Paige locked up and as she passed by her mother’s room she paused. She should really go in to say goodnight. But she couldn’t stand the thought of telling any more fibs to the woman who had done so much for her.
This would all be over soon. She would make it up to her mother after this thing ended.
For now, she had to finish this.
Chapter 30
WHEN MICHAEL SMITH WOKE THE NEXT MORNING, the first thought to invade his aching head was Cory. Had he been foolish to toss the burner phone connecting the two of them into the trash? Cory would surely have tried to contact him. Food had to be running out. Plus, it had sounded like the idiot had somehow hurt himself. His son must be getting desperate.
Maybe he should cancel his appointments and head out there to check on him. The last thing he needed was for the kid to somehow show up again, unannounced. But how could he get out to the cabin without attracting attention? There was that car that in all likelihood were cops staking out his home and office the last few days. No, he couldn’t chance it.
He flipped the down comforter aside and pushed his feet into his slippers. Dry scrubbing the sleep from his eyes he plodded into the adjoining bathroom. He should never have helped the kid, never have gotten involved with any of it. When he looked in the mirror, the bloodshot eyes staring back at him told the tale of a restless night even after killing half a bottle of whisky. That was another thing the kid had screwed up. It was almost two years since he’d had a drink and for the last few nights he’d hit the bottle pretty hard. Hell. He had to, to get any kind of sleep at all.
Screw it. This would be over soon. The kid couldn’t last out there and if he somehow made it out of the cabin, the cops were bound to pick him up. When they did he’d be free of Cory. Deny. Deny Deny. That was the motto he’d always lived by.
His mouth twitched with worry. But the kid had something on him! That stupid hooker! Cory said that he’d blab to the cops to cut a deal if he had to!
Wait a damn minute. There was absolutely zero evidence on him regarding that episode. He had never been questioned by the police over that matter… He nodded his head sharply when he realized that if the kid tried to pin that on him, he’d simply ask why the boy knew so much about that crime? The boy who’s arrested for murder? He spoke aloud, trying on the tactic: “Maybe his wife and child weren’t his first victims officer?” Yeah, that would probably work! If the kid tried to drag him down, he’d turn the tables on him so damn fast!
When he finished in the bathroom he wandered into the kitchen. Sunlight streamed in through the French doors, casting a glow on the granite countertops and aluminum appliances. He hit the button on the coffee maker and then took a seat at the island, booting up his laptop while he waited.
First the financial reports on the economy. His stocks were in good shape although oil still hadn’t rebounded as much as was forecast. He flipped to local news but an alert caught his eyes. The body of a retired state trooper had been found on Pond Road in Levin? His eyes opened wider and he clicked the link to read more. Pond Road? Levin? Shit! The old lady’s cabin was on that road.
His heart beat faster reading that when the man hadn’t returned home by nightfall his wife had contacted the police. A search team with trained dogs had turned up the body a few hours later. The victim, Herbert Reid, had been driving an older Chrysler sedan. It was missing. The victim had been beaten to death and the assailants were believed to have stolen the vehicle.
Cory! It had to be him that killed the guy. Michael’s fist clenched so hard his manicured fingernails bit into his palm. The kid had a car now. Two guesses where he was heading.
Michael got up and scuttled to the window, checking the fenced patio and sides of the backyard. But nothing was disturbed there, with the chairs still propped onto the table and the view of the lake below. That lake with the house sitting practically on the side of a cliff overlooking it had been why he’d bought the place. That sharp drop off the back of the deck exposed so damn much of the lake; it was really beautiful at sunset…
He gave his head a shake. He’s thinking about views of the lake below when Cory could be here right now? He’s losing it! Okay, the back of the house looks undisturbed, but what about the rest of the place?
His heart raced, his pulse thundering in his ears as he raced to the dining room window to check the side yard. Again, there was only the lawn bordered by stately blue spruce and birch trees. The living room window showed a view of his driveway, his Escalade tucked close to the flagstone walkway. As he passed the front door he thanked his lucky stars for the state of-the-art security system he’d installed years ago. Cory may be in the neighborhood, but there was no way he was getting inside the house without him knowing it.
