Courtesy Call: Mah Jongg Mysteries, #9

By Barbara Barrett

Katrina Faulkner hurts almost as much as the man in her life when he loses his bid to be reelected sheriff. But for the first time since she met Rick Formero, she's not worried about him being in peril—until he's drafted to help solve the fiery murder of the man who beat him at the polls.

 

While the Serendipity Springs police department is in chaos, it's up to Kat and her mah jongg pals to step in as Rick's unofficial staff to unravel the crime. As the tips roll in and suspects multiply, it appears the late sheriff led a complicated life, with ties to the same sketchy gambling toughs he was supposed to be arresting. But no one's taking bets on who's to blame for his death.

 

Syd is planning a mah jongg tournament, Marianne is writing a play and journalist Micki can't wait to get her hands on the juicy story. But when the chips are down, they and the men in their lives are up to the task of helping Kat and Rick delve into the world of high-stakes gambling in pursuit of an elusive killer—even if they're rolling the dice on danger.

 

This cozy mystery series features four retired amateur sleuths who live in the small Florida town of Serendipity Springs, all female and all friends who play the game of mah jongg together. Though they don't set out to investigate murder, others have started looking to them to help investigate homicides and questionable accidents. In this story, Katrina Faulkner takes the lead, helping her man, Rick Formero, adjust to life after defeat at the polls for reelection to sheriff.  They also turn to their friends for help. Though this series features four protagonists, the others will take the lead in other stories. Two are married, one is divorced and the fourth, Kat, who has been single all her life while she tended to her ailing mother, now finds herself the object of the sheriff's attention in this series.

 

As the four gather information in their investigations, life goes on in their community in such activities as a social group for those over 50, numerous stops at the local coffeehouse, and even a shopping trip to Naples. Sydney's husband, Trip, and her friend Marianne Putnam's husband, Beau, are golf buddies who spend many a day on the course. When not there, Trip is busy seeking to build a new post retirement life, and Beau is often prevailed upon to join in Trip's latest activity. Meanwhile, freelance journalist Micki Demetrius, still commitment-shy after a disastrous first marriage, is slowly giving in to the interest of retired attorney Guy Whitney. Kat has lived a frugal life until winning big in a lottery shortly after her mother's death; suddenly, Kat has money and doesn't know how to spend it. But Micki does, even if it's to guide Kat through a makeover and wardrobe change for her lounge act.

 

Barbara Barrett is already published in contemporary romance. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Sisters in Crime-Iowa and Florida Star Fiction Writers. Like her protagonists, she is retired and is a resident of Florida, although she spends her summers in her home state of Iowa. She spent over three decades as a human resource management analyst with Iowa state government.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barbara Barrett
• Release date: Aug 31, 2021
• ISBN: 9781948532280

Barbara Barrett

Barbara Barrett is a Midwestern woman who prefers her winters without snow or ice. Since her retirement, she spends her winters in Florida and returns to Iowa for her summers (which can get just as hot and humid as Florida at times). After graduating from college with a B.A. and M.A. degree in History, she spent several years as a human resources management analyst for the State of Iowa studying jobs and working with employees. She is married to the man she met in floor counselor training at the University of Iowa. They have two grown children and eight grandchildren. When not planted in front of her laptop, she is playing mah jongg, having lunch with friends or watching cooking or interior decoration shows on TV. Sign up for her newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/BBContempRom Website: www.barbarabarrettbooks.com Email: [e-mail] Twitter: http://twitter.com/bbarrettbooks Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/barbarabarrett7/

Book preview

1

Katrina Faulkner drew the last tile she needed for mah jongg. For two seconds, her brain couldn’t accept she’d won. Then the gray matter engaged. Mah Jongg! How I love to say that.

I get the same kick, said Marianne Putnam, her petite friend across the table with the graying red hair. Too bad I can’t this time.

On Kat’s left, tall Sydney Bonner, unofficial leader of the group, threw in her tiles. Maybe we’re all just a little heady today because our men are away.

Don’t tell me you’re enjoying Trip being out of town? Marianne replied, only half kidding.

Happily longtime married women can say things like that, Syd responded. Don’t tell me you haven’t relished having the house to yourself while Beau’s been gone.

Marianne smothered a smile. It hasn’t been bad. She turned to the fourth player, Micki Demetrius. What about you, Micki? Haven’t you felt less pressure from Guy these past few days?

