Tracie Peterson Read online

  “I’ve just issued all those termination notices, so why don’t you come to work for me? I know you like your job at the paper, but working for me would allow you to get into places a regular reporter couldn’t go. You know what to look for, and you could keep me up to speed on what Kerns is planning and how I should respond.”

  “I don’t know about that. You’re talking a major lifestyle change. Long hours and low pay. Hey,” she declared with a grin, “sounds like working for the paper!”

  “Oh, please say you’ll at least consider it,” Cara pleaded. “I’ll see to it that you get a decent salary and the hours will be up to you.”

  “Are you sure Kerns is going to approve of my joining the team?”

  “He’ll have nothing to say about it,” Cara replied. “I’m entitled to chose my own staff. Will you think about it?”

  “Okay. I’ll talk to Peter and see what he thinks. I know you’re right about getting into places that normally would have closed their doors to me, and it makes a lot of sense. However, you and I both know that Kerns will have someone watching both of us. He may very well not realize we know the connection to him and Teri Davis, but he does know that you aren’t a willing party to this gubernatorial affair.”

  ****

  Bob Kerns was enjoying his newfound attention. He was exactly where he wanted to be, and the power rush was incredible. Spread out on his desk were the plans for his new home in Clarion Estates. The three-story brick palace was perfect. Located at the end of a cul-de-sac, Kerns gave strong consideration to buying up the lots surrounding the circle in order to keep the home isolated and even more commanding.

  “Danielle’s here,” Serena announced, coming into his office.

  “Send her in and call Russell. Tell him to bring the results of our investigation on Teri Davis.”

  Serena nodded. “I’ve also set up your next Association meeting. The men will be here at nine.” Serena had turned to leave but stopped rather abruptly. “Oh, and your inaugural committee called with some problem about entertainment, but I referred them to Russell.”

  “Good girl. That’s one mess I don’t need. The parties can be someone else’s baby, but I want them elaborate and very, very public.”

  “You’ve got it,” Serena promised and left in search of Russell Owens.

  Danielle came into the office as though sharing a revolving door with Serena. “Hi, Dad. Serena said there was news?”

  “That’s right. Russ will be here shortly and we can go over what the private investigator found out.” Kerns motioned her to a seat.

  “So what did they discover?” Danielle asked, not even taking off her coat before sitting down.

  “I’d rather you hear the entire matter from the reports. I might forget something. Ah, here’s Russell now.”

  “Sorry, I was tied up with the inaugural committee. I’ve brought the papers given to me by the investigator.” He put the folder on the desk in front of Kerns.

  “Good. Close the door and you can explain them to Danielle.”

  Russell appeared to grimace a bit, but he did as Kerns directed. Taking the chair beside Danielle, he reached across the desk and took the file up once more. “Well, it seems that after a thorough investigation,” he began, “the cause of death by heroin overdose cannot be disputed.”

  “But Teri was never into drugs!” Danielle protested.

  “Maybe you just never knew about it,” Kerns replied. “It seems, from our records, that Teri had a long history of trouble with drugs. It’s probably why she dropped out of college.”

  “That doesn’t make sense. What about the baby?” Danielle questioned.

  Russell thumbed through the papers, all the while shaking his head. He pushed up the gold wire-framed glasses and spoke, “There’s nothing here about Teri having a baby. However, she did share the house with a woman who did have a small infant. Ah, here.” He pulled out a typewritten sheet of paper and handed it to Danielle.

  “The woman has disappeared from sight. It’s thought that perhaps she had something to do with Teri’s death. The authorities are still seeking her,” Russell concluded.

  “Why haven’t I read about this in the papers?” Danielle asked in disbelief.

  Kerns gave her a tolerant smile. “They can’t very well carry on an undercover investigation if they announce to the world exactly what it is they are investigating, now can they?”

  “That’s right, Danielle.” Russell picked up the torch and ran. “They certainly don’t want to alert Teri’s roommate to the fact that they know of her existence or her presumed involvement.”

