24

Saturday morning began without a cloud daring to mar the clean canvas of a summer sky. It would be another hot Texas day, with the resort's swimming pool frothing with children, parents and more seasoned guests. Heather dismissed the thought as she drove northwest to Llano, the diminutive county seat and home of Anna and her daughter, Angelina. She nuzzled the rental close to the back bumper of Angelina's car and asked, "How sure are you of this theory?"

Steve released his seatbelt. "About seventy-five percent. I'm hoping to get it up to ninety-five percent this morning."

Angelina had the front door open before they climbed onto the porch. "Come in. Coffee and empanadas are waiting for you. Would you rather eat at the table or in the living room?"

"A table works best for me," said Steve. "I have a habit of wearing as much food as I eat."

The kitchen and dining room were one and the same. A retro table with chrome legs and padded chrome chairs fit snug in an alcove, providing a cozy place for mother and daughter to partake of their meals. Steve moaned in delight at the first bite of his baked treat that looked like a fried pie. Heather had to admit, the spicy pumpkin with cream cheese filling and light crust had her taste buds dancing. She wished she'd not eaten breakfast so she could have a second one, like Steve did.

Once Angelina cleared the dishes, Steve cracked open the lid to his proverbial box of questions.

"Mrs. Perez—"

She cut him off. "I insist you call me Anna."

"Only if you call me Steve."

With the pact formed, Steve continued. "Angelina told us you haven't been able to find the document we're looking for."

"It’s not here. The longer I think about it, the more convinced I am that Mother's marriage license is in the safe deposit box along with mine."

"How old was she when she married Hector?"

"Almost nineteen. I followed Mama's footsteps and married Angelina's father right after high school."

Steve always nodded at the right times to communicate he understood and to encourage complete answers. "Tell me about your mother. Describe her to me."

"She was a beautiful woman with classic black hair and eyes the color of dark chocolate. She loved to dance. I can still see her spin in a circle and her skirt flare. She danced with such grace, almost like she floated. There was an excitement about her that didn't fit the monotony of ranch life. But then, I was nine when she died, so schoolgirl fantasies may taint my image of her."

"How long did you live on the ranch?"

Anna shook her head. "Mama and I never did. Hector, my papa, would come into town once a week and give Mama money. We didn't go to the ranch when I was little."

"Why not?"

Her shoulders rose and fell. "I'm not sure. They never had a cross word that I heard, but they never talked long, either."

Heather entered the conversation and hoped the question didn't sound too harsh. "How did your mother die?"

Angelina squirmed in her seat. The question obviously hit a nerve.

Anna pursed her lips, but then sighed and spoke in halting phrases that grew stronger the longer she spoke. "It was a long time ago. I still miss her. She died in childbirth, as did the baby." She paused and gave Heather a look that told her there was much more to the story. "At least, that's the official story. I find it hard to believe."

"Why?"

"Mama wasn't showing when she went to Austin by herself. That was over forty years ago. Medical care back then wasn't what it is today, but it was good. Babies and mothers didn't both die in the first trimester because of a miscarriage. She came home sick and depressed. She refused to go to the local doctor until it was too late."

Steve changed the subject, but only slightly. "Anna, tell me about your relationship with Hector. Did he want you to come live on the ranch with him after your mother died?"

"He was a good provider and my aunt needed the money. It made more sense that I live with her in town."

Heather clarified. "Was your aunt you mother's sister or Hector's?"

"Mama's. If Hector had any brothers or sisters, he never mentioned them."

"He sounds like a man of mystery," said Steve in a joking way.

Angelina jumped in. "He never talked about himself, and if he did, it wasn't necessarily the truth. Not that he was devious, he made a game of it. Every time I asked him where he was born, he'd give me a different town or country and then he'd laugh."

Steve reached for his cane, a sure sign he'd heard all he needed, but then he stopped short of rising. "One more thing for each of you. Have you ever had a run in with any of Charley Voss's children?"

"Not me,” said Angelina. “Unless you count Rance telling me to be more careful when I came to visit Grandpa. I thought he was bossy, but we played together and we'd go swimming. He's not so bad now that I'm out of college and working."

"Papa never wanted me to come to the ranch," said Anna. "He didn't let Angelina come out until she was older. She went every week or two."

"How old was she?"

"Ten," said Anna. “I remember because it was after Charley’s father died. Mr. Charley was real nice to me and Angelina after that."

Steve thanked them again for the coffee and didn't turn down two empanadas to take with them. Heather expressed her appreciation. She planned to eat one of the pastries on the trip back to the resort. After all, Steve didn't need two.

Angelina followed them to the front porch.

"Be sure your mother gets that marriage certificate out of the safe deposit box on Monday. Also, get birth certificates for both of you," said Heather.

Angelina nodded but said, "You haven't told me why those are so important."

Steve faced her. "I can't tell you yet, and the less I say today, the better. Heather and I both have your phone number. Is there any way you can get your mother out of the house today?"

