Garrett said, “That’s why I came tonight. I know I’m not on the Board, but I’d like to talk to you about helping out unless one of you has a great construction background. It can get tricky. You have to watch them all the time. Um, I’m a writer, so my time is my own and I work at home. Not only that, but I know quite a bit about construction. I think I could be a big help, particularly as a liaison with the construction manager you choose. I might even have a few I can recommend.”
A murmur went through the group. This was a very welcome offer since most of them were heavily involved in their businesses or careers and no one had much of an idea about how to oversee a job as large as the necessary repairs. It was agreed that they would set up a meeting with Garrett to see what the next steps might be.
A few more things were discussed and either agreed upon or vetoed. Then Matt said, “Hold your breath, folks. As you know we decided at the last meeting to have a gala event for all the homeowners to celebrate our victory over the scummy developers. Cameron is about to wow us with her presentation for the party. Cameron?”
Cameron stepped into the space next to Matt to make her presentation. And wow them, she did. It was approved unanimously. She said, “Of course we’ll have to get quotes on everything, but if everyone on the Board agrees, my first choice is the Del Rey Yacht Club. It’s ideal. Beautiful venue. Close by and a great catering department.” With that settled, a party committee was chosen to carry out all the necessary arrangements.
Darwin adjourned the meeting.
Old Colonel Thompson was the first to rise from his chair. He exercised his bad leg accompanied by a few groans he tried to conceal.
Garrett said, “Are you okay Mike? I guess that leg gets a little painful when you sit for a long time. Anything I can do to help?”
“Thanks, but after more than half a century of living with it, I regard it as no more than an annoyance. Life is funny. I often think if only I’d been walking a foot to the right, I’d have missed the dad-blamed land mine. Well, those are the breaks as the saying goes. Speaking of bad breaks, if I’d been a little more to the left there wouldn’t have been much left of me. That always makes me appreciate that the only permanent damage was this darned knee.”
“Great way to look at it.” Garrett continued, “Let me walk you two home. It’s kind of late and I’d feel better about it. By the way Cameron, I do know quite a bit about construction. I did most of the remodeling on my house myself and only hired people when it was something I absolutely couldn’t do or couldn’t figure out. Of course, correcting the damage to the canals is a whole different thing, but at least I speak the lingo. And, I’m a good negotiator. I really do want to get involved in the HOA, so I think this is a possible win-win situation.”
“Your help is most welcome. Oh, by the way, call me Cami. All of my friends do.”
“Go for it Danny,” the Colonel said in a low voice. “Everyone sounded like they welcome your help. The only one I know who has a real clue about construction is John Matis. Other than him, as for the doctors and lawyers on the Board, the most they know about construction is picking up the phone, hiring someone and writing the check.” He chuckled, then continued. “And, I’ll bet nine out of ten of them get ripped off. Still, I think it is a good idea to plug money into the budget for a construction manager. That way if they appoint you as the liaison, your job will be a lot less involved and you can keep an eye on the construction manager to make sure he, or she, is honest.”
They walked south along Grand Canal towards Sherman Canal. The earlier dark indigo sky had darkened to a blanket of black velvet. Away from the city glow of LA, fields of stars sparkled like diamonds. A light, warm breeze made the normally still water in the canal break into a series of ripples. A sweet scent floated on the night air. Someone’s courtyard must have been filled with jasmine or other fragrant flowers. All in all, it was a lovely night for a walk.
The conversation turned to Al Shady. “What do you suppose happened to him? Barbara never called back,” Garrett said. “Has anything like that ever happened before?”
