Unwitting Alliances - Hunter Blake Series

Chapter Fifteen

  “Enjoy your plane ride?” Vera asked with a smile as Joe and Hunter walked into the kitchen.

  “Sure did,” Joe said with a big grin. “I’m glad the fog finally lifted long enough this afternoon for us to go up. He even let me take the yoke for a spell. I ain’t never flown a jet before! Felt real good. Real good.” Joe was grinning ear to ear. “How long were we gone anyway?”

  “A couple of hours,” Hunter said. “Saw a lot of countryside.”

  “We sure did!”

  “I’m glad dear,” Vera said. “I have supper ready if you’re hungry.”

  Both men washed up at the sink then sat down to enjoy pot roast, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, and fruit salad.

  “Where’s Janet?” Hunter asked. “And Brian?”

  “I’m not sure where that young man went off to, but Janet wanted to lie down for a while. I think she’s still pretty tired from all that gallivanting around. That was quite a story you both told.”

  “Yes, well we just shared some of the highlights. I worry about saying too much, mostly because I still don’t understand what’s going on,” he said, “and I don’t want the two of you pulled into this mess any more than necessary.” Hunter took bite and sat back. “This is really good. Thanks.”

  “Eat up. There’s plenty more,” she said.

  Conversation was light and centered on the afternoon flight Joe and Hunter had taken. Although not a flying enthusiast herself, Vera was happy that Joe had a good time then noticed Hunter’s plate was nearly empty. “Have some more pot roast,” she said.

  “Oh, no thanks. It tasted great but I’m full.” He pushed back from the table and stood up. “Has she been sleeping long?” he asked.

  “About an hour or so, maybe a little longer,” Vera replied.

  “Maybe I’ll go check on her.” Hunter excused himself and made his way down the hall to Janet’s room

  Joe watched him leave the kitchen. “He’s more fond of that young thing than he lets on,” he said.

  “Yes,” Vera agreed, “but I think it’s more a sense of protection. He is old enough to be her father, you know.”

  Pausing at Janet’s bedroom door, Hunter started to knock then thought he could hear her crying. Stepping away, he went back to the living room to sit down.

  Buster was napping in front of the fire, but raised up long enough to notice his master and cocked his head to one side.

  “You like it here?” Hunter asked. Buster walked over to Hunter and curled up at his feet. “You miss chasing squirrels, I’ll bet.”

  Buster looked at Hunter quizzically and stood up whimpering. Resting his chin on Hunter’s knee he watched his master expectantly.

  “I’m sorry about all of this, pal,” Hunter said. He stroked Buster. “I wish I could turn back the clock and make it all go away.”

  A door squeaked softly down the hall. Janet walked into the living room and sat down in an adjacent chair. He could see the puffiness and redness around her eyes. “You okay?” he asked.

  “Sure. I was just tired. So, did you enjoy your flight with Joe?” she asked, attempting to sound upbeat.

  “Yes. He really loves being up there.”

  “So how long do you think we’ll have to stay here?” she asked. “Not that I mind it. Joe and Vera have been so nice to us.”

  “I don’t know. Joe and I talked about it. He says we can stay as long as we want to. But I still need answers. Sitting around here won’t get us any.”

  Janet nodded. “I miss my mom,” she said. “She’s dead, you know. She was my best friend, in a lot of ways. I could always talk to her about things. I don’t have anyone to talk to anymore.” She shrugged.

  “You can talk to me, if it would help. I may not have any answers, but I can still listen,” he said taking a cue from Joe. Hunter inhaled deeply and let it out slow. “I wish I could do something to make it all better for you. I honestly don’t know what to do, but I think I’m going to take a chance and call someone, but not from here. I don’t want anyone showing up here unexpectedly for any reason.”

  Janet frowned at him. “How would anyone know where we are?”

  “Our phones, remember? If we use them. He stared at the fire. “Just like Brian said, speaking of which, where is he?”

  “I don’t know. He was here earlier, when I decided to take a nap.”

