Poof! Page 4
“My stepmother, Rita Steele, asked me to try to locate Josh. Cassie’s been worried sick.”
“You’re Ralston’s daughter.”
“Yes.”
“I knew your mother. She nannied for my family one summer. My siblings and I loved her.”
“Are you a Wallace?”
“Yes, Lillian Wallace. I was so sorry to hear about her death.”
“That was a very long time ago.”
“Yes.”
“What can you tell me about Josh. Has he been in touch?”
“Yesterday as a matter of fact.”
“Is he home?”
“No, he called. He didn’t say where he was, just asked a favor. We didn’t speak long.”
“What was the favor, if you don’t mind my asking?”
“I do.”
“Did he seem agitated or upset?”
“Not in the slightest.”
“Did the favor have anything to do with his teaching at the Meridian school?”
“No.”
“Was he trying to relocate?”
“Not that he said. I guess it won’t hurt for me to tell you that he wanted money transferred from his trust account.”
“Is that unusual?”
“Actually, yes. Josh is very frugal and his monthly living allowance more than covers his expenses. I had no problem arranging the transfer. It’s his money. He said he’d lost the folder where he keeps all his pass codes so he asked me to go to the bank and make the transfer for him.”
“Was it a large sum?”
“Not for us, but you’d probably think so.”
I waited, taking deep breaths.
“He wanted fifty thousand dollars.”
“And you weren’t concerned?”
“No, he said he was buying a car and some furnishings for his apartment.”
Could the woman really be as cool, calm and collected as she sounded? I glanced down at her hands. She had a lacy handkerchief between her fingers which she had wound into a tight knot. Hmm...
“Does Josh ever talk with you about his work at Meridian Imports?”
“Never heard of it. Josh has been teaching English to little Asian children, I believe.”
“Yes, but the school is funded by Meridian and it operates out of their building. Do you know what days Josh works?”
“No, but we don’t talk that often. He hasn’t been home for a while, maybe since he brought Cassandra down to have dinner at the Club. We wanted to meet her and nagged so much that he finally gave in. This was before he started teaching. I believe his friend, Jimmy got him the job.”
“Jimmy Chen?”
“Yes. My husband and I were not pleased.”
“Oh? By the apartment or Jimmy Chen?”
“Both. It was a dark, dismal place and Jimmy has always been very cocky and full of himself.”
I couldn’t disagree with that. “Well, thank you, Mrs. Peabody. I apologize again for barging in.”
She walked me out. As I opened the door, she grabbed hold of my arm, green eyes pleading. “Please let us know if he’s in some kind of trouble.” The mask had fallen and she looked scared to death.
“Do you think he’s in trouble, then?”
“No, of course not. We just never liked Jimmy, that’s all.”
There was more to this story, I was convinced of it, but I wasn’t going to hear it from Lillian Peabody. “Well, thanks again. I’ll be in touch if anything comes up.”
When I drove by the gatehouse, dropping the pass into a wooden box, I half expected the guard to leap out and grab me by the collar. Instead, he simply waved and pushed the button to open the gate.
As I drove back to the city, my cell phone rang. “Hey, girlfriend, you ready?” I recognized the voice my childhood friend, Bunny Stark, now a successful realtor and travel agent.
“Hey, Bun, what’s up?”
“Tonight?”
“What about it?”
“Geez, Ricky, you didn’t forget, did you? The clambake?”
“Oh, my God, Bun, it’s Tuesday, isn’t it?”
“Yes, and don’t tell me you’ve forgotten.”
“Just kidding. I’m looking forward to it. You know how I love clambakes and your company!”
“Humph, I’ll pick you up at five sharp.”
“Casual dress, right?”
“Well, some of us might glam up a little, but the way you eat, I’d suggest old jeans and an apron.”
“Ha, ha. See you then.”
Chapter 10
The clambake was at Francis Farm, home of the best clambakes in the world. A benefit for a local dog shelter, this event always drew a large crowd. An animal lover who doted on her three French bulldogs, Bunny was on their Board and attendance at the bake was an annual ritual.