  “I guess that makes sense,” Danielle replied reluctantly. “And that woman had a baby?”

  “Yes,” Russell answered. “A six-month-old girl. That accounts for why you found diapers and cereal boxes in Teri’s trash.”

  “I don’t understand, though. If Teri died from heroin, and you say she had a history of drug problems, why would there be any concern about someone else being responsible for her death?”

  She’s a smart one, Kerns thought, eyeing her with a misplaced sense of pride. “Perhaps Teri didn’t take an overdose. Maybe she had just shot up, and while she was high this woman shot her up again. Who knows? We do know that somehow she got in the river. Maybe she overdosed and then this roommate of hers disposed of her body. There’s no way to tell until we find the woman.”

  Danielle drew a heavy breath and sighed. Slowly she handed the paper back to Russell. “I guess this explains everything, but I still find it hard to believe Teri was involved with drugs.”

  “I wasn’t going to do this,” Kerns said, reaching into his desk drawer, “but I can see you need the extra proof.” He took out fanfolded computer paper nearly an inch thick. “This is a report of all Teri’s run-ins with the law. Most of them are drug related. Minor possession charges. Even possession with intent to sell.”

  Danielle’s eyes widened in disbelief. “I can’t believe it!”

  “Believe it, Danielle. I’m about to take office as the governor of this state. I don’t have time for games, and I don’t want controversy clinging to my term. Russell has very graciously spent a tremendous amount of time gathering this information for you and assisting the private investigator. If you’re going to sit here and tell me you don’t believe our proof, then how can I help you?” His voice was edged with anger and unspoken accusation. He wanted to belittle her and make her feel like the helpless child she’d always been. By the look on her face, Kerns could tell his plan was working.

  She swallowed hard and got to her feet. “I believe you,” she muttered. “It’s just hard to realize I was such a poor judge of character.”

  Kerns nodded and put the papers down. “At least the matter is settled.”

  “Until they find that woman,” Danielle added.

  Russell coughed nervously, but Kerns wasn’t in the least bit shaken. “That’s right,” he agreed. “And I know the law enforcement agencies will do their level best to locate her.”

  Danielle nodded, appearing years younger. In her eyes, Kerns could read reluctant acceptance of the facts, along with a great deal of pain. At least she wouldn’t be pestering him for answers as to why Teri had gone away without a word. This would be the end of it.

  At the door, Danielle turned and faced the two men. “Dad, thanks for doing this for me. Teri was a good friend, and it was important for me to know.”

  Kerns got to his feet and fixed a stern expression on his youngest child. “Good friends don’t use people. Teri used you and our family for whatever good it could bring her.”

  There were tears in Danielle’s eyes by now, but Kerns had no feeling for the pain she was suffering. No, it was better to bring her to her knees on this Teri Davis issue. That way, the cut would be clean and permanent.

  He continued, “I am sorry she endangered you with her lifestyle. She obviously had no regard for your safety. Her illegal activities could have caused you a lot of problems, Danielle. Don’t
ever forget that.”

  Danielle hurried from the room, clearly unable to deal with one more word on the matter. Kerns crossed the room and closed the door. Turning a satisfied smile on Russell, he retrieved the computer printouts and handed them to his new chief of staff. “File these and thank your friends for making them look real.”

  Twenty-Seven

  Trademark blue smoke saturated the conference room in the law offices of Kerns and Dubray. Another meeting of the Association was about to convene.

  Kerns walked into the room with Owens at his side. It was easy to see that no one was fond of being called to this meeting. George Sheldon has lost a great deal of weight, Kerns thought. Probably because that toxic waste spill was about to go public. Sheldon had still not come to him, and the EPA was breathing down his neck in a major way. Kerns supposed he’d have to take the initiative and approach George on the matter before it got completely out of hand.

  “Well, we did it,” Kerns said, echoing his acceptance speech the night he’d won the election. “Now the real work begins.”