Cameron thought for a moment. “Not that I can remember. It is strange. I mean if he was home, surely Barbara would have let us know everything is okay. Maybe he had a heart attack or something. Oh, Lord. I hope not. He isn’t a very likeable guy, bad superiority attitude and all, but I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”
3
Cameron came to an abrupt halt right before they reached one of the bridges that span the canals. She pointed across the water at an imposing three story home with slabs of glass facing the charming view. The house was so large it covered most of the lot that had once been home to a little two bedroom bungalow. There wasn’t even room for a courtyard. Just a small landscaped area not much bigger than a postage stamp. The house appeared dark except for one lighted window on the second floor. An eerie chill swept over her making her feel a little foolish. But she’d had that feeling before so didn’t dismiss it lightly.
“That’s the Shady house over there. Something tells me we should go over and make sure everything is okay. Like you said, Danny, you never know. By the way, the Colonel said you’re a novelist and write thrillers. I’m curious, why thrillers?”
Garrett and the Colonel exchanged glances. “I don’t broadcast this, but I’m retired FBI. I guess that’s why the Colonel thought we would have some interesting stories to exchange. Actually, he’s told me a little about you and how you and your friends have solved some crimes. Anyway, that was then and this is now. Thrillers are as natural to me as those ducks floating in the canal liking water. So, why did you stop so suddenly?”
She didn’t answer right away. Cameron was often reluctant to tell people about her sixth sense, fearing they would think she was the ditzy blonde she played when she wanted to manipulate a situation. Not that long ago she and her friends Kim and Kate had been in terrible danger. The kind of danger that could have resulted in them knocking at the Pearly Gates. The feeling that washed over her a moment before was so similar to the beating heart and tingling sensation she experienced before she and her friends walked into what could have been their last living and breathing time together.
“Um, it’s a feeling that swept over me. A feeling that something is very wrong over there. Do you mind? I think I would feel much better if we checked it out.” She started for the bridge.
The dark night seemed to wrap around them, heightening Cameron’s feeling. Water moved in lazy ripples beneath them and a few ducks floated by. Generally the ducks were all sleeping with their heads tucked under their wings as the darkness enveloped the Venice Canals. There was something else, too. Something Cameron couldn’t put her finger on. They approached the front doors greeted by slight squeaking sounds as the light breeze fanned the open door on the left. She grabbed Garrett’s sleeve.
“Okay, you two,” he said in a tight voice. Stay here. I’ll check this out. You were right. It looks like something isn’t right here.
They did what he said and remained on the steps while Garrett made his way into the house on full alert. “Al? Al Shady?” he called out moving from the entry hall into the dark living room. “Barbara, it’s Danny Garrett. Your door was open. Is everything okay?”
There was no answer.
Cameron and the Colonel watched from the safety of the porch as Garrett moved through the dark room. Finally he flicked the switch to the entry chandelier and the room flooded with light. The jacket Barbara had worn was in a heap on the floor. Pictures had been ripped from the wall and the cushions of the twin sofas bore huge rips.
Garrett called, “Stay out there. Cameron, do you have your cell?’
“Yes.”
“Then call 911. Tell them there appears to have been a break-in here. I’m going upstairs to see if the Shadys are there.”
By the time the police arrived it was clear that Al and Barbara Shady were nowhere to be seen. The signs of struggle appeared too perfect, as though they had been staged. The only thi
ng that looked real was the large blood stain in front of the fireplace. In the master bedroom suitcases were scattered around the floor, but there were no empty hangers in the closet. No dresser drawers were pulled out.
Garrett apprised the cops of his background and asked if he could be of help. They reacted with a frigid attitude that made Cameron think about the legendary animosity between the police and the FBI. Garrett simply shrugged. “Okay, guys. I offered. Look, take my card if you need to get hold of me. I’m sure you were about to ask us for names and numbers, so I’m just jumping one step ahead.”
The younger, taller officer, whose name tag read Barrington, glanced at the card grudgingly. Then his dark brown eyes opened wide. “Wait a minute. Danny Garrett, the author?”
“Yep, I’m afraid so.”
