Killer Deception

By Maggie Casteen

The first book in the Kathy Hamilton Mystery series....Killer Deception. A stolen sapphire necklace, a murdered CEO, and a bereaved widow. Crimes that have gone unsolved and Kathy Hamilton finds herself caught in the middle of it all. The killers are still out there, with little evidence to go on and the police trying to use her for their own means. Will Kathy be able to find the truth and will she be able to see through the deception around her? Kathy will follow the clues no matter where they lead. Filled with twists and turns, Killer Deception is the perfect mystery to curl up with. An exciting read for all readers of mysteries, if you love a good mystery....Killer Deception is for you.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Dec 14, 2020
• ISBN: 9781098348809

Book preview

1

It was a bright Friday morning when Kathy woke up still not a hundred percent after the long hours she had put in researching her pet project at the Rosemont police department. Rosemont, North Carolina was a decent sized town that boasted a little over 40,000 residents with enough shops and attractions to keep life interesting. It was in the middle of the state and the only home that Kathy had ever known. Pinehurst Street, home to Kathy and her father Dr. Hamilton, was one of the many suburban roads that could at times be awful quiet especially for an adventurous twenty-one year old who was always full of questions.

She slowly got out of bed and went to her closet. She finally pulled out a pair of jeans and an orange t-shirt. As she took a look in the mirror she picked up her locket and fastened it around her neck. It was the last thing her mother had bought her, she never left without it.

Kathy came down stairs and found her father already at the table. Dr. David Hamilton, in his mid-forties with brown hair and eyes, was a top medical researcher for the Belmont Research Group and as regular as a clock. In his line of work it paid to be so.

Up already he said only half joking.

Funny. It’s not quite ten o’clock and I did pull an all-nighter. People who pull all-nighters need more sleep. Kathy said as she poured a cup of coffee.

Very well if you say so but that’s not the strongest argument I’ve ever heard. Dr. Hamilton grinned as he put the newspaper down and buttered another piece of toast.

Well, I did just finish my last semester of college thank you very much and she said as she began to pour syrup on her French toast I’m on track to become the greatest investigator ever.

Well let’s back up and get through graduation first…then we’ll see about becoming the next Sherlock Holmes he said as a smile crept on both of their faces. At the rate you’re going you’re likely to catch fire.

Kathy gave him a sideways glance as she continued to eat her french toast.

Kathy just make sure you don’t overdo it he added.

Kathy rolled her eyes This coming from a researcher who works how many hours a day?

Point taken. See you later. He grabbed his blazer off the back of his chair, picked up his briefcase and hurried out the door. Kathy got up for a second cup of coffee when the phone rang; it was her best friend Stacey wanting to know when she was going to be at the library. Kathy scolded herself and reassured her that she would be there in thirty minutes.

Well I guess this coffee is to go she said as she grabbed a cup from the cabinet and then decided to grab another. This ought do it Kathy said as she poured two cups of coffee and headed for the library.

2

Kathy walked through the oak doors of the public library and breathed in the mixture of books and coffee. The Rosemont public library was one of the older buildings in town but Kathy had quickly become a regular. She loved this place and had spent a lot of time here over the years reading and doing research. She walked past the front desk and saw Stacey at a table in the back next to the magazines.

There you are Stacey said as she turned around. At 5’6" with her brown hair in the feather cut she loved so much they both had been friends forever. However, Stacey was prone to throw herself into work ever since her parents got divorced several years ago. Kathy had always felt closer to Stacey because of that, her parents weren’t together either.

I know, I know but I have coffee. Kathy smiled as Stacey’s eyes lit up.

Coffee huh? You think a cup of coffee is all it takes Stacey said eyeing the cup in Kathy’s hand.

Give it here she said as she grabbed the cup Kathy handed her as they sat down on either side of the table. Stacey was doing research for an article on real estate scams and had somehow, as usual, talked Kathy into helping. Kathy could see the piles of newspapers and files Stacey had already managed to collect. Kathy just smiled to herself; if there was something there Stacey would definitely find it.

If you could look through these newspaper clippings I can start on these files. Stacey said as she slid a stack of clippings over to Kathy. I had no idea they could locate so many files, they’re usually not this helpful. Stacey quipped as she took a note pad from her bag and started to take notes.

After a while the newspaper lines started to blur together so Kathy looked at her watch, twelve-thirty she was supposed to meet Michael for lunch at one. Kathy slid her notes over to Stacey and promised to give it another shot later.

That’s ok…we both could use a break and I need to make sense of what I have so far. Stacey grinned Tomorrow?

Tomorrow it is, call me up. Kathy said as she grabbed her coffee cup and her bag as she headed for the door.

3

When she got to the police station Kathy noticed that except for the ever-ringing phones, it was quieter than usual except for a middle-aged woman sitting in the corner talking to Officer Michael Winters. Michael Winters had been Kathy’s boyfriend going on three months. With short black hair, brown eyes and a decent six feet three inches tall Kathy couldn’t help herself, he was absolutely everything she had ever wanted.

