Murder and Tainted Tea

by Janet Lane-Walters

  People clustered in groups and greeted each other with forced smiles and brittle laughter. When two men engaged Lars in a discussion of interest rates, I slipped away and continued toward the dining room. I was intent on finding another drink and sampling some of the myriad appetizers.

  As I reached the archway I noticed my host laughing with two attractive women. Bonnie and Verdigras stood near the bar. He had his arm around her waist.

  Lars appeared at my side. “Sorry about that.”

  “Happens.”

  “Boring,” he said. “Told them to leave business at the office. Meet any more suspects?”

  “None I would consider criminals. Most of the crimes I’ve witnessed are social.”

  His booming laughter caused several people to turn and stare. One, a man with streaks of silver in his ebony hair, left a group and held out his hand to Lars.

  “Amigo, good to see you.” Perfect teeth flashed when he smiled. “Heard you were lost, strayed or stolen.”

  “Seems that way. Kate, this is Rafe Diaz. He does for money what you do for fun. Kate finds bodies in her spare time.”

  Rafe’s dark eyes sparkled with interest. So this was the man Don had called. Had he learned anything?

  “Pleased to meet a kindred spirit at this affair,” he said.

  I smiled. “I think we need to talk.”

  He looked at Lars. “Do you mind? Ramona was right. She said you were warm and direct. She also mentioned a gato grande.”

  My laughter joined the men’s. “Robespierre would be flattered. The next time you visit Don and Megan, you can see a miniature version of him.”

  Rafe took my arm. “Lars, excuse us. I’m stealing her so we can speak of our adventures in crime.”

  “Don’t encourage her, but enjoy.”

  Rafe and I made our way toward the buffet. “What can you tell me about Lars’ vanishing act? Don suggested we not tell his sister that I’m involved.”

  “Good idea. I can’t give you much information, but this whole matter troubles me. Why don’t you fetch me a daiquiri and I’ll get some snacks.”

  While he headed to the bar, I filled a plate with finger foods. I chose a table near one of the doors to the courtyard.

  While I ate, I related the story from Lars’ phone call the night before I left home to the hospital and Verdigras’ refusal to order the tox screen. “Other than the few things Lars remembered, that’s it except for the uneasiness I feel.”

  “What did he recall?”

  I told him. “Have you learned anything?”

  “Still looking for the cab driver. If I can find him and he remembers where he picked up Lars, we’ll have a starting place for the search.”

  “What about the adobe house?”

  He chuckled. “In Santa Fe, they’re the norm.”

  “Lars said the house smelled musty. Could it be for rent or sale?”

  He frowned. “That’s a thought. One thing. I asked around the station and none of my buddies knew about Bonnie’s call. That sort of thing gets around.”

  “I heard her talking to someone.”

  “I’ll keep asking.” He turned his head. My gaze followed his to where Bonnie and Verdigras stood. They appeared to be quarreling.

  Rafe rose. “See you later.”

  I finished the appetizers and sipped my drink. Carl stopped beside the table. “Where’s Lars?”

  “Circulating.”

  “Enjoying yourself?”

  “Very much.”

  “Have you seen Bonnie?”

  “A few minutes ago. She was near the bar with Dr. Verdigras.”

  He turned. His face blanched and he set his drink on the table. “See you.” Like smoke he melted into a cluster of people.

  What had made him bolt? I spotted three new arrivals. An older man with steel gray hair accompanied by two younger muscular specimens. They strode toward Carl’s hiding place. Other guests eddied around the trio, but no one spoke to them.

  Who were they?

  I scanned the crowd for Lars but didn’t see him. The room seemed stuffy. The door to the inner court was open a crack. A breath of fresh air seemed like a good idea so I slipped outside. I heard voices and retreated toward the door where a large bush shielded me from the brisk breeze and discovery.

  “Have you told him yet?” The man’s voice was low.

  “No,” Bonnie said. “There hasn’t been the right moment.”

