Sarah Woods Mystery Series (1-6) Boxed Set Page 26

  My first inclination was to call Max. I could really use that margarita we’d talked about earlier.

  I picked up the phone to call him, but something stopped me.

  I was suddenly terrified and a little sick to my stomach. What would happen if I invited Max to my room? What if I got drunk and told him I’d secretly fantasized about him for months.

  I threw the phone on the couch as if it were a bomb about to explode. I maintained a safe distance from the evil device, as my mind and heart were at war. I barely knew Max. Why did I think there was a connection between us? Maybe it was my own delusional yearnings.

  A few minutes later I decided to call my son. It was only fair that I alert him to the situation between his father and me. My heart sank as the call went directly to voice mail. I told him to call back as soon as possible.

  Chapter 11

  I’d managed to sleep through the night after two glasses of wine. As I awoke, a peaceful feeling washed over me despite a pounding headache. I got up, brewed some coffee, and slipped into the shower. As the hot water fell, I closed my eyes and tried to imagine life without Daniel. Would I eventually start to miss him? I didn’t think so.

  Then the realization hit me: I’d been waiting for this moment to arrive for a long while.

  Daniel and I no longer made each other happy. There was a reason he resorted to online dating-because he was miserable, too. Maybe our separation would be amicable and Brian wouldn’t have to choose sides. The thought of him having to deal with his father until I got home brought a pain to my heart. Why hadn’t he called me back yet?

  When I got out of the shower, I checked my phone. Nothing from Brian, but there was a text from Carter.

  Meet us in the lobby in ten minutes.

  I replied then slipped into some cropped jeans, a purple tank top, and Converse sneakers. There was no time to dry my hair so I fastened it into a loose ponytail.

  When I got down to the lobby, Carter, Richard, and Max were already waiting.

  “What’s up?” I asked, eyeing the extra cup of coffee in Max’s hand. He offered it to me. “You’re my hero,” I said.

  Carter handed me the mug shot of a girl who looked to be in her early twenties. The shoulder length brown hair framed bloodshot eyes and a perma-pout. “Meet Brenda Graves.”

  “Who is she?”

  “She’s Cunningham’s cleaning lady, and the owner of the red Volkswagen bus we mentioned.”

  “When was she arrested?”

  “A few months ago. Possession of narcotics with intent to sell. Pot and prescription meds.”

  “Did she do time?” I asked.

  “Nah. Hawaii has much bigger issues with meth. She paid a fine and did some community work.”

  “Do you think we should contact her?” I asked.

  “Cunningham has only been in Hawaii for a few weeks,” Richard interjected. “I doubt he’d trust some drugged up cleaning lady with his secrets. But I think it’s a good idea to keep an eye on her.”

  “What else do we know about her?” Max asked.

  “She’s young,” Richard said. “Only twenty three. According to DMV records, she moved here a little over a year ago. There are three different addresses on file, so it looks like she moves around a lot. Here’s a photo we took of her van the other day when she was at Cunningham’s.”

  The red, 1960’s vintage VW bus had a black and white magnetic sign on the side panel that read,

  I clean houses

  Call Brenda at 808-876-4352

  “Hope she didn’t break the bank on advertising costs,” I said. “Even I could have come up with something better than that.”

  “Anyway,” Carter continued, “Cunningham made a call to her this morning. She’s heading over to his house around noon.”

  “That’s odd,” I said. “Why would he need his place cleaned again so soon? He doesn’t strike me as the kind of guy who’d be overly concerned with that.”

  “Maybe she wears one of those sexy maid outfits when she cleans,” Richard said.

  I rolled my eyes. “So what’s the plan? Are we headed back to Sanborn’s house?”

  Carter took one last swig of coffee and tossed the cup into the trash. “There’s not much we can do right now but wait for Cunningham to slip up.”

  Chapter 12

  The kitchen smelled of cinnamon and coffee. The Sanborn’s personal cook, Maggie, was busy preparing the morning spread.

