Murder and Tainted Tea

by Janet Lane-Walters

  I quickly packed several changes of clothes, my sleepwear and toiletries and headed to the kitchen. There I put the tins of tea in a canvas bag.

  Lars appeared with his suitcase. “Talked to Don. There are a few things he and Megan need. I’ll run across to their house and get them.”

  “Don’t be long.”

  “Five or ten minutes.”

  I felt uncomfortable about being in the house alone and wished I’d gone with him. I set the canvas bag and my suitcase beside the door and returned to the kitchen. What I really wanted was a cup of tea, but that bit of comfort would have to wait until we reached the hotel.

  The sunroom door closed with a snap. “That was quick.” I turned and gasped. Carl stepped into the kitchen. “What are you doing here?” My heart beat so rapidly I thought I would faint.

  “Didn’t mean to scare you.” He slumped at the table. His clothes were disheveled and his eyes bore the look of a hunted and desperate man. On closer examination, I noticed some bruises on his face. Had he somehow managed to escape from the wrecked car?

  “Why did you come here?” I reached for one of the heavy stoneware canisters and slid it across the counter.

  “Someone tried to kill me,” he said.

  What was he talking about? He was the killer. “Why weren’t you in the car? Bonnie said you never let anyone drive it.”

  “Yeah, normally I don’t.” He looked up. “Car was a down payment on a debt until I could liberate some cash I stashed away.”

  “Don’t you mean stole? You’re on your way to Florida, I imagine.”

  His shoulders tensed. “Guess Lars figured that out.”

  “Who else would the culprit be?”

  “Damon. Bonnie.”

  “But they’re...”

  “Kate, let’s go,” Lars called.

  “There’s a slight complication.” Instead of pulling the gun I expected, Carl seemed to shrink.

  Lars stepped into the room. He dropped the canvas bag he held on the floor. “You bastard. You killed her.”

  Carl held up his hands. “What the hell are you talking about?”

  “Bonnie’s dead. Damon, too.” Lars grabbed the neck of Carl’s jacket.

  “What?” Carl shook his head. “Not me. Got here not long before you and Mrs. Miller. Was looking for the keys to Bonnie’s car and then came here to see if she’d left them.”

  Lars looked at me. “Call the police.”

  “No. I’ll get the money back to you. I didn’t kill anyone.”

  “We’ll let the police decide that,” Lars said. “They’ll discover how much you’ve been stealing.”

  “Just the ransom.”

  “Bonnie said...”

  “She says a lot of things that aren’t true,” Carl said. “When she turned up missing it seemed like a good idea. Who would have known she’d really get herself snatched.”

  I studied him. “Where have you been?”

  “Around. Got waylaid by some punks. Beat me up and took the keys to the Jaguar. I wasn’t is such good shape for a couple days.”

  Lars looked at me. “Make that call.”

  Still clutching the canister I punched the number. Nothing made sense. If Carl wasn’t the killer, who was? Why had Lars and I come back to the house instead of going to a hotel?

  “Lars, you have to listen.” Carl’s body shook. “I needed money. Damon and I set up that fake company in Florida about a year ago and Bonnie signed the papers. Half the time, she was so drunk with being the boss she didn’t check what she was signing. Ramona caught us. She called you and I told Damon. He said he would handle her.” His laughter bordered on hysteria. “My buddy used to drive in demolition derbies.”

  “So her death wasn’t an accident,” I said.

  “Guess not.”

  Lars took the phone from me and dialed again. “Lars Claybourne here.” He tapped his fingers on the counter. “We haven’t checked in yet. We’re at the house. So is Carl Grayco.”

  Carl pushed his chair back and ran to the door. He stumbled over the canvas bag and caught his balance. I followed and stopped short.

  “Rafe, am I ever glad to see you,” I said.

  He didn’t acknowledge me. With a gun he prodded Carl into the kitchen. I lifted the canister I’d put down to use the phone.

  Lars turned. “Kate, I just...”

  “Shut up,” Rafe said.

  The look in his dark eyes frightened me. I raised the canister.

