Scottsdale Squeeze: a romantic light-hearted murder mystery (Laura Black Mysteries Book 2)

by B A Trimmer

  Fortunately, I could see from her smile she wasn’t being serious. At least, I think she wasn’t being serious.

  “Muffy,” I said. “I’m looking into the kidnapping of Jackie Wade. Her husband was murdered and now everyone’s concerned about her safety.”

  “I heard about the poor girl. I’m so sorry for her. The whole thing sounds like a real mess for everyone involved. I knew Roger Wade, although I was more familiar with his father and grandfather. The Wades were one of the original families who came into Scottsdale after the war. We all started out in the cattle business, of course. But after Anne McCormick died and her ranch was bought out by Kaiser-Aetna and turned into golf resorts, we all thought maybe there was something better to do with our ranchland other than raise cattle. Like us, Roger’s grandfather thought the valley could be transformed into something special. Certainly more than just the ranching and agriculture that was here when we started.”

  “Do you know of anyone who would want to harm Jackie or Roger? Maybe someone who had a grudge against one or both of them?”

  “I never got to know Jackie but Roger seemed like an honorable man, even if his work was sometimes shoddy. His father was the same way. My late husband worked on a couple of deals with him back in the eighties.”

  “What about Howard Spencer?” I asked. “Do you know anything about him or where he could be now?”

  “We never had any dealing directly with Howard, but again, we did a few deals with his father and grandfather. The Spencers have been in Scottsdale almost as long as the Wades, but to be honest, I never really trusted them. They were always more concerned about making money off a deal rather than in developing the property. Most of the buildings they put up in the sixties and seventies were cheap junk and many have already been torn down. Plus, they always wanted to be creative about the accounting.”

  “Creative how?” I asked.

  “As they always kept two sets of books. One for the taxman and one that showed what they were really doing. It was not an uncommon practice back then, before everything was computerized. But, we never went along with it and after a while, my husband stopped doing business with the Spencers all together.”

  “How do you remember this after all of these years?”

  “I was the bookkeeper for the business, dear. I remember everything about the financing.”

  “I’m looking for Howard Spencer. He might have some information that could be useful. Do you know anywhere his family had houses or other properties. Somewhere he could hold up now that his personal finances have taken a bad turn.”

  “Now that’s stretching my memory, dear. Let’s see, I remember his father had bought a place in Hawaii, somewhere on the Big Island, I think. He had a place somewhere in Central America, he had a cabin up by Payson, and he talked about buying a villa in Tuscany. I also heard he had built a lovely house across the valley from me, on the north side of Camelback but I never was there so I don’t know exactly where it is.”

  “The villa is new to me. So is the cabin. Do you know where in Payson it is?”

  “It’s a few miles west of town. He called it a cabin but it was more like a small house built on the side of a mountain. His father bought several hundred acres in the valley where the cabin is back in the nineteen-sixties. Of course, when land values started to rise up there, I’m sure he would have eventually sold most of it off. We went there once for a party Howard’s father hosted. This must have been in the late eighties or the early nineties. It’s always cool and pleasant up in Payson when it’s so hot down in Scottsdale. My husband was driving and I don’t remember exactly where it was, somewhere past where they rebuilt the Zane Grey cabin, I think. I do remember the cabin had a lovely redwood deck and had a great view of a heavily wooded valley. When we were up there, I remember Howard’s father hinted the cabin wasn’t on the books, so his creditors wouldn’t be able to find it.”

  “Thanks,” I said. “Sounds promising. I’ll look into it.”

  “I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful. I don’t get out as much as I used too and I’m starting to lose touch with who’s who in Scottsdale. In fact, I probably couldn’t name more than a dozen people in this entire nightclub and that’s including you.”

  “OK,” I said, “one last question. Do you know which charity this event is raising money for? Is it for a disease, or is it for buying shoes for poor children, maybe education for minorities? No one seems to know.”

  Muffy looked at me with a blank stare, then down at her awareness ribbon, then over at her friends, who all wearing their ribbons, and then back at me.