Unusually thoughtful for one so spontaneous, Micki pulled a hand through her dark, shoulder-length hair, considering. Guy and I are working out our relationship, but sure, it has been nice to have a few free days without him.

How’s Rick liking the fishing trip with the guys? Syd asked Kat. Concern underlay her tone. Tiny wrinkles had shown up on Syd’s forehead since the recent sheriff’s election, and her shoulder-length silver hair seemed to have lost some of its luster.

Syd still blamed herself for Rick losing his reelection campaign, but Kat knew that wasn’t the case. Rick, the special man in Kat’s life, had chosen his own platform.

You know as much as I do right now, since your husbands and your whatever-he-is, Micki, are with him at Lake Okeechobee, Kat replied.

Beau told me they’re getting along pretty well, considering this is their first boys’ trip together, Marianne said.

I hear from Trip they’ve caught a few largemouth bass and some bluegill and crappie, keeping and frying those that met the length requirements, but mainly they’ve been checking out the local eateries, Syd told her.

Guy said Rick just sits there staring out at the water, Micki added.

Micki! Marianne cried. That’s the last thing she needs to hear.

She needs to know the truth, doesn’t she? Micki replied, failing to be chastised. All these years, law enforcement has been so much a part of Rick’s life, he can’t just turn off his feelings about having to leave it.

He never would have supported that concept had I not proposed it, Syd said.

Marianne placed a hand on Syd’s forearm. It was brilliant, Syd. We all thought so and went along with Rick’s decision.

Kat nodded. Rick’s a big boy. He knew the risk he was running by supporting a civilian auxiliary force to help the sheriff’s department.

It wasn’t bad enough he lost the election, Syd said. Then he had to remain in office until his term expired. That had to have been difficult for you both.

It was, but her friends, especially Syd, didn’t need to know about those awful weeks. Somehow, she and Rick got through his last days as sheriff despite the fact his staff was split in their support. A few had even been openly in contact with Jett Carmody, who did win the election. Kat had hoped once Rick was no longer sheriff he would’ve readily transitioned into his new life, whatever he wanted it to be. But post-election, Rick Formero either sulked, was moody or angry.

When Trip suggested the fishing junket, which she suspected had been Syd’s brainchild as her way of apologizing for setting him up for failure, Kat had hoped time in nature would snap Rick out of his funk. Apparently that wasn’t happening.

Is he at least considering the idea of opening his own PI business? Syd asked.

Why couldn’t Syd drop that idea? The last thing Kat wanted her man to do was get involved in another form of crime-fighting. It had taken a lot of soul-searching for her to get past her fear of his being in such a dangerous job, so as much as she ached for him in his pain at not being reelected, she’d also been secretly relieved. No. And I hope you won’t mention it again. When he emerges from this period of adjustment, he has a chance to carve out a whole new life away from law enforcement.

Marianne stared at her. Do you really mean that?

Just amongst the four of us? Yes. If, for some reason yet to make itself known, he were to stay with the profession, I’d support him. But I wouldn’t be disappointed if he doesn’t.

Law enforcement is in his blood, Kat, Micki said.

Because that’s all he’s ever known.

Micki cocked her head, the silver streak in her dark hair covering one eye. What would you have him do instead?

She opened her hands. Whatever appealed to him. It wouldn’t have to be money or fame or awards or anything like that but something that recognized his skills and appreciated him. Enough talk of Rick. There was nothing she could do for him until he returned. How about the three of you? What are you up to these days?

There’s a one-act play bouncing around in my head that hasn’t made its way to my computer screen yet, Marianne replied. With the campaign and the end-of-the-year holidays behind me, hopefully the words will find their way out of my head. She gathered the tiles together facedown and selected her own thirteen.

Micki did the same and placed hers on her rack. Guy really got into the idea of establishing a civilian auxiliary to the force as he worked on the research Rick asked him to do. Even though the majority of people here voted against it, he thinks the idea has legs. He asked if I’d continue to help him, and I have.

You’re okay with that? Syd asked. Continuing to see Guy.

Micki focused on arranging her tiles, probably so she wouldn’t have to look at any of them. There is that, but I guess I could tolerate him.

The other three exchanged knowing grins.

Micki appeared to ignore their reaction. It’s either that or write the kind of non-threatening article he wants me to go after. No more crime stories.

