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

bureau drawers.
    Once I finished packing, I left my suitcase in the foyer and hurried to the kitchen. There I stowed the tins of mint in a canvas bag.
    Lars appeared in the doorway. “Are you sure you want to start in town? The shops will be closed."
    "As if you'd let me shop. I can window shop and plan for my own visit.” I smiled. “We could stop at your office. I'd love to see where you work."
    He threw up his hands. “Kate, you're not getting involved."
    I put the tins in the bag. “Already am. You can't hide from this forever. Is there something you're not telling me? Something connected to Ramona's death?” Though the question just slipped out, to me it made sense.
    He looked away. “Maybe...I've received notes with hints that her death wasn't an accident."
    "What did you do with them?"
    "Tossed them. They were vague. Promised proof that never materialized. If there'd been solid evidence, I would have gone to the police. I loved her. The day she married Don, she became my daughter. She made him happy. Gave us Megan.” Grief shadowed his eyes. “The baby would have been my first grandson."
    Then why had he given Bonnie her way? Why had he allowed Ramona to remain Carl's assistant? Why hadn't he made her a partner?
    "What about her suspicions?"
    His face flushed. “I'm afraid she discovered some of my manipulations. If she had come and asked, I could have explained."
    "What did you do?"
    "Twice I took money to cover Carl's gambling debts. He and Bonnie begged me to keep the patter secret. The second time he swore he'd stay away from the tables."
    "And you believed him?"
    "What else could I do?"
    "Gotten his oath in blood."
    He shook his head. “I don't think that would have worked. Go get settled in the car. I have to call Don and let him know we're leaving."
    I followed him to the living room. “Will you also call Bonnie?"
    "She knows. Told her last night."
    "But we're not going to the chalet today. What if she needs you for business problems?"
    "Today, not likely. No one's doing business.” He shook his head. “She can find us at the chalet tomorrow. This will be good practice for her.” He grinned. “I've had a great run, but there's more to life than making money."
    "King Midas hangs up his crown."
    "Abdicates.” He chuckled. “Remember the night I was dubbed. We were so young and happy."
    The night we celebrated the first of Lars’ successful ventures, my husband had given him the name. Years later just before John died, he asked Lars to take care of me for I was the real gold.
    Lars caught my hand. “I failed to keep my promise to him."
    "Nonsense. Our friendship has been a blessing. I have no regrets about the way my life has gone.” If I said that often enough, I might believe.
    "I've had one or two.” He released me and picked up the phone. “Are you sure you have everything you'll need?"
    "Including the mint."
    "Kate's cure-all."
    The teasing tone of Lars’ voice brought memories of other times he'd joked about the powers of the tea. What the brew couldn't cure was the uneasiness I felt about his safety.
    While he made his call, I carried my suitcase and the bag of mint to the car. As I fastened my seatbelt, I glanced toward the house at the top of the drive.
    Carl dashed toward the carport. Bonnie followed. She halted with her hands on her hips. Carl spun to face her. Though I was too distant to hear what they said, their gestures made me believe they quarreled. Carl jumped into the Jaguar and sped down the drive. Bonnie stood for a few minutes before returning to the house.
    Lars opened the driver's door. “We're on our way."
    I gestured toward the speeding car. “You missed an argument."
    "A common event,” he said. “They're too much alike and both of them have volatile tempers. One reason I was against the marriage, but when has Bonnie ever listened to anyone?"
    "What if she told him she wants a divorce so she can marry Damon?"
    "Damon? Impossible."
    "Why? There's strong feelings