“Sorry to hear all that. Don’t sound good for DeeDee. Sounds like ya’ don’t wanna ask, but ya’ need my help.”
“I’m really worried about DeeDee’s safety,” Jake said. “Roz is the one who suggested I call you. I know DeeDee wouldn’t let me help her at the moment, even if she’d talk to me, which I rather doubt. Is there anything you can do, Al? I know it’s a lot to ask since you’ve just retired and started a new life, but I don’t know where else to turn.”
“Don’t ya’ worry ‘bout that. Fishin’ all day long ain’t all it’s cracked up to be. Guy like me needs a bit of excitement in his life. What say I come back and help y’all sort this little problem out? Tell ya’ the truth, I’d be happy to do just that.”
Al heard Jake exhale. “That would be awesome, Al, thank you. Thing is, I know you couldn’t make it here until tomorrow at the earliest, but hopefully the killer won’t make another move before you get here.”
“Don’t bet on it,” Al said, his brain clicking into gear. “Way I see it, tomorrow’s too late. Lemme make a coupla’ calls, and I’ll get back to ya’.”
Ending the call, he began to whistle as he packed up his fishing gear and folding chair. He carried them back to the car, where he was just able to squeeze everything into its tiny trunk. With Red riding shotgun, Al sped back toward his beachside villa, where he sprang into action. Adrenalin pumping through his veins, Al packed a small bag, made a few calls, and wrote a note for his housekeeper.
Dear Marta,
Take a few days off. Will you let the swimming teacher know I can’t make this week’s lesson?
See you soon.
Gone fishing,
Al
Al had mixed feelings about missing his swimming lesson. Part of him was glad to have an excuse to skip being in the water, which was just about the only thing in the world he feared. The other part of him knew at some point, he was going to have to face up to it once and for all. Then he could take a trip on The Bob Marley and catch a whopper. He vowed to himself to rectify the situation when he returned. Before then, it looked like he had work to do.
Thirty minutes later, he pressed Jake’s number.
“That was fast, Al,” Jake said. “What did you find out?”
Al looked out the living room window, where Red was standing guard in the gated driveway. “Some things ya’ don’t need to know ‘bout. Let’s just say I still know some people, and one of ‘em is flyin’ me and Red to Seattle. The plane takes off in an hour. It’s a private jet, so I’ll be there tonight.”
Al saw a town car pull up outside the gates. A chauffeur climbed out and pressed some buttons on the keypad. As the gates glided open and the car pulled in, Al lifted his bag and walked to the front door. “Here’s my schedule. I have someone pickin’ me up at the airport and someone else takin’ me by boat to Bainbridge Island. Another friend has arranged to drive me to DeeDee’s house when I get to the island. I’ll use her SUV while I’m there. Don’t know what’s ahead, but don’t want no one rememberin’ me from the ferry or a rental car. Never like to leave a trail.”
“I hadn’t thought of that,” Jake said, “but you’re right. What can I do?”
“Fer now, nothin’.” Al walked out of his house and closed the door behind him with a loud bang. Climbing into the car with Red, he nodded at the driver before continuing the conversation. “When I get to the island and have a chance to talk to DeeDee, you and I probably need to decide what needs to be done about her situation.”
“Agreed,” Jake said. “But won’t DeeDee flip out when you arrive at her place? She’s not expecting you.”
“Don’tcha worry ‘bout that. I just called DeeDee and tol’ her a little bird said she had a problem, and I’d be stayin’ with her until the problem was gone. Course she said she didn’t need me, but I tol’ her Vinny sent me a message from above that I had to come, and that was that. She gave me her address. I’ll call ya’ tomorrow.”
“I’m impressed, Al. I don’t know how I can ever repay you for this, but I want you to know how much it means to me, and to Roz.” The relief was clear in Jake’s voice. “I’d better call Roz now and let her know her sister will be in good hands in a few hours.”
As the car drove away from Al’s place and the gates closed behind them, Al pressed a button on his mobile phone alerting his security company he was going out of town. Round-the-clock surveillance would ensure that only his authorized staff would gain entry while he was away.
