Murder, Madness & Love (Detective Quaid Mysteries #1) Read online

  At five, she shut off the radio and turned on the stereo. Listening to music and sipping the hot black coffee seemed to help her ease the stress, and she realized she might be overreacting. Her nightmares faded while she set about preparing for her day, and she managed to get out of the house by 7:30. She usually enjoyed the brisk morning stroll to her office, but, this morning, certain she had overreacted, suspicion tugged at her, and Sarah cautiously observed the people around her.

  “I know how to solve this problem,” she muttered to no one as she entered the door to her office building.

  When she greeted her secretary, Jackson Hyde, her lack of sleep was unnoticeable. The crisp morning air had put the color back in her cheeks.

  Jackson reacted with surprise. “I didn’t expect you today.”

  “I need to take care of a few items before the board meeting.” She moved quickly to her office. “Sorry to startle you. Just pretend I’m not here.”

  “Nonsense. Just tell me what you need. I’m at your disposal.” He bowed at the waist in jest.

  Sarah did not respond with her usual smile at his antics. Occupied by her thoughts, she pulled her office door closed, but then hesitated an instant to ask Jackson, “Would you call John Thomas and ask him to come over as soon as possible?”

  “It’s done. Anything else?”

  “No … well, maybe. Can you tell me if you’ve received any curious telephone calls in the last several days?”

  “No, not really. How do you mean ‘curious’?”

  She realized the question made no sense. Wanting to avoid further inquiry, she turned away from him.

  “Never mind. Just see if John can come by. Show him in when he gets here.” She shut the door, leaving Jackson staring after her. Sarah did not mean to be rude, but Jackson liked to gossip, and she did not want to give him more information than necessary.

  Enjoying his independence before Sarah arrived; Jackson became angry at her attitude and arrogance. John Thomas might be her choice of confidant, but Jackson knew how to get even. In retaliation, he gossiped. Sarah made a keen subject. He had one goal: to become executive director of the Palmer Foundation. That was his only reason for working for a woman.

  It was a goal he neglected to share with Sarah. Eventually, she would recognize him as the only candidate qualified for the job; after all, she had come by her position through the questionable death of her husband, the real icon of the Palmer Corporation. Sarah was an artist, and totally unqualified to run a business. She was a figurehead—an attractive figurehead—but no more. Jackson knew what he wanted, and playing the dutiful assistant to Sarah would help him accomplish his goal.

  Ambition burned like a fever within him. Climbing to the top meant everything to Jackson, and he used every opportunity available—as well as others he managed to create. Although shorter than Sarah, who stood just less than five feet five, he carried himself as though he were six foot five. Jackson relied on his looks to open doors and convince others of his trustworthiness. Nearly everyone had experienced his arrogance—everyone but Sarah. In her presence, he was obliging and efficient, and Jackson enjoyed his power, especially when Sarah gave him credit for reading her mind.

  He placed the call to John Thomas and then made a personal call. He talked for a few moments to another party about Sarah.

  “She’s here and not in a fluffy mood.” He drummed his fingers on the desktop with impatience. “Sure, no problem. No, she asked me to call Master Thomas. Do you think they’re…?” He laughed. “Now don’t go there. I’ll find out. In fact, I bet I know the answer before lunch. You’re on. Dinner’s on the loser,” he chuckled. “See you at seven.”

  He knocked, then opened the door to Sarah’s office, and discovered her staring out the window, her coat still across her shoulders. She shivered.

  “If you’re cold, I can turn up the heat. Here, let me make you a cup of tea.” He quickly moved to the credenza and began the preparations.

  “No, I’m fine. Just not acclimated yet.”

  He ignored her and continued brewing the tea.

  “Did you reach John?”

  “Yes.” Jackson handed her a cup of tea. “He’s on his way. Let me hang up your coat, and despite what you say, I’m turning up the thermostat.” He did just as he said. “Now, can I get you anything else?”

  “No. Really, I’m fine. Thank you.” She walked him to the door. “Please show John in as soon as he arrives.”

