“I guess we’re not going to get much more out of him.”

  “Fine, if he’s not going to tell us, then we’re going to find out for ourselves. Let’s go.” Eddy pushed open the door to the stairwell and they climbed back down to the second floor.

  Once inside the room again, he fixed his gaze on Walt.

  “All right, that’s it, we need to figure out what Jeremiah’s connection to Howard is. It is obviously more than just a friendship, or even Jeremiah having a problem with Howard’s professional behavior.”

  “I agree.” Walt nodded. “I think Howard has a lot of secrets that we haven’t dug up yet. I’m going to go back through his life year by year and see what changes and moves he made. Maybe there’s something there that will give us some insight into Jeremiah’s relationship with him.”

  “Okay Walt, good idea. While you do that, I’m going to see if I can get some more information on Tad Billings, from the people he keeps closest, his girlfriends. Sam, maybe you should come with me.”

  “Me? Why? I was going to help Walt with the search for information on Jeremiah.”

  “Because, I need a woman there. I don’t want those girls to get the wrong impression.”

  “You mean you’re afraid you might be distracted by their beauty?” Samantha smiled.

  “I didn’t say that at all.” Eddy shrugged.

  “Okay, I’ll tag along.”

  “I’m going to find out where Carlisle is hiding. He hasn’t made any appearances since the first time I overheard him in the storage room. If he’s laying that low it might be because he knows that Howard’s body could be found at any moment.” Jo narrowed her eyes. “Plus, I don’t feel safe with him roaming the resort.”

  “Use extra caution, Jo, we know what Carlisle is capable of, and if he feels threatened he will come out swinging.” Walt caught her arm and met her eyes. “No one needs to be a hero here, Howard is already dead.”

  “I hear you, Walt, I promise.” Jo turned and left the room.

  “Don’t worry, Walt, Jo will be careful. Let’s go, Eddy, before it gets too close to the start of the murder mystery.”

  “All right. Let us know what you find, Walt.” Eddy tipped his hat to Walt, then held the door open for Samantha.

  16

  Walt stared at his computer for a moment. The kind of research he intended to do would normally take him quite some time. He wanted to get it done as fast as possible. Instead of going year by year, he decided to start with major life changes. First, when Howard moved out of his childhood home, then when he got married, and finally when he got divorced. Each life event could put enough pressure on him to make him change direction, or get involved with someone new. Walt dug into the information on the house Howard grew up in, when it was purchased, when it was sold. His father struggled to keep ownership of the house, and sold it when Howard was fourteen. He died five years later, in a car accident. Howard was on his own at a young age, and his troubles began early as well. He had a record for petty theft, and disorderly conduct. He was arrested with another young man, Dan Baxter. A quick check confirmed that Dan Baxter attended the same high school as Howard, and was the same age. Walt assumed they were friends. This was confirmed when Howard’s first apartment was co-leased with Dan. Dan was on record as a witness at Howard’s wedding.

  Howard and Dan also opened a business together, a car lot, about five years into Howard’s marriage. The car lot only lasted about two years. He looked into why it shut down and discovered a financial mess.

  Walt sighed and skimmed through the employee list to see if Jeremiah might be one of them. Jeremiah was young, but he could have been eighteen when the business failed. However, he wasn’t listed on any business records. So far he hadn’t found a single trace of a connection with Jeremiah. As Walt’s frustration built he decided to take a walk. Moving, and changing environments helped him to clear his mind and come up with new ideas. As he made his way down the hall he noticed one of the doors was open. It only took him a moment to surmise that it was room 217.

  “That’s it, I’m done. I’m not paying you a single dime more if you can’t bring me more information than that.”

  “I did find out something.”

  “Something that is completely useless to me. What do I care if Howard had a love child? He and I had a terrible marriage. It doesn’t surprise me in the least that he would have knocked boots with someone else, or that he would have been a dead beat to his own child.”

  “Still, it might lead to Howard.”

