Deadly Deception

by Rayna Morgan

  Information about my abduction was never released to the public. How does Tim know the details?

  It was time to apply pressure. “Keep in mind, Tim. Undisclosed contact with Mickey could be construed as harboring a fugitive.”

  He stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Rumor has it Mickey’s trying to get his hands on evidence the police have.”

  “It’s the tape I recorded. His one-way ticket to the slammer.”

  “Maybe he’s trying to scare you off from using it.”

  “You could be right.” She threw a card on the bar. “Let me know if either Ronnie or Mickey shows up.”

  “Sure thing. Good to see you, Pat. Watch your step.”

  Pat went to the parking lot and sat in her car, staring at the gambling establishment.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  Lea and Maddy were in the conference room comparing notes on Pat’s case when their father walked in.

  He looked surprised. “What are you two doing here on Saturday?”

  “Paying bills, ordering supplies,” Lea answered quickly. “Stuff I don’t have time to do during the week.”

  He looked doubtful, but turned his attention to Maddy. “And you?”

  She picked up scattered papers on the table. “Straightening my files.”

  “Since when does being organized concern you?”

  Lea intervened. “What’s your reason for coming to the office, Dad?”

  “I have research to do.”

  “Why not use your computer at home?”

  “Your mother has guests. They’re comparing notes from yesterday’s cooking class. I can’t hear myself think.”

  “Sounds like you’re in for a great dinner.”

  “Highly unlikely,” he grumbled. “The chef’s creations lose something in translation.”

  He leaned over to look at the file in front of Lea.

  “Is there something I can help you with?” she asked, as she closed the folder.

  Her father straightened. “Are you ready to make your pitch to Toby?”

  “I think so. But I’d like to know where you’re going with this.”

  “When you tell Toby you have a buyer for a coin in my collection—”

  “The collection which belongs to the government,” Maddy reminded him.

  He frowned. “I stand corrected.”

  Lea arched an eyebrow. “I’ve been meaning to ask where you laid your hands on those coins.”

  “They were confiscated in a fraud bust. Don Ellis was more than willing to loan them in exchange for my promise.”

  “Your promise to return them?”

  “My promise to obtain enough evidence for him to bring an airtight case against these fraudsters.”

  “Could you set the bar any higher?” Lea moaned.

  “Too much pressure for you, Sis?” Maddy taunted.

  “If anything happens to those coins, we’ll all be in hot water,” he warned. “Please keep that in mind, both of you.”

  Lea glared at her sister. “If we can address the question I asked before Maddy interrupted, how do you think Toby will react?”

  “Hopefully, by exposing his hand enough to give us the proof Don needs.”

  He glanced once more at the folder in front of Lea.

  “If there’s nothing else to discuss…”

  “Nope, we’re good.”

  “Then I’ll leave you to it.”

  He left the door ajar so he could hear their conversation, but his daughters finished their meeting moments later.

  • • •

  Warren was reading qualifications for Police Explorers when he felt a presence over his shoulder. He closed the screen and turned away from his computer.

  “I’m afraid you’re too old, Dad,” Lea said. “They won’t take you.”

  “It’s for a young acquaintance I feel may benefit from the program.”

  Without further explanation, he asked, “Did Maddy leave?”

  “Nearly. She’s putting things together for surveillance at the storage facility.”

  “Are you leaving as well?”

  “Yes. I’m going to deliver my spiel to Toby.”

  “Did you make an appointment?”

  “I prefer to throw him off guard by dropping in unannounced. His office is open until two o’clock today. I’ll tell him I’m in town to enjoy a weekend at the beach and noticed his office on the way to my hotel.”

  “Good idea. It will help sell the urgency of his providing the coin during your stay.”

  “It will also alleviate a need to explain my knowledge of his company.”

  “Let me know how things go.”

  “Of course.”

  Neither had anything else to say, but both seemed reluctant to end the conversation.

  Facing him, she said, “It doesn’t usually bother us to look over each other’s shoulder.”

  His silence made her worry she had overstepped her bounds, but the awkward moment passed.

  She was at the door when he spoke again.

  “Come back and sit down.” His tone left no room for excuses.

  He pressed a button on the intercom. “Maddy, come to my office.”

  Glaring at Lea, he said, “It’s time we cleared the air.”

  • • •

  After Maddy took a seat beside Lea, Warren gave his reason for the summons.

  “Lea implies we’re keeping secrets from each other. Are those your feelings as well?”

  Maddy pinched her sister’s arm. “We never question what you do, Dad.”

  He sat back, observing their discomfort.

  “How about this? I’ll tell you what I’m working on, and you two reciprocate.”

  The sisters looked at each other.

  “You don’t need to tell us,” Maddy said. “Work on whatever you want.”

  She looked to Lea for confirmation. “Don’t you agree, Sis?”

  Warren continued without waiting for Lea’s response.

  “No, your sister’s right. We’re talking about a principle upon which this agency is based. If we don’t trust each other, how can we expect a similar level of trust from our clients?”

