Midas Murders [Book 3 of the Katherine Miller Mysteries] (7 page)

Damon appeared in the doorway. “Lars, I thought I heard your voice. Mrs. Miller, the jewelry and the dress are stunning."

Bonnie turned to him. “Have you seen Carl? He should be at my side to greet our guests.” She put a hand on Lars’ arm. “I need a host. Aunt Katherine, can you spare Daddy for a bit?"

"No problem."

"And think about how much I love the jewelry.” She smiled. “You've always done the right thing."

In her eyes I had. Not this time. I intended to treasure Lars’ gift.

Damon took my arm. “Let's find Carl."

We entered the spacious L-shaped living room. Sofas and chairs in gold and white brocade were arranged in conversation areas. A fire burned in the large corner fireplace and the fragrant aroma of burning wood filled the air.

Damon steered me through an archway into the dining room where a large terraced buffet filled with chaffing dishes stood against one wall. Small tables for two or four were scattered through the room. A man in a spotless white uniform backed through a door that must have led to the kitchen. He placed a crystal bowl of shrimp on the serving table.

Damon motioned to Carl who stood at the bar. “You're presence is requested in the foyer."

Carl left his glass on the bar. “On my way.” He paused. “Mrs. Miller, you look fabulous. Lars was right. The jewelry suits you perfectly. My wife must be heartbroken.” He sauntered away.

He sounded as if he was pleased to see his wife had lost something she desired. What was going on between the pair of them? Damon released my arm. “Mind if I abandon you? I need to check on the orchestra."

"I'll be fine.” I wandered into the living room.

A short time later, Lars arrived with a young couple. He made quick introductions and drew me to one of the chairs by the fire. “Don't even think about giving her the jewelry."

"I wasn't."

"Good. What would you like to drink?"

"What do you think?"

He patted my hand. “My daughter doesn't serve mint tea."

"Very funny. A daiquiri will be fine."

Moments later he returned and handed me a drink. The daiquiri had been blended to perfection and the crust of sugar on the rim of the glass added a touch of sweetness to the tart lime.

Before long a crowd had gathered. Lars and I put our glasses on a tray held by a young woman wearing a bright fiesta dress.

As we circulated, he made introductions. Though I tried, most of the names were quickly forgotten. To my surprise many of the women exclaimed over my necklace and earrings. The silver and turquoise creation was in competition with diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires. The amount of glitter in the room hurt my eyes.

Music drifted from the ballroom. “Where's Don?” I asked.

"He and Megan are with friends. He refuses to leave her with a sitter and he avoids Bonnie's house."

"How long has this been going on?"

"Almost since his marriage. Bonnie and Ramona never got along. It's been worse lately. Not long after Ramona's funeral, he and Megan had food poisoning after eating dinner here. Megan ended up in the hospital. Don blamed Bonnie. I've tried to make peace and pretty much failed."

Poor Lars. He had a knack for making money but little fortune with his children. When he's back east, his meetings with his older sons and their wives are few and generally take place in restaurants.

My reflections were interrupted by the arrival of Dr. Verdigras. “Mr. Claybourne, you're looking fit.” He faced Lars and turned his back on me.

"Feel great,” Lars said.

"Uncle Joe said you haven't made an appointment for a follow-up."

"No need. A good night's sleep and I was fine.” Lars tugged me closer. “You remember Kate...Mrs. Miller."

The doctor's nostrils tightened. “Yes...of course. Have you remembered anything about where you were?"

"No."

I captured Verdigras’ gaze. “Before Lars and I left the ER, I spoke to the admitting nurse. Did you read her assessment?"

Anger flashed in his dark eyes. “I did what I felt was appropriate. I believe Bonnie was right when she said you dared to meddle where you weren't wanted. I suggest you keep out of my affairs.” He walked away.

Lars pulled me into a corner. “What was that about?"

"At the hospital I asked him to do a blood test for drugs. He refused."

"Why would he do that?"

"I haven't a clue to his motives. Could be he's young enough to believe he's always right. Or he could want to please your daughter."

Lars shook his head. “Stop seeing conspiracies in every smile. Do you want to go across the way and dance with me?"

"Later. Let's visit the buffet."

Several times we stopped so he could introduce me to local politicians, businessmen and their wives. Some of the women seemed young enough to be daughters, but that wasn't much different from home.