  She invited us to sample a malasada, a fluffy, sugar coated donut filled with custard. She said they were a local favorite. I devoured three of them without blinking.

  Richard piled some on a plate for himself and made another cup of coffee. “These look delicious.”

  “Where are the Sanborns this morning?” I asked. “They don’t know what they’re missing.”

  “They’re probably outside enjoying the sun.”

  Richard and Carter took their pastries out to the lanai while Max and I lingered in the kitchen.

  “What are you going to do?” I asked Max.

  “I’ll join the guys on the lanai. Maybe we can brainstorm some ideas on how to get Cunningham’s laptop.”

  “I’ll stay here for a few minutes. I could use some more coffee.”

  Max slid his thumb across my lower lip. A few sugary crumbs cascaded to the floor. “Fine, but try not to eat all the donuts, okay?”

  I smiled sheepishly.

  I was the only one left in the kitchen, so I helped myself to coffee and one more malasada. As I stood there drinking the strong brew, Alex O’Malley walked into the kitchen and smiled at me. “Good morning,” he said, heading straight for the refrigerator door. He pulled something out then leaned against the counter looking at me.

  “Coke for breakfast?” I asked, more out of curiosity than anything.

  “I know, I know.” O’Malley took a long pull and looked at me with a faint smile. “You’re not going to lecture me are you?” The smile confirmed his playfulness.

  “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

  O’Malley looked down at the bottle in his hand. “Dr. Theo gives me shit for this all the time. He calls soda the ‘devil’s juice’.”

  “Really?” I laughed. “My son would love that expression.”

  “I read somewhere that soda is more addictive than coffee, or cigarettes. At least that’s my excuse.”

  The attorney had a sense of humor after all. I took note of his outfit; khaki shorts, a navy blue t-shirt, and tan loafers. He wasn’t handsome in a traditional sense, but there was something appealing about his boyish features, dark red hair, and glasses perched on his fleshy nose. For a guy in his mid-thirties, I could tell he took care of himself. And he didn’t seem to be arrogant like some hotshot attorneys. Finally he broke the silence. “So, tell me. How did you get hooked up with Carter and Richard?”

  “It’s a long story. Let’s just say I was thinking of making a career change. I’m fascinated with the business of criminology. Carter has taken me under his wing to show me the ropes”

  “It seems like a bit of a stretch to transition from being a massage therapist to becoming a private eye. Are you married?”

  I gave a reluctant nod.

  “What does he think of you pursuing a career in criminal justice?”

  “He doesn’t know,” I said, sparing him the details.

  “It’s a pretty big secret to keep, don’t you think?”

  “I plan on telling him. I just haven’t mustered the courage yet.”

  O’Malley smiled. “They say honesty is the best policy, but I suppose you have to make exceptions from time to time.”

  It would have been a great opportunity to probe him about his potential feelings for Jessica, but Dr. Theo stormed into the kitchen and plunked a plate of food down on the counter. “What am I supposed to do?” he said to no one in particular.

  O’Malley hesitated. “Jessica’s still not eating?”

  Dr. Theo shook his head. “Do you see how skinny that girl is? She�
��s withering away to nothing. Probably one of those new fad diets where you can’t have food. Well, it’s not healthy, damn it. But do you think she’ll listen to me?”

  I decided to offer my assistance. “Excuse me,” I said. “Maybe I can help.”

  Dr. Theo turned to look at me. “You think you can get her to eat something?

  “With all due respect, maybe she needs another female to talk to. It might help calm her nerves so she’ll have an appetite.”

  “Thank you, Sarah.” He gave me an appreciative smile.

  ***

  I found Jessica sitting on the edge of the swimming pool, staring into the water. I walked over, sat down next to her, and set the plate of food down between us. She didn’t need a lecture from me. I needed to handle this with a different approach, so I thought I’d turn it into a joke.

