by Kira Chase
“Wouldn't you be able to prevent that?”
“Not until we can locate any offshore accounts he may have set up. I'll be getting on that this morning.”
Frankie nodded. “I suppose then our work for you is completed.”
“Not necessarily. You don't need to tail Thatcher any longer, but I'd be grateful if you could still keep this case as your top priority. I may need you to tail Becca Manning. I'm going to go over some things with Kendall, but I'll keep you informed of everything that happens.”
“We appreciate that,” Frankie replied.
“Thank you both for everything you've done for me,” Kendall said. “I knew Thatcher could be cruel, but I never dreamed the lengths he'd go to in order to steal everything I own.”
“I wish nothing but the best for you, Kendall,” Johanna said. “And if it's any consolation, just remember how the employees on the tape feel about you.”
“Thank you, Johanna.”
“I hope he gets what he deserves,” Frankie added.
“With the three of you helping me, I know he will.” She smiled. “As soon as this is all settled, I intend to throw a big party. I've missed socializing these past few years. I want you two to be there and I won't take no for an answer.” She turned to Alec. “And of course it goes without saying that you and your dear wife will come.”
Frankie knew that Kendall was putting on a brave front, but she also knew that the invitation was sincere. “We'll definitely be there. We wouldn't miss it.”
* * * *
Johanna finished her sandwich, crumpled her wrappings, and tossed them into the wastepaper basket. “We have a few summonses to deliver for the Layman Legal Firm,” Johanna said. “Do you want to pick them up after you've finished eating?”
“We might as well,” Frankie said. “We have no clue when Alec will call. He has our cell phone numbers if anything urgent comes up.” She stretched. “I can't wait until Thatcher gets taken down. I've been on pins and needles wondering what's going on.”
“I'd love to be there to see the look on his face.” She grinned. “He won't know what hit him.”
The door opened and Kate walked inside. Frankie was surprised to see her and thought maybe she'd come because of the abrupt way she'd left on Saturday. “Good afternoon, Kate. On your lunch break?”
“Unfortunately I'm here on official business.” She walked over to their desks. “I need the both of you to come to the sheriff's office.”
“Why?” Johanna asked drawing her brows together.
“George will explain everything to you when you get there,” she replied.
“Tell him we'll stop over later. We have a few things to take care of this afternoon,” Frankie said.
“Look, you need to come now. It can't wait until later. Please don't make this any worse than it already is,” Kate insisted. “It's urgent.”
“Does he have something he needs us to do for him?” Johanna asked.
“No, it's nothing like that.”
“Then tell him we'll be there at the end of the day. We have some work to complete.”
“If I were you two I wouldn't blow this off,” Kate warned. “I'm hoping you'll come on your own accord. I'm trying to save you any embarrassment.”
“Embarrassment? What the hell are you talking about, Kate?” Frankie asked. “Are we in some type of trouble?”
“I can't get into it, but George needs to question you about the numerous arson fires.”
Frankie began to laugh. “You're kidding, right?” When Kate made no response Frankie extended her elbow on her desk propping her right cheek on the palm of her hand as she studied Kate. “You're not kidding, are you?” The distress in Kate's eyes was evident.
Kate tossed her pretty head. “I wish I was. You have to admit that anyone who didn't know you two would find it suspicious. The fires were set at every strip mall you were at. The surveillance tapes don't lie. You were there.”
Johanna threw her head back and laughed, too. “Come on, Kate. You can't seriously believe that Frankie and I had anything to do with setting those fires.”
Kate shook her head. “Of course I don't believe it.” She shifted from one foot to the other. “George needs to talk to the both of you, though. He's under a lot of pressure.”
“What about the police? He's working in conjunction with them.”
“No suspects. Except—”
“Except us.” Frankie grunted. “I don't believe this. George has known us all these years and he thinks we could do something like this?”
“I didn't say that,” Kate replied.
Frankie fumed. “You don't have to. It explains the chilly exit you three made on Saturday.”
Kate opened her mouth, but then quickly closed it.
“When does he need to see us?” Johanna asked. “We are busy today. We were just ready to head out before you came in.”
“Right now. I'm not joking. That's why I'm here...to bring you to the office.”
* * * *
Johanna scowled as she glared at George. “I can't believe that you of all people, George Ryker, think that Frankie and I set those fires. What motive could we possibly have? It's a ridiculous and unfounded accusation.”
George looked hard at her before pushing his chair back from his desk. He placed his hands palms down on the edge of his desk and pulled his hefty body to his feet. “I need some coffee. Johanna? Frankie? Can I get you ladies some?”
Frankie shook her head.
Coffee? After he practically accused them of a crime that could destroy their lives and put them in prison for years? Was he kidding? “No, thanks,” Johanna replied coldly as she turned her head and looked at Frankie who sat stone-faced. She stiffly crossed a leg over her knee. She was pissed. What Johanna couldn't figure out was why Frankie was so quiet. Normally she would have exploded at George's insinuation. But she just sat looking like the life had been sucked out of her. Johanna's own emotions were fluctuating between anger and hurt. She felt like she'd just been kicked in the stomach. She watched George cross the floor to his desk with a large steaming mug of coffee in his hand. He exhaled loudly after he'd resettled himself in his chair.
