Uncovering Secrets: The Third Novel in the Rosemont Series (3 page)

Chapter 5

“Maggie,” Professor Lyndon Upton said with gusto as he
answered his cell phone. “Happy New Year. I’m in California—on the golf
course. We’re next in line to tee off. Can I call you later?”

“I’ll
only need a moment, Don,” Maggie replied. “I wanted to tell you that I’ve
decided to retain my position as mayor of Westbury.”

“Now,
Maggie, we talked about that. Won’t you be spread too thin with the demands of
the town, your consulting assignment, and that handsome veterinarian of yours?”

“I’m
not going to accept the consulting engagement. I’m sticking with the town and
the veterinarian.”

There
was a prolonged silence as Upton digested this. “I’ve already told the client.
How do you want me to explain this?”

Maggie
held her tongue. She wanted to respond that he could tell the client that she
wouldn’t work with a conniving backstabber like him. “Say I changed my mind;
say you misunderstood my answer.”

“They’re
calling my foursome. Let’s discuss this next week when I’m in town for the
council meeting,” he pleaded. “Don’t do anything rash until we can sit down
face to face and talk about it.”

“That’s
the other thing I’m calling about, Professor. You won’t be attending the
council meeting next week.” Maggie paused to let her words sink in. “Your
services are no longer required. The Town of Westbury has elected to move
forward without you.”

Upton
was quiet and Maggie smiled, picturing him shocked and speechless at the other
end of the line. “Have a good game,” she said and disconnected the call.

***

Lyndon Upton played a lousy round of golf, marked by an
uncharacteristically sour attitude. He settled up his bets and spotted his
foursome the first round at the club, extricating himself as quickly as possible.

“I’m
needed back at the office,” he said as he made his way to the door. “Give me a
chance to win it back another time, will you? Enjoy the rest of your
afternoon.”

Once
inside his car, he pulled out his cell phone and saw that he’d missed a call
from Haynes Enterprises. He hit redial and asked the pleasant-sounding woman if
he could speak to Frank Haynes.

“She
knows about us,” Upton said when Haynes answered.

“Why
do you say that?”

“She
just called to tell me she’s not taking the consulting job and she’s staying on
as mayor.”

“I
wondered. There’s been no talk about her resignation. Why do you think she
suspects we worked together to convince her to do the right thing—for her
and Westbury—and resign?” Haynes asked.

“I
told her not to do anything hasty; that we’d talk about it next week when I was
in town for the council meeting.” He paused, searching for the right words.

“And?”
Haynes prompted.

“And
she fired me,” Upton erupted. “Told me my services were no longer needed; the
town would get along without me. Then she hung up.”

Haynes
sat in stunned silence.

“How
could she have found out?” Upton asked. “We were very careful. I didn’t tell
anyone. Did you, Frank?”

“No.
Of course not. But I lost my cell phone.”

“When?”

“I’m
not sure. New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day.”

“Did
you get my text saying she accepted the consulting job?”

“No,”
Haynes answered grimly.

“Did
you find your phone?” Upton shouted. “Tell me you found it!”

Haynes
didn’t respond.

“That
explains it, then,” Upton said. “Someone must have found your phone, read the
text, and told her about it.”

Haynes
stood and began pacing. “It’s possible, but don’t jump to any conclusions.” He
didn’t add that the most likely person to have possession of his phone was
Maggie Martin or that he’d already asked her about it and she’d denied finding
it.

“I
need to call her right away and explain the whole thing. I need to apologize
and make this right. I never should have gone along with this crazy scheme in
the first place. I need to clear my name.”

“I
wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Haynes said. “There’s no way to extricate
yourself without implicating me and others that you don’t want to get crosswise
with.” He paused to let the implications of his statement sink in. “I
understand your position, Don. Let’s give this some time to play out; find out
what she knows. Can you keep your powder dry for a while?”

Upton
sighed heavily. “I suppose so. Maybe rushing in isn’t prudent. What do you plan
to do?”

“I’ll
keep my eyes and ears open. Eventually, something will slip out.”

***

Marc Benson nodded at the receptionist as he strode
across the small lobby on his way to Alex Scanlon’s office. He and his partner
had barely said more than a few words to each other in weeks. Alex was putting
in at least sixty hours a week on Westbury’s fraud and embezzlement cases. “Has
he got anybody with him?” Marc asked over his shoulder.

The
receptionist shook her head no, and he kept walking.

