Murder at the Pet Spa Page 10

  “That's a good idea. In the near future, you may find yourself in a completely new place. It's just another stage of your life.” Mandy replied.

  Mandy and Cynthia went their separate ways. When Mandy got home and saw the cats were as peaceful as could be, she said to herself, next life, I'm coming back as a cat. She then called Jill to tell her what happened.

  “Hi Mandy.” Jill said as she picked up.

  “You're not going to believe what happened.” Mandy said.

  “Somebody else died?” Jill asked.

  “No, but somebody trashed Karen's apartment. We caught a look of the guy who did it as he was escaping.” Mandy said.

  “Darn it, I miss all the good stuff, tell me all.”

  Mandy filled her in.

  Chapter Fifteen

  The next morning, Jeffrey called a meeting of the money laundering group to give them an update of what's been going on. Wesley, Charles and Jack showed up because they knew they still had problems to resolve. Jeffrey spoke.

  “I got a call from the syndicate yesterday and was informed that things are not good. One of their men went to Karen's apartment to try to find the notebook. Not only was he unsuccessful at finding it, but Cynthia and Mandy showed up while he was searching for the book. Luckily they didn't catch him, but he narrowly escaped. Afterwards, they called the cops. I'm guessing Cynthia took Mandy along for the ride for company. The cops are stationed there and now they're investigating Karen's apartment. What we're hoping is that they don't find it, because then we'd have to get out of town, unless we want to get arrested.

  “Another bad news item is there is still no word on Mikey. It's like he's disappeared. They can't figure out where he is, and because he's using the money he stole, I'm sure he's not using credit cards so there's no trail on this guy. It burns me up because I know he's Karen's killer and he's still on the loose. He's an even bigger weasel than I thought. We made a mistake in letting Mikey in to the group.

  “Now, if the cops don't find the notebook at Karen's apartment, that means it's either at the spa, or Karen hid it where nobody could find it except her. That's both good and bad. It's good because we're not incriminated in any way, and the syndicate is happy. It's bad because we don't have a record anymore of where the money has been going. However, that's not a horrible thing, because the syndicate has kept their own records and that's what matters. As long as we don't piss them off, we're ok. So far, the fact we've been proactive in search for the book is good. They weren't happy that Cynthia was there, but I explained she simply went to the apartment to pick up her things, it has nothing to do with the book.

  “They're now concerned she might have gotten a look at the guy, and may be able to identify him to the police. The police are checking the apartment and seeing what they find. I'm waiting for Cynthia to tell me the apartment story. I can't ask her, because I'm not supposed to know what happened at Karen's apartment. So, inasmuch as I'm sure Cynthia is not going to be a problem, until she tells me what she saw and what happened, the syndicate is thinking she might be a loose end. I hate to have another murder on our hands, but that's how they handle these things. They can't have witnesses floating around. So, that's where things stand.

  Jack spoke next to give Jeffrey an update of his following Mandy.

  “I've been following Mandy and other than the day she went on a dinner date with the police captain, I haven't seen her do anything out of the ordinary. So, I rule her out as a problem.”

  “Nah, she's alright. She took one of the cats whose owners haven't claimed yet home to baby-sit. Her main concern is regarding the animals, she doesn't know anything about our other activities. I know Cynthia and Mandy have gotten pretty friendly lately. We can't go off the deep end and think everybody is out to get us otherwise, we wind up paranoid and in worse shape than before. We can ride this out. Eventually one of two things is going to happen. Either we'll find the notebook in a place we never expected, or we'll never find it. Karen wouldn't keep those things in her apartment. She, more likely, had a secret spot she never told anyone about.

  Wesley asked this question next.

  “Just presenting a worst case scenario, what if the cops do find the notebook, are they likely to put two and two together and figure out the spa and our businesses are being used as a money laundering operation?”