  “When? I’m tired of sneaking around. I’ll be glad when this is over and you’re mine. Why don’t we face him together?”

  “No. I’ll do it tomorrow.”

  I retreated to the dining room. Whom had she been speaking to? If I lingered would I learn? Once again I looked for Lars.

  He found me. “Where have you been? I left you with Rafe, but when I came to join you two, you’d both vanished.” I saw anxiety in his eyes.

  “Rafe saw someone he wanted to talk to. I felt warm so I stepped outside for a bit.” Though I wanted to tell him what I’d heard, I hesitated.

  He caressed my fingers. “Gave me a bit of a start. Ready for that dance you promised me?”

  “Yes.” The music drifting through the foyer was “Stardust,” one of my favorites.

  The ballroom was dimly lit and the music mellow. Lars drew me into his arms and we moved around the dance floor. “Why did Don call Rafe?” he asked.

  “He thought Rafe would know what to do if you’d been kidnapped.”

  Lars nodded. “He was right, but I wish he hadn’t. I’d rather not involve outsiders in my problems.”

  “What are you hiding from? You were kidnapped. Doesn’t that bother you?”

  His lips brushed my ear. “They were inept. One of them made my escape possible. I don’t think ransom was part of the deal.”

  “Why not?”

  He shook his head. “Just a fancy.”

  I stepped closer. “Denying won’t change what happened. Maybe you escaped before the note was sent. Maybe your kidnappers had a falling out.”

  I wondered what the sadness in his eyes meant. Did he think his daughter was involved? Could I convince him to stay in town and try to discover who and why? The problem was I didn’t think he wanted to know.

  When the set ended, Damon strolled over. “May I?” he asked Lars.

  “With great reluctance,” Lars said.

  The set began with “Stormy Weather.” Damon swept me away from Lars. What did he want? Had he been Bonnie’s companion in the courtyard?

  As we circled the room, we passed Bonnie and Verdigras dancing cheek to cheek. “Now there’s a man who’s fooling himself,” Damon said. “He’ll get exactly what she thinks he deserves.”

  “I take it you’re not fond of the doctor.”

  “You’ve got that.” Damon smiled, but his eyes remained cold. “He was telling Bonnie how you challenged his medical expertise. Was there a problem?”

  “Just a disagreement.”

  “Did Lars really have a stroke?”

  “I’m not a doctor. Nurses don’t diagnose.”

  “My mother had a stroke last year. Lars had none of the symptoms she had. You know, like weakness and slurred speech.”

  “If there’s a small bleed, the symptoms clear rapidly.” His questions made me uneasy.

  “So what do you think happened? Where was he? He won’t tell us a thing.”

  “He says he doesn’t remember. Don’t you believe him?” Damon didn’t answer. I was tired of his probing. “I’ve a question for you. Did you see the three men who arrived a while ago? There was an older man with two brawny lads. Who were they? Why did their arrival make Carl panic and try to hide?”

  “No one you want to know.”

  “Then why were they invited?”

  “As far as I know, they weren’t. You’re right that they were here to see Carl. They’re Vegas.”

  The set ended. Damon returned me to Lars and walked away.

  “Restroom,” I whispered in Lars’ ear.

/>   He steered me into the hall. The powder room was beneath the stairs. “Want me to wait here?”

  “No need. I’ll meet you in the foyer.” I was about ready to leave, though if Lars wanted to stay I would.

  He pointed to the ballroom. “You don’t want to meet me in there?”

  “I’d never find you in the darkness.” I stepped into the powder room and burst into laughter. The theme of the house was in full force. White wallpaper flocked with gold swans and water lilies covered the walls. All the fixtures including the toilet seat were gleaming gold.

  As I opened the door to leave, Carl and Damon walked past. Their voices were low and angry. What were they up to? Determined to learn, I followed.

  “Damn it, no,” Damon said.

  “Won’t be long before we have it all,” Carl said. “Just look on this as an advance. Those guys won’t wait much longer for their money.”