  “I have a favor to ask,” I said, leaning toward her and lowering my voice. “I made a deal with your dad. He said if I could get you to eat something, he’d give me a hundred bucks. I could really use the money.”

  She cocked her head to look at me. Those blue eyes sparkled with amusement. “That doesn’t surprise me,” she said, smiling. “My father has a way of making people do things. I’ll tell you what. Today is your lucky day.” She picked up the toast, took a bite, and chewed slowly. After she swallowed she said, “Now you’re a hundred bucks richer.”

  “Thanks.”

  Jessica continued to gaze into the pool, making no efforts to initiate a conversation. “How’s the water?” I asked.

  “It’s nice. You should go in. Did you bring a bathing suit?”

  “No,” I said. “It’s back at the hotel.”

  “You’re welcome to use one of mine.”

  “Thanks, but I don’t think I could fit into a size zero.”

  She giggled. “Well, just go in your underwear. No one will care.”

  “Sure,” I said, playing along. “That might have worked, except I’m wearing a thong.”

  “Your friend Max wouldn’t mind. I see the way he looks at you.” She took another small bite of the toast.

  I didn’t know how to respond. Was it that obvious? I cleared my throat, as I considered my words carefully. “Max is just a friend. I’m married.”

  “Does your husband know you’re in love with another man?”

  Wow. This girl was intuitive. “My husband doesn’t have a clue about anything. He doesn’t even know he was tricked into bringing me to Hawaii.”

  I appreciated the little pep talk, but it was time to shift the focus off of me. “So, what’s up with your dad’s attorney friend, O’Malley?” I said. “He seems nice and all, but why is he really here?”

  “Alex?” Jessica’s hands fidgeted in her lap. “He’s kind of like my father’s wing man.”

  “Wing man?”

  “Yeah, my dad can’t live without him. It’s like they’re a married couple. Kind of creepy, I know.”

  “How did they get to be so close?”

  Jessica sighed. “A few years back, my father was being sued for malpractice. He hired Alex to represent him. Well, not only did Alex get the case thrown out of court, he countersued the guy for slander. Alex saved my dad’s reputation. Ever since then he’s worked exclusively for us.”

  “Does your dad get sued often?”

  “No. My dad just likes to have him around. It makes him feel secure.”

  “So, how do you and Alex get along?”

  “He treats me like a little girl. It’s kind of annoying.”

  “But he does it because he cares about you, right?”

  She turned to face me. “What are you talking about?”

  “He kind of has a thing for you, doesn’t he?”

  She looked away. “What makes you say that?”

  “Never mind,” I said. “It must be my imagination.”

  “I know I’m completely insane,” she said, “but I think I still love Duane. And part of me thinks he’ll come back with our son. I know it makes no sense. My therapist thinks I’m in denial. That’s her way of telling me I’m totally screwed up.”

  “Love doesn’t always make sense,” I said. “Tell me about Duane. What made you fall in love with him?”

  “He was different from all the other boys I’d dated.” She closed her eyes and tilted her head as if recalling a pleasurable moment. “He came from nothing and had nothing. It was so refreshing. The things we’d talk about didn’t revolve around money, status, or any of that bullshit.”

  “Your dad wasn’t a fan, I take it?”

  “He thought I deserved better. What he didn’t realize is that Duane was nicer to me than anyone had ever been.”

  “Did you ever meet Duane’s foster parents?”

  “Only once. They were quite strange,” she said. “Duane was embarrassed by them. He called them The Munster’s behind their backs.”

  “So he cut off communication with them when he skipped town?”

  “Apparently. They’ve been questioned several times, and told the authorities he hasn’t contacted them.”

  “What about friends?”

  She brushed the hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear. “He didn’t have many. He’s a loner.”

  “Carter mentioned you and Duane had a live-in nanny. Was she there the night of the abduction?”

  Jessica paused. “Of course. Why do you ask?”

  “What was her take on the whole thing? Did she notice anything odd about Duane leading up to that night?”