  “They would if they found it with Karen's things. If somebody finds a notebook somewhere that has no connection to us and they can't make out what it is, then there's no danger to us. Karen once showed me the book, and she never used any names, she used these letters and abbreviations that didn't connect anyone to anything. It's not like she wrote, Wesley or the spa or the syndicate. She used a system based on letters, and she knew what the letters represented and they didn't refer to any living entity. If anybody wanted to use the notebook against us, without any link, they'd have to dig very deep. Even if the notebook was found somewhere, and that place had no connection with the spa or Karen, we're ok.” Jeffrey explained.

  “But what if the notebook is found at Karen's place?” Wesley asked.

  “Then we're going to have to leave town. Keep this in mind, the cops are not going to announce this, so we have to look out for each other and if one gets caught, we have to set up a system to alert the others. Something that wouldn't tip off the cops you're sending out an alarm, like an automated message from our phones that goes out to everyone else.” Jeffrey explained.

  Nobody at the table liked what they heard. Jeffrey saw the faces scared and unhappy.

  “Look, this is the downside of engaging in the activities we've been involved with. Everything could go to hell in a hand basket. We've been doing this for years and we've never been caught. We've treated the project like a business and things have worked out fine for us. However, ever since Mikey went berserk on us, it created our downfall. It has certainly caused problems, and lives have been lost as a result. I'm hoping the next life we lose is his.

  “But right now, we can't worry about this. Worrying is the worst thing we can do. Right now, we have to focus on finding the notebook, and going back to business as usual. I'm sure we'll eventually find it, not for the cops. It's a matter of figuring out exactly where the notebook is hidden.”

  *****

  Mandy woke up to a bright new beautiful day. Roger and Lana were sitting on the sofa perfect as could be. She had seen them playing from time to time and then they would take turns mewing to each other. Mandy figured they were talking in cat language. As Roger and Lana continued their kitty socializing, one dark cloud hung over Mandy's head this morning. She wondered what the guy who ransacked Karen's apartment was looking for. If Allen was the one searching the apartment, what could Karen have to cause him to go through the entire apartment looking for it. If the perpetrator wasn't Allen, could somebody else be looking for the notebook? If so, this had suddenly become a dangerous situation. Although nobody knew she had the notebook, having the notebook made Mandy a target. She was torn between exploring it further and just giving it Fred.

  In the midst of these thoughts, the phone rang. It was Jill.

  “Hi Jill, you're up bright and early.”

  “What do you mean bright and early, it's 10AM.” Jill said.

  “Is it? I see what happened, my alarm clock got disconnected. It has regular clock hands, as opposed to a digital readout, so I thought the time was 8:00AM.” Mandy explained.

  “Well, welcome to the waking world.” Jill said jokingly.

  “Jill, I have to tell you, yesterday we had a scary experience.”

  “What happened?”

  Mandy proceeded to tell Jill of visiting Karen's apartment, how they found it turned upside down and they narrowly missed tripping over the person doing the ransacking of the apartment.

  “I keep asking myself, what could they be looking for? Cynthia thought it could be Allen. What did Karen have belonging to him or that he wants to possess?” Mandy said.

  “Did she seem convinced one hu
ndred percent certain it was Allen?” Jill asked.

  “Well, she wasn't all that certain, but she got very upset because she couldn't believe he killed Karen and now he was overturning the apartment looking for something.”

  “If it wasn't Allen, could it be someone else?” Jill asked.

  “Well, I was thinking of that this morning, actually. I'm kind of torn between keeping the notebook a little longer or giving it to Fred. If I gave the notebook to Fred, it's possible Fred and the contacts and resources he has available to him would find who or what the notebook represents.

  “I tell this only to you Jill, but I have to admit it to myself, sometimes I enjoy the excitement of solving these crimes once I'm in them. But is it because I'm bored with my life, or because I truly feel I could add something of value to the investigation?

