Deadly Deception

by Rayna Morgan

  “I can’t wait to hear what ludicrous theory you’ve come up with,” Phil said angrily.

  “You saw an opportunity to rid yourself of both problems. You ratted on Toby, knowing Mickey would kill him. That got rid of Toby and Mickey became the fall guy.”

  Phil’s eyes darted wildly, landing on the back office. When he returned his attention, a smile played across his lips.

  “What makes you think Danielle isn’t behind it all?” he asked in a low voice. “She has the brains and the drive. Her father stays in the Valley, letting her run this office.”

  Lea glanced at the console. A light showed the speaker was still on.

  “You’re quick to throw someone you care about under the bus, Phil. I thought you had feelings for Danielle.”

  “Before Toby came on board, Danielle and I had a brief fling.” He measured his words carefully. “I admit to being taken with her initially. But as I got to know her, I discovered her darker side.”

  Lea raised an eyebrow. “What darker side?”

  “Danielle is more ambitious than you think. She’s consumed with a thirst for power.”

  “That’s nothing she inherits from her father,” Warren noted. “Ed seems like a fairly easy-going guy.”

  “Danielle shared her plans for the business with me. They encompass a much broader scope than what her father has in mind. There’s no telling what ambition like hers leads to.”

  “Are you suggesting Danielle is responsible for Toby’s murder?” Warren asked.

  “Draw your own conclusions.”

  Lea leaned forward. “Dad, there’s—”

  “Don’t interrupt, Lea,” he said, impatiently. “Go on, Phil. We’re listening.”

  “But, Dad…”

  Warren heard the urgency in his daughter’s voice.

  She jerked her head toward the figure behind Phil’s chair and pointed at an open drawer in the kitchen.

  Warren jumped to his feet.

  “Look out!” Lea shouted. “She’s got a knife!”

  Phil spun his chair around. A woman in black hovered over him clutching a knife in her raised hand.

  For an instant, no one moved.

  Danielle’s low, husky voice pierced the silence like an arrow. “You dirty double-crosser.”

  Phil covered his head with his arms and ducked.

  Warren jumped in front of the cowering man as the attacker lunged toward her target. A well-placed side kick sent the knife flying across the room where it landed at Lea’s feet.

  She grabbed it before racing to her father’s side.

  “Are you all right, Dad?” she cried.

  “I’m fine, though I can’t say the same for her.” He pulled Danielle to her feet.

  She groaned, rubbing her arm. “I think you displaced my shoulder.”

  Lea scowled. “Instead of complaining, you should thank my father for preventing you from committing murder.”

  A trembling Phil rose to his feet. “What got into you, Danielle?”

  Lea turned the console and pointed to the green light on the conference line.

  Phil pleaded with the angry woman. “You don’t understand, Danielle. I got Toby and Mickey out of the way so the operation would be ours to run as you please. I thought we could get back together,” he added woefully.

  Her voice trembled with disdain. “You poor, misguided fool. It was Toby I wanted to share the business and my life with, not you.”

  She slumped in a chair, holding her arm.

  Phil sat across from her, a deflated and broken man.

  Lea praised her father as she called Tom’s number. “Nice job disarming Danielle.”

  He grinned. “Your old man’s still got the moves.”

  CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

  The tangy smell of barbecue drifted from the patio where Paul was grilling meat. The occasion was a mid-week dinner to celebrate the recent success of the Conley Austin Detective Agency.

  Barbara and Pat sat with the sisters at a table protected from late afternoon sun by a large umbrella. Tom and Jack played catch with Jon while the dogs ran in circles chasing the ball.

  “That’s a great thing about kids and dogs,” Lea observed. “They live spontaneously and with excitement.”

  “With age comes wisdom, but sometimes with wisdom comes too much caution,” Barbara said. “We become afraid to give away too much of ourselves. We keep secrets and build defenses. As my music teacher used to say, we stop living with gusto. I can still hear her reprimand when I played without passion. Those notes weren’t written to be played halfheartedly, she would say. Play with gusto and live with gusto. Don’t let music or life slip through your fingers.”