“Jake, these hands only missed once. That was the night Vinny was murdered, and trust me, they’ll never miss again.” Al was glad his sunglasses covered the tears that threatened to seep from his wrinkled eyes.
“Al, that’s something I don’t doubt. I’ll call Roz and let her know you’re coming. Have a safe trip.”
Chapter Nine
DeeDee kept peering around the curtains in anticipation of Al’s arrival. She’d left the garage door open like he’d instructed her to do, so that the person who drove him to her home could let him off in the garage without alerting anyone he was staying in her home. If someone approached the house, she wanted to see for herself that it was Al. The darker the night became, the more her anxiety increased.
“DeeDee, you’re making me nervous standing there. Won’t you come and sit over here? I’ve made us some tea, and I found a carrot cake in the pantry.”
DeeDee turned to where her friend, Cassie Roberts, had put a tray of refreshments on the low coffee table in the great room. The carrot cake she’d frosted the day before was calling to her, and she walked over to the sofa while Cassie poured the tea.
“From what you’ve told me,” Cassie went on, handing her a cup, “Al is quite capable of getting here in one piece. In fact, I can’t wait to meet him. You’ve painted quite a colorful picture of him.”
“Believe me, he’s really something,” DeeDee said, the sweet milky tea soothing her nerves. The sugar that Cassie had added to the drink wasn’t how she usually drank it, but her friend knew that in times of crisis, DeeDee needed a sugar hit. This was definitely one of those times.
“Thanks for coming over today,” DeeDee said to Cassie. “If I’d been by myself the whole time, Balto and I would be climbing the walls by now. Roz offered, but she and Clark are just back from their honeymoon. Plus, she’s so hyperactive she would have made me even more jittery. Just being able to get out and take a walk on the beach with you and Balto was a big help.”
Cassie gave DeeDee a reassuring smile. “I’d be here in a heartbeat, you know that. I’m so glad you asked. It gets lonely for me in that big house without Johnny. The kids stop by from time to time, but you know how it is. It’s just not the same.”
DeeDee could see the wistful look in her friend’s eyes. It was only about three months ago that Cassie’s husband had died, murdered on the golf course in Whistler, British Columbia. Before DeeDee’s divorce and her subsequent move to Bainbridge Island, the two women had been neighbors on Mercer Island in Seattle. Their children had grown up running in and out of each other’s homes, and DeeDee and Cassie had formed a bond that had never diminished, even though they didn’t see each other as often as they had before DeeDee moved to Bainbridge Island.
DeeDee nodded. “I do, and that’s the way it should be. We don’t need our children babysitting us. They have their own lives to lead. By the way, what’s happening with the sale of your house, is it still going ahead?”
Cassie stirred her tea and took a sip. “Yes,” she said, smiling. “A banker and his trophy wife have bought it. They’re talking about knocking the whole place down and doing a complete rebuild. The wife said the house was old and boring.” Cassie laughed. “Just like me, I guess.”
“I love your house,” DeeDee exclaimed. “Especially the twisty staircase leading up to the attic at the top. Does Liam still use that as a darkroom?” Liam, Cassie’s son, was a very good amateur photographer, and had won a couple of National Geographic awards.
Cassie shook her he
ad. “No, he hasn’t used it in a long time. Liam has his own darkroom in the house he bought with his girlfriend. I think she wanted to use the space as a walk-in closet, but they worked something out. I’ve started packing my place up, and the movers are coming next week. No sense waiting around, huh?” Her brown eyes were shining. “I guess I’m ready for the next phase of my life, whatever that may be.”
The strong talk coming from Cassie was at odds with her fragile appearance. Her petite frame was immaculately dressed in a tight roll-neck sweater and capri pants, along with ballet flats on her doll-size feet. A pixie haircut framed her pretty face, which was lined but still looked young, probably because it was free of makeup. Cassie had been a hippy in her youth, and she still embraced a ‘less is more’ philosophy.
DeeDee watched her in admiration. “I love your outlook on life. I knew when Johnny died you’d be bereft, but that you’d soon bounce back. Please don’t be offended by me saying this, but you’ve coped far better than I would have. Look at me. I can hardly last two minutes without a man. Exit Jake, and I fall apart. Al calling me like that was a miracle.”
