The Death Card: A Liz Lucas Cozy Mystery

by Dianne Harman

  She sat speechless and motionless staring at the beautiful large emerald cut diamond ring surrounded by three small diamonds on each side that was in the box. After a few moments she looked up at him, tears running down her cheeks. “Yes, yes, yes,” she screamed, jumping up from her chair and into his lap. “A million times, yes! Oh Roger, I don’t think I’ve ever been so scared in my life. I was sure you were going to leave me.”

  “Well, if it’s any consolation, I’ve been a nervous wreck worried that you’d say no. Not only would I lose you, I’d have to go back to my partners and tell them it didn’t work out. Oh Liz, right now I think I must be the happiest man in the world. After Bettina died, I never thought I could love another woman, but I love you just as much as I loved her. I know this is going to take some getting used to since this is a second marriage for both of us and both of our spouses died. We’ve both suffered, but I think it’s time we allowed ourselves some happiness, don’t you.”

  She stood up. “I couldn’t agree more. Roger, I have to tell Jonah and Brittany, and you need to tell your boys. When should we get married? Where will we live? Where will your office be?”

  “I’ve always thought a wedding before Christmas during the holiday season would be wonderful. Let’s do it then. That will give us three months to plan for it, and I’m sure all of our children could get time away from their jobs to come with that much notice. You know, we’ve never met each other’s children. I hope everyone approves.”

  “They will. I know my children just want me to be happy, and I’ll bet yours feel the same way. Roger, let’s have a small wedding here at the lodge. Mainly the family with a couple of near and dear friends. I’m thinking my friend Judy would never forgive me if she wasn’t at my wedding, and of course I’d have to invite Bertha. I’m sure you have a couple of people who would be important to you. We could close the lodge for a week and use the cottages for our family and friends. Maybe we should have a reception here after the ceremony and invite people like your law partners and some of the townspeople I’ve gotten to know.”

  “Sounds great. We can work out all the details in the coming weeks. Now for the big question. Where should we live?”

  “Why can’t we live in my apartment here at the lodge?”

  “We could, but I really would like to have a room that I could use as an office.”

  “Roger, that’s not a problem. I don’t know if you’ve ever noticed the two rooms that are attached to my apartment that Bertha and I use as storerooms. We could convert them into an office and maybe a man cave for you, so you could have your own space when I’m driving you nuts.”

  “Fat chance of that, but sure, that would work fine. I love it here, and the view and peaceful surroundings are unlike any other.”

  “I think you’ll like the view from your new office and the man cave just as much. Presently they’re just storerooms, but we can have floor to ceiling windows put in both of them. How does that sound?”

  “Like I’ve died and gone to heaven. Plus, I can have a massage anytime I want.”

  “Could probably be arranged, but think we’ll be putting it on our joint account, rather than mine,” she said laughing.

  “Tell you what. I need to start thinking about getting an office. Let’s drive into town and see what’s available. When we come back we can call our kids, and you need to tell Judy and Bertha.”

  “Actually, I’d like to shout it from the roof of the lodge, but it probably wouldn’t be appropriate for the owner of the lodge to be standing on the roof, screaming that she’s going to be Mrs. Langley.”

  “So you’re going to take my name? I was hoping you would, but I know that’s kind of old-fashioned.”

  “Roger, you’re overlooking something.”

  “What?”

  “Your last name is Langley and mine is Lucas. I won’t even have to change my initials on the towels!”

  “Mrs. Langley-to-be, I love you,” he said as he took the ring out of the box and put it on her finger.

  CHAPTER 24

  “Do you think anyone would notice my new ring if I put my hand nonchalantly out the window and waved it around on the way to town?”

  “Yes, and I think you’ll be getting plenty of attention shortly. I want to go to Gertie’s Diner for lunch. I’m starving. This whole getting married thing is making me hungry for a hamburger and one of her famous malted milks.”