"We have an appointment to pick out a gravestone this afternoon. Why do we need to be out of the house?"

"Do you have to be with her this afternoon?"

"I don’t want her going alone."

"After we leave, I want you to pack enough clothes for you and your mom to stay somewhere else for at least two nights. Also, if there's any important papers or documents in the house, put them in the trunk of your car."

Angelina's eyes opened wide. "You sound serious, Mr. Smiley. Are we safe?"

"You should be if we prepare properly. I'll call you later today."

He turned to face the street. "Let's go." Halfway to the car he asked, "Have you ever crashed a wedding?"

Heather exited her room after reworking her makeup and putting on something more appropriate for a wedding reception than the walking shorts and polo shirt she'd worn to see Anna and Angelina. She smoothed the aqua-marine skirt and slipped the matching jacket over a white silk blouse. Her image rose three full inches in the mirror when she put on black heels.

Steve was waiting for her knock on his door. He spoke as soon as he verified no one could hear him. "The sheriff called me back and agreed to my plan. He's not comfortable with Anna and Angelina staying in Llano tonight, either. As soon as we're finished here, we need to pick them up. I've arranged for them to share a room down the hall from us."

"Are they all right with staying in their room for two days?"

"This will be the last place anyone will expect them to be, especially if you take them shopping."

"What about the stakeout tonight and tomorrow night?"

"Marvin’s in charge of it. The sheriff will be around in case he can't handle it."

The elevator arrived and whisked them to the lobby. Heather led him down a hallway to an open door and peeked in. "The ceremony's over. About twenty-five people are milling around on the patio, drinking champagne and eating wedding cake."

Steve stopped and spoke in his deadpan voice. "Stay out of the bubbly. Remember what happened last time."

"You'll look funny walking around with your cane broken in half and a lump on your head."

"Tell me what you see," said Steve as they approached a sliding door leading to an outdoor shaded patio.

Heather took in the view. "There's a table with jumbo shrimp, various finger foods, and what's left of a small wedding cake. A server is doing a brisk business keeping champagne glasses full. It looks like the architect designing the new resort brought his wife. The civil engineer and his wife are with them. Another huddle is a group of eight men and women, maybe from the law office. They’re pretty chummy. Mae's standing with a third group of women. I bet they’re her real estate buddies. Now Mae’s making the rounds, flashing her newest diamond. The legal group is dividing into two groups. One looks like support staff. The other is Sid and Sydney Walsh, Patrick and that woman named Cindy with the eyes I’d kill for."

"I get the picture."

A wave of hot air hit Heather when she pulled open the sliding door. It occurred to her that the reception wouldn't last long. They were going through the allotted bottles of chilled champagne and the men were shedding their jackets. It was fast becoming a day to stay in chilled air unless you were wearing a bathing suit.

Mae spotted them and approached with a scowl. "What are you two doing here?"

Steve played off the challenge with a laugh. "Congratulations, Mae. I smelled free food and couldn't help myself." Steve's first laugh was nothing compared to the second.

"Just kidding," Steve said as a follow up. "We already ate, I don't drink champagne and Heather's on the wagon until the judge tells her she can take off her ankle bracelet."

Mae looked down to see nothing but tanned legs and black shoes.

Whatever it was, Mae found something funny. People looked their way when Mae's donkey bray laugh cut across the patio. She drained her glass. "You know, Mr. Smiley. You're not too bad when you stop being such a stuffed-shirt."

"Seriously, Mae," said Heather. "We came to wish you all the best."

What Heather didn't say was that Mae might need the best divorce lawyer she could afford in the not-too-distant future.

Mae grabbed another glass from a passing tray. She switched hands to make sure her new ring sparked whenever she took a sip. "Well, I must mingle. Have something to eat."

Patrick Shaw filled the void Mae left. "I didn't expect to see either of you two here. There isn't anything wrong, is there?"

Heather noticed beads of sweat on his brow and lip but refrained from answering him with a question of her own. Instead, she waved a dismissive hand. "Nothing wrong. We came to wish the happy couple a long and prosperous life."

"Anything new on the murder case?"

"Which one?" asked Steve.

"Huh? Oh, yeah. I forgot about Charley Voss."

"How could you forget him?" asked Steve. "If it weren't for Charley dying, you wouldn't be here."

Patrick’s smile retreated. "Is that a veiled accusation?"

"Should it be?"

Patrick took a step back. "Find your way out. I don't remember Mae putting you on the guest list."

"Don't worry," said Heather. "We're not eating or drinking. It's a good thing you're bringing home this deal for your senior partners. Mae has expensive tastes, and I understand she only sold six houses last year, even in a hot market."

Patrick stuttered something unintelligible and went to Mae's side.

"Let's get out of the heat," said Steve. "We can catch Sid and Sydney as they leave."

