Ashes of Autumn (Mina's Adventures Book 4)

by Maria Grazia Swan

  “Where were the police while we were being attacked?” Margo’s bitterness came through loud and clear.

  Mina noticed the big bruise on one of Margo’s arm and a large Band-Aid on her neck. If she had more bruises or cuts, they must have been hidden by her clothing. “Can you walk?”

  “Yes, but you know the damn regulations. That’s why I couldn’t call a taxi to get to my car. I needed someone to come and take me. Sorry, didn’t mean to sound so pissy, but, yes, I’m mad. Bob is in pretty bad shape.”

  “Margo, how about we roll you to the cafeteria, and you tell me what happened?” De Fiore asked.

  “Good idea, I can use something to eat,” Mina said, becoming the next target of Margo’s evil eye.

  It took De Fiore some sweet talk to get the head nurse to allow them to take Margo to the coffee shop.

  “Ladies, I’m buying. What can I get you?” He was the only one in a jolly mood.

  “I’m going with you, I want my own tray.” Mina didn’t wait for an answer. She headed to the self-serve area.

  They went back to the table where Margo sat, pouting. De Fiore had a milk shake for Margo and a piece of apple pie for himself, but Mina did need her own tray. She had a cup of soup, a ham and cheese sandwich, and a salad. She was so hungry that she didn’t care what the other two talked about until De Fiore forced her to pay attention. Then she felt guilty for not being a good friend to Margo in need.

  “It’s all Mina’s fault.” What? What was Margo saying? “If not for the flowers she keeps receiving from I don’t know who–although I have my suspicions–I would have never met Bob, and none of this would have happened.”

  “What?” Mina got so upset she choked on her food, and De Fiore stood and smacked her on the back.

  “A little too late now. So, let’s get to the attack. Where were you and how many attackers? Could you tell if they were men or women or both? And–”

  “God, you’re as bad as Mina. Question after question.”

  “Why am I to blame for everything that happens to you?” Mina asked.

  “Either you two stop bickering and talk to me, or I’m saying good-bye and going where I still have some authority.”

  “Sorry.” Mina chewed her last bite.

  “Yeah, here too. I left my car is parked at–a park, and I got into Bob’s van, and he drove across the street like he always does, parked at his usual secluded spot and…”

  “Wait, back up. So you’ve done this before, sort of a routine, and maybe the people who attacked you had been studying the pattern.”

  “No one knew. No one has been watching.”

  “How can you be so sure?”

  “Because by the time we get there it’s closed.”

  “And how does Bob get in? Does he have a key?”

  Margo’s frustration was evident by the flushed cheeks. That was a strange reaction. Margo had never been shy about discussing her sexual escapades. Why now?

  “No, no key. Doesn’t need one. He knows the place because his employer does business with the flower shop there almost daily, and Bob uses the parking space of the shop’s clerk behind the building. And since everything closes by six, no one disturbs us.”

  “Does this shop have a name? Address?” De Fiore insisted.

  Silence, then, “Fair Haven.”

  “The cemetery? Fair Haven Memorial?” De Fiore’s expression was priceless. He somehow managed to keep a straight face.

  Mina was too stunned to say anything, and Margo just sucked on her straw with the intensity of a giant vacuum.

  They made out at the cemetery. So what? Hypocrite. Where were you the last time you kissed Diego?

  Once that was out in the open, the rest came easy. Bob had barely turned off the engine when both doors opened, and they got pulled off their seats. Margo fell to the ground where some man wearing a ski mask, looked at her closely, then put his foot on her neck–that explained the Band-Aid–and kept a gun pointed at her so she didn’t dare to move or try to scream. She couldn’t see what was happening on the other side of the van, but she could hear sounds of punches and Bob’s muffled screams. She could tell someone was inside the van looking for something, She saw the beam of a flashlight moving around. It was all over in about five minutes, although it felt like a lifetime, then the men left in a dark-colored car she hadn’t noticed before. She thought it must have been parked by the side entrance. Bob dialed 911 on his business phone, and they were taken to the hospital by the paramedics. Bob made her swear not to file anything with the cops. He assumed his wife hired some thugs to scare him straight. Margo said she hadn’t talked to Bob since. Hard way to find out he was married. She gave a shorter, revised version to the policeman who came to talk to her.