  “You don’t have to ask me twice. I was in there the other day and had the same. Think she nails it on both. No wonder people drive here all the way from San Francisco just to get a hamburger and malt.”

  A few minutes later they drove by Gertie’s. “Well, I think a number of people from San Francisco are here right now judging from the makes of the cars and the fact I can’t begin to find a parking place anywhere nearby. We’re going to have to walk a couple of blocks. Hope that’s okay with you,” Roger said.

  “Better than okay. Now I can justify what I’m about to eat.”

  “I like the way you think, Mrs. Langley-to-be. Look Liz, there’s a vacancy sign on the building next to Gertie’s. I kind of like the looks of it. Wonder what they’re asking for it and how big it is.”

  “How much space do you think you’ll need?”

  “I’ll need a large office for me, so I can keep my files and law books in it. I’ll need a reception area that can probably double as an area where my secretary will be plus another office for an intern or legal assistant who can do legal research for me.”

  “What will you do about Sean? You’ve used him for so long you’ll probably be lost without him, and from what you’ve told me, he doesn’t seem like a man who would enjoy living in a small town.”

  “Even though he works for me, technically he’s an employee of the firm, and several of the other attorneys use him as well. He’ll stay in the San Francisco office, but I can still use him. That’ll work out fine.”

  Gertie looked up from the order she was taking and waved at them when they walked into the diner. “Sit anywhere you can find. Be with you in a minute.”

  A couple was just getting up from a table in the back of the diner, and they quickly walked over and sat down. A minute later a young teenage boy wiped the table down and handed them menus.

  “We already know what we’re going to order,” Roger said, “so we won’t need the menus.”

  “Liz, Roger. Good to see you. Lordy, lordy, what am I seein’ on that finger? Looks like a brand new shiny diamond. Ya’ll got some news you want to share with me?” she asked, picking up Liz’s left hand and examining the ring. “Sucker looks to be ‘bout two carats. You got nice taste, counselor. When’s the weddin?”

  “Thanks, Gertie. We haven’t set a date, but we’re thinking sometime during the holiday season. At our ages, it doesn’t make any sense to wait a year or two.”

  “Couldn’t agree more. By the way Liz, remember we was talkin’ ‘bout Madame Dika the other day, and I tol’ you the guy I was lookin’ at was her brother. Well, couple of the other waitresses tol’ me he’s been comin’ in from time to time and meetin’ with other men who have sorta’ dark lookin’ complexions like him. Thought you might like to know. Don’t know how it would fit into Leroy’s death, and I don’t know what they’re talkin’ ‘bout, but from the way my waitresses say they always huddle together, guess they don’t want anyone else to hear.”

  “I have no idea if it fits in, but I appreciate you telling me.”

  “Gertie, looks like you’re pretty busy. We both want hamburgers with everything and chocolate malted milks. Oh, I have one other question for you,” Roger said. “Do you know anything about the vacancy in the building next to the diner?”

  “Jes’ might,” she said with a twinkle in her eye. “Why do you ask?”

  “I’m moving here to Red Cedar, and I want to set up a law office. I need about 1,200 square feet. Do you know of any buildings in Red Cedar that might have something like that available? I’m ready to occupy it as soon as possi
ble.”

  “Well, handsome. This jes’ might be your lucky day in addition to gettin’ Liz to say yes. I own that buildin’ next door, and there’s a space in it for rent immediately. It’s got 1,400 square feet, but you’d have to build it out. Don’t have no offices in it. Last guy that rented it used it as a big storeroom for some things from his ranch. His wife was tired of livin’ here and wanted to live in San Francisco. Moved everything out last week. Let me get the key, and you can look at it when you finish eatin’. I’ll put your orders in and be back in a minute with it.”

  “Roger, just think. If you rent that space you could eat all your lunches here!” Liz said.

  “Yeah, and between Gertie’s cooking and your cooking, I’d probably have to get up before dawn and run for a couple of hours every morning just to maintain my boyish shape,” he said smiling and patting his stomach.

