The Cherry Chip Murders Page 5

  “I miss her,” I said. “She was a peach.”

  “That she was,” Dina agreed. “And if she was still here, she’d also say not to judge Graham Rankin because he likes gambling, petty crime and exotic dancers. The things that we’ll judge him on will be how honestly he answers our questions once we have a chance to sit down and talk.”

  “Hopefully, that will be very soon,” I said.

  “Quite possibly,” Dina replied. “Because you know who else was in the address book on his phone?”

  “I don’t,” I answered. “But I bet that you do.”

  “Sheila Rigby,” Dina said.

  “Well, well,” I replied. “I wonder what Aunt Cece would say about that little bombshell.”

  Dina snickered again. “Whatever it might be,” she said, “I can guarantee you that it wouldn’t be appropriate for children or anyone in the pews at St. Agnes on Saturday night.”

  CHAPTER 12

  Later that day, while I waited for our insurance agent to arrive so we could discuss the current liability policy for Sky High Pies, I received a call that proved once again that life is filled with surprises.

  “Hi, Katie,” said Darren Rigby. “I bet you’re plenty confused right about now.”

  I sighed with relief. “Well, thank goodness you’re alright. We’ve been worried about you.”

  He laughed, but it was jittery and tentative.

  “Yeah, I’ve been worried about me, too,” he said. “Especially once my mind cleared and I got some really restful sleep.”

  “Where are you, Darren?”

  “I’m safe,” he said. “That’s all that matters, okay?”

  There was an edge to his voice, but it wasn’t surprising. The guy had been drugged and briefly detained by two assailants. His life had been upended. But he sounded much more like himself, even if he didn’t want to reveal his current location.

  “Okay,” I said. “Is there something that I can do for you?”

  “This is it,” he answered. “I’m calling because I want someone in town to know that I’m okay. I left another voicemail for Sheila, but she hasn’t responded to my messages yet. I knew her trip to Vegas with the girls was going to be a little wild and crazy, but I never thought that she would go completely off the grid.”

  “The trip was with her girlfriends?” I said.

  “First time in years,” he replied. “Things have been pretty tense lately, what with the differences between us around the topic of selling the business. She deserves some fun in the sun.”

  “We all do now and again,” I said.

  Darren laughed. “I could use some this very minute, Katie. After getting caught up in Tony Hett’s dirty business with the gambling debts, I feel like a few days on a tropical island would be the best remedy for me.”

  “Is that what the other night was all about?” I asked. “Someone trying to collect on a debt?”

  “That would be my guess,” he replied. “I was in the kitchen when the guys came in the front door. At first, when I saw that they were wearing masks, I thought it was a prank. But when they started pushing Tony around and yelling about money that he owed their boss, I realized it wasn’t a hoax. And when they pulled out guns and forced us to leave, I tried to call for help but they took my phone. They also made us wear blindfolds so we couldn’t see where they took us.”

  “That must’ve been terrifying,” I said. “When did they slip you the tainted beer?”

  “Sorry?”

  “The police found traces of ketamine in two of the empty beer bottles at Tony’s house,” I explained. “I figured that must be the reason you were so groggy when Liz brought you to Sky High. She suspected that you’d been fed a diet of something powerful to put you in such a fuzzy state for a couple of nights.”

  “Oh, that!” he said with another anxious laugh. “They gave us beer at the farmhouse where they took us. It’s another one of the properties that Tony bought after he moved to town.”

  “Do you know where it’s located?” I asked.

  “I have no idea,” Darren said. “I only know it was Tony’s property because he mentioned something about it after we got there and they removed the blindfolds.”

  “Do you remember them dropping you off at Arrowhead Park?” I asked.

  “Not at all,” he answered. “I sort of remember the chilly air and then Liz calling my name. The next really clear memory is hearing a woman scream and then waking up on the floor in a small office.”

  “That’s when you were at Sky High,” I said.