  “When I reflect on it, the more I realize I don't ask for these things. Look at this series of events. I stumbled on the book. Karen, our re-discovered friend is dead. I keep winding up in the middle of these situations while getting insights as to what happened. The truth is, if I was truly bored, I wouldn't be on the lookout for this kind of situations. I'd be reading a book, watching a TV movie, something relaxing. But these murder situations keep landing on my lap.

  “Well, what contribution will you make to the investigation by holding onto the book?” Jill asked.

  “I keep hoping somewhere in its pages is a clue that will tell me who killed her. I'm not interested in busting this money laundering group. That's for Fred and his team to figure out. I'm interested in finding out who killed Karen. Did she die because of her involvement with the money laundering organization, or did Allen kill her for a motive we aren't aware of yet? My interest is finding Karen's killer. I've solved murders before and I believe I can do it again.” Mandy explained.

  “And you think by studying this notebook something will leap out?” Jill said semi sarcastically and suspiciously.

  “Well, it's the only lead I have. This is what I have so far. Karen works for a pet spa that is actually a front for a money laundering ring. She keeps the books for this place. Somebody kills her, motive unknown. This notebook turns up. It's proof positive the spa is engaging in money laundering. Somebody went to her apartment looking for something, maybe the notebook, maybe something else. It's as though the answer is right in front of my face, but it's too close. I have to get some distance.” Mandy further explained.

  “Well, this is my take on this. Obviously, you are affected by the death of Karen as I am, and you want to find her killer. We've gotten lucky in the past, but that doesn't mean we'll get lucky again. Hold on to the book for another day. If you don't get any ideas or if nothing else happens, give the book to Fred. He may see this and realize this is what they were looking for. You can act innocent, say you found the notebook in the spa and you forgot you had this, but after the break in, you remembered the notebook, and wondered if it could be useful to the investigation. That way he doesn't chew your head off for investigating and getting involved. You found something you thought trivial, you forgot about it, and then oh Fred, by the way, I found this, end of story, you're off the hook, the let police handle it.” Jill said.

  “No, you're right, I'll keep it for a little while longer and if nothing happens in another day, just give it to Fred and let him take care of it. Perhaps he'll get the satisfaction capturing the money laundering ring but Karen's murder will still elude him. It's something.” Mandy said.

  “Yeah, why complicate your life, I mean, you're doing the right thing trying to solve Karen's murder, but not at the expense of putting your own life at danger. The guys involved with these money laundering projects usually don't play nice when it comes to making sure nobody finds out what they're doing. You could be next.” Jill said.

  “I hear you. Well, for the time being, I'm going to put this out of my mind by going to the mall and buying food for Lana.” Mandy said.

  “How are Roger and Lana getting along? Is the honeymoon still on or are they fighting?” Jill said jokingly.

  “Oh, they're getting along great. I miss taking Roger with me out, but I can't leave Lana alone, and I don't dare take her with me in case something happens to her. Cynthia and her owners will never forgive me. No, I have to do the same thing other cat owners do, go to the store by myself.” Mandy said laughing.

  “Well, I'm sure you can survive for a couple of days. Eventually either the spa will re-open or the owners will turn up, one or the other.” Jill said.

  “I kind of don't want this arrangement to end. Lana and Roger make such a nice couple.” Mandy said.

  “Don't get too attached, and hopefully Roger won't get too attached either. That could create a whole other set of problems. If Roger becomes very friendly with Lana, you're going to have a morose cat when Lana isn't around. Also, we don't know how friendly Lana's owners are. Are they going to want to make play dates? From what Cynthia says these people are never around. On the other hand, if that's the case, you can offer to cat sit for them and that's far more personal care for Lana than being stuck in a spa. But for now, the sooner this ends, the better of an idea you'll have how this will affect Roger.” Jill said.

  “That's certainly a possibility I didn't consider. I was so taken with the idea of Roger having a friend.” Mandy said.

  “We'll see what the future brings.” Jill said.

  “Yeah, let's hope for the best.” Mandy replied.