  “How?”

  “His son is here, in this resort.”

  “And?”

  “And maybe he’s the reason that his father is missing.”

  “You think he might have killed Howard?”

  “According to one eyewitness Howard is dead. Now, the guy could be a nut job, but I looked into him. He’s a retired cop with no reason to make up a story. I’m more inclined to believe it now that I know Howard had so many enemies here. Between the casino owner, the loan shark, and you, I can’t believe that no one has found him yet.”

  “I can’t believe that I ever paid you a dime. You’re done, you’re fired.”

  “You can’t fire me because your ex-husband is missing.”

  “You’re a private detective, you’re supposed to be detecting. Since you’re not, yes, I absolutely can fire you. As soon as this dreadful snow melts, I am putting Howard in my rear view mirror and leaving him there. I don’t care what you do, but I don’t want to see you again, understand?”

  “Sure, I understand. Just remember, no refunds.”

  “Yeah, yeah. Just more money wasted on that fool, now get out.”

  Walt ducked to the other side of the hallway as the detective stepped out. If the man noticed him, he didn’t offer a signal that he did. Walt had to question his merit as a detective since his observation skills were not great. The door to 217 slammed shut. The sharp sound jolted Walt into action. Someone at the resort was Howard’s son, which meant someone had a lot more at stake than they claimed. He hurried back to the room and settled at the computer again. Now he had a new direction to search in.

  Samantha and Eddy stood just inside the bar. Tad was certainly there, with his entourage, and in a demanding mood.

  “How are we going to get them away from him?” Eddy frowned as he watched Tad at the bar. It had just opened for drinks before the murder mystery would start, and of course Tad was first in line. His two girlfriends flanked him.

  “Allow me.” Samantha smiled and walked towards the group. Eddy hung back near the door, and did his best to blend in with the wall. Samantha reached the bar and leaned her elbows against the top of it. She glanced over at the woman right beside her.

  “Hi, I’m Samantha.”

  “Hi.” The woman stared at her.

  “Are you here for the murder mystery?” Samantha asked.

  “The what?” She shook her head. “No. I’m just here to keep my honey company.”

  “That’s right.” Tad looked over at Samantha. “Is there something you want?”

  “Sorry to bother you all, I just wondered if you might be able to help me.”

  “Help you what?” Tad narrowed his eyes.

  “I seem to have lost my date.”

  “Your date?” Tad chuckled. “How are we supposed to help with that?”

  “He said he was coming to the bar. But he’s not here. I thought maybe you’ve seen him?” She displayed the picture of Howard on her phone. “He said he’d meet me here.”

  “That’s your date?” Tad stood up.

  “Yes, do you know him? Was he in here?”

  “Oh yes, I know him. Where did you see him last?”

  “Well, that’s what I’m asking you.”

  “Don’t get smart with me.” Tad scowled at her and stood so close that Samantha had to lean back to get some breathing room. “You tell me where he is, right now.”

  “I have no idea, that’s why I’m asking you. He said he was going up to his room on the third floor, and then would meet me at the bar.”

  “What room? Did he say what room?”

  “I think it was 305.” She shrugged. “I’m not sure though. I’m not the type of woman to go up to some random man’s room, even if he did take me to an expensive dinner a few nights ago.”

  “Oh really? He took you to an expensive dinner? With my money?” Tad’s hands balled into fists. “I’m going to find him for you, right now. You two, stay with her, don’t let her out of your sight.” He turned and stormed out of the bar. Samantha winked at Eddy and waved him over.

  “Hello ladies.” Eddy smiled at them as he leaned on the bar beside them. “Do you have a minute to chat?”

  “I guess, Tad told us not to go anywhere.”

  “Have either of you seen Tad with this man? Howard?” Samantha showed them the picture again.

  “Your date? No.” The woman closest to Samantha shook her head. “I know he’s looking for him though. He owes Tad a lot of money.”

