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

said.
    When Damon carried his dishes to the kitchen, he thanked me again. “Better head for the office and make that California call. Bonnie may be focused on party plans, but she won't forget what she told me to do. If I don't have an answer, I'll hear about it. See you tomorrow evening."
    After he left, most of the uneasiness slid from my shoulders. Lars loaded the dishwasher and I stored the few leftovers and put the rest of the cake in the freezer.
    He pulled me into an embrace. For an instant I rested my head against his shoulder. His entire body vibrated with tension.
    "What is it? Have you remembered more?"
    "No. Seems you're the only one I can trust. Why does it seem like everyone has their own agenda, even my children?"
    "That's a question I can't answer. Why don't we forget the sightseeing and discover what's hidden beneath all the rocks."
    He brushed my cheek with his lips. “Not that long ago, curiosity nearly got you killed."
    "You need to discover what's going on."
    "Maybe I'm afraid of what I'll learn."
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    Chapter 4
    ~
    La Casa Dorada
    -
    Lars and I spent the next morning lounging in front of the fireplace while I gave him the latest news from our various friends including the ones who had moved to sunny climes. He especially enjoyed hearing stories about my family and neighbors. He chuckled over the things I told him about Sarah's brood. Then he asked about the group we met for bridge.
    "There are still games, but I haven't had a decent partner since you were last home,” I said. “Do any of your friends here play?"
    He shrugged. “Never asked. They're not that close. We talk business, meet for lunch or dinner, attend concerts, the opera in the summer and art shows.” He clasped my hand. “I'm so glad you're here."
    "The feeling's mutual.” I shuddered to think of how long he might have been missing if I hadn't arrived. Though his son and daughter lived close at hand, they might not have worried for several days unless there'd been a ransom note. “What if I hadn't come? What if you hadn't escaped?"
    "Why are you so worried about what never happened?” He slid his arm around my shoulders. “Let's shelve my vanishing act. I'm prepared to make the supreme sacrifice and take you shopping for a dress to suit my picky daughter. She just wants you to make a good impression on people here."
    Doubtful, but criticizing his favorite child would drive a wedge into our friendship. “She hasn't changed."
    Sadness filled his eyes. “And neither have I. I still let her have her way too often. It's a habit and hard to break."
    "I know."
    "Back to the dress question."
    "I have a perfectly wonderful one that I wore to the hospital gala last spring."
    He raised an eyebrow. “You went to the gala?"
    "Yes, Lars. With one of the doctors. He's a widower and I'm not a recluse."
    "You could have asked me."
    His wistful expression made me chuckle. “Andrew made the arrangements."
    He smiled. “Aha. Bonnie does the same thing for me, and never the same woman twice."
    Of course, I thought. “Would you like to see the dress and give it your seal?"
    "Yes."
    In the guest room I took the aqua silk dress from the closet. The skirt ends in a series of points that are embroidered with silver swirls. “If this doesn't suit the occasion, I'll stay home."
    "It's perfect. When you see what I have for you, you'll know why. Be right back."
    When he returned, he handed me a case containing a magnificent silver and turquoise necklace and earrings. The stones nearly matched the color of my dress. From a band of highly polished metal, five triangles hung. Each was tipped with a round piece of turquoise. The earrings were single triangles.
    "How beautiful."
    "And just right for you. The moment I saw the set, I knew they were for you. Bonnie wanted them and for once, I didn't give in."
    "Won't she be upset if I wear them to her party?"
    He leaned against the doorframe. “Probably, but she'll save her