Lost & Found: a Kovak & Quaid Horse Mystery, #5

By Toni Leland

Arabian horse breeder Shareen Van Khoten is missing! Ex-cop Kim Kovak fears it may have something to do with her friend’s obsessive hunt for her beloved stolen mares. 

Kim’s partner, fraud investigator Garrett Quaid, has a different fear. If Shareen’s disappearance is related to the lost horses, it’s possible that Charles Léon, head of an international horse theft ring, is involved. Worse, if Kim tries to rescue her friend, she could end up back in Léon’s deadly crosshairs.

Resolved to find her friend, Kim goes to Arizona to talk to Shareen’s devoted husband, Albert. But he is acting oddly, and Kim’s cop radar has her wondering why. She comes away from the visit with more questions than answers – and an even greater urgency to find Shareen.

Upside, Garrett is coming to lend a hand.

Downside, when Garret returns home from Arizona, he’s sidetracked by an insurance claim on several dead pasture horses. The routine farm visit takes a grisly turn and Garrett finds himself neck deep in yet another twisted mystery.

Between Garrett’s case and Kim’s quest, they really need help! The cavalry appears in the form of good friends, an old buddy, and an unusual new associate. Shocking finds, explosive violence, betrayals, feuds, and revelations – so many things both Lost and Found.

Business as usual for Kovak and Quaid.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Toni Leland
• Release date: Apr 7, 2017
• ISBN: 9780996233668

Toni Leland

Toni Leland has been writing for over 25 years. She writes both fiction and non-fiction, and freelance for several magazines, a gardening website, and one newspaper. She is a professional editor and photographer. In her spare time, loves gardening, cooking (and eating!), reading, travel, horses, and cats. Throughout her life, her greatest love has been horses. From riding them as a young girl, to breeding and raising Arabians and Morgans as an adult, to writing about them as a passion - these wonderful creatures filled her life and her stories. Toni has written other genres as the mood strikes her, but usually returns to her equine writing roots.

Book preview

Chapter 1

"GARRETT, I have to do this. Don’t you understand? It’s all my fault!"

The anguish in Kim’s voice seared through Garrett Quaid’s chest. In all the time he’d known her, she’d never been so upset that she couldn’t talk straight. He took a measured breath. What could he say to convince her to stay? He fully understood her distress over her friend Shareen’s disappearance, but in no way was it Kim’s fault. But she didn’t see it that way.

Just let me come over and we can talk about this, he said.

She sighed. You can come, but I’m still going.

A moment later, he laid his cell phone down and gazed out the kitchen window. He had little confidence that he could talk her out of flying to Arizona to help find her friend. Kim Kovak was who she was, and he’d never wanted to change that.

Until now.

The frightening thing about the whole deal wasn’t that Shareen Van Khoten had gone missing – it was the possibility of why she’d gone missing. A bad feeling crawled across Quaid’s shoulders at the thought that the deadly international criminal, Charles Léon, could be behind it. If Kim got involved, she could end up missing, too.

Or worse.

He snatched up the phone and tapped in a number.

Dixie? Garrett Quaid here, hey listen –

Dixie Davis’s voice rose with genuine pleasure. Garrett! How ya doin’, darlin? Haven’t heard from you in ages!

I know, and I’m sorry. But right now, I need your help.

Tell me everything.

Kim’s friend Shareen Van Khoten – you remember the Egyptian woman with the Arabian horses? – she’s disappeared.

Aww, poor Kim. Has she heard any details?

I only spoke to her briefly.

If this is really a missing person case, the police would be on it, said Dixie.

I’m sure that’s true, but Kim plans to go to Arizona to help in the search.

Oh, crap. Does she ever learn?

Apparently not, and here’s another problem. Kim thinks it’s her fault because she didn’t go looking for Shareen’s missing horses.

Dixie didn’t respond, so Quaid continued.

I don’t think I can convince her to stay here and let the authorities handle it. Which is why I’m calling. Could you talk to her? Knock some sense into her head?

I can try, but you know how she is. When did you find out about this?

About an hour ago. I’m headed over to her place to see if I can do any good, but I think you’re the one to make the difference. I’ll call you after I talk to her, and we can go from there.

You want me to meet you there?

Thanks, but I’m afraid that would look like we’re ganging up on her.

Dixie chuckled. Aren’t we?

A few minutes later, Quaid stepped out his back door and stopped for a moment, inhaling the fresh clean country air. He gazed around at the lush trees and green grass. Buying his own place was the best thing he could have done. After Commander, of course.

He headed toward the barn, trying to dismiss the sense of impending doom that seemed to follow him. Kim would be fine. She wasn’t stupid – she knew the danger involved in trying to track down Shareen’s stolen horses. But what might have happened to Shareen was quite another matter.

