Sizzling Cold Case

by Rayna Morgan

  She slipped off her sandals and carried them in her hand.

  Squawking seagulls, the salty smell of the ocean, and warm sand under their feet relaxed them.

  She stole a glance in Tom’s direction.

  Being with him made her feel complete. As though they were less than two people, but more than one.

  He stopped at a spot with a view of the jetty where waves crashed against the stone barrier.

  “How’s this?”

  “Perfect.”

  She spread the blanket and held cups for him to fill.

  He took off his shoes and rolled up the bottom of his pants.

  “Shall we walk a while?”

  “Yes, let’s.”

  They held hands and sipped wine, allowing worries of the day to melt with the sun into the vastness of the ocean.

  From time to time they smiled at each other, enjoying each other’s company with no need to speak.

  • • •

  They finally returned to the blanket where Maddy sat cross-legged and looked at Tom.

  “I saw your brother yesterday.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I’m telling you now.”

  She gave him details of Jack’s visit.

  “Why did he come to see you?”

  “He said he wanted to apologize for not speaking when he saw me earlier. I think he came for another reason.”

  He waited for her to continue.

  “I suspect he used me as a sounding board. He even asked that I not repeat our conversation.”

  He chuckled. “Don’t let him bother you. Jack likes to ruffle feathers, but he’s harmless.”

  “He certainly ruffled mine.”

  His tone changed. “What did he do?”

  Maddy told him the part where Jack suggested he might take Tom’s place.

  Instead of showing the outrage Maddy expected, Tom laughed.

  “He always tried to steal my girlfriends. In high school, he made a pass at my steady. She had the sense to ignore him. That’s what you should do.”

  Maddy calmed down. “Jack told me he works on an offshore oil rig. Isn’t that dangerous?”

  “My brother thrives on danger. He’s not the office type.”

  “You two are alike in that way.”

  His voice turned rough like gravel. “We aren’t alike in any way.”

  “You’ve both been divorced,” she reminded him. “What happened to his marriage?”

  Tom picked up a seashell and ran his finger over its surface.

  “Oil workers are away from home weeks at a time. His wife couldn’t cope with that and the danger of his job. She worried there would be some terrible accident and she would end up raising their daughter as a single mother. She wanted a normal life without the anxiety of wondering if her husband would return.”

  “That sounds familiar. I understand her thinking.”

  Tom threw the shell away and studied her face. “Is that how you feel about our relationship?”

  “Lucky for you, I don’t have such concerns because I don’t live my life from fear.”

  He smiled. “How could you? You’re a member of the Conley and Austin Detective Agency.”

  She smiled back, relieved he didn’t hassle her about the risks she took with Lea.

  “Tell me more about your brother.”

  “One thing for sure, he was the best athlete in school. At five feet seven, he was shorter but at least ten pounds heavier than me. Even with the additional weight, he broke the school’s track records. And, he was better at baseball and wrestling.”

  She poked his arm. “Were you jealous?”

  “Not at all. I was proud of my kid brother. The jealousy came from him. It got to a point where it caused friction between us.”

  “Tell me.”

  “Jack was the trouble maker among us siblings. My sister was on the honor list and involved in school activities. Even though I didn’t excel in sports like my brother, they elected me captain of most teams I played on.”

  “You were developing leadership skills even then.”

  His face colored slightly. His modesty made Maddy love him all the more.

  “I don’t know about that, but I had a passion for leading others and helping them succeed.”

  “What trouble did Jack get in?”

  “Playing hooky, mostly. Whenever a kid cut class, the school called the parents. My mom received more than her share of calls.”

  Maddy blushed. “I’m afraid I was the cause of similar calls to my parents.”

  He chucked her under the chin affectionately and continued. “The principal forced my brother to make up his absences before he allowed Jack to graduate with his class.”

  “What about college? Did your brother get a degree?”

  “Not even close. He got a girl pregnant right after high school.”

  “Was that the marriage that ended in divorce?”

  “Yep. He took the responsibility of marrying her and supporting the kid, but he always came up short of money and had to borrow from my folks. It put a strain on his marriage. That and his shortcomings as a father.”

  “Was his failure the reason you don’t want kids of your own?”

  His eyes locked on hers. “I haven’t considered children because I’ve never been with the right woman.”

  She looked toward the ocean and twisted a strand of hair between her fingers.

  He lowered his intensity and resumed.

  “Everyone but Jack knew he wasn’t cut out to be married. He spent more time on his surfboard or drinking with his buddies than with his wife.”

  She held up her cup and he poured more wine.

  “I asked why he hasn’t been in touch with you since he’s been back.”

  His voice was cranky when he responded. “He doesn’t need to check in with me. I’m not his keeper.”

  “You must have an interest in each other’s lives.”

  “We call each other on holidays and birthdays. Jack will be in touch when he’s ready.” Under his breath, he added, “When he gets in trouble or needs money.”

  She inhaled deeply. “The night you caught him with your wife. Can we talk about that?”

  “He told you?” Tom’s eyes flashed with anger.

  “He says you didn’t believe that nothing happened.”

