A Lethal Time (A Samantha Jamison Mystery Volume 4)
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I reached out. “Plastic bags of money are taped onto it!”
“This must be what everyone is looking for!” said Clay.
“And I thought they were looking for photos,” I added.
Martha leaned closer. “Could it be Robinson’s money?”
“That’s the million dollar question,” said Crystal.
“Or maybe it’s someone else’s?” Betty asked.
“If it’s Robinson’s,” I said, “then that means he was the blackmailer. If it isn’t, then maybe he stole it from whoever is the blackmailer.”
“We sure can’t ask him now, can we?” Martha said.
Chapter 77
Always Keep Them Guessing
We finally found a few metal bars we thought might pry open those formerly loose, old boards the rabid raccoon had used to gain entry into the house days before. Clay, Crystal and I immediately got to work. Huddled near the light, the ladies tackled the stacks of money to estimate their worth.
A decent job was done of nailing and securing those boards back in place. Removing them from the inside was proving to be a larger job than we had anticipated. Crystal began complaining she was getting claustrophobic in the dark cellar and started going at the task with such gusto, the three of us broke through in no time.
One by one, we climbed up on some old storage crates and scrambled out into the tall grasses, disregarding the former snake threat. Martha and the ladies had the money secured in their bulging large-pocketed cargo pants. Their estimated tally of the bills was $100,000.00.
Wow!
After taking a few steps, I stopped. “Let’s go back in.”
“Are you out of your ever-loving mind?” yelled Martha, standing steadfast with her arms crossed, blocking me.
“No!”
She was not budging. “We just got out! Are you crazy?”
“No!”
Betty rested her hand on my arm. “Maybe, dear, you are a little stressed out because of all this. Besides, don’t you think we should be going to the police with this money?”
Everyone turned to Betty and said, “No!”
“I don’t know about this, Samantha,” said Betty.
“You don’t understand,” I replied. “We need to search again. There might be another secret area where Robinson stashed something. He’s been full of surprises. With a failing mind, he took simple precautions, but not what you’d call standard ones. Maybe we’ll find something.”
Clay understood and agreed. “You’re right. Whoever locked us down there realized that and was also thinking out of the box, but hadn’t gotten to the cellar yet.”
“Exactly!”
“Hey, we’re going back the day after tomorrow,” said Crystal. “What have we got to lose? We can make another search of all the rooms, but this time we have to look for anything that strikes us as a possible hiding place.”
“Well, I guess we could give it another shot,” said Martha, “but I’m kind of leery hanging around with all this money on us. Suppose whoever was upstairs returns?”
“All the more reason for us to get in there and tear the place apart quickly before they consider coming back, thinking we’re still stuck down in the cellar.”
“Samantha, who do you think it was?” Betty asked.
I shrugged. “I’m not sure.” Was it Sarah or Jackson?
“You’re close,” laughed Martha, “but not committing.”
Chapter 78
Regrouping
But another thorough search of Robinson’s house, via the door this time, produced zip. We returned to Sally’s farmhouse and I tucked the money under my mattress.
I knew it was the worst possible place to store all that cash. But I was taking my cue from Robinson, hiding something in an obvious place because no one would think of looking there, imagining I’d be much shrewder.
Then I flipped open my laptop to try and make sense of who knew what because some people were outright lying.
Yeah, I know. Surprise. Surprise. I was lied to.
Now, who had the most to gain by Robinson being dead? I’d say that some did and some didn’t.
Jackson got a farmhouse, land, and grazing rights.
Sally got her property protected on one side from future development, plus an enhanced property value. Other than that, she was completely out of the picture as far as I was concerned.
Now, George, for some reason, wanted Boss nearby. Was that merely to annoy his wife, Sarah? He voiced doubts about her, but what did he expect me to do?
I couldn’t figure Sarah out, either. Was she telling me the truth about that horse incident? She wanted whoever had cut her trees down in her woods caught and admitted to being blackmailed. She also had doubts about her husband. I had the feeling that those last two were merely red flags being waved in front of me.
Was I getting too close?
It seemed that Jacob was nothing more than a local artist who happened to live across from Sally.
Millicent and Major appeared to be nothing more than a concerned elderly couple who, other than maintaining their property value, didn’t spike my interest.
I didn’t see Dan in the picture, either. He was just a groundskeeper, a loner and a grapevine listener, who knew everyone else’s business and didn’t mind spreading it.
Did Robinson run a black market business selling phony World War II memorabilia? Could he have been the one extorting money from Sarah? Was he involved with both?
Would Sarah pay $100,000.00 for Robinson’s silence? Didn’t seem possible, even with her skimming money from George without him noticing. The amount was too large.
Where did Robinson get all that money?
Who else could’ve hidden that money there?