“Wow. I love your books Mr. Garrett. Sorry if I was rude. I really respect you. In fact, I just finished reading Maria Mancuso’s memoir, the book you co-authored with Margaret Stanton. It’s no secret that some people thought she actually killed her husband and that’s why she disappeared after the book came out. I have to admit, I figured that was what happened, too. Tell me, did they ever find out who really did knock off Tony “The Nose?” He was some dangerous guy. I was one of the cops on duty at his funeral. I swear, I think every mob boss in the country attended.”
A knowing smile spread across Garrett’s lips. “Sorry, Pal. Privileged information. I guess we’ll never know. ”
4
They left the Shady house and took their time walking toward Sherman Canal. No one said a word. Finally, Danny broke the silence.
“I don’t know. Something felt off. I mean that scene in their living room—I’d bet money it was set up. A few years ago, when one of my books was made into a movie, I snagged a role as a consultant. Maybe you saw it—Who Killed Mandy Blake. Anyway, the way they set up the home invasion scene, it was really close to what we saw tonight.”
He let out a frustrated sigh. “A set designer’s idea of what a break-in looks like sometimes shows they have never been at a real crime scene. Anyhow, it smacked so much of staging, I made them change it. It was just too perfect. Like someone developed a formula for making a place look like it was ransacked. That’s what hit me the minute I turned on the light—the sense that I had stepped onto a movie set, that is, except for the blood. I didn’t want to say anything in front of the cops, so I clammed up. How well do you know this Shady couple?”
“Well,” the Colonel said, “I actually just know them from the HOA. Al Shady—that man isn’t the most pleasant guy. He’s a retired orthopedist, and I guess he was a very good doctor from what I’ve heard. Almost considered asking him whether there’s any help for my leg. But, truthfully, after a few encounters I decided the less I had to do with him, the better. Retired doctor—big deal. Everyone on the Board has some claim to fame. I never make a big deal about all the ‘fruit salad’ that decorates my uniform jacket, but that jerk strutted around like he thought he was better than everyone. I think he’s friendly with a few of our neighbors in the music business, though.”
Garrett gave a wry smile that barely lifted the corners of his mouth. “Sounds like I haven’t missed anything by not knowing him. What about the wife?”
They had reached the gate enclosing Cameron’s little courtyard. Before addressing that question, she said, “If we’re going to have this conversation, why don’t you two come in for a bit. I’ve got some nice chardonnay chilling and we can kick back and brainstorm for a while. I do have a very definite opinion of Barbara Shady.”
Garrett and the Colonel traded glances. It was clear to Cameron they hadn’t missed the implication. The emphasis when she said very definite left no doubt that whatever she was going to say, it wouldn’t be flattering. She pushed open her gate and they followed her into the house.
Garrett took a seat on a sofa facing the floor-to-ceiling span of windows. “Great view you’ve got here, Cameron.”
The Colonel lowered himself into one of the easy chairs, then stretched his leg straight out to ease the pain in his bad knee.
“Thanks. I do love my view. Just make yourselves comfortable and I’ll get the wine.” She headed to the kitchen and came back a short while later carrying a tray with three glasses, a freshly opened bottle of Robert Mondavi Winery Reserve Chardonnay and a bowl of mixed nuts. After setting the tray down on the coffee table, she poured a glass for each of them.
“Okay,” Cameron said after settling into the other easy chair. “You asked about Barbara Shady. To say she is a piece of work would be an understatement.” She gave a little disgusted snort.
“That woman might be a great accountant but trust me —she’s not even as nice a person as her husband, and he certainly wouldn’t win a popularity contest. Truthfully, I steer clear of her whenever I see her, except the HOA Board meetings, of course. Barbara has only been Treasurer for the last five months, but she acts like she’s the one who negotiated the whole settlement with the developers. For Pete’s sake. It was a done deal by the time she was elected, but you would never know that to hear her talk. And she’s constantly patting herself on the back and talking about super wealthy clients she has had as a CPA. I mean, look around. I don’t want to sound elitist, but I don’t think talking about wealthy clients impresses any of us.”