  Tom lowered his voice. “I believed him because I trusted my wife, but I didn’t give him the satisfaction of letting him off the hook.”

  “I can’t say I blame you.”

  “I was madder at myself than I was at him. It made me realize if I had been a better husband, my wife wouldn’t have leaned on him for support.”

  “Don’t you think you should tell him?”

  He didn’t answer.

  She felt herself overheating, unwilling to let him clam up and shut himself off.

  “You two are hopeless. Both of you need to grow up and bury the hatchet.”

  “My relationship with Jack is no concern of yours.”

  He tipped the bottle to his lips and drained the last of the wine.

  “Stay away from him.”

  “Don’t you dare tell me what to do!”

  Grabbing her sandals, she stood and pulled a corner of the blanket.

  “Get up. It’s getting cool. I want to go home.”

  He took his time putting on his shoes.

  When he finally stood, she jerked the blanket and shook away the sand.

  Neither spoke on the walk to the cottage but it wasn’t the companionable silence of earlier.

  • • •

  When they arrived at the house, Tom walked to the side and dropped the empty bottle in a trash can.

  “I should go home to get some sleep. I’ve got a long day tomorrow.”

  She flipped her hair nonchalantly but the words stuck in her throat. “No problem.”

  He started toward her, then turned and walked out the gate.

  “Don’t forget my warning about my brother.�
��

  She shot him a look filled with such pain that he immediately regretted his words. But he wouldn’t back down.

  He got in his car, slammed the door, and drove away.

  She went inside and flung herself on the sofa.

  Her eyes filled with tears.

  CHAPTER TEN

  Lea set out early the next morning with a list of addresses for Rod Turner’s employees. She was anxious to observe where they lived.

  First on the list was Cheryl Bassett.

  A picket fence ran the length of a yard in front of the residence shown in public records to belong to Marjorie Bassett. The modest older house appeared clean and in good condition except for weathered roof shingles and a patch of peeling paint.

  As Lea drove past, a neighbor rolled a trash bin to the street. Welcoming an opportunity to find out more about Cheryl, Lea parked and approached the woman.

  “Good morning. I wonder if you might help. I’m looking for Cheryl Basset.”

  The woman moved to the sidewalk in front of Lea and pointed to the house.

  “She lives at Marjorie’s place, but you won’t find them home. Cheryl left for work and Marjorie doesn’t live there any longer.”

  “Do you know where Marjorie went?”

  “I sure do. She went to the Best Care Nursing Home.”

  “I didn’t know.”

  “Marjorie took ill last year. Cheryl wasn’t able to care for her mother, what with working and all. But she’s a good daughter. She paid for the nursing home and visited her mother regularly.”

  Lea sympathized to keep the woman talking. “The cost of nursing homes can be a burden.”

  “Terrible! A person can’t afford to let that happen. I suppose it’s a blessing they no longer have that burden.”

  “Has Marjorie recovered?”

  “Hardly. She passed away several months ago.”

  Lea hid her disappointment over news which suggested Cheryl’s motive had flown out the window.

  “I’m sorry to hear that. I won’t bother you further. Have a nice day.”

  She hurried to her car before the woman asked her purpose in looking for Cheryl.

  Questions filled her mind as she drove away.

  Does this information eliminate Cheryl as a suspect?

  If she stole money to pay nursing bills, why didn’t she stop when her mother died?

  The continued theft indicates she’s using money for personal use. Even so, it’s unlikely she’ll spend it with me snooping around.

  Having missed Cheryl, Lea called Rod’s office to determine Nolan’s whereabouts.

  “Hi, Suzanne. It’s Lea Austin. May I speak to Nolan?”

  “He went home to meet a repairman. You can reach him on his cell phone.”

  Better yet, I can see his place in person.

  • • •

  Nolan’s condo was in a plush three-story building within walking distance of the ocean. Her surprise that he could afford such a place was equaled by his surprise when he opened the door.

  “Did I miss a meeting with you?” he asked.

  “Not at all, but I have a few more questions. Suzanne told me you came home to meet a repairman.”

  “Did she give you my address?”

  “Rod gave me access to personnel records as part of my assessment.”

  His eyes pinched in a frown, but he led her to the living room. Through a half wall, she saw a uniformed man working on the refrigerator.

  Nolan nodded. “Ice maker’s on the blink again. Darned thing is more trouble than it’s worth.”

  Lea took in the black and white color scheme and modern furnishings.

  “I like the decor,” she told him. “Very stylish.”

  “Thanks, but I can’t take credit. My girlfriend did most of it.”

  She picked up a picture from the coffee table.

  “Is this your girlfriend? She’s very pretty.”

  “Nancy Sims. We aren’t seeing each other at the moment, but I’m sure we’ll get back together. She’s a super girl. A teacher at Johnson Elementary. On her way to becoming the principal.” In Lea’s opinion, his pride sounded more like ownership than admiration.

  The repairman entered the room. Nolan signed his work order and walked him out. Lea took the moment to study the picture closer before returning it to the table.

  When Nolan returned, she spread her arms. “I’m impressed, Nolan. Your car and this condo.”