A shrill whinny echoed from inside the small grey barn and a curl of emotion tightened around Quaid’s heart. The Morgan gelding that Kim had rescued was now a light in his life, a living creature to share a rather lonely life. A condition he intended to change.

An hour later, Quaid eased onto the ramp for I-270 north, an uneasy feeling stirring his stomach. Would he and Dixie be able to convince Kim to stay home? If they couldn’t, he’d better plan on going to Arizona. No way was she doing this alone.

Chapter 2

KIM STARED AT THE SMALL phone screen for several minutes after Garrett’s number faded, her chest tight and her pulse thumping behind her left ear. Garrett meant well, but he didn’t understand. A surge of emotion rose in her throat. She cared so much about him, and her gratitude for his concern almost made her want to reconsider what she was planning to do.

She closed her eyes, picturing Shareen’s flashing dark eyes and mischievous smile. She was a dynamic and vivacious woman, deeply devoted to her beautiful Arabian horses and her wonderful husband, Albert. The thought of losing her best friend was almost more than Kim could bear.

She rose and moved slowly through her living room, stopping at the deck slider to gaze across the trees. Was she doing the right thing? Could she be of any consolation to Albert, or help to the authorities? Or would she simply be in the way for a household struggling to manage without the woman who kept things running smoothly?

Turning away from the view, Kim squared her shoulders. The only thing that mattered right now was finding her friend. If the unthinkable happened, Kim would never be able to live with her indecision. She glanced at the notepad with scribbled details of her flight. Should she call Albert and tell him she was on her way? She glanced at her watch. No time, I’ll call after I check in for my flight.

She strode down the hall toward her bedroom, pushing the guilt from her head. Garrett wanted to come over and talk her out of this, but she couldn’t let that happen. He’d understand. He knew her so well, and they’d been through these skirmishes before, but never anything this serious.

An hour later, she closed her small suitcase and checked her watch again. Miss Kitty jumped up on the bed and sniffed along the edge of the bag, then meowed.

Kim scratched the cat’s chin. It’s okay, sweetie. Aunt Dixie will come to feed and cuddle you. I’ll be back soon.

Quaid’s phone chimed and he touched the button on his Bluetooth. Garrett Quaid.

Kim’s tone had an edge. Hi, hey listen. I got an early flight and I’m on my way to the airport.

Kim, I thought we were going to talk. You –

I know, and I’m sorry. Garrett, you’re a good man and I’m lucky to have you in my life. But this is something I have to do. Please don’t make it harder.

Quaid crossed three lanes of traffic and just barely made the exit to Port Columbus International Airport. This wasn’t over.

Is there anything I can do to help? he said, keeping a watchful eye on the speedometer.

I’ll need lots of moral support. But first I need to find out from Albert exactly what happened.

Quaid frowned. She couldn’t do that over the phone?

What time’s your flight? When do you arrive in Scottsdale?

I leave at one-twenty. I think there’s a plane change, but I get into Phoenix Sky Harbor about five, their time. I guess I’d better call Albert and let him know I’m on my way.

Yes, that would be a good move, said Quaid, easing his truck through the ticket entrance to the short term parking garage. Keep me posted, okay?

I will. Thanks. Talk to you soon.

Quaid pocketed his phone and muttered, Sooner than you think, honey.

Kim parked in the long-term lot, unfortunately, one of the farthest ones. An airport shuttle bus had just turned into the entrance to the lot, and she hurried toward the pickup kiosk. While she waited, the brief conversation with Garrett played through her mind. He sounded a little strange. Probably just pissed about the situation. But something niggled her brain. The conversation had been more than strange, it had been unlike him. He hadn’t even tried to talk her down ... had, in fact, almost encouraged her. And he hadn’t told her to be careful, either.

The shuttle hissed to a stop in front of the kiosk and Kim switched her thoughts to the frightening situation in Arizona. What she could do, she wasn’t sure, but at least being there might give her some ideas.

Once at the terminal, she handed her suitcase and ticket to the curbside porter, then looked at her watch. She might have time to grab something to eat before heading to the gate.

The large glass doors opened into the building and a rush of noise washed over her. The main ticketing area was jammed with people, long lines snaking around the baggage x-ray station, and more long lines trailing out from each of the airline ticket counters. Kim grasped her e-ticket and headed toward the Southwest Airlines self-check kiosks.

Ten minutes later, she walked slowly toward the security checkpoint, scanning both sides of the concourse for a food place. Max & Erma’s was jammed, but she didn’t want a full meal, anyway. Cold Stone Creamery looked good, but the Tim Horton’s would be her best bet.

As she dug into her shoulder bag to pay for a chicken wrap, a low voice stopped her in mid-motion.

Mind if I join you?