  Hunter looked at the front door. “Joe and I came back because it was getting late and we could see the fog bank hanging off the coast about five miles out. It’ll come rolling in here again pretty soon.” He stood up. “So, if we’re staying, that’s not a problem, but if we think we should leave, then the sooner the better. I need to find Brian.”

  Janet stretched and tried to shake off some stiffness. “You might check with Vera.” She looked toward the kitchen. “I’m hungry and something smells good.”

  “Go eat. I’ll look for Brian.”

  Janet headed for the kitchen just as Joe came out. “Help yourself to some supper, young lady. There’s plenty.” Janet smiled and thanked him as she disappeared into the kitchen.

  Hunter looked at Joe. “You seen Brian?”

  “Not since we got back. Vera said she hadn’t seen him for a while either.” He looked at Hunter.

  “That doesn’t sound good,” Hunter said with concern.” He walked into the kitchen.

  Hunter stood for a moment then asked Vera, “So, did Brian say where he was going?”

  “Well... he might have said something about taking a walk around,” she replied. “But to be honest, I don’t remember for sure. I was busy getting things ready for supper.”

  Hunter stood quietly thinking then looked at Joe. “Is there any way you can disable your runway lights?”

  “Sure. But why?”

  “Just an uneasy feeling, that’s all.”

  “Oh, I getcha,” Joe said with a nod. “I’ll be right back.” He headed out the back door.

  “What are you thinking?” Vera asked.

  “That you don’t need any unexpected visitors,” Hunter said.

  Joe was back. “All set.”

  “Good. You know... I’m beginning to think maybe Janet and I should get our things together and take off before that fog bank gets here.”

  “What about your friend Brian?” Vera asked.

  “If he doesn’t show up in the next fifteen minutes, we’re out of here and the two of you need to keep watch and stay alert.”

  Joe rubbed the top of his head. “Maybe it’s time Vera and me took a little vacation.” He reached for his wife’s hand.

  Hunter nodded thoughtfully. “You know, that sounds like an even better idea.” He glanced around. “You have a flashlight handy?”

  “Sure thing,” Joe said. “I’ll get it.”

  “I want to check around.”

  “I catch your drift. Let’s go.”

  Confused, Vera simply watched them go outside then sat down with Janet at the kitchen. “Those two are up to something,” she said.

  “I wonder what, though?” Janet stared at the back door for a moment then finished her meal. “Let me help you clean up,” she said to Vera. They had just finished the dishes when the men burst back through the door.

  “We’re leaving!” Hunter said emphatically. “Get your things.”

  “You too, sweetheart,” Joe said. “No time to waste.” He and Vera hurried to their bedroom to pack a few things. In the meantime, Hunter doused the fire in the fireplace as Janet grabbed her bag and put on her shoes.

  “What happened?” she asked.

  “We found Brian’s bloody shirt and that bulletproof vest out back in the trash can.”

  “What?”

  “We’re all leaving. Brian either bugged out or someone got to him. And I don’t see anything else of his lying around.”

  “He really didn’t have anything other than the clothes he was wearing,” Janet sa
id.

  “Yeah... except that bloody shirt and vest,” Hunter said.

  Joe and Vera joined them in the living room. “All set,” Joe said then took his wife’s hand. “We’ll be okay, darlin’. Just a quick trip.”

  Janet was concerned, noticing the look on Vera’s face. “Are you okay, Vera?”

  “She don’t like to fly all that much,” Joe explained. “Especially in little planes.”

  “Are we all going together?” Janet asked.

  “No. Joe and Vera need to stay as far away from us as possible,” Hunter said. “Joe’s going to use his plane.” He looked at him. “You mind taking Buster with you? It’s just temporary, but I think it might be best for now.”

  Joe nodded. “I’ll be happy to take care of him for you, son.”

  “He’s a good guard dog, too.”

  Janet looked at Vera. “It’s going to be okay. Just keep your eyes closed. And Buster, will be right there with you. He’s a good flyer.”

  Vera nodded nervously. “Okay, honey. If you say so.”

  Janet gave her a big hug. “You’ve been so kind letting us stay here. I hope we get to see each other again.”

  “Me too, Janet, me too,” Vera said with a warm smile. “You’ve been a joy to have as guests.”

