A Tale of Two Lenores Read online

  She was in the kitchen when Larry found her. Thinking he would have a little fun before killing her, he pushed the woman up against the counter and started kissing her, pulling at her blouse. She was a fighter though, all knees, elbows, and teeth. Larry flicked open his switch blade to scare her, she kicked him in the groin, he lashed out with knife and cut her face. But not before she managed to hit him across the head with the frying pan she was drying. Stunned and his head spinning from the blow, Larry could not stop the little hellcat from getting away. She is still out there somewhere, probably being helped by the idiot. I will find her, and she will pay. For now, the brothers had other problems, though.

  Getting busted is always a possibility when the cops get involved. They had never been this close to their world crashing down on them, though. Larry had planned for he and Mitch to put away enough to get far away from here before that time came. He hated mucking stables, although working with the women guests took some of the stink out of the job, and the pay is not that bad especially when you count living in the fancy horse barn as part of the deal. The place had a separate two-bedroom apartment in the loft decked out like a high-end hotel, complete with big screen TV and jacuzzi. For stable muckers, he and Mitch did good. He wondered if they needed to slide out of here tonight, taking part of the cargo with them and set themselves up in business far away. Nope, that won’t work. Larry feared the syndicate boss heading this operation more than he did the law. They would hide and watch a few days more.

  Chapter 7

  Saturday, April 27, 2017

  “Collins, it’s time to get started,” Travers bellowed. Lenore scrunched her eyes tight against the morning light and groaned. Surely, she had just fallen off to sleep.

  “What time is it?” she asked keeping her eyes tightly closed.

  “Time to wake up. Coffee is ready, and Tim and Bambi will be here any minute.”

  She peeked out of one eye to look at Travers. “I thought we are searching for Dad today.”

  “We are. Tim and Bambi will join us.”

  “Are they fellow police officers?”

  “Yep. The best search and rescue team HPD has.”

  “Bambi is not the sort of name I would expect of a police woman; not tough enough.” Lenore puzzled. “Poor girl, I bet she lived hard at first.”

  “No, not really. Bambi is one of the best-looking women on the force. Every man on the force wanted to be her partner, even me, but Tim won.”

  A knock on the door signaled the arrival of the paragon and her partner. Lenore hurried to bathroom to make herself presentable, a challenging task given she had slept in the same clothes she left New York in hours earlier and her suitcase case was still in Travers’ truck. Thankfully, she had a hot shower before leaving New York and could do with a quick wash. Lenore brushed her teeth and ran Shane’s comb through her hair. The lovely Bambi will be in uniform anyway, and no one will notice that Lenore was not exactly runway ready. Not that Travers or this Tim would care. She suspected the men would have eyes for only their good-looking coworker. But, hey, a woman has her pride.

  Travers and another man, both dressed in tactical pants and tees, sat on bar stools deep in conversation and drinking mugs of steaming coffee. Lenore’s mouth watered when she noticed two boxes from Connor’s Bakery on the counter. OMG, she thought, I have died and gone to heaven. She could smell the aroma of bacon coming from box 1. Box 2 would have a variety of fresh baked pastries. If the guy talking to Shane delivered these delicacies, Lenore already liked him. She glanced around looking for Officer Bambi. No Bambi, only a beautiful German Shepherd dog. Why would any parent call their child Bambi in this age? For that matter, why would a parent name their daughter after a woman in a legend who committed suicide?

  Shane heard her coming. “Collins, coffee, donuts, and bacon okay for breakfast?”

  “Is the earth round?” she scowled at him. Lenore extended her hand to Shane’s companion. “Lenore Collins.”

  “Tim Sells, Ms. Collins.” Sells grasped her hand surprised that her delicate hands were capable of a firm handshake.

  “Please call me Lenore. Travers has probably called me worse,” Lenore smiled, a glint of mischievous in her eyes. “Did you partner not show up yet?”

  “My partner?” Tim asked in confusion, before realization dawned on him. He reached down and scratched his dog behind the ears. “Meet Bambi, my sweetheart and partner. She never leaves my side, even sleeps at the foot of my bed at night. I don’t know what I would do without her.”