“Explain to me what you two were doing at the Kramer Insurance Company, the Bronson Hotel, Biggs Sporting Goods, and Easten Bridal Shop.”
“We told you.” Johanna's temper was mounting. “How many times are you going to ask us? Dammit, George. We're doing surveillance work.”
“What the hell is really going on?” Frankie demanded, finally breaking her silence. “My patience is wearing very thin, George. I'm on thin ice here. If you're going to charge us with something, then do it now.”
Johanna knew that if they were arrested they'd be seeking Alec Oakman's services. She wondered if anyone else was suspect besides them. It stood to reason that Thatcher and Kristin should be suspects since they were also at the same places.
“Who hired you?” George demanded. “We can clear this up right away if you work with me instead of against me.”
“This has gone far enough!” Frankie rose. “Unless you're preparing to arrest us, we have work to do! Come on, Johanna.”
Johanna stood. Frankie's jaw was set and her slanted steely eyes bored into George. She waited for Frankie's lead. Frankie continued to stare George down.
Johanna noticed how George sat calmly as though they were having one of their normal friendly conversations when they worked a case in conjunction with the sheriff's department. Something was off. George never made an accusation or insinuated anything unless he had concrete proof. But why were they his target?
Frankie's lips were drawn tight. “We've wasted enough time. We're leaving.”
George cleared his throat and exhaled wearily. He lifted a large hand and waved them to their seats. “Dammit, of course I know you two had nothing to do with those fires. I only wish you two hadn't shown up on those tapes.” He ran a hand over the stubble on his chin. “I'm trying to help you, not hurt you.”
>
Johanna laughed bitterly. “How is accusing us of arson helping us?”
“I'm sure there were plenty of other people on those tapes,” Frankie reminded him. “Have you hauled them in and grilled them, too?” she spat out. “Well, have you?”
His bushy eyebrows knitted together. “Did you notice anyone acting suspiciously while you were at any of those businesses?” he asked ignoring Frankie's question.
“No,” Johanna answered. “Many of those fires were set way before we even took this case. I'm sure we don't show up on any of those tapes now do we?”
“That's true, but those fires were small, set in trash cans, and quickly contained.” He blew his breath out as he continued to eye them.
“Why are you still insinuating we have something to do with them?” Frankie asked. “Come on, George, what the hell is going on?”
“Dammit, ladies, I never believed for a minute that you had anything to do with the fires.”
“Now I'm confused,” Johanna stated. “You just got done accusing us.”
He ran a hand over his face again. “I had no choice but to drag you two down here. When I saw the tapes, I knew that you'd be suspects and I want to rule you out because I have everyone breathing down my neck. I thought it better you talk to me rather than the fire marshal or police. My problem is,” he paused briefly, “there is also a young blonde woman and a good looking middle-aged man in every one of the videos where the fires were started. You obviously know who the woman and man are since it appears from the tapes that you've been tailing them. The police, fire marshal, and even the mayor have dismissed the couple as suspects because, as you are aware, the man is Thatcher Longman. They are focusing their attention on you two. I let them know in no uncertain terms that there is no way in hell that you two are responsible, but right now you two are all they have. The city's on edge and the mayor wants an arrest.”
“I seriously doubt that we show up in any video,” Frankie reminded him. “It's impossible.”
“No, you don't, but the cars you've been driving have been traced back to Hudson Car Rental. You've been switching out cars every day.” He looked hard at Frankie. “You, Frankie, have personally signed for each car. Why would you do that?”
“We're working a case. I told you that.”
“That's it? I've never known you to change cars on a daily basis for any previous case.”
“How do you know that either or both Thatcher Longman and the blonde aren't the arsonists?” Frankie asked.
“Come on, Frankie,” George scoffed. “Be realistic. He's the wealthiest man in the state. What would be his motive?”
“And what would be ours?” Johanna countered.
“Look,” George said and then exhaled loudly. “I told you the fire marshal is focusing on you two. I'm trying to help you. I said I'd interview you. Better me than the police or fire marshal.”
“Is Thatcher Longman also being interrogated?” Frankie asked.
“I told you he has no motive.”
“And we told you that neither do we,” Johanna hissed. “This is ridiculous. If we're under suspicion, then Thatcher Longman should be too.”
George shook his head. “He's a personal friend of the mayor. What do you think the mayor will do?”
“I think it’s bullshit,” Frankie said coldly. “He could get away with murder, but it wouldn't matter as long as he has friends in high places.”
“I don't like it any more than you do. I'm trying to build an alibi for you two, but you're not making it easy. Give me something here that I can use.”
“We don't need an alibi. We did nothing wrong,” Johanna said.
“What about cameras in the backs of the businesses?” Frankie asked. “Since that's where the trash cans were kept, what did they show?”
“There aren't many. The couple cameras we viewed didn't show anything unusual, but of course, those were near businesses that weren't targeted.”