  “Move away from Kate.” Rafe’s voice was ragged and harsh.

  “What’s going on?” Lars asked.

  “Justice,” Rafe said. “For Ramona. For me.”

  “He didn’t kill her,” Lars said.

  “If he and his pal hadn’t set up their scheme, she would be alive.” Rafe waved the gun.

  A sound thundered in my ears. Carl screamed and fell to the floor, knocking one of the chairs over.

  “Rafe, what...” Lars’ voice cracked.

  “Like I said, justice.” Rafe looked at me. “Kate, I wish you’d taken my advice. Why didn’t you listen?”

  “Rafe, please,” I said. “You aren’t solving anything with this kind of action.”

  “I raised her. She was like a daughter.”

  “Why didn’t you go to the police?” Lars asked.

  “I was a cop. Know how these things work. Without solid evidence they would have walked free.” He moved closer to Lars. “Ramona told Bonnie about Carl and Damon. Your daughter laughed. Said you wouldn’t believe me. Since you thought Bonnie walked on water you would believe her version. You’re as guilty as they are.”

  “And Bonnie’s kidnapping and rescue?” Lars asked. “You knew she was there. How?”

  “Jaime Verdigras told me.”

  I hurled the canister. The heavy jar hit Rafe’s arm. He bellowed and grasped it. The gun flew from his hand, hit the floor and spun through the archway into the dining room. I heard sirens and relief nearly made me faint. Rafe stepped toward the dining room.

  “It’s over. Let it be.” Acid burned in my throat. I grabbed the back of a chair for support.

  Four police officers entered, two through the dining room and two from the sunroom.

  Lars pointed to Rafe. “He killed them.”

  One officer knelt beside Carl. “Call an ambulance.”

  Moments later, Detective Rodgers arrived. “Rafe, why?”

  “He destroyed my family so I took his.”

  “What about Don and Megan?” I asked. “Were they next?”

  He shrugged. “Who knows what I’d have done to Don, but I’d never harm Megan. She’s Ramona’s daughter.”

  An officer cuffed Rafe and led him away. I walked into Lars’ arms. My body shook with the aftershocks of the recent events.

  Lars stroked my back. “Kate, thank you. I couldn’t do a thing.”

  I looked up. “But you did. You kept him talking so I could act. It’s all over but the grieving.”

  “Over,” Detective Rodgers said. “Not yet. There’ll be a trial. I want the pair of you to follow me downtown. Why in blazes did you come here?”

  “We needed clothes and things,” Lars said.

  “You could have asked for an escort.”

  “Never thought of that.” Lars picked up the bag he’d brought from Don’s and headed for the door. “Come on. Let’s get this over.”

  “Sounds good.” I lifted the bag of mint and my case and followed him to the car.

  * * *

  When we reached the police station, we quickly gave our statements. Detective Rodgers saw us to the door.

  “Where will you be staying? the detective asked.

  “La Fonda,” Lars said.

  “Stay there. We’ll tell you when you can go back to the house.” He shook his head. “Do the two of you know how lucky you were?”

  “I know. I still can’t believe Rafe...” My voice broke.

  Detective Rodgers nodded. “Me either.”

  Lars tugged on my arm
. “We’ll never understand why he snapped. Let’s go.”

  A short time later we reached the hotel and settled in the same suite as before. For an instant I thought about those golden days. They’d been a few moments of sunshine in a season of gloom. Very soon Lars and I would have to deal with our golden ghosts. I shook my head. So many had died because of greed.

  Lars looked ready to collapse. I wondered if I should call his doctor, but decided against that move. With our recent luck, Jaime Verdigras would be the one I would have to talk to and I had nothing to say to him.

  “Lars, go lie down. I’ll call Don and let him know we’re here so he can come for his things.”

  “Have him and Megan come to dinner. We can eat here.” He gestured to the table near the window of the sitting room.

  “Good enough. Now lie down.”

  I called the number I’d shoved in my pocket and someone called Don to the phone.

  “Aunt Katherine, how’s Dad?”