  Travers almost chocked on the donut he was eating seeing the shocked, confused look on Collins’ face suddenly replaced with enlightenment.

  “Oh, I see.” Collins glared at Shane, her expression said it all. Paybacks are hell.

  Tim didn’t know what was going on, but the look Lenore Collins was shooting Detective Travers meant the man was in trouble.

  “Travers tells me that you two are HPD’s best search and rescue team. Thank you for helping look for my father.”

  “Wish we could have found him last night, ma’am. We will cover more ground today, though.” Tim assured her.

  “Collins, you need to eat so we can get started.” Travers told her. “Tim brought the donuts and bacon.”

  “I suspected as much, Travers. He already tops my most favorites list.”

  “See, Tim,” Shane grinned. “I told you the two of you would do just fine.”

  “I can’t take credit for breakfast, ma’am,” Tim admitted. “Shane asked me to stop at Connors for your favorite donuts with maple cream icing and bacon.”

  “Well, you brought them to me, so thank you. Travers is just trying to get back on my good side.”

  “Not that she has one, Tim.” Travers warned. “So, watch out.”

  Lenore wasn’t shy about eating her share of the donuts and bacon, that was for sure. Travers wondered how she kept her trim figure if she always ate like that. But Lenore did a great deal of field work, and she loved to hike and rappel. No doubt she had friends in New York with the same interests. Professor Collins is always relating Lenore’s rappelling escapades. Travers wondered if his childhood friend had a love interest in New York that shared her interest.

  Travel mugs of coffee in hand, the three climbed in Tim’s official K-9 SUV and started for Twin Maples. Lenore insisted on sitting in the back seat with Bambi with whom she had already fallen in love. When I move home to Hylton, I am getting a dog. The question of where to take roots after completing her doctorate degree was one foremost in her mind as she neared the end of her studies. She had successfully defended her dissertation earlier this month. After the conferring of degrees in mid-May, Lenore would be officially Dr. Lenore Collins, PhD. Once she had successfully defended her dissertation, Lenore started sending out resumes. Her job of choice would be in Kentucky, especially at Hylton University.

  The first stop of the day was at River Realty, Bethany Allan’s real estate firm, to pick up the key to the old house.

  Bethany had just pulled in when they arrived. She greeted Lenore without enthusiasm but voiced sincere concern for Mr. Collins. “I hope he is found soon and in good health.”

  “Thanks, Bethany.” Lenore acknowledged. “I apologize for spoiling your date.” No, really, I don’t, she added to herself. I don’t like you, and you are not good enough for Travers.

  “Yes, that was upsetting,” Bethany agreed, her voice laced with venom. “But the night was not a total disaster as our new mayor gladly took over as my escort. In fact, Mayor Andrews and I have a meeting today with a wealthy client of mine to close a real estate deal. After that, Brad and I are celebrating together,” she announced triumphantly, leaving no doubt as to the nature of celebration she intended.

  “That is fast even for you, Bethany,” Shane sneered. “The mayor must have made a big impression.”

  “Jealous Shane?” Bethany gloated.

  “No. Can we have the key now and be on our way?” Shane snapped.

  Lenore t
hought she noticed a hint of anger in his voice. Wounded male ego or jealousy? Did Shane have feelings for Bethany he was admitting to himself, much less his friend? Lenore did not like Bethany Allan, but what if her friend did have affection for the woman? Wouldn’t she want her friend to be happy? The thought of Travers and Bethany Allan together hurt Lenore and she did not understand why. She quickly dismissed the idea choosing to worry about her father instead.

  “Not so fast, Detective Travers,” Bethany smirked. “The owner of Twin Maples is town this weekend. I spoke with him after you called this morning and he wants to see the search warrant.

  “The search warrant is in order and in my pocket, Tim picked it up from the judge this morning,” Shane informed the agent. “We do not have time to wait for the owner. Why don’t you send the owner over to the place and we can talk there?”

  “No need, Mr. Alvarez is here now,” Bethany informed them as a bright red late model Porsche Cayenne SUV pulled in the parking lot.