  Jackson’s curiosity grew. He did like Sarah, but she never allowed him even a momentary view into her personal life. Jackson enjoyed talking to her about his life, but she never reciprocated, and sometimes, like now, she aggravated him. He picked up the telephone to make another call, swearing under his breath. Push me out the door, bitch.

  When John Thomas arrived, Jackson ushered him in. He placed a tray with fresh coffee and doughnuts on the credenza. When he saw Sarah’s appreciative smile, he graciously took credit and backed out of the room, feeling much better about his place in her life.

  Sarah felt immediate relief when she saw John. They had known each other since high school, and she had hired his security company to provide the cars and drivers for the board members. Since the board meetings had moved to Anchorage, many of the members spent the entire week taking advantage of the trip to go hunting or attend other cultural events. Pleased so many of them found Alaska fascinating, Sarah knew John’s company deserved the credit.

  After last night’s drama, she was relieved to have someone to confide in, especially John. His reassuring manner was deeply comforting. He stood six foot seven and weighed at least two hundred seventy-five pounds—all muscle. When he entered a room, his size, quick wit, and rugged good looks drew others to him and made everyone want his friendship. Sarah could not imagine him as an enemy. A former linebacker for his college football team, John was imposing, but possessed a gentle manner. Sarah felt secure in his presence.

  “Morning, Sarah.” John smiled as he enveloped her in a firm hug. “What can I do for you today?” His deep voice matched his stature.

  “Thank you for coming right over. I haven’t messed up your morning, have I?”

  “Nonsense. You know whenever you call I’m available. So, tell me, what’s up?” His sudden look of concern almost made her lose her nerve.

  “To be honest, I’m probably overreacting. It’s just”—she took a deep breath—”I don’t trust my judgment. I’m sorry. I’m rambling. Please, have a seat.” She moved to the credenza anxiously.

  “I don’t know why I’m hesitating.” Sarah tried to gather the courage to tell John why she’d sent for him. She poured the coffee, sensed his gaze, and then spilled it. Sarah fumbled to clean up the mess.

  “Sorry, one of those days.” She handed him the cup. “Here, this should explain what I can’t seem to.” Sarah put the red envelope on the table in front of him. “I received this last night. Someone slid the damn thing under my door between eleven and midnight.”

  John slid the Valentine out of the envelope. “A note from a secret admirer? Oh, well, not exactly a line I’d use. Your Dead Valentine?”

  John watched Sarah closely, as she moved to the windows, eager to put some space between herself and the valentine again.

  “I know. Sick, isn’t it? I assume it’s a reference to the valentines Michael used to send every month on the fourteenth to honor the day we met and married, a date Michael never failed to acknowledge. I’d have discarded the damn thing, except for a couple of unnerving telephone calls, all from an unknown caller.”

  “What did the caller say?”

  “Nothing. They just sat on the other end of a quiet line listening to me repeat myself. When they were satisfied, they disconnected.” She stared out the window and feigned interest in the traffic below. “I know all this sounds silly, but something tells me otherwise, especially since the third call came at exactly 2:14 a.m.”

  “A pretty cruel notion. Valentines from your dead husband, marking your anniver
sary with the time.”

  “Exactly, but my interview in The Times gave those details. The culprit could be anyone. It’s why I called you. Should I worry about this person going any further? I live in a secure building. How did they get in—or worse—are they a neighbor?” She sighed deeply. “To be honest, I didn’t sleep well last night, and this morning I feel foolish.”

  Sarah refused to meet his gaze, afraid he would think she had overdramatized the situation. John crossed to Sarah and touched her shoulder gently.

  “Sarah, you’re the last person I’d consider foolish, and questioning this jerk’s motive isn’t being melodramatic.”

  She turned to face him. “You can tell me the truth. I’m not going to fall apart. Sure, it’s unnerving, but if you tell me there’s no reason to worry, it’s over. I’ll trust your assessment.”

  “I am concerned—very concerned—and I want to do several things immediately. We’ll start by putting a trace on your phone.”