  “I’m afraid Dad considers that one of my failings as a detective,” Maddy said. “I wear my feelings on my sleeve.”

  “You’re not alone,” Lea commiserated. “When we talked about Jon, Dad implied as much about me. It seems my own son feels I’m swayed by emotions.”

  “Your profession demands you hide your feelings, Pat. How do you do it?” Maddy asked.

  “It’s not easy, I admit.”

  “You appear to be totally in control of your emotions.”

  Pat looked in Jack’s direction. “Not always.”

  Maddy followed Pat’s gaze. “Roger that. The Elliot brothers have that effect.”

  Warren joined the women and accepted the beverage Lea handed him.

  Lea raised her glass in a toast. “Here’s to a successful conclusion to the gold and silver scam.”

  Warren tapped her glass. “I hope you and your sister learned from Marge’s experience. If I’m the first to kick the bucket and your mother needs help with finances, beware of scoundrels like Toby.”

  The sisters looked at each other. The idea of their father someday being gone was unthinkable.

  Lea quickly dismissed the gloomy thought by changing direction. “I’m sure Marge won’t allow herself to be victimized again.”

  “As it turns out, Marge wasn’t the only one,” Barbara said. “Once your father assured her it wasn’t her failing, her embarrassment turned to outrage. She opened up about her experience and found other victims. Most had no idea they had been duped.”

  “Are they doing anything to get even?”

  “They hired an attorney to file a class action suit for restitution. They’re also promoting consumer education initiatives.”

  “Good for them,” Warren said. “That’s the way to turn lemons into lemonade.”

  “Marge isn’t the only one who learned to ask for help,” Lea informed them. “Mary’s been accepted as a resident of the city’s new shelter. Counselors there will make sure she stays clean and receives job training. Once she’s on her feet, they’ll help her find affordable accommodations.”

  “I’m glad you’ve given Mary the chance for a fresh start,” Pat said.

  “I only headed her in the right direction. It’s up to her to take the next steps.”

  The brothers left Jon playing with the dogs and approached the table. Jack took a seat beside Pat and she updated him on her final conversation with Cranston.

  “I want you to know I followed your advice to clear the air with him.”

  “I’m glad, for his sake as well as yours,” Jack said. “It’s surprising what issues can be resolved when people make the effort to communicate.”

  “I found out he’s a stand-up guy after all.” She scratched her head, thinking of Tim. “Cranston’s not the only person I misjudged. It seems I’m having a hard time sorting the good guys from the bad.”

  Jack winked at her. “I hope you don’t have that problem with me.”

  “You’re one guy I’m sure of, Jack Elliot,” she said, with a cheeky grin. “You and your brother, Tom.”

  He held her hand and squeezed. “But no more secrets, babe. I still can’t believe you didn’t tell me sooner about the threats you received. I want to know when you’re in danger.”

  She smiled. “I appreciate your concern, but I’m
in danger every day. It’s something you’ll have to get used to.”

  “I can’t help wanting to protect you,” Jack argued.

  Tom nudged his brother. “You’ll learn same as I did. You can’t protect these women. They take care of themselves.”

  “There’s still one thing I don’t understand,” Jack said. “Tim sent the threatening messages, but he claims he didn’t try to break into your apartment. If it wasn’t Tim—”

  Pat pressed her finger against his lips. “Don’t say another word. That’s not something I want to think about on a beautiful day like this.”

  The back gate swung open.

  “Hey, Dylan,” Jon called, waving his glove. “Come play catch.”

  On his way to join his friend, Dylan said hello to Lea. “Thanks for inviting me, Mrs. Austin.”

  “We’re happy to have you, Dylan.” She gave the boy a hug. “My father told us what you did. Thanks to you, the man peddling drugs at your school won’t be around any longer.”

