Murder and Tainted Tea

by Janet Lane-Walters

  Her lip curled into a sneer. “How would I know? I was unconscious. I suppose there could have been more than one. Daddy, can we go home now?”

  The nurse in me surfaced. “How long were you unconscious?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “We’d better take you to the hospital so they can run some tests.”

  “Why? I’m fine.”

  “You’ve been missing for four days. You could have post-concussion syndrome, not to mention dehydration.”

  Bonnie laughed. “I haven’t been here that long. This happened this morning around ten.”

  I gasped. “What?” Why had the ransom note arrived before she was grabbed?

  Lars frowned. “Where were you all that time?”

  “At a friend’s.” The ends of her lips curved upward. “Aunt Katherine, I know you’re concerned. When we get home if I feel worse, I’ll call Jaime Verdigras. He’ll come to the house.”

  Lars hugged her. “Smart idea. Home it is. I’ll drive your car and Kate can follow in mine. Your coat’s in the kitchen.” He steered her from the room. “I need to stop the transfer of funds if possible.”

  Bonnie halted. “What funds?”

  “For the ransom.”

  “What ransom? Daddy, what’s going on?”

  What indeed? Her reaction echoed mine. Every time I thought I’d discovered a piece of the puzzle, I learned it didn’t fit.

  “A note was delivered to Carl early this morning. It specified a million dollars was to be transferred to the account of that plastics firm in Florida.”

  She shook her head. “What are you talking about? We have no Florida connections.”

  “You signed the papers about a year ago.”

  Bonnie put on her coat. “I couldn’t have.”

  Rafe grasped my arm and prevented me from following them. “Does something seem strange to you?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Are you planning to follow her directive and return home soon?”

  “In about two weeks.”

  He frowned. “Hope there are no more mysterious events before then. I’ve uncovered a few interesting tidbits.”

  “Will you share?”

  “When I put them together.”

  “Maybe I can help make connections.”

  “Tell you later. They’re about Ramona and when I have all the facts, I’ll act.” His eyes turned hard.

  I shivered. “What will you do?”

  “Whatever’s right.”

  What did he mean by that? I studied his face and found no answer. He smiled. My tension ebbed. Since he’d been a police officer, I felt sure he would turn the evidence over to them.

  “I’m just glad I’m here to give Lars my support.”

  “He needs it.”

  We left the house and started down the walk. I turned to Rafe. “Lars has always been good at making money but poor at judging people, especially when they’re family.”

  “Could be he believes one family member over the others. That’s not right.” He dropped his hold on my arm. “Be careful. I’ll talk to you and Lars after I learn more about what’s going on.”

  A plan that had been slowly forming coalesced. “Come to dinner tomorrow evening at seven. I’ve decided to invite all the people involved in this mess.”

  He arched a brow. “What brought this on?”

  “Perhaps I would like to thank people for their kindness since I arrived. Maybe I would like to see if there’s something I can learn.”

  He grinned. “I’ll be there. Wouldn’t miss this even for an invitation to dinner with the governor.”

  “Will you have some information to share?”

  “Might.” He paused at the gate. “See you tomorrow at seven.”

  I walked to where Lars and Bonnie stood. Lars handed me the keys to his car. “I’ll see you at the house.”

  “Daddy, I can drive.” She pulled the keys from her coat pocket.

  Lars took them. “I’m driving. I have a few things to say to you. Kate, take care.”

  “Will do.”

  As I followed the gold sedan along the twisting streets, I thought about the ransom note. Why had it arrived hours before Bonnie had been captured? What puzzle pieces were I missing? Had the money in the Florida bank been transferred yet again? Was there a way to learn?

  I glanced at the dashboard clock. Nearly five. Not much time before the banks closed.

  My thoughts drifted to Bonnie. Though she claimed she’d only been a prisoner for a few hours, her clothes and her hair gave the impression of minutes. Had there been another person in the house? Once we’d found her, we hadn’t looked beyond the room where she’d been kept. Maybe Rafe had lingered to conduct a more thorough search.