Did Jackson know something and use that as leverage to extort money from Robinson? Again what for and why? How could Jackson have possibly extorted money from Robinson? College professors didn’t make that kind of money. How did Jackson get that house and grazing rights? Was that his payoff for those pictures instead of money? Were there more? If so, where were they?
What about all that cash? Would clear-cutting bring in that kind of money?
Possibly.
What about the motorcycle chop shop?
Another possibility.
Was this one of many payments made?
Probably.
Who hid that money in Robinson’s cellar?
Chapter 79
Suggestive Angles & Revelations
Wanting a safe route to go and think, and knowing I had a strong cell signal, I headed toward Boss’ coral. Either I was being foolish or looking for trouble, most likely, a little of both. The sky was an azure blue, laced with clouds skimming by in a subtle breeze, perfect for a thinking walk.
My confidence grew with every step, and I soon found myself looking forward to seeing that high-spirited stallion again, as long as a fence stood firmly between us. The reason for Boss’ close proximity to Sarah and George still puzzled me. Why did George go out of his way to keep Boss so close? Was it for easy access to something more than the horse?
As I rounded the bend of the pond, I heard voices up ahead near Boss’ corral. I had a choice, either create some noise, which would announce my arrival, or sneak up and listen to what was being said.
You know this was a no-brainer.
Luckily for me, I found a hidden area in the shadows of some dense evergreens and could finally hear the two clearly. The big eye-opener was the twosome standing there. They were a pair I never would have pegged as likely to be deep in conversation, and by the sound of it, weren’t exactly friendly about it, either.
“Why are you trying to get me involved?” Dan asked. “Just because you feel you have to, doesn’t mean I see it your way or agree with whatever you’re doing.”
“Look,” said Jackson. “I’m only suggesting this because it could be worth it for you to look the other way.”
“And I keep repeating, I’m not interested in any of it.”
“Look, I’m already winging it talking to you. If they found out, I’d get heat and who knows what else?”
Who were they talking about?
“Look, Dan, I’m walking on eggs here.”
Were they talking about Sarah and George?
“I told you,” said Dan, “you’re treading a lethal road.”
Okay, now we’re talking a little violence here.
“Thankfully she’s is not onto me yet,” said Jackson.
“Well, keep her away from me and off my back.”
“My job,” said Jackson, “is to not raise suspicions.”
“And I want to keep my job.”
My job? Find out who and what they’re talking about.
Chapter 80
Planting More Than Doubt
I found Dan in the garden an hour or so later, planting some flowers. Distracted, he didn’t hear my approach and jolted somewhat when I spoke.
“Didn’t mean to startle you, but I saw you out here and thought I’d ask you some questions to clear things up.”
“Sure. No problem,” he said, brushing himself off. “Why don’t we sit on that boulder over there in the shade.”
As we walked over, I slid in smoothly, “I didn’t know you were that friendly with Jackson.”
He stopped briefly, stared at me, then finally nodded. After we were both seated side by side, he said, “I knew you were much smarter than what I had heard.”
I chuckled. “It all depends on who you heard it from.”
“And funny, too,” he said, giving me a side-glance.
“Again, you have to consider the source.”
“Why is that?” he asked.
“I have a mixed reputation, so to speak.”
This time he chuckled. “Me, too.”
“Care to discuss it?”
“It’s not that interesting, but since you’re so familiar with some facts, admitting some truth shouldn’t hurt.”
“That depends,” I said, staring right at him.
“On what?” he shot back sharply then smiled. “Why?”
“My, you are as inquisitive as I am.”
“When it concerns my reputation, I am.”
I shrugged. “I understand. I’ve had days like that, too.”
“Then you know there’s only so much I’ll tell you.”
“Why is that?”
“Because some of it is none of your business.”
This time I jerked back unexpectedly. “Like what?”
“Why don’t we stop this verbal dance?”
I gave him a level gaze. “Sounds fine with me.”
“What exactly do you want to know?” he asked.
“Since we’re no longer dancing partners, how about you tell me what’s up with you and Jackson and that favor?”
He sat very still for a minute, obviously thinking that controversial question over. How much would he tell me?
He leaned back. “…I thought that was a deer.”
“No, it was little old me.”
“Well, I guess you caught enough to stir your interest.”
“And enough to get someone in trouble if I felt like it.”
“Are you threatening me, Samantha?”
“Not exactly, but some helpful information might help.”
“Like what?”
“The answer to my former question.”
“Oh, yeah… the favor,” he said, letting it hang out there.
“I thought we weren’t dancing, here. What gives?”
He looked away. “I don’t think you want blood spilled.”
Blood spilled? “…Whose blood?”
He turned back and smiled. “Why, yours, of course!”
Chapter 81
Hold On!
“Hey, I like keeping mine on the inside,” I said warily.
“I thought so, too, but I wanted to put that out there in case you decided to confront the wrong individuals. There are some people around here who don’t take too kindly to someone interfering or cutting into their profit margin.”
