Midas Murders [Book 3 of the Katherine Miller Mysteries] (12 page)

Rafe joined Lars and Bonnie. “Sure was an unexpected surprise to find you. This must have been an ordeal. How are you feeling?"

"Confused. Thirsty.” She pushed her hair back from her face. “I want out of here. I don't like this place.” She edged toward the door.

"Any idea who took you?” Rafe asked. “Do you think it was the same people who took your dad?"

She stared at her shoes. “How would I know? He didn't speak."

"He?” I asked.

She pursed her lips. “Had to be a man. I'm tall. Whoever hit me on the head had to be taller and strong. I was getting out of the car when the attack occurred."

"Any headache, nausea, blurred vision?” I asked.

She shook her head. “Daddy, please take me home now."

"Sure, Honey.” Lars started to guide her to the door. He stopped. “I know you're upset, but you need to tell us as much as you can remember. Start with New Year's Day. Tell us what happened."

"What else. Carl and I had a fight. How dare he let those men come to our party? I'm sure everyone's talking about that."

"He said you didn't come home.” Lars clasped her arm. “Why?"

She straightened. “And walk into another fight? How could I stand to be around him? You were right. He'll never change. When I told him I wanted a divorce, he demanded a large settlement. You have to help me get free.” She tried to pull away from him.

"You know I will. Haven't I offered to help you time and time again?"

"What did you do after you left the house?” Rafe asked.

"Drove around.” She flashed a hostile glance in my direction. “Daddy, I really needed to talk to you. I went to the house, but you were off somewhere with her."

Had she helped herself to my jewelry during her visit to the house? If I asked now, I'd only muddy matters.

"Kate and I went to the chalet."

"No, you didn't. I called and called."

"We did spend the night in town.” Guilt flashed in his eyes. “Where did you go?"

"That hardly matters."

"Tell us about the attack,” Rafe said.

"I drove to the office to pick up some papers Damon was supposed to leave for me. When I got out of the car, the man hit me."

"Did you smell anything?” I asked. “Like aftershave or tobacco smoke?"

"Nothing.” She looked away. “Just that smelly scratchy blanket."

"Hear anything."

"Don't you ever listen? I said he didn't speak. Besides this is none of your business.” She fisted her hands on her hips and stepped toward me. “Why don't you just go home?"

"Bonnie, that's enough,” Lars snapped.

Rafe edged between Bonnie and me. “Are you sure there was just one man?"

Her lip curled into a sneer. “How would I know? I was unconscious. I suppose there could have been more than one. Daddy, can we go home now?"

The nurse in me surfaced. “How long were you unconscious?"

"I don't know."

"We'd better take you to the hospital so they can run some tests."

"Why? I'm fine."

"You've been missing for four days. You could have post-concussion syndrome, not to mention dehydration."

Bonnie laughed. “I haven't been here that long. This happened this morning around ten."

I gasped. “What?” Why had the ransom note arrived before she was grabbed?

Lars frowned. “Where were you all that time?"

"At a friend's.” The ends of her lips curved upward. “Aunt Katherine, I know you're concerned. When we get home if I feel worse, I'll call Jaime Verdigras. He'll come to the house."

Lars hugged her. “Smart idea. Home it is. I'll drive your car and Kate can follow in mine. Your coat's in the kitchen.” He steered her from the room. “I need to stop the transfer of funds if possible."

Bonnie halted. “What funds?"

"For the ransom."

"What ransom? Daddy, what's going on?"

What indeed. Her reaction echoed mine. Every time I thought I'd discovered a piece of the puzzle, I learned it didn't fit.

"A note was delivered to Carl early this morning. It specified a million dollars was to be transferred to the account of that plastic's firm in Florida."

She shook her head. “What are you talking about? We have no Florida connections."

"You signed the papers about a year ago."

Bonnie put on her coat. “I couldn't have."

Rafe grasped my arm and prevented me from following them. “Does something seem strange to you?"

"Absolutely."

"Are you planning to follow her directive and return home soon?"

"In about two weeks."

He frowned. “Hope there are no more mysterious events before then. I've uncovered a few interesting tidbits."

"Will you share?"

"When I put them together."