  “Do you remember writing two messages with a tube of lipstick?”

  He laughed. “Not at all. Did I do that?”

  “You did,” I said. “Right before you left in Liz’s car.”

  Darren was quiet for a minute or two. Then he said, “I’m sorry if I caused you any trouble, Katie. This whole episode is the most baffling thing that’s ever happened to me. I have an idea who abducted us, so I’m trying to find them now and get this thing sorted.”

  “Can you tell me who you’re talking about?”

  I heard him sigh, but he ignored the question. “I just wanted someone to know that I was still alive,” he said. “I hope they haven’t killed Tony yet. I heard them talking about that before we left his ranch. They threatened to kill him if his company didn’t repay the money that he’d borrowed for gambling.”

  “Well, I haven’t heard anything new about his whereabouts,” I said. “And I’ll definitely let everyone know you’re safe.”

  “Thanks, Katie,” he said, sounding weary. “I’m grateful for your help.”

  “You’re very welcome,” I said. “We’ll stay positive about Tony’s return, okay?”

  “Sure,” he muttered.

  “Before you go,” I said, “would you consider calling Detective Kincaid?”

  “I’ll talk to her as soon as I can,” Darren said. “But first I want to take care of some unfinished business.”

  “Well, if you’ll keep that thought in mind,” I said, “I think it will—”

  “I’ve got to go,” he said suddenly. “Take care of yourself, Katie. And thank you again for letting everyone know that I’m safe.”

  CHAPTER 13

  “Wait until you hear this one,” Norma Dayton whispered. “It’s going to knock your socks off!”

  Norma was known for two things. She was the manager of Pepper & Roni’s, the best pizza joint in town. She was also the founder and president of the Crescent Creek Neighborhood Watch, a local organization dedicated to preventing crime, preparing for natural disasters and strengthening the bond between members of the community and the Crescent Creek Police Department.

  “Is this about Axel’s call to 911?” I asked.

  “You heard about it?” said Norma.

  “Detective Kincaid mentioned it when she told me about the incident at Tony Hett’s place,” I said.

  “Did she tell you about the thing the chubby guy had?” Norma asked.

  “I’m not sure,” I said. “What thing are you talking about?”

  “He was packing a heater,” she said. “That’s what my Uncle Irving called a gun. Anyway, there were two men that night; a heavyset one carrying the heater and a tall, skinny guy.”

  “So they were like Laurel and Hardy?”

  She hesitated. “I’m sorry, Katie. I don’t know who they are.”

  “It’s okay,” I said. “Old movie duo.”

  “Oh, I get it,” she replied. “But the two people that Axel saw were more Cheech and Chong than Laura and Harvey.”

  I smiled at Norma’s interpretation of the names, but decided not to correct her.

  “Why Cheech and Chong?”

  “Because Axel smelled marijuana in the air when they opened the door to their SUV,” Norma said. “I know it’s legal here and everything, but I don’t think people should drive if they’re smoking wacky tobacky.”

  “Good point,” I replied.

  Norma sighed. “The thing is,”
she said, “I’m just grateful that Axel was parked off in the shadows, so they didn’t see him. Once they left, he got the heck out of there. Drove down the road a little ways, called me and then I told him to call the police.”

  “That’s good to hear,” I said. “Too often people see something strange, but figure it’s not their responsibility to report it.”

  She laughed nervously. “You don’t think other folks would’ve called if they saw someone carrying a gun into a customer’s house after they delivered a pizza?”

  “Not everyone,” I said. “So kudos to Axel.”

  “That’s what I think, too,” she said. “But like I already told you, the best thing about that nightmare was that he was parked off to the side so the desperadoes didn’t notice him sitting in his truck.”

  “Another stroke of luck,” I said. “Things could’ve turned out much differently if they had spotted him.”

  “I just feel bad though.” She heaved another sigh. “When I found out that Darren Rigby was there at the time and he got roughed up, I got the chills. Even though Axel’s call to the police didn’t stop that from happening or prevent Mr. Hett from being kidnapped, it maybe helped in some small way.”