He’s concerned about you, Mick, Kat said. You’ve managed to find more than one dangerous subject since becoming a freelance journalist.

And I’m still here to talk about them, right?

Marianne chirped in, You have Rick to thank for that, then realized she’d probably stepped on Kat’s toes. Sorry, Kat. I spoke before I thought.

I agree with Guy, Kat responded. Rick won’t be able to save you anymore.

How about you, Kat? Syd asked, shifting the discussion away from Micki. Where does Rick’s change of plans leave you?

Things are going fine at Lombardi’s at the moment, but there’s always something to be done at the ranch. At the moment, it’s waiting for you to complete your design plan for the living room, Syd. Where are you on that?

Syd blinked but managed to return a straight face. Coming along.

What does that mean? Micki asked.

Exactly that, Syd returned evenly. I have a tentative plan in mind.

Syd was a take-charge type of person. It wasn’t like her friend to drag things out. But for now, Kat chose not to push the issue. Instead, she focused on her new set of tiles.

The four played the next game, Marianne winning this time.

Before you start another game, I need to talk with you, a fifth woman’s voice said. Bitsy Melzer, another regular player, had come up to their table. She addressed Syd.

Do you want to go somewhere private? Syd asked.

The other woman shook short black curls. No. In fact, I’m hoping you all can help.

Okay, Syd replied. What’s up?

As you know, I’m on the board of the Serendipity Springs Women in Transition Center.

Syd nodded. Right. The Tran. You helped us a while back when we were seeking temporary quarters for a young woman who showed up on our doorstep.

Bitsy pulled an embarrassed face. Due to recent unexpected expenditures to replace our plumbing and repair the roof, the Tran’s funding is running low. We need help.

Kat, the multimillionaire in the group thanks to a lottery win a few years prior, prepared to give her standard response to those seeking charitable contributions or financial investments: She’d first have to consult her financial adviser. But Bitsy surprised her.

Besides seeking new donors, the board plans to conduct several fundraisers, one of which would be a Mah Jongg tournament. That’s where you all come in. We’d like you to spearhead that one.

Us? Marianne replied. Why not you? You’ve been playing the game longer.

I’ll be busy seeking donors. Unless any of you would like to help with that?

Kat filed away the information to discuss later with her finance person. The Tran was a worthwhile organization. But she didn’t want to help find other donors. Not part of her skill set.

Syd answered for the group. We’ll need to discuss this amongst ourselves before we can give you an answer. We’ll get back to you.

Bitsy quickly covered her frown of disappointment with an optimistic smile. Okay. I hope you’ll seriously consider helping us.

The four gazed at each other once she’d left. Syd spoke first. I don’t see how we can get out of this.

Let’s talk about it later, Marianne said. First, with no men around, we should treat ourselves to dinner tonight.

Two days later, Rick and the other three men returned home. Kat arranged to have some alone time for just the two of them his first night back, giving herself the opportunity to read his mood.

He took a few sips of his red wine and then set down the glass. So? Did you miss me?

Miss you? Were you gone? she teased.

Katrina Faulkner, stop pulling my leg. I’ve been gone over a week.

She reached across the table and took his hand. I missed you terribly. Did you have a good time?

Not bad, considering I was baching it.

But you had three convivial fellow travelers to keep you company.

Convivial? Long reach to describe the bodyguards you sent along with me.

They weren’t bodyguards, Rick. They were concerned about you, yes, but they all also wanted the chance to fish on Lake Okeechobee.

That so? Do you know how many of the trio actually knew how to fish?

Uh, no.

Beau. Trip tried to make it look like he knew what he was doing until it came time to select his bait. Whitney didn’t even try to pretend. Fortunately, he laughed.

You don’t sound like you’re complaining.

They’re good friends. I didn’t realize how good until they were willing to put up with my moods day after day.

I’m glad you feel that way.

You were right to make me go. I needed that time away. The fishing wasn’t bad, especially considering some of us learned as we went. Pretty place. We’ll have to go sometime.

She liked that. The prospect of traveling with him, yes, but mainly the fact he was looking ahead. And saw her in his future. Sounds like a plan.

He took another few sips of his wine, then sat back. Speaking of plans …

She willed herself to keep her gaze directly on him, interested, steeling herself to be ready for whatever he’d say next. Yes?

I’ve been giving my, our, future some thought while I sat staring at my fishing line hour after hour.

She nodded slightly, afraid to say anything he might misinterpret.

