Murder and Tainted Tea

by Janet Lane-Walters

  The defeat in his voice troubled me. I stroked his arm. “You’ll think better on a full stomach. So will I. To the stove.”

  “Slave driver.” His chuckle heartened me. He put the ingredients on the table and chopped scallions, tomatoes and a variety of peppers. “How was the trip?”

  “Quiet until I left the plane. The cat complained for most of the drive.”

  He jerked around and nearly dropped an egg. “You didn’t?”

  “What?”

  “Bring Robespierre. I distinctly heard you say you wanted to escape his tyranny.”

  “Heavens no. Not him. I brought his youngest sibling for Megan. The kitten is now known as Rose Prairie.”

  Lars laughed. “Megan must have been thrilled. She still talks about the furry beast. How did Don handle the new addition to his family?”

  “He was pleased with Megan’s response. Said it’s the first time she’s shown animation since Ramona’s death. She and the kitten spent about an hour alone in the sunroom, too.”

  He whipped the eggs with cream and poured the yellow mixture into an omelet pan. “That’s wonderful. She’s been so sad and lost.” He reached for the cheese and vegetables. “I’m afraid Don’s upset with me.”

  “Why?”

  “For not listening to Ramona. He thought I should have gone to the office the minute she called. Thinks she was upset about my reaction and wasn’t driving as carefully as she should have been. We didn’t find anything suspicious in her computer or her files.”

  “Did they find the car that side-swiped hers?”

  He shook his head. “Probably never will.” He added the cheese and vegetables to the pan. “Enough about my past. Are you feeling less responsible for the tragedy at St. Stephen’s?”

  The change of subject made me wonder if there was other information regarding Ramona’s death that puzzled Lars. I could continue probing, but I knew he’d just close down. For the moment I’d allow him to evade.

  “Kate, are you?”

  “A bit. If only...”

  “Words we’ve all said too many times. Judith might have snapped and killed her husband or her daughter. Marcie might have had to face a court trial.” He took two plates from the cabinet and divided the omelet.

  “That thought keeps me sane.”

  “You are the sanest person I know. After breakfast let’s take a walk around the grounds. Unfortunately, this isn’t the best time of the year to see them.”

  I chuckled. “So I discovered. I came on this visit partly because I thought I’d come south and escape winter.” Was the tour another way for him to divert me for a time? I intended to probe for answers no matter how many times he tried to put me off.

  “We’re south but high.”

  “So I’m learning.”

  “Any problems breathing?”

  “None.”

  The omelet was delicious and tasted as good as it smelled. Once we’d eaten and straightened the kitchen, we donned jackets and went outside. As we strolled up the driveway, Lars painted a word picture of the garden during the seasons. His descriptions of the colors were vivid. I almost wished I could stay until spring.

  We reached the house at the top of the drive. Up close the pale adobe house was imposing. Two cars, a gold sedan and a red Jaguar, were parked in the carport. I stopped to admire the grillwork on the upper balconies. “Magnificent.”

  Lars chuckled. “My daughter’s taste.”

  “Do you want to let her know you’re all right?”

  He shook his head. “If Don called, she knows and I’ve no answers for the questions she’ll ask.” He squeezed my hand. “She’s unhappy about your visit.”

  “Already guessed that. Is she afraid I might steal you?”

  “Could be. Maybe I’ll let you.”

  I laced my fingers with his. A bubble of hope formed but I broke it. Lars and I were friends. No need for change.

  When we returned to the house, he lit the logs in the fireplace. I went to the kitchen and returned with coffee for him and tea for me. We settled on the buttery soft leather couch.

  “Let’s talk about what happened yesterday.” I cradled the mug.

  He groaned. “Beating a dead horse won’t make me recall a thing.”

  Beneath his words I heard anger and frustration. “Then let me think aloud. You were at the dining room table. Consuela brought your breakfast.”

  “That I remember.”

  “Was there a phone call?”