True to her promise to “glam up,” Bunny sported midnight blue, satiny capris and a matching floral top that hugged every curve. Her blonde hair was swept up in a chignon and sparkling, dangly, turquoise earrings completed the ensemble. Bunny was at least three inches shorter than me, but you’d never know it. Her white platform sandals added a good five inches. I wore a nicer pair of jeans and a beaded top. While not up to Bunny’s standards, the outfit made me feel wanton and sexy, though God knows why I cared. I’d be covered with butter and clam juice by the end of the night. I eschewed my usual sneakers for espadrilles and wore silver dangly earrings of which Bunny approved.
“You look hot tonight, Rick. Maybe we’ll spot some hot prospects.”
Bunny was between men at the moment, not a happy place for her. As soon as we arrived, she flew off to say hello to her Board buddies. She asked me to come along, but I declined and headed to the bar instead. A Dos Equis in hand, I was strolling across the grass towards one of the dining tents when a voice called from behind.
“Ricky, hey!”
I turned to spy Robbo Carlson, my ex-husband, hurrying up, a Miller Light in hand.
“Hello, Bob.”
“You here alone?”
“I’m with Bunny. I’ve never seen you at this before.”
“My new boss is on the Board and made it clear to all of us that we should purchase tickets.”
“Where’s Jill?”
“She has a business dinner so I’m flying solo tonight.”
I hate that expression, ‘flying solo,’ but forced a smile. “So how are things?”
“Great, never better. Kids doing well, work hectic as always. How ‘bout you?”
“Same ole, same ole.”
“You look terrific, as always, Ricky. Not a day over forty.”
“Thanks, you too.” In truth, he looked about seventy. His complexion pallid, sandy hair thinning with comb over that was not fooling anyone. “Hey, look, that’s my boss now. Want to meet him?”
“Thanks, maybe later. You go, I’m good. Gotta find Bunny.”
As he hurried off to kowtow, my eyes scanned the crowd. I had not yet spotted Bunny when a familiar face popped into my line of vision. Charlie Bowen stood under the tent chatting with a small group, a young woman at his side. Hmm, Mr. Gorgeous does get around. As I ogled, he looked away from his companions and caught my eye, nodded, then turned back to the conversation.
“Hello, my long lost friend! I was hoping you’d be here.”
Her voice behind me was accompanied by a hug and I turned to embrace my dear friend, Karen Spencer Harp. “Hey, Karrie, what a surprise!”
“Are you with someone?”
“Bunny.”
“Wonderful, I’d love to see her.” Karen, Bunny and I were childhood friends, founding members of the neighborhood’s Maple Tree Club, back when city neighborhoods were still safe for children to roam freely.
“How bout you?”
She blushed, eyeing me coyly. “Actually, I have someone I’d like you to meet.”
“A man?”
Her eyes lit up like firecrackers.
“You didn’t tell me you were seeing someone!”
“Well, since we haven’t spoken for what, six months, that could be why.”
“Is it serious?”
“Kind of,” she said, flashing a shit eater grin.
“Oh, Karrie, I’m so happy for you! I’d love to meet him.”
“He’s over there with his golf buddies. Do you believe it, I’m dating a golfer? My mom’s in heaven and Ron’s probably rolling in his grave.” Her ultra-liberal, activist husband had been murdered the previous year. Among his many crusades in their small town has been land conversation and preserving farmland from development, including golf courses.
“Is he from the Harbor?”
She nodded. “He moved there eight months ago. He’s retired.”
“Is he cute?”
“I think so, but I’ll let you be the judge.”
“Is he good to you?”
“Very.”
“Oh, Karrie, I’m so pleased.”
“And what about you, my friend? I understand from Jay that you guys aren’t seeing each other anymore?”
“You know your brother-in-law.”
“Yes, I’m afraid I do. I was hoping he’d found his home with you. It’s time for Jay to get off the swinging singles train.”
“Jay Harp? Never.” I laughed, but truth be told, our break up had been devastating. I had opened up and allowed Jay Harp to break my heart for the second time. Never again.