  Chapter Sixteen

  After Mandy hung up with Jill, she spoke to the cats.

  “I'm heading to the mall. You two behave while I'm gone.” She said laughing to herself as if they were going to understand what she said. Mandy got her bags and her keys and headed for her car. She started driving down the road, the same she always took. As she drove, she thought of the notebook, thought of Karen's murder, wondered why these things kept happening to her.

  As she looked in her rear view mirror, something struck her. Yesterday, when she left Karen's apartment, a black car seemed to be driving behind her. Mandy didn't give it much attention then. But now here she is on the highway going to the mall, and the same or very similar black car is behind her again. Is somebody following her, she thought? Why are they following her she asked herself? Could they suspect she has the notebook? To test her theory, Mandy drove in a different direction from the mall as though heading towards a new location. After five minutes she lost the black car. She felt relieved that perhaps this was all her imagination.

  She decided to get the cat food at the mall. However, as she approached the mall, she saw the black car again, driving further away this time, but still behind her. Well, she would go to the pet store and see if whoever is in the car parks in the mall. As she turned into the mall, the car continued on its way. It's possible this was a different black car, she thought. Black cars are common and this one looked like any typical SUV. Mandy thought her imagination was on overdrive on account of the recent events. She went over to Wendy's Pet Store, run by another friend of her from high school.

  “Hi Wendy.” Mandy said.

  “Oh Mandy, so nice to see you. What, no Roger?” Wendy said.

  “Well, I'm cat sitting this beautiful white cat from the pet spa and Roger's enamored of her. He's also keeping her company while I'm running errands.”

  Mandy explained how she wound up cat sitting.

  “Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. I was at the business luncheon, it's even possible I may have seen her. I didn't see you though, so maybe you attended at a different time.” Wendy said.

  “Yes we were there later, as things were closing down.” Mandy said.

  Mandy walked around the store and bought food for Lana as well a couple of other supplies for Roger as well.

  “This is what I'm taking for today Wendy.” Mandy said.

  “Oh, she eats that brand of food. That's actually very nutritious for cats.” Wendy said.

  “Well, perhaps if I ever meet the owners I could get to know more abo
ut her. The owners are seldom in town, apparently go on business trips frequently. So, I'll see if I ever get to meet them.” Mandy explained.

  “Well, good luck with Lana and thank you Mandy, it's always a pleasure to see you. Be sure to bring Roger around soon. He's such a beautiful cat.” Wendy said.

  “Oh, you betcha. Once I'm off babysitting duty, I'll be able to walk around town with my cat again.” Mandy said, looking forward to doing that again.

  Mandy left Wendy's and walked in the direction where she had parked her car. She was still caught up in the conversation she had with Wendy and wondering when she would be walking around with Roger again. She placed the bags in the back seat and sat in the driver's seat. She left the mall as she always did and headed back home.

  After three minutes on the road, she unconsciously looked behind her from the mirror. There was the black car, again. Although it trailed behind two other cars, it certainly looked like the same black car. Mandy felt nervous now. She thought of calling Fred. But then again, she started to try to think sensibly. First of all, this may not be the same car, her mind is playing tricks on her. Secondly, she hasn't been on the road for too long and she hasn't gone out much.

  Perhaps black cars are far more common now, but she never noticed. Still Mandy felt that feeling inside when things aren't quite right. The same feeling when they said David committed suicide, and she knew it was murder. Likewise, the same way she felt when Thomas Parks was up to no good. She would feel a lot better once she got home. She'll call Jill and at least another person will know she thought a black car followed her. In case she disappears.

  Although her pursuant continued behind her all the way home, she got home and nothing else happened. She picked up her bags and went in her house. Looking behind her, there was no car, nobody walking around. Maybe it was all in her imagination. Once inside she called Jill.

  “Jill, I just had what could either be a paranoid experience or something freaky is happening. I think there's a black car following me.” Mandy told her the story of what happened.