  “I haven’t the slightest idea. Well, I’ll be damned.”

  ~~~~

  Dog Farts finished their last set at about twelve forty-five. The crowd slowly left the club or hung out to have one last drink before the bar closed.

  I walked around to the backstage area and found Terry. He was in a dressing room between two skanky looking women, one was a blonde, and the other was a brunette. I had seen them both against the stage, looking up at Terry most of the night. From the way they were talking and laughing with each other, I got the feeling I wasn’t going to be able to talk with Terry alone.

  As I got closer, Terry saw me. He put an arm around each of the women and looked at directly at me.

  “Yo, Laura,” he said, “I saw you in the crowd. So, how did you like the show?”

  “It was great. Hey, I need to talk to you alone for a few minutes. It’s about Jackie and the murder. It really won’t take more than a few minutes.”

  “Hey, check this out,” he said, ignoring me. “Jessica and Maria here are two of my biggest fans. We’re going over to my house for an after-show party. Why don’t we make it a threesome? It’s still not too late for you to have some sweaty sex with a rock star.”

  Seriously?

  “Umm, thanks, but I think I’ll just come over tomorrow. When will you be up?”

  Terry looked at the blonde and then at the brunette.

  “These girls both look pretty healthy and I can just sense the pent-up sexual frustration in both of them. I get the feeling that we’re going to be at it most of the night.”

  At this, both girls started giggling. The one he called Maria reached down and gave his package a firm squeeze through his leather pants. At this, Terry gave a small nod of appreciation. This sent the girls giggling again.

  “Come by around one o’clock,” he said. “We should be up by then.”

  ~~~~

  I couldn’t help but feel a little dejected as I walked back to the office. The bars and clubs were in the process of winding down for the night. There was the usual after-closing mix of laughing groups, snuggling couples, and lonely singles wandering the streets of Old Town Scottsdale.

  I thought about Reno and his offer to spend the night with me. If I hadn’t had to work, this one night could have easily turned into an entire weekend. Who knows what could have happened between us then.

  I got back to my car and drove back to my apartment. Since I was so late getting home, I knew that Marlowe would be sleeping next door at Grandma Peckham’s. I changed into some soft pink pajamas, brushed my teeth, and then fell into bed.

  ~~~~

  I woke up about eight o’clock and lay in bed for almost half an hour trying to decide what I could do to help find Jackie. Once again, I was out of leads and I didn’t know what to do next. I looked at the clock and decided that eight-thirty on a Sunday morning was still too early to call the cougars to see if they had picked up anything new.

  I took a shower and got dressed in a cheerful outfit. Unfortunately, I found it didn’t do a lot to improve my mood.

  I knew Reno was an early riser and he’d be up by now. Maybe he would be able to help my mood.

  I punched in his number and listened for the phone to ring. He picked it up before it got to the third ring.

  “Hey handsome,” I said, trying to sound cheerful in spite of being depressed about Jackie.

  “
Well, good morning. I figured you’d have been out all night hunting down the bad guys.”

  “I was, but now my next move isn’t until this afternoon. I was thinking I could come over and make you a big breakfast.”

  “I wish you could. Unfortunately, I’m teeing off with three guys from the fraud division at noon. If I’d known, I would have much rather have spent my morning with you.”

  “It was a spur of the moment thing. Do you have time for a quick breakfast out before you tee off?”

  “That would be great. You can have me until eleven. Then I’ll need to head into Mesa. Meet at the Morning Squeeze?

  “Perfect, see you in twenty minutes.”

  ~~~~

  The Morning Squeeze is where Reno and I would go whenever we went out for breakfast. It’s on Scottsdale Road, just a couple of blocks from the office. The décor is friendly and they do a great eggs Benedict.

  I got there first and I grabbed a big yellow booth towards the back. I was facing the front door so I saw Reno when he came in. As usual, several of the women in the restaurant also saw him as he walked in. I noticed their eyes follow Reno as he walked to our table. Some of the women were less discreet in their staring than others.