He checked the other rooms, the office, the spare bedroom and even the family room at the back of the house. There was no sign of anyone or anything amiss in the lawn bordering the house.
Maybe he’d gotten lucky. He took a deep breath as he walked back to the kitchen to get his coffee. Maybe the kid had taken off and was across state lines by now. He could only hope.
One thing he was sure of, if Cory showed up at his house, he was calling the cops. The kid was going to go down for what he’d done, but he sure as hell wasn’t taking Michael with him. He sipped his coffee, still on edge, staring out the window to the patio.
He could stay holed up there all day and see how this played out. It wouldn’t be an entire lie to call in sick to work. His head throbbed from the Jack Daniels, and his chest felt so tight he wondered if he might have a heart attack. It would be all that damned nitwit’s fault if he keeled over.
By the time he’d finished the coffee, his nerves felt less jangled. He could do this. Despite Cory still being out there, he couldn’t deviate from his normal routine, not if he had any chance of looking innocent.
Shit! He was innocent! It hadn’t been him who choked the life out of that little girl or her skanky mother. That was all on Cory!
But would they believe him when he said he had nothing to do with helping the kid get away?
Shit. The cabin. It could be traced back to his office. And then there was the little matter of how his son had gotten to a place that was probably not even on Google Earth.
“Screw it,” he said aloud. “If they take him in alive, I’ll lawyer up and play the concerned father.” That was a good plan. Even so, he had to hope that if the little shit was hanging around out there that the cops would kill him in the arrest. Dead men don’t tell tales.
In the meantime he had to avoid suspicion. That meant going in to work as if nothing happened. He didn’t know about any murder up in Levin or where his son currently was. That was his story, and he’d stick to it like glue.
As for the day’s schedule, it might work out perfectly. That rich woman was looking for a house, and coincidentally the Clarke’s down the street was listed with his company. It was even vacant if she needed to move in right away.
He could show her that and keep an eye out for Cory at the same time. Hell! He’d even show her his own home if that’s what it took. The house was too big now, and he’d been toying with the idea of buying a condo. It might really work out well after all.
He could do this. He was Michael Smith after all.
Chapter 31
“THE LAST THING I WANTED TO DO WAS VISIT A MALL TODAY.” Paige flung the car door open and scowled over at Melanie.
“You couldn’t be my lawyer the way you were dressed! Sorry, but jeans and a leather jacket would not cut it. Furthermore, I paid for the new outfit. What are you complaining about?” Melanie rolled her eyes before yanking the seat belt across her lap.
Paige started the car and sat still for a moment. They had plenty of time before meeting with Michael Smith. It wasn’t like the shopping excursion had cost them much time. It was nerves, plain and simple. Now that they were only ten minutes from meeting with him, she was wired tight. “Well, thanks, but I could have paid for them, you know. It�
�s not like I don’t have a good job. I mean I’m a lawyer for God’s sake.”
Melanie shot her a look. “Then how about acting like one, huh? Aren’t you legal eagles supposed to be insufferably arrogant?” She slumped lower in her seat. “Look, I know this is hard on you. The whole situation is screwed up beyond words—meeting your father who is also that maniac’s dad? Just let me do all the talking, okay?”
Paige eyed the rearview mirror before pulling out of the parking space. She had to admit the clothes were perfect even if a pant suit was something she tried to avoid normally. But the navy color and formfitted cut projected money and success. As far as letting Mel do the talking she was totally fine with that. She wanted to size the guy up first and foremost. “Have you thought about how you’re going to get him talking about his family?”
“Of course. You just leave that to me. I’ll have him spilling his guts. I’m not the police. People tend to open up to me. Not that I always want to hear their sad story. I have enough crap to deal with in my own life.”