  Lenore uttered a profanity audible only to Shane as the driver stepped out of the vehicle. Travers glanced at her, having never heard his friend drop the f-bomb. Collins was pale, and he noticed a barely perceptible quiver of her lips. He edged closer to her, casually dropping his arm around her shoulder.

  “Good morning, Mr. Alvarez,” Bethany cooed. “You are just in time. The police are here for the key and have the search warrant for you to review.”

  “Thank you, Ms. Allan. I know my real estate affairs are in competent hands.” Alvarez smiled at the agent and Lenore thought Bethany would swoon.

  Lenore had thought the man exiting the vehicle was Luis Carlos. Instead Carlos Alvarez, her former boss, appeared not his odious brother. Her tense muscle relaxed, and she let a sigh of relief escape. The man was handsome with his tanned olive skin, his warm perfect smile, his professionally styled black hair, and his well-toned physique. Dressed in designer clothes and Italian leather shoes, Carlos Alvarez is Hollywood perfect, a handsome, dashing bachelor just waiting for the right woman to be that special one ease his loneliness and to keep his eyes and hands from roving. He exuded confidence, charisma, tenacity, and danger. Lenore knew from working for the man, that Carlos Alvarez is a man used to getting what he wanted, in love and in business. She had been the focus of his intense stares in the last six months. Shelia, her friend at the club, told Lenore that Carlos had put the word out that the bartender was off limits, yet he had never approached her. Lenore had seen the type of women the Alvarez brothers dated, and she did not come close to their standards. She suspected the man was trying to avoid a scandal at his club. Alvarez strolled over to Lenore, the pitch-black eyes searching her with his inscrutable gaze.

  “Ah, Ms. Collins. I was sorry to hear of your decision to leave Club Nocturno.” Carlos spoke suavely. “My brother explained the situation to me, and I have, of course, severely reprimanded him. You will have no further problems from him. We will be honored if you will rejoin our ranks, or at least let me offer recompense for your inconvenience.” He finished smoothly.

  Lenore knew Carlos was saying he would pay her to keep her mouth shut about Luis’ most recent mischief. Offering a payoff was Carlos’ usual method of dealing with his brother’s indiscretion to avoid sexual harassment or assault charges. She had heard rumors of Carlos having an attorney on retainer whose sole job was to clean up after his brother. Instead, she replied, “I have no desire to return to work at Club Nocturno and I do not need any monetary compensation. The slap should be a warning to him. Next time your brother harasses a woman, he might not be so fortunate.”

  “I can guarantee your safety at the club, Ms. Collins. I gave the man a formidable warning, he will not approach you anymore at my club.” Carlos assured her. “I would like to have my favorite bartender back as would your customers. Your presence and skills are missed.”

  “Thank you, but no thank you, Mr. Alvarez.”

  “I understand, Ms. Collins.” He quickly turned his attention to Shane and Tim, noticing the protective arm of one man around Lenore Collins. “Please, introduce me to your friends. I understand them to be detectives, although one would not know from their outfits. Our New York detectives dress in a more business-like attire.”

  “Detective Travers and Officer Sells are aiding in the search for my father who went missing yesterday,” Lenore informed him. “We will be searching through woods, fields, briars and brambles, Mr. Alvarez, not streets and sidewalks.”

  “Ah, it is that spunk my guests will miss as much as your skill as a bartender.” Alvarez said with regret. This woman had intrigued him from the first day at Club Nocturno. She appeared unaware of how sexually attractive he found her. Carlos Alvarez set his plan in place for a slow seduction. Damn you, Luis. “I do hope your father is found safe, Ms. Collins. Now, as to this search warrant Detective Travers. May I see it.”

  “Of course, sir.” Shane handed him the warrant. Alvarez scanned it.

  “Everything appears to be in order.” Alvarez really did not care, but he wanted to show this detective that he, Carlos Alvarez, is in control. Carlos, never having cause to be jealous of another man, did not recognize the jealousy directing his behavior towards Detective Travers.

