Inkblot Killer (A Brad Frame Mystery Book 11) by Flynt Ray

Author:Flynt, Ray
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-11-03T00:00:00+00:00

20

Tuesday Afternoon, Pompano Beach, Florida

Sharon

I changed into a comfy blouse and khakis.

Right after Brad instructed me to confront Gerald Mercer, my phone app signaled that his burgundy Corvette—make that Fiona’s Corvette—had moved from its parking spot. I looked out my hotel window just as Mercer turned South on Ocean Boulevard. One of the ladies from his office sat in the passenger seat.

My laptop provided more reliable mapping of the car’s movement. Mercer stopped at the same Mexican restaurant where he’d gone for dinner during my last trip to Pompano Beach. Their guac must be worth repeat visits.

After my not-so-nourishing lunch of chips and cookies from the hotel’s vending machine, I drove across the street and waited in the parking lot for him to return.

It was a long wait. I found myself dozing as the sun warmed my rental car.

Just before two o’clock, the phone app signaled his movement. My phone’s map didn’t reveal the details like their internet site, but it was close enough that I spotted his wine-colored car rounding the corner of the building into the parking area just when the app suggested it would appear.

I sprang from my car and raced toward Mercer and his startled coworker as they emerged from their vehicle, shouting, “Mr. Mercer, Mr. Mercer.”

I intercepted him and shoved my business card into his hand. He glanced at it. For an instant the color drained from his cheeks, but he recovered quickly.

He gestured to his colleague. “You go ahead in. I’ll be right there.”

When she got out of earshot, he stared at the card again. “What’s this about?”

A cool breeze washed over me. “Could we go inside? I’d prefer to talk in private. You never know who might be monitoring public conversations.”

I made it all up, but he glanced around like the FBI might have long-range microphones aimed at him from the roof of his condo building.

From the moment Fiona decided to meddle into the case she’d asked us to investigate, Brad made it clear to me that Mercer’s philandering was none of our business. Fiona missing and Russell Ward’s demands for an investigation took precedence. Although I still wanted to know who the mystery woman was that had visited Mercer’s condo.

I followed him into his office building. He smiled wanly at his lunch companion and another woman who staffed the receptionist’s desk before inviting me into his private office.

It wasn’t that private. A glass wall separated his office from the open area. I sat with my back to his staff. They had a clear view of his body language. Most glass isn’t soundproof, so I modulated my voice hoping they wouldn’t overhear.

I began with, “Your father-in-law hired our firm.”

He scowled. “Russell Ward hates me.”

“Fiona is missing. I’d like to know when you last had contact with her.”

His facial expression betrayed nothing. “Are you sure?”

“Sure about what?”

“That she’s missing.”

“Mr. Ward reports that his daughter is missing.”

Gerald Mercer rolled his eyes and sighed. “She’s done this kind of thing before.”

“What kind of thing?”

“Left town without telling anyone.

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