Scammed Read online

  That night crazy dreams filled her restless sleep. In one, Barbara Shady had aged so noticeably she almost looked her husband’s age. She sat on a balcony, possibly in a place like Hawaii or the Caribbean, facing brilliant blue-green surf. Then she looked away from the ocean, reached for a stack of money in her lap, and began to methodically count stacks of money while sipping a Mai Tai. In another short dream she cavorted with a buff young guy she called ‘lover’. This time she wore a skimpy bikini that showed off a youthful figure with big boobs and a high ass. Unlike the first dream, in that one she looked about thirty.

  When the alarm jolted her awake the next morning, Cameron was not even near wanting to get up. She forced herself to stumble into the bathroom where a very tired-looking reflection gazed back at her. Worse than she had expected. This would definitely be a morning for the magic powers of a perfect makeup. For now she splashed her face with cold water several times.

  She navigated the steps and made her way to the kitchen still feeling like a sleepwalker. Damn if Kate hadn’t done it again. Fully alert now, she stared at her friend who looked like she just stepped off the cover of Vogue. How did she earn the right to look so gorgeous, rested and efficient first thing in the morning?

  “Good morning. You look like Hell. Bad night?”

  “The worst. Thanks for confirming what I just saw in the mirror. I had bizarre dreams all night, but I think somewhere in my subconscious I’m convinced that Barbara is no spring chicken even though she has a great face and body. Silicone, injections and implants can do wonders. I am really anxious to see what you can dig up.”

  Kate smiled. “You’ll be happy to know that I’ve already put my best researcher on it.” She poured a cup of black coffee and placed it on the table in front of her friend. “Here, drink up. Breakfast is almost ready.”

  With a sigh Cameron said, “Can I adopt you?”

  “Not up for adoption, but available as a friend any time you need me. Time for some sustenance.”

  She finished cutting up the apples and pears she found in the refrigerator and added some frozen blueberries. Then she spooned a generous helping of Greek yogurt over the fruit and added Chia and Flax seeds, almonds and walnuts. “This is definitely a much healthier start for your day than one of those bagels I saw in the refrigerator. You need energy.”

  Cameron muttered, “Energy,” as she spooned the mixture into her mouth followed by a swig of Hazelnut coffee.

  An hour after finishing her healthy breakfast Cameron descended the stairs again, barely looking like the wretched sleep-deprived being she was only a short time before. Her blonde hair was perfectly styled and with the help of concealer, foundation, blush, highlighter and layers of mascara she had achieved the fresh natural look. This day she wore a “serious presentation day” outfit. Navy blue Calvin Klein skirt suit, navy and white striped silk blouse, and navy and white Spectator pumps with moderate two-and-a-half inch heels instead of her normal stilettos. She had wisely figured she should look a little more mature for a presentation for seniors. Outside of the gold hoop earrings she wore no other jewelry.

  “Hey, Kate, how do I look now? This natural look only took an hour to achieve.”

  “Like a very professional businesswoman. You are really a makeup expert. Before you go, I have a bit of news for you.”

  Oh, that Kate. Efficient to the core.

  “Okay, spill it.”

  Kate flashed a brilliant grin. “Told you my researcher is great. In slightly more than an hour we have a bit of information on the elusive Mrs. Shady. There’s a lot more to come, but it looks like she wasn’t as efficient at covering up her identity as she was at embezzling millions.”

  Kate allowed herself a self-satisfied smile. “I thought I’d give you this tidbit. She has a pretty long track record of marrying wealthy men who somehow don’t seem to live a long time. You’re right about her age, too. Even thought we don’t have much in the way of details yet, my researcher, Brady, confirmed that she is fifty-three years old, is originally from a town called Poway in California near San Diego, and her maiden name was Barbara Overbeck.”

  A look of shock skittered across Cameron’s face. “Fifty-three? Change my evaluation of her surgeon from great to wizard. I was stretching it when I said I thought she was about forty. Can’t wait for the updates. Married wealthy men who didn’t live very long—don’t suppose she’s a Black Widow, do you? Anyway, I’ve gotta go. My main focus until this presentation is over will be presenting senior disposable undies that will reflect the brand name Sexy Seniors. Hopefully they will love what I’ve done. Wish me luck.”