  “A joy?” Janet giggled.

  “Yes. And I mean that!” Vera was adamant. “We don’t have much excitement around here and having both of you here has been... well... exciting.”

  “Then keep those exciting thoughts as you fly away on your vacation. It’s just another part of the excitement. Think of it as an adventure!”

  Vera shook her head. “I won’t go that far,” she said but smiled and hugged Janet one more time. “You both take care.”

  “And be mighty careful,” Joe chimed in. Grabbing their things, everyone headed for the airstrip with Buster leading the way.

  Hunter stowed his gear in the tail section of the jet and secured it then went over to help Joe and Vera. “When was the last time you flew your rig?” he asked.

  “About a month ago. She took to the air right nice.”

  Hunter called for Buster. “Let’s get going!”

  Buster ran straight to Hunter. “Okay, pal. You’re going with Joe and Vera. You can help protect them. But it’s only for a short while. You have to be a good boy, you understand?”

  Buster wagged his tail.

  “Okay. Let me help you onboard.” Hunter scooped Buster up and helped him into the plane. “Get in there. That’s a good boy.” Hunter gave him a good ear rub then turned to Joe and shook his hand. “Thanks, Uncle Joe.”

  “And thank you, son. But we have to stop meeting this way. Next time, let’s do it for pleasure.”

  “Agreed. You be careful up there.”

  “I will,” Joe replied. “I think we’ll head east. I know a place we can go and stay for a while.”

  “Good. I think we’ll head south and see what we can find.” Both men embraced tightly.

  “Try not to be a stranger,” Joe teased.

  “I won’t. Besides, I have to get my dog back. Safe trip.”

  Janet was already onboard the jet and belted into the copilot seat. Hunter performed a quick preflight then hurried to get his engines started. “I sure as hell hope Brian didn’t do anything to either of these planes to cause any trouble.”

  “I just hope he’s okay,” she said.

  Hunter was surprised. “I didn’t think you liked him.”

  “He wasn’t that bad,” she said. “Once I got to know him a little better.”

  “Whatever.” Hunter waited for each engine to start and warm up. Joe in the meantime, was lined up and ready to go. Giving his plane some throttle, it wasn’t long before he was airborne, banking around to the east.

  Hunter taxied to the threshold and set up for his own takeoff. Moments later they raced down the airstrip and lifted off into the onshore breeze climbing above the trees and toward the Pacific Ocean. The fog was about a mile out coming in as a massive gray roll swallowing everything in its path.

  Janet shivered involuntarily. “That is so creepy looking.”

  “I know but it will be a great cover for us,” Hunter said, heading straight for it.

  “Wait! You’re not going to fly into that are you?” She panicked.

  “We’ll be fine,” Hunter said.

  “But...”

  “Trust me. I know what I’m doing.” He veered to the south and almost immediately they were enshrouded in the swirling gray mass. He maintained his heading for another five miles then banked west and finally north.

  “I don’t like this,” Janet said. “What if we run into something!”

  “We’re over the ocean,” Hunter replied with a chuckle, “and climbing. We’ll clear this stuff in a few minutes.”

  “How long will we be over the ocean?” she asked, her eyes closed tight.

  “A short while. We’re about twenty miles out and almost out of this stuff. You can open your eyes now.”

  Janet opened one eye cautiously then the other. “Where’s the fog?” she asked.

  “Far below us.”

  She looked out her window and down. “Where are we going?”

  “I told Joe we were heading south, but instead we’re going due north to Canada. I hope you brought your passport.”

  “I always carry it.”

  “Travel a lot, do you?”

  Janet nodded. “Yes, as a matter of fact. I’ve been to Mexico twice, Europe last summer, and Australia the summer before that.”

  Hunter looked at her.

  “It was for business,” she explained.

  “Business.”

  “Yes, for Mr. Allensby.”

  “What kind of business?”

  She eyed him with a smirk. “I know what you’re thinking but I accompanied location scouting teams for some films he was producing. He thought it would be good experience for me to see that side of the business.”

  “I see,” he said. “So, which films?”