“He’s always asking if I’ve heard from you.”
As we stood talking, arm in arm, I kept my eye on Charlie Bowen. From time to time, he glanced in my direction, but for the most part, he seemed engrossed in conversation.
“Karrie, before we meet your sweet heart, see that guy over there in the blue shirt, with his arm around the young woman?”
“Dr. Bowen, you mean?”
“Charlie Bowen. I don’t think he’s a doctor.”
“If you’re talking about the drop dead gorgeous man next to the tent pole, that’s Dr. Charlie Bowen. Do you know him?”
“He just moved into my neighborhood.”
“Lucky you. He’s the most eligible bachelor you’re gonna find here or anywhere else for that matter. Uh, oh, isn’t that Bunny bearing down on him?”
As we watched, Bunny practically threw herself at Charlie. Unphased, his expression remained open and friendly as they began chatting.
“Let’s go meet your golfer, shall we?”
“I want to know about Charlie Bowen,” she said as we began strolling towards the far end of the tent.
“There’s nothing to tell. He moved into the neighborhood. Vinnie’s been helping him renovate his house and he introduced us.”
“And?”
“And nothing. He asked me out, but I’ve managed to deflect him so far.”
“Are you crazy?”
“No, just cautious. I’m still healing from Jay.”
“Jay’s a jerk. This guy’s solid as a rock. He’s pretty major, Rick. Been all over the world on humanitarian missions. He’s some kind of infectious disease specialist. One of the top in his field, as I understand it.”
“That doesn’t necessarily make him a reliable partner, boyfriend, whatever.”
“Well, I’d certainly give him a test drive. Ah, here’s my Ted,” she said, touching the arm of a tall, slender man, snowy white hair, chiseled handsome face. As he turned to Karrie, his eyes filled with obvious love. He wore a green golf shirt and khakis, a navy sweater draped around his shoulders.
“Ted, I’d like you to meet my dear friend, Ricky Steele. Ricky, this is Ted Foster.”
He shook my hand, grip firm. “Hello, Ricky. Karen’s told me so much about you.”
And yet, I’ve just learned about you, I thought, smiling up at him. “Ted, so glad to meet you.”
He drew Karen closer, arm circling her shoulder. “Can you sit with Karrie and me?”
“I fear my friend Bunny has us at the other end of the tent, but we can rendezvous at the bar from time to time.”
We chatted for a few minutes until the bell sounded, signaling that chowder and clam fritters were being served. “Well, I’d better find Bunny. I’ll look for you two later. So, nice to meet you, Ted. Karrie, let’s get together soon, okay?”
“Definitely, we’ll make a plan.”
I hurried off to find Bunny. As I reached the tent, I spied her seated beside a younger guy, the chair on her other side empty. I was just making my way through the crowd when he grabbed hold of my arm.
“Ricky, hi.”
“Well, Dr. Bowen, you do get around,” I said, a trifle more flippantly than I should have.
If he heard my Dr. Bowen comment, he didn’t acknowledge it. “You look sensational.”
“Thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself.”
He touched my arm again sending warmth from my head to my toes. “Listen, I know you’re heading to eat, but can I bring Michaela over at some point?”
“Of course, I’m sitting over there,’ I said, pointing to Bunny.
“Yes, I met Ms. Stark. She’s a force of nature.”
“That’s putting it mildly. Feel free to pop over anytime. I guarantee Bunny’s wooing the gentleman on her right so I’ll have plenty of time to chat.”
He smiled and let me go. It took every fiber of my being not to fling myself at him. Get a grip, Steele!
As I reached the table, Bunny patted the empty seat beside her. “Well, well, Ms. Mysterious. I met your Dr. Bowen. He’s hot.”
“He is not my Dr. Bowen. I hardly know him and didn’t even know he was a doctor till tonight.”
“Who cares. He’s single, gorgeous and he’s hot for you.”
“Is not!”