  “A trace? How does that work?”

  “I’ll contact the police, report the abuse, and then the phone company will trace all the calls made to your phone. If this jerk is calling from home, we’ll have him, but it means you’ll have to allow the phone calls to continue for tracking purposes. But I’ll also look into the backgrounds of the tenants. What do you think?”

  “I see.” She became thoughtful, considering the situation again before speaking. “Okay, I’ll do whatever you say. It’s not a joke, is it?”

  “You’re a very wealthy young woman. These days, there’s nothing foolish about taking precautions against harassment or stalking. I’m curious though. Has anything else happened since you’ve come home? Any other odd incidents?”

  Sarah looked at him with concern, thinking it over, but shook her head. “No, nothing that stands out. It’s been chaotic at times, getting settled, arranging for the board meetings each month, but no.”

  “Good, but if you do recall anything let me know.”

  Despite his last question, Sarah tried to relax. Even though his concern had ratcheted up her unease, she believed John would settle the matter. Her peace of mind restored, Sarah smiled, and John did, too.

  “My third request has to do with your personal safety. I’d like you to carry a cell phone.”

  “No, no, no! You know I hate the damn things!”

  “Still, even as the head of a multi-million dollar company, you don’t see the need?”

  “I’m no more than a figurehead, and you know that. As Chairman of the Board, I get to sit at the head of the table, but all the decisions are made by committee, not me.”

  “Don’t sell yourself short, Sarah. I’ve talked to a few of those board members and they respect your insight.”

  Sarah looked surprised, and pleased. “Thanks for that. I am enjoying the role, but no, I’ve not had one emergency that can’t be dealt with via a normal computer or landline. Sorry if my views are archaic, but, even if you gave me a cell phone, I’d fail to charge it. Hell, I doubt I’d even turn the thing on, it’d be a waste. I’m just not into that technology.

  “My god, you’re one stubborn woman. Okay, I’ll give in on the cell phone, but I won’t give in on this, I want Eddie with you—as your driver, bodyguard, and all-around companion.”

  The word “no” had already formed in the frown on her face, but John stopped her with a stern look and his index finger pointed skyward.

  “Don’t even try to object. I clearly remember you telling me how you hate driving in this weather.” He teased her. “After all, you’ve been away for a long time. Are you sure you remember how?”

  Sarah frowned. “I’ve never spoken such nonsense. A chauffeur, maybe, but not Eddie. Come on. He’s your partner. This would be a demotion for him. I’m sure he has better things to do than escort me to and from meetings. Are you trying to punish him?”

  “Are you kidding? If I give the job to someone else, he’ll have my head. He’ll insist, especially when I give him the details. You know Eddie; he’d pose as your janitor to protect you. Just agree to this until we know what this is all about, please. It’s either Eddie or a cell phone!”

  “Okay, you win. Eddie it is, but it’s not because I hate city driving, or driving on snow and ice. It’s because you said please.” She laid her hand on his arm. “Thank you.” She laughed at herself. “A native Alaskan afraid of a little ice and snow. Still, it’d be a great cover. And, even if I sound pathetic, having Eddie with me will ease my mind.”

  “Good. Eddie will be here within the hour. Meanwhile, I’ll start work on the mysterious card sender and the telephone trace. Have dinner with me on Friday. I should know something by then. Your favorite restaurant?”

  “You have a date.”

  Jackson knocked on the door and entered the room. “Sorry to interrupt, but Gerald Kessler called. He wants you to call him before you leave for the meeting.”

  “No problem. We’re finished. I have another appointment anyway.” John turned to leave, but stopped and took Sarah’s hands in his. “See you on Friday.”

  She smiled. “Friday.”

  “Mr. Hyde.” John tipped an imaginary hat to Sarah, and, on his way out, he bowed to Jackson.

  “John. Thank you.” Appreciation filled her voice as she called after him.

  John turned and winked.

