The Perfect Frame Read online

  “How did you find out, Joe?”

  “A few months ago Pat suddenly turned nervous and moody, yelling at the kids and bitching at me, which isn’t at all like her. She’s usually even-tempered and calm. Then she started having nightmares. One night she woke up screaming.”

  “And?” Mack put his hand on Joe’s shoulder and squeezed it in a gesture of empathy.

  “For some time our love life was nearly non-existent. Whenever I asked her why, she’d burst into tears. I knew something was very wrong, but I couldn’t get her to tell me about it.”

  “So you grew frustrated.” Mack saw the warning glare Bob shot him, which said in no uncertain terms that he should back off and let him handle it.

  With ill grace Mack complied and eased away from the man and walked over to the window.

  “Frustrated? Mad as hell is more like it. At first I thought Pat was having an affair—then I thought no, she wouldn’t do that. She loved me and the kids. Then a bill from the Women’s Clinic came in the mail confirming that the result of her AIDS test was negative.”

  “Then what did you do?” the lieutenant asked.

  Joe sighed heavily. “I confronted her with it. She tried to blow me off by saying it was a routine part of her checkup. I didn’t believe her, and I told her so.”

  “And?”

  “One night during one of her nightmares it all came pouring out—what Clifford had done to her and how he was forcing her to help him because of me.”

  “Then what did you do?” Bob prompted.

  “Nothing.”

  “You find out a man raped your wife and you do nothing! Come on, Davis.”

  “In my mind I—”

  “You what?”

  “I took him apart, limb from limb.”

  Mack watched the look of frustrated rage on Joe’s face. As much as Joe hated Clifford, he was sure Davis hadn’t killed the man.

  “What about the gun?” Bob asked.

  “One day while I was waiting for Pat to come out of the ladies’ room, before leaving the office to go home, I noticed her desk drawer wasn’t closed all the way. I saw something shiny, metallic, and pulled the drawer out. It was a handgun, a .22 automatic.

  “I was stunned. How had my gentle wife, who couldn’t stand to look at a gun, much less possess one, come by such a weapon? It occurred to me that she had it for protection against Clifford, or maybe that she was waiting to kill him for what he’d done to her. I took the gun and stuck it in my jacket pocket. Knowing what she’d gone through and how she might possibly be planning to remedy the situation was the last straw. I intended to confront Clifford and have it out with him, job or no job.

  “But first I wanted to talk to my wife and find out where she got the gun. I never got around to doing it. I waited a few days, but she seemed not to notice that it was missing so I figured it wasn’t hers. But I wondered whose it was and what it was doing in her drawer. After finding out what Clifford had done, I was adamant that Pat not work overtime, whether Toni was there or not. Her look of relief was so profound it made me want to kill the bastard even more.”

  “You had the gun all this time?”

  “Yes, I hid it in the garage. I have a lockbox I keep my tools in. I was going to get rid of the thing, but after a while I forgot it was there, or maybe blocked it out.

  “When he threatened to fire Pat and then me, it was all I could do not to take him apart. Pat was scared and pleaded with me not to go after the bastard. She said if I did it would wreck our lives, and I should think of the children. I should have done what my instincts urged me to do from the start, but I didn’t. Instead I went along with Clifford’s plans. Believe me, I was only biding my time until…”

  “Until?”

  Joe didn’t answer. He didn’t have to. Mack had heard the barely suppressed violence in the man’s voice. He turned away from the window and looked at Joe. “Did Pat ever voluntarily say anything to you about the gun?”

  “No.”

  “How did the gun get from your lockbox to Clifford’s apartment?” Bob prompted.

  “Pat was on edge the night of the murder. I hated seeing her like that. I just lost it and took the gun out of the lockbox and went to see Clifford, but I didn’t shoot him. We argued and he said some things about my wife. When I took the gun out of my pocket, he threw something that knocked it out of my hand. Then he grabbed the gun and threatened to shoot me with it if I didn’t leave, so I left. He was very much alive when I left his condo.”