People clustered in groups and greeted each other with forced smiles and brittle laughter. When two men engaged Lars in a discussion of interest rates, I slipped away and continued toward the dining room. I was intent on finding another drink and sampling some of the myriad appetizers.

As I reached the archway I noticed my host laughing with two attractive women. Bonnie and Verdigras stood near the bar. He had his arm around her waist.

Lars appeared at my side. “Sorry about that."

"Happens."

"Boring,” he said. “Told them to leave business at the office. Meet any more suspects?"

"None I'd consider criminals. Most of the crimes I've witnessed are social."

His booming laughter caused several people to turn and stare. One, a man with streaks of silver in his ebony hair left a group and held out his hand to Lars.

"Amigo, good to see you.” Perfect teeth flashed when he smiled. “Heard you were lost, strayed or stolen."

"Seems that way. Kate, this is Rafe Diaz. He does for money what you do for fun. Kate finds bodies in her spare time."

Rafe's dark eyes sparkled with interest. So this was the man Don had called. Had he learned anything?

"Pleased to meet a kindred spirit at this affair,” he said.

I smiled. “I think we need to talk."

He looked at Lars. “Do you mind? Ramona was right. She said you were warm and direct. She also mentioned a gato grande."

My laughter joined the men's. “Robespierre would be flattered. The next time you visit Don and Megan, you can see a miniature version of him."

Rafe took my arm. “Lars, excuse us. I'm stealing her so we can speak of our adventures in crime."

"Don't encourage her, but enjoy."

Rafe and I made our way toward the buffet. “What can you tell me about Lars’ vanishing act. Don suggested we not tell his sister that I'm involved."

"Good idea. I can't give you much information, but this whole matter troubles me. Why don't you fetch me a daiquiri and I'll get some snacks."

While he headed to the bar, I filled a plate with finger foods. I chose a table near one of the doors to the courtyard.

While I ate, I related the story from Lars’ phone call the night before I left home to the hospital and Verdigras’ refusal to order the tox screen. “Other than the few things Lars remembered, that's it except for the uneasiness I feel."

"What did he recall?"

I told him. “Have you learned anything."

"Still looking for the cab driver. If I can find him and he remembers where he picked up Lars, we'll have a starting place for the search."

"What about the adobe house?"

He chuckled. “In Santa Fe, they're the norm."

"Lars said the house smelled musty. Could it be for rent or sale?"

He frowned. “That's a thought. One thing. I asked around the station and none of my buddies knew about Bonnie's call. That sort of thing gets around."

"I heard her talking to someone."

"I'll keep asking.” He turned his head. My gaze followed his to where Bonnie and Verdigras stood. They appeared to be quarreling.

Rafe rose. “See you later."

I finished the appetizers and sipped my drink. Carl stopped beside the table. “Where's Lars?"

"Circulating."

"Enjoying yourself?"

"Very much."

"Have you seen Bonnie?"

"A few minutes ago. She was near the bar with Dr. Verdigras."

He turned. His face blanched and he set his drink on the table. “See you.” Like smoke he melted into a cluster of people.

What had made him bolt? I spotted three new arrivals. An older man with steel gray hair accompanied by two younger muscular specimens. They strode toward Carl's hiding place. Other guests eddied around the trio, but no one spoke to them.

Who were they?

I scanned the crowd for Lars but didn't see him. The room seemed stuffy. The door to the inner court was open a crack. A breath of fresh air seemed like a good idea so I slipped outside. I heard voices and retreated toward the door where a large bush shielded me from the brisk breeze and discovery.

"Have you told him yet?” The man's voice was low.

"No,” Bonnie said. “There hasn't been the right moment."

"When? I'm tired of sneaking around. I'll be glad when this is over and you're mine. Why don't we face him together."

"No. I'll do it tomorrow."

I retreated to the dining room. Whom had she been speaking to? If I lingered would I learn? Once again I looked for Lars.

He found me. “Where have you been? I left you with Rafe, but when I came to join you two, you'd both vanished.” I saw anxiety in his eyes.

"Rafe saw someone he wanted to talk to. I felt warm so I stepped outside for a bit.” Though I wanted to tell him what I'd heard I hesitated.

