Winds of Fire

by Kira Chase

  “I'm sorry for snapping at you. You're right. Kendall has made quite an impression on me. All I know is that I want to help her no matter what it takes,” Johanna said.

  “Good. I knew you would once you met her.”

  “Wasn't her institutionalization after the deaths of her fiancée and father and before she met Thatcher?” Johanna asked. “She'd suffered two horrible tragedies. Certainly Thatcher couldn't use that against her when he wasn't even in the picture yet.”

  “No, he wouldn't have been able to, but unfortunately he had her institutionalized several months ago. This time her hospitalization had been kept away from the media. He went to great lengths to keep the press away. I wasn't even aware of it until Thatcher invoked the power of attorney.” He sighed heavily. “Kendall is a very private person. She has a few close friends, but she was too ashamed to confide in them about how she'd been suffering at her husband's hands. After all, Thatcher was a doting husband in their social circles and she was terrified that they wouldn't believe her. She had no one she felt she could turn to, so she suffered alone.”

  Frankie sat back listening. Everything she and Johanna had discussed, Alec was confirming. What a bastard Thatcher Longman was proving to be. She couldn't begin to imagine the suffering the woman had endured from the man who had promised a lifetime of happiness. She looked at Alec, waiting for him to continue.

  “It wasn't until she was released from the hospital that she finally told me how she'd been suffering at his hands,” Alec said. “For months, prior to being hospitalized, he'd been verbally and mentally abusing her, doing everything in his power to break her. He'd say despicable things to her and chip away at her self-esteem. One night she'd had a little too much to drink and he started in again. She said he kept badgering her repeatedly about how soon, very soon, she'd be living in the gutter and everything she had would be his. She lost control and threw a drink in his face. He laughed at her and kept berating her. She was crying and screaming incoherently. He phoned a doctor who happened to be an acquaintance of his, and the doctor, along with a colleague of his, had her committed. Thatcher kept the press away from the story. A couple of days later he invoked his power of attorney and took control of her business as well as all of her personal accounts.” His fists tightened into hard balls. “I swear I wanted to break his neck.”

  “Can't you prove that she's not mentally incapable of handling her affairs?”

  “Yes, Frankie. I have a team of psychiatrists who will attest that she is competent.”

  “So, call for a hearing and put an end to it. Why do you want him to think you believe Kendall is mentally incompetent?”

  “To beat him at his own game.” He shook his head. “Now is not the right time to call for a hearing. If necessary, I will when the time is right. But right now, I need you two to tail him and report everyone he meets with when he leaves his office each evening until he returns home.”

  “You don't want us to watch the house all night?”

  “No, when he goes home for the night, you're done for the day. Just follow him when he leaves the office until he arrives home. That's all you need to do. Get plenty of pictures of him and anyone he's seen with.”

  “Why doesn't Kendall just file for a divorce and be done with him?” Frankie asked. “Certainly it would be worth whatever she has to pay to get rid of him once and for all.”

  “First, there's the issue of him still retaining power of attorney. Even if she regained total control of her assets, without any proof of infidelity on his part, he stands to receive an unusual settlement.”

  “Still, wouldn't it be worth it?” Johanna questioned. “She could move on with her life.”

  “No, it wouldn't be worth it. Not to her or Bronson Enterprises. It would still leave him with equal control of the Bronson holdings, including the hotels.” He cleared his throat. “When he insisted on signing the pre-nup, Kendall had that clause added. I'm sure he convinced her to add it. I tried to talk her out of it, privately of course, but at that time she insisted that she wanted to show him that she trusted that he wasn't a gold digger. She really believed he'd be her happily ever after. She refused to believe that her marriage would ever fall apart. Of course, the clause would be revoked if Thatcher filed for divorce or was found to be unfaithful.”

  “Sly move on his part,” Frankie stated. “But the clause is still odd. Would it be possible for us to see a copy of the pre-nup with all of the added clauses?”

  “You only need to tail him,” Alec replied.