  18

  The Sexy Seniors presentation went off without a hitch although it was hard for Cameron to keep her mind from wandering to the investigation. Her clients were thrilled with the idea and designs of the screen printing and the campaign she outlined. After putting their stamp of approval on the program, the VP of marketing continued raving about the choice of attractive senior models in place of the youthful ones they used while with another agency.

  MEANWHILE, KATE AND Danny kept busy researching and pulling favors. It was nearly lunchtime when Kate’s cell phone rang.

  “Hey, pretty lady, Danny Garrett here. What are you up to? Thought you might like to discuss our progress over lunch at the Sidewalk Cafe down on the boardwalk. Are you game?”

  Kate saved her work and said, “I could manage that. I have a meeting with a client at four, but that gives me plenty of time and I’ve got a lot to share with you. If we have time, I might even run this client’s case past you to get your professional opinion. Give me fifteen minutes and I’ll be ready.”

  “Okay. Wear walking shoes. See you in fifteen.”

  Kate had to admit Cameron was right. Her interest in Danny was far more than simply his input to the Shady investigation. Who wouldn’t be attracted to this guy? Handsome, financially secure, sense of humor and mutual interests. She quickly changed from her designer outfit into jeans and a tee shirt inscribed with, “If it’s a Fraud, I’ll Bust It” that scrolled across her chest. She added a pair of Nike runners, ran a brush through her long auburn hair, and was ready when Danny rang the bell. She would have time to change back to business clothes before going to meet her client, so that was no problem.

  They walked along Washington to the boardwalk and turned right. The usual wacky scene that played out every day was a fascinating sight that attracted tourists and locals alike. Street performers lined the area between the walk and the grass with everything from jugglers to acrobats and musicians. Vendors hawked all kinds of merchandise from crystals to artwork and jewelry. Sometimes a scruffy-looking fellow hammered out songs on an old-fashioned upright piano he wheeled onto the boardwalk.

  Hoards of people young and old surrounded the good performers, while the untalented wannabes did their shtick whether anyone watched them or not. Guys and gals on roller blades whooshed their way through the droves of people. One almost crashed into Danny but managed to arc around him at the last minute. Drifters carrying backpacks meandered with the flow, some leaving pungent scents in their wake, some accompanied by cute dogs who looked like they could stand a bath. Finally, after passing the tee shirt shops and sunglasses stands, they arrived at the Sidewalk Cafe situated next to Small World Books.

  As always there was a line waiting to get into the popular eatery. Kate shook her head, looking at the line.

  “Danny, I’m sorry but I won’t have the time to wait. Can we go somewhere else?”

  Instead of answering, Danny leaned over the low railing along the sidewalk and waved to the host as he seated a foursome. The host called out, “Come around this way, Danny. Got your table all ready for you.”

  He led them to a choice table on the patio along the railing.

  “Wow, I’m impressed. Friend of yours?”

  “Yeah. Pays to know people. Let’s order. Then we can get down to business. I’ll keep an eye on the time for you.”

  “As long as we’re
out of here by two, I’m okay. My meeting is in Santa Monica, so it isn’t that far. I’ll be done with it in time for all of us to get together tonight, but this way you and I get to preview what each of us knows. I guess you eat here quite often. Any suggestions?” She flashed her best engaging smile. A sort of nonverbal way of saying, “I like you.”

  “Since you asked, if you like burgers, I’d highly recommend the Timothy Leary.”

  Not bothering to look at the menu she said, “Leary? The LSD guy? Okay, I’ll bite, what’s in it?”

  “Sautéed mushrooms, avocado and cheese. Or, you could really go for it if you have a hearty appetite. I’m having the Ernest Hemmingway—filet mignon with lettuce, tomato and onion. I even have some breath spray.”

