Murder at the Marina

by Janet Finsilver

  “What about Vladimir?” I asked.

  “I looked into him. Vladimir handles real estate, but I couldn’t track him to that company. I’ll keep digging. I also thought I’d call to see if they’d be interested in talking to me about buying them out of their lease. They have four months paid in advance.”

  “That makes sense,” Gertie said. “You might be able to glean something from the person-to-person interaction.”

  The Professor nodded. “That’s what I was thinking.”

  Mary shifted in her chair. “I suspect Alena’s father is in to real estate because of the community she lives in. You might want to pursue him as being behind the lease.”

  The Professor made a note. “I’ll do that.”

  Mary placed a third piece of baklava on her plate. “This is so good. I’ll have to get Helen’s recipe.” She turned to the Professor. “I’ll do more checking on Alena. Under her list of services as a financial planner, real estate investment is listed. I’ll see if there are any ties to the company you’ve been researching.”

  “We have something to add,” Rudy said. “The police let us know we could go back on the Nadia. We did that this morning and found Rick Stapleton camping out on our boat.”

  “Yah. I throw him off,” Ivan said.

  “Daniel said he often makes himself a houseguest,” I said. “Sounds like your vacant boat met his needs.”

  Rudy added the information about Rick.

  Gertie looked at our lists and frowned. “Not a lot of next steps, but we need to keep pushing ahead with what we’ve got.”

  “Gertie,” Mary said, “why don’t you and I take a trip to Harvey Goldstein’s shop? We can go antique hunting. It’s not much of a plan, but you never know when something might come our way.”

  “Okay,” Gertie said. “I’ll call you later, and we can set a time.”

  Rudy updated the Next Steps list.

  “Tomorrow is the Russian festival,” I said. “Let’s keep our eyes and ears open. A number of people who knew Alexander will be there. Talk of his murder is likely to happen.”

  “What about next meeting?” Ivan asked.

  “Let’s plan on Sunday,” I said, “unless we find out something important and decide to call an emergency meeting tomorrow.”

  “It’ll have to be in the afternoon,” Rudy said. “We’re having tea with Timur and Verushka.”

  “Will four o’clock Sunday work?” Gertie asked.

  Everyone nodded and the gavel dropped.

  I gave back Rudy his coin and went to change for the tracking training with Gus. Whoever employed Alexander didn’t trust him, considering the hidden cameras. That person or group could be a key piece to the puzzle. Had they caught Alexander stealing from them? And what about the boxes he was so secretive about? Was he bringing in something illegally? If so, he would’ve been recorded in action. Had he been killed because of what was on the cameras? Was someone from the Williams Corporation responsible for his murder?

  If Rick had stolen the coin he’d tried to sell to Harvey, that would show up as well. Was he in danger? We needed to find out who was behind the lease as soon as possible.

  Chapter 19

  I changed into jeans, then put on high-topped hiking boots. I didn’t know if we’d be walking through tick country. The more I thought about Rick, the more concerned I became that he was in danger and needed to be warned. I texted Daniel to ask if he could come over at three thirty instead of the three forty-five we had agreed upon for dropping off Allie. He immediately replied that that would work.

  My cell phone rang. I didn’t recognize the number. “Hello.”

  “Hey there, Kelly. Joe here.”

  “Hi, Joe. What’s up?”

  “I’m a man of my word. Found out what the police were here for.”

  “Why were they there?”

  “Nothin’ to do with the goings on you’ve been involved in. Been a lot of vehicle break-ins lately. Cops tracked a couple of guys to a room they rented in the warehouse. Found a stash of loot.”

  “Thanks for letting me know. Anything new that might help the brothers?” I asked.

  “Nah. But I’ll let you know if I hear anythin’.”

  “Thanks.”

  We ended the call. I glanced at my watch and saw I’d be right on time for my meeting with Alena. I wanted to question her about Alexander and the leasing company but, as always, there was the question of how to begin. I hoped an answer would present itself.

  In the kitchen, I filled a metal travel mug with water and put it in the refrigerator. I’d take it with me to the tracking session. At the sound of a car in the driveway, I glanced out the side window and saw Alena drive in.

  I know my horse breeds, but cars not so much. I knew this was no equivalent to a draft horse designed to pull a wagon of supplies or a load of kids. The sporty two-seater was more of a sleek Arabian, delicate-looking but fast and strong. The sun glinted off its pearlescent exterior.

  Alena emerged and headed toward the guest path, her long black skirt swirling around black leather boots. A red sweater over a black top stopped just at her hips and was held together by a single silver button. I lost sight of her as she went around the corner, and I headed for the front door to greet her.

  The doorbell rang. When I got there, I saw Alena through the window, alongside the door. She had her back to me, gazing out at the nearby Pacific Ocean. A breeze ruffled her blond hair.

  I opened the door. “Hi, Alena.”

  She turned toward me. “I never get tired of looking at the sea…the constant movement, the changing colors, the different emotions the water can convey.”

  Alena entered, and her perfume mingling with the fragrance of the flowers framing the porch brought a cloud of sweet scent wafting in after her.

