Free Divine Intervention by Cheryl Kaye Tardif

difference does it make if he was alone?"
    "Just curious. Perhaps he was taking a different kind of personal message. I'll check his phone records."
    "Maybe Baker hired someone to do his dirty work," Jasi suggested.
    The idea that Allan Baker had contracted out had flickered through Jasi's mind ever since the man showed up at the scene of the crime. Baker had the resources to hire a hit man―and the motive. His father was a disgrace. Dr. Washburn had embarrassed the Premier of BC, maybe one too many times. And with Baker running for Prime Minister, he couldn't afford another family scandal.
    "Maybe that was the phone call?" Ben said.
    Natassia suddenly waved a hand in the air. "Got it! Paloma phone records show one incoming call at 11:53 p.m. lasting about ten minutes. Number belongs to a Martin L. Gibney of 103 Dremner Boulevard, here in Kelowna. Should I check him out?"
    "No," Jasi said pensively. "I think Ben should take Gibney. You contact the people on Baker's list of attendees. Make sure he was seen at the hotel between midnight and two. Loon Lake isn't very far, especially for a man with his resources."
    "If you're taking Beranski, then you'd better bring a barf bag," Natassia cautioned.
    "Yeah, I'll pack an extra shirt too," Jasi grinned. "First thing tomorrow, I'll check the cab companies. Maybe Jason Beranski ditched the movie once it started."
    She yawned.
    The trip to the crime scene had exhausted her. A good night's sleep was what she needed. Then she could get an early start in the morning. Thank God, she wouldn't have to deal with that tiring Brandon Walsh anymore.
    After Ben paid their bill, the three of them walked across the empty street toward the Prestige Inn. The hotel lobby glistened with pearlescent floors and matching oak trim.
    Jasi checked for messages, then they headed for the elevators. A group of boisterous, intoxicated politicians rudely pushed past them and confiscated the only vacant car.
    "If people only knew what these guys were really doing with taxpayers' money," Natassia muttered.
    "Then we wouldn't have to worry about voting," Jasi scoffed. "There'd be no election."
    In the elevator one of the men shifted nervously. Jasi curled her lip, her eyes fastening on him, threateningly. As the doors slowly closed, the man sagged against the wall.
    Whether it was from relief or too much alcohol, Jasi didn't know. She didn't care either way.
    The second elevator announced its arrival with a brief melody. Then the doors opened, depositing a frazzled mother with five screaming children, all obviously headed for the swimming pool.
    Jasi followed Ben and Natassia inside and pushed the button to their floor. When they reached the third floor, she strode down the hall, eager for her bed and sleep.
    "Here's your suite," Ben said, swiping a room card across the scanner.
    When the door buzzed open, he handed her the card.
    "I'll keep in touch tomorrow," he told her, then strolled across the hall to his own room. "Goodnight, Natassia."
    Jasi saw her partner's eyes trail after him, disappointment and longing engraved on her face.
    "Hey, Natassia. Look on the bright side," she smirked when they entered their room. "At least you've got me for a roommate."
    Natassia scowled grumpily. "Yeah, but you're not as much fun."
    "Hey!" She ducked as Natassia chucked a pillow at her head.
    "And you snore!"
     
     

8
     
    Tuesday, June 19, 2012
    ~ Kelowna, BC
     
    The following morning Jasi called the taxi companies and narrowed down three that had serviced the theatre the night before. Each company stated that they could not release information over the phone. Hailing a Speedy taxi, she gave the driver the address for Kel-Cabs.
    The driver's ID read Ahmed .
    In the rear view mirror, Ahmed's black eyes bore holes into her face. Resisting the urge to scowl at him, Jasi curled up in the seat and stared at the gloomy morning sky. Rain was headed their way and that was not good. If the crime scene hadn't been cleared of all