Unfinished Business: Kovak & Quaid Horse Mystery Series (Kovak & Quaid Horse Mysteries Book 3)

by Toni Leland

  He stepped over and touched her arm. “Will you consider it?”

  Indecision clouded her eyes. She was thinking about their personal relationship. It could be a problem if they let it, but he wanted both. He wanted her as a business partner and a lover. But he couldn’t say that.

  She gazed at his hand resting on her arm. “Let me think about it, okay?”

  She stepped back and turned to the oven. Quaid’s shoulders sagged. He’d probably screwed it up royally.

  ~ ~

  Kim’s hands shook as she reached into the oven to get the pizza. This relationship with Garrett was the scariest thing she’d ever experienced. Was it her age? Had she been this unstable with Peter? The pain of the breakup had dimmed many of the details about their courtship, although his proposal remained etched in her mind. She smiled, remembering the fancy dinner at Brio’s in Easton. The corner table with candles and roses – Peter’s special request to the manager. The date had been close to her birthday, so she hadn’t thought much about the extras – Peter always liked to put on a good show. But when he’d lifted his champagne flute in a toast, Kim had almost dropped hers in surprise. At the bottom of the glass, sparkling through the bubbles, a magnificent engagement ring glittered in the candlelight. A fairy tale proposal – every girl’s dream. And look how that had turned out.

  “Kim, are you all right?”

  She jerked and spun around. His eyes were dark, his eyebrows knitted together, his lips pursed.

  She exhaled softly. “Yes, I’m fine. I was just thinking about something and I zoned out.” She chuckled. “It’s a hazard of being an only child, and living alone.”

  She busied herself cutting the pizza, trying not to think about making another mistake in her life. As she moved the pizza to a plate, Dixie’s voice echoed in her head. Risking our hearts is why we’re alive. Kim smiled and turned slightly to look at Garrett as he busied himself at the counter, pouring more wine. Was she ready to be alive? Oh, yes.

  Garrett took the plates and napkins into the living room. The television was still on, but muted. He stopped to watch the screen for a moment, then grabbed the remote.

  “Here’s more information on that plane crash.”

  Kim brought the plate of pizza and set it down, then focused on the TV scene. The footage was taken from the ground and the pictures of the mangled, blackened plane sent a shudder over her shoulders. What a horrible way to die, plummeting out of the sky knowing for all those long minutes that you would not survive. She shuddered again, then focused on the reporter’s words.

  “We’re here at the site of last night’s plane crash, where investigators are sifting through the wreckage for clues to the cause of the accident. The black box has been removed and the bodies retrieved. They have all now been officially identified.”

  Images flashed onto the screen as the reporter read off the names of the dead. Sophia Barvesky’s photograph appeared again, but the reporter identified the photograph as that of Inga Yuchenko, a Ukrainian circus performer. Both Kim and Garrett jerked forward.

  “Oh my God,” breathed Kim. “Barevsky has a twin?”

  Garrett shook his head. “I found that name on the Internet. I think it’s Barevsky’s alias.”

  The newscaster further illuminated the identification of Yuchenko.

  “Interpol identification was found at the scene of the crash, and it was originally thought that Yuchenko was that agent. Officials are planning to investigate further.”

  “That pretty much confirms my idea of an alias,” Garrett muttered.

  Another image appeared, that of a stern-faced woman identified as minister of agriculture for a small eastern European country.

  Then, Reggie Fortune’s face appeared on the screen.

  “European financier Reginald Fortune was among the dead. Fortune is well known in financial circles for amassing great wealth through ingenious and risky investment schemes.”

  Kim almost choked. “They left out ‘illegal’ and ‘criminal’.” She turned and grabbed Garrett’s arm. “That photograph! The one you sent me last fall – that was Barevsky with Reggie. She’s the connection. I was right – she’s part of the theft ring.” Kim sank back into the couch cushions and let out a soft sigh. “And now they’re gone. The heart of the beast wiped out in an accident.”

