Nemesis Read Free Page A

common. I finally made up my mind to end it.”
    â€œNo resentment on his part?”
    â€œThere didn’t seem to be.”
    Runyon asked, “What about people you knew and worked with in Martinez? Anyone you didn’t get along with?”
    â€œI can’t think of anyone, no.”
    â€œIn Orinda while you lived there?”
    â€œWell, Scott’s sister. Grace never did like me.” A curled lip indicated the feeling was mutual. “She could be a bitch sometimes, pardon my language, but I haven’t seen or talked to her since the divorce, either.”
    â€œAny serious trouble between the two of you?”
    â€œNot really. It was just that I couldn’t do anything right and Scott couldn’t do anything wrong. She always took his side.”
    â€œWhat’s her full name?”
    â€œGrace Lyman. L-y-m-a-n. She’s married to a doctor, or was then—a pee doctor.” Ms. Daniels blinked and made a little embarrassed tittering sound. “Urologist, I mean. Sorry about that.”
    â€œAnyone else I should know about?”
    â€œI can’t think of anyone.” Ms. Daniels shifted position in the chair. “You are going to help me, aren’t you?”
    â€œIf you’re certain that’s how you want to proceed. A police investigation is still your best option.”
    â€œAfter what happened when Jason was killed, the way I was treated … no. There’s my charity work to consider, too. Any kind of publicity might be harmful to my fund-raising efforts.”
    â€œThe authorities can be discreet.”
    â€œCan they? Not as discreet as you and your agency. You have a reputation for honesty and discretion, that’s what the newspapers said. You’re not trying to talk me out of hiring you, are you?”
    â€œJust being frank. What is it you expect of us?”
    The question seemed to puzzle her. “Find out who’s doing this awful thing to me. And why.”
    â€œAnd then what? Scare him off? Have him arrested?”
    â€œWhatever you think is necessary. Just so he never bothers me again.”
    Reasonable enough. If Verity Daniels was being truthful about her past, it looked as though she was the victim of an extortion ploy rather than a blackmail attempt. The “proof of something in the past” and the veiled threats smacked of a come-on, the kind that would be followed by direct threats of bodily harm unless she met his demands. If that was the case and the perp wanted money badly enough, she was potentially in danger.
    â€œOne more thing, Ms. Daniels. For the record, you should know that in the investigation of extortion cases, we’re bound by law to notify the proper authorities if we uncover evidence of a felony involving the victim, and to turn over any physical evidence that might come into our possession.”
    â€œThat doesn’t apply to me. I told you that.”
    Runyon opened his briefcase, took out the standard contract the agency used for individual clients. While she looked it over, he outlined their fees. No questions. She signed the contract with a flourish.
    While she was writing a check to cover the retainer, she asked, “What if he calls again tonight?”
    â€œIf he does, try to stall him for at least eighteen hours. Tell him you need time to get the money, or use any other excuse you can think of.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œSo I can make what might be a necessary arrangement. I’ll explain when and if the time comes.”
    â€œWell … all right. But I should contact you right away and let you know, shouldn’t I? Whenever he calls?”
    â€œYes.” He gave her one of his business cards with agency, cell, and home numbers on it. “You should be able to reach me any time, day or night.” He asked her for her contact info—phone numbers, e-mail address—and added the information to his notes. Then he said, “There’s one