“I think you are off to a good start. You are willing to give up millions of dollars and spend time in jail to keep your baby safe.”
“I understand you were the one to deliver the money to the designated pick-up spot. I can’t thank you enough for that.”
“It’s not a big deal,” she replied.
“Don’t let Brooke fool you, sir,” said Carter. It was a very dangerous situation and Brooke handled it beautifully. That madman could have killed her. Instead, someone killed him.”
“That reminds me, Travis,” said Brooke, “Do you have a brother you don’t talk about?”
“A brother, no, I’m the only one. I don’t think Mother would agree to another child after I was born. She never stopped reminding me of the thirty-two hours of excruciating pain she endured bringing me into the world. Why do you ask?”
“Luke heard from the kidnapper after the guy who picked up the money was shot. The caller said something about the baby’s Uncle Joseph.”
“That doesn’t make sense, Adele didn’t have any siblings either.”
“Sir, the doorman announced the arrival of Renè DuBois,” said Carter. “are you receiving guests?”
“Rennie’s here, of course, have her come up.”
“Travis, dear, how can I help? I couldn’t believe the news when I received a text from Carter.”
“Rennie, you are supposed to be in Montana. I hope you didn’t cut your vacation short because of me.”
“Travis, darlin’, I can go to Montana anytime. I wouldn’t be anyplace but here. Brooke, I’m so glad you are here. Travis needs his friends now more than ever. Carter filled me in on your marriage to that troubled girl and that you are a father. I’m so sorry about the circumstances.”
“Rennie, cried Carter, how did you get here so fast? I didn’t call you until this morning. The Kincaid jet wouldn’t have time to fly from here to Montana and back so quickly.”
“If you must know, Carter Moss, I had some personal business to take care of in town,” she scowled at the meddlesome subordinate.
Brooke knew the situation was becoming tense and didn’t want these two upsetting Travis. “Rennie, let me get you a cup of tea, the way you like it with honey and cream.”
“I’d rather have a dry martini, but I’ll settle for the tea,” Rennie hugged Travis and followed Brooke into the kitchen.
“What’s up with you and Carter?” Brooke asked.
“Carter Moss is the most irritating human being on the face of the earth. How dare he question me and my whereabouts? It’s none of his damn business where I go or what I do.”
“Rennie, calm down, I don’t think Carter was prying, he seemed surprised you were able to make it here so quickly.”
“I don’t want to talk about the little twerp anymore. I can’t believe you found that girl’s body, you must have been mortified.”
“Yes, this ordeal has been unreal. I was furious with Travis because he didn’t tell me he had a wife. I’m still not happy about his lies, but the important thing now is bringing his baby back safely. What kind of monster takes a baby for money?”
“From what I heard on my way here, the money was recovered. I hope that doesn’t mean the baby is in more danger than before. The infant is Francis’s grandchild. Nothing can happen to it.”
“Here’s my friend, Molly, I think you’ve met her and Luke Sullivan.”
“Yes, I know Molly from the floral shop downstairs, Travis likes her work and dropped the florist we’ve used for years in favor of her creations. I’ll say hello and then check in with my office, if you don’t think Travis needs me for an hour or so.”
“You go ahead, Rennie, I’ll call if Travis hears from the kidnapper again.”
“I thought Rennie DuBois was in Montana?” said Molly.
“Everyone thought she was, apparently, she was on a secret mission here in Hillsboro. She is sensitive about it; my guess is a man is involved. Were you able to check out the apartment at Bryce Arms?”
“Yes, the super was more than willing to let us snoop in the apartment in question. A Beatrice Logan is the tenant; however, it doesn’t look like anyone is living there. There were a few dresses hanging in the closet but few personal items. Mr. Quigley said she is an elderly widow who never makes any noise. The odd thing is, she had a pair of flip-flops in the closet along with the old-fashioned house dresses from back in the fifties.”
Brooke’s mouth flew open and she stared at her friend, “It can’t be!” she cried.
“Brooke, what is it? You look positively dazed.”
“Did you say you saw flip-flops in the closet? The things people wear on their feet in the summer?”
“That’s the only kind of flip-flops I know of, does it mean something to you?”
“Rennie wears flip-flops,” Brooke whispered.
“Rennie, the fashion plate? She wouldn’t be caught dead in flip-flops.”
“I didn’t tell you about the time we traveled together. The minute she got on the airplane, the fancy clothes came off and she was wearing a tee-shirt and shorts. She kicked off her shoes and slipped her feet into flip-flops. She looked entirely different.”
“Do you think she could pass herself off as an elderly widow woman?”
“It’s possible but why would she do it? What motive would she have for kidnapping an innocent baby? I don’t think she needs the money, Kincaid Enterprises has a reputation for compensating the staff generously. She is looking forward to retiring in Montana and living a quiet life on a ranch.”
“The flip-flops could be coincidence and the secret return to Hillsboro may be innocent on her part. As unlikely as it seems, she could be involved in the kidnapping,” said Molly.
“She said she was going to the office, maybe you could ask her questions about the dead kidnapper. I’d do it, Molly, but I don’t want to leave Travis.”
“I understand, I’ll visit with her in her office. If she’s innocent, she might have information that will help. Wish me luck, if I’m not back in an hour call out a search party to look for my dead body,” Molly laughed.
“Don’t joke about that, my friend.”
Chapter Seventeen
Molly entered the offices of Kincaid Enterprises. She knew many of the staff who often browsed in the flower shop on their lunch break. Molly didn’t mind that they didn’t order flowers or buy the collectibles on display. The traffic was good for business and they often came back to pick up a gift for a special occasion.
“Hi, Ava, can you tell me where I can find Rennie DuBois?”
“Rennie is in her office, I’ll take you there,” said Ava. “She cut her trip short to be here with Mr. Kincaid. Isn’t it terrible about his wife? We never knew he was married. I can’t believe he killed her, can you, Molly?”
“He didn’t kill her, Ava. I hope you aren’t spreading rumors,” Molly cautioned.
“I’d never do that, Molly.” Although curious to know what Molly knew about the murder, she knew better than to mention it again.
“Ms. DuBois, Molly Ryan from Buds and Blooms is here to see you.”
“Come in Molly, please sit down. I can’t believe what’s happened. It’s a mess, I had no idea Travis was married.”
“Very few people knew, Brooke among them. Brooke said you are aware of the kidnapping. Luke Sullivan received a call from the kidnapper and mentioned the man who was shot earlier was the child’s uncle. Did you know of any children Francis Kincaid might have fathered?”
“Francis Kincaid was a womanizer; I wouldn’t be surprised if he did have a child or two out there somewhere. Most of the women he bedded were too smart to get themselves pregnant. Do the police think the kidnapper is related to Travis?”
“It’s a possibility, the caller wouldn’t have any reason to make a statement like that if it isn’t true.”
“I wish I could help, Molly. I’m not myself today, if I think of anything, I’ll call you or Brooke.”
Molly knew when she was bei
ng dismissed. She could see the tears welling in Rennie’s eyes. Something is going on with the woman, she acts like she has the weight of the world on her shoulders. I can’t believe she is a cold-blooded killer. Brooke said she has loved Francis Kincaid for years and has never stopped loving him. It doesn’t make sense that she would arrange for Adele Kincaid’s death and the kidnapping of her daughter. Is it some sick ploy to seek revenge on a dead man?
“Did Rennie have anything to say?” asked Brooke when Molly returned to the penthouse.
She acknowledged that Francis Kincaid was involved with other women but is not aware of any children resulting from a relationship. Brooke, Rennie is troubled about something. I don’t know her well, but she has always seemed in control. Something is very wrong in her world. I hope it doesn’t have to do with the kidnapping.
“I just got a call from the coroner,” Detective Wentworth announced. “The victim had identification on him. His name is Joseph Tucker, his driver’s license shows a Charleston, South Carolina address. Is that someone you know, Travis?”
“I don’t know the name but that’s where Adele is from, he must be the guy who was with her that night.”
“Doc says the man has a clean shave and short hair although his license shows a picture of a man with long hair and a beard.”
Travis pulled out his iPhone and looked up the name Joseph Tucker, Charleston, South Carolina. “There’s a Joey Tucker, looks like he’s an entertainer. It shows a few headshots.”
“Can you photoshop those pictures and remove the facial hair and give him a short hairstyle?” asked Molly.
“I can do that, I’ll use my laptop.” It didn’t take long before a picture appeared on the screen without the beard and long hair.
“Travis,” cried Brooke, “It could be you, he has your eyes.”
“You think he looks like me? I don’t see it.”
Travis called Detective Wentworth. “I’m way ahead of you, Travis; Joseph Tucker worked for the Bainbridge Center during the time your wife was a resident. He quit the job the day Mrs. Kincaid was released. An aid, who was close to your wife, suspected Mr. Tucker was a con who was intent on taking advantage of her. Tucker is a country singer who performed in a dive outside of Charleston until he was hired as a kitchen helper at the center. The director hired him as a musical director after she heard him play his guitar and sing. His mother, Eleanor Tucker, is deceased. She worked for Kincaid Enterprises in the late eighties.”
“It’s possible Joseph Tucker is my father’s son; he did have an unwavering fondness for women. I find it hard to believe he would knowingly reject his child.”
“If it doesn’t interfere with your investigation,” said Molly, “I’d like to pay another visit to Rennie DuBois. I think she might have knowledge of Mr. Kincaid’s frequent affairs.”
“Molly,” said Brooke, “be careful, if there’s a chance Rennie is involved in the kidnapping, you could be in danger.”
“Who is Rennie DuBois, and why do you suspect her of wrongdoing?” asked Abe Wentworth.
“It’s the flip-flops, Beatrice Logan, or whatever her name is, had a pair of flip-flops in her closet. They didn’t fit with the matronly dresses hanging there. Brooke remembered that Rennie DuBois wore flip-flops when she was not working. She is an interior designer for Kincaid Enterprises. She had a crush on Francis Kincaid for years.”
“Molly Ryan, we could use you on the force; you make a great detective. If this DuBois woman is dangerous I can’t send you into harm’s way.”
“The woman is distraught, yet I don’t believe she would hurt me. Finding a pair of flip-flops in a closet doesn’t warrant a visit from the police. I’ll simply ask her what she knows about Eleanor Tucker.”
“Do you want me to go with you, Molly?” asked Luke. “I don’t like the idea of you going alone.”
“No, Luke, I think she might be more open if I go alone. Maybe I can get her to tell me what’s bothering her. There could be something else going on in her life.”
“Hello, Molly, are you here to see Rennie again?” asked Ava with a curious look on her face. “I’ll tell her you are here.”
“Rennie, I’m sorry to bother you again. The police have identified the victim of today’s shooting.” Molly showed Rennie a copy of the photoshopped picture Travis printed.
Rennie’s eyes grew wide, “there is a strong resemblance to Francis. He could be his son, couldn’t he?”
Molly noted that Rennie was genuinely surprised at the photo, as though it was the first time she’d seen Joseph Tucker. “His name is Joseph Tucker, his mother worked here close to thirty years ago, her name is Eleanor Tucker.”
“Eleanor Tucker,” said Rennie, “that name sounds vaguely familiar.” She thought for a minute and said: “Ellie Tucker, yes, I remember her. Oh, my, Frances told me about her; they had what he referred to as a fling. He didn’t know how much it hurt when he told me about his conquests. Maybe he did know and didn’t care. Ellie was a quiet little southern girl who worked in the typing pool. That’s what they called the department back then. She was a beautiful girl with long flowing hair and a perfect figure. She was far from Francis’s usual taste in women, but he was attracted to her. Francis never worried about protection, he always left it up to the woman. Poor naïve Ellie became pregnant with Francis’s baby. He was furious, the cad blamed Ellie for her predicament and gave her money to take care of it. Francis’s ego wouldn’t let him believe anyone would defy him, but it seems Miss Ellie Tucker did just that. I’d be willing to bet if this Joseph Tucker was Francis’s son, he never knew it.”