  He shook his head. “I don’t think...no.”

  “You gave Consuela a shopping list.”

  His eyes narrowed as though he was trying to focus on the scene. “That’s right. She left. The kitchen door closed.” He frowned. “Twice. She must have returned for something. Then...nothing.”

  “Was the food all right? The coffee?”

  “I don’t know...I think...someone...Kate, I can’t remember.”

  A sigh rippled through my body. “Where were you all those hours?”

  “Dr. Verdigras asked me that question at the hospital.”

  “How did he know you were missing for hours?”

  “He ran into Bonnie at a party.”

  “Do you remember anything else?”

  “Walking. The cab. The hospital. The tests.”

  “How did you pay the cabbie? Your wallet was here?”

  “Always keep a twenty in my pocket.” He reached into his trousers and extracted a bill. “Habit since I was a boy, but then it was a one or a five.”

  “What cab company? Are there more than one? Maybe the driver can remember where he picked you up.”

  “You’re not turning this into one of your cases.”

  “Cases? I’m no detective.”

  He pulled his sweater over his head. “Just remember that. Let’s forget yesterday and just enjoy each other’s company.”

  I looked at his right arm and saw a small bruise at the bend of his elbow. Was that a needle mark? Why hadn’t someone at the hospital noticed? “Looks like they had to draw blood twice.”

  “Just once.” He pointed to his left arm. “Would have remembered being stuck twice.”

  “Can I see the bruises?”

  He rolled up one sleeve of his knit shirt. The bruises were wide and only on the outer surface of his arm. How had he gotten them?

  “Is something strange happening with your investments? Some reason someone would want you to turn up missing?”

  He failed to meet my gaze. “Lord, Kate, just because you’ve been involved in several crimes doesn’t mean I’m the victim of one. I’ve been gradually turning the business over to Bonnie. These days she and Damon handle most of our affairs.”

  I faced him and captured his gaze. “You vanished. There are hours you can’t remember. There has to be a reason. What about enemies?”

  He shook his head. “If you mean someone I’ve turned down for a loan, not a chance. I find them. They don’t come to me. Come on. Put this aside and let’s talk about my plans for your visit, starting with the New Year’s Eve party at Bonnie’s.

  Was he avoiding the subject of who and why? I wanted answers before another incident occurred.

  “Lars, we need to know.”

  He patted my hand. “Let me tell you about Bonnie’s party.”

  I sighed in exasperation. “Do we have to go?”

  “Bonnie throws great parties.”

  “I’m sure she does. Imagine it’s formal.”

  “What else? You’ll meet a number of my friends and business associates.”

  I glanced outside. Megan skipped and Don strode up the walk. Moments later, the little girl danced into the room and provided a diversion from an uncomfortable subject.

  “Pop, you wented away and we couldn’t find you. Daddy say Aunt Kaferine find you and bring you home. Look what she buy me.”

  Lars took the kitten. “Looks like the beast in miniature. Do you like your new friend?”

  “Oh yes. Her sleep with me. I tell her secrets.
”

  “What kind of secrets?” I asked.

  She shook her head. “Mine.”

  Lars laughed. “Kate, you’ve more curiosity than the beast.”

  Don clasped his father’s hand. “Glad you’re okay. What happened?”

  “Beats me.”

  “Did you call the police?”

  “What could they do? I’m home. I’m fine.”

  Don sat on the arm of one of the chairs. “Maybe you should let them know you’re home.”

  Lars shook his head. “And create a stir when there’s none needed?”

  “My sister staged a scene when she called to report you missing.”

  “And they told her there was nothing they could do.”

  Don nodded. “Dad, there’s something we need to talk about.”

  A resigned look appeared on Lars’ face. “Does it have to be now?”

  “Daddy, the store.”

  Don reached for the kitten. “Looks like it will be later. We’re off to outfit the kitten. Need anything?”

  Lars looked at me. “Do we?”

  “Not that I know of.”