  I stood up as he got to the table. As always, he hugged me and gave me a kiss. As always, it was wonderful. But as always, I was vaguely disappointed it didn’t immediately lead to something more.

  Our waitress appeared with two mugs of coffee and we ordered right away. We both knew the menu.

  “How goes your hunt for Jackie Wade?” Reno asked.

  “I’m getting nowhere. She’s been missing for two days and all I have are rumors. Howard Spencer, Roger Wade’s former business partner, may be involved but I still don’t see how. I’ve got a few leads on where to find him but nothing solid. I’m going to spend the rest of the day looking for him.”

  “I haven’t heard anything new through the grapevine. If I do, I’ll let you know. Kidnappings happen all the time in Phoenix between the Mexican drug gangs but they’re rare in Scottsdale.”

  “Jackie wasn’t involved with a Mexican drug gang.”

  “I assume you’re right about that. I also heard the lead detective in the Roger Wade murder investigation almost blew a fuse when he heard his prime suspect had suddenly disappeared. I hope you can find her soon. I can see it getting sticky for Lenny since his client disappeared right before they charged her.”

  “She didn’t disappear, she was kidnapped.”

  “I know that, but the lead doesn’t see it that way. I’m just sayin.”

  Our waitress came out with our breakfasts and we dug in.

  “Where are you playing golf today?” I asked.

  “We got a tee time at a public course in Mesa.”

  “That’s a long drive. Why not golf here in town?”

  “Mostly because I’m a cop and I don’t have the two hundred and fifty dollars to spend on a round of golf.”

  “Wow, is it that much? No wonder the course looked so nice.”

  “I take it you’ve played up here recently?”

  “Umm, well, yeah. But it was only three holes and it was strictly business. At least I didn’t have to pay for it.”

  Reno looked at me for a second with his stony-faced cop look. I expected more questions. Instead, he shook his head and ate his breakfast.

  ~~~~

  Since I was so close to the office, I drove there and went in through the rear security door. I sat in my cubicle and flipped through the paperwork on Terry Lennox and on Jackie Wade. I then went through the paperwork on Roger Wade and on Howard Spencer.

  Feeling frustrated, I turned on my desktop computer to do some more research on Howard Spencer. As the computer was done starting up, I heard the theme to the Love Boat coming from my purse. I knew Max was calling and I got a surge of happiness. I dug through my purse and pulled out the phone.

  “Good morning,” I said, trying to sound happy and cheerful.

  “It’s almost good afternoon. I’m glad I didn’t wake you this time. I wanted to tell you what we’ve been able to gather so far with the information you wanted.”

  “That was quick.”

  “Well, you know us. Unfortunately, we still have almost nothing on the kidnapping. So far, there has been nothing other than a name.”

  “What name?”

  “Carlos.”

  “Just Carlos?”

  “Just Carlos. Apparently, he’s involved in one of the Mexican drug gangs. We’re not sure which one. Does that ring a bell with you?”

  “Not at all.

  “We’re trying to get more. The Mexican drug gangs kidnap members from each other’s gangs all the time and we seldom get involved.”

  “That’s the second time I’ve heard that theory today. Jackie wasn’t involved with Mexican drug traffickers. She was just a wealthy Scottsdale woman who likes dating guys half her age.”

  “Yes, we also confirmed that. No one has any information on Jackie Wade prior to this. Before the kidnapping, she seemed to be completely outside whatever she’s currently involved in.”

  “That still doesn’t give us a lot to go on. Do you have anything on our scary man?”

  “Nothing directly, at least not yet. You said that Jackie thought she had been threatened by the scary man with the scar whom Roger and Howard were dealing with as a financial backer. Tony also remembers the man, assuming he’s the same one. If we make the assumption this man is Carlos, it will give us a direction on where to find him. The resort investment community is relatively close and tight knit. Everyone seems to know everyone. We have inquiries out.

  “Thanks for doing that. So far I haven’t found a thing.”

  “You also asked about Howard Spencer and you wanted to know when the company he owned with Roger Wade dissolved. It turns out that Spencer-Wade Land Development Inc. is still legally intact. In fact, the company still owns several properties. Most of the properties that they own with clean titles are currently for sale. Tony said that he gave you some background on the final deal that brought the company down.”

  “Yes, and it’s amazing how an entire business can fall apart with one bad deal. I can see why everyone’s always so careful. Thanks for all the information. I still don’t know how any of this ties into Jackie’s kidnapping, but the more I can find out, the better it usually is.”

  “Glad to do it. When we find out any more, I’ll call you right away. And don’t forget about my offer. I can still get us tickets and we’ll be strolling on a Mexican beach next weekend.”

  Sweet!

  “That sounds wonderful, but I’m going to be kinda busy the next few days. Makes it sort of hard to make plans.”

  “Yes, I suppose it would be.”

