Death Runs in the Family by Heather Haven Read Free Book Online

it? You wouldn’t call unless it was something important.” Flint had a way of getting right to it.
    “Flint, I don’t want to take you away from your game—”
    “As an elder,” he interrupted, “i t is important for my children’s children to learn the eagle can only soar because the wind ripples his feathers. You must recompense the wind.”
    “Are you saying I’m full of hot air?” I quipped.
    He sniggered dutifully and moved on. “What do you need, Papoose?”
    “You remember my ex-husband, Nick Papadopoulos?”
    “Of course. Lives here with his new wife. Does real estate, but I hear it’s on a down swing. Times are tough.”
    “You already know a lot about him.”
    “Vegas is a small town.”
    “Nick’s disappeared. About a week ago.”
    “So?”
    “So his wife wants to know what happened to him.”
    “What does his ex-wife want?”
    “I said I’d help her find him.”
    Flint burst out into a full-blown, hearty laugh. “You are so much like Bobby. Always helping the underdog.” He stopped laughing. “Of course, I’ve got grandkids to play ball with because of your father. Otherwise I would have lost Knoton that summer.”
    “Knoton? Oh, right, Ken’s Shoshone name.”
    “No more Ken for him. And his two boys are named Hakan and Igasho, in the way of the elders. I am the past; they are the future.”
    His mood changed again, and he became all business. “I’ll look around and see what I can find. Did you check his credit cards to see if he’s used them recently?”
    “His wife says she got the statement yesterday, and there weren’t any charges on it since he’s been missing.”
    “Hmmmm.” There was a moment’s silence. “Are you sure he’s still in Vegas?”
    “No, but I’ve done a quick rundown on airlines, buses, and car rentals. Unless he’s traveling under an alias, he’s not on any lists. There’s money missing from the checking account, and his wife suspects he’s still in town, so it’s a good place to start.”
    “Most hotels on the strip don’t take cash these days. They all want plastic. But downtown, it’s another story. I’ll get back to you in a few hours.”
    “Any help you give me, I’m paying you for, Flint. Let’s settle that from the beginning.”
    “Sorry, Papoose, the debt is full up. This is a man’s honor. Besides, I can’t play touch football for long. I’m an old man. This is a good excuse to get out of it and save face.”
    We said goodbye, and I hung up knowing I’d done what I could.
    My cell phone rang an instant later. I made a lunge for it and saw it wasn’t Richard but Gurn.
    “Gurn, hi!” My heart did a small flutter of happiness, but don’t let it get around the neighborhood.
    “Lee, I’m calling to see how you are.” His voice, low and rich, was filled with concern. He’d heard about Stephen; I was sure of it.
    “You know?” was all I could get out.
    “Yes, I read about it on an APB bulletin just now when I got out of my meeting. I’m so sorry. How is everybody, the family? How are you, my darling?”
    It’s funny how the man in your life can reduce you to putty. I thought after my cry on the back deck I was fine, but I found my throat closing up again and those danged hot tears threatening a return. I took a deep breath and put on a brave front.
    “We’re doing as well as can be expected. Mom’s flying to Phoenix to be with Stephen’s wife and kids and help out. And Richard…” I broke off here, not quite wanting to say what Richard’s suspicions and, ultimately, mine were. “And Richard and I are holding up.”
    “I wish I was there with you, sweetheart.”
    “Me, too.” I swallowed. This man was great. What the hell was he doing with me?
    Stop it, Lee, I chided myself. Remember: think positive. Tell yourself you deserve this guy. Repeat it endlessly until it sinks in.
    “When do you come home?” I asked aloud.
    “I’m dealing with some tax issues, so I have a few things to clear up here in