At Last/A Futuristic Thriller

By Sandy Raschke

The Hunt-Morgennas are scheduled to leave for Mars in mid-May 2207 to visit Aldis' family. But in late March, the vacation rental home of their friends visiting from Argentina is invaded by two thugs. They rough up Rodrigo Estancia's two sons and, when they can't find what they are looking for, take his spouse Maze, and two of his three daughters for ransom. As investigative consultants to the LVPD, Kiera and Aldis work with the police to rescue them.

The home had been owned by Jacklin Mackeelie, but suspicions of elder abuse cause Kiera and Aldis to delve into the machinations of her accountant, Pharris Marino, the grandson of former crime boss Sal Marino, incarcerated for life in a high-security prison. They suspect Pharris scammed the 95-year old widow out of her home in order to search for something his grandfather may have given to Jacklin's late husband for safekeeping. LVPD Lt. Hank Vargas, Kiera and Aldis set up a trap to nab Pharris and his co-conspirator, Dr. Latimoore, before they can kill Jacklin at her senior residence facility; the two are arrested, but when Jacklin is moved to a safe house, another attempt on her life proves there are more villains involved in the scheme.

The men arrested for the home invasion are not talking. And the District Attorney seems loathe to charge Pharris Marino with more serious crimes. Aldis and Kiera dig into their backgrounds and find the shocking evidence that ultimately busts the case wide open.

When they return home from Mars, Aldis goes through his late mother's journals given to him by his Uncle Elden. What do they reveal that sends him reeling—destroying every notion he had about the death of Sofia Morgenna-Lindstrohm shortly after his birth?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sandy Raschke
• Release date: Jan 24, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393884064

Book preview

Chapter 1

March 20, 2207. 1000 hours. The sleek, new Argentina Airways hypersonic jet set down smoothly on the tarmac and taxied to the terminal. A robotic ramp was set in motion and lined up next to the cabin door. The door opened and the passengers disembarked, taking the moving floor to the lobby.

Maze Deville-Estancia entered the lobby holding Chloe, the AI robotic English Cocker Spaniel that Sofie had created for her in 2204. Behind Maze were her spouse, Rodrigo Estancia, and five of his six adult children. Maze headed straight for Kiera Hunt, hugging then kissing her on both cheeks. Next to Kiera were the rest of the Hunt-Morgennas: Aldis, Sofie, Jake and Barney the beagle; and behind them, Joss and Taralina Thundercloud and their two adult sons, Jack and Joss, Jr. A throng of Paiute elders and ranch hands from the Moapa Cattle Company, where Rodrigo had been the Reservation’s first ranch operations manager, formed a half-circle around them.

Can you believe it took us only two hours to get here? Maze said. Fifty percent faster than when Rodrigo and I flew back to the Pampas last year.

Sofie ran to hug her. Maze, you brought Chloe.

I did. I would never leave her at home. She’s a great traveler and the passengers found her delightful and quite entertaining. She knelt down and gave Sofie a kiss on her forehead.

At the sight of Chloe, Barney grinned and vigorously wagged his tail. Chloe gave him a demure smile.

Welcome back! Joss Thundercloud said, pumping Rodrigo’s hand then giving him a bear hug. Aldis did the same. Joss then introduced Joss, Jr. and Jack to Maze and Rodrigo. Dr. Joss Thundercloud has returned to North America after finishing his surgical residency in Portugal. He’ll be looking for permanent work soon. And Jack’s a civil engineer. He’s back in the fold—and upgraded the Moapa Cattle Company’s irrigation system. We use half the water now that we used to, with better results.

Most impressive, Rodrigo said, shaking Joss, Jr. and Jack’s hands. I’m so happy to be back and see everyone thriving. He turned to Joss, Jr. We could use some young surgeons in our region. Human ones, that is.

Is that so? he said. I’ve been scouring the western region for work as a surgeon, without success so far.

I’d be happy to discuss it with you when you’re ready. He introduced his five children: Roberto, age 26, Sonia, 24, Philippe, 22, Maralita, 20 and Anna, age 16. "My oldest son, Vittorio, and his spouse, and Brioso the AI Ovelheiro cattle dog stayed home to run the ranch."

