Midas Murders [Book 3 of the Katherine Miller Mysteries]

by Janet Lane-Walters

  "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 believed his daughter was behind the event, but he'd 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'd 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 any more."

  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.

  "Mostly from pictures. This is my first visit to the area."

  "And you ended up in the middle of a mystery."

  "Seems normal."

  Before he asked the question I saw in his eyes, and before I could tell him about my suspicions, Lars and Bonnie arrived. Once again she wore the guise of a grieving widow. She looked helpless and beautiful. The officer's eyes showed his typical-male reaction.

  "Mrs. Grayco, sorry to bother you. We need further information to help with the identification of the body in your husband's car. I'm afraid he was shot before the car crashed."

  Bonnie collapsed on the couch. “Nooooo!” Her scream reached ear-shattering heights.

  Lars crossed to her. “Honey, you have to stay calm.” He turned to the officer. “What sort of information do you need? Why didn't someone ask for it when the body was found?"

  Detective Rodgers shrugged. “Wasn't my case then. Did Mr. Grayco have any enemies?"

  Bonnie studied her hands. “He was a gambler. Daddy had to pay his debts several times. Carl promised he'd quit, but New Year's Eve, three men showed up at our party. They hadn't been invited. Carl was afraid of them. One of the other guests said they were from Las Vegas."

  The detective frowned. “Did you get their names?"

  She shook her head. “Maybe Damon did."

  "Damon?” he asked.

  "Damon Webster. He's Daddy's executive assistant and Carl's friend."

  "I'll check him out. Do you have the name of your husband's dentist?"

  She frowned. “I'm not sure he had one. He never complained about his teeth."

  Lars patted her hand. “I'm sure that information is in the health records at the office. I can access it for you."

  "Fine,” the officer said. “Let's go."

  "I'll go along.” My presence might goad Lars into some action.

  "Aunt Katherine, stop prying. This isn't your affair.” Maybe you should pack your bags and go home. With all this trouble, the visit certainly hasn't been much fun for you. You know, this could all be your fault.” She glared and strode into the hall."

  The officer looked from Lars to me. “What did she mean by that?"

  "She's too upset to know what she's saying.” Lars started after her.

  Detective Rodgers stopped Lars. “Sir, I'd appreciate that information."

  Lars nodded and gave the detective directions to the office. “I'll meet you there. Tell Betty I sent you and to give you full cooperation."

  After Detective Rodgers left, Lars and I put on her jackets. He turned to me. “Maybe you should stay. I hate leaving her alone."

  "My presence will hardly be a comfort.” I followed him to his car.

  * * * *

  When we reached the parking garage, I recognized the place from the day I'd followed Bonnie. We walked to another building in the cluster. Lars and I rode the elevator to the third floor.

  Detective Rodgers stood in the small waiting room. He turned to the secretary. “Told you he was on his way."

  She swiveled in her chair. “Mr. Claybourne, what's going on? This man barged in here, demanded records and threatened me with a court order. You know no records are allowed to leave here without Mrs. Grayco's permission. She just called to tell me that."

  Lars frowned. “I'm still the boss.” He leaned against the desk. Detective Rodgers needs Carl's health records including the name of his dentist and doctor."

  "Right away, Mr. Claybourne.” She rose. “I heard about Mr. Grayco's accident. What a shame. He was so young."

  Detective Rodgers shook his head. “Seems you have the magic touch. Is there a reason your daughter wanted the records held?"

  Lars frowned. “Bonnie's on edge. I think she's afraid the dead man in her husband's car is some stranger."

  Once the detective had his information, he strode to the door. Lars started to follow.

  I blocked the way. “Those records you need."

  "Kate, not now."

  "Yes now. While you give the secretary the list, I'll look in Carl's office."

  He threw up his hands. “Yes, Sherlock."

  When I reached Carl's office, I opened the desk drawers. I had no idea what I was looking for and I found nothing, not even a paperclip.

  Lars entered and booted the computer. He did some other things. “Damn."

  "What's wrong?"

  "There's nothing here. All the files have been deleted. What now?"

  "Check your daughter's and your assistant's computers."

  "She wouldn't do anything to harm the company and he has limi
ted access. I wish you'd lose your suspicions of Bonnie."

  "I can't.” I crossed to the file cabinet. “Give me the names of the files you asked the secretary to pull. There might be more information on them in here."

  He elbowed me out of the way and began to extract folders. Several times he groaned.

  "What's wrong?"

  "Names I don't remember. Companies that were turned down. Ones who paid off their loans months ago.” He piled the files on top of the cabinet. “Betty, I'll need another box. Has Damon arrived yet?"

  She appeared in the doorway. “Not yet and he didn't call to say he wasn't coming in."

  * * * *

  An hour later two full boxes sat in the trunk of Lars’ Mercedes. When we reached the house, we carried them to his office. A note from Bonnie lay on his desk. He read, then crumpled the paper. I plucked it from his hand and read.

  Daddy, I refuse to stay in the

  house with that woman another night.

  I won't listen to her poison. You

  shouldn't either. First she turned

  Don against me. Now you.

  "I think I should leave."

  He captured my hand. “Don't. I need you."

  The pleading in his eyes made me suck in a breath. “All right, I'll stay a few more days, but her resentment of me is stronger than ever. I can't marry you."

  He put his arms around me. “We'll get through this."

  Though I wished I could believe him, I couldn't see how matters would change. As long as his daughter refused to accept me, there was no hope of a future with Lars.

  * * * *

  Just as we were about to leave for dinner, Bonnie stormed into the house. “Daddy, the body wasn't Carl's. Now what am I going to do? Will I be in limbo forever? They want me to come in for questioning. What am I going to tell them?"

  "The truth,” Lars said.

  "Will you come with me. I'm scared."

  He shook his head. “Time for you to stop depending on me for so much."

  She whirled toward me. “She told you to say that. Why won't you listen to me?"

  "Kate has nothing to do with this. All your life, I've protected and catered to your tantrums. It's time for you to grow up."

  "But Carl's not dead. He must have killed the man in his car. What if he comes after me? Don't you care? Jaime said..."