  Had Lars seen the anomalies in the scenario or had he been so delighted to see his daughter, he’d dismissed them? Was he hiding from the truth? My patience with his avoidance tactics had thinned to tissue paper thickness. I hoped it wouldn’t tear.

  When we reached the house, Damon’s dark sedan was parked just beyond the carport. I pulled around Bonnie’s car and parked beside the rental. Then I strode across the lawn to join the others.

  Damon left his car. “Bonnie, good to see you. Where did they find you?”

  “Forget that,” she said. “I want to know what’s going on. What’s this about a company in Florida?”

  His smile was smug and smooth. “You should know. You’re the one who okayed the business.”

  “Never. Who’s trying to pull something? You? Carl?”

  “I was just following orders,” he said.

  “Where’s Carl?”

  “Left him at the office.” He turned to Lars. “You need to get to the bank and cancel that transfer.”

  Lars reached for the keys I held. “Looks like we can add forgery and theft to gambling.”

  “Are you positive Carl is responsible?” Damon asked. “He’s not that clever.”

  “You’re right about my husband,” Bonnie said. “But you’re his friend and you know a lot of tricks.”

  Lars looked at his watch. “I’ve no time for this petty bickering. Let me call the bank and see if someone will wait until I arrive.” He strode to the house. Bonnie and Damon followed.

  “Aunt Kaferine, where you and Pop go?”

  “For a drive.” I waited for Megan and Don.

  “What’s going on?” Don caught my arm. “Did Rafe find the house?”

  “Yes.”

  “Where did Bonnie come from?”

  “There’s no reason for secrecy now. Evidently your sister was kidnapped.”

  “You’re kidding.”

  I shook my head. “Rafe found her car while he was searching for the house where your father was kept. When your dad and I reached the car, he recognized the house. Bonnie was there, but the ransom had already been paid.”

  He choked back a laugh. “And whoever did it left her expensive fur. Seems fishy to me.”

  “They left your father’s jacket.”

  His mouth was set in a thin line. “And of course Dad bought her story. He thinks every word out of her mouth is true. He doesn’t see how she looks out for herself first. I bet she’ll get exactly what she wants.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Money. Power. Dad. Jaime Verdigras.”

  “What?” I paused with my hand on the door. “I thought there was something between her and Damon.”

  He shook his head. “Oh, she’ll use Damon to goad Carl, but she doesn’t like Dad’s assistant. Years ago she and Jaime were engaged. Then he chose to go east for medical school and that didn’t suit her plans. She demanded he stay in the area. He didn’t and she broke the engagement.”

  “That explains where he heard some of the things he said to me. I imagine they’ve revived their relationship.”

  He nodded. “Sure looks that way. The moment he returned and joined his uncle’s practice, she was in the waiting room.”

  “Why did she marry Carl?”


  “You know how she is. I guess she thought she would show Jaime. I bet she dumps Carl. Maybe the ransom was his pay-off.”

  “You don’t like her very much.”

  “You’ve got that. The bad news is I love her. There’s that twin bond thing and that’s a trap, one I was in before I met Ramona. Dad still sits up and begs when my sister commands.”

  “He asked me to marry him.”

  “Will you?” He put his hand on my shoulder. “Be careful. When she learns, she’ll be furious.”

  “I don’t know if I’ll accept.”

  “I think it would be great.”

  “There’s a lot to be settled first.” I opened the door. “How much do you know about the business?”

  “As little as possible. I’ve done some ads for several of the companies Dad has seeded. Ramona knew more. Too much, I think.”

  “Do you believe her accident was arranged?”

  His eyes grew cold. “Yes. So does Rafe, but he hasn’t discovered who.”

  “Is that why you’re leaving?”

  He shook his head. “There are a lot of reasons. The first one is Megan. I don’t want her growing up around someone who doesn’t like her and who constantly picks on her.”