Before they could turn, Mae shouted, "We're going to the condo to continue the party. Everyone's invited. Give us a few minutes to freshen up." She pointed to the table. "Someone bring the champagne."

Heather led Steve out of the way as Mae and Patrick sped past on their way to their new life together. Heather whispered, "Patrick wasn't smiling."

Steve said, "I'd slash my wrists, drink poison, and hang myself if I were him."

Heather was thankful the crowd had consumed enough champagne that their decibel level rose to the point they didn't hear her laugh. She cleared her throat when a woman stared at her. "Here comes Sid and Sydney."

"Good," said Steve in a soft tone. "We won't have to chase them down."

"Ah, Mr. Smiley and Ms. McBlythe," said Sid. "I'm glad you're here. Do you mind if we step out of the sauna and find a cool spot to talk?"

"Music to my ears," said Steve. "Let's find another room that's more private."

Sydney spoke next. "Good idea. I have a feeling everyone will grab two glasses of wine and come in here for relief before they go to the condo."

Heather led the way to the smaller of the two rooms she and Steve used to discuss the will with the Voss children.

Sid led things off. "I was wondering what time you wanted to meet tomorrow to go over the property deeds. I understand not all are in Llano County?"

"Before we get into that," said Steve, "I need to tell you there's been a development. It's come to our attention that a subsequent claim on the property may be made."

The muscles in Sid's jaw flexed. His attorney wife and business partner kept a stone face and issued a demand. "Explain."

Heather responded. "Charley Voss may have been married prior to his marriage to the mother of the Voss children. If that's true, then we'll do more investigating to see if they conceived a child."

Sydney took in a deep breath. "That's a big if. Who is this mystery wife?"

"It wouldn't be prudent to say until we know for sure," said Steve.

Heather added. "We haven't even established that Charley married prior to his marriage to Pearl. I don't think Mae and Patrick have anything to worry about."

Steve took his turn. "Please don't mention it to Mae and Patrick since they're on their honeymoon. We should have it straightened out by Monday afternoon, if the rumor turns out to be false."

Sid unclenched his teeth. "This is absurd. Do you have any idea how much our firm has already invested?"

Sydney cut him off. "A two-day delay won't be a problem. After that, we'll do what's necessary to protect Mae and Patrick."

Steve nodded with vigor. "I don't blame you one bit. Believe me, this would be a lot easier on us if this so-called heir hadn't popped up. We were both police detectives and we can tell a bogus lead when we see one." He paused, "Or, in my case, when I hear one."

Steve stuck out his hand to Sid. "Come to the meeting Monday."

Heather added, "I'll turn over all the property records to you as soon as Steve tells me his decision is final. The meeting will be at five o'clock sharp in the same room Mae and Patrick exchanged vows."

Sid grabbed Steve's hand and squeezed it harder than necessary. "At five-thirty Monday, I'd better be walking out of here with a box of deeds."

Sydney pulled her husband away and nodded a salutation.

Steve rubbed his hand after the door closed. "Let's give them enough time for the valet to bring their car around. Watch to see which way they turn out of the hotel entrance."

Heather didn't need to wait long. Sid and Sydney were in the driveway pacing when Heather placed Steve at a table in front of the coffee shop. She peeked often enough to track them, but not so often they'd notice her. She hadn't practiced tailing someone in quite a while, but this was simple. Simple, until a black SUV from the airport pulled in front of the hotel. She recognized the occupant of the back seat as soon as she stepped out. The equally familiar figure of a tall man in his early sixties joined the woman and stepped toward the sliding doors.

"Holy smoke," said Heather.

"What is it?"

"My parents are here."

"Did you know they were coming?"

"Of course not."

"Do you still have eyes on Sid and Sydney?"

"Sorry, I lost concentration. I'll ask the valet."

"Don't worry. It's being taken care of."

Heather looked down to make sure she still looked presentable. Why did her father always make her nervous?

Steve was on his feet before she realized he'd risen. "Quit fussing. You look fine. Stand up straight and walk like you own the place."

"Not this one," said Heather. "Father might if he likes it and can get it at a good price. I should do some research on it tonight."

Steve grabbed her by the arm. "Have you already forgotten? You're working with me until this case is over. Understand?"

She shook herself back into detective mode. "Understand, partner. Are you ready to face them?"

"I'll picture them as two cuddly Teddy bears. It's one advantage of being blind. I can make people look like anything I want them to be. What time is it?"

"Three-thirty."

"Make introductions and leave them to me. You need to pick up Anna and Angelina."

"But—"

"But nothing. I'll have Papa and Mama Bear eating out of my hand by the time you get back. What time do they like to eat supper?"

"Seven sharp."

"I'll have a table for four reserved. Wear your pearls. Jack says they make you look fabulous."

"Holy, holy smoke. I forgot Jack’s coming tomorrow. How am I going to juggle a murder investigation, my parents and my boyfriend all at the same time?"

Steve didn't answer.