He caressed my fingers. “Gave me a bit of a start. Ready for that dance you promised me?"

"Yes.” The music drifting through the foyer was “Stardust,” one of my favorites.

The ballroom was dimly lit and the music mellow. Lars drew me into his arms and we moved around the dance floor. “Why did Don call Rafe?” he asked.

"He thought Rafe would know what to do if you'd been kidnapped."

Lars nodded. “He was right, but I wish he hadn't. I'd rather not involve outsiders in my problems."

"What are you hiding from? You were kidnapped. Doesn't that bother you?"

His lips brushed my ear. “They were inept. One of them made my escape possible. I don't think ransom was part of the deal."

"Why not?"

He shook his head. “Just a fancy."

I stepped closer. “Denying won't change what happened. Maybe you escaped before the note was sent. Maybe your kidnappers had a falling out."

I wondered what the sadness in his eyes meant. Did he think his daughter was involved? Could I convince him to stay in town and try to discover who and why? The problem was I didn't think he wanted to know.

When the set ended, Damon strolled over. “May I?” he asked Lars.

"With great reluctance,” Lars said.

The set began with “Stormy Weather.” Damon swept me away from Lars. What did he want? Had he been Bonnie's companion in the courtyard?

As we circled the room, we passed Bonnie and Verdigras dancing cheek to cheek. “Now there's a man who's fooling himself,” Damon said. “He'll get exactly what she thinks he deserves."

"I take it you're not fond of the doctor."

"You've got that.” Damon smiled, but his eyes remained cold. “He was telling Bonnie how you challenged his medical expertise. Was there a problem?"

"Just a disagreement."

"Did Lars really have a stroke?"

"I'm not a doctor. Nurses don't diagnose."

"My mother had a stroke last year. Lars had none of the symptoms she had. You know, like weakness and slurred speech."

"If there's a small bleed, the symptoms clear rapidly.” His questions made me uneasy.

"So what do you think happened? Where was he? He won't tell us a thing."

"He says he doesn't remember. Don't you believe him?” Damon didn't answer. I was tired of his probing. “I've a question for you. Did you see the three men who arrived a while ago? There was an older man with two brawny lads. Who were they? Why did their arrival make Carl panic and try to hide?"

"No one you want to know."

"Then why were they invited?"

"As far as I know, they weren't. You're right that they were here to see Carl. They're Vegas."

The set ended. Damon returned me to Lars and walked away.

"Restroom,” I whispered in Lars’ ear.

He steered me into the hall. The powder room was beneath the stairs. “Want me to wait here?"

"No need. I'll meet you in the foyer.” I was about ready to leave, though if Lars wanted to stay I would.

He pointed to the ballroom. “You don't want to meet me in there?"

"I'd never find you in the darkness.” I stepped into the powder room and burst into laughter. The theme of the house was in full force. White wallpaper flocked with gold swans and water lilies covered the walls. All the fixtures including the toilet seat were gleaming gold.

As I opened the door to leave, Carl and Damon walked past. Their voices were low and angry. What were they up to? Determined to learn, I followed.

"Damn it, no,” Damon said.

"Won't be long before we have it all,” Carl said. “Just look on this as an advance. Those guys won't wait much longer for their money."

They stepped into the courtyard. I pressed my back against the wall and prayed they hadn't seen me. Did Bonnie know that her husband and his friend were scheming to take over the company? Then again, maybe she played a role in the scheme.

Lars waited for me in the foyer. “Nearly midnight.” He handed me a flute of champagne. “Let's see the New Year in and then go home."

His idea fit mine perfectly. “Sounds wonderful."

I stood in the circle of his arms and counted the chimes from the grandfather's clock. As the last note sounded, Lars kissed me, then raised his glass. “To many years together."

For an instant regret for the all years we'd wasted because of a willful child surfaced. I pushed these thoughts away. “To many more years."

"Kate."

"No regrets for past decisions."

"You're right."

We put our glasses on a tray and sent for our coats. Then we went to find our hostess and host. Bonnie stood with three men, Carl, Damon and Verdigras. Whom had she kissed to honor the New Year? Though the answer was none of my business, twice I'd seen what misplaced passion had done to people's lives. I prayed Lars’ life wouldn't be stained by what pulsed between Bonnie and these men.