  “Good enough,” Lars said. “Stop by later for that talk.”

  “What are you doing today?” Don asked.

  “Loafing. Bonnie’s party is tomorrow. Then we’re heading to the slopes.”

  “Skiing?” I raised an eyebrow.

  “A bit, plus a lot of sightseeing.”

  Megan tugged on her father’s hand. “Daddy, come on. We take Rose Prairie home. Then we go.”

  Once they left, Lars turned to me. “You’re a clever woman. The kitten was an inspired gift. It’s good to see her acting like an almost four-year-old and not an old lady. Unless Bonnie or one of my daughters-in-law takes time from their careers to have a family, Megan will be my only grandchild.”

  Lars’ older twin sons live back east. One was a successful surgeon and the other a prosperous lawyer. While they’re both married, their wives have busy careers.

  The phone rang. While Lars answered, I went to the kitchen to refill our mugs.

  “Tea for me,” he called.

  When I carried the tea to the living room, he was still on the phone. He hung up and took a mug. “Did Don call everyone I know?”

  “He was worried.”

  “And Bonnie?”

  How could I tell him I had the impression she had been playing the role of a distraught daughter? I couldn’t. Until he was ready to listen my words would have no effect.

  “She was upset and angry. What else did you expect? You should have heard her ream out the police.”

  He put his mug on the coffee table. “Wish this hadn’t happened.”

  “But it did.”

  “Just when I’m ready to turn the company over to Don and Bonnie.” He sipped the tea. “That’s what he wants to talk about. Good thing Megan pulled him away.”

  “Why?”

  “He’s going to say no, and I’ll insist.”

  “Why? He’s an artist.”

  “I know but he’s my son. One of my boys should take an interest.”

  I never would have thought Lars would take that line. Was this part of the reason Bonnie was so grasping?”

  “That...that’s so old-fashioned. Your daughter enjoys the business. You’ve said she’s doing well. Won’t she resent your plan?”

  “She’ll agree. Has to since Don owns as much of the company as she does. The older boys spent a year working with me. Don never has. I think he should.” He reached for my hand. “I’m tired of dividing my life between two places.” His fingers tightened.

  “What is it?”

  “A house...adobe...old...musty...a cot...walled.” He closed his eyes.

  “Anything else?”

  “Eyes covered.” He put his hand on his right arm. “A jab here, then I slept...woke...voices.”

  “Men’s or women’s voices?”

  He shook his head. “Just voices...distant.” He groaned.

  “Don’t force the memories.”

  He reached for the mug and sipped. “Wonderful tea. Often drink a cup at night and think of you.”

  “So Consuela said. Pleased me. Is there anything else you remember?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Maybe later.”

  “Let’s talk about home. Has Edward recovered from his brush with death?”

  “You know how he is. He moaned. He dithered. Then he forgot. Begged me to head the new search committee. Turned him down. Never again.”

  “I should hope not. He lives in another world, one where all is sweetness and light. What about Judith?”

  “Still catatonic.”

  “Probably for the best. And Marcie?”

  “Getting help. Playing the piano with more power than ever. She’ll do.”

  He caught my hand. “When I learned what you’d done, I wanted to shake you. What were you thinking? If you’re going to play detective, you need a keeper.”

  I laughed. “I have no desire for a third career. No more bodies.” I shivered and thought of yesterday’s fear of finding Lars’ cold corpse. “What are you going to do about what has been happening?”

  “Don’t know.”

  “There have to be answers. You need to look for them.” Had Don called Ramona’s cousin? Had he found anything? “You can’t ignore this.”

  “Can and will. Let’s talk about what we’re going to do while you’re here.”

  Once again, I’d smacked into a wall. Until I found a way over the obstruction, I was stymied. Battering won’t break through titanium barriers.

  “What have you planned beyond skiing?”

  “We’ll start with a day in the old town, then on to Taos and beyond. We’ll stay in a chalet at a resort I helped expand.”

