Midas Murders [Book 3 of the Katherine Miller Mysteries] by Janet Lane-Walters Read Free Book Online

is next month. I've things to do as mother of the bride and groom. Then Robby will be staying with me while they're on their honeymoon."
    "Forgot about that event.” He drew me into an embrace.
    Just as our lips met, Bonnie arrived in a flurry of skirts and high-pitched questions. “Daddy, why didn't you call me? Did you forget Aunt Katherine was coming? Where were you? Were you off on another of your little adventures?"
    "Your brother said he would call.” He stared at her. “How could I forget Kate was coming when I've been after her to visit for years? I have no idea where I was. What little adventures are you talking about?"
    She tossed her coat, this time a mink, on a chair. “You know, the way you disappear for weeks and even a month."
    "Every time I leave this house you and your brother know where I am. The so-called adventures are trips back east or on business."
    She laughed. “Just joking. So where were you? Didn't you think about how worried I'd be?"
    "I already told you I don't know where I was. Yes, I knew you would be worried."
    She turned and raked me with a glare. “When did you find him?"
    "Around one AM when the nurse at the hospital called."
    "You should have let me know."
    "I tried but there was no answer."
    "Did you dial the right number? We have an answering machine."
    "Don gave me the number."
    Her blue eyes flashed with anger. “Darn Carl. He must have turned the machine off.” She perched on the arm of the couch next to Lars. “We came home around three. You could have called then."
    Lars grinned. “By that time Kate and I were snug in bed."
    What was he trying to do? Increase her anger toward me?
    She crossed her arms. “I should have been told. Why didn't you call this morning? I had no idea you were home. I stopped by to see if Aunt Katherine was ready to go home. After all, you stood her up."
    As if I would have gone before Lars returned.
    Lars patted her arm. “Honey, I'm home. I wasn't hurt. I figured if you were out late, you would sleep in and then be busy with party preparations."
    "They're done."
    Just then Carl and Damon arrived in tandem. Did their shocked expressions have a meaning beyond surprise? I nibbled on my lower lip. Suspicions flared, but with no proof or knowledge of why they would want Lars to disappear, how could I accuse them?
    Carl clasped Lars’ hand. “Good to see you. What happened?"
    Lars shrugged. “Until I spotted the cab, last thing I remember is sitting down to breakfast."
    Silently I applauded his reticence. He had remembered a few facts. To the person or persons responsible for his disappearance, those few facts might force them to act again.
    Bonnie took her father's hand. “Daddy, you can tell us."
    "Honey, if I could remember I would."
    My gaze focused on the men. Was that relief I saw in their eyes?
    "Not even a single detail?” Damon asked. “We need to learn who did this and why."
    "The doctor said I might never remember."
    "We'll have to keep a close eye on you,” Bonnie said. “Move to my house. There's room."
    Lars freed his hand. “Kate's here. She'll keep watch."
    "Will you and Aunt Katherine be at the party?” Bonnie asked. “If you're too exhausted from your ordeal, we can make excuses."
    "We'll be there,” Lars said.
    Bonnie leaned toward me. “You'll see how elegant parties are here. There'll be more than seventy-five guests."
    My smile matched hers. “Though I prefer more intimate gatherings, I'm sure this won't be much different from the hospital's spring gala."
    "Do you have a nice dress?” The tone of her voice matched the sweetness of her perfume. “I'll be glad to take time from the preparations to help you find a nice one in your price range."
    "I have a perfectly suitable dress."
    Lars shook his head. “Honey, Kate's not hurting for money. If she needs to go dress shopping, I'll take her."
    "Don't make offers you might regret.” I gathered the mugs and strode to the kitchen.
    Carl appeared in the doorway. “Let