  Bob finished writing in his notepad. “That’ll be all for now.”

  “Meaning you intend to question me some more at a later date?”

  “You can go back to work.”

  Joe didn’t hesitate; he quickly left the room.

  Bob arched a brow. “What do you make of what he said?”

  “I believe him,” Mack said thoughtfully.

  “That leaves Warren and…”

  “Toni. I know. Remember, Bob, they’re not the only ones involved in this case.”

  “I haven’t forgotten.”

  * * *

  “Toni?” Mariah called out to her new friend’s back.

  “Hmm.”

  “You’ve been at it for hours. It’s time to take a break, as in eating dinner.”

  “You go ahead, I’m not finished yet.”

  Toni had felt that she was onto something several times, but nothing had come of it either time. She finally got up from the computer in defeat and went back into the living room and sank down on the couch in frustration.

  Mariah smiled encouragingly at Toni. “I’ve made one of those fifteen minute stroganoff meals Rachel has in the freezer. It isn’t up to Mack’s standards, but it’s not too bad, if I say so myself.”

  “Anything you make is fine, Mariah. I’m not interested in food right now. I’ve got to come up with something, and quick.”

  “I’ll help you all I can. You know that.”

  Toni smiled. “Yes, I do. But there doesn’t seem to be anything either of us can do at the moment.”

  The two ate dinner and were in the process of cleaning up the kitchen when the phone rang. Toni glanced anxiously at Mariah. They knew who was on the other end, and neither was looking forward to being read the riot act.

  Taking a deep breath, Toni picked up the receiver. “Hello.”

  “Toni, what in the hell are you and Mariah up to? I come home to find all your computer equipment gone.”

  “Mack, I can explain.”

  “Let me speak with my sister,” he said sharply.

  “But Mack—”

  “Now!”

  Toni had never heard Mack use that tone of voice when speaking to her. There was no doubt he was furious. She handed the receiver to Mariah.

  “All right, Mack, let’s get this over with. I know you’re angry, but we—”

  “Angry! Angry doesn’t begin to describe what I’m feeling right now.” He reached for a calming breath. “You’re playing amateur detective again, aren’t you, Mariah? I want you to stop it right now. This is a murder investigation, for Christ’s sake. You both could get hurt or worse.”

  “Now you’re exaggerating, Mack. We only picked up Toni’s computer. I don’t see why you’re going off like this.”

  “Don’t you? Well, let me spell it out for you, Miss Jessica Fletcher. The crux of this investigation is centered on the corporate intrigues going on at Townsend’s. Most of the evidence against Toni is hidden somewhere inside the Townsend computer system. The person in league with Clifford probably killed him. You can be damn sure they’ll be monitoring the company computer and if they are and you’ve…” He let his voice trail away.

  “I see what you mean. Toni might have alerted him or her by hacking into the system.”

  “Not only that, it’s against the law. A jail term is what you’ll get if you’re caught. Now, let me speak to Toni.”

  Mariah hunched her shoulders and handed the receiver back to Toni.

  “Now M
ack, don’t take it all out on Mariah, she only—”

  “I know very well what my sister was trying to do.” Concern made his voice sound harsh. “I don’t want anything to happen to you, Toni.”

  “I know you care, Mack.”

  “It’s more than that, Toni. Listen, I can’t say what I want to over the phone. As it is, I’m having to use the pay phone at the supermarket so the police can’t trace the call. The battery on my cell phone is shot or I would have used it. I’ll be out to see you later. Take care.”

  “Mack—I’ll be waiting.” She hung up.

  “Though I hate to admit it, my brother has a point. Whoever killed Frank Clifford could know or suspect that you’re onto them because of the cyberspace trail you might have left behind.”

  “I hadn’t considered that.” Toni’s brows rose thoughtfully. “Whoever logs in on the system does leave a trail and it is logged in on the hard drive. You’re right, I may just have given myself away.”