  Tom leaned toward the boy. “All ready for your first day of Explorers tomorrow?”

  “Yes, sir. I’m excited.”

  “Atta boy.”

  “Did you talk with your mother?” Warren asked.

  Dylan grinned. “When I explained how I felt about the divorce, that I was worried my father would start a new family and forget me, Mom promised that would never happen. We made plans for me to spend the summer with Dad.”

  “What about the situation at school?”

  The boy got serious. “Yeah. We talked about that, too. She asked why I hadn’t let her know what was going on.”

  “You thought she would be upset and couldn’t handle it,” Warren said. “She worried you weren’t strong enough to say no to drugs. You didn’t trust each other.”

  Dylan nodded. “From now on, we’re going to trust each other and not keep secrets.”

  He ran to join Jon and the dogs.

  Warren reflected on the boy’s words. “Out of the mouths of babes.”

  Everyone at the table raised their glass.

  # # # # #

  FREE BOOK

  As a special thanks for reading this book, I would like to give you a FREE copy of THE NUT CASE, the Prequel Novella which tells the story of how the sisters began their sleuthing adventures!

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  OTHER SISTER SLEUTH MYSTERIES

  THE NUT CASE NOVELLA

  This is the case that started it all!

  BOOK 1: MURDER AT THE PIER

  The dogs find a body under the pier and start the sisters on a deadly trail.

  BOOK 2: MURDER ACT TWO

  Treachery among actors leads to murder in the second act.

  BOOK 3: MURDER WESTERN STYLE

  The most dangerous event at this rodeo is murder!

  BOOK 4: THREE-DAY WEEKENDS ARE MURDER

  Maddy’s ex is accused of murder-a sure spoiler for a holiday weekend.

  BOOK 5: MURDER AFTER HOURS

  Working late can be murder in more ways than one!

  BOOK 6: HIT AND RUN

  Was this hit-and-run an accident or murder?

  It’s up to the sisters to find out.

  BOOK 7: SIZZLING COLD CASE

  Warren gets a chance to solve a case that went unsolved. But will accepting this challenge put the sisters in danger?

  BOOK EXCERPT

  Book 7 Sister Sleuths Mystery Series

  Was it a Tragic Accident…or Cold-Blooded Murder?

  It was opening day of the Conley Austin Detective Agency. Lea did not expect a new client the first day of doing business. Nor did she expect that person would open a Pandora’s box of painful memories. But that’s who showed up.

  • • • • •

  Lea woke filled with excitement. Working with her sister and father doing what she loved was a dream come true. Instead of her normal work-from-home attire of sweatpants and t-shirts, she put on her favorite tailored suit.

  After applying minimal makeup to flawless skin, she twisted her hair in a braided bun. Yielding to her practical nature, she chose comfortable shoes and threw jeans and a sweatshirt in a backpack.

  Paul looked over her shoulder as he kissed her on the neck. “Preparing for undercover work?”

  “You never know. It’s best to be prepared.”

  “I rousted Jon out of bed and turned on the coffee pot. Have you talked to the dogs about their change in routine?”

  “I informed Spirit and Gracie they may go with me to the office as long as they stay out of trouble.”

  “That’s funny because I told them to keep you out of trouble.”

  “I guess we’ll keep each other out of trouble.”

  “You’re in the wrong business for that.”

  She brushed his cheek with a kiss. “I appreciate your support.”

  “It’s easier for me to give knowing your father will be present. Are he and Barbara settled in their new home?”

  “We’re going to their condo soon for a housewarming.” She noted Paul’s look of alarm. “Don’t worry; Mom won’t be cooking. She’s already discovered a takeout place.”

  Downstairs in the kitchen, she found her son smothering a slice of toast with peanut butter.

  “I know better than to expect bacon and eggs for breakfast any longer,” Jon said.

  “Will that fill you up?”

