Midas Murders [Book 3 of the Katherine Miller Mysteries] Read Free Page A

the bags. “This morning I make his breakfast. Then he gave me the list for the store. Was very crowded today with people buying food for the New Year celebrations. I have lunch with my cousin and come back."
    I added a selection of mints to a tea ball. “Was he expecting anyone?"
    "Just you, Senora. He was happy for the visit. He tell me you have been amigos for years.” She opened a cabinet and took out a teapot. “Maybe Senora Bonnie come for him."
    "She isn't home,” Don said.
    Consuela shrugged. “Senora Bonnie is always on the move. Maybe they go somewhere."
    My choice of mints included one to clear my thoughts and several to calm my nerves, a badly needed thing. Not knowing where Lars was and fearing something awful had happened to him made me want to scream.
    Consuela showed me where they kept the mugs. “While you wait for the tea, I'll show you the bedroom for the guests."
    "Already done,” Don said. “Just what did Dad talk about this morning?"
    "He talk about the Senora's visit and tell me how she grow the mint in her garden. He laugh and say when he drink a cup at night, he think of her."
    "Lars?” I laughed. “Always thought black coffee was his preference."
    She shrugged. “I never see him drink the tea, but he is a truthful man."
    Megan ran into the kitchen. “Consuela, look. Rose Prairie."
    Consuela took the kitten from Megan. “La gatita."
    "Megan, why don't you get her dishes from the carrier?” I asked. “She's probably hungry and thirsty."
    "Okay.” Megan darted away.
    Don followed her. He returned with the litter box and took it into the sunroom. “Looks like Button and I need to go shopping."
    "I've a bag with enough food and litter for several days in the bedroom.” I filled a mug with tea. “Remind me to get them before you leave."
    "Will do.” He smiled. “It's hard to believe she was out of my sight for more than five minutes without crying. This is the first time for months."
    "How are you doing?"
    "Coming to grips.” He sighed. “Considering a drastic change. Hope you don't mind being used as a buffer when I tell Dad. He has his own ideas about my future."
    His mention of Lars brought my uneasiness to the fore. “We need to do something about your father, but I can't think of anything."
    "The police?"
    My knowledge of what happens when a person is missing is limited. There was something I'd heard about twenty-four hours except when a child was missing. I think there were other factors like age and mental status.
    "I'm not sure they can do anything yet. We don't know how long he's been gone."
    His shoulders slumped. “Hours, but he could have left just before you arrived."
    "We need professional advice, but I don't know anyone here. Are you acquainted with any of your local police officers?"
    He straightened. “I know who to call. Ramona's cousin Rafe. He's a former cop and does some investigative work for Dad. He'll know where to begin.” He strode to the living room.
    My knowledge of this area was based on books. What I knew about my friend's life here was limited. Though we indulge in bi-weekly phone calls, our conversations center around family and mutual friends. As I sipped the tea, a shroud of helplessness settled over me.
    Lars, where are you?
    Consuela stored the rest of the groceries and joined me at the table. “Senor Lars has given me the vacation while you are here. He said you would take good care of him. If you wish me to stay I will."
    "There's no need. He'll be home soon.” I had to believe Lars would walk in the door and tease me about my fears.
    "Now let me show you where things are kept. Then I finish my work and go."
    She opened the door to the pantry and showed me the staples. Then we entered the laundry room that opened into the sunroom. In the kitchen she opened cabinets and drawers. Stoneware canisters on the counter held flour, sugar, tea and coffee.
    As we passed through the living room, Don covered the phone with his hand. “I'll be here a