  “Don’t you see, Mad?” Lea asked. “We’ll always know if we’re deceiving each other because it’s our business to know when a person is holding back or being less than honest.”

  “I suppose you’re right,” Maddy grumbled.

  Warren placed his elbows on his desk. “Good. Now that we’re in agreement, I’ll go first. I’ve been working on a matter of a missing boy.”

  The sisters chorused each other. “Who?”

  Warren looked sheepish. “Jon’s friend, Dylan.”

  Lea’s jaw dropped.

  “I don’t believe this. You kept from me the fact you’ve been employed by Dylan’s mother?”

  “Not exactly. First, I haven’t been employed because I’m not being paid. Call it pro bono work, if you will. Second, the client isn’t Dylan’s mother.”

  “You’re talking in circles, Dad,” Maddy said. “Why aren’t you being paid?”

  “Because the person who brought the matter to my attention can’t retain us.”

  “If Dylan is missing,” Lea asked, “who besides his mother would ask for your help to find him?”

  Warren cupped his chin. “Actually, it’s Jon.”

  Lea was so angry, her voice trembled. “When were you going to tell me?”

  He spread his arms. “I’m telling you now.”

  “Unbelievable!” Lea sputtered.

  “Before you get bent out of shape, I’d like to hear what you two are working on.”

  Lea swiveled her chair to face the wall and crossed her arms. Maddy sighed and revealed Pat’s situation. By the time her sister finished, Lea was in control of her emotions. She waited as eagerly as Maddy for her father’s reaction.

  “I think her fears of telling Tom are misplaced,” he said. “I doubt Tom would view his helping as affording special consideration. Regardless, I und
erstand why Pat came to you. She doesn’t have the time or the resources to investigate on her own without tipping her hand.”

  “She also believes we have more latitude as a private firm,” Lea added.

  “It’s true. I certainly enjoy the freedom from restrictions I lived under at the department. That’s why I don’t mind if you step out of bounds in your approach. But as your partner, I need to be aware of your actions.”

  Maddy looked defiant. “But, Dad—”

  Lea cut her off. “He’s right, Sis. It’s no good us having secrets.”

  Warren rubbed his hands together. “Now that we’re on the same page, let’s put our heads together and crack these cases.”

  • • •

  After the brainstorming session, Warren stopped in Lea’s office.

  “I hope you aren’t upset with me.”

  “Like you said, we need to know what each of us is working on.”

  “That’s not what I’m talking about.” He searched for the right words.

  “Spit it out, Dad. Say what you’re thinking.”

  From her tone, he could tell Lea was angry.

  “Perhaps your feelings were hurt that Jon sought my counsel instead of yours.”

  She lowered her head and busied herself shuffling papers.

  “Don’t be silly. I’m happy there’s another adult he feels he can confide in.”

  He waited.

  When she looked up, her eyes filled with tears.

  “Am I losing rapport with my son?”

  “Not at all. There’s a reason he felt uncomfortable bringing this problem to you.”

  “Please, Dad. I’d like to know.”

  “You tend to be judgmental. Jon suspects Dylan is doing drugs. He worries that if you know, you might want him to end their friendship. That’s not something he’s prepared to do.”

  “I wouldn’t have asked that,” she said, defensively.

  “You can’t know for certain how you would react.”

  She bit her lip. “But Jon feels you don’t overreact the way I do?”

  “He knows I don’t let emotions cloud an issue.”

  She smiled half-heartedly.

  He threw out a truce offering. “I’m seeing Leslie and Dylan later. Would you like to come?”

  She stuck out her chin and looked away. “Sorry, I’ll be busy helping my sister.”

  He paused at the door. “Are we all right?”

  Lea huddled over her computer without looking up. “Of course.”

  Warren’s heart felt heavy as he walked down the hall.

  He knew they were far from all right.

  • • •

  After her father left, Lea rested her head in her hands. She resented the fact that Jon confided in Warren, but was angrier that her father kept their secret.

  Mentally, she chastised herself. Maddy and I were as guilty of keeping secrets as Dad.

  The collie came and sat beside her.

  “Another human dilemma, Gracie.” She scratched the dog’s head. “Should we always tell the truth? Are secrets always bad, or does the truth sometimes cause more harm than good?”

  The dog turned up her ears.

  “We all keep secrets at one time or another,” Lea went on. “Or feel someone is hiding the truth from us.”

  She tapped the notes in her file. “Which people in this case are keeping secrets?”

  Gracie cocked her head, waiting for answers.

  Lea had none to give.

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  Lea entered the office of Integrity Gold and Silver. The sole occupant matched the description her father gave her.

  He waved and covered the speaker on his phone. “Have a seat. I’ll be right with you.”

  She picked up a brochure titled Seven Reasons to Invest in Precious Metals.

  Before she finished reason number one, the man stood over her flashing a smile.

  “I’m Toby Turner. How may I be of assistance?”

  She dropped the brochure on the table and introduced herself as an investment broker from out of town.

