“Not surprising if she’s as hot as Nate says.” He grinned. “I’ll follow this up. In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled. Watch for anyone acting weird. There are rumors something big is heading our way. And soon.”
I wondered what he meant. “Something big?” I asked.
He nodded. “We’ve been told to be extra watchful. If you see anything that doesn’t look right, give me a call on my cell.” He gave me his personal work number. “Don’t get involved on your own though.” He put his hand on my shoulder. “I mean it, Tom. You’re like another son to me. Call if you need my help.”
His face was very serious. He raised one eyebrow. “Remember, you’re still just a kid, even if you are a smart one.” Officer Murphy gave my shoulder a pat and walked out the door.
As I rode home from the station that night, I kept replaying what Nate’s dad had said. Kat and her father were definitely out of the ordinary for LeFave’s Marine and Repair. But I wondered if Nate’s dad was hinting at more. I thought of his comment about me being like another son. Was he trying to tell me something else?
There was someone I knew who was acting very weird. Someone who was desperate for money. Someone who didn’t want me near our shed by the water.
I couldn’t help but wonder.
Was Officer Murphy warning me about my own dad?
Chapter Nine
Dad kept acting weird all week. Maybe I was just more aware of it, thanks to Officer Murphy’s warning. It was a relief to go to school each day.
I had a chance to study Oleg every day in math class. That was the one place where he acted like I didn’t exist. I was almost disappointed. I wanted to see what he was up to. I watched him sweat as he got more and more lost in math, but that wasn’t helping me figure him out. I asked Nate to keep an eye on him at football practice. They were together after school every day. Chances were good he’d hear something.
I was spending another weeknight in the house, away from the river and Dad’s shed. I thought I’d go crazy. Then, after dinner, Nate texted me:
Oleg having big party this Sat. on Boblo.
Back-to-school bash.
Whole team invited.
I texted back:
U going?
Nate replied:
Figure I better.
I typed:
No prob. U will have 2 check out his place 4 me. See what’s up.
Nate answered:
Will keep eyes + ears open.
Knowing Nate would get to check out Oleg’s house should have made me feel better. Nate was no superspy though. If a pretty girl was anywhere near him, he’d be useless.
I was dying to get into the Oleg supermansion myself. No way would I ever be invited though. It would be all seniors and football guys. And I couldn’t forget Oleg’s warning when we were racing near Boblo. He didn’t like me on the river in his “backyard.” He’d be really mad if I made it through his front door.
Maybe I could borrow someone else’s boat and check out the party from the water.
I was plotting how I could swing that when I got another text.
Hey there, Tom. How r u?
It was Kat. I tried to play it cool.
K. U?
She answered:
Been checking out history here.
Not a lot 2 c anymore.
Cool spooky buildings tho.
She sent me some pictures she’d taken of the old ruins on the island.
I wrote:
Great shots.
I was thinking about Officer Murphy wanting to know more about Kat and her dad. I’d learned that the Southern Comfort was licensed in the Florida Keys. Was it worth asking Kat more questions?
My phone’s incoming text tone went again. She wrote:
Met a guy over here.
I forgot about the Southern Comfort pronto.
Why was Kat telling me about another guy? It’s not like we were a thing. At least, I didn’t think so.
Did totally wishing count?
Before I could decide what to answer, she texted again:
U might know him. He goes 2 school in LaS.
Crap! I knew right away who it had to be. Oleg! And of course she’d pick him over me—who wouldn’t? I didn’t have two bucks to rub together. Dominik Oleg was rich and a football star. And he had that damn boat!
I was so worked up, I almost missed her next texts:
I hope he’s not ur friend.
He’s an idiot.
Dom Oleg.
For a moment I was speechless. Kat had run into Dominik Oleg on Boblo, just like I had expected—and she could tell right away he was a jerk.
Awesome!
I texted:
He IS a jerk. Did he talk about me?
She texted back right away:
No. Didn’t talk 2 him much.