The
door was slightly ajar, and Marc knocked softly before pushing it open.

“Yes,”
Alex snapped, without looking up.

“Aren’t
we cheery this afternoon?” Marc replied.

Alex
smiled. “What are you doing here?” He checked his watch. “I thought you’d be
rehearsing until your gig tonight.”

“We
got done early. Everybody was on time and prepared. So I thought I’d stop by
and drag you out of here for dinner.”

“It’s
only four forty-five. At bit early for dinner, don’t you think?”

“Did
you have lunch? Are you hungry?”

Alex
pushed his chair back from his desk. “No, I didn’t. And I’m starved. But I
really shouldn’t take the time.”

“Yes,
you should. You’ve been pushing yourself unmercifully since you took on the
role of special counsel. The town didn’t get into this mess overnight and
taking an hour off to eat won’t make any difference. Get your coat. We’ll go
over to Stuart’s and sit at the bar.”

“I
suppose you’re right.” Alex rose and turned off his desk lamp.

“It’s
nice out. Why don’t we walk? The exercise will do us both good.”

“You’ve
been working as hard as I have.” Alex regarded his partner thoughtfully as they
stepped out into the brisk afternoon. “How’s it going?”

“Terrific,
actually. I’ve been invited to join the group. Their keyboardist decided not to
come back. If I want it, the spot is mine.”

“That’s
great news. But do you want to be part of a group? I thought you intended to
focus on your solo career?”

“These
guys are true professionals. They don’t waste time when we rehearse, and they
consistently book well-paying gigs. We’re talking about making an album.”

Alex
stopped and turned to Marc. “I can’t believe I knew nothing about this.
Congratulations. You deserve it. I’m sorry that I’ve been so consumed by my
work. I should have paid more attention to you. And my family in general. I
haven’t talked to Aaron in months.”

Marc
shrugged. “I’m sure your brother understands as much as I do what a huge
responsibility being special counsel to the town is right now. I knew that when
you took the job. Making any progress?”

Alex
quickened his pace. “It’s the most frustrating case I’ve ever worked on. I knew
the process of getting documents from offshore banks would be cumbersome, but I
didn’t think it would be this difficult. I’m stymied at every turn. The
research and motion writing are incredibly time consuming. I feel like I’m in
quicksand.”

“Can’t
you get someone to help? What’s Maggie doing on this? Have you talked to her
about it?”

“She’ll
be able to help assess the documents once we receive them. There’s nothing she
can do until then. Besides, she’s got her hands more than full with trying to
balance the budget.”

“Why
don’t you hire someone to help you?”

“Westbury’s
broke, remember? We’re cutting essential services—there’s certainly no
money for an extra lawyer. I’ll need to keep this up until we get the job
done.”

Marc
turned to Alex as they reached the entrance to Stuart’s. “We can do this for a
while longer, but it can’t go on forever.”

Alex
nodded. “I know.” He breathed deeply. “I can smell the steaks from here. Let’s
eat.”

Chapter 6

Roman didn’t come home, and although everyone in town
was looking for him, no one reported seeing him. John and Maggie kept in close
contact by phone, hoping for Roman’s return. With every passing hour, their
confidence dwindled. By the morning of the third day, John was despondent and
Maggie was close to tears.

“These
things happen, sweetheart. He was a grand dog. I hope a family somewhere picked
him up and he’s being spoiled by a passel of children.”

“He
had a microchip, didn’t he?” Maggie asked.

“Yes,
but everyone doesn’t check for one. Particularly a stray without a collar.
We’ve got to accept that he’s gone.”

Maggie
sniffed.

“Don’t
start; you’ll get me going,” John chided. “I’ve got to get to the clinic. See
you tonight.”

***

John was fully occupied with the medical problems of a
pair of overweight dachshunds that were the apple of their owner’s eye when his
assistant knocked on the exam room door and asked him if he could step out.

“Emergency?”
John asked, heading for the surgery room. He assumed an animal had been hit by
a car.

Juan
shook his head and grabbed John by the elbow, steering him to his office. When
he opened the door, he was greeted by the sight he longed for—the
open-mouthed grin of his beloved Golden Retriever. Roman bounded to the door
and leapt onto his master, resting his paws on his chest and licking him profusely.
John buried his face in the soft fur.

He
drew back and squatted down, examining Roman with practiced, professional
hands. Other than a serious collection of burs in his fur, he was in good shape—no
nicks, cuts, or signs of frostbite. “Well … where have you been, fella? You
scared Maggie and me to death!”

