Hit and Run

by Rayna Morgan

  HIT AND RUN

  A Sister Sleuths Mystery

  Book Six

  Rayna Morgan

  Contents

  PART ONE

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  PART TWO

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  PART THREE

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  PART FOUR

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Free Book

  Book Excerpt

  Box Set

  Other Books

  From the Author

  Copyright

  PART ONE

  THE LAST PARTY

  Chapter 1

  If she had known this was the last party she would attend, she would have danced and enjoyed the music. But she was no different from the rest of us. None of us knows which of our actions will change our life forever. Instead, she served drinks to a room full of arrogant people pretending wealth brought happiness.

  • • •

  Cate Palmer followed the circular drive past a tiered fountain at the home of one of the county’s biggest developers. She waved at valets wearing starched shirts and black vests and drove to parking at the rear. From previous parties at Ron Townsend’s mansion, she knew where the catering staff was expected to park.

  She entered a door at the back and hurried past a living room featuring disappearing glass walls which provided panoramic views of the ocean and allowed warm, moist breezes to fill the house.

  Knocking softly before entering a room down the hall, she breathed a sigh of relief to find the book-lined study empty. Permitting herself a moment’s diversion, she passed through sliding doors onto a terrace where she inhaled salty air as it washed over her skin. She twisted her long, brown hair into a bun and savored the feeling of living close to the beach.

  She would rather spend her time off with her boyfriend, but Ron Townsend was known for exorbitant tips. She’d be short on rent without the gratuity handed out to servers at the end of the night. At least the gig provided an excuse to postpone the important conversation she must have with Mario. With a sigh, she turned her attention to the job at hand.

  When she emerged from the study and entered the living room, the party was in full swing. Clusters of people converged in the main room to gossip or listen to the entertainer at the piano. Other guests filled plates at the mouth-watering buffet or ordered drinks at a portable bar displaying multiple wines and liquors. The more adventurous invitees followed a winding exterior stairway to the third floor to enjoy the rooftop Jacuzzi.

  As she moved through the room, she couldn’t resist giving female guests an envious once-over. She wondered how much time they spent with exercise trainers to pour themselves into plunging V-neck dresses designed to show maximum skin. Their shoes alone would set Cate back a month’s pay from her regular job as a waitress. She consoled herself knowing that underneath the black uniform required by the catering company was a curvaceous figure which would do justice to any designer clothing.

  Eyeing the delicacies on the buffet table, she checked in at the full-service bar.

  “Give me a moment and I’ll fill your tray,” the bartender told her.

  Holly Hanson rushed over. “You’re late. You won’t have time to set things up.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ve taken care of it. Everything’s under control.”

  Cate balanced a tray of martinis and weaved among the guests.

  A man grabbed a drink without so much as a thank you. She swiped a finger along her face and handed him a napkin. “You might want to…”

  He blushed slightly and brushed white powder from his nose.

  The bartender signaled her.

  “Mr. Townsend has requested drinks in his library. And take a plate of the shrimp appetizers. Knock before you enter,” he cautioned, as he placed two whiskey glasses on her tray. “What goes on behind closed doors can be embarrassing.”

  • • •

  Following the bartender’s advice, she hesitated before entering the study. The heated conversation taking place gave her pause.

  “Where are those permits?” an angry man shouted. “I’ve got a construction crew on site waiting to start a multi-million dollar project. It costs me a bundle every day those cranes aren’t operating.”

  The reply came from a voice Cate recognized. “You can’t expect me to simply waltz into the building department and order them to approve your plans without going through required procedures. I’m doing the best I can. By the way, I hope you’re not planning to use the same builder you used on Cedar Bluffs.”

  “I’m not stupid.” The developer sounded offended. “Now, what about the financing?”

  “Unless you want to come up with the money yourself, I need time to get an appropriations bill approved.”

  “Speed it up. Every dollar it costs me in delays, it costs you as well. You won’t be paid a dime until the day of groundbreaking.”

  “I understand, but you might be more sympathetic about the risk I’m taking. I could get in serious trouble if anyone feels I put pressure on my peers in Sacramento.”

  “Don’t ask for sympathy. Risk equals reward. You’ll be well compensated when the time comes. Speaking of risks, did you talk with your accountant about the way my contributions to your campaign are recorded?”

  “Don’t worry. I had that conversation.”

  “Good. I don’t want unpleasant repercussions over my donations.” The host relaxed. “Now, let’s enjoy the party. Where are those drinks I ordered? Let me page the bartender and find out.”

  Cate hurriedly pushed the door open.

  The man sitting across from Townsend stood to leave. “Never mind, Ron. As you said, I’ve got work to do.”