Cassie raised an eyebrow. “You don’t really think he heard a voice from the grave, do you? I’d bet Roz called him.”
“Yeah, she probably did.” DeeDee reached for a second piece of cake. “But whatever the reason, I’m not complaining. When you see Al, you’ll know what I mean. I know I’ll be able to sleep when he gets here, that’s for sure. Having someone like Al on your team means a lot.”
Cassie considered DeeDee’s remark. “And having someone like Jake on your team—would that not mean a lot too? You haven’t said much about what happened, but I can tell you’re hurting. I’m sure if he knew about you being threatened, he’d want to help.”
DeeDee’s chin trembled. She continued to chew her cake, dropping her eyes away from Cassie’s gaze. “Can we talk about something else?”
Cassie remained quiet, and lifted the teapot to refill their cups.
“Fine,” DeeDee said after a long pause, setting her empty plate down on the table. “If you must know, I feel so bad about how I treated Jake, I’m ashamed to call him. He’s been nothing but a hero to me, and I’ve behaved horribly. To ask for his help now would just be rubbing salt in his wounds. I couldn’t do it that to him. It wouldn’t be fair.” Tears welled up in her eyes.
Cassie touched DeeDee’s arm, and handed her a Kleenex. When DeeDee had finished crying, Cassie spoke again. Her voice was gentle.
“DeeDee, all you need to do is tell him what you just told me. Tell him that you feel bad, and you’re sorry. You’ll have cleared the air, and whatever else happens, I’m sure he’d appreciate your honesty. Don’t you think he deserves that much, no matter how hard it is for you?”
DeeDee sniffed and nodded, dabbing her eyes with the Kleenex before blowing her nose. “Okay, I promise I will. When this is over, I’ll return his things and talk to him. Now, are you going to tell me where you’re moving to?”
“Good girl.” Cassie gave DeeDee an approving smile. “I’m taking a suite at the Four Seasons, until I decide what to do next.”
DeeDee’s eyes widened. She’d never known Cassie to blatantly show off her wealth, despite the fact that Johnny had been a very successful businessman.
As if sensing DeeDee’s shock, Cassie laughed. “It’s not going to be for long, nor is it as extravagant as you might think. I’ve accepted an offer for a long-term charter of our yacht that’s moored in Barcelona. That alone will cover the Four Seasons’ costs. And the money from the house, along with Johnny’s investments, is more than enough for me to live on the interest, without even touching the principal. As for the Mercedes dealership, I’ll probably sell that too. Also,” Cassie blurted out, “I’ve given two weeks’ notice at the Seattle Art Museum.”
DeeDee looked at Cassie in amazement and grinned. “I approve,” she said, stretching her arms out to give Cassie a hug. “I know you loved that job, but I’m sure they’ll be happy to have you back as a docent any time you want to, although, I can’t imagine you being idle for long. Do you have anything in mind?”
Cassie shrugged. “Brianna has been nagging me to buy a fixer-upper, so she can help with remodeling it. And I volunteer at the dog rescue center most weekends anyway. Apart from that, I’m open to offers.”
“Brianna would love that,” DeeDee said. Brianna, Cassie’s daughter, was an interior designer who’d inherited her father’s entrepreneurial talents. “And feel free to give her my number if she’s at loose ends. I’d love her advice about this place.” DeeDee’s eyes looked around the great room. “It’s a little dated, and it really could use some tender loving care. I’m sure Brianna could give me some ideas. Of course I’d pay her.”
DeeDee froze at the sudden sound of a car outside, her face taking on a stricken look.
Cassie jumped up from her seat. “Don’t move,” she warned DeeDee in a low voice. “I’ll go see who it is.”
“Balto, go with Cassie,” DeeDee whispered, cowering on the sofa. She watched Balto follow Cassie over to the door, which clicked shut when they left. DeeDee’s teeth were chattering as she sat there, despite the heat coming from the fire. After a while she heard muted voices talking outside on the porch, a man’s deep voice, complimented by the lighter tone and unmistakable laughter of Cassie.
A beaming Cassie burst into the room several minutes later, followed by the familiar bulky silhouette of Al, dressed in black and wearing his customary sunglasses despite the late hour.