Asked me 2 come 2 party @ his place Sat.
There was a pause between texts. Then:
Wanna come w/me?
I think my brain froze. Of course I wanted to go to a party with Kat. I’d want to go anywhere with Kat. The fact that the party was in Oleg’s supermansion made it even more appealing. The problem was…how could I go? Oleg would take one look at me and throw me out. Literally!
I texted back:
Oleg h8s me.
No sense sugarcoating it. Kat texted back:
Gr8. He’s trying 2 impress me.
I could believe that.
She added:
Won’t do anything if u come as my d8.
And he’ll have 2 keep his hands off!
The thought of Oleg with his hands on Kat made my blood steam. I pushed the thought away. Could I be this lucky? A date with Kat and a chance to spy on Oleg?
I texted:
I’m in. Should b fun.
Kat offered to pick me up in her yacht. I said I’d run myself out. We hammered out a time and place to meet—Boblo Marina at eight o’clock. We could walk over to Oleg’s supermansion from there. I gave her one last chance to back out.
I texted:
U sure ur up for this?
Her message came back fast.
Yes! Can’t w8!
I stared at the row of smiley faces. I tried to tell myself the spying option was a bigger deal than spending time with Kat.
Too bad I didn’t believe it.
I’m going on a date with Kat. She asked me. We’re going to a party in a Boblo supermansion. Oleg’s supermansion. And I get to spy on him as an added bonus…
Now if I could just figure out what Oleg was up to, avoid making a fool out of myself in front of Kat and—just for a change—not end up soaking wet…
Chapter Ten
Dad seemed really happy on Saturday night.
“It’s about time you had some fun in your life,” he said. “You’ll have to tell me all about the Oleg place tomorrow. I bet it’s something. Be sure to look around so you can give me details.” He chuckled.
I realized I hadn’t heard that sound in a long time.
I didn’t tell him there was a good chance I wouldn’t get past Oleg’s front door, even with Kat beside me. Dad had offered to drive me over, but I wanted a quick getaway if I needed one. No way was I waiting for Dad to come get me if Oleg and I got into it. Dad was in a big hurry for me to get going. I figured he was itching to get to his shed. I wondered if that was why he was in such a good mood. An evening without me looking over his shoulder, wondering what he was up to.
We decided I’d take the marina’s old runner. The forecast called for a storm later. The runner was pretty good in waves. Not much to look at, but Dad had her running faster than you’d think. I threw a towel over the seat so I didn’t sit in anything. I was thankful the wind blew away the runner’s fishy, oily smell.
In no time I pulled into Boblo Marina. I spotted the Southern Comfort right away. Kat was waving. Her hair was down. I couldn’t help but notice that her white jeans fit as well as her denim shorts. She looked like a model.
“Hey there,” Kat cal
led. She welcomed me with another Southern hug. “I’m so glad you could come. I missed you.”
“I missed you too. I mean…” What did I mean? I was so bad at this. “Thanks for putting yourself in the line of fire. Going with me and all. You sure you don’t mind if Oleg throws me out?”
“He won’t. And if he does, I’ll have an excuse to leave too. I’m fine with that.” She looked guilty. “I really just wanted to see inside his mansion. As long as he throws you out after I get a chance to snoop, I’m good!”
“To be honest, I want to look around too.” We turned the corner onto the street with the biggest homes on the island. I wondered how much to tell her.
“Oleg’s been telling everyone he’s got this great job. One that makes him a lot of money. I’m curious,” I said.
Kat nodded. “He told me that too. I thought he was just trying to look like a big shot. I think that’s why he invited me. Trying to impress me. Or maybe his dad told him he’d better.” Kat shrugged, grinning. “He did say he had some friends for me to meet. They’re boating over from Grosse Ile. Wherever that is.”
I pointed down the river. “Grosse Ile is the biggest island out there. It’s really one huge island with a few small ones all around it. There’s a bridge that joins it to the mainland. It’s on the us side of the river. Very high-end. More super-mansions. He probably met his friends boating.”