John
stood and for the first time noticed the young man hovering over a cardboard
box in the corner of his office.

“John
Allen,” he said, extending his hand. The young man tentatively shook it. “I’m
David Wheeler,” he replied, searching John’s face for any hint of recognition.
Ever since his father’s arrest for embezzlement and jailhouse suicide, David
had suffered the ignominy of his name.

John
brought his free hand to rest upon their clasped hands. “I’m very sorry about
the death of your father, David.”

David
nodded and looked away.

“Did
you see the signs around town? There’s a reward.” John reached for his wallet.

David
shook his head. “My mom saw them. I’m glad I found him. I don’t know what I’d
do if I lost my dog.” He looked longingly at the cash that John had extracted
from his wallet.

“Whether
you saw the signs or not, you’re entitled to the reward,” he said, passing the
bills to the boy. “And I’m very grateful that you took such good care of Roman.
Where did you find him?”

“He
was in the bushes by the side of the road outside of that big mansion called
Rosemont. There was a dead cat and all of these kittens,” he said, pointing to
the cardboard box containing six tiny gray-and-white kittens. “Roman was acting
like their mother. He was licking them and keeping them warm and wasn’t letting
them run into the street. He picked them up in his mouth—real gentle—and
brought them back to this place under a bush. You should have seen him.”

John
looked at his dog and his heart lurched. As a vet, he saw the goodness of
animals in both big and small ways on a daily basis and was constantly moved by
the divinity they displayed. He searched for words and, finding none, merely
nodded.

“I
knew the kittens had to eat, so I brought them home, and he wouldn’t leave
their side,” David said, gesturing to Roman. “I looked online about feeding
them and bought kitten formula.”

“That
was the perfect thing to do,” John replied, picking up one of the squirming
kittens. “Cow’s milk would have made them very sick. You and Roman have done an
excellent job. You’ve saved their lives.” David smiled. “What do you intend to
do with them?”

“I
wanted to keep them, but my mom found them this morning and told me that
they’ll need more care than we can provide. I work at Forever Friends,” the boy
said proudly. “I’d take them there, but they can’t care for kittens either. So
I brought them here,” the boy ended and turned hopeful eyes to John.

“You
did the right thing. These kittens are only a couple of weeks old. Their eyes
are open, which happens at about ten days, and their teeth are beginning to
emerge. They’ll need to be fed every six hours, and we’ll need to teach them
how to go to the bathroom.” John studied the boy. “Would you like to help? You
could stop by before or after school—whatever works best for you. When
they’re old enough—and if your mom agrees—you can take one home.”

David
beamed and picked up a kitten with four white paws that was springing up and
down, trying to get out of the box. He held him to his chest and the kitten’s
rumbling purr filled the room. “I’ll be here at six forty-five tomorrow
morning. You can count on me.”

Chapter 7

Maggie kept an eye on her phone all morning; willing it
to ring, willing it to be John with news of Roman. She saw the message light
blinking when she returned to her office after a trip to the ladies’ room and
snatched the headset from the cradle. She held her breath when she heard John’s
joyful voice and fought back tears of relief as she listened to his message.
David Wheeler had found Roman and brought him to the animal hospital. Roman was
home, safe and sound, with quite a tale to tell. And he’d brought a surprise.
Maggie smiled—John was obviously enjoying the bit of mystery he was creating.

She
reached for her cell phone and quickly typed:

Are
the 2 of you free to join Eve and me for dinner tonight?

His
reply accepting her invitation came moments later. As soon as she read it,
Maggie realized she didn’t have anything on hand that would make a fitting
celebratory dinner. Her afternoon was overbooked with appointments, so she’d
have to rely on her old standby—takeout from Pete’s. She phoned him
straight away, and he assured her he had the perfect meal in mind for
Westbury’s esteemed mayor and his favorite veterinarian. He’d also throw in a
couple of good bones for the best dogs in town.

Maggie
laughed. “You’re quite the salesman, you know—or politician.”

“I
don’t know whether to be flattered or offended by that comment,” Pete replied.

“You
know I mean it as a compliment.”

“Make
sure David knows he’s entitled to a free meal from me,” he reminded her as they
rang off.

Maggie’s
next move was to tell Frank Haynes. He’d been so concerned about Roman, it
seemed only fair. His office door was ajar, but he wasn’t at this desk. She
found him in the break room, waiting for a fresh pot of coffee to brew.