  Garrett helped himself to a slice of pizza. “We don’t know that Fortune and Barevsky were the only major players. What about Charles Léon? ...And maybe it wasn’t an accident.”

  Kim gazed at her fingers. “I want to stop looking over my shoulder and worrying about the past catching up to me again.” She looked up at him. “Do you think it will ever end?”

  Garrett’s eyes darkened with compassion. “Based on your kidnapping, it doesn’t seem promising.” He shook his head. “But right now, all the principals of our involvement last year are dead and, provided that we – or rather, you – don’t stir up any more attention, you might be able to relax a bit. But not too much.”

  Kim’s stomach recoiled at the prospect of coming under the bad guys’ scrutiny again.

  Garrett cleared his throat. “I’d sure like to know if we can be real partners. Partners that share and collaborate.”

  “I’ll let you know my decision tomorrow. I’ve lined up some photography work, so we’d need to look at scheduling until that’s finished.”

  “Fair enough.” He stood up. “I need to get going. I’m supposed to be in Cleveland early tomorrow for a meeting with the director.” A frown creased his forehead. “I told them I was taking some time off, but I have to do this one thing.” He brightened. “You know, I was planning to go visit Ricky and Jenna this weekend. Would you like to come along? I think you’d like them.”

  A flutter moved through Kim’s stomach. Meeting the family. Not usually the first step in a relationship, but certainly a positive one.

  “I’d love to.”

  “Great, I’ll let her know to make up the guest room and my favorite couch. We can talk more tomorrow.”

  Kim walked with him to the door, her heart racing. He zipped his jacket, then looked down at her and stepped closer. She lifted her face and he smiled, his eyes twinkling.

  With a peck on the cheek, he squeezed her shoulder. “Goodnight.”

  Chapter 61

  The next morning, Quaid strode across the marble floor of the United Equine Assurance building, tossing a wave to the security guard on the front desk. The elevator doors had just closed and he tapped his foot impatiently while he waited for one of the others to land on the ground floor. He thought about the message from headquarters. Nothing specific, just that there would be a special meeting of senior adjusters and department heads to discuss some new policies. He frowned. Just what he needed. New rules. But to be expected – new management, new game plan.

  An hour later, he sighed wearily while the director, Fred Anderson, droned on and on about policy lapses, due diligence, the bottom line – all subjects that could have easily been handled in an interoffice memo. But watching him talk, Quaid realized that face time with employees was important or the guy wouldn’t maintain any credibility.

  The meeting finally concluded and everyone stood up, talking amongst themselves as they moved toward the door. Quaid picked up his notebook and dropped his pen into his pocket. The wall clock said almost noon. The day would be shot by the time he got back to Columbus, but he’d call Jenna and give her a heads up about Kim.

  “Mr. Garrett?”

  Anderson stepped up close and Quaid cocked his head. “It’s Quaid. Garrett Quaid.”

  “Oh, sorry. It takes me a while to put names and faces together. Anyway, come on down to my office. I’d like to talk to you in private.”

  Quaid followed him down the long hall, past the cubicles where adjusters worked on hundreds of insurance policies and claims every day. He glanced around. He didn’t really miss being here. He missed Harriett Post, though, and wondered how she was doing. Before he left today, he’d find someone
to ask.

  Anderson stepped into a spacious office, elegantly appointed with good furniture and fine art. Quaid smirked to himself. All the doom and gloom about the economy hadn’t worked its way up to this floor.

  “Garrett, I wanted to tell you what a good job you did with that fraud case we just closed. Excellent work.”

  “Thanks. It was a tricky one.”

  Quaid watched the director, wondering why they needed privacy to gloat over a closed case. The man seemed a little unsure of himself, but he hadn’t gotten the directorship by being stupid. Lots of politics in corporate.

  Anderson leaned forward, an earnest expression changing his usual nondescript features.

  “Garrett, we’ve decided to close the Columbus satellite office. It wasn’t a financially sound idea in the first place, but Mrs. Post seemed to think ...well, she was ill and maybe not making good decisions.”