"Maybe I can help make connections."

"Tell you later. They're about Ramona and when I have all the facts, I'll act.” His eyes turned hard.

I shivered. “What will you do?"

"Whatever's right."

What did he mean by that? I studied his face and found no answer. He smiled. My tension ebbed. Since he'd been a police officer, I felt sure he'd turn the evidence over to them.

"I'm just glad I'm here to give Lars my support."

"He needs it."

We left the house and started down the walk. I turned to Rafe. “Lars has always been good at making money but poor at judging people, especially when they're family."

"Could be he believes one family member over the others. That's not right.” He dropped his hold on my arm. “Be careful. I'll talk to you and Lars after I learn more about what's going on."

A plan that had been slowly forming coalesced. “Come to dinner tomorrow evening at seven. I've decided to invite a the people involved in this mess."

He arched a brow. “What brought this on?"

"Perhaps I'd like to thank people for their kindness since I arrived. Maybe I'd like to see if there's something I can learn."

He grinned. “I'll be there. Wouldn't miss this even for an invitation to dinner with the governor."

"Will you have some information to share?"

"Might.” He paused at the gave. “See you tomorrow at seven."

I walked to where Lars and Bonnie stood. Lars handed me the keys to his car. “I'll see you at the house."

"Daddy, I can drive.” She pulled the keys from her coat pocket.

Lars took them. “I'm driving. I have a few things to say to you. Kate, take care."

"Will do."

As I followed the gold sedan along the twisting streets, I thought about the ransom note. Why had it arrived hours before Bonnie had been captured? What puzzle pieces were I missing? Had the money in the Florida bank been transferred yet again? Was there a way to learn?

I glanced at the dashboard clock. Nearly five. Not much time before the banks closed.

My thoughts drifted to Bonnie. Though she claimed she'd only been a prisoner for a few hours, her clothes and her hair gave the impression of minutes. Had there been another person in the house? Once we'd found her, we hadn't looked beyond the room where she'd been kept. Maybe Rafe had lingered to conduct a more thorough search.

Had Lars seen the anomalies in the scenario or had he been so delighted to see his daughter, he'd dismissed them? Was he hiding from the truth? My patience with his avoidance tactics had thinned to tissue paper thickness. I hoped it wouldn't tear.

When we reached the house, Damon's dark sedan was parked just beyond the carport. I pulled around Bonnie's car and parked beside the rental. Then I strode across the lawn to join the others.

Damon left his car. “Bonnie, good to see you. Where did they find you?"

"Forget that,” she said. “I want to know what's going on. What's this about a company in Florida?"

His smile was smug and smooth. “You should now. You're the one who okayed the business."

"Never. Who's trying to pull something? You? Carl?"

"I was just following orders,” he said.

"Where's Carl?"

"Left him at the office.” He turned to Lars. “You need to get to the bank and cancel that transfer."

Lars reached for the keys I held. “Looks like we can add forgery and theft to gambling."

"Are you positive Carl is responsible?” Damon asked. “He's not that clever."

"You're right about my husband,” Bonnie said. “But you're his friend and you know a lot of tricks."

Lars looked at his watch. “I've no time for this petty bickering. Let me call the bank and see if someone will wait until I arrive.” He strode to the house. Bonnie and Damon followed.

"Aunt Kaferine, were you and Pop go?"

"For a drive.” I waited for Megan and Don.

"What's going on?” Don caught my arm. “Did Rafe find the house?"

"Yes."

"Where did Bonnie come from?"

"There's no reason for secrecy now. Evidently your sister was kidnapped."

"You're kidding."

I shook my head. “Rafe found her car while he was searching for the house where your father was kept. When your dad and I reached the car, he recognized the house. Bonnie was there, but the ransom had already been paid."

He choked back a laugh. “And whoever did it left her expensive fur. Seems fishy to me."

"They left your father's jacket."

His mouth was set in a thin line. “And of course Dad bought her story. He thinks every word out of her mouth is true. He doesn't see how she looks out for herself first. I bet she'll get exactly what she wants."

"What's that?"

"Money. Power. Dad. Jaime Verdigras."

"What?” I paused with my hand on the door. “I thought there was something between her and Damon."