As Rodrigo looked affectionately at Kiera and at Jake in his stroller, Aldis caught Joss, Jr. admiring Sonia.

Rodrigo kissed Kiera on both cheeks then bent down on his knee to kiss Sofie and Jake on the forehead. I brought two photos, he said, getting out his handheld. One is Vittorio when he was a baby and the second is Vittorio and his spouse holding my first grandchild. See the resemblance between Jake, Vittorio and baby Rudolpho?

I do, Kiera said, just as you described. Curly black hair and blue eyes. Rudolpho is a beautiful baby. And I hope Jake is as handsome as Vittorio when he grows up.

Vittorio looks very much like Rodrigo when he was a young man, Maze said.

"You flatter me, querida," Rodrigo said as his cheeks reddened.

Where are your bags? Aldis asked. We’ll pick them up and take them to wherever you’re staying.

Thank you, but that’s already been arranged. We’ve rented a home in Summerlin Estates for the duration of our stay. He turned to Maze and grinned and she gave him a knowing wink. And now, he said, waving his hand in a dramatic flourish. We must go to the cargo terminal. Maze and I have something for you—and you too, Sofie.

Tío Rodrigo, Sofie said. "You have a gift for me?"

He smiled as if he were holding in a secret. "Si."

Cargo terminal? Joss asked. Did you bring in more cattle?

No, Rodrigo said. You’ll find out when we get there.

AS THEY WAITED FOR the airport shuttle to take them to the cargo terminal, the Paiute tribal members of the Moapa Reservation welcomed Rodrigo back; they told him Joiquin, the new operations manager he had selected for the Moapa Cattle Company, had worked out well for them, including his supervision of some additional projects which benefited the tribe. They invited Rodrigo to see the new dairy operation and Jack Thundercloud’s reconstructed irrigation system. They all shook hands with Rodrigo then left.

THE DRIVERLESS SHUTTLE arrived at the curb and everyone got in; a few minutes later, they stopped in front of a large Argentine cargo jet. Rodrigo went around to the back of the now-open doors to the cargo hold. One of his gauchos saluted and, at Rodrigo’s direction, led two horses down the ramp toward a waiting horse trailer.

They are the Argentine version of the iconic American paint pony, Rodrigo said to Joss, whose eyes had turned to saucers. Remember when I mentioned that driving cattle would be a lot easier on a horse?

Yes, Joss and Aldis said simultaneously.

Well, here they are—Primavera, or Prima for short, and her sister, Talia, both trained for cattle herding and penning and— he motioned to the cargo handler. Two saddles to go with them.

Rodrigo, Aldis said. What an incredible gift. We can’t thank you enough for your generosity. He ran his hand over Prima’s mane and flank, and the brown and white mare stood placid and whinnied softly. Then Talia, the black and white paint nuzzled his arm; he held his hand under her nose and she shook her head and snorted.

Look at these saddles! Joss said. We saw some in Argentina when Taralina and I vacationed there. They are beautifully crafted—and hand-tooled from what I can see.

Rodrigo smiled. Yes, from a well-known saddle maker in the Pampas. I think you and Aldis will enjoy them. Do you know how to ride?

I rode a paint pony a few times while I was working as a bodyguard in Argentina, Aldis said. That was decades ago. I couldn’t say I was anywhere near expert at it. Maybe three lessons by The Consortium’s ranch manager.

Never been on a beast like this, Joss said. "In fact, the only horses I’ve ever seen were in photos...museum art...this is, as Al said, incredible."

Yes, incredible, Taralina and Kiera said together.

And now for you, Sofie. Rodrigo went back into the cargo hold and led a small pony down the ramp. He positioned the horse in front of her, a black and white smaller version of a paint pony. Esmeralda will grow a bit, but she’s a special breed of pony—not for cattle penning, but gentled for riding. The saddle was originally made for Anna, when she was your age. He turned to Maze. This expert horsewoman by my side will show you how to ride.

