A counter ran the length of the store, over half of it glass-covered. I went to check it out and found a gun display in the first section. A heavy wire grid had been installed under the glass. Any thoughts of a smash and grab were out of the question.
I was familiar with handguns, more so with rifles. Back on the family ranch, we carried handguns with us when we were out in the back pastures in case of an animal attack. We used rifles first, if possible, but there wasn’t always time to get them out of the scabbard. Luckily, shooting the gun in the air had been sufficient for me to scare them off so far.
There were some interesting pieces. A small derringer with an ivory handle caught my eye. Pretty, but it would be of no help dealing with a charging wolf if it came to that. The guns appeared to range from modern to ones that had been around for a while.
The next section of the counter had coins on display. Harvey hadn’t taken the precaution that Alexander had by showing only photos. Maybe he didn’t feel he had to because of his counter setup. Gold and silver coins from numerous countries formed rows on faded green velvet. The dates ranged from recent to over a hundred years old.
I wandered closer to the man and woman as I browsed. The woman wore a long brown skirt and a loose-fitting black blouse. Deep wrinkles crisscrossed her cheeks. A black-fringed satin shawl covered her dowager’s hump. Its pattern of red, pink, and yellow roses added a splash of color and a cheerful note to an otherwise drab scene.
The man’s once-white shirt, now dingy, stretched tightly over his middle. A few brown drops on the front of it were probably coffee from the stained mug he held. His dark brown hair was brushed back from his forehead, emphasizing his bushy eyebrows.
The man turned to me. “I’ll be with you in a few minutes, miss. I’m Harvey Goldstein, the owner of the store. If you’re interested in coins, I can show you more than what’s out here.”
“Thanks,” I replied.
He turned back to the woman. “Gladys, this is the same conversation we had yesterday. I told you thirty dollars. That’s it.”
“Well, I thought maybe you needed the money more today and you’d be willing to let me have it for twenty-five,” she replied.
“I won’t sell at a loss.” He clamped his lips closed.
She had a fierce scowl for a wizened little old lady. Harvey should maybe think twice. I glanced at the chair—a rattan rocker. I could see one corner on the back where the material was beginning to come apart. It looked comfortable, and I could imagine Gladys in it.
“Can you hold it for me until my check comes at the end of the month?” she asked in a high-pitched voice.
His face softened. “I’ll tell you what. If someone wants to buy it before then, I’ll call you for first dibs. However, if they offer me more than the thirty dollars I’ve been asking for it, that’s what I’ll expect you to pay.”
Gladys nodded. “Fair enough.”
“You could borrow the money from your son. Ronnie’s restaurant’s been doing well.”
She squared her shoulders and her chin jutted out. “I don’t ask for any favors from him. I take care of myself.” Gladys picked up her purse, which had been resting on the counter. “I’ll see you at the end of the month.”
With that, she turned and headed out the door.
Harvey sighed and joined me at the counter. “How can I help you?”
I dug in my purse and pulled out the pouch Rudy had given me. “I recently inherited a few coins. Here’s one of them.”
I put the silver disc on the counter. Harvey picked it up and examined it. Beads of sweat popped out on his brow. He pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket, dabbed his face, and shoved it back into his jeans.
“I can give you eighteen hundred dollars for it.”
I feigned surprise. “Is that all? Alexander Koskov offered me twenty-one hundred.”
Harvey’s features hardened. “Well, he’s dead, so he isn’t going to give that amount for it now.”
I continued with my act. “Dead? What happened?”
His eyes narrowed. “It’s all over town. I’m surprised you don’t know.”
“I’m new to the area. The newspaper only comes out once a week, on Tuesday. I saw Alexander on Wednesday, so it wouldn’t have been in the paper yet.”
He nodded. “You’re right.” He put my coin on the counter. “He was murdered. Found at the marina. Shot. No one has been arrested yet.”
“Oh my gosh. That’s awful. It’s strange to think of him as dead when I only saw him a short time ago.”
Now what? I decided to take a different tactic with my charade.
“I’m big-time into crime shows but have never been close to a real murder before. Wasn’t that one of his employees who left your store just now? I thought I recognized him from when I met with Alexander.”
Okay. That wasn’t the truth, but this was all an act anyway.
“Yeah. Rick Stapleton. Tried to sell me a gold coin. I recognized it as a type I buy from a couple of Russian guys. Said Koskov gave it to him. Fat chance of that. More likely he stole it. It’s a very expensive coin.”
“Wow! Do you think Alexander caught him, and maybe the guy killed him?”
“Don’t know. Don’t care. Just know I don’t want that coin anywhere near me. The police questioned me, and I don’t want to give them any reason to think I had anything to do with the murder. That coin would be on Koskov’s inventory list, along with a photograph.”
“Gee, what are you going to do? Are you going to tell the police?” Ugh. I didn’t know how long I could keep up this gushing mystery fan act.
Harvey’s smile was a self-satisfied smirk. I sensed he liked being the center of my attention.