  With that, her best friend left to attend to business, for which Sarah was incredibly grateful. Since her arrival in Anchorage, the Thomas family had helped her with every step. She realized how blessed she was.

  “You’re in a better mood; did you and John discover another gold mine?” Jackson asked, his tone a bit snide.

  Sarah’s smile faded. “No, but John does have a way of making life’s burdens a little lighter.”

  “Oh, and what burden did he lighten for you today?”

  “I’ve just hired one of his drivers. A personal chauffeur. The height of snobbishness, perhaps?” She sat down at her desk.

  Telling Jackson part of the truth became a habit with Sarah. She shared her life with a few close friends because she knew mixing the two worlds brought problems. Jackson thought for a moment.

  “Not snobbery—extravagant, definitely—but not snobbery. By the way, Karen called to confirm your lunch date for Friday. Is there anything I can get you before your meeting?”

  “No, thank you. I’ll be out of your hair in just a few minutes.” She reached for the telephone, and Jackson left her alone.

  Gerry answered the call on the first ring.

  “Hi, Gerry, what can I do for you today?”

  Gerald Kessler, Michael’s best friend and the former corporate attorney, became president of the Palmer Corporation at Sarah’s request. Sarah remembered the first time she met him. Exactly as Michael had described him, Gerry wore glasses that always needed to be pushed back on his prominent nose. His hair always appeared uncombed, and tailored suits that looked better on the rack than on him hung sloppily from his physique. Sarah knew Michael had trusted the tall, gangly man with the nervous energy, and she had been equally impressed by his Mensa membership. He managed the Palmer Corporation with finesse, skill, and the approval of the entire board.

  “I’m going to stay in town a few days longer than I expected. Karen wants assistance with a large account, so I thought I’d join the two of you on Friday for lunch and a quick conference. My flight leaves around three. I’ll buy.”

  “Sounds like a great idea, but I’m surprised you’re staying all week.”

  “Well, I actually have several reasons: Tony wants to scout out the hunting venues, and I’m going to look at some real estate for Diane. She’s interested in spending time here after the baby is born.”

  “Do you have a good agent?” Sarah asked.

  “Jackson gave me a few names.”

  “Welcome to the neighborhood. If you need anything, give me a call.”

  “Don’t worry. You’ll be the first person I think of. See you at the meeting.”

 
As Sarah hung up, Jackson appeared in the doorway with Eddie by his side.

  “Your chauffeur has arrived,” he announced formally.

  Eddie smiled. “Hey, gorgeous. Ready when you are.”

  “I’m ready, and look at you—just in time.”

  She got up from her chair and greeted Eddie with a warm hug and kiss on the cheek. He responded in kind, then helped her with her coat and took her briefcase. Linking arms with Sarah, Eddie escorted her through the office and toward the exit. Sarah turned back to address Jackson, whose mouth was open in an O of surprise.

  “See you tomorrow.”

  Jackson looked shocked to see Sarah hug and kiss her chauffeur. His reaction made Sarah smile, even though she knew the phone would be hot with gossip.

  Eddie Thomas was John’s younger brother: shorter by just inches and leaner by about ninety pounds, he had the same striking good looks. A former NFL quarterback who retired early due to a back injury, Eddie became equal partner in the Thomas and Thomas Security Firm. Eddie preferred to be out in the field, and John liked to run the business from behind a desk. Eddie trained the bodyguards and chauffeurs and became an expert at matching the personalities of his men with those of his customers. His light hair and hazel eyes were the opposite of John’s dark eyes and hair, but they were family in every sense of the word. She felt privileged to be a member of their family, and she trusted them with her life.

  Sarah thought of Eddie as a brother, just as she did John, and now they shared deep affection, admiration, and trust. With Eddie beside her, the terrors of the night before quickly disappeared.

  A ringing telephone awaited Sarah when she opened the door to her apartment. She dropped her briefcase, kicked off her shoes, and let her coat drop from her shoulders. She hurried to answer the phone.

  “Hello,” she said breathlessly, never noticing the telephone’s display flashing Unknown Caller.