Oh, Tío and Maze, Sofie said, hugging them both. Thank you, thank you! I’ve never seen a real horse before, either. She touched Esmeralda’s hide and the mare whinnied. Sofie jumped back.

Nothing to be afraid of, Maze said. She’s telling you she likes you. Place your hand under her nose just like your dad did.

Sofie timidly held her hand under Esmeralda’s nose and waited. The pony snuffled Sofie’s hand and looked at her with huge brown eyes. She does like me.

Rodrigo then motioned to Paolo, the gaucho he had asked to accompany them to North America and care for the horses while they were there. Let’s load them into the horse trailer and take them out to the reservation. They can stay in a corral for a few days while we build them a shelter. I have the plans in my pocket. He opened his jacket, removed his handheld and transferred the plans to Joss’s device.

How can we ever thank you and Maze for all this? Joss said as he showed the plans to Aldis.

Rodrigo looked lovingly at Maze. "I should be thanking you, he said. If it hadn’t been for the New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31, 2205, at The Green Spot, Maze and I might have never met."

Serendipity, Kiera said as she smiled at Maze.

Aside from building the shelter, Joss said. We’ll all need lessons on how to ride properly.

That’s where Maralita comes in, Rodrigo said. She taught Maze how to ride and she is eager to teach you as well.

Maralita gave her father a shy look. "Si, Papa."

Maze put her arm over Maralita’s shoulder. She’s the expert horsewoman in the family. You will all be riding like gauchos in no time.

Chapter 2

Maze and the children took a driverless limo into downtown Las Vegas, where she picked up the entry code from the real estate agent; then they went on to the house, while Rodrigo accompanied Aldis and Joss to the cattle ranch to settle the horses in the corral.  

Maze and Rodrigo had seen the Spanish-style fully-furnished, five-bedroom, 5,500 square foot house in online photos but, as soon as they stepped inside, she and his five children were even more impressed: a huge chef’s kitchen and living area with a sunroom, and a handsomely paneled library on the first floor. Upstairs, en suite lavatories in all five bedrooms; and outside—about one acre in front and another in back, all professionally tended landscaping with lush greenery, flowers and shrubbery. They went out to the back and found a large oval-shaped swimming pool with a cabana for changing clothes and entertaining. In the far corner of the yard was a boat house and garden shed.

WHEN RODRIGO RETURNED about two hours later, he asked his children if they had chosen their bedrooms. "When we’re all settled in, we’ll go out to dinner at Il Pescatore, a restaurant Joss and Aldis highly recommended."

Isn’t this house lovely? Maze asked. It’s even better than the photos on the real estate company’s website.

Rodrigo went up the stairs and looked around, then came back down and examined the kitchen and other first floor rooms. Very fine, indeed, he said, taking Maze in his arms.

"Aldis and Joss were completely surprised, querida, Maze said. Especially when those magnificent horses came down the ramp—and the look on Sofie’s face was priceless. Have I told you what a generous man you are?"

Often, he said, hugging her to his chest. They deserve it. And Sofie, she is a special child. Smart, witty, polite. A tribute to her parents. He chuckled. And what would I do without Brioso? No one would ever think he is an artificial intelligence robotic animal. My partners and gauchos only see a small, fast, high-spirited cattle dog in action—one that needed almost no training at all to do his work. Sofie is definitely a genius.

Yes, Maze said. She unabashedly kissed Rodrigo full on the lips, as two of his three daughters came down the stairs. Maralita and her younger sister, Anna, smiled.

We decided to share a room, Maralita said. The bedrooms are so large, we felt lost in them, Papa.

As long as you are happy sharing the room, my daughters, he said, as Sonia, his eldest daughter and his two sons, Roberto and Philippe, came in from looking around the backyard. "Nice house, si?" he asked and everyone agreed.

JOSS, JACK, JOSS, JR. and Aldis leaned over the corral fencing and gazed at the horses trotting back and forth, neighing and snorting; they appeared to be nervous but Rodrigo’s assistant, Paolo, told them it was normal. The mares would settle out in a day or two and then be ready to ride.

Aldis lifted Sofie up and sat her on the fence railing, so she could see the horses in action. When do I get to learn how to ride Esmeralda? she asked.