  “I see. Always prepared. And why might you need the breath spray?” She let that last comment rest while she thought for a moment then said, “Make it two. Ernie for me, too, medium rare.”

  “You mean with that great figure you’re not one of those women watching her weight? I didn’t know creatures like you existed.”

  A little smile played around her lips. He noticed. I think he likes me.

  After they ordered, Danny said, “Okay Sherlock, what did you find?”

  She chuckled. “Sherlock was a guy, although I guess some have debated that. But okay, I’ll be the female Holmes. Will you be my Watson?”

  “What? And keep you on the straight and narrow? I don’t think so, but I will be your adjunct investigator. That way we can both check out different things. So, I repeat, what did you find?”

  Kate gifted him with a flirtatious grin. “Well the woman known as Barbara Shady is indeed shady. My investigator has just scratched the surface, and I’ve already told Cameron some of this, but the lady in question apparently has a penchant for marrying wealthy older men who somehow don’t seem to live a long time after the nuptials.”

  “No shit. A possible Black Widow? Did your person say how many marriages?”

  “Yep. Six in fifteen years and the widow profited handsomely each time her geezer kicked the bucket in seemingly natural ways. The good doctor was number six, and he made it longer than any of the others. Not only that, but Cami was right about her age, too. My researcher, Brady, found conflicting ages on the records he was able to access. Looks like that trophy wife was actually fifty-three years old, she’s originally from Poway, California near San Diego, and her maiden name was Barbara Overbeck. You gotta love Cami. She wanted the name of the lovely Mrs. Shady’s plastic surgeon.”

  The waiter interrupted the conversation by asking if they wanted coffee. A little breeze had kicked up, but it felt gentle as it ruffled Kate’s hair. She glanced at her watch and then at Danny. “Okay, I’ll have a coffee, black. I still have about half an hour. Your turn. Fill me in on what you discovered. Can your friend trace the money?

  19

  Danny leaned back in his chair with his hands clasped behind his head just as a pair of tourists stopped right beside them on the other side of the low wrought iron fence. They made no secret about gawking at Kate and Danny. He said in an engaging voice, “Excuse me. Is there something you want to ask?”

  The female half of the pair lowered her huge sunglasses and squinted at him, then swung her gaze to Kate. She turned to the man who was probably her husband and said, “See, Max, I told you they were celebrities.”

  He seemed annoyed with her and tried to move on, but she kept a vise grip on his arm. Like some elderly and middle-aged tourists, he wore a bright shirt covered with palm trees and toucans open almost to his belly, exposing gold chains and curls of gray chest hair. Yellow Bermuda shorts and black calf-length socks with brown wing-tip shoes completed his “beach attire.” His salt-and-pepper hair was styled in an elaborate comb-over, but the slight breeze had messed it up revealing a pretty large bald spot, and it stuck out in odd angles. Her prominent bosom looked like it was trying to burst free from a very tight, low-cut tee shirt decorated with rhinestones and gold swirls. Her gold platform sandals caused her to tower above the short, plump man. He managed to say, “Trixie, don’t bother these people. Come on, let’s go.”

  Once again he tried to move on.

  Danny was clearly enjoying this crude display and said, “Alright, who do you think we are?”

  The woman stammered while pointing at Kate. “Um, anyone can see you’re Jennifer Garner. I loved you in—oh, darn, I’m so flustered I can’t think of the name of the movie. Right on the tip of my tongue.”

  Kate kept a straight face while the woman pointed to Danny. “I don’t know your name, but I know I’ve seen your picture. Oh, this is so exciting. Wait till I tell the folks back in Peoria.”

  Finally, Kate smiled with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. “Well, you two have a great day. Always nice to meet fans.”

  The pair took off, chattering to each other while Kate and Danny dissolved into gales of laughter. Kate shot him a look. “Fun, huh? Does this happen often?”

  He nodded. “Almost all the time. Maybe they saw my photo on a book or poster in a bookstore. Or caught me on a TV interview but haven’t got a clue as to who I am when they see me. It is fun sitting next to the railing and as you might have noticed, this is sort of my table. So, Jennifer, how does it feel to be a star?”