  “You’re right about that. I’ve seen how your sister treats Megan.”

  “She’s jealous of the attention Button gets from me and Dad.”

  “How foolish.”

  He nodded. “That’s my sister. The other reason is fear. If I stay I’ll be sucked into Bonnie’s plans. I’m not a strong person. Ramona always teased me about needing a leader. She was right.”

  “Don’t put yourself down.” I patted his arm. “What if you’re not compensated for your share?”

  “I’ll manage. Since Dad offered me the use of the house, things have fallen into place. I’ve some savings and two offers of freelance work.” He grinned. “I feel good about the future.”

  “I’m pleased for you.”

  Megan ran down the hall and grabbed her father’s hand. “Aunt Bonnie yell.”

  Anger flashed in Don’s eyes. “At you?”

  She shook her head. “At the man who work wif Pop. He yell, too. My ears hurt.”

  He swung her into his arms. “Let’s go home. Tell Dad I’ll stop by tomorrow.”

  “Come to dinner. Tomorrow at seven. I hope that’s not too late for Megan.”

  “I’ll make sure she naps. Will it be just us?”

  “Family and friends. I’ve invited Rafe.”

  “Are you sure this is a good idea?”

  I nodded. “There are things we need to learn.”

  “I’m sure there are. Are you really going in there while there’s a war in progress?”

  “Maybe I can defuse the bombs.” I walked through the foyer and entered the living room.

  “There is absolutely no way I okayed that company,” Bonnie shouted. “When I take over, you and my soon to be ex-husband are gone.”

  “We’ll see about that.” Damon turned to Lars. “If you don’t tell her soon, I will.”

  The phone rang and Lars picked up the receiver. “Speaking...Repeat that...We’ve returned...I see...I’ll tell her...I do think you should check your facts.” He hung up.

  “What was that all about?” I asked.

  “Tell you later. Damon, we’ll talk soon and all will be explained.”

  Damon brushed past me. “You’d better.”

  I followed him into the foyer. “You’re invited to dinner. Tomorrow at seven. If you see Carl, tell him he’s included, too.”

  He frowned. “Are you sure this is a good idea? I doubt Bonnie or Lars will agree to have me here.” He opened the door.

  “Lars will be fine with the invitation. I’m planning one of his favorite meals.”

  He laughed. “Let’s hope the fireworks don’t ruin the food.” He closed the door behind him.

  I returned to the living room. Lars stood at the fireplace.

  “What did he mean?” Bonnie asked. “Tell me now.”

  Lars shook his head. “When the time is right, you’ll learn. What I want to know is what you plan to do with the ransom money.”

  “I know nothing about a ransom.”

  “Really. The caller gave me instructions I must follow for your release. I’ll admit he didn’t ask for money, but I smelled your hand in the demand.”

  She grabbed her coat. “Give me my keys. I don’t have to listen to this. When I hear from Carl, you’ll know what will happen to the money, and it definitely isn’t what he thinks.”

  “That wasn’t Carl.” Lars handed her the keys. “I’ve had enough of your nonsense. Kate’s not leaving until she’s ready.”

  “Yes, Daddy.” She walked to the door.

  “Come to dinner tomorrow at seven,” I said.

  “Just tell me the name of the restaurant and I’ll meet you there.” She smiled. “See, Daddy.”

  “Here. I’m cooking.”

  “How sweet.” She walked away. “Of course I’ll come.”

  Once she left, Lars took my hands in his. “You don’t have to spend your vacation cooking.”

  “I won’t. Where are we going for dinner tonight?”

  He laughed. “Somewhere you’ll enjoy and where you can look at knickknacks if we have to wait for a table.” He studied me. “This dinner tomorrow. Just what are you planning?”

  “A quiet evening with family and friends.”

  “Now why don’t I believe you? I imagine you have an agenda.”

  “Do I?” If he could hide things from me, I could do the same. “What was that phone call about?”