“So, you thoroughly checked out everybody in those tapes, including employees, who came and went from those strip malls? If you did, then obviously you must have witnessed someone throwing the devices through Biggs Sporting Goods and Eastens Bridal shop windows.” Johanna looked at Frankie. She waited for Frankie to pick up on where she was going with this.
“There was an individual on the tapes. She was dressed all in black and wore a hat which was pulled down concealing her face.”
“You said her. So you definitely know it's a woman?” Johanna persisted.
“Yes, the physical build is that of a female.”
“You're certain?”
George scowled. “Yes, Johanna. I may be many things, but I'm not blind.” He took a swallow of his coffee. “Now do you two want to tell me why you're tailing Thatcher Longman?” His eyes slanted. “My patience is also running very thin.”
“We never said we were,” Frankie said keeping her eyes level with George's. “We noticed on one occasion a car stopping near who I assume you say is Thatcher Longman. There was a heated exchange between him and the female driver of the car. Did you check that driver out? It was a woman.”
George's jaw twitched as he glared at them. “It was an employee with an urgent matter. Not that it's any of your business.”
Johanna smirked as she looked at Frankie and then turned her eyes back to George. “And she couldn't call him? I never heard of an employee tracking down the boss,” she scoffed.
“Dammit! I'm trying to help you two. Tell me why you're tailing Thatcher Longman and I'll try to get the heat off you.”
“No one has anything on us, George, because we haven't done anything. This whole thing is ridiculous and a waste of our time.” Johanna squared her shoulders. A thought suddenly occurred to her as she studied the sheriff. “Have you told Thatcher Longman that you believe we're tailing him?”
He shook his head. “I never met the man. I told you the mayor is a personal friend of his.”
“Would the mayor mention details of the case to him?” she persisted.
“I wouldn't know.”
“Well, I think he would since Thatcher Longman most likely has the mayor in his pocket,” Frankie stated.
“You have no grounds to make such an accusation, Frankie,” George said stiffly.
“Maybe not, but it wouldn't surprise me. Maybe he owes Thatcher Longman a favor and Longman is calling it in.” Her lips drew taut. “If he did, then the mayor may have just put our lives, and an innocent woman's life, in danger.”
“What are you talking about?” George demanded.
“Johanna and I need to go, George,” Frankie stated.
“We're not finished here.”
Frankie stood, then leaned on his desk with her hands palms down and stared into his eyes. “This is a matter of life and death, George. Innocent lives are at risk.”
“You need my help,” he insisted. “Tell me what the hell is going on.”
“You want to help? Then get everybody off our backs.” Her cell phone vibrated and she glanced at the text message and then looked at Johanna.
Johanna's phone had buzzed, too. “Frankie, we need to go now.” She knew Frankie had received the same text from Alec Oakman. He'd been called to court and was sending Kendall to the office for protection. He'd be in touch.
“I expect a full report from the both of you tonight,” George said looking curiously at them. “I'll stall for as long as I can.”
“Thanks, George,” Johanna called over her shoulder, since Frankie was already through the door.
“Slow down” Johanna said catching up to her. “What do you think is going on? We just talked to Alec and Kendall this morning.”
“I don't know, but I don't like it.”
“Maybe Alec's meeting with a judge and wants us to keep Kendall safe until he's finished.”
“All I know, is we better get to the office before Kendall does.”
Chapter 17
“I've locked the office and pulled the blinds,” Frankie said turni
ng to Kendall who was attired in her disguise. “What's going on?”
Kendall sat trembling. “I don't know. Alec told me to sit tight and thought I'd be safer with you two.”
“Did something happen after we left his office this morning?” Johanna asked pulling a chair close to Kendall. She placed a fresh cup of coffee into Kendall's shaking hands.
“We discussed our next move, he made a few calls, said things were looking up and he was drawing up the papers.” She bit her bottom lip. “He got a phone call and said he needed to get to the courthouse. That's when he had his wife come in and help me get ready to come over here.”
“Did you take a cab?” Frankie asked.
She nodded. “It doesn't make sense. I told Alec I'd go home and call him later to finish the paperwork, but he didn't want me to go home. He said I'd be safer with you two.” She drew a shaky breath. “I don't suppose either of you know what's going on?” she asked hopefully.
“We're as much in the dark as you are,” Johanna replied. “We'll just hang tight until we hear from Alec.”
“Did anything happen at the house between you and Thatcher last night or this morning?” Frankie asked.
“No. In fact, he was holed up in his study most of the night. I don't think he went out. But then again, I don't keep tabs on him.”
“Do you know if anyone came to see him?”
“Just Becca Manning.”
Frankie's eyebrows shot up. “Does she normally show up at the house?”
“No.”
“Do you know what she wanted?”
“No. I wouldn't have even noticed she was there if one of my staff hadn't told me. I'd come down to the kitchen to inform the cook that I only wanted a light dinner in my room.”
“Do you normally take meals in your room?” Johanna asked.
“Sometimes.” She glanced toward the window.
Frankie watched her carefully. She was terrified, as she had a right to be. Whatever had happened couldn't be good. She wondered how long they'd be holed up in the office. “If we don't hear from Alec soon, I'm going to give him a call,” Frankie stated.