  “I don’t know. We were given specific types of locations to look for and told to take a lot of pictures, both from the air and on the ground. That sort of thing. It was all up-and-up. Nothing scandalous or illegal.”

  “Mmm-hmm.”

  She stared at him. “You don’t believe me.”

  “I believe you. What’s not to believe? Location scouts do that type of thing all the time. I just wondered if you knew what any of the films were about, that’s all.”

  Janet sat quietly looking out the window, muttering something under her breath.

  “You say something?” he asked. “I’m not accusing you of anything. It was business. I get that. It’s just... now with all of this stuff I wonder what kind of business, that’s all.”

  She continued to stare out her window. “I wasn’t doing anything illegal.”

  “I didn’t say you were,” Hunter replied.

  “No, but you were thinking it.”

  “I don’t think you did anything wrong. I’m not even saying the rest of the team did.”

  “But you were thinking it,” she said.

  Frustrated, Hunter maintained his heading as they flew in silence toward Vancouver Island. There wasn’t much to see other than stars here and there visible through a higher, but thinner cloud cover. Hunter finally announced they were back over land, and reached for a switch.

  “I’ve started our descent. It won’t be long now,” he said. We’re almost there.”

  “Can you land in the fog?” she asked anxiously as the plane slipped back into the dark mass.

  “Yes, of course we can, if it’s not too bad at ground level.”

  “But how will you know if you can’t see anything?” she asked.

  “I’m going contact the tower and in just a minute they’ll let us know if the visibility at ground level is adequate to land. I’ll use my instruments. We’ll watch for th
e airport beacon and runway lights as we get closer. You can help with that. We’ll probably see the beacon light flashing white and green before we get a glimpse of the runway lights.”

  “Okay,” Janet said, watching steadily.

  Hunter contacted the tower and got the go ahead to proceed. Soon the fog layer seemed to glow ahead from the lights of the towns of Courtenay and Comox. Moments later Janet was elated and pointed, “There! Is that it?”

  “Yes it is!” Hunter was equally pleased. “Here we go.” He received permission from the tower to land then came around and lined up using the now visible but fuzzy looking runway lights as a guide. With skill, he brought the aircraft safely down and taxied to a place to park.

  “Okay. We’re here,” he said exhaling loudly.

  “Where is here?” she asked.

  “British Columbia. Vancouver Island, actually.”

  “Really? We’re in Canada. That didn’t take very long.”

  Hunter grinned.

  “Now what?” she asked.

  “We need to get a place for the night, which means renting a car, but we’ll have to go through customs first. Have your passport ready.” Hunter retrieved his bag from the cargo space in the tail section then escorted Janet to the main terminal and the customs counter. They only needed to answer a few questions, explaining they were on a quick getaway for a couple of days.

  Although Hunter worried about any possible news stories that may have alerted the Canadian officials to detain them, everything went smoothly and without a hitch, much to his surprise. He then arranged for a rental car and soon they were headed for Courtenay.

  “I know a place we can stay,” he said. “It’s pretty secluded so we shouldn’t have any problems. I just hope they have a vacancy.”

  Once in town, he made a quick stop and purchased two prepaid phones. Back in the car, he handed one to Janet. “It may come in handy,” he said.

  Half an hour later they pulled off the main road onto a narrow tree-lined lane. Soon they pulled up to a large Tudor style home south of town. A sign outside the front gate read Inn by the Sea. Hunter found a place to park in a graveled area off to one side of the entrance. Two other cars were parked in front of the main house. One of them belonged to the Inn, clearly identified by a logo, and the other likely belonged to a guest.

  Janet was delighted. “This is lovely. How did you know about it?” she asked then quickly added, “Never mind. I don’t think I want to know.”

  Hunter laughed. “I’ve stayed here before, by myself if you must know... on occasion.”

  “Yes, well it’s those other occasions I don’t want to know about.”

  He unbuckled his seat belt and started to step out of the car. “Maybe you should wait here.”

  “Good idea. Wouldn’t want to sully your reputation any.” He looked at her quizzically. “I’m just teasing” she said but gave him a look anyway.

  Hunter went inside to check on a possible vacancy. Soon he was back. “We’re in luck. They have a cottage available with two bedrooms.”