  “In shock.”

  “Just what happened?”

  Briefly I told him about Bonnie and Damon. Then I spoke of what had happened when we had returned to the house.

  “Rafe? Are you sure?”

  “I was as shocked as you are. According to Carl, Damon was the one who forced Ramona off the road.”

  His quick intake of breath sounded in my ear. “Looks like Rafe was right about her death. We should have left when Bonnie raised a fuss about Ramona becoming a partner in my stead. She would still be alive.”

  “You didn’t know what was to come and you’re not to blame. I thought she wanted to stay here.”

  “I know. One day I’ll believe I’m not at fault. What am I going to tell Megan? She adores Rafe.”

  I’d seen her adoration the night of the dinner. “The truth. That Rafe was angry and he hurt someone so he has to go to jail. You might consider getting her some outside professional help. If you were back east, Andrew would know who would be best.”

  “I’ll call her pediatrician.”

  “Good idea. Oh, your things are here at the La Fonda. Your dad and I’d like you and Megan to come for dinner. I’ll order from room service. Come around six.”

  “See you then. Take care of him.”

  “I will.”

  From the bedroom I heard ragged, gut-wrenching sobs. I went to Lars and held him while he wept. My tears joined his. Finally he took a number of deep shuddering breaths.

  “I wish...” His voice broke. “Rafe...”

  “Was an angry man and not in control. You couldn’t have known. I didn’t. I liked and trusted him.”

  “I’m so tired, but there’s so much to do that I don’t know where to begin.”

  “You can’t do anything today. Just rest.” I stroked his back. “Tomorrow we can find out when her body will be released. Do you want to call your sons back east?”

  “Later.” He looked into my eyes. “A private funeral. Just you and the family.”

  “Probably best.”

  I stayed beside him until he fell asleep. Then I ordered dinner for four, made tea and turned on the television. I carried a cup of tea and stood at the window to watch the snow fall.

  When the local news began, Lars’ tragedy was aired with some additions. Carl had died on the way to the hospital. After confessing. Rafe had grabbed one of the officer’s guns and made a break for freedom. He was shot and died instantly.

  My feelings were mixed. I had liked Rafe Diaz, but his actions had sickened me. They’d brought my dearest friend grief and pain. Lars would never forget what had happened here. Neither would I.

  * * *

  Don and Megan arrived just as the news ended. I turned off the television. Don hugged me. Sadness filled his eyes.

  “Where my pop?” Megan asked. “I bring Rose Prairie. Her help my pop not be sad.” She unzipped her jacket and the kitten leaped to the floor.

  “Megan.” Don said. “I told you no.”

  “But you say my pop sad.”

  Just then Lars emerged from the bedroom. He scooped up the kitten. A smile formed. He sat on the loveseat. Megan crawled beside him. “Thank you.”

  “I sad, too, Pop.”

  Lars nodded. “Being sad is okay. One day we’ll be happy again.”

  She nodded. “When we live wif Aunt Kaferine.”

  I prayed those words would be true. I joined them on the loveseat. Don sat on one of the chairs. “Is there anything I can do? I called my brothers. They’ll be here for the funeral.”

  Lars looked up. “Could you postpone your moving day until late summer? By then things should be wound up around here.”

  “No problem.” Don shook his head. “I don’t know what to say or think.”

  “Me either,” Lars said. “We’ll talk and we’ll come to terms with all that’s happened. We have Megan and Rose Prairie to help us.”

  Before long our meal arrived. None of us had much appetite, but we ate because we wanted to set an example for Megan. After dinner, Don and Lars went to the bedroom to discuss the funeral plans and for Lars to speak to Carl’s and Damon’s parents. I stayed in the living room to entertain Megan and the kitten.

  “Aunt Kaferine, why Rafe was angry?”

  I brushed my hand over her dark curls. “He thought Aunt Bonnie did something bad.”

  She nodded. “Her did. Rafe, too. Not my Mommy.”

  “Not your Mommy,” I agreed.

  “Soon we live near you.”

  “That will be fun.”

  “You want to marry wif my pop?”