  “I’m sure that it did,” I told her. “And the fact that he saw them use a key to unlock the front door is an important clue.”

  “Is it?”

  “Yes, because it suggests that the assailants were either known to Tony Hett,” I said, “or had access to one of his associates.”

  “I don’t follow exactly,” Norma said.

  “Well, there are several possible explanations,” I replied. “Perhaps it was someone who works for Mr. Hett. He owns multiple companies and travels extensively. Maybe one of his employees has a key because they water the plants and take in the mail when he’s on the road.”

  She laughed. “Have you met the man? He’s not a houseplant kind of guy.”

  “No, I agree. I was just suggesting reasons that someone might have a key to his front door.”

  “Maybe it was somebody from the technical college,” she said.

  “What was that?”

  “The jacket that the big guy was wearing,” she answered. “Didn’t I mention it?”

  “Not yet,” I said. “But I’m all ears.”

  “Well, the heavyset guy was wearing a jacket from a technical college,” Norma explained. “Axel got a picture of it that shows the school’s logo. I’ll send it to you later today.”

  “That could really be helpful for the investigation,” I said.

  “Let’s hope so,” Norma said. “And I’m sorry to be so frazzled, Katie. We’ve had drivers robbed before, and I think this episode with Axel is giving me flashbacks.”

  “That’s understandable,” I said. “And I’m glad that he wasn’t hurt the other night.”

  “You and me both!” There was glimmer of gratitude in her voice. “I say a prayer every time someone goes out for a delivery. I mean, in this day and age, you never know when trouble will cross your path.”

  CHAPTER 14

  Zack and I walked along Prescott Street that night after dinner at Luigi’s Ristorante, our favorite Italian restaurant in Crescent Creek. It was nice to stroll at a leisurely pace, holding hands, gazing into the shop windows and enjoying the hushed ease of a few perfect moments together. Between the frantic pace at Sky High Pies and Zack’s busy career juggling photography assignments for the local newspaper and freelance clients, the opportunity for a quiet walk on a starry night had seemed a bit elusive in recent months.

  “Penny for your thoughts?” Zack said as we waited for the light to change so we could cross the street.

  I smiled. “The price has gone up. They’re a buck-fifty now.”

  His laugh bounced down the street as he reached into his pocket and came out with ten dollars.

  “I’ll take a half dozen,” he said. “And you can keep the change.”

  “How generous of you!” I lifted his hand and peppered it with kisses. “What should I buy with my unexpected windfall?”

  “Hmmm,” he said. “Maybe something short with lace trim?”

  “Like a fancy apron?” I asked.

  “Well, that sounds…” His mouth twitched into a crooked grin. “That sounds great, babe. You can wear it on special occasions.”

  “Or maybe I’ll loan it to you,” I said. “After all, you’ve been cooking dinner more often than me lately.”

  “Because I like to,” he said. “But I don’t need a fancy apron.”

  “Neither do I.” I squeezed his hand. “I’m okay with plain and simple.”

  We walked a few more blocks in silence. My mind wandered to Darren Rigby’s whereabouts. I’d called Dina during the afternoon to see if she’d had any luck finding him, but the lack of a response suggested that he was still in the wind.

  “Seriously, Katie,” Zack said. “What’s on your mind? I can tell that something’s rattling around in there.”

  He reached up and tucked a few wayward strands of hair behind my ear.

  “It’s Darren Rigby,” I said.

  Zack’s brow furrowed slightly. “The neighbor?”

  “Yes, he’s…”

  I paused when Penny Murdoch and her husband came around the corner.

  “Well, here comes trouble,” I teased.

  “I was just thinking the same thing,” Penny replied with a fluffy giggle as they stopped to chat. “How are you both tonight?”