  “Something between my daughter and me. Go change and wear the silver and turquoise set.”

  I paused at the end of the hall. “Knickknacks and formal dress?”

  “Not really. I just want to make sure you enjoy the gift.”

  “I do.” Should I tell him now that they were missing? I decided to wait.

  Chapter 8

  Quite unwillingly, Lars drove me to the grocery store where I purchased the ingredients I needed for the dinner party this evening. Though he grumbled about my hidden agenda, my determination to make sense of the problems surrounding him remained strong.

  Dinner at seven for six guests and hopefully answers for some of the questions that buzzed in my thoughts like bees in a summer garden. While silence may be golden, I have my doubts about the truth of that adage.

  As soon as we returned to the house, Lars closed himself in his study. He refused to discuss either of the kidnappings or ease my curiosity about Damon’s enigmatic statement. This morning at breakfast I’d asked again. Lars had shaken his head. Regretfully I’d pushed further questions aside. The walls Lars had erected seemed far too high to climb. Burrowing beneath a barrier takes time, but somehow I would have my answers.

  Just before lunch he emerged and walked to the mailbox that stood outside the gates. When he returned, something in his expression gave me concern. He slumped in a chair at the kitchen table.

  “Lars, what happened?”

  He handed me an envelope about the size of a party invitation. “This.”

  I pulled the card free and read the brief message.

  The time to listen has arrived.

  Ramona Claybourne did not die in an accident. Proof will be forthcoming.

  I waved the card. “You must show this to the police.”

  He plucked it from my hand. “Not yet.”

  “Why not? Lars, you need to tell them about the two kidnappings and what you suspect is happening in regard to the business.”

  “I don’t have enough data about the thefts. Besides, I was right about the reason for the kidnappings.”

  “How can you say that?”

  “The phone call last evening. The man said Bonnie would be released the moment you boarded a plane for New York.”

  “So where did the ransom come in?”

  “I have no idea.”

  “What about this card?”r />
  “It proves nothing. If I had any evidence that Ramona was murdered, I would go straight to the police.”

  “Don’t throw it away like you did the others.”

  He nodded. “I’ll keep it, but until there’s tangible evidence this stays between us.” He took a sandwich and a glass of juice to his study.

  Exasperation drove me to the foyer. Lars knew some of the missing pieces I needed to solve the puzzling events that had happened during my stay. How could I persuade him to divulge them?

  I snatched my jacket from the closet. In hopes a walk would ease my annoyance with the man who’d been my friend for years and who was the lover I might never know, I strode to the door.

  Why wouldn’t he go to the police and let them look into these bizarre events? Just because he believed his daughter was involved wasn’t reason enough for me. I would give him the rest of the weekend before I issued an ultimatum. Let me help you with your problems or there’s no reason for us to consider marriage.

  A yearning for my peaceful Hudson River village made me pause. Did I really want to leave Lars to face his troubles alone?

  I’d come here looking for an escape from the guilt that had plagued me since Roger’s death. Though not completely gone, that emotion was now buried beneath the mudslide of new mysteries. Part of me wanted to leave. Part of me wanted to accept Lars’ marriage proposal. I knew this wasn’t the time to act on either. Until I learned what was happening here and why, I couldn’t walk away and I couldn’t tell Lars yes.

  * * *

  I stood at the stove and stirred a red sauce redolent with garlic and basil. When worries swarm like gnats, cooking is my escape.

  How could I encourage Lars to examine the farcical nature of the double kidnapping? Had it truly been a game to send me running from Santa Fe? Lars believed it was.

  A million dollars waited to be claimed in a Florida bank. Carl hadn’t come home last night. To me that added up to his guilt.

  The note Lars had received this morning added another strand to the widening web. While not a threat, I’d sensed a subtle kind of taunting that frightened me more than anything about this affair. Was there more than one threat? Was I seeing plots within plots and conspirators in quantity?