“You bet. And I told Rick that, too. He didn’t like it one bit. Too bad. Here he’s a local, lived in the area for years. He pointed people in Alexander’s direction, a newcomer, rather than helping me. I’ve been here all my life.”
Harvey’s face reddened as he talked. He shook his head. “Even dead, the guy is messing with me.”
“What do you mean?”
“Alexander stole my customers, and now I’m getting pulled into his murder investigation.” He pushed Rudy’s coin in my direction. “Do you want to sell this to me?”
“Let me think about it. I just received them and started checking into their value.”
“The price fluctuates daily. Deciding when to sell is a bit like gambling. Will you get more the next day or less? Don’t let what Koskov offered you influence your decision. I don’t know how he could pay some of the prices he did.”
“Thanks. You’ve been really helpful.” I tucked the coin back in the pouch and into my purse. “You’re doing the right thing. Calling the police and all.”
It was a relief to exit the dreary store. I hurried to my Jeep. With Harvey’s business in such poor shape, losing valuable customers gave him a stronger motive for killing Alexander. Had he decided he wasn’t going to lose any more buyers? But why kill him on Rudy and Ivan’s boat?
I started the engine and turned up the heater a notch. I needed some extra warmth after that encounter. I headed out of town, then saw the sign for the marina. On impulse, I decided to stop to see if Joe had any news that might be helpful, considering he was now the unofficial crime reporter for the area.
I found an end spot in the lot and pulled in. I glanced at the white van on my right and noticed numerous door dings. One rusty dent had the word ouch written next to it in black ink. I repositioned my Jeep so I was farther away from the vehicle. Whoever drove it clearly didn’t care about doors banging into the side of it.
I headed for the bait shop. A gentle breeze carried a slight smell of fish but, luckily, not as strong as the other day.
I spotted Joe in his usual attire and place—bib overalls and rocking chair. “Hey, Joe.”
“Hey bac
k to you.” He leaned over and peered around me toward the parking lot.
I looked over my shoulder but didn’t see anything in the lot. “Are you looking for something or expecting someone?”
“Just checkin’ to see if the cop cars arrived yet. They have every time you’ve showed up.” He chuckled, a dry, cackling sound.
“I hate to disappoint you, but no police today.”
Then I heard the sirens.
Joe sat back with a satisfied smile.
I turned to look at the entrance to the marina. Two police cars approached, lights flashing and sirens blaring.
Now what?
Chapter 18
The cop cars passed through the parking lot, stopping at the far end of the marina. There were some large buildings located there, used by commercial fishermen according to the signs I’d seen as I’d driven in.
My turn to smile. “Not me this time, Joe.”
“Girl, you’re a magnet. I’ll find out what that’s about later. Thanks for bringin’ them while I’m out here to watch.”
“I did not bring them!”
“Sure you did.” He gave me a wink. “You’re connected, just don’t know it.”
I wasn’t going to pursue this any further. “I was in the area and decided to see if you had learned anything else.” I looked at him. “From what I understand, you’ve dubbed yourself the local unofficial crime reporter.”
He chuckled again. “Hey, you’ve been givin’ me more entertainment than any TV show. Others deserve to know about what’s goin’ on.”
“A murder isn’t what I’d call entertainment,” I said.
His smile faded. “You’re right there. The dagger was interestin’. Glad to hear it wasn’t real blood.”
I wasn’t going to ask how he knew. The town communication just operated that way.
“Did you know Koskov?”
Joe rubbed his chin. “Had some encounters with him but wouldn’t wish him dead.”
“Do you mind telling me what kind of incidents?”
“Nah. I know you’re helpin’ the brothers out. Alexander was a cheap son of a gun. I arrange fishin’ trips, and he wanted to put together one for some friends. Tried to knock me down in price…got angry when I wouldn’t budge.”
“I heard he had a temper.”
“Another time, he wanted money back for some bait he bought. Said it wasn’t any good. I told him the bait was fine and it was the person doin’ the fishin’ that wasn’t any good.”
I raised my eyebrows. “I’m going to guess that got him angry.”
“Oh, yeah. Couple of my buddies came out of the store when he started rantin.’” Joe laughed. “Two Paul Bunyan types. One of them held up the string of fish he’d caught usin’ the same bait Koskov was tryin’ to return. That put a stop to Alexander.”
“Thanks, Joe.” I gave him my business card. “You’re right. I am trying to help Rudy and Ivan. If you hear anything that might be helpful, please call me.”
“Will do. And I’ll let you know what your cop buddies are here for.”
I shook my head. He wasn’t going to let it go. I waved good-bye, walked to my vehicle, and returned to the inn. The clock in the kitchen showed me I had about half an hour to grab a bite to eat before joining the Sentinels. I fixed a sandwich, checked my emails, and headed for the meeting room. Once there, I pulled out our charts and hung them on the walls.
As usual, Helen had put out coffee, tea, and water. This time she’d added some baklava. I knew the Silver Sentinels would appreciate that. Everyone arrived over the course of the next ten minutes. Mary had no dog purse today.
“Is Princess still visiting with Sargent?” I asked.