  His chest seemed to expand. “I plan to do even better.”

  She tread carefully. “If you don’t mind my saying, your lifestyle seems out of proportion to your earnings, especially since Rod is struggling and unable to give raises.”

  He put his hands in his pockets and rocked on his heels. “Fortunately, I don’t live on salary and commissions alone. My old man set up a trust which pays me a monthly stipend.”

  “How nice.”

  He looked at his watch. “I should go. I have an appointment.”

  “Calling on a new prospect or interviewing with another company?”

  Without responding, he escorted her to the door.

  • • •

  Lea drove to Johnson Elementary.

  Nancy Sims was in the playground, supervising recess. A small girl reached for the teacher’s hand and pulled her to the slide. Lea approached as Nancy helped the girl climb the steps.

  “Miss Sims, I’m Lea Austin. May we talk a moment?”

  The little girl slid down as Nancy held her hand.

  “Are you here for one of the children?”

  Lea smiled. “My son’s days on slippery slides are long past.”

  The child pulled her hand. “Again, please.”

  During the woman’s distraction, Lea hatched a cover, using a slight distortion of the facts.

  “I’m a free lance personnel consultant.” Lea hoped her story wouldn’t come back to bite her. “Nolan Miller is being considered for hire by my client. He submitted your name as a personal reference.”

  Nancy raised an eyebrow. “I’m surprised. Nolan and I are no longer seeing each other.”

  “He mentioned that, but felt you would be a good reference.”

  She emitted a sigh. “That sounds like Nolan. He’s certain we’ll get back together so he assumed I would say flattering things. He’s wrong on both counts.”

  “Can you elaborate?”

  Nancy sent the girl to play with the other children.

  “Nolan can be a jerk at times. He has an inflated ego. It got to a point where things became intolerable. We had no future.”

  “What qualities about Nolan bothered you?”

  “Worse than being materialistic, he confuses self-worth with material possessions. His incessant bragging got on my nerves. He views people in terms of how to use them and bases friendship on mutual benefit.”

  “You’re giving him less than a glowing review.”

  “I’m not qualified to speak about job performance, but his people skills are lacking.”

  “Is there a chance you two will get back together?”

  “None, as far as I’m concerned.

  “I appreciate your candor. Thanks for talking with me.”

  “I’m afraid I wasn’t helpful.”

  “Maybe not to Nolan, but you were to me. By the way, I admire the way you fixed his condo. My sister is an interior decorator. I know good taste when I see it.”

  “Thanks. The way things turned out, I regret the time I spent. But he needed help. Nolan lacks taste, in furnishings as well as other things.”

  “At least his trust fund pays for everything.”

  She laughed. “Not anymore. His father cut him off. It’s one of the reasons we broke up.”

  Lea was surprised at the woman’s seeming lack of character. “You split with him because he lost the income from his trust?”

  She shook her head. “Of course not. I’m not interested in money. Nolan is the one with champagne tastes on a beer budget.”

  “What was
your reason?”

  “I couldn’t put up with his obsession to get even with his father.”

  “How did he intend to do that?”

  “By finding a way to support his lifestyle without his father’s help.”

  • • •

  Later in the day, Lea stopped to see Rod Turner.

  “I’m sorry, Ms. Austin, the boss is out,” Suzanne said. “I don’t expect him back for several hours.”

  “That’s all right. I’ll speak with him tomorrow.”

  Cheryl walked into the reception area and dropped a file on Suzanne’s desk.

  “Anything I can help with?” she asked, giving Lea a once-over. The tone of her voice seemed at odds with her offer to help.

  “Thanks, but I would rather speak with him.”

  Cheryl’s voice took on an unfriendly tone. “Suit yourself.”

  Before the manager left, Suzanne asked, “May I take my break? I want to walk to the bakery for a strudel.”

  “Yes, all right.”

  Cheryl pulled a small key from her pocket and opened a cash box. She pulled out several bills and handed them to Suzanne.

  “Treat yourself and get me one, too.” She saw the question in Lea’s eyes and provided an explanation. “Rod provides snacks for employees, but we don’t keep them in the office for fear of ants. It wouldn’t do to attract insects to a pest control company.”

  She looked at Suzanne. “Put the bell on the desk in case someone enters while you’re gone.”

  Suzanne hurried out the door before Cheryl changed her mind.

  Lea followed her out and offered a ride.

  “I’ll have a look at the strudel you mentioned. I may decide to indulge myself.”

  “You won’t be sorry,” Suzanne promised, as she got in the car.

  • • •

  There were limited seating inside the bakery and three tables with umbrellas on an outdoor patio.

  A young man stood behind a glass case filled with cookies, pies, and muffins. The smell of freshly baked bread made Lea’s mouth water.

  Suzanne stepped to the counter. “Three apple strudels, please. One to eat here and two to go. What will you have, Lea?”

  “Strudel sounds delicious.”

  “The batch in the oven will be ready in ten minutes,” the clerk informed them.

  “Let me buy you a coffee while we wait, Suzanne. We can sit and chat.”

  “Thank you. That would be nice.”