Paige glanced over at Melanie. After what she’d learned about Melanie’s experience in the Catskills, she’d believe it. For a few more minutes they drove in silence, each mentally preparing for the interview with Michael Smith.
Up ahead was the small strip mall where the Smith Realty sign dominated high above the others. She flipped her turn signal on and pulled into a spot in front of the office, beside a black Escalade.
Melanie turned to her. “Ready?”
Paige nodded. “Let’s go ramify ‘em, Addy.”
“Addy? Ramify? What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Lame joke. Sorry.” Paige got out of the car and reached into the back seat for her new satchel. Another touch that Melanie had insisted upon.
When they entered the office, Paige took in everything at a glance—the Berber carpet, leather chairs and sofas. The waiting area bordered on being a greenhouse with all the tropical plants.
A pretty brunette sitting behind a desk turned from her monitor to smile at them. Paige thought of her mother, how this was probably the same position her mother had filled when she worked there.
Melanie strode over to the counter, her wide-leg palazzo pants swaying while the ends of a silk scarf draped over her brocade jacket fluttered beside her. “I’m Melanie Walker. This is my attorney, Fran Lewalski. We have an appointment with Michael Smith.”
Paige cringed at the name Melanie had assigned to her. She’d even managed to print business cards with the horrid moniker on them.
“Of course.” The woman rose to her feet rounding the corner of her desk to extend her hand. “I’m Marcie, Mr. Smith’s assistant. He’s expecting you.” She nodded her head and then led the way to the office set near the front of the building.
Paige took a deep breath to quell her jitters. Damn! She was here for Aubree! The fact that this man was also her father was incidental. Wasn’t it? She pictured a courtroom and the set of tight nerves that always preceded a hearing. Yet once the judge was seated she’d always settled into the groove, her mind cool and alert. This couldn’t be any worse than that.
Yet when she laid eyes on him, her breath hitched in her throat. There he was. Sitting behind a desk, his olive-colored eyes a mirror of her own. But that was where the similarity ended. Even though he was six feet tall, he was portly, looking like he’d never set foot in a gym in his life. His hairline that had once been pronounced in the photos had receded at each side, the gray littering dark hair that was slicked straight back. She might have inherited his height but she was slender and fit.
“Miss Walker.” Michael rose and shook Melanie’s hand before glancing at Paige.
A waft of sickening sweet cologne hit her nostrils. If came off Michael Smith in waves. She’d dated a guy, Frank Gambotti, who’d worn that same cologne—Polo. It hadn’t improved Frank’s sex appeal, and on Michael it was truly revolting.
Paige looked away, breathing through her mouth as she gazed at the oak furnishings, the award and certification plaques adorning the wall. She barely heard Melanie’s response as she forced her lunch back to where it belonged in her stomach.
“Oh. I hope you don’t mind, but I brought my attorney and friend, Fran Lewalski. I’m hoping to finalize a purchase today and wanted her advice.”
“Not at all!” Michael turned to peer at Paige, extending his hand. “Miss Lewalski. Pleased to meet you.”
Paige stared at his hand for a quick beat before she shook it murmuring, “Nice to meet you, Mr. Smith.” She glanced into his eyes before taking a seat next to Melanie.
Yes. The guy had something about him. A confidence and masculinity that she could understand her mother being attracted to. The smile that had blossomed on his face had been too quick though. Almost as quick as when it vanished before he turned away to go back to his seat.
“Would you like water or coffee?” Marcie’s voice made Paige startle but Melanie smoothly answered.
“No. We stopped for lunch before we came in. We’re fine. Thanks.”
When Marcie shut the door softly behind her, Melanie once more was all sweetness and light. “Mr. Smith, I’m so glad you found the time to meet with us. I know how terribly busy you must be. But I always insist on dealing with the owner of any business. I mean, you know what you’re doing, and I don’t have time to waste.”