“Al,” DeeDee said, standing up to greet him. “I’m so happy to see you. Thank you for coming all this way.”
Al extended his hand to DeeDee, which she ignored as she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him into a warm embrace. Al appeared sheepish at the welcome. “Now ladies, don’t y’all go throwin’ yerselves’ at me,” he smiled, when he’d extricated himself from DeeDee’s hug. “How about I settle Red in yer’ yard, and then we can talk.”
“You must be hungry,” DeeDee said. “Let me make you something to eat. Can I tempt you with an Italian beef sandwich?”
Al’s face lit up. “Did ya’ get a message from Vinny, too? Ya’ must be some kind of clairvoyant. Don’tcha know it—an Italian beef sandwich, nice and wet, is the way to ol’ Al’s heart.”
Cassie, who had been watching the interaction between DeeDee and Al, interrupted. “I think I’d better get out of your way, guys.” Turning to DeeDee, she smiled. “It looks like you’re in very capable hands.”
DeeDee watched Al staring at Cassie, fascination written all over his face. Cassie was looking at Al and blushing.
“Oh now, don’t be goin’ cuz’ of me,” Al protested, meekly removing his sunglasses and placing them in the top pocket of his jacket. His eyes beseeched Cassie to stay.
It was Cassie’s turn to be flustered. “Um, it’s after 10:00 p.m.,” she said shyly, “and I don’t like to be traveling on the ferry alone much later than this.”
DeeDee, picking up on the electricity in the air between the two of them, looked from Al to Cassie in amusement. “Why don’t you stay, Cassie? There’s enough bedrooms, and it’s no trouble. The more, the merrier.”
Cassie lifted her purse. “Really, I should be going,” she murmured. “It was very nice meeting you, Al.”
“The pleasure was all mine, ma’am.” Al shook Cassie’s hand, neither letting go. “Why don’t I see ya’ out?” he said, seemingly mesmerized by Cassie.
Watching the two of them walk to the doorway, Al holding Cassie’s coat while she put her arms into the sleeves, DeeDee didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Al’s tenderness was so endearing, particularly the way he held the door open for Cassie before walking her out to her car. Apparently, the fact that a murderer was on the loose was not on either of their minds at that moment.
DeeDee headed out to the kitchen to fix Al something to eat. There would be plenty of time to talk after he’d eaten, made Red at home in the yard, and gotten himself se
ttled in the guest bedroom. Already, Al’s presence reassured her, and although she wished it were Jake protecting her, she found herself humming as she turned on the stove.
Chapter Ten
Al pushed his empty plate away and with a sigh of satisfaction, wiped his mouth with a paper napkin. “DeeDee, ya’ sure know the way to a man’s heart. I’m telling ya’, if Vinny was still alive and tasted that Italian beef sandwich, he woulda’ proposed to ya’ on the spot.” Al grinned at DeeDee, whose face remained serious. The strain she was under was plain to see, her brow creased with worry.
“I’m not sure about that, but I would have welcomed the opportunity to know Vinny better,” DeeDee replied, removing Al’s empty plate and replacing it with a generous helping of caramel cheesecake. “I’m sure you have a lot of exciting stories to share about him. I’d love to hear them some time.”
“That I do,” Al said, between bites. “But first, I wanna tell ya’ not to worry. Yer’ safe now that Al’s here, ya’ got that?” He gave DeeDee what he hoped was a reassuring smile, flashing several gold teeth. “Al’s not gonna let anyone hurt ya’, that I promise.” He paused, watching DeeDee stifle a yawn. He was pretty tired himself, after the long flight, a crossing to Bainbridge Island on a speedboat, and a high-speed drive across the island in his friend’s Mustang. “Listen, I know it’s late and all, but we gotta get to work. Ya’ said ya’ had a list of names of the people ya’ could remember from the party. Wanna show me what ya’ got, so we can get started?”
DeeDee nodded. “I’ll get it now. I guess we could do with some coffee too, would I be right?”
Al smiled. “Yer’ learnin’. I take mine strong and sweet. Jes’ like me.” He was pleased to see the edges of DeeDee’s mouth curl upwards, ever so slightly.
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