  “Dad’s taking me to school. We’ll go through a drive-through if I’m still hungry.” He grabbed his backpack. “Are we having pizza for dinner?”

  “Nice try, but our routine isn’t changing that much.”

  After Paul and Jon left, Lea scrubbed vegetables and placed them in a crock pot with meat, setting the timer to cook all day.

  Opening the door to the garage, she called the dogs. “C’mon, you two.”

  The pets raced in circles, eager to start their job as detective agency mascots.

  As she drove from the house, Lea considered how easily she resumed the morning routine of her previous corporate job. However, there was a difference. Excitement, not anxiety, caused her stomach flutters today.

  Still, she had doubts.

  Am I crazy to do this? Will the agency succeed?

  As she weaved her way through traffic, her mind filled with questions.

  Should I have stayed with the guaranteed income of my writing career? Jon will graduate from high school in three years. We need more money for his college education.

  If I don’t carry my share of the financial load, am I being selfish to follow my heart in this manner?

  At the midtown exit, her doubts were replaced by a feeling of exhilaration.

  My first day at the Conley and Austin Detective Agency.

  I have no idea how this venture may turn out. At least, I won’t have regrets about a road not taken.

  • • •

  Maddy locked the door of her beach cottage, inhaling invigorating ocean air as she admired her neighbor’s roses.

  “You going to the furniture store early today?” the woman asked.

  “Not until later. It’s the first official day of the detective agency. Wish me luck!”

  On the freeway, she suddenly experienced the jitters Lea was prone to. Bowing to the sweet tooth triggered by her nerves, she decided to stop for donuts.

  A man brushed past her as she entered the shop.

  Stepping to the counter, she looked back over her shoulder. She only got a glimpse, but the man’s hair and the way he walked seemed familiar.

  It can’t be, she thought.

  She watched as he stepped into an SUV and drove away.

  “What can I get for you?”

  She turned her attention to the cashier.

  • • •

  Warren poured a cup of coffee and carried it to the deck of the condominium.

  As he leaned over the railing, Barbara joined him and draped an arm across his shoulder.

 
“Are you glad our daughters talked us into moving?” she asked.

  “Don’t pretend innocence. You took part in their conspiracy.”

  “That may be true, but you didn’t require a great deal of convincing.”

  He gazed at the sailboats in the harbor and listened to sounds of creaking boats, hollering fishermen, and squawking seagulls.

  “No, indeed. This is where we belong now.”

  They heard a knocking at the door.

  “I’ll go,” Barbara said. “Stay and enjoy your coffee.”

  He heard an exchange between Barbara and two women welcoming them on behalf of the association. Before he could intervene, his wife extended an invitation.

  “Come in for coffee,” she urged the visitors.

  After seating the two women, she excused herself and went to the kitchen for coffee. Before preparing cups for her guests, she poured some of the hot beverage into a thermos and handed it to Warren. “Isn’t it time to open the doors on your new enterprise?”

  “Are you trying to get rid of me?”

  “Yes, dear, I am.” She kissed his cheek. “I’ll give our visitors your apologies.”

  He pulled his keys from a hook on the wall and walked out the door.

  • • •

  Sam Swanson sat at the dining table in his luxurious home twenty miles north of Buena Viaje. The housekeeper set a plate with a poached egg and toast in front of him.

  “Would you like some of my homemade jam?” she asked.

  “None for him, Millie. You know the doctor’s instructions about his diabetes. We don’t want another rush to the hospital with a heart attack, do we?”

  “No, madam.”

  “Besides, he could stand to lose a few pounds.”

  The order was issued by a young woman kept trim by exercise trainers and tennis.

  Sam frowned at his wife as he reached for the newspaper. He pulled out several pages and slid them across the table.

  “Here’s the entertainment section. I assume that’s all you’re interested in.”

  She lowered her head. “Don’t be hurtful, dear.”

  Without reaching for the paper, she continued. “Speaking of entertainment, when are you taking me to the new restaurant everyone’s raving about?”