  “Roger, I’ll love you however you are. If you want to eat lunch at Gertie’s, I promise I’ll never comment on a growing tummy or as some might call them, love handles. Just more for me to love.”

  “Right. That’s what you say now, but just wait ‘til it happens.”

  Gertie walked up to their table. “I brought your malteds before the burgers were ready, cuz it takes a long time to get them down. Here’s the key. Jes’ bring it back after you’ve looked at the place.”

  “Gertie, we never discussed rent. What are you asking monthly?”

  “The last guy paid me $2,000 a month. I’d take the same from you.”

  “That’s very fair.”

  “This is a small town. How many people do you think need a place that big, and anyway, how many people want to rent a place in downtown Red Cedar?”

  “Good point. I’ll bring the key back, and maybe we can talk then.”

  “Should be a little quieter then. Gotta go,” she said tottering towards a table where four well-dressed tourists had seated themselves. She waved to all of the other customers as she walked to the table, all the while blowing big pink bubbles.

  When they were finished with lunch and had paid, Liz and Roger walked next door to the two-story early 20th century architectural style brick building with sunny yellow shutters surrounding each window. The space for rent was on the ground floor. Roger put the key in the lock and opened the door. They walked in and looked around at the large room with a bathroom off of it. The brown shag carpeting had clearly seen better days. Liz knelt down and pulled a corner of the carpeting up.

  “Roger, look. There are hardwood floors under this carpeting. If all of it is in as good a condition as this section, it would be beautiful. What do you think?”

  “I’ve never been very good at visualizing, let me ask you instead. What do you think?”

  “It would have to be painted and have new carpeting or the hardwood floors would have to be polished and restored. You’ll need to have it built out to your specifications. It’s large enough you can even have a little room for a lunch table and coffee pot. We didn’t ask if it has Wi-Fi, but almost everything does these days. I know I had to put it in for the cottages and the lodge. Some of the guests can’t unplug and need to work from their cottage or even from the great room in the lodge. I think it would be perfect for what you need, plus if you have elderly or disabled clients, you wouldn’t have to worry about an elevator or stairs, since it’s on the ground floor. I like it.”

  “Well, I trust your judgment. If you can see the potential, I might as well take it. Gertie said there probably weren’t too many people who’d want to rent space in Red Cedar and conversely, I imagine there aren’t too many places for rent. Let’s go back to the diner, and I’ll ask what kind of a deposit she wants to hold it.”

  Roger locked the door and turned to walk back to the diner when he saw Gertie walking towards them. “Gertie, I want to rent it. I’ll need to build it out, and I want to check out the floors and see if they can be refinished or if it needs to be carpeted. Liz has a better eye for this stuff than I do. Can you recommend someone who could do the work? And what kind of a deposit do you need?”

  “No deposit. If I can’t do business on a handshake, ain’t doin’ it. You’ll be good for it. I’ve learned to trust my instincts. As far as someone who could do it, the sheriff’s brother is pretty good at stuff like that. Larry Brown’s his name. I’ll call Liz with his phone number, and you can get started. Glad to have you, and at least I won’t have to tell you a good place to eat,” she said laughing.

  “Bye, Gertie, thanks. Roger, I need to get home and get ready for tonight’s dinner. With Jim’s meeting this morning, I’m a little behind. Emily’s probably already at the lodge, and I didn’t leave any instructions for her.”

  “After talking to her last night, I doubt if that’s a problem. That young lady seems wise beyond her years. She’s probably got dinner completely ready and is working on breakfast for tomorrow morning’s guests.”

  CHAPTER 25

  Early the following morning Liz and Roger were awakened by the ringing of his cell phone. Roger reached over to the nightstand and answered it. “This is Roger Langley.” He listened for a few minutes and then said, “Jim, Liz is here. I’m going to put you on speakerphone. She needs to hear this. Go ahead.”