  Quaid sat rooted to his chair. How could this guy determine that the office was a mistake when it had only been open for three months?

  Anderson shook his head. “It has nothing to do with you or your productivity. Simple economics, that’s all.” He smiled, revealing crooked yellow teeth. “But we’ll be thrilled to have you back here at headquarters.”

  Quaid made no move to speak, just stared at the man who seemed to have no concept of the upheaval his decision would cause. Quaid stood up and stepped away from the chair.

  “I appreciate your support, but I think I’ll pass.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean you can find another investigator. I quit.”

  Ten minutes later, Quaid took long strides across the lobby of the United Equine Assurance building, the enormity of what had just happened exploding inside his head. The security guard’s “Goodbye” echoed through the air and Quaid threw a quick wave toward the desk, but didn’t slow down. The crisp March air sliced into his face as he slammed through the doors onto the sidewalk. He stopped and took a deep breath, then blew out hard, watching the vapor curl away into the air.

  How could he not have seen this coming? Was Anderson’s reasoning legitimate? Quaid watched the traffic on Lake Avenue, a steady stream in both directions even at this midday hour. Why hadn’t someone given him a heads-up that economic trouble was brewing? As he walked slowly toward the parking garage entrance, he realized that he hadn’t seen his former assistant at the meeting. Had the company been quietly downsizing to avoid stirring up hate and dissent?

  A few minutes later, he slumped behind the steering wheel and stared at the dashboard. In the space of less than four months, he’d uprooted himself, sold a home he loved, moved to Columbus, and worked his tail off to get the new satellite office up and running efficiently. He’d closed a major case, and currently managed a couple of others that promised to be simple. Apparently, United Equine didn’t think he was working hard enough.

  He straightened up and jammed the key into the ignition. “Fuck ’em.”

  Chapter 62

  Kim spent the morning finalizing appointments and printing out contracts. Four farm calls and one small show would bring in a couple thousand dollars in up-front deposits. Photo prints after each event could garner another thousand, if she did a good job. Even at that, she couldn’t live on such a small amount of money. Garrett’s job offer would be her only salvation unless she wanted to work at a full-time job somewhere. If she could even find one, or get hired at her age.

  Thinking of working with Garrett, she revisited the scene at her door the night before. She’d been so sure he would kiss her – really kiss her. Warmth raced up her neck and her cheeks burned. He’d seen her expectation, as evidenced by the amusement in his eyes, the crooked little smile, and the brotherly peck on the cheek. She felt stupid and completely inept at this romance thing. If she were to work with him on a regular basis, every moment spent together would be filled with sexual tension, the expectation that something might happen at any moment. Could she deal with that on a continuing basis? She thought not. Such a situation would be a landmine waiting to be stepped on.

  She picked up the phone and dialed. “Dana? Hi, it’s Kim. Dixie said your office has a project that needs some bodies.”

  A short time later, Kim set the phone aside and chewed her lip as she watched Miss Kitty investigate a dust bunny wedged in the corner by the fireplace. The job in Delaware County was only three weeks, and not even full days. After taxes and gas for the daily round trip, Kim’s take-home pay wouldn’t be much. Maybe enough to buy groceries for a month. And what about after the job was finished? Then what? She’d be right back where she started – low on savings, and not generating much income.

  Sighing softly, she rose and walked back toward her studio. Instead of dodging the issues, she needed to figure out exactly why she thought she couldn’t work with Garrett. Yes, the physical attraction was there for both of them, but they were adults – certainly they could keep those urges under control while on the job. Yes, the emotional connection could cloud judgment, but more worrisome was the prospect of conflicts over who was right, or what course of action should be taken, or which of them was in charge. That kind of tension would quickly destroy any romantic feelings.