  “I’m in Buena Viaje to enjoy the beach for the weekend and noticed your office on the way to my hotel. I stopped on the off chance you might be able to help.”

  “In what way?”

  “I have a client who wants a particular coin for his collection. One I haven’t been able to find for him.”

  “I’m not one to toot my own horn, but clients call me a magician. I’m an expert at accomplishing the impossible.”

  His smooth approach didn’t appeal to her, but she could see how it worked on some people.

  He led her to his desk and pulled out a chair.

  “I’m glad you came in. If there’s one thing I love, it’s a challenge.”

  “Let me warn you. I’ve looked for some time with no luck.”

  He sat taller. “I’ve been known to pull a rabbit out of a hat.”

  She encouraged his cockiness, knowing his vanity would play to her advantage. “You’re in a small market to find this particular rabbit.”

  “Don’t let my surroundings fool you. I have significant resources.”

  She fed his ego. “This is my most valued client. If you find what he’s looking for, I’ll consider you a wizard.”

  He twisted his lips in an oily smile. “What would be the reward for such wizardry?”

  “My client is willing to pay top dollar.”

  He expressed mild interest by inspecting his buffered nails. “That’s nice.”

  “Plus, I’ll pay a large bonus if you get the coin for me.”

  The smile oozed across his face. “Now we’re talking. Tell me what your client is looking for.”

  “A 1943 copper penny.”

  He nearly choked. “That’s a challenge, all right. There are only forty of those coins in existence.”

  “As I say, my client understands the price he needs to pay.”

  For a moment, he said nothing. She waited breathlessly, afraid he didn’t believe her story.

  “Lucky for you, you’ve come to the right person. I may be able to get my hands on the coin your client desires.”

  She sighed with relief. Her father had judged Toby’s greed correctly.

  “You’ll have to act quickly,” she said. “I’m leaving town tomorrow.”

  “Come back this evening. Do you have the money to complete the purchase?”

  “My client will wire transfer the funds as soon as I have the coin in my possession.”

  He reached across the desk to shake hands. “It’s a pleasure doing business with you.”

  “The pleasure is mine,” she assured him.

  • • •

  Lea made the call while sitting in her car in front of Toby’s office.

  “How did things go?” Warren asked, ignoring her greeting.

  “Smooth as clockwork. He fell hook, line, and sinker.”

  Toby stood at the reception desk, staring out the window.

  “He’s watching as we speak, assuming I’m calling my client to relay the good news.”

  “So he promised to produce the coin?”

  “He assured me he’s a magician capable of laying his hands on this rare object.”

  “My, my. The man sounds quite sure of himself. I wonder how he can be so certain.”

  “How indeed? Unless he already has the coin in his possession.”

  “I’m somewhat of a magician myself.”

  “How so, Dad?”

  “I predict Toby will pull that rabbit from a hat by the end of the day.”

  “And my sister will be there to watch him do it.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  Maddy was hungry. She had been outside the storage facility since two o’clock and it was close to five.

  Her cell phone buzzed.

  “How are things going?” Lea asked. “Any sign of Toby?”

  “No, and my stomach’s growling,” Maddy whined. “I thought he’d come as soon as his office closed so I
wouldn’t have long to wait.”

  “There you go, thinking again.”

  “Next time we flip a coin to decide who does surveillance.”

  “We had no choice. He met both of us, but he didn’t see your car when he dropped you off at the furniture store.”

  “I brought nothing to eat except chips and a candy bar.”

  “From what you told Pat, I thought you gave up junk food.”

  “Surveillance is not conducive to healthy eating habits.”

  “Toby won’t be able to spot you, will he?”

  “I’m wearing dark glasses and a safari jacket. My hair’s hidden under a baseball cap. Even Tom wouldn’t recognize me in this getup.”

  Lea laughed. “He would see right through you. Forget your hunger pangs and stay focused. It shouldn’t be much longer.”

  “Never fear, Sherlock. I’m on the case.”

  She hung up and leaned her head against the cushion.

  Surveillance at Wong’s was more appetizing. Next time, I’ll come better prepared.

  She was beginning to doze when she was roused by the sound of a blaring horn.

  Glancing in her rear-view mirror, she saw Toby’s sports car whiz in and out of traffic. She slid down in the seat and stared at the floorboard.

  Toby’s car pulled up to the gate where he inserted his key card. Before the gate swung shut, she drove inside.

  When he stopped, Maddy continued straight ahead. After parking a block away, she ran back and hid behind a dumpster across from Building D. Catching her breath, she pulled a camera from her pocket.

  Toby emerged moments later, carrying the velvet coin case.

  Maddy’s hands shook so badly she could barely focus. As soon as she snapped a picture, she fell to her knees to wait until she no longer heard his car.

  Wiping dust from her jeans, she entered the building on the unlikely chance of gaining entry to the room.

  She pushed various numbers on the keypad at Toby’s unit to no avail.

  It wasn’t until she exited the building that she noticed the overhead camera. She pulled her baseball cap down and hurried out.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  The family was at Lea’s house for a cookout on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon.