Free Double Cross by DiAnn Mills Page A

anything unusual for them to suspect a problem. Most everything is centralized and electronic.”
    Abby sighed before continuing. “Daniel is the brains behind keeping us old people safe. He made sure the new account and the others are flagged so nothing can be withdrawn without all three of our signatures. A child or family member can’t waltz into the bank and announce a parent has Alzheimer’s and demand to be added on the account. Only an owner can make those arrangements unless the courts direct it.”
    “I feel better that he’s looking out for you.”
    “He’s a good man. Needs a good woman to complement him.” She wrapped up the call and pumped her fist into the air. Yes! About time she was useful again. And she already had her game day shirt on.
    Abby processed what she’d learned and headed to Chef Steven’s domain. Her first undercover assignment. She stood in the kitchen doorway and studied the bald, chubby man.
    “What do you need, Miss Abby?”
    “I’m bored. Is there something I could do? No need to tell the health department.”
    He waved a spatula like he was conducting a symphony. “I sure could use an assistant. I’ve got bananas and strawberries with a garnish of kiwi and mint ready for morning break, but the napkins, cups, and glasses haven’t been arranged appropriately.” He opened the oven to the delicious scent of fresh-baked pecan tarts. “I’m behind. Been that way since Liz quit.”
    She stacked china cups, crystal, and white linen napkins onto a wheeled serving cart. She’d already posed the question to Marsha about using items that could break or injure a client, but the facility’s handbook expressly stated using the best.
    “Great job,” he said.
    “I’ve done my share of cooking food for crowds, but not at your caliber. Just point me to what you want done.”
    “You’re a sweet breath of fresh air.”
    “What were Liz’s responsibilities?”
    “Clean up, serve.”
    “And keep you company?”
    “Not really. She had her own agenda.” He paused, and his face reddened. “She liked spending time with the clients, which is not a bad thing.”
    “I agree. Earl loved her. Said she was ‘hot.’”
    He laughed. “I shouldn’t have sounded critical. The one thing I valued were the afternoons. She gave me time to complete paperwork and visit with Miss Leonard.” He shrugged. “It would have been nice if she’d cleaned things to my satisfaction or prepared the afternoon snack. But I’m being critical again.”
    “How long did she relieve you? I know Marsha cherished those times.”
    “Almost two hours. She and I have an ongoing chess tournament. We use the computer up front, and when the facility isquiet, we play viciously.” He paused as though reflecting on the times with Marsha.
    If the scammers had found a way inside the facility during the afternoons, jobs were on the line, and the chess games were on the computer. Abby stole a glance at the rear door. A camera panned the room. Could it be temporarily disconnected?
    “I’m sorry Liz left you stranded.” Abby swept strawberry stems into a dustpan. “Maybe I can do more.”
    “Thank you, Miss Abby. But I’m supposed to have new help on Monday. Maybe this one won’t be texting her boyfriend or playing games on her iPad.”
    Interesting. “Did he ever show up here?”
    “You sure are interested in the goings-on in my kitchen.”
    She smiled and placed Waterford pitchers of lemonade on the cart. “Oh, just chatting.”
    He handed her a tray of fruit. “And I’m picking on a precious lady. You can take these to the clients, and I’ll bring the tarts.”
    He hadn’t responded about seeing the boyfriend, which said he had . . . and the boyfriend being inside the building without signing in could cost him his job. If the cook confessed to how Russell Jergon might have gained access to the elderly, he and Miss Leonard could be charged with neglect.
    Or be charged as accomplices.

    5:00 P.M.