  ~~~~

  It was almost one o’clock when I drove into Terry Lennox’s neighborhood. As always, pulling into his driveway and seeing the condition of the house was a little depressing. On the positive side, this was the one place in Scottsdale where I wasn’t embarrassed about how my car looked.

  When I rang the front doorbell, I expected Terry and the two girls would still be naked and asleep on the couch. I was surprised when Terry came to the door awake and fully dressed. A mug of steaming coffee was in his hand. The girls were nowhere to be seen.

  “Yo, Laura” he said as walked into his living room. “Hey, one o’clock. You are prompt. I got a new K-Cup machine, would you like a coffee?”

  “Umm, sure, that would be great.”

  As Terry went into the kitchen and made the coffee, I looked around the living room. It was now cleaned, dusted, vacuumed, and organized. It even smelled a little like fresh flowers. I glanced into the kitchen and it too was as spotless. I could only assume he had a professional cleaning service.

  Terry came back with the coffee and we sat on his couch.

  “Look,” I said. “I need you to be totally honest with me. There’s been a murder and a kidnapping. Everything seems to revolve around your dad. Can you tel
l me everything you know about the relationship between you, your dad, and Jackie?”

  He seemed to think about it for a minute and then he nodded his head.”

  “Yeah, OK, you’re right. Something fucked up is going on. So, check it out, here’s the thing. I’d dated older babes a few times before and they were usually OK. At least they don’t want me to buy ‘em stuff like the young chicks do. Jeez, with some of these girls, you nail ‘em once and they think you should buy ‘em a fricken department store. See, I’ve known Jackie-D and her crew for a while, like everyone else does. Dad gave me a call about two months ago and told me to start dating her. He said he wanted me to find out where she kept her important papers and stuff. He said he didn’t want me to steal anything; he only wanted to know where she kept them.”

  “So what happened? Did you find out where she kept them?”

  “Oh yeah, I was real smooth with that. I asked her once if she had, like, a safety deposit box. I made up a bogus story about how I had one for papers and stuff and I asked her if she had one too. She said everything she had was in a little fireproof box she kept in her bedroom at the house. I looked for it a couple of times but I never found it. Then, like out of nowhere, she says she doesn’t want to see me again. Can you imagine a chick not wanting to see me again? Only shows maybe she’s kinda mental after all. So, I called my dad and told him that we had stopped seeing each other and I couldn’t find the box. He said not to worry about it, so I didn’t.”

  “OK, that makes a lot of sense. But what about when she went missing. Was it your idea to call Lenny?”

  “I’d never heard of Lenny. He was some lawyer guy my dad knew. A few days after Jackie dumped me, dad called again. He said Jackie had disappeared and he needed to talk to her about something important. He said he had called a lawyer friend and one of his investigators would probably want to talk to me so they could find Jackie. I wasn’t supposed to mention my dad but to go along with it. Besides, like I said, Jackie was hot in bed and I really wouldn’t mind getting back together with her.”

  “Any idea where I can find your dad? I need to understand what’s going on.”