  Alvarez returned the warrant to Travers and turned his attention to Bethany, dismissing the detective. “Ms. Allan, I believe you and I have further business to attend to and a meeting with the mayor. Shall we?” The man motioned Bethany to lead the way with a sweeping flourish of his arm. Bethany, casting smug smile to the others, led the way into her office.

  “Pompous jerk, isn’t he?” Tim remarked, leading his partner to the vehicle. “Come on Bambi, we need to get to fresher air.”

  Lips drawn in a tight line, Shane turned on Lenore. “Collins?”

  “Not now, Travers. Please. Let’s go looks for Dad.”

  Shane continued to stare, anger flashing from his hazel eyes, every muscle tensed ready to go after Alvarez. “Did that jerk or someone else hurt you? Tell me now.”

  Shocked at his anger, Lenore hasten to calm him. “Look, the boss’ brother got fresh and pushy. I slapped his face and walked out. I do know how to take care of myself, you know. Please, can we discuss this later?”

  “You damn right we will discuss this later. Tonight, after dinner with my parents, you and I are going to talk.” He stomped off toward the SUV.

  Lenore followed him. She turned back once, to see Carlos Alvarez staring at her.

  Chapter 8

  An awkward silence hung over the occupants of the SUV as Tim started the vehicle. Bambi lay her head in Lenore lap as if the, dog knew the woman was worried. Lenore absentmindedly stroked the Bambi’s back, staring aimlessly out the window. Normally, Lenore would delight in the view from the car window; the bright spring sunshine, new leaves pushing their way from the tree buds, and the azaleas and forsythia bushes in bloom. Worry about her father and the presence of Carlos Alvarez in her home town colored her surroundings gray and dull, though. Why would a multimillionaire with a villa in Spain, his own private hotel in Miami, and a condominium in New York rumored to be worth several million dollars, want a few acres of woods and fields in Hylton, Kentucky? The man was a land speculator, Lenore knew that, and she distrusted those speculators. They were a sure sign that woods and open areas were at risk. Shopping centers and subdivisions would replace the trees. Not that Lenore was against progress, but Hylton was a mid-size city with a small-town atmosphere and she liked it that way. Tim speaking to her brought her back to the here and now.

  “So, Lenore, you actually worked as a bartender for that jerk?” Tim sounded curious, not judgmental.

  “Yes, Tim. I have worked most of my adult life as a bartender or waitress to earn money for college and make a living while working on my doctorate. Carlos Alvarez is not a jerk, though, he is a gentleman. Luis is the jerk.”

  “What kind of place is this Club Nocturno? Sounds like a swanky place.”

  “One of the most exclusive places in New York
. Very few patrons are allowed in without a reservation and those patrons are some of the most influential people in state and national politics and the financial world.”

  “When did you start working there anyway?” Tim asked.

  “I started working there six months ago, six nights a week, four hours a night. Shelia, a friend of mine at Columbia told me about the place. She has worked there three years,” Lenore informed him. “The part-time hours worked well with my job at the university and allowed time to work on my dissertation. Not to mention the pay was good. And, except for the occasional jerk, the place is one of the safest clubs in the city to visit.”

  “High police presence?” Tim asked.

  “No. CCTV everywhere, professional armed security guards all over the place, and the reputation of Alvarez keep most of the problems at bay.”

  “What did you father think about your bartending job?” Tim didn’t think he would want a daughter working as a bartender in some of the places he’d visited.

  “Dad didn’t say much. Unlike others, he trusts my judgement.” She could not resist to get that jab in at Travers.

  “Did he know you worked someplace like Alvarez’s joint?” Shane demanded.

  “Dad does not know I am currently working anywhere,” she admitted. “Club Nocturno is not a joint, the place is a respectable nightclub.”

  Tim found himself a spectator now, an uncomfortable one at that. His two traveling companions had forgotten is presence.

  “On the surface,” Travers grumbled. “What about below the surface, Collins?”

  “Okay, sure things went on there I did not approve of or participate in, Travers. Both male and female employees wooed by the wealthy patrons; liaisons between consensual adults. Married wealthy men, and women for that matter, having clandestine meetings with their lovers. What someone else did was not my business. I stayed behind the bar, kept my eyes and ears opened and my mouth shut.”