  “She didn’t have much to say to me, or the police.”

  “Did you have any idea that something was wrong before Duane left with Toby? Was he acting strange?”

  She bit her lower lip so hard I half expected to see blood. “No. I don’t think so.”

  “Was he a gambler? Maybe he had some debts.”

  She bowed her head and squeezed her eyes shut as if the tears might fall any second. “Sorry,” she said. “I’m such a mess.”

  “I think you’re handling all of this extremely well. Much better than I would,” I said, rubbing her back.

  “I may appear to have it under control, but I’m dying inside. I was a horrible mother.”

  “Don’t say that, Jessica. It’s tough raising a child.”

  “You don’t understand,” she said. “I relied on the nanny to take care of Toby most of the time. She was a better mother to him than I ever was.”

  “I understand why you’re feeling guilty, but none of this is your fault.” I placed my hand on her shoulder. “Cut yourself some slack.”

  “My dad said the same thing. At least you’re not preaching to me about God, too.”

  “I’m sure your dad just wants you to find some peace.”

  “He says if I have Faith it will carry me through. I don’t have the heart to tell him I don’t even believe in God.” Jessica managed a weak smile.

  “You can’t blame him for trying. He adores you.”

  “He’s overcompensated ever since my mom left. If I screw up, he fixes it. If I get sick, he hires the best doctors. If I don’t eat, he bribes nice people like you to get me to do so.”

  “Touché,” I said, smiling. “How old were you when your mother left?”

  “I was five.”

  “Do you want to tell me what happened?”

  Jessica kicked her leg up, splashing water back into the pool. She let out a little laugh. “If only I knew the answer to that question. Dad always tells me, ‘Some things are better left unsaid’. Well, I should have listened to him.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “A few years ago, when I was still in high school, I was able to track her down. She was living in Europe. I eventually found the courage to call her. She told me she was too busy to talk and would call me back.”

  “Did she?”

  Her face became red and she looked away.

  “I’m sorry,” I said.

  “Anyway,” she said, splashing her leg in the water again, “they say you can�
��t miss what you never had, right?”

  I wanted to impart some motherly advice but decided it was best to say nothing at all.

  Jessica removed her cover-up and abruptly slipped into the pool. I took that to mean she was done talking.

  “I should probably head back and see if the guys need help with anything. Enjoy your swim.” She didn’t respond, so I pushed myself up from the edge of the pool and walked back to the house.

  Chapter 13

  I returned to the lanai after my conversation with Jessica. Max and Dr. Theo were focused on a tablet computer. “What’s going on?” I asked, walking towards them. Max pushed a seat out for me with his foot.

  “We have an interesting development, Sarah,” Max said. “We’re watching the live surveillance in Cunningham’s living room. Brenda Graves isn’t Cunningham’s cleaning lady after all. She’s his lover.”

  I settled into the seat. “How do you know that?”

  “We just watched them have sex on his couch,” he whispered.

  “You’re kidding. Was there any talk of Toby?”

  “No, but this changes things. Richard and Carter just left for her apartment with a picture of Toby to see if anyone recognizes him.”

  “This is potentially good news, right? Should I go tell Jessica?”

  Dr. Theo stopped me. “No. I don’t think she needs to know about this Brenda woman.”

  “Oh. Okay,” I said.

  Dr. Theo stood up from the table with an apparent look of concern. “You have to understand. My daughter has been through a lot.”

  Jessica’s enduring affection toward Cunningham was no big secret, apparently. “I understand,” I said.

  Dr. Theo nodded curtly, turned, and made his way back inside the house.

  Once he was gone, Max leaned in close to me and asked, “How did your little chat with Jessica go?”

  “I think I understand her a little better. She’s a troubled soul with a lot of pride. As far as O’Malley goes, it looks like it’s a non-issue.” I looked around to make sure we were still alone. “She actually admitted she’s still in love with Cunningham.”