  “Good,” she said. “Did anyone ask about you and everything that’s been happening?”

  “Not really. The owner’s wife said she was glad to see I was okay and back for a visit, though,” he said. “Come on. It’s in back.” He grabbed his bag and guided Janet toward an ornamental side gate that led to a cobbled path to the back. Three small cottages rimmed the perimeter of a spacious back yard of manicured lawn and flower beds. Behind those were dense woods beyond which was the Strait of Georgia. Noting the number on the key, Hunter located their cottage situated between the other two.

  “Nice,” Janet said as Hunter turned on a small table lamp. “So which room is mine?”

  “Take your pick,” he said.

  Janet chose one and stepped inside to look around then came back out. “How much clothing did you bring?”

  “Clothing? Why?”

  “I just wondered if you had an extra shirt I could use to sleep in, that’s all.”

  With a sly grin he laughed. “I think I can find something that might fit.”

  “Very funny.” Janet said as he dug around in his bag finally pulling out a T-shirt. “Will this do?” He tossed it to her.

  “Yes, thank you.” Disappearing into her room, she closed her door and set the lock. “Good night!” she called out.

  “Already? It’s still early. Aren’t you hungry for a snack or something?” he called back. “They said we could get a bite to eat if we wanted.”

  Janet opened her door. “Eat? I guess I am a little hungry, even though I ate a nice meal at Joe and Vera’s.”

  Pulling on her lightweight jacked she accompanied Hunter back to the main house where they were kindly escorted to the dining room. All the décor and furnishings complemented the stately home.

  It was owned and operated by a retired couple, the McKinney’s, who had decided to retire in Canada, having originally come from Scotland years ago. Hunter and Janet were provided a light meal of chicken salad sandwiches and some cut up fruit prepared by Mrs. McKinney.

  “You have many guests staying here?” Hunter asked her.

  “No,” she responded in her delightful accent. “Just you folks and one other couple from Montreal is all. It’s still a little early for the tourist season. We usually fill up nearly every night during the summer months.” She smiled. “It’s nice of you to come stay with us again, especially with everything we’ve been hearing in the news.”

  “So you have heard,” he said.

  “Aye. But it’s none of our business. We can’t, for one minute, believe you’ve done anything wrong.”

  “Thanks. We just needed a place to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet,” he said. “Besides, Janet and I have been working on a project and needed to scout out some locations. I think I want to try my hand at either directing or producing a film.”

  “That sounds exciting,” Mrs. McKinney said with a smile, her eyes wide.

  “Janet has previous experience as a location scout so I wanted her opinion about some things. I’m not all that familiar with the behind the scenes stuff.”

  “Is there anything in particular you are looking for?” she asked.

  “Your inn, to start with,” he said. “Aside from wanting to get away, that’s one of the reasons I wanted to bring her here, so she could see for herself. I’m not all that good at describing things.”

  “Well, dear,” she addressed Janet, “what do you think so far?”

  “It’s beautiful. I love how you’ve maintained a sense of tradition and culture with your place. I feel like I’ve stepped into a whole different era. It’s wonderful.”

  “I am so pleased!” Mrs. McKinney oozed. “So pleased. I’ll have to tell my husband. Well, you both enjoy your meal. I’ll leave you alone.”

  Hunter looked at Janet and grinned once Mrs. McKinney had returned to the kitchen. “You handled that very well,” he said.

  “Thank you, and a nice improvisation yourself by the way... location scouting, huh?”

  “I’ll have to ask her to keep it quiet, though. Don’t want the whole town expecting us to do a shoot here.”

  “Then you’d better hurry. I’ll bet she’s on the phone already!” Janet giggled.

  Hunter got up to find Mrs. McKinney. Soon he was back. He chuckled as he sat down. “You were right. She was on the phone dialing a number, and a little embarrassed but seemed to understand my concerns.”

  “Good.” Janet let out a sigh. “So what’s next?”

  “I don’t know. I was thinking about that a while back. I’m tempted to call my attorney, Frank. He’s helped me out of a couple of other jams recently. He might have some ideas.”

  “Can you trust him?”