  He took his seat at the head of the table and Owens took the place at his right. “I’ve called you here tonight to announce position placement and to reward you for your support in the past.”

  Their faces seemed to relax a bit.

  “I’ve kept apprised of your situations, contributions, and desired placement for future service.”

  Taking a folder that Owens already held in preparation, Bob began to sort through the pages. “Gary Daggett,” he announced. The man straightened in his seat and raised questioning brows. “As you all know, Gary is the owner of Consumers Natural Gas Company. He has provided the maximum amount of campaign contributions and has never failed to meet my expectations in service. Gary, I am appointing you to the position of secretary of administration. This critical job will put you in charge of a variety of other agencies within the administration. I’m confident you can handle the position and that you will be confirmed by the legislature without issue.”

  Gary smiled and made a nervous attempt at thanks. “I’m grateful . . . for the . . . for the chance to serve you and the state.”

  Kerns nodded and continued. “Cameron, I’m appointing you director of purchases. Hopefully Enter Data can bear up without you at the helm for a while. You know what purchasing is all about, and in the future we will need you to help us with a variety of things.”

  Cameron nodded.

  Kerns turned to George, noting that not only had he lost weight, but he was balding as well. Nerves had a way of taking their toll. “I think it would be wise for us to schedule a private appointment, George.” The man nodded and lit another cigarette. Kerns smiled, noting the two that already smoldered in the ashtray in front of Sheldon. George was in a bad way.

  “Pat, with Cameron heading up purchases, you should have little trouble in sewing up any janitorial contracts. We’re going to rely heavily on those contracts to get us inside all of the state agencies. Agencies are good at keeping their own little secrets. It’ll be your job to ferret those secrets out, and you will be rewarded well for it.”

  “But those contracts are established by sealed bid. They even time-stamp them prior to the closing date. How are you going to manage to see my bid is the low one meeting specs?”

  Kerns looked to Russell for the answer. “It’s a fairly simple process,” Owens stated. “Your bid will be so low that no one can possibly underbid you. You’ll be compensated in other ways to ensure you can cover expenses. The janitorial contracts are generally for five-year periods and this will cover our first term.”

  “But you can’t possibly know what each person’s going to bid ahead of time,” Patrick Conrad protested.

  “With Cameron as director of purchases, we can see to it that it’s a very close call in most situations,” Russell replied. “Janitorial bid openings, though public, don’t always have a large turnout. For those times when no one shows up to observe the bid opening, we simply fill the numbers in after reviewing the other sealed bids. For those times when we have people in attendance, we can have a prepared bid ready and waiting. Not only that, but there’s always some way to disqualify the competition. It’s really quite a simple procedure. This is Kansas, and the purchasing office is very low-tech, low-security. All we have to do is get a few of our own people in place, or buy those we need.”

  Pat seemed satisfied by this explanation.

  The meeting continued for several hours. By this time, the air was barely breathable and the coffeepot at the end of the table was empty.

  “Let’s call it a night,” Kerns finally announced, handing the folder to Owens. Russell stifled a yawn and straightened in the chair while the others quickly got to their feet. “I trust all of you have your inaugural ball and dinner tickets?” Nods made marginal ripples in the smoke.

  “Keep in mind,” Kerns said in parting, “if you keep my back covered, I’ll mind yours. Understood?” All but George nodded in unison.

  ****

  “I just don’t understand,” Cara said, bringing Melissa a cup of coffee. They’d decided to get together and hash out what little Melissa had learned from the coroner’s office. “What do they have to lose in allowing you the information?”

  “I don’t know.” Melissa took the coffee and sighed. “Mind if I kick off my shoes? I think I’ve been on the run for forty-eight hours.”

  “Be my guest,” Cara said, pointing to her own bare feet. Brianna bounded down the stairs at that precise moment. With coat in one hand and backpack in the other, she announced, “I’m going to my piano lesson. I’ll be back at five.”

  “Be sure to wear your hat and gloves. Do you have all your books?”