Soon, he said.

Kiera and Taralina watched as the horses continued to whinny, snort and prance. Kiera, holding Jake, said, See the horses, Jake? And their nine-month-old son pointed at the moving objects and giggled.

I gave our operations manager the plans and he’s out gathering the materials for the shelter, Joss said to Aldis. We’ll come out early tomorrow morning and put it together. It has to be big enough for the three ponies and their feed.

I’ll help, Jack Thundercloud said.

Joss smiled. I thought you would, son.

Joss, Jr. was uncharacteristically quiet. What’s on your mind, Jr, other than staring at Rodrigo’s beautiful daughter, Sonia? Joss asked.

You caught me, too? he said, glancing at Aldis. I was thinking about looking for work. I want to stay here, but there isn’t one opening for a human surgeon anywhere in the western region.

Rodrigo mentioned there’s a great need for surgeons in Argentina. You can talk to him about that while you keep looking here, Taralina said then looked in admiration at her eldest son. You have the credentials and excellent references. Have you thought of teaching—maybe at one of the university medical schools here in the west?

Not really. He frowned. I want to use my hands as a surgeon and heal people who are sick or injured. Not necessarily teach humanoid medical residents how to be surgeons.

Something will turn up and if it doesn’t, Argentina is a beautiful country, Taralina said. If you end up there, we’ll have a good excuse to visit you.

Chapter 3

March 21, 0700 hours . The Moapa Paiute Reservation. Several tribal members, along with Joss, Aldis, and Jack were waiting for Rodrigo to arrive. They had stacked pre-sawn, engineered wood and roofing materials for the shed. Paolo had brought enough feed to last a month, and had it delivered by truck. After that, the operations manager would have to find appropriate feed for the horses—generally oats and the proper mix of pasture grass. The three paint ponies had already received their inoculations for various diseases before leaving for North America, but Aldis and Joss had the veterinarian look them over before they attempted to ride them.

The vet had never seen a live horse either, just as he hadn’t seen cattle when they arrived in late May 2205, but he was a fast learner, had consulted with his counterparts in the Pampas, and had kept the herd healthy and productive. As Aldis and Joss waited for Rodrigo, the vet finished his examination and pronounced the horses fit and ready to ride.

RODRIGO ARRIVED AT 0730 hours and apologized to everyone for being late. The time difference got to all of us. Everyone was still sleeping when I left. He looked at the stacked wood and the roofing materials and smiled. Looks like we’re ready to go, he said, and Paolo nodded.

Three of the Moapa ranch hands grabbed a shovel and scrapped away the dirt until it was flat enough for the interior of the shed. The cattle operations manager had roped off the area where the shed was to be built—inside the corral and close to the equipment shed. They dug post holes, filled them with a fast-acting concrete and had the posts set within an hour. Then everyone helped with the framing. Within three hours, it was done and they all stood back and admired their handiwork.

"Bueno, Rodrigo and Paolo said together. Sturdier and better looking than those prefabricated, plex-metal sheds." Paolo spread a blanket of hay inside, then took out a large grip tool and stabbed one of the grass bales and dragged it to a covered shelter alongside the shed. Aldis, Joss and Jack followed, picking up the 50-pound bales and stacking them atop and on the sides of the first one. There were fifty bales in all, and a one hundred pound bag of oats in the equipment shed, plenty of feed until they found a supplier for the oats. If the grass mixture was appropriate for the horses, they would be able to graze with the cattle and supplement with the rest of the hay when the grass was gone.

Now that the feed was taken care of, Rodrigo and Paolo went to the corral and led each horse, one by one, to the shed. The two mares went right in, turned around and came out, then went back inside and started eating their individual small piles of grass. Small portions, three times a day, Paolo said. But Esmeralda balked and tried to back up, until Rodrigo ran his hand down her flank and whispered something in Spanish. She neighed and snorted a few times, then serenely walked into the shed.

What did you just do to make her so compliant? Aldis asked.

Like most ladies, he said with a wry smile, she just wanted to hear the sweet words of love. 

Really? Joss said.