  “About as much as I can trust you,” he said.

  She made a face. “I miss Buster,” she said taking another bite.

  “Me too,” H
unter agreed. “I hope he’s going to be okay.”

  “He will. He seemed to really like Joe.”

  “Yeah.” Hunter nodded. “I just hope he doesn’t like him too much.”

  Janet laughed then put down her fork. “I think I’m full. And I’m really tired.”

  “Me too,” Hunter agreed.

  Mrs. McKinney stepped into the room. “How are you both doing?”

  “Very good. Great meal,” Hunter said then pushed back his chair. “We’re going to head back to our cottage. Thanks again, and remember our little secret.” He helped Janet to her feet.

  “Mum’s the word,” Mrs. McKinney said.

  Strolling quietly together along the cobbled path, Hunter had his arm around Janet as she shivered in the chill of the foggy night air.

  “I hope no one’s watching us at the moment,” she said.

  “Why?”

  “I don’t want anyone to get the idea that we’re an item,” she said.

  “Why would they?”

  Janet gave him a look. “You know Hunter, sometimes I think you are very naive.”

  He took his arm away. “I was just trying to help you stay warm.”

  “I know that, and you know that, but someone else would come to a different conclusion, I’m sure. Let’s just get inside where it’s warmer. I wish could go home and warm up.”

  “I know. I wish you could too.”

  Hunter unlocked the door to their cottage and waited for Janet to step inside.

  “Okay if I turn on the television for a few minutes?” she asked.

  “Sure. I need to take a shower. I’ll join you in a little while. Maybe you can check the news... see what’s happening.”

  “Okay. I’ll see what I can find.”

  Settling on the couch, she began flipping through available stations, trying to locate one that was broadcasting news stories. She paused at one waiting until the commercial ended. Pleased it was a late night news program, she listened to the announcer offer a couple of short stories of local events before moving on to international news.

  Suddenly she sat up straight and stared. In a panic, she jumped up and banged on Hunter’s bedroom door. “Hunter!” she yelled to him. “Come out here! Quick!”

  Hunter hurried out to the living room holding onto a towel wrapped around his hips. “What!”

  “Look!” she said, pointing to the television screen.

  News footage showed a police investigation of a crime scene. The superimposed caption told the story as the announcer gave more details.

  “In international news, there are still no further details on the double homicide investigation of Hollywood film producer Gerald Allensby and his wife, Carolyn. As previously reported, police received a 911 call from the Allensby estate very early this morning. When they arrived on scene they found both victims had been fatally shot. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more...”

  Hunter stood frozen. “Murdered?” He stared at Janet in disbelief. “Gerry and Carolyn?”

  “Now I’m really scared, Hunter. I’m really scared.” Janet looked at him helplessly. “Why would anyone kill Gerry? Or his wife? Do you think it has anything to do with that Arizona deal? Do you think someone is going to try to kill us too? What if we’re already being watched?”

  “No one knows we’re here... at least not yet.”

  “Unless Mrs. Jensen goes ahead and tells a few people anyway,” Janet said.

  “Yeah. Unless she does that.” He stared at the television.

  “Are you still going to call your attorney?”

  “I think I’d better. Just in case. I don’t want anyone thinking I had anything to do with that!” He pointed at the television. “See what else you can find.” he said. “I think I’ll skip the shower and get dressed again then I’ll make the call. I’ll use the room phone, though.”

  “Wait!” she said. “If he has caller ID, he’ll see the area code which will be a dead giveaway.”

  “You’re right,” he conceded, “but the new burner phones will have the same area code. We’ll just have to take that chance.” He went back to his room and quickly dressed then returned to make the call while Janet continued flipping through channels.

  “Bradley,” a voice answered.

  “Frank. It’s me... I... uh...”

  “Hunter! Where are you? I’ve been trying to get a hold of you. Where are you? Are you okay?”

  “Yeah, we’re fine just a little nervous, though, about a news story we just saw.”

  “The Allensby’s?”

  “Yeah. What the hell happened? Who killed them and why?”

  “Don’t have any answers yet,” Frank said. “So, where are you?” he asked again.

  “Safe... for now.”