“What do you mean, profit margin?”
He looked at me and smiled. “Don’t give me that dumb blonde routine. I’m not buying it. You have a pretty good idea what is going on around here. You’re just not sure exactly who and how many are involved, am I right?”
Now it was my turn to lean back against the tree we were sitting under. “Good gotcha question. Okay, I admit, I might have a rough idea who might be involved.” Sarah!
“So what makes you think I might have some answers?”
“Oh, just a small case of blackmail for starters.”
He stiffened. “How did you put that together?”
“I wasn’t sure until now when you reacted like that.”
He sat there, and then laughed out loud. “That’s rich.”
I grinned. “I thought so.”
“There’s just one minor flaw with your thinking.”
“Oh, yeah? What’s that?” I asked, smugly.
“I’m not extorting money.”
I sat up straight. “It’s not you?”
He shook his head. “Sorry to disappoint you.”
I slumped back disheartened. “Then who is it?”
“That’s what we’ve been watching.”
I turned in his direction. “We?”
“Me and someone, who shall remain anonymous.”
“…No, wait a minute! I know who the blackmailer is!”
“You figured that out, too? Impressive! Do tell.”
“Please! At least give me credit for having half a brain.”
“Well?”
“Jackson was extorting money. And he’s your brother.”
He laughed. “You’re good, but not that good.”
“And why not?” I asked, slightly affronted.
“He’s not my brother.”
“Then who is he?”
He hesitated, then said, “…He’s related to Sarah.”
For once, mouthy me was at a total loss for words.
“Surprised?” he asked, smiling at my reaction.
“Yeah, I’ll say!”
“Good, now maybe we can help each other, here.”
“What makes you think I would help you?” I asked.
“Because without my help, you won’t catch them.”
“Catch who?” I asked, smelling a familiar rat.
“The ones responsible for killing Robinson.”
I sat stone still. “…Robinson was killed?”
“Smothered, but the authorities let it ride differently.”
Damn! “Wait a minute! You’re FBI, aren’t you?”
All he did was smile.
Chapter 82
Walking Away, But Not Walking Away
I walked away from Dan, who still refused to admit to anything. If this was true, it changed so much. I stared at the farmhouse. Did Clay know about this? Probably. He had tentacles reaching to the most unexpected places, both good and bad. But that was okay because after all this time, I now understood what he dealt with day in and day out.
I had my share of shockers since we’ve met and one thing continually stuck with me. Clay always had my best interests at heart. Well, maybe not always in the very beginning when we first went at each other, but we’ve sort of come to an understanding, a mild truce so to speak.
Inside the house, Clay was standing at the kitchen window from where he had obviously seen me speaking to Dan. I sidled up real close from behind and whispered, in case there were other ears around.
Trust me, there were always other ears around.
“You knew about all this beforehand, didn’t you?”
I was slightly put out at being left in the dark.
He leaned into me, giving me one of his distractingly killer kisses, and then he kissed my forehead.
“Yes, but I knew with your help we’d catch a break.”
“I’m not there yet,
but I will be. You’re so sneaky.”
He kissed me again then laughed. “You, too.”
This time I joined in, chuckling. “What should I do?”
“Play it out like you always do.”
“And how do you propose I do that?”
“The notable story-purveyor is asking me? I think not.”
“Okay, now I get it. You’re going to let me handle the intricacies with you as tight back-up.”
“That’s what I do best, isn’t it?” he asked.
“You know, I think you’re right. It’s too many hands in the pot sort of thing. I’ll need to finesse a few things.”
“Don’t you always?” he said, chuckling.
“Yes, but I’m still not sure of all the players.”
He shrugged. “Neither are we.”
“By ‘we,’ you mean you’re helping the FBI, right?”
He grinned. Was his silence meant to keep me safe?
I smiled. “This was planned way back in France, right?”
“You are so sexy when you have me pegged.”
I leaned into him, brushing my lips on his. “I know.”
“And you aren’t going to let me forget it, are you?”
“What do you think?” I asked.
“Oh, brother! I can see I’m going to be paying for this for a long time to come.”
I rubbed up against him. “Gosh, you’re so perceptive.”
He gave a lazy smile. “I know.”
“I find work mixed with play so sexy.”
“I know.”
“So, what do you say we get this show on the road.”
He grinned again. “My words exactly.”
Chapter 83
There Are Plans, And Then There Are Plans
I had no idea how this whole thing would play out, but after talking to the female portion of this team, I felt pretty confident I had a good strategy in place. Of course, some of the best-laid plans sometimes don’t go as intended.
…Okay, in my case, more than sometimes.
Just as I was about to walk out the door, the doorbell rang. I stopped, trying to think of who it could possibly be. I had spoken to my crew earlier and they were scattered, waiting to hear from me. Dan was supposedly tending the horses. Clay had taken off and headed for who knows where, promising to be back by nightfall.