“Ellie Tucker died close to two years ago; unless she told Joseph who his father was on her deathbed, I wonder why he decided to go after Adele Kincaid now. No one, except Carter Moss, knew about Travis’s marriage. It’s curious how Joseph took a job in the same place where Adele was being treated. It’s as though he zeroed in on her because of Travis,” said Molly.
“You say Carter Moss knew about the marriage, of course, he did. Carter knows everything that goes on in Travis’s life.”
“Rennie, I get the feeling you don’t care for Carter.”
“You’re right, we have a mutual distaste for each other. Carter and I grew up in the same environment, he was a poor kid from Chicago and so was I. We both worked hard to overcome our childhood. However, he turned into a snob who looks down on anyone who didn’t have advantages as a kid. I don’t broadcast my upbringing but I’m not ashamed of it. I remind Carter of where he came from and he doesn’t like to be reminded.”
“Is it possible Carter had something to do with the kidnapping?” Molly didn’t believe it but was trying to get a reaction from Rennie.
“No, Carter would never do anything to hurt Travis. He’s a jerk but he is loyal to the Kincaid family. I think he would protect Travis with his life if need be.”
“Thank you for the information about Ellie Tucker, Rennie. I get the feeling you have something on your mind, if you’d like to talk about it, I’m a good listener.”
“I’m sure you are, Molly but I’ll be fine. Why didn’t I think of this before, Katherine Rice, the head of the clerical pool might know something about Ellie Tucker. That woman has overseen that department since before I came on board. She’s a nasty woman but Kincaid Enterprises is loyal to its longtime employees and would never terminate her despite many complaints about her attitude. She and I have something in common, we both suffered from unrequited love for Francis Kincaid.”
Molly liked Rennie DuBois and couldn’t believe she had anything to do with the missing baby or the murder of Joseph Tucker. She would report her conversation before she paid a visit to Katherine Rice. Brooke mentioned the name one time and she didn’t think highly of the woman.
Chapter Eighteen
People are getting too curious. I’m going to have to speed up my plan to get little Lucy out of Hillsboro. Francis, our granddaughter looks like you. Travis is young, he’ll have more children. I know you loved me a
ll those years, you were afraid to show it because of that stupid wife of yours. I have a sweet little baby now, she is a part of you and you are living through her.
That flower shop girl, Molly Ryan, is asking too many questions, I’ll leave for lunch and I won’t come back. By the time anyone misses me, I’ll be miles from here. I think I’ll go west, Lucy will like Arizona. I’ll buy another gray wig along the way; I’ll get one that is stylish. Lucy will like having a hip grandma.
She kept her eye on the clock waiting for noon when she would rush home, pack a few things, retrieve the baby from Annabelle and be on her way to her new life.
Molly repeated her conversation with Rennie to Detective Wentworth and the others. “Rennie suggested talking to Katherine Rice, the head of the clerical pool about Ellie Tucker.”
“Katherine Rice?” cried Brooke, “that woman is horrible. My assistant, Belinda, worked in the clerical pool for a year, I don’t know how she tolerated Ms. Rice. Belinda says she berates all the women in the department without reason.”
“I think I can handle her, she might be able to give us a clue about Ellie Tucker and her son. It’s been years since Ellie worked for Kincaid but it’s worth a try.”
“I don’t like it, Molly, the more you are involved in interviewing people, the more you put yourself in danger, someone could be watching,” said Detective Wentworth. “I’ll talk with the woman myself.”
“She might be more willing to be open with another woman. I don’t think I’m in danger with so many people milling around the offices.”
“You might as well give in, Detective; Molly won’t back down once she’s made up her mind about something.”
“I can see you’re right, Luke; Go ahead, Molly, talk to Ms. Rice.”
Five minutes and I will leave this office for good. I’ll miss it, however; a new life awaits. I remember the first day I arrived on the job. I was a scared little twit. Miss Ballard was my supervisor until she left to marry some guy from Buffalo. Everyone loved Miss Ballard, those stupid girls gave her a big send-off; the twits were bawling like babies. Of course, they would miss the woman, she was a push-over. The day I took over, the department changed for the better. I know how to keep those silly girls in line. They feared me then and they fear me now. Francis, I did my best for your company but now it’s time for me to leave.
Murder in Kincaid Towers Page 12