  “Sounds like fun as long as I don’t have to ski.”

  “The resort will be a stopping place while we’re seeing and doing.” He went on to speak of the sights we would see.

  “Guess we’ll be busy.” I wished we could leave today. A fear that Lars was still in danger gripped me. Would he listen?

  “Can I persuade you to stay until spring?” he asked.

  “Can’t. Beth and Pete’s wedding is next month. I’ve things to do as mother of the bride and groom. Then Robby will be staying with me while they’re on their honeymoon.”

  “Forgot about that event.” He drew me into an embrace.

  Just as our lips met, Bonnie arrived in a flurry of skirts and high-pitched questions. “Daddy, why didn’t you call me? Did you forget Aunt Katherine was coming? Where were you? Were you off on another of your little adventures?”

  “Your brother said he would call.” He stared at her. “How could I forget Kate was coming when I’ve been after her to visit for years? I have no idea where I was. What little adventures are you talking about?”

  She tossed her coat, this time a mink, on a chair. “You know, the way you disappear for weeks and even a month.”

  “Every time I leave this house you and your brother know where I am. The so-called adventures are trips back east or on business.”

  She laughed. “Just joking. So where were you? Didn’t you think about how worried I would be?”

  “I already told you I don’t know where I was. Yes, I knew you would be worried.”

  She turned and raked me with a glare. “When did you find him?”

  “Around one AM when the nurse at the hospital called.”

  “You should have let me know.”

  “I tried but there was no answer.”

  “Did you dial the right number? We have an answering machine and I have a cell phone.”

  “Don gave me the number and I called to be answered by a dozen rings.”

  Her blue eyes flashed with anger. “Darn Carl. He must have turned the machine off.” She perched on the arm of the couch next to Lars. “We came home around three. You could have called then.”

  Lars grinned. “By that time Kate and I were snug in bed.”
<
br />   What was he trying to do? Increase her anger toward me?

  She crossed her arms. “I should have been told. Why didn’t you call this morning? I had no idea you were home. I stopped by to see if Aunt Katherine was ready to go home. After all, you stood her up.”

  As if I would have gone before Lars returned.

  Lars patted her arm. “Honey, I’m home. I wasn’t hurt. I figured if you were out late, you would sleep in and then be busy with party preparations.”

  “They’re done.”

  Just then Carl and Damon arrived in tandem. Did their shocked expressions have a meaning beyond surprise? I nibbled on my lower lip. Suspicions flared, but with no proof or knowledge of why they would want Lars to disappear, how could I accuse them?

  Carl clasped Lars’ hand. “Good to see you. What happened?”

  Lars shrugged. “Until I spotted the cab, last thing I remember is sitting down to breakfast.”

  Silently I applauded his reticence. He had remembered a few facts. To the person or persons responsible for his disappearance, those few facts might force them to act again.

  Bonnie took her father’s hand. “Daddy, you can tell us.”

  “Honey, if I could remember I would.”

  My gaze focused on the men. Was that relief I saw in their eyes?

  “Not even a single detail?” Damon asked. “We need to learn who did this and why.”

  “The doctor said I might never remember.”

  “We’ll have to keep a close eye on you,” Bonnie said. “Move to my house. There’s room.”

  Lars freed his hand. “Kate’s here. She’ll keep watch.”

  “Will you and Aunt Katherine be at the party?” Bonnie asked. “If you’re too exhausted from your ordeal, we can make excuses.”

  “We’ll be there,” Lars said.

  Bonnie leaned toward me. “You’ll see how elegant parties are here. There’ll be more than seventy-five guests.”

  My smile matched hers. “Though I prefer more intimate gatherings, I’m sure this won’t be much different from the hospital’s spring gala.”

  “Do you have a nice dress?” The tone of her voice matched the sweetness of her perfume. “I’ll be glad to take time from the preparations to help you find a nice one in your price range.”

  “I have a perfectly suitable dress.”