She whirled around to face Garrett. His easy smile sent a stab of guilt through her chest. Why was she always so willing to test this man’s limits?

You! How... I can’t believe you did this!

Likewise, he said. Let’s talk while you eat your lunch.

Chapter 3

I WANT TO COME WITH you, said Garrett.

Kim closed her eyes briefly, shaking her head. I appreciate you wanting to help, but I don’t even know what’s going on.

He leaned close, his hazel eyes flashing with irritation. Then don’t you think you should find out before you go barging down there and insert yourself into the middle of Albert’s turmoil?

Kim’s throat tightened. He was right. She had no business doing this, but something was driving her beyond reason. Her guilt kept telling her that if she’d just stayed on the case trying to find Shareen’s mares, none of this would have happened.

You’re probably right, she said. But I’m here now and the least I can do is offer Albert some moral support.

Quaid sat back, his body language less threatening. Okay, but I still want to be involved.

Kim opened her mouth to protest, but he held up a hand. Don’t argue. I’ll make sure my new barn helper can look after Commander, then I’ll meet you in Scottsdale later tonight. He reached out and covered her hand with his. We can accomplish more together than apart.

Then he stood up and smiled. You’d better get going or you’ll miss your flight.

Kim rose and melted into his arms. His heart thudded against her chest, strong and even. She did not deserve such a man.

Kim gazed at the mounds of grey clouds scudding past the airplane window. The vast sameness cast a heavy shroud over her mood, which was already not so great. Garrett’s concern – and his obvious irritation with her impulsiveness – were all she could think about. In light of his attitude, her determination to be part of the search for Shareen now seemed almost juvenile, like a petulant teenager who would have her own way, regardless of whether it made sense or not. She laid her head back against the seat and closed her eyes. After recently promising herself – and Garrett – that she could be a team player, she’d again taken things upon herself and made decisions without thinking about how they might affect anyone else.

She sighed. Garrett’s surprise visit to the airport had sapped her time, and the call to Albert had never happened. She’d simply have to call him when she landed. A small curl of misgiving crept through her stomach.

The plane jolted, then dropped sharply. Kim clutched the armrests and stared out the window. Another bump, then the captain’s voice came over the speakers.

Folks, sorry about that. There’s some weather off to the south, so we’re getting some turbulence, but we should be through it shortly. Please make sure your seatbelts are secure.

To take her mind off the fact that she was thousands of feet off the ground during peak tornado season in the Midwest, Kim focused on the timeline for Shareen’s discovery that her horses had been stolen, and the events that followed.

Kim opened the small notebook she always carried and began to write.

• Shareen moves to U.S. from Egypt, leaving a small herd in the care of a relative. Mares and young stock

• Sometime in mid-February, she learns that the herd has been stolen

• A mare matching the description Shareen gave me turns up at Wheeler’s ranch, after I overhear an exchange at a horse show between Wheeler and Charles Léon about international transport of horses

• I report the location of the possible stolen horses to Stolen Horse International

• Shareen goes to Indiana to meet authorities; they tell her there were no horses matching the description at Wheeler’s and think the anonymous tip was a hoax

Kim gazed at the list as she chewed on the top of her pen. About a month had passed since the horses had vanished again. A month during which she had done nothing to help her friend. Hadn’t even given her moral support on the phone. And now this.

Kim’s throat tightened painfully and her eyes burned. I truly have to do this, she whispered.

Suddenly, sunlight streamed through the window, bathing the plane cabin in warmth and light. Kim looked out at the patchwork of farms and small towns below. In the distance, Chicago sat like a tiny toy town on the edge of Lake Michigan. Kim smiled. Chicago had been the beginning of her journey with Garrett, a bit of a rocky one, but definitely worth the trip. Warmth flooded her heart. Garrett would be with her soon. Everything would turn out fine.

Chapter 4

QUAID’S BRAIN WAS ON fire as he drove home from the airport. How he had managed to keep his cool, he didn’t know. But one thing he’d learned about his lady love was that getting in her face was the quickest way to derail any chance of reasoning with her. He was always amazed that her stubbornness didn’t drive him around the bend, but in fact, he rather liked it.

His amusement faded. Now she was again messing with a dangerous situation, but this time, he would be there to keep her safe. He was convinced that Charles Léon was responsible for the theft of Shareen’s horses, and had been the mechanism for their disappearance from Vivica Wheeler’s farm after Kim reported them.

Pulling into a parking spot at the front of the local feed store, Quaid thought for a moment about Vivica Wheeler. What were the chances that the despicable Arabian horse breeder might talk to him if he visited her in prison? Did he have anything to offer her in return for information about those mares? He scowled. Nothing he could think of immediately.

The unique smells of a feed store greeted him, followed by a friendly voice.