“Absolutely. I completely understand—”
“I confess that I’m probably not as good as this as I should be. My ex-partner, Ross, used to look after all our living arrangements. That’s why I wanted Fran here. She’s like family to me.” Melanie actually looked down in her best Princess Di pose. “Family is so important. Don’t you think? Do you have family, Mr. Smith?”
Paige was torn between wanting Melanie to shut up and let the man talk or nausea from her blatant flirting.
Michael Smith glanced at Paige before answering Melanie. “I had a family. But like any modern marriage, it didn’t last. My wife, or rather ex-wife, lives across the country now.”
“How sad. Children? It’s always so hard when children are involved. Tragic really.” Melanie actually eased forward in her chair, a picture of concern.
“Well...yes. A son. I practically raised him single-handedly.” For the first time, Michael looked away and his face became harder.
Paige tried to look away so as not to call attention to the fact that she was hanging on to every word. This was it! He admitted he had a son. It had to be Cory.
Melanie’s hand rose, and she placed it on Michael’s. “That’s so sad. But he must be doing fine now! If he’s anything like his father, he must be running some business or in politics perhaps? What’s his name? Maybe I’ll vote for him.” She actually managed a giggle.
Michael cleared his throat. “Um...not exactly. But you said you were pressed for time. Perhaps we should get down to business. Based on what you outlined to Marcie, I have a few different properties that might fit your needs.” He opened a file folder and slid a photo of a large ranch bungalow across the desk. “I printed these for you.” He turned slightly and with a click of his mouse brought a larger view of the red brick home onto the screen.
Melanie pretended to examine the photo. Her mouth became a moue. “But the neighborhood. Is it exclusive? Gated? Where do you live, Michael?”
Paige slid the spec sheet toward her, trying not to gag on Melanie’s honeyed tone. They already knew where Michael lived. Where was Mel going with this?
Michael slid a smile across his face. “I’m in Estoria. It’s a quiet neighborhood on a bluff at the outskirts of the city. Gorgeous view of the lake. But there’s no need for that degree of security, not in Poughkeepsie. No, you’ll find gated communities more in Florida than here. It’s part of the reason I stay here.”
“Well, that sounds lovely! A view of the lake, you say? That’s a bonus, isn’t it, Fran?” Melanie turned to Paige and smiled.
“Yes. Are there homes for sale in your neighborhood, Mr. Smith? You’ve lived ther
e all your life? Raised your son there?” Paige found it hard to meet Michael’s gaze and looked away a few times. Shit, this was harder than she’d thought it was going to be! She had to get a grip. Her hand slipped into her pocket, and she clutched the bracelet once more. This was why she was here, damn it.
Melanie must have sensed her discomfort because she jumped in. “I think what Fran is alluding to is the fact that I want to have a family, children at some point, soon. If you raised your son there, it must be child friendly with schools nearby.”
Michael nodded his head and rose to his feet. “Why don’t we take a drive to a beautiful home in my neighborhood. It just came on the market and won’t last long. I’ll take you on a tour and show you the schools and parks nearby.” He chuckled. “Gosh. I haven’t actually shown properties in years. This is a walk down memory lane, but with two beautiful women beside me, I’m not complaining.”
Paige peered at the credenza behind Michael’s desk when Michael walked over to the closet to grab his overcoat. Pictures of scenery, award celebrations with dignitaries but no photos of his son or family. She’d been hoping for added confirmation, but Michael wasn’t giving that up, not in his office memorabilia.
“Will we follow you or—”
“You’ll ride with me, of course! I’d love the opportunity to get to know you better.” The smile he flashed at Melanie was pure saccharin. “Especially as we may become neighbors.”
Paige could feel his eyes boring into her back as they walked out of the office. Great. Confined in his vehicle breathing that vile stench. As if this wasn’t bad enough.
“Mine’s the Escalade.” Making a show of being gentlemanly, he darted in front of Melanie to open the passenger door for her. He then opened the rear door, watching Paige with a small smile on his lips. “Fran. May I call you Fran?”
The Haunted Reckoning Page 13