The Colonel nodded. “Yeah, I know what you mean. To put it in a word, the lady is a bitch and awfully full of herself.”
They spent the next half hour speculating about anything that might explain the scene at the Shady house and the apparent disappearance of the couple.
The Colonel finally said, “Danny, you’ve been through stuff like this many times, I imagine. What do you really make of it?”
“Yeah, Danny. I think we’re all in agreement about one thing. Something doesn’t gel. If you were still on the job, what would you make of it?”
Garrett looked thoughtful. “Look, I don’t want to jump to any conclusions and the cops obviously aren’t real anxious for my input. I think—wait—that one cop, what was his name? Oh yeah, Barrington. He was a fan of my writing. Why don’t I look him up tomorrow and see if he’ll tell me anything. I’ve discovered if someone is a fan, I can generally get them to say more than they ordinarily would because they want to impress me.”
“Oh, it was clear he wanted to impress you. I do hope nothing awful happened to them, though. What if we’re wrong? What if someone kidnapped them or worse?”
It was an impossible question to answer and left all three with more questions tugging at them.
The men left a short while later with the agreement that they would touch base by phone the next evening. Cameron locked up, then had another glass of wine. Sleep wasn’t going to come easy. She knew that. Too many memories of past scrapes she’d been involved in swirled through her mind. If only it wasn’t too late to call Kate and try to talk it through with her. Kate was so analytical and with her FraudBusters business she was really good at that kind of reasoning. Kim was another good sounding board, but she lived clear across the country, so it was definitely beyond too late to call her. Cameron kicked off her shoes and flicked on the TV instead, then sat there sipping wine, lost in thought and not tracking one thing that played on the big screen.
What reaction would the other Board members have? Did they even know it appeared that something awful had happened? People didn’t just disappear with no sign of whether they were kidnapped or what. And, Al had not shown up at the meeting. Maybe whoever was responsible had laid in wait for Barbara to return home. But if that was what happened, what did they want, and where were the Shadys?
An hour and a half later she turned off the TV and climbed the stairs to her bedroom. Even then, sleep didn’t come right away, and when it did it was filled with bizarre dreams.
The next morning she forced herself to get up and get dressed. There was so much to do at the office. Even though she felt like taking the day off it was impossible. After showering she chose a light blue Michae
l Kors outfit with matching shoes and headed downstairs to grab a quick breakfast.
The Shady puzzle would have to wait. She had a business to run
5
The news reports didn’t exaggerate when they compared every freeway in the LA area to a parking lot. If you knew your way around, you could make better time on surface streets. Once again Cameron chose Venice Boulevard. As she drove toward Overland, the tone of the street changed from trendy and chic to a combination of newer upscale businesses contrasted with rundown buildings.
She passed an auto parts store with peeling paint so faded it was hard to tell its original color. Next to it was a cute little cafe known for good breakfasts and then a Brazilian restaurant with a colorful sign and a large outdoor dining area. On the other side of the street a For Sale sign graced the front of a two-story apartment building that looked like the only thing holding it up were the termites holding hands. She was so deep in thought as she tried to make sense of the events of the night before, she almost forgot to turn left on Overland and then right on Pico.
Questions swirled through her mind even after she reached Avenue of the Stars. So many questions. So few answers. Barbara Shady had seemed somewhat concerned about her husband, but was she really? Cameron wasn’t convinced that it wasn’t an act. Barbara, a tall very attractive brunette, was obviously several years younger than Al. Sure, he seemed to be in good shape for his age, which she estimated to be around sixty-five, but Barbara couldn’t be much more than her early forties.
Not only that but based upon the little bit she had seen at Board meetings, both of them had displayed pretty bad tempers. Maybe the reason Al hadn’t turned up at the meeting was that they had been arguing about something and he took off. Barbara’s aggressive personality could certainly grate on someone’s nerves to a point of instigating an argument. She wondered if either of them had been the one who trashed the house.
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