“Probably. He seems a little obsessed with that boat of his.”
“You think?” We both laughed.
“I can’t be rude to him. Our dads are doing business together. They’re at a dinner meeting tonight.”
I wondered again what Kat’s father did. I didn’t know a lot about Oleg’s dad. Rich businessman. Multiple companies. Big into donating lots of money to local service groups and sports teams.
“Have you met Mr. Oleg?” I asked.
“Just this week. He seems like a nice enough guy. Not shallow like his son. He’s a bit intense though.”
“What do you mean?”
“He couldn’t do enough for Dad and me when we got here. Invited us over and offered us anything we needed. Really warm and friendly. Then Dom came home. Oleg Senior got very stern very fast. No more smiles. All business.” Kat shook her head. “I kind of wondered if something was going on between them. Dom looked almost scared of him. He wasn’t the same kid I’d met on the marina dock, bragging about his boat.”
She pointed at two massive stone pillars guarding a wide, curving drive. “And on that note, we’re here.”
We walked up the drive, past a shiny Mustang. The last time I’d seen that car was through a puddle sliding down my face.
Music was pounding through the open French doors and windows. Kids were everywhere. I looked for Nate but couldn’t see him outside.
Kat grabbed my arm, then slipped her hand into mine. She leaned in as we walked up the front steps. I was hoping it was a romantic move—I was all for it—but she had another purpose.
“Listen,” she whispered. “If you get a chance, go explore. I can keep Dom busy. Just promise me you’ll tell me what you find.”
“No! I mean…that’s not very gentlemanly of me. I can’t just leave you. Unless I get tossed out the door, of course.” I grinned.
“I’m serious.” Kat’s accent was stronger when she whispered. “We’ll get in the door, make small talk, and then you can go snoop. Just don’t leave me hanging for long.” She squeezed my hand. Her eyes stared into mine. “I’d rather spend tonight with you than anyone else.”
And that’s when the front door swung open.
Chapter Eleven
I don’t think I’ll ever forget the look on Oleg’s face when he saw me with Kat on his front step.
First he saw only Kat. His face broke into a big smile. His dimples and too-white teeth were flashing. You could almost feel the charm oozing off him.
“Miss Kathleen.” His fake Southern accent was lame. “I’m so glad you could come.” His eyes met hers. Then they moved from her face down to her feet and—very slowly—climbed back up. “You look smokin’ hot.”
Did he really just check out my date right in front of me?
Before I could do or say anything, Kat spoke.
“Thanks for inviting me, Dom. And thanks for letting me bring my very good friend.” She kept our hands together, swinging them so Oleg couldn’t help but notice. “This is Tom LeFave.”
Oleg’s eyes slid to my face. His look was priceless.
“Hi there, Dominik,” I said cheerfully. “Thanks so much for inviting me.” Holding hands with Kat, and seeing that look on Oleg’s face, made me feel brave.
Oleg’s hands were fists at his side. I could tell he wanted to tear me apart.
“LeFave.” He looked back at Kat. She was smiling sweetly. “I didn’t realize you knew Kathleen. I can’t imagine how that could ever happen.”
He didn’t move. His body was blocking the entry to his house.
“Tom and I have some mutual friends,” Kat said. “Al and Mae.”
I almost laughed out loud. Al Capone and Mae West. Yup, we were tight.
“I understand you boys go to school together?” Kat made it sound like a question.
“Yeah. We don’t hang out though. LeFave’s just a kid. And he’s not on the football team.” Oleg said it like I had scales and three arms. He paused. “We have run into each other a few times lately though, haven’t we, LeFave?” He smirked. “It’s supposed to rain tonight. You don’t want to get wet again.”
Reminding me of our soggy run-ins clearly gave Oleg back his good mood. He moved out of the doorway and smiled again at Kat.
“Go inside and get a drink, Kathleen. Make yourself at home.” His voice was all charm. “I’ll be in after I tie down the patio stuff. Tonight’s storm is almost here.” He looked me right in the eye. “And you never can tell what crap a storm will toss up on your front steps.”
