“You’re missing Roz too?”
“Yep. She had attitude. I liked that in her.” He smiled.
Matt chuckled. “A lot like Christine and Alex.”
“Exactly.”
“I’m glad Christine went out last night. She needs to do that more often.” Matt turned right at the corner. Sam and Lane followed. They walked in the snow along the side of the road where traction was better.
Lane’s phone rang. He reached into his pocket, didn’t recognize the phone number, frowned, pressed the answer button, and put the phone to his ear. “Hello.”
“Paul, is that you?”
“That’s right.”
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
Lane looked at Matt, who stopped to listen to the conversation. “Who is this?”
“Joseph. Your brother! Don’t you recognize my voice?”
Obviously not. “What do you want?”
“I don’t know how you did it, but it has to stop now!”
“You’re talking about the court case?” Lane looked at the stars. In all of the infinity of possibilities, how did I get stuck with you and Alison for siblings?
“You know damned well I’m not talking about the court case. I’m talking about the money!”
“Whose money?” Lane held the phone several centimetres from his ear.
“My money! Milton’s money!”
Lane looked at Matt, who rolled his eyes. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Money from my account and Milton’s account has been donated to the Children’s Hospital and the Red Cross.”
Don’t say it. Don’t say it. “That’s very kind of the two of you.” Shit, you went right ahead and said it.
“Listen to me, you fucking Pauline! Stay away from our money. In particular, stay away from my money!”
“I’ll say this one more time. I don’t know what you are talking about. And tell Milton and Alison to stay away from my family!” Lane looked at his phone.
“She has a right…”
Lane pressed end, then shut off the power to the phone.
“What was that all about?” Matt stood with his arms crossed. Sam sat looking up with a quizzical expression.
“Joseph is upset.”
“Thanks, Captain Obvious. What’s really going on?”
“Apparently someone has been getting into Joseph and Milton’s accounts and donating their money to charities. Joseph thinks I’m responsible.”
“Are you?”
“No.” Lane took a step. Sam followed.
Matt held the leash. “You know who is responsible, don’t you?”
Lane stopped and turned. “I think so.” Sam looked from one to the next.
“Who is it?”
“I don’t want to say until I’m sure.”
“And you’ve got a killer to catch.”
Lane nodded. “That too.”
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4
chapter 16
Calgary Lawyer Donates to Red Cross
The Red Cross has received a belated Christmas gift by way of a million-dollar donation from Calgary lawyer Joseph Lane.
Red Cross spokesperson Mary Latourneau says, “This gift and other recent donations will go a long way toward helping us provide for refugees around the globe. I would like to thank Mr. Joseph Lane for his very generous donation.” The role of philanthropist is new to Lane, and he wears it well.
When contacted about his extraordinary generosity, Lane said, “The Red Cross does admirable work all over the world. My family has done very well by working and living in Calgary. It’s time for us to give back.”
Letourneau says, “January and February are often slow months for us. This year we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of Albertans.”
“Have you got both kits together for Saturday night?” Cori sipped a cappuccino. The morning light reflected off the white cupboards and the white arabescato corchia marble countertop in their kitchen. She tucked in the top of her white robe.
“I’ll do that tonight. First I need to pick up some new gloves and booties. I did check the ammunition. We’ve got plenty. I’ll be able to pick up some more on the drive south.” Andrew wore his grey Meyer pants and blue tailor-made shirt. He fiddled with the stainless-steel cappuccino machine. “Are the passports ready?” He stepped sideways, opening the fridge door. The milk carton was in the door above two plastic blood bags. He grabbed the milk, closing the door with his foot.
Cori nodded. “I’ve got to get an outfit for Saturday’s party, especially those shoes. Then I’m off to work.”
“Another protégé to instruct?” Andrew turned, smiling at her.
Her eyes sparkled as she set her cup down. “If the opportunity presents itself.”
“Want me to leave a cheque for Roza?”
Cori shook her head, winking. “Payday isn’t until next Monday. We get free maid service this month.”
Lane and Nigel parked down the street from the Pierce home. Nestled under the limbs of a spruce tree, they had a clear view of the two-storey infill with its river rock front, copper pillars, peaked roofs, and oval windows. The combined effect gave the impression that the home was afloat on a white prairie sea.
“You enjoying going back to school?” Nigel worked the heat dials of the white Jeep as he sat in the passenger seat. It appeared impossible to find a comfortable temperature. He unzipped his jacket, then rolled down the window.
“To tell you the truth, it’s been fascinating. The guy’s teaching about the psychology of bullying, then exhibits the same aggressive behaviours he describes in his lectures. And he appears to be totally unaware of the contradiction.” Lane saw the light come on at the front of the three-car garage.
“Sounds like my dad. He saw himself as being fair minded and logical. His behaviour was the opposite.” Nigel zipped up his coat.
Now’s the time to ask. “I got an interesting call last night while Matt and I were walking the dog.”
Nigel took his gloves off. “Oh?”
“My brother phoned to ask why I was messing around with his and Efram Milton’s money.”
Nigel pulled on his toque. “You’re kidding.”
There was a slight intake of breath before he answered and a bit of a quiver in his voice. “He was pretty agitated.”
“Money often gets people motivated.”
“I said I didn’t know what he was talking about.” Lane watched as the garage door opened.
“Keep in touch.” Nigel climbed out, shut the door, and walked back to a nondescript Chevy SUV.
Your non-answers are answers, Nigel.
Lane looked through the glass at the wood fire. A chef in a white coat hefted a wooden paddle, slipping it under a pizza inside the oven, removing it, and sliding it onto a plate. Then he used the paddle to check under a second pizza. The detective’s eyes moved to take in the poster-sized black- and-white photographs on the walls. People were frozen in the day-to-day activities of Naples. In one, a man kissed a woman on the cheek. Her eyes were not amused.
“Lane? How was work today?” Lane turned to face Dan, who sat on the white bench holding a sleeping Indiana.
You look tired. “I spent the day sitting for the most part.” Surveillance is tedious in the extreme.
“Here, let me hold him.” Alex sat between Lane and Matt. She had insisted they all go out for supper.
Dan looked at Christine, who nodded. He lifted the baby over the table. Arthur put his hand underneath just in case. Alex tucked Indiana in the crook of her left elbow, caressing his cheek with her knuckles.
The waiter escorted a couple to a nearby table. The couple glanced, smiling at the baby. Five pairs of adult eyes assaulted them. Their friendly smiles straight-lined and the couple looked away.