  They stepped into the courtyard. I pressed my back against the wall and prayed they hadn’t seen me. Did Bonnie know that her husband and his friend were scheming to take over the company? Then again, maybe she played a role in the scheme.

  Lars waited for me in the foyer. “Nearly midnight.” He handed me a flute of champagne. “Let’s see the New Year in and then go home.”

  His idea fit mine perfectly. “Sounds wonderful.”

  I stood in the circle of his arms and counted the chimes from the grandfather’s clock. As the last note sounded, Lars kissed me, then raised his glass. “To many years together.”

  For an instant, regret for the all years we’d wasted because of a willful child surfaced. I pushed these thoughts away. “To many more years.”

  “Kate.”

  “No regrets for past decisions.”

  “You’re right.”

  We put our glasses on a tray and sent for our coats. Then we went to find our hostess and host. Bonnie stood with three men, Carl, Damon and Verdigras. Whom had she kissed to honor the New Year? Though the answer was none of my business, twice I’d seen what misplaced passion had done to people’s lives. I prayed Lars’ life wouldn’t be stained by what pulsed between Bonnie and these men.

  “We’re leaving,” Lars said.

  “Daddy, it’s barely midnight.”

  “Kate and I plan an early start tomorrow.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “To the chalet.”

  “The party was delightful,” I said.

  Bonnie preened. “Yes, it was. If we don’t mention the uninvited guests.” She glared at Carl.

  He shrugged. “What could I do?”

  “Thanks for inviting me. I’ll see you when your father and I return.”

  Lars pulled me away. We donned our wraps and stepped into the frosty night. “Lord, I’m tired,” he said. “The noise and the prattle...”

  “I’ll agree that the evening was a bit draining.” I squeezed his hand. “I did overhear several telling conversations.”

  “I heard at least a hundred.”

  “These had to do with your problems.”

  “I don’t want to talk about them.”

  “Why not?”

  “One question. If I’d been missing for several days, would you have gone home in a huff?”

  “How can you ask that? I would have conducted a house to house search for you.”

  “Do you think many people would believe that?”

  “Many people or one particular person? Who are you talking about?”

  “Just a notion.” He linked arms with me. “Let’s not talk about my strange absence. I would rather talk about us.”

  “We’re friends. We’ll always be that.” Didn’t he realize there were problems to be solved before we could plan a future?

  He opened the door of the house and ushered me inside. After he hung my cape and his coat in the closet, he drew me into his arms. “I want us to be more.” His mouth closed over mine.

  Chapter 5

  Since we’re both early risers, Lars and I had breakfast by eight. I waited until we’d finished eating and relaxed over coffee and tea before I launched my attack.

  “Let’s cancel this sightseeing expedition. There are things you need to do here.”

  Lars’ mug clicked on the inlaid tile surface of the table. “Stop acting like a bulldog. Release this penchant of yours for seeing crime everywhere. There are places I want you to see. Sights you’ll enjoy.”

  I crossed my arms and pressed my lips into a firm line. “One more time. You were kidnapped. How can you brush that off like crumbs on a table?”

  “Am I doing that? Was I kidnapped? Where was the ransom note?” He held up his hands. “I need to get away. There are things I need to think about. Decisions I must make.”

  I sighed with force. “Maybe you do, but we can’t sit here and do nothing. Last night you refused to listen to the things I overheard. I am not leaving this house until you do.”

  “Fine. Fill my ears with gossip.”

  “This isn’t gossip.” I repeated the two conversations I’d overheard and waited for his response.

  For a long time he stared at the table. “Do you think Bonnie’s behind my disappearance?”

  “Did I say that?”

  “It’s what I believe and I know she would never harm me.” He walked to the door into the sunroom. “She doesn’t want me to retire and move back east. She didn’t want you to visit. Remember the question I asked you last night. Apply that to her.”

  I joined him. “You mean would I leave if you were gone for days? You know I wouldn’t. How does that effect your daughter?”

