Enigma by Lloyd A. Meeker Read Free Book Online Page B

half-hour slot in your morning open for me, any time after ten o’clock. Reverend Richardson should be present, too. I’ll call Colin sometime tomorrow to get the appointment time.”
    I drove home. I’d never solved a case where I’d known so little about what had happened in it.
    Once I’d settled in my favorite armchair with a cup of coffee, I put The Cross of Changes CD in my computer and copied “Return to Innocence” onto my desktop. Then I dialed James’ cell.
    “I recognized your number, Mr. Morgan,” he began. “I was wondering if you might call today.”
    “And here I am.” I tried to sound light and conversational, but really, how do you ask a blackmailer if he knew he’d just sent another letter? I figured the direct approach was best. “Did you know that another letter arrived at Kommen’s office?”
    “I’ve heard.” James’ voice was cautious, but to my surprise, completely unafraid. Happy, in fact.
    “I’d like to talk to you about it, but somewhere…” I hunted for a diplomatic word for ‘well away from everyone else’, “neutral. Is it easy for you to meet, say, at Washington Park around lunch time tomorrow?”
    There was a tiny hesitation. “Just checking. Sure. I can do that.”
    “Great. Let’s meet at the parking lot on the west side of the lake. Bring a sandwich, and we can find some shade, eat while we talk.”
    “Sounds like a plan. What time?”
    “Can you do early? Eleven-thirty?”
    “Sure. See you then.”
    I sat for a moment, letting the conversation recede. On a hunch, I sent one of my favorite poems of all time to the printer downstairs.
    Then I didn’t want to think about the Richardsons or their problems anymore. I needed to focus on something else. I remembered getting an email from The Center, calling for LGBT volunteers to help with their new SAGE program outreach mailing. I’d see if they could use another volunteer for a few hours.
    * * * *
    I was waiting in Wash Park’s main lot when James climbed down out of his honking big SUV and waved a cheerful greeting. He must have known that I suspected, but he seemed strangely carefree, as if he was confident I couldn’t prove anything. Or maybe he truly didn’t care.
    As he strode toward me, something about him struck me as different. His dark hair was now blond. I decided not to mention it.
    We shook hands. His aura sparked happy excitement, and I got still more confused. Maybe I’d got the whole thing wrong. “Thanks for coming,” I said.
    “Perfect day for a picnic,” he answered. “What did you bring?”
    “I like the custom deli sandwiches at King Soopers,” I said. “Roast beef, cucumber, and provolone on light rye, with sprouts and lots of horseradish is my current favorite.”
    He hoisted a Subway bag, grinning. “Meatball marinara with double extra cheese. A contraband treat. Don’t tell Leigh.”
    “My lips are sealed,” I said, instantly struck by the irony. He must have got it, too, because he barked out a short laugh but didn’t say anything.
    We strolled around the north end of the tiny lake, mostly in silence. All the benches seemed to be out in the open, and I was going to need shade.
    “Do you mind sitting on the grass?” I asked. “I don’t do very well sitting in direct sun.”
    He loosened his tie. “Shade is definitely preferable for me, too,” he said.
    We found a cluster of trees right at the edge of the water and set up shop, unwrapping our sandwiches. I was still a little unnerved by James’ calm atmosphere. He was as relaxed as if we were old friends who’d done this a hundred times, having a routine lunch at a favorite spot.
    When we finished eating, we stuffed our trash into the Subway bag. As if James could sense that I was unsure of how to start, he stretched languorously and said, “About that letter.”
    “Yes.” In that instant, I saw how to begin. I reached into my bag and opened up my laptop. “I want to play something for you. The sound isn’t