The Grim Reaper's Calling Card by Donald Webb

Author:Donald Webb [Webb, Donald]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781626397491
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2016-10-03T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Wednesday, March 10

Tanaka entered his office the next morning, realizing he’d been trying to find Anne Bradley for two weeks. Maybe this new focus will help me find her, he was thinking as he took a seat and turned on his computer. He worked at the computer until ten, then he set out for Lyle Thompson’s Chevrolet dealership. Hopefully, he’d be at work. The dealership wasn’t too far from his office, so he decided to walk. When he got to Starbucks, he couldn’t resist the temptation. He went in and purchased a mocha Frappuccino and a bran muffin. He sat in the sun, sipped his drink, and nibbled on the muffin as he watched the passing parade. It was warm enough to remove his jacket, but he thought he better not. If a passersby saw his gun, they would probably panic and call the police. He didn’t feel like dealing with that situation.

It was ten thirty by the time he reached the big modern dealership building. He approached the reception desk.

“I’d like to see Mr. Thompson, please,” he said, handing the receptionist his business card.

The receptionist glanced at the card then said, “I’m sorry, sir. Mr. Thompson won’t be in this week. He’s busy doing some work out at his ranch. If it’s important I can give him a call.”

“That his ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley?”

“Yes, it is. Do you want me to call him?”

“No thanks, that won’t be necessary. I know the number, I’ll call myself.” He didn’t know the number, but he didn’t want Thompson forewarned.

On the way out, he stopped in the showroom to admire a new Camaro.

A salesman approached him. “It’s a beauty, isn’t it? Would you like to take it for a test drive?”

“Yes, it is a nice-looking car, but I’m not in the market for a new car right now. I’ll keep it in mind.”

Tanaka walked back to his office. Frances was behind the receptionist’s desk.

After their good mornings, Tanaka said to Frances, “If I remember correctly, Frances, at one time you worked for Santa Barbara County.”

“Oh yes, Mr. Tanaka. I worked there for a number of years.”

“Good. I have an assignment for you. Someone I’m interested in has a ranch near Solvang in the Santa Ynez Valley. You think you could get his address for me?”

Frances did most of their web searches for them, so he knew she wouldn’t have any trouble finding the information he required.

“That would be in the Third District. I know it well.”

“The man’s name is Lyle Thompson.”

“Oh. I recognize that name. He’s the owner of the Chevrolet dealership, isn’t he?”

“The very one.”

“I’ve seen him there when I take my car in for its yearly service. He’s a very good-looking young man. Just like his father was.”

“Oh. I didn’t realize you had a car, Frances. I’ve only seen you taking the bus.”

“Well, I only use it on special occasions.”

“What model do you have?”

“It’s a Camaro.”

“A Camaro? I can’t see you driving around in a Camaro, Frances. You seem to be more the Buick type of owner.

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