  He nodded. “How? I know you wouldn’t rush off but think of her reaction to being stood up.”

  “She would find a way to make the person pay.”

  “Probably, but first she would leave, refuse to speak to the person and then plot against him or her.”

  Perhaps he was right, but that possibility didn’t ease my fears. “I think there’s more going on. What if Bonnie plans to divorce Carl? I doubt he’ll agree to leave with empty pockets. Once you retire from the company all the assets will be hers. I’m sure he wants a share. In fact, he might know a way to get it all.”

  “The assets will be hers and Don’s. You’re still thinking about what you didn’t do regarding Roger Brandon. This situation isn’t the same. Let’s get away and enjoy a few days, just you and me.”

  Frustration dug claws into my thoughts. Lars comes close to being the most stubborn man in existence. For now I would drop the subject, but I would keep chipping at his resistance. For some reason he needed to believe he wouldn’t be harmed. Maybe he was right, but what would happen to him if his faith was shattered.

  “I don’t understand your reasons for this stubborn avoidance.” I glared at him. “I won’t stop pushing. If you’d like me to leave, I’m sure I can find an earlier flight home.”

  He put his arms around me. “Your leaving is the last thing I want. I know you’re worried. You wouldn’t be Kate if you weren’t. Until I see where the pieces fit, I can’t act. Will you trust me?”

  Though I wished he would share some of those pieces with me, I nodded. Our gazes locked and I read his determination to go his own way. “All right. I’ll trust you for now.”

  “Go pack. We’ll be about a week.” He smiled and some of the tension lines in his face faded.

  “What kind of clothes?”

  “Casual for the most part. We’ll be staying at a ski resort and doing a lot of walking. Bring something dressy for tonight.”

  With forced enthusiasm, I smiled. “I’d still rather stay here.”

  “And play detective.” He brushed my lips with his,

  “Is there a washer and dryer at the chalet?”

  “A small unit. Why?”

  “I’ll need to wash a few things either here or there.”

  “Bring them along. Go pack.”

  In the bedroom, I opened my suitcase and selected several outfits. On one side of the case, I put the clothes
I would need to wash. I debated about taking the jewelry Lars had given me and decided I would probably not have the need for the set. I placed the case in one of the bureau drawers.

  Once I finished packing, I left my suitcase in the foyer and hurried to the kitchen. There I stowed the tins of mint in a canvas bag.

  Lars appeared in the doorway. “Are you sure you want to start in town? The shops will be closed.”

  “As if you would let me shop. I can window shop and plan for my own visit.” I smiled. “We could stop at your office. I’d love to see where you work.”

  He threw up his hands. “Kate, you’re not getting involved.”

  I put the tins in the bag. “Already am. You can’t hide from this forever. Is there something you’re not telling me? Something connected to Ramona’s death?” Though the question just slipped out, to me it made sense.

  He looked away. “Maybe...I’ve received notes with hints that her death wasn’t an accident.”

  “What did you do with them?”

  “Tossed them. They were vague. Promised proof that never materialized. If there’d been solid evidence, I would have gone to the police. I loved her. The day she married Don, she became my daughter. She made him happy. Gave us Megan.” Grief shadowed his eyes. “The baby would have been my first grandson.”

  Then why had he given Bonnie her way? Why had he allowed Ramona to remain Carl’s assistant? Why hadn’t he made her a partner?

  “What about her suspicions?”

  His face flushed. “I’m afraid she discovered some of my manipulations. If she had come and asked, I could have explained.”

  “What did you do?”

  “Twice I took money to cover Carl’s gambling debts. He and Bonnie begged me to keep the matter secret. The second time he swore he would stay away from the tables.”

  “And you believed him?”

  “What else could I do?”

  “Gotten his oath in blood.”

  He shook his head. “I don’t think that would have worked. Go get settled in the car. I have to call Don and let him know we’re leaving.”

  I followed him to the living room. “Will you also call Bonnie?”

  “She knows. Told her last night.”