  “Hmmm. Is this what I have to look forward to once my movie is on TV? By the way, it wouldn’t be a stretch to think you were a hot action star. You do have the look, Mr. Retired FBI.”

  Danny reached across the table and took both of her hands in his. “Maybe. Now let me tell you, what I found, Miss FraudBuster.”

  He told her his friend had been able to access bank records of an account under the name of Briana Hanley, unquestionably one of the aliases of the shady Mrs. Shady. The account had never been closed after it was opened in 2009. It checked out that Hanley was her married name at the time.

  Danny said his friend reported that according to records she kept a decent balance in it all those years as well as credit cards with very high limits, but it looked like a pattern. He intended to continue checking to see if there are still other accounts under other married names. Danny said his friend thought she might be spreading out cash in various names and locations. He said she initially deposited two hundred thousand dollars in that bank after Alton Hanley died at the age of eighty-four. There were withdrawals of thousands of dollars at a time during the years, but she always kept it open with a healthy balance. Recent large deposits to that account coincided with the dates she withdrew money from the ‘operating’ account. A few days after each deposit, she withdrew various amounts in cash. She has a safe deposit box at that bank under the name Hanley. He figured maybe she hid cash in the box or even opened boxes at each bank where she kept an account. Pretty devious.

  Danny continued, “The missing HOA money is probably one of her biggest scores. I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of it is in that box in cash or something easily negotiable like bearer bonds, unless she cleaned it out before she disappeared. I’m sure she feels safe that the account and box would never be tied to her even if she was actually kidnapped. He is still checking, but it would make sense to spread out the money she embezzled while waiting to be a grieving widow once more. I don’t think she is in danger at all. I think she planned this whole thing.”

  “But why would she resort to violence this time? You said all the other husbands looked like they died from natural causes. You said Al was beaten, shot and thrown into the canal. Could she have been strong enough to do that by herself, or did she have help? Or was there more to it than a woman who marries wealthy old geezers for their money and then hastens their death? And, don’t forget your detective pal said Shady was being watched by the police. What’s up with that? We could be wrong. Maybe she happens to be a serial killer who was nabbed by whoever killed Al and actually is in danger.”

  Danny looked at his watch and signaled for the check. “Well, Princess, time for you to go change into a businesswoman. We’ll have plenty to ta
lk about tonight. When I volunteered to help oversee the repair work, I never thought I’d be drawn back into investigating a murder.” He winked at her. “And with such a gorgeous Sherlock.

  20

  The walk back to Cameron’s house didn’t take long. Garrett told her he never pictured himself as an author, let alone a best-selling author, but after leaving the Bureau he’d felt he needed a purpose. An advertisement for a local writer’s conference caught his eye, and after he read that one of his favorite thriller writers was the keynote speaker, he had considered giving it a shot.

  “I had so many experiences in my fifteen years as an undercover agent, some threatening—some actually funny, that my author friend Margaret Stanton kept prodding me to consider writing a book. She writes thrillers in between selling multi-million-dollar Beverly Hills homes. Finally, the time came when I voiced my regular protest about not being a writer, and she was armed with a great argument.”

  Kate said, “I’ll bite. So, what did she say to you?”

  Garrett spoke in falsetto in an attempt to sound like his friend Margaret. “Okay, my friend, I’m going to make you an offer you can’t refuse. There’s a writer’s conference right here in LA the weekend after next. I’m giving two workshops and I can invite a guest to attend the conference free of charge as a part of my perk. Consider yourself invited, and I won’t take no for an answer.”

  Kate chuckled. “That didn’t happen to be the conference you were already considering attending, was it?”

  “Oh, but it was, Sherlock. I couldn’t let her know I knew about it and had decided to go, because Maggie loves it when she thinks she has out maneuvered me. Besides, it saved me Five Hundred Dollars. I took her out for an expensive, elegant dinner as a thank you. Net savings, Three Hundred.”