  “They stole the money?” Mina asked.

  “What money? He only delivers, and everything has been paid for in advance. He gets tips, but they didn’t ask for money that I know. No one touched my purse, and it was right there on the seat. I checked, nothing missing. Mina, I’m already signed out. Can you drive me to my car as soon as they let me out of this damn chair? ”

  “You can’t drive yourself home. You took a sedative, remember?”

  “No, I didn’t. I said that to make you feel sorry for me and get here quickly.”

  A buzz came from De Fiore’s spot. “Oh, oh, chit chat is over, ladies. Duty calling. Margo, you be careful, okay? If I hear anything new, I’ll call you.” He got up to leave, changed his mind and looked at Mina, “Who is sending you all those flowers?” His almond shaped eyes locked into hers.

  She held his stare. “You’re a cop. Find out.”

  CHAPTER 7

  The ringing of the house phone woke her. She needed to get it so it didn’t wake up Margo. By the time they had picked up her Camaro, driven both cars home, and fallen into bed it was nearly one a.m.

  “Yes?” Her voice a tad over a whisper.

  “Mina? Is something wrong?” Kathy, her Realtor.

  “No, no. It’s all good, trying not to wake up my roommate. She had a rough night. I’ll tell you later.”

  “Prepare yourself not to scream then because…you got the house!”

  “Wow, good thing you warned me or I would have screamed. You know me too well.”

  Kathy laughed. “Nothing wrong with that. Listen, I need to go through some legalese and collect signatures. I already ran everything by Adams, so… how is your schedule today?”

  “Are you making fun of me? I’m all yours. Do I come to your fancy office?”

  “No need to. You’re welcome to come here to my house, or I’ll come to your place. Whatever works for you.”

  The last thing Mina wanted was to try to sign papers and talk business with Margo around. She had the feeling her roommate would not be waking up in a good mood. “I’ll come to your place. Around eleven okay?”

  “Perfect, you can try my new cappuccino machine. One of my clients sent it to me.”

  “Yes, absolutely. I’ll be there. Ciao.”

  I got the house, I got the house…she felt like singing, but didn’t. Forty-five minutes later she headed to Corona Del Mar.

  She noticed the flowers first, red roses, lots of them, in a large crystal vase on the fireplace mantel. The thought of a male admirer was wiped away by the sight of the votive candle partly hidden by the lavish bouquet.

  Kathy followed her stare then shook her head, seeming embarrassed by her own emotions. “Anniversary.” More sigh than word. Her reading glasses slipped off the bridge of her nose and landed on the couch next to the sleeping kitten.

  “I’m so sorry,” Mina mumbled. Now she understood why Kathy wasn’t at the office. Must be so difficult. Does it ever get easier? She remembered the years spent mourning Diego’s absence.

  “I try not to think about it.” Kathy ran her fingers over her cheeks. “Then this comes around again. Well, how rude of me, I got you here with the promise of cappuccino. Two cappuccini coming up.”

  This was the first time s
he saw Kathy without make up or sophisticated outfits. She looked older, but also more…vulnerable. Mina fought the urge to go hug her. Instead she contented herself with petting the no-name cat.

  She spent a lot more time at Kathy’s than she needed to. Talking to her came easy. In a way she reminded her of Paola, her mother. So stunning and attention-grabbing on the outside, all soft and loving inside. She left Kathy’s house with a folder containing a copy of everything she signed and with the promise that within twenty days she would get the keys to the house. She couldn’t wait to tell Margo.

  She heard the music before turning the corner to the townhouse. All the windows were wide open, and Margo was singing along to some song Mina had never heard before. Something about Danny, a boy, and–pipes? Was she smoking? Whatever. She was so off key, Mina’s teeth hurt. Apparently she got over Bob’s loss pretty quick. Either that or they made up.