  * * *

  Mack called Matt and had him drop by his house.

  “Okay, Mack, what’s up?” Matt asked after entering his brother’s living room and closing the door.

  “I’m going to need your help again.”

  Mack traded clothes with his brother. He counted on the fact that they resembled each other closely and left the house in his brother’s van. He took a few detours to be on the safe side before heading for the beach house.

  Toni heard footsteps crunch on the sand seconds after the van pulled up alongside the beach house. Her heart started beating faster at the thought of seeing Mack again. Even though she knew he would be angry with her, she still wanted to see him. She and Mariah waited in the living room for him to come inside.

  Mack never failed to notice everything about Toni whenever his eyes lighted on her. He’d been angry when he discovered what she and his sister were up to. But now…He couldn’t help softening at the wary look in her eyes.

  “Well, have you found out anything useful?”

  “I wish.” Toni let out a defeated sigh. “No, I haven’t been able to find out anything, important or otherwise. I’m beginning to think no such evidence exists.”

  “It exists, all right. People like Frank Clifford can’t resist letting someone know how clever and powerful they are. Somewhere there is proof and someone who is well aware of what it could mean for them should anyone discover the truth, which brings me to the reason for my visit.”

  “Now, Mack,” Mariah began in her most finessing voice.

  “Stop right there, young lady. I brought you here to offer companionship to the woman—for Toni.”

  Disappointment washed over Toni when Mack chose not to reveal his feelings, but someday she was going to get him to say those three precious words: I love you.

  “Toni can tell you just how seriously I’ve taken my, ah, assignment.” Mariah giggled.

  Mack shot her an assessing glance. He was used to his sister’s double-talk and he wasn’t about to let her get away with it this time.

  “You’re an excitement and danger junkie, Riah. Well, you’re not going to get me to agree to let you do any more sleuthing.”

  “Mack,” she pouted.

  “I mean it, Mariah. You and Toni have put your safety in jeopardy. What if Bob had seen you today? You know he has someone watching my house. Oh, and Matt told me that you even involved Rachel and the kids.”

  Mariah had the grace to blush guiltily at that revelation. “Only indirectly.”

  “Mariah.”

  “All right, but it worked, you’ll have to admit.”

  “What am I going to do with you?”

  “Hire me when I’ve finished my degree.”

  Mack glanced at Toni.

  She hunched her shoulders. “I couldn’t help it, Mack. I had to tell her.”

  “She’s never going to let up on me now, you know that, don’t you? Maybe by the time she finishes her criminology degree she’ll have learned something about caution.”

  “I resent that,” Mariah retorted. “I’m always cautious.”

  “Yeah, right.”

  “Mack, I’ve got a few errands to run. Are you going to be here for a while?” Mariah asked.

  “Just make sure it’s not anything dangerous, okay?”

  Mariah flashed him a conceding smile. “All right, big brother.” With that she grabbed her purse and headed for the door.

  After she’d gone, Mack turned to Toni. “There may be hope for that girl yet.”

  “I’m enjoying her, Mack. How’s the investigation coming?”

  “So far not so good. First, I want a more affectionate greeting from you now that we’re alone.”

  “Oh, Mack,” she said, letting her lips instinctively home in on his.

  “Baby, I’ve missed you so much.”

  Her mouth curved into a passion-arousing smile. “It’s only been a matter of days since you’ve last seen me.”

  “It’s not the same as waking up to you by my side, seeing you every single day, making love to you every night.”

  “You’re right. It’s been torture for me being away from you.”

  “I can’t wait to see you cleared of these ridiculous charges so we can get on with our lives.”

  Toni laid her head against his chest. It wasn’t what she longed to hear, but she was sure it wouldn’t be long before he admitted that he loved her.

  Toni led Mack to her bedroom.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Several hours had passed and Mack had just walked back into the living room, contemplating leaving the beach house, when Mariah returned. He saw the knowing grin on her face and felt the urge to put her across his knee and spank her butt.