  “I know what you mean.” I closed the door behind her. “Calm and placid swells to angry waves dashing against the cliffs.”

  “Well said, Kelly. You could be a writer.”

  “Not me. Too much computer time. I grew up on a ranch where action was the ruling word of each and every day.” I smiled. “Thanks for the compliment, though. Would you like something to drink?”

  “No, thanks. I just finished lunch with Vladimir. We had some final loose ends to tie up.”

  “Let’s go to the conference room.”

  We walked down the hallway, and Alena stopped at the entrance and read the plaque over the door. “The Silver Sentinels. Who are they?”

  “A crime-solving group of senior citizens. Come on in, and I’ll tell you about them.” My chance. An explanation and a segue to the current case.

  “They’re five wonderful people who work to keep their community safe and help their friends. I’m an honorary member.” I pointed to my red hair. “My hair isn’t the right shade as yet.”

  We sat down across from each other at the conference table.

  Alena laughed. “Silver hair is one of the prerequisites?”

  I nodded. “Yes. That’s the reason for their name. They’re working on a couple of cases right now—one of them being Alexander’s murder.”

  Alena frowned. “That sounds more like a job for the police, not a group of seniors.”

  “I believe you know Rudy and Ivan Doblinsky, who are on the Russian Heritage Committee.”

  “Yes. I’ve talked to them briefly.”

  “They’re both Silver Sentinels. Alexander’s body was found on their boat.”

  Alena nodded. “Helping their own. I understand now. How do they work?”

  I explained how we gathered information and took roles appropriate to where we could be the most useful. The length of time the Sentinels had been in the community gave them advantages that not even the police had in terms of connections.

  “One of them is researching Alexander, as well as the leasing c
ompany he worked for, which is based in San Francisco. We’re looking in to possible leads there.” And another is gathering information about you.

  She straightened a bit. She stared at me for a few moments, as if trying to make up her mind, toying with a pendant attached to the gold omega encircling her neck. Its solitaire diamond glinted in the light. “If you’re doing research about people who knew Alexander and are part of the San Francisco scene, you probably know by now my father is in jail for supposedly being part of the Russian Mafia.”

  I stiffened, and my breathing became rapid and shallow. We’d been investigating the daughter of a possible Mafia boss. My face grew warm.

  I nodded. “We only checked on you because of Alexander and San Francisco. Not because we suspect you of anything.”

  “I understand. I would do the same thing, especially for friends. You must be thorough.”

  I relaxed, and my shoulders, which had inched up, dropped back into place. “I’m glad you feel that way. Asking questions and digging into people’s backgrounds is very uncomfortable for me, but I’ll do what I need to do to help those I care about.”

  “People who have you for a friend are very fortunate.” She examined her crimson nails. “What would you like to know?”

  “Do you know anything about Alexander that might help us to understand why he was murdered or who killed him?”

  “No. I had very little interaction with him. My first encounter with Alexander happened when my father and I were dining in a restaurant and Alexander came up and spoke to my father about meeting him the next day. After he left, my father apologized for the interruption and said he would speak to Alexander about it. My father keeps his business as far away from me as possible.”

  Alexander had a connection with Boris!

  “Did Alexander ever mention anything to you about what he did for your father?”

  “No. The next time I saw Alexander was at the first committee meeting I attended. He never mentioned my father’s name or referred to the incident at the restaurant. We both treated it as if it never happened.”

  “Do you know if your father had any connection with Alexander’s business here?”

  Touchy ground here…but it could be a legitimate connection.

  She shook her head. “He’s busy working on getting the alleged charges against him dropped and getting out of jail.” Alena paused. “We’re in regular communication. I can ask him if he knows anything.”

  “I’d appreciate that. Every scrap of information we can gather is important to us.” Now it was my turn to pause. “It sounds like you two are close. It must be hard for you, having him locked up.”

  “My mother was killed when I was a child. My father sent me to a boarding school in Switzerland. He bought a home near it, and we spent as much time together there as possible…vacations and an occasional weekend. He still had his business in San Francisco to attend to.”

  “I’m sorry about the loss of your mother.”

  She nodded. “Father tried hard to take her place, fill her shoes as you Americans say. We cooked together, and he taught me many of the traditional Russian recipes.”

  “Thoughtful of him,” I said. “Do you have any brothers or sisters?”

  “No. I am an only child.”

  Time to steer away from her personal life. “Do you know of any friends or acquaintances Alexander had on the committee?”

  “He didn’t associate with people much during the meetings. Vladimir is the only one I can think of who he spent any time with. Have you talked to him?”

  “I have. He says he didn’t really know Alexander that well.”

  Alena leaned back. “Let’s talk of other things. A meeting to schedule and a Russian formal ball to organize.”

  I stood and went to the chart on the wall. “We have the room calendar on our computers, but I like to keep a physical one in here. It makes it easy for a quick check, and to know what’s needed when.”

  We looked at a couple of dates and decided on next Saturday.

  “I’d like to book a room for myself here as well for Friday and Saturday night,” Alena said.