  “Well, finally. Where have you been all day?” This was like déjà vu. Margo had to get a job before she drove her bananas.

  “Hello to you also. For your information I was over at Kathy’s signing the papers for my house–our house” She corrected herself.

  “Fabulous, one more reason to celebrate.”

  “Celebrate what? And by the way, can we close the windows? And lower that awful music?”

  “Awful music? How dare you? What do you have against Irish people?”

  “Oh, come on, Margo, I said nothing about Irish, only asked you to close the windows and tone down your–singing.”

  “Fine.” She walked around slamming windows shut. “Happy? Anyway. I’m on my way to get my hair done. My girl promised me she can cover the bruise on my neck by changing my hairdo a little. And we need to meet Danny at six. Will you be ready?”

  “What? Who’s Danny?”

  Margo stopped half way up the stairs and turned. She looked so mad, her nostrils flared. “Really Mina? Really? Who is Danny?”

  Mina’s clueless expression must have convinced her because she conceded. “Dan De Fiore. Remember him? Oh, you do, don’t you? Okay he is saving our seats, six o’clock at that French bistro in Costa Mesa. He said you’ll know.” She didn’t wait for an answer.

  De Fiore? French bistro? Oh, she knew it all right. That was Brian’s, her ex boyfriend, favorite place for an evening out. What was De Fiore up to? No, he wouldn’t dare. Was he trying to set something up with Brian? Again? He tried that a year ago. When would he understand it was over, really over? Mina was still standing on the same spot when Margo rushed by her on the way out the door. “You better get ready, you owe me,” she said, leaving a trail of strong perfume behind.

  A light rain fell as they drove along the Costa Mesa Freeway. The rain was a blessing and a curse. It forced Margo to keep the top of the convertible closed, a blessing, but Mina had to breathe in all the vapors from perfume, hair spray and some thick make up the hairdresser used to cover the bruise on Margo’s neck. A curse. Margo dressed herself like she was going to a beauty pageant. The only missing item, the tiara, but her earrings were big and gaudy enough to make up for it. They clinked and clanked every time she moved her head, and since she was bobbing to the sound of “I’m Too Sexy,” that made for a lot of clanking.

  “Why are you so quiet? Cheer up, We are going to have some fun, like old times. I’m tired of you sitting home waiting for prince charming to come knocking at the door. Time to go out and find him, and rope him up, and take him home.”

  Mina had to bite her tongue so as not to quip, “In a flower delivery van?”

  The place was just like she remembered it. A cozy and relaxed atmosphere, friendly waitresses, and she hoped, good food. The only change, the open patio had been enclosed, and now a small space in the center of the room seemed to be an invitation for couples to dance. They had music? Six o’clock was the tail end of happy hour, and she noticed a DJ’s set up opposite the bar.

  Margo grabbed her arm. “Let’s go, you look like you’re sleepwalking. There is Danny, oh, and someone else.”

  No. If he’s trying to set me up with a date I will kill him, I swear. De Fiore stood and waved them over, now she had a good view of the man with him. He looked late forties, bald, and with a thick, dark moustache. A slow, painful death…

  De Fiore, sporting a classy grey tie with small dark grey circles, introduced them to Steve Madrid, a detective from L.A.P.D., who was a sure hit with Margo. A detective from Los Angeles? She would like that. Mina had guessed right. Ten minutes later, while Mina sipped her Prosecco and De Fiore tapped his fingers on the table as if counting down to some imaginary event, Margo and Steve hit the dance floor.

  “For a minute there I was concerned you were trying to set me up with a blind date,” Mina said.

  “How? I don’t know anyone rich enough to date you.”

  “What? That’s so mean.”

  “Mean? Girl, get real. You’re rich. Any day now I’ll see your cute face on the Orange Coast Magazine among the most eligible bachelorettes.”

  She felt blood rush to her cheek. Mina never even thought about money. Her money. So, if not for a date, why this impromptu invitation? She knew him. He was all cop. If they ever needed a perfect sample for cop robots, De Fiore would be it. All work and no play, yet this was the second time in within twenty-four hours he sat and talked to her. She braced herself, there had to be a reason.