As she waited to speak to the officer at the front desk Kathy took a brief mental description of the mystery woman; short brown hair, dark eyes, and more upper class from the jewelry she was wearing, and something else Kathy couldn’t quite put her finger on.

He’s just taking a statement Miss Kathy he’ll be right out in a few minutes. The officer said breaking her quick analysis.

Thanks Officer Williams. Is it anything especially interesting? Kathy said hoping for an answer.

Nah… just some stolen jewelry, probably a family dispute. He said as he turned back to the papers he was filing. Kathy smiled and took a seat; by the looks of things lunch at one probably would be one-thirty or two. As Kathy began to speculate about what kind of jewelry it could be she saw Michael walking down the hall.

That was fast… it’s not even two yet. She said with a smile.

Yeah well, open and shut statement from what I can tell Michael said. He had only been with the department a little over two years but he had been groomed for detective, by his father, ever since he was born.

Well I’m hungry. What’s your pleasure she said as she grabbed her jacket and bag.

How about the burger joint on the corner? Michael asked as he opened the door to the precinct.

Sounds great, they have the best milkshakes she said as they headed out the door and went to their cars.

The Moonglow Diner was a small burger and fries place with a retro fifties theme but a hit with just about everybody in town. Kathy and Michael walked in and took their usually spot in the corner by the window.

So how’s Stacey? Michael asked as he handed Kathy a menu.

Oh she’s great. Kathy said as the waitress came over and took their orders. They each order a burger and fries except Kathy declined the pickles on hers. The waitress took the menus and walked away.

Like I was saying we were at the library this morning; she’s definitely in her element. With any luck, she’ll have a major break in her story. I’m just relieved I remembered our lunch date she could have kept me there all day. Kathy said as the waitress brought their drinks. She went straight for her chocolate shake.

You’re not fooling anyone. If you didn’t want to be there, then you wouldn’t be there. Michael said with a smile.

As the waitress brought their orders they changed the subject to Kathy’s college term paper. There was nothing in the world like hot fries and milkshakes Kathy thought as she realized she was hungrier than she thought. She tried to get the waitress’ attention when her phone started to ring.

Uh oh Michael said trying not to laugh. Kathy pulled her phone out and looked at the number. It’s nobody I know Kathy said. Hello

Is this Kathy Hamilton? the voice said.

Yes…who is this? Kathy asked. The voice on the other end was female but not distinctive.

My name is Mrs. Brooks and I have a proposition for you if you are willing to hear it?

Ok. I’m listening. Kathy said a little unsure of where this call was going.

I would like for you to meet me tomorrow at my house. I have a problem and since the police do not believe me I have nowhere else to go. I know of you from your father Dr. Hamilton so I promise you it is nothing illegal. I just request your presence and your time to hear me out. There was a small pause as Kathy thought about everything she had just heard. A little strange but, certainly not the craziest thing she had ever done.

What time? Kathy said as she grabbed a pen from her purse.

My driver will leave from Dogwood Park and pick you up at nine-thirty sharp. Mrs. Brooks said her voice sounding a little strained.

Do you need the address?

Miss Kathy, anybody who knows your father is very aware of where you live. My driver will see you at 521 Pinehurst Street at nine-thirty tomorrow and the line went dead.

That was so weird Kathy said as she put her phone up and tried to figure out exactly what was going on.

Spill it Michael said somehow not at all surprised by what had just happened.

I’m not exactly sure where to start. Some lady named Mrs. Brooks wants to meet me tomorrow at her house. She said the police won’t believe her and that she knows my dad. I don’t know what that’s about.

Kathy you can’t be serious about going. Michael said as his police instincts were starting to kick in.

What…it’s probably ok. She actually sounded like she was in trouble. All she wants to do is meet; that’s it. If I promise to have my phone in my hand the whole time will that help you relax? Kathy said trying to get that stern-officer look off his face.

Relax, no but it will help. He said as he laid the tip on the table. Will you please be careful and call me after. Kathy could tell he was getting anxious.

Ok. I promise I will call unless she throws me in the trunk and I end up in Paris. Kathy said with a grin.

Very funny, but you’d be surprised just how often that happens. Michael said as they walked out of the diner.

Ok Kathy said laughing I’m sorry. I’ll be serious and I will see you later she said as she kissed him goodbye and got in her car. Stacey was never going to believe this Kathy thought as she turned the radio to her favorite station. She’d call Stacey later right now she had to figure out what, if anything she would tell her dad.

4

As Kathy pulled into the driveway she noticed the rain clouds in the sky and was grateful she was done for the day. She looked at the clock; almost four, he’ll be home soon Kathy said still debating whether or not to say anything at all. As she went inside she decided not to say anything just yet. She really didn’t have anything to say, not for certain. With that settled she picked up the phone and started dialing Stacey’s number.

Hey Kathy how’s the P. D.? Stacey said only half joking.

"Never mind that, you