  I’d recently checked the guest schedule and knew we had space. “I can do that for you.”

  Alena pulled out her checkbook. “The same amount as last time for the conference room?”

  “Yes.” I penciled in Russian Heritage Committee.

  She filled out the check and handed it to me. “We will debrief the festival and begin plans for the ball.” Her eyes sparkled. “It should be wonderful. It’ll be like a royal ball of old. Long gowns and satin gloves. Men in tuxedos.”

  Long formal gowns. Yep. I have a number of those in my closet, as well as a drawer full of satin gloves. Yep. Right up my alley. In truth, the only gloves I have with me are my leather ones for riding.

  “You will come, right? It’ll be held at the community center. That handsome man who runs it will be there.” She gave me a coy look. “The contract had the same company name as your inn, Resorts International. Surely you must know him.”

  “Scott Thompson. He’s a friend of mine.” I felt another blush on the way.

  Alena tilted her head. “A friend of the type you wouldn’t mind having me get to know, or a friend you’d like to keep to yourself?”

  My face felt hot. “Scott and I aren’t a couple, if that’s what you mean.”

  I had started to say not dating, but I think we’d crossed that line a bit.

  “Good,” Alena said. “I look forward to getting to know him better.”

  I didn’t know what kind of emotion shot through my body, but it wasn’t a happy one.

  I looked at the clock on the wall and stood. “I have another meeting. I’m glad we were able to find a date that works for you. Thank you for all the information you shared and offering to talk with your father.”

  She stood as well and picked up her red leather purse with a designer logo on the side. “I’m happy to help. A murderer on the loose does not help our festival any. I hope you find the person responsible.”

  I accompanied her to the front door, then went to the work area. Allie and Daniel were there, along with Helen. Tommy entered a few minutes later with Fred attired in what I knew to be a tracking harness.

  “Why the equipment on Fred?” I asked Tommy.

  “I want him to know today is about business. He needs to watch and pay attention.”

  That actually made more sense than maybe he realized. I’d read that service dogs knew when their harness or vest was put on, it was time to work.

  “You have about fifteen minutes before you have to leave,” Daniel said. “Why don’t you go outside and practice with Fred a little bit?”

  “Okay. Come on, Allie. You helped me before. You can hide, and I’ll tell Fred to find you.”

  Tommy raced to the door, along with Fred. Allie followed at a more leisurely pace.

  Helen pulled crackers down from the cupboard and began preparing the evening trays. “Thanks for taking Tommy to the training. I’ll get the afternoon guest appetizers ready.”

  “Works for me,” I said. “Do you want any coffee, Daniel?”

  “No, thanks.” Daniel gestured with his head toward the worktable. “Let’s sit down. I have a few things to share with you, and I know you wanted to talk about Rick.”

  “Sure. Let me grab my water.” I pulled the cold container out of the refrigerator and joined him.

  Daniel sat at the end of the table. “Stanton came by and used my phone to call Rick Stapleton. Rick answered and Stanton set up a time to see him. Stapleton called and was none too happy about the situation. Asked me if I told the police about Alexander’s accusations about him stealing. I told him no.”

  “I can fill you in on how the police found out. Deputy Stanton came by after one of the Silver Sentinel meetings and before I took
the charts down. He saw what we’d written under Rick’s name. Said the possible theft was new information for him.”

  “I figured it was something like that but didn’t tell Rick anything.” Daniel leaned forward and put his arms on the table. “I asked him where he was living now, but his answer was evasive. Something about here and there.”

  I sipped my water. “He’s been on Rudy and Ivan’s boat.”

  “What?”

  I filled him in on what had happened at the marina, then told him what I’d observed and heard at Harvey’s shop. “It sounds like Alexander’s suspicions might have been correct. Did you notice on our charts about the two sets of surveillance cameras in the shop?”

  “No. I really didn’t look at them. Wanted to give you my news and go get Allie.”

  “There was one obvious set of cameras and one that appeared to be for watching the employees without their knowledge. Turns out, the shop wasn’t Alexander’s,” I said. “He’d been hired to run it. If he was stealing, his employer probably knows…and would know if Rick stole anything as well, if in fact he did.”

  “Do you think whoever is behind the cameras killed Alexander?”

  “Possibly.”

  “Then that would put Rick in danger as well,” Daniel stated.

  I nodded. “That’s what I was thinking.”

  A shiver of apprehension ran through me.

  Chapter 20

  “Will you call Rick to warn him?” I asked.

  Daniel pulled out his phone, looking troubled. “There’s no way Rick would answer his phone now once he sees my number. Not after what happened with Stanton.”

  I handed him my cell phone. “Use mine.”

  Daniel took it, looked Rick up in his contact list, then punched in numbers on my phone. After a couple of moments, Daniel shook his head. I figured he was going to have to leave a message.

  “Rick, I know you’re mad at me. I thought you wouldn’t answer if you saw my number, so I’m using Kelly’s phone in the hope that I’d be able to talk to you. She and the Silver Sentinels are investigating Koskov’s murder.”