Hi, Mr. Quaid. How you doin’?

I’m good, Trace. You busy?

Nah, just tidyin’ shelves. It’s been quiet today.

Quaid smiled at the rangy young man. Any chance you could babysit the big guy for a day or two? I’ve been called out of town unexpectedly.

Trace Munro’s freckled face broke into a big grin. Sure thing. Whatcha need me to do?

Feed twice a day and, if the weather’s good, he should have some time in the paddock. You can do your regular barn chores while he’s out. Quaid frowned slightly. But he can’t be left alone for too long. Commander spent his entire life in a stall. He never had a normal life, so I’m taking it slowly with him.

Got it. No problem. You want me to stay at your place at night? I can do that. It’ll give me some privacy to work on my songs.

Quaid grinned. When am I going to get to hear some of this music?

A red flush moved over Trace’s features, creeping up into the edges of his carrot red hair. "Not ’til I’m ready for The Voice."

Quaid nodded. Good goal. What does your uncle think about that?

Trace scowled. Whole family thinks I’m nuts, but it’s my dream. I sure as hell don’t want to spend my life movin’ sacks of grain around, wondering ‘what if’.

With determination like that, you should succeed. Quaid held out his house key. Hey, I appreciate your help, and sorry for the short notice.

Trace pocketed the key and grinned. No problem, man.

Back home, Quaid parked in front of the barn and climbed out of the truck, his thoughts moving to his immediate travel plans. A shrill whinny echoed in the barn and he laughed. Commander didn’t miss much.

A minute later, Quaid stroked the beautiful black head. You need some company, you know that?

Commander bobbed his head and chuckled deep in his throat.

How about we see if Bandit would like to come live here? You guys got along good, right?

Commander snorted and banged his foot against the stall door.

Quaid laughed. Yes, I have an ulterior motive, but you don’t need to tell him that.

Grabbing a lead shank off the hook, Quaid opened the door and stepped inside. How about some fresh air? The weather’s changing and this might be your last chance for a few days.

Commander walked politely beside Quaid all the way out to the paddock. After they stepped through the gate, Commander tensed up and, the minute Quaid released the clip, the horse snorted and took off at a brisk trot around the fence. Quaid stepped back and latched the gate, then leaned on the rail to watch the big black horse drop to his knees and roll.

Why did I wait so long to have horses in my life again?

Walking slowly back to the barn, he thought about how he might approach Kim about moving her horse. And might she also consider moving in? A flashback to the smooth line of her hip and her willing lips sent a surge through his groin. Imagine waking up to that every morning. Hmmm.

With one last glance at Commander, he entered the barn and grabbed a manure rake. As he picked through the shavings, he forced his brain to switch to sifting through the various scenarios of Kim’s current quest. Without knowing anything about the disappearance of her friend, Kim had acted hastily. She’d admitted a few weeks ago that she hadn’t even spoken to Shareen on the phone for a long time, and felt guilty about that. Quaid shook his head. There could be a lot of reasons why Shareen was no longer at her home in Scottsdale, not the least of which might be marital problems. Quaid understood that can of worms all too well. He’d spent plenty of time privately investigating errant spouses.

Kim gave an involuntary gasp as she stepped out of the terminal at Sky Harbor in Phoenix. Arizona in May wasn’t as pleasant as it was in February. A digital readout on the shady side of the building said 101˚F, a good twenty degrees higher than Ohio.

Ugh. Well, at least it’s not humid.

She stepped up to the kiosk at the curb where the National car rental shuttle bus would stop. So far, the trip hadn’t been all that great. Her flight out of Chicago O’Hare had been delayed for over an hour. No big surprise there. Then the flight itself had been rough, and a little scary as they’d flown over the heart of the country where severe thunderstorms and tornadoes were active. To top it off, her phone battery was dead. She’d have to charge it in the car while she drove to Albert’s.

The shuttle arrived at the kiosk and she shrugged off the uneasy feeling that perhaps all these events were a sign that she shouldn’t be there.

During the short ride to the rental lot, Kim thought about what she’d say to Albert. Maybe she wouldn’t have to say anything, but the element of surprise of her visit would surely send the message of how much she cared about them. She settled into her rental car, then turned on the GPS and traced the route to Scottsdale. Not more than twenty minutes. She glanced at her watch. Six-fifteen. With traffic, she could be there by seven.

Digging through her handbag, dismay flooded her head. The phone charger wasn’t there. She dumped the contents out on the seat, but still nothing. Thinking hard, she tried to remember if she’d even put the charger into her bag. She did a quick recap of the morning’s flurry of activity to get ready to leave, then exhaled sharply as she remembered setting the charger on the kitchen counter while she filled Miss Kitty’s food tray.

"And that’s right