  “Yup, they’re all here,” Brianna said, taking the books from the piano bench and shoving them into her backpack. “I’m going to ride my bike over to the school.”

  “It’s pretty icy outside. Do you want me to drive you over?”

  “No way!” Brianna exclaimed. “It’s really neat outside, and I can slide on my bike all the way down the big hill.”

  Melissa and Cara both laughed at this. “Oh, to be ten again!” Melissa said with a salute of her coffee mug.

  “I’m almost eleven,” Brianna reminded them. “January thirtieth is my birthday.”

  “We’ll have to plan a big party,” Melissa said enthusiastically.

  “I wanted to have it at Cedar Crest,” Brianna replied, “but Mom said that was overdoing it a bit.”

  “Maybe just a bit,” Melissa agreed.

  Brianna took off for the door and surprised both Melissa and Cara by calling over her shoulder, “Harry’s here!”

  “Harry?” Melissa questioned with a teasing smile. “Now why in the world would the pilot of the governor’s plane be here?”

  “Stop it,” Cara said, going to the door.

  “Where are you headed, sport?” Harry was asking Brianna.

  She pushed up the kickstand and pushed off into the snow-packed street. “Piano lessons!”

  Cara waited for the uniformed patrolman to come up the walk. “Is this official business, Lieutenant Oberlin?”

  He followed her into the house. “As official as any. I missed you. How about we go . . . hey, Melissa. I didn’t know you were here. How’s Peter?”

  “Busy. How are you?”

  “The same.” Harry took a seat, and Cara brought him a cup of steaming coffee.

  “Here, warm up a bit.” She picked her mug back up and resumed the conversation. “Melissa and I were just discussing the lack of cooperation at the coroner’s office. It seems the coroner is too busy to meet with Melissa, so one of the assistants talked with her instead.”

  “And from the look on your face it was far from satisfying.”

  “You can say that again. No one there knew anything. I tried to reschedule my appointment for next week”—Melissa shifted to slip her shoes back on—“but the coroner will be tied up indefinitely.”

  “I guess what I still d
on’t understand,” Cara said, putting her cup down, “is how Kerns found Teri in the first place.”

  “Presuming that he did, you mean?” Harry interjected.

  Cara frowned. “There’s no other logical explanation. The kid who came to me was no drug abuser. She was clear-eyed and sensible, albeit a bit dirty and unkempt. She had a genuine concern for that baby, and I’ve no doubt in my mind she was a good mother.”

  “So like you said,” remarked Melissa, “how could Kerns have found out Teri was here in Topeka? You were the only one she talked to, and she was always very careful to meet you when no one else was around. Her house was well out of town, almost in Silver Lake, and located in such a remote place that she could easily keep from drawing attention to herself.”

  “She told me she didn’t even shop in Topeka,” Cara murmured.

  “So how did he find her?” Harry questioned. “My friends at the police and sheriff’s department have had no trouble closing this case. Another troubled kid bites the dust.”

  “Harry! What a terrible thing to say!” Cara exclaimed.

  “True, but it’s just the way things are.” Harry’s countenance was apologetic. “The truth of the matter is, you’re the only one who’s trying to keep this thing alive. And you have no proof.”

  “There has to be an answer.” Cara grew thoughtful and turned to Melissa. “Did you say anything to anyone after I told you about Teri?”

  “No. I know how to keep my mouth shut. In fact, I knew Glencoe was dying of cancer for months before he actually died.”

  Both Cara and Harry looked at Melissa in surprise. The redhead shrugged and grinned. “I’m a good reporter.”

  “I guess so,” Harry replied. “Glencoe kept that so secret, most of the staff didn’t even know the truth. How did you find out?”

  “I was in Lindsborg when he collapsed. I saw you there, but I didn’t know who you were. I overhead someone say something about calling ahead to the oncologist and I put two and two together.”

  “I wish you were having that kind of luck now,” Cara said with a heavy sigh. “There just doesn’t seem to be any answers.”