  “I did hear him talking about Howard though with that creepy guy, Carlisle.” The woman beside Eddy nodded.

  “You met Carlisle?” Samantha raised an eyebrow.

  “Yes, he and Tad were in the room talking last night. Carlisle came in with a couple of guys and started threatening Tad to stay away from his payday. Then Tad started yelling at Carlisle that Howard owed him money first, and he had first dibs on him.”

  “Really?” Eddy frowned. “Did either of them mention Howard being gone, or hurt, or even dead?”

  “No. In fact, Carlisle agreed that when he found him, he would bring Howard to Tad and they could both have some fun with him.” She shook her head. “I don’t like that kind of talk. Tad’s not usually violent, but he is pretty mad at this Howard guy.” She lowered her voice. “I hope he doesn’t find him. I don’t know what he’ll do to him.”

  “It’s all right, don’t worry. He won’t find him.” Samantha sighed and looked over at Eddy. “I guess we’ve hit another dead end.”

  As they walked back to the room, Samantha and Eddy discussed their suspects.

  “It seems to me that we’re the only ones that know for sure that Howard is dead. If that’s the case, then who killed him? One of them has to know that he’s dead,” Samantha said.

  “Or they’re just putting on a show. At this point, if one of these people did kill Howard, the rest are going to be very angry that they didn’t get their chance to collect from him. So whoever killed him might just be pretending they don’t know he’s dead.”

  “That’s true, but if so, they’re doing a pretty good job of it. Maybe the murder mystery actors aren’t the only great talents around here.”

  “Criminals do tend to be very good at deceit and lying.”

  “Good point.” Samantha pushed the button for the elevator and they both stepped inside.

  17

  Jo lingered near the back entrance of the resort. It was used for deliveries, and equipment. If she wanted to sneak in and out of the resort, or find a quiet place to discuss matters the delivery entrance was where she would go. Since there was no chance of anything getting delivered due to the blizzard outside, it was an even better place to lay low. After several minutes slipped by, she wondered if she’d made the right call. She was just about to give up and head back to the room, when she heard footsteps approaching. The closer they came, the more anxious she became. There were plenty of places to hide, but she didn’t want to hide this time. Surprising a man like Carlisle, would only lead to bad things.

  “I think he’s lying to me. He’s got to know where Howard is. I don’t want this guy leaving here with him. I want my hands on Howard, understand?”

  “Yes, I understand, Chief, but what if Tad doesn’t have him? I haven’t been able to find anything that indicates he does.”

  “Howard has to be here somewhere. He’s either hiding really well, or someone has him.”

  “There’s only so many places, Chief. We’ve looked everywhere.”

  “No, you haven’t!” Carlisle’s voice raised so suddenly and fiercely that Jo jumped. “If you looked everywhere, then you would have found him!”

  “Chief, security thinks he might have wandered out in the blizzard.”

  “Then you go out in the snow and you find his body, because until you bring him to me, you haven’t done your job, and I don’t want to hear another excuse from you. If I leave here without Howard, I can tell you right now, there are going to be consequences.”

  “Chief, we’re trying…”

  Jo cringed at the sound of skin striking skin.

  “I said, no more excuses. Get out of my sight before I decide to make an example out of you.”

  Jo stood her ground as she heard one set of retreating footsteps, and another approaching her. When Carlisle rounded the corner he stopped, and stared at her.

  “Who are you?”

  “I’m part of the murder mystery. I’m supposed to be here. Who are you?”

  “Clear out of here, there’s no need for you to be here,” Carlisle demanded.

  “I can be wherever I choose. You’re a guest, you shouldn’t be down here.”

  “Watch your tone.” He stepped closer to her. “You have no idea who you’re dealing with.”

  “Just another guest at a resort, right? Unless there’s something else I should know?”

  “That depends on whether you’re going to cause me any trouble.”

  “I was going to ask you the same question.” Jo crossed her arms and studied him. “I heard the way you were talking to that guy. You think you’re some kind of tough guy?”