  He brushed past the cocktail waitress, nearly spilling the drinks on her tray. Turning to offer an apology, he appeared flustered. “Cate! What are you doing here?”

  “Delivering the drinks Mr. Townsend ordered.” She reached for a cocktail napkin. “Would you like one?”

  “Don’t bother. I’m on my way out.”

  Before closing the door, he added awkwardly, “Nice to see you.”

  The host noted the dismayed look on Cate’s face as she walked around the desk to serve his drink. His lips curled in amusement.

  “Don’t pay any attention to my guest. You know politicians. All bluster and empty rhetoric.”

  He reached for the second glass. “I’ll take that one, too.”

  She offered the appetizers. “Have some shrimp.”

  He put the plate on the desk and extended the second glass toward her.

  “Have a drink with me, Cate.”

  She smiled demurely. “I’m working, Mr. Townsend.”

  “I’ve asked you before to call me Ron.”

  “Holly would have a fit if she heard me call a client or guest by his first name.”

  “
Come back when the party’s over. I’ll let you call me whatever you wish.”

  He reached around her waist, letting his hand slide down her back.

  She bit her tongue, worried he would feel the device hidden in her pocket. “You won’t appreciate the name I’ll call you if you cost me my job.”

  His reply was cut off when the door was flung open by a young Hispanic man, shouting and waving his arms. “Where’s my money, Townsend? You were supposed to meet me in the parking lot.”

  Cate turned, slipping away from Townsend’s grasp.

  “Mario!” she exclaimed.

  The intruder halted. His dark eyes moved from Townsend to Cate and he confronted her. “You told me you were called to work.”

  “By the catering company, not the restaurant. But what are you doing here?”

  Townsend looked displeased by the interruption. He drained the second whiskey and placed the empty glass on her tray.

  “I’m sure my guests are thirsty, doll. Why don’t you hustle out to serve them so I can finish my business and join the festivities?”

  Cate lowered her head without looking at Mario and hurried through the door. In the hall, she leaned back against the door to listen.

  “I provided the goodies for your guests,” her boyfriend argued. “I want payment.”

  “Everyone’s after me for the same thing as though I have nothing better to do than dole out money,” Townsend complained. “Never mind. I’ll tell my security man to pay you before he escorts you from the premises.”

  A tap on her shoulder made Cate jump, nearly toppling the empty glasses on the tray.

  • • •

  She spun around to face the man in charge of Townsend’s security.

  “Mr. Townsend’s busy, miss. Is there a reason you’re standing outside his door?” The harshness in his eyes conveyed a different message than the soft-spoken inquiry.

  “I delivered his drinks but forgot to ask if he needed anything else.”

  “He will page the caterer if he requires something. Get back to your duties taking care of the guests.”

  Further down the hall, she ran into the man from the unexpected encounter in the library.

  “I’ve been looking for you,” he said. “What a pleasant surprise to see you here.”

  “Likewise, Assemblyman Kirk. I hope you’re enjoying the party.”

  “C’mon, Cate. Why so formal?”

  He reached out to touch her face but she drew back.

  “I miss you,” he moaned. “I can’t stop thinking about you.”

  “We’re over, Allen. How many times do I have to tell you? Go find your wife. I saw her earlier, the center of attention.”

  He glanced across the room at a statuesque woman surrounded by chattering females.

  “That’s Vicky, all right. The queen bee of her clique.” He turned back, disinterested. “I don’t need to tend to her. She’ll snap her fingers when she’s ready to leave.”

  Allen’s self pity wore on Cate as it had during their brief affair.

  “Stop complaining. It’s part of the social scene you thrive on. Besides, she raised two kids you can be proud of.”

  “We’ll find out when they graduate from those expensive Ivy League colleges and show what I paid for.”

  Cate saw the bartender waving. “I have to go.”

  He grabbed her sleeve. “Can I call you?”

  She brushed his hand away. “I’m in a relationship where I’ll be starting a family of my own.”

  She took a deep breath to regain her composure.

  “Leave me alone, Allen. I mean it.”

  As she continued down the hall, she wondered if what she told her former lover was true. After hearing the conversation in the study, would she be willing to settle down with Mario?

  • • •

  The security guard enjoyed watching the cocktail waitress reject the unwanted advances. He stepped in before the man could follow Cate.

  “Mr. Kirk, we need to talk.”

  “Later. Can’t you see I’m busy?”

  “It doesn’t appear you’re as busy as you might like to be.” The security man chuckled and continued in a demeaning tone. “I take care of your other problems. Perhaps you need help in the social department as well.”

  The assemblyman’s face turned crimson as he tried to pass. “Get out of my way.”

  Mike Morris was shorter in stature but his stocky frame blocked the man’s progress. “I saw you go into the study. What did you and Townsend discuss?”