  She moved past her desk to stand in front of the built-in shelves filled with books and photographs. Gazing at a picture of herself in full police uniform, mounted on Red, Kim’s fortitude failed and her softer side took over. That woman on horseback was a closed chapter, an individual who’d known no fear and had weathered some of the worst nightmares of life. Kim was no longer that woman. She’d evolved to a different plane that required more emotion than experience. She could move forward and explore a new and beautiful life – complete with all its mistakes – or she could live in the past, avoid challenge, remain in limbo with nowhere to go. The choice seemed like a no-brainer.

  She dialed Garrett’s number, which went straight to voice mail. Remembering his mention of a meeting in Cleveland, she left a call back message, then pocketed the phone and headed down the hallway. At the closet door, she stopped and took a deep breath, then opened the door and turned on the light. Pushing aside the crowd of coats, jackets, and boots, she squatted down in front of the small safe bolted to the floor in the corner. Her fingers trembled a little as she slowly dialed the combination, then fumbled the last digit. She tried again, then the lock clicked and the door opened. Kim stared at the soft brown leather pocket holster she’d avoided for so long. When was the last time she’d carried her off-duty weapon? Easily, it had been well before the riot and her injury.

  She reached in and gingerly removed the holster, hefting the weight, feeling the softly burnished leather. She stood up and pushed the safe door closed with her toe, then headed toward the kitchen. A prickle of anticipation skittered over her shoulders, a quick reminder of times past. She laid the holster on the counter, then reached over the refrigerator into a little-used cupboard to retrieve her gun cleaning kit. After laying everything out on a paper towel, she reached for the holster. Her grip was strong and sure. The trembles were gone.

  The sleek semiautomatic pistol slid out of the holster, smooth as silk. The heft of it in her hands sent a surge through her chest. She gazed at the soft sheen of the grey metal, ran a finger along the outlines of the body. A familiar feeling of power curled through her brain. The missing pieces were falling back into place.

  ~ ~

  Quaid walked across the barn toward Commander’s stall, stunned that he’d ended up there. He’d ranted and raved, both mentally and out loud, all the way back from Cleveland. At some point in his fantasy, he’d strangled Anderson, thrown him off the roof, and boarded a plane for points unknown. And that was just for starters. Interestingly enough, his dire fantasy actions had stopped with the realization that if he left town, he’d never see Kim again. Those soft thoughts had helped assuage his anger and disappointment at the crappy turn his life had just taken.

  Glancing around, he noticed that most of the stalls were empty. A young woman p
ushed a wheelbarrow of manure toward the door, giving him a cursory nod. He looked back toward Commander’s stall, half expecting it to be empty too, but the handsome black head appeared over the door.

  “Hey, Commander.”

  The horse chuckled softly and bobbed his head. Quaid slowed his step, enjoying the connection with this former outcast.

  “We have a lot in common, buddy. I’ve been abandoned too. But we’ll show ’em, won’t we?”

  Commander chuckled again and stepped back from the door as Quaid entered the stall. Gazing at the magnificent horse, Quaid’s memories of other horses flooded in. During his time with the Caisson Platoon in Arlington, he’d never allowed himself to become attached to any of the wonderful animals there. It would have been too hard to leave them. They were the hardest working, most noble horses he’d ever been around. Most of the other soldiers felt the same way, but a couple had been pretty upset when their orders came in for new assignments and they had to leave their charges behind.

  Quaid stepped up close to his horse and stroked the glossy black coat. This was different. He wouldn’t ever have to leave this guy, never have to feel the pain of saying goodbye – at least not because of a stupid change of address. Anger surged through Quaid’s chest again, thinking about the hassle he’d gone through for United Equine. But Columbus was now his home and he’d figure something out. Commander nudged his arm, reminding him to keep a lid on negative emotions.

  Quaid blew out a hard breath. In all of this mess, he’d forgotten that he’d involved Kim, offered her a job, pressured her for an answer.

  “Now what am I gonna do?”

  Commander stepped back, lifted his tail, and deposited a large pile of poop in the corner.

  Quaid dissolved into laughter. “My thoughts, exactly!”