  The waitress brought a platter covered with all types of finger foods, from chicken wings to fried zucchini. De Fiore’s finger dancing accelerated. Was she making him nervous?

  “I hear you and Margo had an adventure up some canyon…”

  “When did she tell you that?” Two can ask questions.

  The table drumming stopped. He moved his chair closer to hers, the way a boyfriend would, but his dark, mysterious eyes told her there was nothing fun ahead. “Mina, things are happening, bad things, and I want to make sure you are not caught in the middle.”

  “Look, I don’t know what Margo told you. She likes to brag like we had something to do with the police raid up that mountain. We didn’t. We honestly were lost and almost killed the poor poodle, we were in that house maybe ten minutes, just long enough for Margo to use the bathroom, and we left. We had no idea who these people were, or what they were doing, and I’m sure they felt the same way about us.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong.”

  Please don’t talk about Diego, please. She sat back and sighed, the music had stopped but she couldn’t see Margo or Steve. It appeared De Fiore had coordinated the evening to his specific plan. Might as well get it over with so she could take a taxi home.

  “I’m listening.” Her statement surprised the detective. She could tell by the way he pushed back on his chair. Ah!

  “Apparently you know about the raid. I suppose your knowledge is limited to what you’ve seen and heard in the news…yes?”

  She nodded.

  “Last night when Margo was attacked, the only thing taken was the driver’s log book.”

  “The book–what?”

  “It’s the book with addresses, day and time of delivery for each consigned item.”

  “So? Maybe they were private detectives hired by some jealous lover to find out who sent flowers to the object of his affection.”

  De Fiore looked at her, the shadow of a smile relaxing his expression. “Very good, Mina. But no, that’s not the case.”

  “How do you know for sure?”

  “We are cops, we investigate.”

  “Why? I thought Margo said Bob didn’t file a complaint.”

  “He didn’t, but Bob doesn’t own the van nor the log book. The flower distributor does.”

  “You work homicide. No one was killed.”

  “Yes. But again, you’re right, and again, I’m impressed. You don’t miss much, probably the main reason you got entangled into this.”

  “This what? I’ve yet to see where I have anything to do with the holdup.” She searched the dance floor for Margo. She wanted to g
o home. “If you are determined to find a connection, Margo is your gal. We got lost in her car. She went into the house on the mountain with me. We spoke to the same people.” An image of Diego kissing the black-haired beauty, flashed through her mind. She willed it away and hoped De Fiore didn’t catch her brief hesitation. “She’s the one who got attacked. It can’t be any clearer than that. Right?”

  The detective shook his head. “That’s just it, if they wanted Margo, they knew where to find her. Mina, people like Surowiec don’t take chances. The house was protected by all kinds of state of the art electronic equipment. I’m sure they knew all about Margo before they ever let her through the gate. You don’t get to be an international criminal by being careless. Margo said it herself–the man holding her down looked her over. She was at his mercy. He didn’t do anything to her on purpose. Same for Bob. We know your flowers were ordered in Italy. It’s a matter of time before we know where and from whom. You can speed things up by telling us, we are trying to protect you. What was it that you saw up that mountain to have these people so concerned?”

  Something in De Fiore’s voice gave her goose bumps. What if he was right? She felt uneasy, couldn’t look at him in the eyes. And deep down inside she knew that there was more to the story, more to the information he was willing to share. She also knew he cared about her safety. She patted him on the arm then stood.

  “I’ll be all right. If I think of something else, I’ll call you.”

  He also stood and handed her his card, the one with his private cell number. She remembered that number from way back, years ago, when he was also concerned about her safety. But back then she had Diego to count on. Emotions rose within her. She had to get out of there. “Tell Margo I caught a taxi. I’ll see her at home.” She rushed out before he could stop her.

  CHAPTER 8

  Mina regretted leaving by taxi. Something about De Fiore’s remarks left a certain level of lingering fear in her. A fear she couldn’t quite understand. Diego’s name hadn’t surfaced in their sparring. Diego, the perfect example of what Americans called the elephant in the room.