“Great
news, Frank. Roman’s home.”

Haynes
looked up and smiled. Was this the first time she had ever seen him genuinely
smile?

“That’s
fantastic. Where did you find him?”

“I
don’t have all the details yet. John left me a message. Apparently, David
Wheeler found him and brought him to the animal hospital.”

“Glad
to hear it. David’s a great kid. He’s been working off his community service at
Forever Friends and has been doing a terrific job.”

Maggie
nodded. “Nice of you to give him that opportunity, Frank. It couldn’t have been
easy for him to have his father arrested for embezzlement and removed from
public office. Then to have him commit suicide in jail. No wonder the boy acted
out and got into trouble.”

Haynes
shifted uncomfortably and eyed the coffee pot as the stream of coffee slowed to
a trickle.

“Will
you be attending the community forums? I’d like as many of the councilmembers
there as possible.”

Haynes
shrugged. “I don’t think they’re a good idea. You’re opening a can of worms,
seeking community feedback on our proposed budget cuts. You and Upton think
that all this ‘transparency’ is necessary. I don’t. Delgado and Isaac agree
with me.” He turned and picked up the coffee pot to fill his cup. “You and
Upton can conduct them on your own.”

Maggie
waited for him to face her. “Professor Upton won’t be attending.” She studied
his face for his reaction. “He isn’t assisting us any longer.”

“When
did this happen? Why?” He acted surprised, but she was sure that he already
knew.

“Schedule
conflict. And, frankly, we don’t need him any longer. I’m prepared to see this
through, myself.”

Haynes
nodded slowly and turned abruptly toward his office.

***

Maggie was setting the table for dinner when John pulled
up to her front door. Eve began to bark furiously as Roman bounded up the steps
and Maggie knelt to throw her arms around him.

Eve
circled the two of them, sniffing Roman and yelping until she got his
attention, then both dogs bolted through the front door.

John
stood by the open tailgate of his Suburban.

“What
are you doing? It’s freezing. Come inside.”

“Roman
comes bearing gifts, I’m afraid.”

“Really?
Back there?” she said, gesturing to the cargo hold. She raced down the steps as
he withdrew a large animal carrier containing the kittens that were now meowing
loudly.

“Kittens!
Are you kidding me?” Maggie laughed.

“I’m
afraid not. It’s quite a story. And don’t worry—they’re not staying. I
couldn’t turn down dinner with my two best girls, but afterward Roman and his
new brood and I will take ourselves home. I don’t intend to inflict this motley
crew on you.”

“I’ve
never had a cat,” Maggie cried, hopping from foot to foot. “I always wanted one
but Paul was allergic. And now I’ve got how many?”

“It’s
a litter of six. But you don’t have to take any of them. Roman adopted
them—that’s why he was missing. David Wheeler found him watching over
them in the woods right outside the break in the fence.”

“That’s
incredible,” Maggie said, leading John into her spacious laundry room and
closing the door behind them.

“They’re
only a few weeks old and will require a lot of care.”

Maggie
opened the carrier unleashing a storm of squirming, fuzzy creatures. “Amazing,”
she said managing to scoop one up as it tore past her.

“I’ll
take care of them at the clinic until they’re old enough to be adopted out. I
was going to leave them there tonight, but Roman wouldn’t hear of it. He wasn’t
coming with me without these kittens. I’ve seen the mother instinct in animals
before—male or female. There’s no point fighting it.”

“Aren’t
you just the sweetest thing?” Maggie cooed, nuzzling the furry creature in the
palm of her hand. She cut her eyes to John. “You can forget about adopting them
out. They’re Rosemont cats now.”

“Slow
down there, sweetheart. Going from zero to six cats in under five minutes isn’t
wise or well thought out.”

“Party
pooper,” Maggie retorted. “We’ll be fine—we have an ‘in’ with the local
vet.”

John
smiled, knowing he’d been defeated. “Let’s just see how it goes, shall we? And
one of them may already be spoken for.”

Maggie
arched her brow.

“David
Wheeler is going to come by every morning to help me with them, and I promised
him he could keep one of the kittens.”

“That
seems fair,” Maggie agreed.

“I’ll
take them to the clinic with me in the morning, and we’ll see what happens.”

“I’ve
got a better idea. Leave them here, and you and David can stop by each morning.
They’re much better off at Rosemont,” and her tone indicated the discussion was
over.