  “Not a single word, Riah.”

  “What is there to say? You’ve been comforting your lady.” She flashed him another mischievous grin. “Where is the love of your life, by the way?”

  “In the bathroom.” Mack walked over to the floor to ceiling window and gazed out over the moon-silvered ocean. “Nothing I do seems to help.”

  “Maybe not at this moment, but you’re going to save Toni. I have every confidence in you, my brother.”

  “But how am I going to accomplish this miracle?”

  Mariah squeezed his shoulder. “You’re a genius, you’ll find a way. Tell me, what does Bob have?”

  “Not a hell of a lot, but enough to muddy the water. We’re going to have to do some careful sorting through. Toni said she’d never seen Hank Warren’s gun until that night. I found out the gun had been in her friend Pat Davis’s office desk drawer at Townsend’s, where Joe found it and took it. What am I supposed to make of that? I believe Toni.” He absently dragged his fingers through his hair. “None of this makes any sense. I need some serious answers to my questions.”

  “Have you asked Toni about it?”

  “No, not yet.”

  “Why?”

  “I don’t want her to think I don’t trust her. Her integrity has already been questioned because of the embezzlement charges lodged against her.”

  “I see what you mean.” Mariah arched her brows in commiseration. “You do have a problem, but you’ll solve it. You’re good.”

  “Thanks, pequena.” He hugged her tight.

  “A mutual admiration society. Is it an exclusive club or can anyone join?” Toni queried from the doorway.

  “Only certain people are allowed in.” Mack walked over to her and pulled her into his arms and just held her. “And you happen to be a charter member.”

  Toni closed her eyes, reveling in his warmth. “I needed to hear that.”

  “If you two are going to—”

  “Behave, little sister,” Mack warned. “We need to get something straight before I leave.” He guided Toni over to the couch.

  “What?” Toni arched questioning brows.

  “Like what you and Mariah will and will not do together or independently.”

  “Mack, we were only trying to help.”

  “I wa
nt to keep you and my sister safe.”

  “We won’t do anything stupid.”

  “Toni and I—” Mariah began.

  “I want your promise that you won’t do anything without running it by me first.”

  “Suppose we can’t get in touch with you when we need to?”

  “Contact Marc. One of us will be available to offer advice.”

  “We won’t purposely do anything that will endanger Toni’s life, Mack,” Mariah conceded finally.

  He looked into Toni’s eyes. “Do I have your word?”

  “Yes.”

  He beamed a loving smile on her. “I don’t know when I’ll see you again. I’ve got to get the van back to Matt. He’s waiting for me. I’ll keep in touch.” He kissed Toni, hugged his sister and then he was gone.

  Toni turned to Mariah. “How are we going to do any sleuthing now that we’ve agreed not to do anything without telling him?”

  “Never underestimate Mariah Jessup,” Mariah answered. “There is a lot we can do without purposely endangering either one of us.”

  “You’re one crafty fox, Mariah.”

  “The word is vixen for the female of the species. Mack told me something I think you should know.” Mariah outlined what Mack had revealed to her.

  Toni frowned. “Why would Joe Davis say that he had found the gun in a desk drawer at Townsend’s unless it was true? The only way Pat could have gotten the gun was for Hank to have given it to her. Why would he do that and then turn around and say he’d given it to me? You don’t suppose she and Hank were ever—close?”

  “If you want an answer to your question you’re going to have to ask her.”

  “You’re right. It’s exactly what I intend to do in the morning.”

  * * *

  “Have you been in touch with Toni Carlton, Mack?” Bob pointedly asked his friend the next morning when Mack opened his front door to him. “As if I need to ask,” Bob added.

  Mack hesitated before speaking. “You know I have. Come on in. You have one of your men following me at all times. I’m sure he reported that I made a call at the pay phone outside the supermarket?”