  “Maybe.”

  She looked at me. “Then you be my gramma not Aunt Kaferine.”

  “I certainly would. What do you think about that?”

  “Yes. Will Aunt Bonnie get bury like Mommy?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay.” She stroked the kitten. “Can I see TV?”

  I pressed the button and found a family show. A short time later Don and Lars emerged from the bedroom.

  “Button, we’re going to go now.”

  “Home?” she asked.

  Don shook his head. “Not tonight. Maybe tomorrow.’ He turned. “Call me when you have news.”

  “Will do,” Lars said. “After I make arrangements.”

  Once they left, Lars’ shoulders slumped. “I feel so inadequate.”

  “That’s shock talking. Too much has happened in too little time, not to mention your life was threatened.”

  He nodded. “Brew some tea and help me make plans for the funerals.”

  “Funerals?”

  He nodded. “There are four. We talked to Damon’s and Carl’s parents. I have to arrange to have their bodies sent to them. Rafe had no relatives other than Ramona and Megan. Don will take care of his funeral.”

  I put my arms around him. “I’ll help.”

  “I know.” He pressed his lips to mine.

  * * *

  Two days later Lars’ older sons and their wives arrived. Bonnie’s funeral was the next day and as Lars wished, a quiet affair.

  While we waited for the service to begin, Jaime Verdigras slipped into the room at the funeral home. He stood at Bonnie’s coffin for several minutes, then came to me. He handed me a bag containing the necklace and earrings. “Bonnie left them at my place.”

  “Thank you.”

  “What is Lars going to do about...” He shook his head. “I believed in her. I loved her.”

  “I believe Lars is willing to let matters drop.”

  He nodded. “I wish I hadn’t fallen for her lies.”

  “You’re not the only one who did.”

  He slipped away. Lars came over. “What did he want?”

  “To return the jewelry.”

  “I’m glad for that much.”

  “So am I.”

  After the service, we went to the cemetery. Once we returned to the house, we gathered in the dining room to eat the meal Lars had had delivered.

  The next morning, I went with Don and Megan to Rafe’s funer
al. Lars stayed at home. Though I would rather have stayed with him, I knew Don and his daughter needed me.

  * * *

  On the day I returned home, Lars drove me to the airport since I’d returned the rental car when his sons returned home. We checked my bags in and then strolled to the departure gate.

  “When will I see you again?” I asked.

  “I’ll try to make Pete’s wedding. There’s so much to sort out. Don’s been a big help. Kate...”

  “I wish I could stay.”

  He pulled me into an embrace. “I know you can’t. We should have married years ago. Bonnie might have turned out different, less dependent, less greedy.”

  I shook my head. “Don’t second guess.”

  He kissed me. “I will get past this.”

  They called for my boarding. I eased out of his arms and picked up my carry-on. “Stay well. Stay safe. When this is less raw, we’ll talk.”

  “That we will.” He hugged me. “Stay out of trouble. I love you.”

  “Love you, too.” At the entrance to the ramp, I turned and waved. Then I headed down the tunnel to the plane.

  * * *

  A month later I stood with Beth and Robby in the vestibule of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and waited for one of the ushers to escort me to my seat. “Beth, you look beautiful.” I straightened Robby’s tie. “And you look handsome.”

  “Are you sure you don’t mind having him for a week?” Beth asked.

  “I’ve some interesting times planned,” I said.

  The door opened. Lars slipped inside. I went to him and took his hand. “You came.”

  “I said I would try. Have to return tomorrow. Expect Don, Megan and me by the middle of August.”

  “That’s wonderful.”

  “Will you stay out of mischief?”

  “If I can. Go find your seat. First row, left side.” I wasn’t about to mention the strange conversation I’d overheard this morning at the beauty parlor.

  He strode down the aisle. I turned to Beth. “It’s time.”

  She nodded. “Thanks for all you’ve done.”

  “What else can a mother do?” I smiled. Something good had come from Roger Brandon’s manipulations. Maybe Bonnie’s would have a positive conclusion, too.