  Johanna studied the attorney. She knew by the twinkle in his eye that he knew just tailing Thatcher Longman wouldn't be enough to satisfy them, especially after all they'd learned about the despicable man.

  He lifted an eyebrow. “I'll ask Kendall. I don't think she'll object, but you won't find anything in there that I haven't already told you about.”

  “I know, but I'd like to see when the changes to the pre-nup were made. Just humor us,” Frankie added. “I've got to be honest, Alec, nothing about this case makes much sense right now. Maybe somehow Johanna and I can make a connection.”

  “I don't know what you hope to find, but if Kendall agrees, have a go at it.” He flashed a bright smile.

  Johanna suddenly stiffened. “Alec, you don't think Thatcher might try to physically harm Kendall do you? I mean, if something happened to her wouldn't he automatically inherit everything since she has no living heirs?”

  “That thought has crossed my mind. He, of course, wouldn't do it himself, but just between us, I certainly wouldn't put it past him to hire someone,” Alec replied. “Just to be on the safe side, I've had a few safety precautions put in place.”

  “Won't that set off warning bells for Thatcher?”

  “Hopefully he won't even be aware of it. If Kendall feels she's in danger, she can push a button on her necklace that will alert the police.”

  “So she was wearing it when we met her?”

  “Yes. And when she came to see you this morning, I hired a taxi that dropped her off around the corner from your office.”

  “What about last Friday?”

  “My wife took care of the details. She had no clue Kendall was actually going to go to your office. But, thankfully, she got there and back safely. I warned her to never do that again unless I'm aware of it.”

  “I feel so sorry for her,” Frankie said. “All that money and so unhappy. What a monster she married.”

  “All that money and she can't touch it,” Johanna added. “That's not right, Alec.”

  “No, it's not and that's why I can't afford to wait much longer. I think Thatcher's going to make a move soon.” He paused. “So, you two are still on board after everything I've told you?” he asked studying them.

  “Of course, we are,” Frankie answered. “We've already given Kendall a signed contract. We just needed to clarify with you that she is the real Kendall Bronson Longman. Now that we know she is, we're determined to do everything in our power to help her.”

  “There is one other thing that doesn't make sense, Alec. Doesn't the way Kendall is dressed reflect poorly on Thatcher? Or is that part of his plan to use against her?” Johanna's eyes narrowed. “To be honest, she looked like a woman who lives on the streets. That's why we'd originally thought she may have stolen or found Kendall's wallet with her identity.”

  He chuckled. “She doesn't dress like that in everyday life. Even though her accounts have been frozen, she does have access to a small personal account, which her father had set up years ago in the event of any problems.” He frowned. “He'd worried about potential suitors taking advantage of her.”

  “Did he approve of her fiancée...the man who was killed?” Frankie asked.

  “Oh, yes. Ryder worshipped Kendall. They'd known one another most of their lives. The families had been very close. They were a perfect match.” His eyebrows knitted together. “It was such a tragedy. Kendall has had so much tragedy in her life.”

  “And Thatcher Longman
swooped in at the right moment.” Johanna frowned. “Why did she come to us dressed like that? That doesn't make any sense.”

  “Neither of you recognized her as a wealthy heiress, now did you?” He raised his eyebrows.

  Johanna nodded. “I get it. But wouldn't someone see her leaving her home dressed like that? Couldn't that give Thatcher more ammunition against her?”

  “No. She enters my office dressed normally, and my lovely wife helps transform her image. Kendall then exits through the back entrance as a woman any passerby would assume lived on the streets.” He cleared his throat. “Whenever you have personal contact with Kendall outside of this office, she will be in that attire.”

  “So that throws off anyone Thatcher may have hired to tail her,” Frankie stated.

  “Exactly. My wife picks her up a few times a week and takes her over to our house to change her clothes. If Thatcher has hired someone to follow her, he or she is sitting watching my office while Kendall's out having lunch or shopping.” He chuckled. “She wanted to meet the both of you since her case is more complicated and may involve personal contact with her from time to time. Unlike other cases you've handled for me where you never met the client.”