He shook his head. “Oh, she'll use Damon to goad Carl, but she doesn't like Dad's assistant. Years ago she and Jaime were engaged. Then he chose to go east for medical school and that didn't suit her plans. She demanded he stay in the area. He didn't and she broke the engagement."

"That explains where he heard some of the things he said to me. I imagine they've revived their relationship."

He nodded. “Sure looks that way. The moment he returned and joined his uncle's practice, she was in the waiting room."

"Why did she marry Carl?"

"You know how she is. I guess she thought she'd show Jaime. I bet she dumps Carl. Maybe the ransom was his pay-off."

"You don't like her very much."

"You've got that. The bad news is I love her. There's that twin bond thing and that's a trap, one I was in before I met Ramona. Dad still sits up and begs when my sister commands."

"He asked me to marry him."

"Will you?” He put his hand on my shoulder. “Be careful. When she learns, she'll be furious."

"I don't know if I'll accept."

"I think it would be great."

"There's a lot to be settled first.” I opened the door. “How much do you know about the business?"

"As little as possible. I've done some ads for several of the companies Dad has seeded. Ramona knew more. Too much I think."

"Do you believe her accident was arranged?"

His eyes grew cold. “Yes. So does Rafe, but he hasn't discovered who."

"Is that why you're leaving?"

He shook his head. “There are a lot of reasons. The first one is Megan. I don't want her growing up around someone who doesn't like her and who constantly picks on her."

"You're right about that. I've seen how your sister treats Megan."

"She's jealous of the attention Button gets from me and Dad."

"How foolish."

He nodded. “That's my sister. The other reason is fear. If I stay I'll be sucked into Bonnie's plans. I'm not a strong person. Ramona always teased me about needing a leader. She was right."

"Don't put yourself down.” I patted his arm. “What if you're not compensated for your share?"

"I'll manage. Since Dad offered me the use of the house, things have fallen into place. I've some savings and two offers of freelance work.” He grinned. “I feel good about the future."

"I'm pleased for you."

Megan ran down the hall and grabbed her father's hand. “Aunt Bonnie yell."

Anger flashed in Don's eyes. “At you?"

She shook her head. “At the man who work wif Pop. He yell, too. My ears hurt."

He swung her into his arms. “Let's go home. Tell Dad I'll stop by tomorrow."

"Come to dinner. Tomorrow at seven. I hope that's not too late for Megan."

"I'll make sure she naps. Will it be just us?"

"Family and friends. I've invited Rafe."

"Are you sure this is a good idea?"

I nodded. “There are things we need to learn."

"I'm sure there are. Are you really going in there while there's a war in progress?"

"Maybe I can defuse the bombs.” I walked through the foyer and entered the living room.

"There is absolutely no way I okayed that company,” Bonnie shouted. “When I take over, you and my soon to be ex-husband are gone."

"We'll see about that.” Damon turned to Lars. “If you don't tell her soon, I will."

The phone rang and Lars picked up the receiver. “Speaking...Repeat that...We've returned...I see...I'll tell her...I do think you should check your facts.” He hung up.

"What was that all about?” I asked.

"Tell you later. Damon, we'll talk soon and all will be explained."

Damon brushed past me. “You'd better."

I followed him into the foyer. “You're invited to dinner. Tomorrow at seven. If you see Carl, tell him he's included, too."

He frowned. “Are you sure this is a good idea? I doubt Bonnie or Lars will agree to have me here.” He opened the door.

"Lars will be fine with the invitation. I planned one of his favorite meals."

He laughed. “Let's hope the fireworks don't ruin the food.” He closed the door behind him.

I returned to the living room. Lars stood at the fireplace.

"What did he mean?” Bonnie asked. “Tell me now."

Lars shook his head. “When the time is right, you'll learn. What I want to know is what you plan to do with the ransom money."

"I know nothing about a ransom."

"Really. The caller gave me instructions I must follow for your release. I'll admit he didn't ask for money, but I smelled your hand in the demand."

She grabbed her coat. “Give me my keys. I don't have to listen to this. When I hear from Carl, you'll know what will happen to the money, and it definitely isn't what he thinks."