  Liz sat up in bed, suddenly wide awake. She knew if Jim was calling this early, something important had probably happened.

  “Roger, Liz, I have a lot to tell you. First of all, Anton Sutra was killed last night. I took your advice, Roger, and had some of my officers follow him after he left work at Le Petite Orangerie. They followed him to a rundown apartment building down by the waterfront just as they had the night before. My officers staked it out, and pretty soon they saw several other suspicious looking men enter the apartment building.

  “They found out the men had entered apartment number 1A on the ground floor. As luck would have it, the apartment manager lived on the premises, and after a brief meeting with him he gave the officers access to apartment 2A, which was empty at the time. The two apartments share a common wall, and the officers were able to set up some highly sensitive listening equipment which enabled them to hear the conversations that were going on in the adjoining apartment. Two of my men were on the street watching the entrance and four more were in the apartment. The two groups of officers were in constant contact with each other by two-way radios.”

  “Jim,” Roger said, “I don’t know where this is going, but as a criminal defense attorney, the first thing I’d want to know is whether or not you had a judge sign off on the use of this type of listening equipment. Seems to me you’d need a valid search warrant. You’re getting awfully close to some invasion of privacy issues that might be a problem for you down the road.”

  “Rest assured, Roger, I’m not that stupid. We contacted a judge who is on call at night to approve emergency police requests for search warrants, and he approved our request last night before we went in and occupied the adjoining apartment. We provided enough probable cause facts for him to authorize the issuance of a search warrant. Anyway, around three this morning my officers heard loud voices and the sounds of an argument that had broken out among the occupants in the adjoining apartment. They knew from talking to the officers on surveillance outside the building that five men had entered the building, Anton being one of them. They presumed these five men were the same ones who were now in the adjoining apartment.

  “One of my officers who was in the apartment is fluent in a number of Southeast European languages, including Romani, which is the language spoken by most gypsies who live in that area of the world. He was able to translate what was being said by the occupants. One of them was accusing Anton of holding out on them. He said Anton wasn’t contributing as many credit card numbers as the rest of them and that Anton must be skimming some of the numbers for his own personal use. Anton denied it and said the clientele of Le Petite Orangerie wasn’t as wealthy as the clientele of the other restaurants where they worked.”

  Liz interrupted Jim. “Your officer was ab
le to understand all of the conversations that were going on in the apartment next door?”

  “Yes, he’s a brilliant linguist. As a matter of fact he has a master’s degree in Southeast European languages. When I saw that on his resume, I knew I wanted him to work for me. I can’t tell you how many times he’s been invaluable to me in resolving other criminal cases. Several groups from that area of the world have taken up residency in the San Francisco area in the last few years and have caused a lot of problems for local law enforcement. Probably the most well-known of these groups are the gypsies, or the Roma as they prefer to be called. They are quite adept at committing crimes involving fraud, credit card theft, and theft of consumer personal identity information.

  “Anyway, the argument among the men in the adjoining apartment escalated. Several of them continued to accuse Anton in angry voices of skimming credit card numbers for his own personal use. They said they were risking everything to steal credit card numbers, and it wasn’t fair for him to keep some of the one’s he’d stolen for his own use. Finally, my officer overheard one of them threaten Anton with a gun. He told him to stand up and put his hands in the air. He had two of the other men search Anton’s pockets. One of them apparently found a little notebook similar to the one you gave me. As best we can tell, remember my officers did not have visual contact with what was going on inside the apartment, this individual discovered the credit card numbers Anton had written down in the notebook in the same way he had done in the notebook you gave me.”

  “Sounds like you might have enough to convict them of credit card fraud,” Roger said.

  “Yes, and that’s not counting the murder of Anton. From what we’ve been told subsequently by those who were in the room, Anton bent down like he was having stomach pains, and he pulled a pistol from his ankle holster. Before he could fire it, the man who was holding a gun on him shot and killed him.