Oleg made his way down the stairs. He turned back to face us at the bottom.
“You and I need to have a little chat, LeFave,” he said, his eyes locked on mine. “I’m busy tonight, but don’t you worry. We’ll talk soon.” His eyes narrowed. “That’s a promise.”
“Speaking of crap…he’s full of it! Don’t even listen to him,” Kat said as we walked into the house.
“I know.” At least I’d made it in the door.
We ran into Nate in the kitchen. He was trying way too hard to get some girl’s phone number. We said hi but left him to it. I was happy to have Kat all to myself.
The party was pretty cool. Oleg was gone for a good hour. I forgot about snooping—it was so great to hang out with Kat. We were talking about music when Dominik showed up again. The fake charm was back.
“Miss Kathleen, how are you doing? Hope you aren’t too bored.” His look said she must be, hanging with me. “Remember I told you I wanted you to meet some friends of mine? They’re your type of people.” Oleg shot a look at me. “They’re waiting for us by the fire pit.”
Kat looked at me. Using her hair to block Oleg from seeing her face, she winked.
“Sounds good, Dom. I can’t wait.” She put her arm through his. “I’m sure Tom can find something to do while we’re outside.”
With Kat minding Oleg, I made my way through the partygoers, checking out rooms. One on the main floor was locked.
“Can’t go in there, man. Dom’s dad’s office.” A very drunk linesman from the football team was slumped on the stairs, watching me. “He locked it up before he left,” he added.
“Thanks, man. I’m looking for a washroom.” I pointed toward the kitchen. “That one’s busy.”
The linesman pointed upstairs behind him. “That way. Top of the stairs. Right beside Dom’s bedroom.”
I raced past my helpful tour guide. If anyone asked, I figured he’d back up my story. If he didn’t pass out first.
I found Oleg’s bedroom easily. The wall of fame with trophies, ribbons and photos was a big clue. The room was bigger tha
n my whole home, with windows across one wall facing the water. A giant map of the Detroit River was framed on another wall. There was a top-of-the-line Mac sitting on his desk. I kept low so no one could see me from outside and turned it on.
It booted up fast. Oleg’s password was football—my second guess after his name. It was so obvious. But then, this was Dominik Oleg.
I checked out his email. There was nothing about any job. Nothing at all, really. I wondered if he had another email account. I couldn’t find anything in the computer’s history either.
The party was getting lively outside. I moved sideways behind a curtain to look for Kat. She was there with Oleg and three other kids. Probably the Grosse Ile crowd.
Oleg was practically sitting on her lap. He had an arm wrapped around her tighter than a rubber band. After seeing that, I decided I needed to move faster. I shut down his Mac and left it as I’d found it.
Luckily, Oleg’s trophies were illuminated by little pot lights. I used their glow to search through his desk. Then I tried Oleg’s night table. Other than a large stash of football magazines, I came up empty.
“Something’s got to be here. What about the closet?” I whispered to myself. I opened the door, letting the handle slide back into position slowly in my hand.
Oleg sure isn’t a neat freak.
There were piles of clothes on the floor, even though there was a hamper right there. I flipped through the hanging clothes, searching for anything weird. I stopped when I came to a camo outfit. Pants, jacket…the whole thing. I wouldn’t have pegged Oleg for a hunter. I checked the pockets. Nothing.
I was moving to check out his dresser when I heard a noise through Oleg’s wall. The side opposite the bathroom.
Had some couple come upstairs to fool around? Not likely. I’d kept the door open because that’s how I’d found it. No one had walked by.
Could they have been up here the whole time?
I slipped out of Oleg’s room and moved to the room next door. I had my hand on the doorknob when I heard more noises from inside the room.
It would bug me if I didn’t check it out.
I got my excuse ready in case a couple was inside. Oh, sorry! I was just looking for a spot for me and my girlfriend.
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