  “I don’t have to think it.” He chuckled. “But apparently you think you’re something yourself. What’s with the attitude?”

  “I just don’t like to hear people get pushed around.”

  “Why not? If he did his job, I wouldn’t have to push him around.”

  “Maybe it’s an impossible job. Maybe you know that.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “I know who you are, Mr. Carlisle. I know who you’re looking for.”

  “Ah, so you’re not as ignorant as you claim. Then you should know better than to speak to me like this. Alone?” He glanced around the open concrete room. “Do you really think that’s wise?”

  “I’m not afraid of you, Carlisle. I’ve dealt with men like you many times before.”

  “Men like me?” He chuckled. “I doubt that.”

  “Feel free to underestimate me, it doesn’t usually end well.”

  “What do you want from me?”

  “I know that Howard is dead. What I don’t understand, is why did you kill him?”

  “What do you mean why did I kill him? I didn’t kill him. He’s not dead, as far as I know.”

  “He is. But if he owed you money, why would you kill him instead of trying to get the money from him?”

  “Howard doesn’t have any money. But yes, he still owes me, and I will find a way to collect.”

  “You know something about him, don’t you?” Jo stared into his eyes. “What do you have on him?”

  “Listen, I have no idea who you are, but you’re not going to question me. I don’t have to tell you anything.”

  “No you don’t, but I know for a fact that Howard is dead. So either you can believe me and ask me how I know that, or you can just keep chasing a ghost, hoping for a shakedown.”

  “You know an awful lot for an actress.”

  “You know very little for someone who thinks he knows everything.”

  “There’s that mouth again.” He laughed. “I think I could enjoy your company.”

  “So, what do you know?”

  “I know that Howard did have something to lose.”

  “What’s that?”

  “His son.”

  “His what? Howard didn’t have any children.”

  “Oh, so there’s something that you don’t know? Surprise, surprise. Yes, Howard does have a son, and the moment I get my hands on Howard he’s going to find a way to get me my money, or his son is going to pay the price. So if you see our dear old dead Howard, please pass on that message to him. Until then, you need to stay out of my business.” He pointed his finger directly at Jo. “Or you’ll face your own consequences.” He turned and walked away. Jo stared after him, still stunned by his revelation. Was it bad information, or could he be right? She took the elevator back to the second floor. When she reached the room, she opened it to find Walt, Eddy, and Samantha, gathered around Walt’s computer.

  “Does anyone know if Howard had a son?”

  “We’re looking into that right now.” Eddy frowned as he straightened up. “How did you find out about it?”

  “Apparently, Carlisle knows about it, and knows who he is. He was going to use Howard’s son as leverage to get whatever he could out of Howard.”

  “Howard also had some money. I was able to confirm that he did receive an inheritance that he never put in any account that I can find,” Walt said.

  “That’s funny.” Jo shook her head.

  “Funny?” Samantha looked up at her. “Why?”

  “Howard lived his life broke and in debt, but he died a wealthy man.”

  “Wealthy might be pushing it.” Walt shook his head.

  “He had a lot more than he ever had when he was alive,” Samantha said.

  “That I can agree with.”

  “So, did you find his son?” Jo walked over to the table to join them.

  “No, not yet. We’ve been looking at all of the possibilities. So far only a few people come up as potential children. We’ve assumed that Howard’s son is here at the resort. So we’re checking employees and guests. We’ve only come across six that match the age range.”

  “Anyone we know?”

  “Two actually.” Walt turned the screen so Jo could see. “Jeremiah, and Ben.”

  “The bartender?” Jo tilted her head to the side as she surveyed the faces of both men. She brought up the picture of Howard on her phone and tried to compare their features. “Either one of them could pass for his son.”

  “So could the rest. Without having an idea of who the mother is, we really can’t base too much on genetics, given that none of them looks especially like Howard,” Walt said.