  “Understood,” Johanna said.

  “Now I think it's time you meet the real Kendall Bronson Longman.” He picked up his phone. “Valerie, please send Mrs. Longman in.”

  Seconds later the door opened and a tall, slim, very beautiful woman stepped into the room. Her jet-black hair hung loosely on her shoulders. She wore a silk pale blue blouse and tailored navy skirt with matching one-inch heels. Her makeup was perfect as though she'd just stepped off the pages of a beauty magazine. She gracefully walked to where the investigators stood and held out a hand, shaking each of theirs, and then smiled at them.

  * * * *

  “What do you think?” Johanna asked half an hour later as they walked down a long carpeted hall adorned with expensive looking works of art lining the walls. She peeked into some of the half-opened doors as they passed, noting that all of the offices were as elaborately decorated as Alec's office.

  “It looks like Alec has redecorated since the last time we were here,” Frankie observed. “Very nice.”

  Johanna chuckled. “I mean about the case.”

  Frankie cocked an eyebrow. “It's certainly more complicated than I imagined.”

  “I know,” Johanna agreed. “I can't get over how beautiful Kendall really is. I'm still having a problem wrapping my head around the fact that the woman in our office this morning and the woman we just met are one and the same.” She scowled. “I can't believe what her husband has put her through. It makes me more determined to bring Thatcher Longman down.”

  “Alec hired us for only a specific part of the case, but this goes much deeper than a cheating husband.” She frowned.

  “And you know as well as I do, Frankie, that we're bound to dig up much more than Alec realizes.”

  “Alec knows that. That's why he hired us,” she said with a sly wink.

  Johanna stared pointedly at her. “I just wish he would tell us what's really going on.”

  Frankie shrugged. “Right now we'll do what we were hired to do—surveillance on Thatcher Longman.”

  “If we only knew what else to be on the lookout for,” Johanna replied. She made a mental note to contact some of Kendall's past and present friends. Maybe they could shed some light on Kendall's state of mind before and after Thatcher came into her life. She'd have to make up a believable reason for contacting them and hope to retrieve some information without letting them know the true nature of her call.

  “You've gone quiet.” Frankie took her elbow as they made their way to the car. “What's going on in that beautiful head of yours?”

  “Something's not right, Frankie.”

  Frankie's eyes slanted. “You think?”

  “I want to contact past and present friends of Kendall's.”

  Frankie turned her head and looked at her. “From what Alec said, she never confided in anyone. Now that would be a waste of time and effort.”

  “I suppose you're right. It was just a thought. I'll put it on the back burner for now.” Johanna pursed her lips. “You know we won't be happy until Thatcher gets nailed for more than screwing around on his wife. And we want to be a part of his take down.”

  “I know, hon, but we keep rehashing the same thing over and over. Let's take it one step at a time. Alec knows we'll uncover more. He expects nothing less from us.” She grinned wryly.

  “I can't wait.”

  “So, are you still excited to be back on the job?”

  She nodded enthusiastically. “There's nothing I'd rather be doing.”

  Chapter 5

  Frankie pulled the car over to let two fire trucks with sirens blaring, roar past.

  “Another fire,” Johanna said. “Too early for the elusive arsonist.”

  Frankie grunted. “I hope they catch the bastard soon. Who knows where he'll strike next?”

  “No leads last I heard, but then I haven't really been keeping up with the news lately.”

  Frankie glanced at her. “From what I've heard it's been only trash cans outside of commercial businesses that have closed for the night. No major damage except to the trash receptacles.”

  “It doesn't make sense. People are still around the area shopping at some of the other merchants who are open later, but no one ever sees anything or anyone acting suspicious.”

  “How many people are out back where the bins are usually located? Only an employee putting trash into a bin. So we can rule out an employee.” Frankie speculated. “It's either a pyromaniac or someone looking for revenge.”

