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

bit.” He pointed to the couch where Megan and the kitten were curled on one end, asleep.
    Consuela beckoned and I followed. Now that I wasn't frantically searching for Lars, I could appreciate the paintings in the hall and on the bedroom walls. Some were Don's, but other artists were represented.
    "The linen closet,” Consuela said. “Here are the extra blankets, sheets and towels. In your bathroom, you will all you need for the bath."
    I nearly lingered in the office to look through the papers on the desk. There might be some clue, but I had no idea what I wanted to find.
    Consuela paused in the hall. “I will finish with my work and go. Do not worry. Senor Lars will come."
    I leaned against the wall. Did she know something about his disappearance? Intent on asking, I followed her. A cold draft eddied around me. I dashed into the foyer. When I reached the door, my eagerness turned to disappointment.
    "Daddy, we have to talk."
    Lars’ beautiful and willful daughter had arrived.
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    Chapter 2
    ~
    La Hija Dorado
    -
    "Aunt Katherine, how was your trip?” Bonnie's lips brushed the air by my cheek. Though her greeting held a facade of friendliness beneath the cordiality a distinct coldness hummed. She drew back, but the cloying sweetness of her perfume lingered.
    Of all Lars’ children, she resembles him the most. She's a tall blonde with skin tanned to a golden hue. Her graceful movements imbued her with the essence of a magnificent jungle beast on the prowl for prey. The leopard skin coat she wore added to the picture.
    "Uneventful until I...” Before I finished she glided away.
    "Don, where's Daddy? There are some important matters he and I need to discuss.” She tossed her coat on one of the chairs facing the fireplace.
    Her brother replaced the receiver in the cradle. “He's not here and we hoped he was with you. When Aunt Katherine arrived, she found the front door open and his partly eaten breakfast on the table."
    "Oh lord, maybe he's had a heart attack. Did you check the house? What about the grounds? I really need to talk to him."
    I joined the pair. “I've checked the house twice. He's not here."
    She brushed her hair from her face. “I've been out all day. Been busy with preparations for the party. Did you try Carl or Damon?"
    Don raked his hair in an awkward parody of his sister's graceful gesture. “The office was the second place I called. Carl and Damon were in a meeting and couldn't be disturbed. The secretary said Dad wasn't with them."
    "Maybe Daddy had some last minute shopping to do in preparation for Aunt Katherine's visit."
    "He sent Consuela to the store.” Don glared at his sister. “Didn't you notice his car's still here?"
    "Never looked.” She smoothed her blue sweater over her slim hips. “What's eating you? Ever since Ramona died, you've been jumping at shadows."
    "We've talked about what I plan to do."
    "And I've said it's impossible."
    Don rose. “Right now, I'm worried about Dad. Haven't you noticed how edgy and distant he's been lately?"
    Bonnie laughed. “That's just your imagination. He's been fine."
    "He'd never go off without leaving a note for Aunt Katherine. You know how much he's looked forward to her visit."
    Bonnie planted her hands on her hips. “He was more worried about how she'd fit in with our friends. I'm sure he's gone off with one of his cronies.” She turned and manufactured a smile that left her blue eyes as cold as diamond. “No disrespect meant, but you don't move in the same circles as Daddy and I do."
    My jaw clenched. Back east Lars and I have the same set of friends. While the people here were unknown to me, as a nurse and former choir director, I've dealt with the rich, the poor and the in-betweens.
    A few calming breaths controlled my anger and my need to lash out at this rude young woman. I couldn't allow myself to forget what was important and that was my friend's whereabouts.
    "For heaven's sake, have you forgotten