Rodrigo burst out laughing. No, Joss. I simply told her that there was food in the shed.

Good one, Aldis said. Then, congratulating themselves, the crew decided to go out for lunch at The Wild Ride Café in Las Vegas.

ALDIS ARRIVED HOME at 1400 hours. Sofie ran to greet him. Do the horses have a house now? she asked.

A shelter, to shield them from the heat, the cold, or bad weather, he said. When the grass is ready for them, they will graze with the cows in their pastures. Until then, we’ll use the feed that Rodrigo brought.

When do I get to ride Esmeralda? Sofie asked, "now that she has a shelter."

As soon as Maralita finds the time, he said. The Estancias are not just here to teach us how to ride horses, but to be tourists and make arrangements to sell Maze’s business in Carson City and her cottage in Reno. He smoothed his hands over his jacket and felt the clinging dust. Rodrigo was working as ranch manager the entire time he was here and wasn’t able to see much of the region. Now he wants to show his family the sights. I think they are going out to Lake Mead and Boulder Dam tomorrow. At least that’s what Rodrigo told us while we were having lunch.

"I really really really want to learn how to ride, Dad," Sofie said.

And you will, Sofie, you just need to be patient.

"Okay. But it’s hard, she said. Esmeralda is so beautiful."

I know the feeling. He took off his work jacket and went outside to shake it out, then came back in and laid it on top of the clothes cleaner. Where’s Mom?

Working in the office.

ALDIS FOUND KIERA BUSY hovering over a draft of an updated risk management plan for one of the legal firms in Las Vegas, her face too close to the screen. He came up behind her and kissed her neck and nibbled her ear then laughed when she jumped. She swiveled her chair to face him. Have fun building the shelter? she asked, giving him a light kiss.

Oh yes.  Since AI humanoids are out of the question on the reservation, we used a number of the cattle company’s ranch hands to get the structure up then helped them do the framing, etc.  I like working with my hands. He held them out in front of her and wiggled his fingers. She laughed softly.

He turned her around so she was again facing the computer and massaged her neck and back. Hmm, that feels so good, she said. My shoulders and neck ache. I’ve been concentrating on this plan and should have gotten up and stretched or walked around for a few minutes, but I wanted to get it done. He kept up the massage but added kisses up and down her neck.

He slid his hand under her blouse. Does that feel good, too?

Yes, yes it does. She turned around and unfastened his shirt. She kissed his chest. And you?

Uh huh.

Just then, Kiera’s com-link buzzed. It’s Rodrigo. She took a deep breath, straightened her blouse, and opened the link. Good afternoon, Rodrigo. What can we do for you?

Please, let me talk to Aldis, he said. Sweat dripped off his forehead. And he was shaking.

Chapter 4

W hen I got back to the house after we had lunch, I couldn’t find Maze, or my children. I thought maybe Maze had taken the girls shopping. I went out to the patio and heard muffled noises coming from the cabana. I found Roberto and Philippe tied up and gagged, lying on the floor. Roberto had a cut on his arm and a big bruise on his forehead. Tears suddenly spilled down his face. I untied them and we dashed into the house, looking for Maze, my daughters, and Chloe. Then I called the police, he said. They aren’t here yet.

We’re leaving as soon as Taralina arrives, Aldis said. Should be there in less than an hour. He got out his handheld and linked to Joss and asked if Taralina could look after Sofie and Jake while they were with Rodrigo.

Yes, of course, Joss said. Be careful, Al. This doesn’t sound good.

Barney, Aldis called out and the AI robotic beagle came running.

AS ALDIS AND KIERA pulled into the driveway, they saw two Las Vegas Police Department squad cars in front of the house. They got out and flashed their LVPD ID consultant badges; with Barney alongside them, they were led inside. A humanoid female officer was interviewing Rodrigo’s sons as a human paramedic took care of Roberto’s wounds. Rodrigo was speaking to another officer about what he encountered when he arrived back at their rental after lunch. The officer was quietly entering notes into his handheld and looked up when Kiera and Aldis entered.

Rodrigo’s a friend, Aldis said to the officer. We’re here to help in your investigation.