  “It could be an employee who is a pyromaniac. If it's someone looking for revenge, then it's odd that he would have that many businesses to settle a score with. But then, who knows? Nothing about any crime is ever logical,” Johanna said. “And neither are the criminals.” She watched as Frankie eased the car back onto the highway. “I'm sure George and the police are working in conjunction on it along with the fire marshal. They won't release pertinent details to the media, Frankie. You know that.”

  “I wonder why Kate hasn't mentioned the fires.”

  Johanna lifted an eyebrow. “Why should she? We don't discuss all of our cases with her.”

  Frankie rubbed her jaw. “I know, but I thought she would since they're becoming more frequent. These fires make me nervous. Who knows when our strip mall will be hit? And who knows when the fires may escalate to the actual buildings?” She gripped the steering wheel. “Check the GPS. The exit is on Blake Drive. We'll find an inconspicuous spot to park until Thatcher comes out and then see where he goes.”

  “Make a left on Newly,” Johanna replied.

  Frankie brushed her hair off her forehead with the back of her hand. “It's warm tonight.”

  “Thank God for that,” Johanna said. “Nothing worse than sitting in the car freezing our asses off. We've done that too many nights.” She checked her camera. “Maybe Longman will turn out to be innocent of infidelity. Who knows? Maybe he flirts, but doesn't take it any further. Especially if he's doing it right in front of Kendall. He could be doing it to break her down and then accuse her of making false accusations.”

  Frankie's eyes slanted. “I doubt it. But even if he is innocent of cheating, he's not innocent of what he's done to her by having her committed just to get control of her assets.” Her lips puckered.

  “Who knows what a devious mind like his is capable of?”

  “I can't imagine what it would be like to grow up with all that wealth, have it left to you, and then watch someone come in and snatch it all away. I'd want blood.”

  “Me, too. Alec did say, though, that he's got a team of psychiatrists who are going to testify that Kendall is capable of handling her own accounts. Once she's proven competent, Thatcher will lose that control.”

  “Why isn't Alec pushing for a hearing now instead of waiting?” Frankie insisted
. “That's the part I can't wrap my mind around. He was so vague. And why does he want Thatcher to believe that he does not intend to help Kendall in her allegations about him? He's up to something.”

  “Of course he is. He's going after something much bigger. You and I need to concentrate on what we were hired to do.”

  “Oh, look who's talking. You have the same concerns. Admit it.” She flashed a smile.

  “I know, but I need to focus on tracking Thatcher or I'll drive myself crazy. You and I will end up doing more than just tailing Thatcher Longman. We both know that. But for tonight that's all we're going to do.” Johanna peered through the windshield. “There's a spot a few spaces up the street.” She checked the time. “If he sticks to the schedule Kendall gave us, he should be coming out in a few minutes.” She kept her eyes focused on the parking garage exit. “It looks like the majority of employees have left for the day.”

  Frankie maneuvered the car into the space Johanna had pointed out and cut the engine. They settled back into their seats and watched as a few cars drove out of the parking garage. Fifteen minutes later, an expensive red sports car appeared a few feet from the exit. They watched as a gate slowly opened.

  “That's his car,” Frankie said straightening. “What's he doing?”

  Thatcher's car slowly moved toward the open gate, but instead of exiting through it, he abruptly braked.

  “Maybe he stalled,” Johanna suggested. She watched Longman's car begin to move again. “No, he's inching forward. But he sure as hell is taking his time. The gate's closing. I wonder what he's doing. It looks like there's a car behind his.”

  Frankie craned her neck and watched as the dark blue mid-size car behind Thatcher's honked three times and then laid on the horn. She rolled her eyes. “Why not just go around him? It looks like there's plenty of room.”

  “Maybe it narrows near the gate. I'm going to get a couple of shots. This is interesting; laying on the horn when it's the boss's car. I wonder if the other driver is even aware of it,” Johanna said as she adjusted the angle of her camera. She snapped some pictures.