Mary nodded. “The dogs enjoy playing together…except for when Sargent gets too close to Princess’s green stuffed frog, her favorite toy.”
Princess wore jeweled collars and frilly coats, but she was a force to be reckoned with. I was sure Sargent wasn’t about to take her frog.
Mary headed for the baklava. “I didn’t bring any sweets today. Helen called to tell me she’d put out some of the Russian delicacy she’s been baking.” She put a piece on a plate and took a sniff. “I love the sweet smell of the honey. I’m really looking forward to trying some.”
“I had a taste, and the pastry is delicious,” I said.
After the group got their food and drink, everyone sat, and Gertie picked up her gavel. She brought it down with a loud bang. “Let’s start the meeting. So, what have we learned? Who wants to go first?”
I volunteered and shared what I’d found out and observed—as well as suspected--on my visits to Tom and Harvey. Rudy continued in his role as recorder.
“They both have strong motives and exhibit a lot of anger,” I said.
Gertie nodded. “Confirms what we suspected.”
I went to pour myself some coffee. “I also decided to stop by to see Joe at the bait shop.”
The Professor picked up his pen and twirled it idly through his fingers. “What did our crime reporter have to say?”
“Besides hinting I have powers to attract the police, not anything that moves our search for the murderer forward. He confirmed that Koskov had a temper and shared a couple of his run-ins with me. I gave him my card and asked him to call if he learned anything.”
Ivan put down his piece of baklava. “Man with temper could have many enemies.”
“I agree with Ivan,” the Professor said. “The more we learn about Koskov, the more suspects we might find.”
“Rudy, did you ever have any negative interactions with Alexander?” I asked.
Rudy shook his head. “No. He was always a polite businessman. Besides, there was nothing for us to argue about. He offered me a price, and it was always a good one. I got the money and he got the coin he wanted.”
Gertie turned to Mary. “What did you find out about Alena?”
I knew there was a surprise in store for the Sentinels. Mary enjoyed being an actress at times and didn’t miss this opportunity to bring a little drama to the scene. She peered at each Sentinel individually, then said two words.
“Russian Mafia.”
The room exploded with comments and questions, everyone talking at once.
Gertie rapped the gavel a couple of times and people quieted down. “Let’s save the questions until Mary has told us what she knows.”
“Her father is Boris Baranov,” Mary continued, “and he’s in prison for crimes he committed in connection with the Russian Mafia. Alena lives in a gated community in San Francisco called Applegate, which I believe is owned by her father. Her office is there as well. There is a very high level of security.”
“How did you find out about the place?” I asked.
“I located Alena’s address, then checked the Internet to find out more about the area. I got the name of the community and looked at the application form and its board members. Her father is president.”
“Do you think it’s an area where Mafia families live?” the Professor asked.
“No, I think it’s just the opposite. People are screened in order to live there. The rules state that anyone with a criminal record will not be accepted.”
Gertie tilted her head. “Sounds like he’s trying to create a safe environment for his daughter.”
Mary nodded. “Alena’s mother was killed in a hit-and-run accident when Alena was a child. The police never found out who did it or if it was intentional. It might have been in retaliation for something Boris did. Shortly after it happened, Alena was sent to boarding school in Switzerland and began using a different last name.”
“Do you feel she’s close to her father?” I asked.
“I do,” Mary said. “He visited her in Europe frequently, and they always spent her vacations together.”
“Do you think she works with the Mafia
?” Gertie asked.
“I didn’t find anything that would make me think that. It seems like Alena’s father kept her as far away from what he was doing as possible. I called her office and spoke with a friendly woman who is going to mail me information about the services Alena offers.”
“Good work, Mary,” Gertie said. “You’ve learned a lot.”
“I did a quick check on Alena last night,” I said. “I knew about the father. Even though he’s in prison, he might have some connection with what has happened. I think we should put him on the chart.”
Everyone nodded, and Boris became a suspect.
“My turn,” Gertie said. “I spoke with Harvey’s mother again. She was embarrassed that maybe her comments had made her sound happy someone had murdered Alexander.”
“Which they did,” Mary mumbled as she stood and went for another piece of baklava.
“I agree, Mary,” Gertie said.
The Professor stopped playing with his pen and put it down. “Is she a possible suspect?”
Gertie shook her head. “Highly unlikely. If Alexander was killed someplace else, she wouldn’t have the strength to move his body. I also don’t know how she could lure him to the Nadia. She’s never mentioned anything about boats, so I doubt if she has any familiarity with the marina.”
The Professor looked at the brothers. “Do either of you know her?”
They both shook their heads.
“I think we should put her name down at the bottom. We won’t focus on her, but let’s keep her in the picture,” the Professor said.
“Her name is Frances Goldstein,” Gertie said, and Rudy added her to our suspect list.
“Did you have any luck, Professor?” I asked.
He sighed. “Very little. There are layers of ownership associated with the company on the lease, the Williams Corporation. That in and of itself isn’t necessarily suspicious with the way companies are being bought up by giant conglomerations. However, it’s possible there has been some intentional covering up.”
Murder at the Marina Page 12
