michael seemed to be too preoccupied with his sister.
Marilyn had assessed the situation pretty well. Catherine was far more important to him than she was. To be sure, Michael was interested in Marilyn. In fact, he would acknowledge that he loved her and felt she was the right choice to be his wife. But he was not thinking about a marriage proposal anytime soon. Michael's priority right now was Catherine. If she did decide to move back, which was his hope, there would be a lot to do. She would have to get settled in the house. Preparations for the baby would have to be made. Eventually, Catherine would begin work at Gregstone. All of this would require time and effort on Michael's part. He didn't want to think about marriage right now.
There was silence between the two of them for some time. Michael was thinking about why Catherine had not called. Marilyn was preoccupied with Michael's words. They had clearly indicated she should not expect their relationship to progress anytime soon.
The ringing of the telephone interrupted their thoughts.
"Hello," Michael answered, "this is he. Oh, yes, go right ahead. I can listen."
Some time passed without Michael saying anything. It appeared that the person on the other end was relaying information to him.
Finally, Michael responded, "I see. Is there any indication that he is aware of you?"
Michael listened to the response at the other end and then said, "Okay, well try to be careful. You're doing a good job. Keep me updated."
"What was that all about?" Marilyn inquired.
"Just a business matter -- nothing to be concerned about."
This was not turning out to be a good day so far from Marilyn's point of view. So she decided to try to change it, "Would you like to play some tennis this afternoon at the club?"
"That sounds good, Marilyn, but let's wait until later this afternoon. I'd like to make contact with Catherine before we leave."
Jean came out onto the terrace.
"Can I get you two anything else?"
"I'd like some more iced tea, please," Marilyn responded.
"Nothing else for me, Jean, it was good as usual. I might decide to keep you around for a while longer!"
Jean smiled. She and Michael had a warm and close relationship. She had watched him grow and was more of a mother figure than an employee. He was particularly happy to have her and Ella around since the death of his parents.
"Have you heard from Catherine yet, Alex?"
"No, not yet. I'll let you know when I do so that you can stop worrying, too. Let's hope she is having so much fun that she just forgot to call."
"I hope so; she deserves to have some fun after all that girl's been through. I guess she hasn't made a decision yet about coming home?" Jean asked.
"Not yet, Jean. You'll be the first to know if she does."
"Well, Ella and I are ready. We'll have this place ready for that new little Gregstone in no time flat. We are both as excited as can be about it."
"I know you are, Jean. But don't get too excited until we know for sure. Catherine needs to make the decision she thinks is right for her and the child."
"You're right, Michael. Okay, let me get that iced tea for Ms. Marilyn."
"She talks like it's almost a given that Catherine is coming back here to live," Marilyn commented.
"She's just hoping, the same as I am."
Michael put his hand over Marilyn's. "You look a little down this morning. Is something troubling you?"
Yes, I'd like to get engaged and move into this house. And when I do, I don't want to share it with your sister and an annoying child, Marilyn was thinking.
But she said, "I guess I'm just tired of sitting here. I'd like to go out and do something."
"Alright, let's head over to the club and see if we can get a court. If there are none available, we'll have a drink and wait. How does that sound?"
"How about waiting for a phone call from Catherine?"
"I'll keep trying her on the way to the club. Hopefully, I'll reach her before we get out on the court. You're probably right. I'm sure everything is alright. I'm just a little overprotective of her since she's pregnant."
Marilyn tried not to display her irritation. "Well, let's get going then.
The pair got up from the table and got ready to leave for the club.
Chapter Thirty-one
THE LADY DROXELL
Catherine had suggested they take The Lady Droxell to Davenport for a cup of coffee. Alex had teased her that it was a long way to go for a cup of coffee! It was a long way. It took them all morning. But it was enjoyable for both of them. The shoreline was bursting with color. The air temperature was just about perfect, and there was no lack of conversation. One of the highlights of their trip to Davenport was going through the locks on the Rideau. The locks allowed The Lady Droxell to travel from the lake that the lodge was on to the next lake where Davenport was. The locks did this by r
aising and lowering the water level. The Lady Droxell would drive into the lock and then wait for the level to meet that of the next lake. Catherine was fascinated by the experience. She had enjoyed it as much this time as she had back in the summer. What impressed her was that boats of all sizes could use the locks. Several canoes were in the lock at the same time as The Lady Droxell. Catherine found it exciting.
Soon they had reached their destination. Catherine had fond memories of their lunch at the cafe in Davenport back in the summer. It had been cut short when Alex learned that his daughter, Libby, had fallen from her horse at camp and rushed to a Kingston hospital. Hopefully, this time, they would be able to spend time walking around the quaint town of Davenport built on the lake. One of the things that made Davenport exciting to visit was that it had its own boat dock. Alex skillfully pulled The Lady Droxell into one of the larger slips. The cafe was visible from the dock. They made their way up the path to it.
Catherine was beginning to feel she preferred this time of year even better than summer. The cafe was nearly empty. They were seated at a lovely window table with a beautiful view of the lake and The Lady Droxell.
"What a fantastic view of the lake!" Catherine said.
"It's almost as nice as our corner table view at the lodge," Alex added.
Alex's use of the word 'our' caused a flutter in her stomach. How wonderful it would be, she thought, if she and Alex could be a couple. Her happy feeling at that thought was quickly cut short by the realization that it could never be. Did she forget for a moment that she was pregnant? Did she expect that Alex would ever consider her when he found out she was pregnant? She quickly dismissed her thoughts. She wanted to enjoy this precious time with Alex here in this lovely cafe. She would keep her secret from Alex as long as she could and try to enjoy their time together.
Eventually, the delightful lunch had to end. The other lunch customers had left long ago. It was clear that the waitresses were attempting to reset the tables for dinner. Alex asked for the check and walked up to the counter to pay. Catherine could see by the expression on the waitress's face that Alex had been incredibly generous with her tip. He may have felt the need to do this because they had been seated so long at the table. But Catherine suspected it was more likely Alex gave her a generous tip because there were few customers. He knew the waitress would not make much that afternoon. Catherine already knew Alex well enough to know that he had a kind heart. She had observed that immediately in his interaction with Rose, the waitress at the lodge, the first time they were together enjoying lemonade and pastries on the porch. The more time Catherine spent with Alex, the more endearing qualities she saw in him. She also saw the sharp contrast between him and Doug.
Return to Osprey Cove Page 14