The officer nodded.

Have you checked the rooms and sec-cams? Kiera asked.

Not yet, he said. We’re still getting statements.

Do you mind if we assist you in that regard?

Go ahead. We know who you are, the officer said and continued his interview of Rodrigo.

Kiera got out her DNA/blood scanner and Aldis began looking for the cams. With Barney at his side, he found one in every room. When he got to the bedroom, which Rodrigo said his two youngest daughters were sharing, Barney told him he had heard a low rustle. Aldis carefully moved toward the large, walk-in wardrobe closet.

Someone is in there, Barney said. I can smell it. Be careful, Morgie.

Aldis listened for a few seconds then slowly opened the accordion door. He peeked inside. Don’t be afraid, he said. I’m Aldis Morgenna, your Papa’s friend. You can come out now. The police are here.

He heard movement again, far back in the corner—then a low growl. Chloe?

The AI cocker spaniel poked her head out. Yes, it is me.

At the sound of her voice, Barney wagged his tail.

Are you alone? Aldis asked.

No, Chloe said. Anna is with me. I am protecting her.

Anna, your Papa’s downstairs with your brothers and the police. Please come out. It’s safe now, Aldis said.

Chloe, it is Barney. Morgie is right. You can come out now.

It is okay, Anna, Chloe said. Help is here.

The sixteen-year-old girl followed Chloe to the closet door and stopped. Aldis encouraged her to come out and after a few moments of hesitation, she did, with Chloe by her side. Maze, my sisters—are they downstairs, too?

Sorry, no, he said. Let’s go downstairs and you can tell us what happened. He took Anna’s hand and gently led her down the stairs to the living room, where Rodrigo and his sons were sitting on a couch, drinking water. Chloe followed, her eyes darting from Anna to Rodrigo and then to the police officers tending to her family.

At the sight of his youngest daughter, Rodrigo bolted from the couch and took Anna in his arms. "Hija, I’m so glad you are safe."

They took them, Papa, she said, sobbing. Chloe told me that Maze heard loud voices and breaking glass and told her to stay with me until it was safe. Where are they, Papa?

We’re going to find out, Aldis said as Rodrigo settled Anna on the couch next to his sons.

Kiera joined them. I think I have a DNA sample, she said. I found a towel in one of the lavatories, splattered with blood. She handed the towel with her gloved hand to the female officer.

We will get it to the laboratory as soon as possible, the officer said in her halting humanoid voice. She got out an evidence bag, assigned a number to it and placed the towel inside.

Chloe? Kiera said. Maze left you behind?

Yes, to guard Anna.

Aldis got out his handheld and started recording. Did you see who took Maze and Rodrigo’s daughters?

Yes, briefly, Chloe said. I was downstairs when two men wearing masks broke through the patio door. Maze was in the kitchen with Maralita and Sonia. They were making coffee.

Did the security alarm go off? Kiera asked.

No. Maze heard glass breaking and told me to find Anna and hide her, and I ran up the stairs as fast as I could, Chloe said. Anna was in the bedroom and she and I hid in the back of the wardrobe closet. We could hear the men stomping up and down the stairs, slamming doors and shouting. They came into the bedroom, pulled back the door to the closet where we were hiding and looked around, but did not do a thorough job of searching. I heard one of them use an expletive, drawers being opened and slammed closed and, within a few minutes, I heard footsteps leaving the room.

Can you describe these men? Aldis asked.

They were very tall and heavily built. I could see their eyes through the mask, but not their faces. One had hazel-colored eyes and the other, the tallest man, had brown eyes. They wore highly-polished, black dress shoes—loafers I think they are called.

You’re doing well, Chloe, Kiera said. Were they wearing gloves?

Chloe nodded yes. Black gloves... She cocked her head. Their voices were loud, deep and angry.

Angry? Aldis said.

I think they were looking for something and did not find it, so they took Maze, Maralita and Sonia.

Did they say why they weren’t interested in Rodrigo’s sons? Kiera asked.

No, Chloe said. "But they did mention the word ransom."

Chapter 5

The LVPD