  “Walking off dinner,” Zack said. “We haven’t been to Luigi’s for a long time, so we’re doing a few laps around the block before heading home.”

  Penny’s husband attempted a smile, but it looked more like a soggy scowl. Although she seemed eager to chat, I could tell that he was ready to move on. They were polar opposites; Penny was gregarious and talkative, while her spouse was introverted and sullen.

  “We should go, dear,” he grumbled. “I have an early meeting in the morning.”

  Penny sputtered something about getting together for dinner one night soon before they started walking again.

  “That was weird,” Zack whispered. “Is he always that irritable?”

  “Pretty much,” I said. “When he’s alone in a room full of actuary tables, the guy’s the life of the party. But when he comes face-to-face with other people, he clams up and can’t wait to get away.”

  “That’s too bad,” he said. “But it seems like Penny can do the talking for both of them.”

  I laughed. “And about twenty other people besides.”

  We started walking again. We strolled past a quilting and fabric store called Sew Far & Sew Good, a new shop that appeared to sell designer clothes and accessories for pets, Colleen Gallagher’s art gallery and the frame shop that a sweet couple from Kansas opened after they retired and moved to town. When we turned the corner, Zack asked about Darren Rigby again.

  “Do you know what the guy’s up to?” he said. “Did you inspire him to conduct his own amateur investigation?”

  “I’m not sure what he’s doing,” I replied, stifling a yawn. “And it’s getting late. Maybe we can discuss it tomorrow.”

  “Sure, but I’ve seen you distracted like this before,” Zack said. “Your brain is going a million miles an hour and you’re trying to decode some random bits of evidence. Did Darren give you any idea what’s behind Tony Hett’s disappearance?”

  I stopped walking. “How did you hear about that?”

  “The usual way,” he said, pointing at his ears. “I used these.”

  I smiled before shaking my head. “I can’t even believe that I walked into that one again!”

  Zack kept a repertoire of favorite gags and jokes. None of them were original and a few bordered on either obnoxious or racy. But they never failed to lighten my mood.

  “I’m serious,” I said. “Did someone at the newspaper mention it?”

  He nodded. “At the paper, at the gas station and in line at Food Town. The grapevine is positively humming with the sto
ry.”

  “And what are people saying about it?” I asked.

  Zack’s eyes narrowed slightly. I could tell that another one of his beloved pet phrases was on its way.

  “It’s no crime to steal from a thief,” he said.

  I frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “The rumors involve Darren Rigby, Tony Hett and a missing satchel that was stuffed with cash, loose diamonds and rare gold coins.”

  My grim expression slipped away. “Are you serious? I’ve been talking to Dina since the night of the incident and that’s the first time I’ve heard anything about a missing bag filled with valuables. Who’d you hear that one from?”

  Zack shrugged, but he didn’t say anything.

  “Honey?” I asked after a few seconds.

  He rolled his shoulders again.

  “What?” I asked. “I can hear your brain spinning around.”

  He laughed, but kept silent.

  “C’mon,” I said, handing him the ten dollars that he’d given to me a few minutes earlier. “A buck-fifty for your thoughts?”

  He grabbed the money and stuffed it into his pocket.

  “Thanks,” he said. “Nice doing business with you.”

  CHAPTER 15

  “I thought you told me that Darren Rigby was missing,” Harper said that night when she called. “I saw Rachel Sampson earlier this evening at a planning session for the school’s Christmas wreath fundraiser. Her husband was in Denver for a business meeting and he spotted Darren in the lobby of the Fenwick Hotel.”

  “When?” I asked.

  “This afternoon,” Harper answered. “Did the police get all of that straightened out? Do they know what happened to Tony Hett?”

  “As far as I know, they’re still looking for both Tony and Darren.”

  “Maybe they should try the Fenwick,” she suggested.

  “Did Rachel’s husband talk to Darren?”

  “He tried to,” Harper said. “But by the time he got out of his chair, Darren and his friends were already in the elevator.”