  “Nothing which concerns you.”

  “My business is protecting you. I do that by knowing what you do.”

  “Townsend wanted an update on permits I’m getting approved for him, that’s all.”

  “Who was at the meeting?”

  “Only Townsend and myself.”

  “Did you say anything incriminating?”

  “He reminded me of benefits I enjoy for ensuring his projects get a green light. Since what I do for him could cost my job and reputation, I suppose that falls in the category of compromising. Why do you ask?”

  “Someone may have overheard your conversation.”

  “Who?”

  “The cocktail waitress you were talking to. I caught her listening at the library door.”

  “Cate would never question my activities.”

  “From what I saw, she has no allegiance to you.”

  Kirk looked over his shoulder. “I suppose you’re right. Keep an eye on her for a day or two. I don’t want any trouble.”

  “That’s what you pay me for. Keeping you out of trouble.”

  The men finished their conversation and walked away in different directions.

  Cate stepped forward from a corner of the alcove.

  I’ll have to watch my step with those two, she thought.

  She turned off the recorder in her pocket before carrying her tray to the bar for refills.

  • • •

  Morris stepped to the door of the library and tapped lightly.

  “Yes, what is it?” a voice replied.

  The security man poked his head in. “Everything all right, sir? I heard loud voices.”

  “It was only Assemblyman Kirk and me having a difference of opinion until that hothead broke in. Why don’t you follow the young man to make sure he leaves the premises?”

  “Will do.” He hesitated before backing out. “One other thing.”

  “What is it?” the developer asked impatiently.

  “The cocktail waitress who brought your drinks. She was listening at the door before she entered. It probably doesn’t matter, but I thought you should know.”

  Townsend frowned as he rubbed his chin. “In that case, I may have extra work for you.”

  • • •

  After the host returned to the party, Cate retrieved a device from a bookcase in the library.

  She found Holly talking with servers at the buffet table.

  “Did you get it?” Holly asked.

  Cate handed the woman a small recorder. She failed to mention the one in her pocket, insurance in case Holly tried to cut her out.

  “There should be more than enough on this.” She pushed her empty serving tray into Holly’s hands. “I’m taking a break.”

  As she rushed out the front door, she pulled her phone from her pocket and called her brother.

  When he answered, she heard music in the background. “Where are you?”

  “The Pub in Gaslamp. What’s up?”

  “I’m working a private party at Townsend’s house.”

  “The big house on the bluff? Lucky you.”

  “Not so lucky, maybe. I think I overheard a conversation I shouldn’t have.”

  “Please tell me you didn’t record it.”

  “As a matter of fact—”

  “How many times have I told you? You'll get in trouble doing that. I know you get a kick from the stuff you hear at those parties, but it’s nothing to spread around. You’d be crazy t
o use anything you record.”

  “Yeah, yeah. Quit acting like my self-righteous brother and listen.”

  At that moment she spotted her boyfriend arguing with a valet.

  “I gotta go, Sean. Talk to you later.”

  She hung up and ran to confront Mario.

  • • •

  As Cate got closer, she heard Mario shout at the parking attendant. “Hold your horses. I’m moving my car.”

  She opened the passenger door and slid in the front seat beside him.

  “What are you doing?” he asked her. “You’re working, aren’t you?”

  “Pull around the corner. I want to speak to you.”

  Cate tried to calm her emotions as Mario found an empty spot on the street. But the moment he turned off the engine, angry words spewed out.

  “How could you, Mario!” Tears sprang to her eyes. “You promised me.”

  “Listen, baby,” he pleaded.

  “Don’t baby me. I told you we were finished unless you stopped dealing drugs. I thought you wanted to start a family as much as I do. Your dope head associates are dangerous. I’d never allow them within a mile of a child of ours.”

  “This is my last score. I told you I’d quit and I meant it. I let those guys know that I’m giving up my gig on the cruise ship so I won’t be able to transport any more drugs.”

  He reached over and stroked her cheek. “A friend is hooking me up with another job. Trust me. Everything will be all right.”

  He put an arm around her and she let her head fall onto his shoulder.

  “You’ve broken promises before,” she mumbled.

  “Not this time, I swear.” He leaned over and tried to kiss her.

  “I have to get back.” She pushed him away gently and got out of the car.

  Before leaving, she turned back and leaned through the window. “I may have a way to get the money we need so you can get out of the drug business without giving up your job on the ship.”

  Without waiting for questions, she blew him a kiss and returned to the party.

  Chapter 2

  The funeral boat cruised along the coastline a mile from the bay.

  Flashes of sunlight resembled sparkling diamonds on the water. Dolphins glided smoothly up and down close to the boat. Pelicans smacked through the ocean’s surface to scoop up fish.