At that moment, our chowder and clam cakes arrived and I decided to put Dr. Bowen and his hotness aside to enjoy my very favorite meal in the world. An hour later, the remnants of the clambake lay all around us. An embarrassing mountain of clam shells sat in front of me, three times as many as anyone else’s at the table. Several people had commented on how much I must like clams, but I was too busy wolfing them down to reply. Just as my lobster was set before me, Bunny elbowed me and I turned to spy Charlie approaching, a dark haired young woman at his side.
“Hi again. Is this a good time?” he said, grinning as he surveyed the carnage on the table.
“Of course,” I said, grabbing several Wash and Dry cloths, vainly attempting to clean my hands as I stood.
“Ricky, this is my daughter Michaela.”
The short, dark haired woman with a pixie haircut and turned up nose extended her hand. “Hello, Ms. Steele, so glad to meet you in person. Everyone calls me Mike.”
“And everyone calls me Ricky,” I said, taking her hand. “My associate and I have cleared a space for you when you’d like to come in. Are you sure you’re interested in investigative work?”
“Absolutely, really interested.”
I watched her father, beaming proudly and felt the loss of never having children, one of my few regrets in life. “Well, you’re welcome to come see what we’re about anytime. I was thinking about it yesterday and we actually could use a little clerical help, while you learn about the business. I’m fraid that might seem too boring and certainly way beneath your pay grade. After all, you’re a doctor like your dad.”
“Not at all. I’m craving a change.”
“I forgot to ask on the phone. Do you live close by?”
“I have an apartment in the Highlands.”
“That’s great. We didn’t set a start date. Do you have a day in mind?”
“Tomorrow?”
“How does ten thirty sound?”
“Perfect,” she said. She had the same hundred kilowatt smile as her dad. He mouthed ‘thank you,’ to me as I gave Mike directions to the office.
“Well, we’ll let you dig into your lobster,” he said. “That is, if you have any room left.”
Bunny snorted. “You cannot imagine the depths of this woman’s stomach!”
I rolled my eyes.
“Oh, Ricky, I almost forgot. I checked with people at the Clinic. No one knew much about Meridian. ‘Course I only talked to people on duty today. Want me to keep poking?”
“Thanks, that’d be great. I’ll see you in the morning,” I said to Mike, waving as father and daughter headed off.
I sat back down and gave Bunny a jab. “Thanks for your flattering comment about my eating.”
“It’s one of your most loveable qualities, dearie. Besides, your mountain of clam shells and the mess you’ve made of that pretty top told them everything they needed to know. I warned you to wear your bib.”
I peered down aghast to find my chest dotted with grease. “Oh, shit! This’ll never come out and it’s one of my favorite shirts!” I blushed crimson, thinking how I must have looked to father and daughter. Sensational, indeed! With a shrug, I tore into my lobster.
As we drove home, Bunny peppered me with questions about Charlie. Where had we met? How long we’d been seeing each other? Blah, blah, blah.
“I mean, Ricky, I’d have gone after him myself but he’s decades too old for me.”
“I hate to break it to you, Ms. Cougar, but he’s probably our age.”
“My point exactly.” Bunny only dated much younger men. “Although, sweetie, I’ll bet Dr. Bowen has got us by a few years. He’s not my type, but he’s perfect for you. Nice looking, a little rough around the edges, doctor, gorgeous blue eyes. And he’s clearly into you, which makes him even more perfect.”
“Can we stop this, please?”
“Okay, but I want regular updates on your Dr. Bowen,” she said, pulling up in from of my house.
“For the hundredth time, he’s not my Dr. Bowen and there will be no updates.”
I hopped out and came around to say good night. “Thanks, Bun. Good to see you. We didn’t even talk about your latest beaus.”
“Oh, you know,” she said, coyly. “I have a few prospects. I’ll keep you posted. Tootle- loo, sweetheart. Let’s do dinner at the Club soon. I have to use up my minimum.”
“I prefer the Rainbow.”
“Yuck. Stay away from that place, Rick. The grease’ll kill you!” She waved and drove off.
Chapter 11
When I stepped into the office shortly after ten, two pairs of eyes looked up. “Hey, Mike, welcome. I’m sorry, I thought we said ten thirty.”