  “You said, we. Who’s with you?” Frank asked.

  “Janet. Gerry’s personal assistant... or former assistant I guess I should say.” He paused. “Hey, uh... I think we could use some help. I just don’t know what kind of help.”

  “For starters, where are you?” Frank pressed him.

  Hunter glanced at Janet who was focused on another news station. “I’m just nervous about disclosing where we are in case someone is listening.”

  “If someone is, by now they’ve narrowed it down. Only takes a couple of minutes these days.”

  “I guess.”

  Frank was impatient. “Tell me where you are so I can figure out a way to help you.”

  “Okay. Fine. We’re in Canada.”

  “Canada.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Where, exactly, in Canada?”

  “Vancouver Island. Courtenay.”

  “At the Inn?” Frank asked.

  “That’s right.”

  “Okay, good. How can I reach you?”

  “I guess you can call our room number. Hold on a second.” Hunter read it to Frank then asked, “When should I expect to hear from you?”

  “A few hours. For sure by morning,” Frank said. “Just stay put until you hear from me.”

  “Okay, we will. And Frank? Thanks.”

  “Not a problem,” Frank replied and hung up.

  Hunter joined Janet on the couch. “Anything else?”

  “Not much, but it sounds like they were at home and alone. Carolyn was found dead in the hot tub outside... naked, and Gerry was found inside on the kitchen floor. They were both shot.”

  Hunter leaned back and put his arm about Janet, pulling her in close. “This isn’t good. Other than the Arizona hand-off gone bad, I would have never expected something like this. I mean, they must have had something to do with the Arizona thing, obviously, but to end up murdered?”

  Janet put her head on his shoulder. “I can’t believe it. Mr. Allensby was quirky at times and very paranoid, as you well know, but he seemed so nice the rest of the time. I didn’t like his wife, though. I always thought she was up to no good.”

  “Carolyn?” he asked. “I don’t know.” He rested his head on top of Janet’s. “Did Gerry ever have any unusual visitors? Anyone that didn’t seem connected to the film industry?”

  “I don’t know,” she said. “As far as I was concerned, lots of people in the movie business seem unusual one way or another.”

  Hunter let out a laugh. “Yeah, I guess, but you don’t remember seeing anyone who didn’t seem to fit with the movie business, as you put it?”

  Janet shook her head as they continued to watch the news which had moved onto sports. “I feel so out of touch with everything, even though it’s only been a couple of days.” She sat up. “Can you believe all of this has happened in just a couple of days?”

  “No,” he said, “but I guess we have to because it did.”

  “But we’ve been all over the place.” She put her head back on his shoulder. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this stressed or frightened ever before in my whole entire life... well except maybe for one other time.” br />
  Hunter grinned. “Your whole entire life?” He chuckled. “And that would be how many years?”

  “Stop it! You know what I mean.”

  “Yes... I do. I’m stressed and scared too, to be honest.” He smiled at her and she looked up into his eyes. Slowly, they leaned in closer. The kiss was tender and she succumbed with little effort. He finally released her.

  “You want some company tonight?” she asked.

  He looked into her eyes for a long moment. “I don’t think that would be a good idea, not that it isn’t a tempting thought, but...”

  “No. That’s okay,” she replied quickly standing up. “I understand. I shouldn’t have asked. I think I’ll go to bed now. Thanks for loaning me the T-shirt.”

  “Anytime,” he said watching her go to her room and closed the door quietly. He heard a faint click then turned off the television and got up to turn off lights. Standing at the front window in the darkened room, he peeked out at the main house. Light from one window on the second floor cast a faint glow on the lawn below then suddenly went out, throwing the yard into darkness. The cloud cover added to the gloominess and a very slight breeze faintly rustled a wind chime hanging somewhere nearby. A movement caught his eye then a smile creased his face as he barely caught sight of a cat trot into some shrubbery behind the house.

  Exhausted from the past two days’ events, he welcomed sleep. Heading for his own room, he closed and locked his own door then peeled down to his T-shirt and boxers before climbing into bed. Pulling the covers up to his chin, he let out a tired sigh then rolled over and soon fell asleep.