The last few months have been tough. I suppose I could’ve resigned before my term was up, let them appoint an interim until Carmody was sworn in. But that wasn’t me. However, staying with it was grueling, since half the staff wasn’t talking to me and the other half were afraid what the others would say if they saw them talking to me.

It was an untenable situation.

I’m afraid I took it out on you.

I understood. Or tried to understand.

I’ve thought long and hard about returning to law enforcement. Some other county or the Orlando Police Department. I still have a few good years left in me.

You’re in good shape, Rick. Not just for your age but compared to any man.

Thanks. You’re prejudiced, but I still appreciate hearing it. Anyway, I decided not to go back to that life. The election was a wake-up call. A sign that it was time to move on. Maybe slow down and enjoy the life you and I have begun together.

She liked where this was going, but she sensed there was more. More that she might not like.

However, I arrived at that decision before finding anything to replace it. Kinda felt myself falling through space for a day or so. Whitney caught me staring off into the horizon and forced me to tell him what was going through my mind. Afterwards, he told me to enjoy the feeling, not worry about it being so undefined.

That was so unlike Rick. And did you?

He chuckled. That was the night we all went a little overboard with our drinks. The guys convinced me to simply settle back and enjoy. So I did.

This story was leading somewhere, but he wanted to go at his own pace. That’s good, she said.

The next morning, we stopped at a different bait shop. Actually, it was a top-of-the-line place. I was standing at the register paying when I noticed the most incredible gadget I’d ever seen. More like a piece of furniture. Picture an umbrella stand, only in this case, it was a stand that held something like a hundred fishing rods. None of us had ever seen such a thing.

Uh-huh? She was totally lost. Why was he going on about a piece of furniture? Or whatever it was he’d seen.

He leaned in and looked directly at her. That’s what I want to do, Katrina.

What? Fish the rest of his life? Make fishing rods? I’m not quite following.

I want to make these fishing-rod holders and sell them.

She fought to keep her expression noncommittal, though she couldn’t believe what he’d said. Surely he wasn’t serious? How was she supposed to respond other than to suggest he might be losing it? Uh, what an interesting idea. How do you plan to go about it?

I’ll keep it small at first. Make my own. Build a couple styles and then sell them online.

This man knew everything there was to know about law enforcement. He knew nothing about carpentry or marketing. Did he really think he’d be successful, or was he simply seeking some way to fill his days for a while?

Kat had no idea what to say next. The last thing she wanted to do was discourage him from following his heart, but everything she’d learned about business screamed this was not the way to go. At least until they’d done a little more research about the market. Too bad it wasn’t a homicide they’d be looking into. That they could probably handle.

2

"R epeat that for me," Syd said the next morning over coffee. Rick was already off checking out lumberyards, so Kat had been able to slip away to her favorite coffee shop and share Rick’s new brainchild with her three friends.

Law enforcement is out. Building fishing-rod holders is in, Kat said, trying to keep her skepticism out of her tone.

As a hobby? Marianne asked.

No, as his new occupation.

Can he make a living doing that? Micki wanted to know.

Kat shrugged. I don’t know. And I don’t think Rick does either. From what little he’s told me, the fishing trip helped him decide not to pursue law enforcement and left him open and ready to consider a new path. He saw this fishing-rod holder in a bait shop and apparently had an epiphany.

The other three checked each other. Micki spoke for the group. That doesn’t sound like Rick.

No, it doesn’t, she agreed. But Rick hasn’t acted like himself since the election.

Is he serious about pursuing this idea? Syd asked.

Kat had been wondering the same since Rick revealed his plan the night before. He believes he is.

They all turned their attention to their respective beverages, apparently needing time to absorb this news.

Did he mention any of this to the guys? Kat asked.

Not to my knowledge, Marianne said.

Nor mine, Syd replied.

Or mine, Micki added.

I didn’t think so. I got the impression he’d been waiting to say anything about it until he talked to me.

Marianne studied her container of caramel macchiato. How did you react?

Internally I was stunned, but I tried not to show my surprise. That’s why I wanted us to get together this morning. I need guidance. How should I react? I want to be supportive, especially after all he’s been through, but my better sense tells me I should warn him of the pitfalls.

Syd turned to Marianne. We’ve both been in your situation at one time or another with our men. I wish I could tell you things will all work out for the better. Sometimes they do and sometimes—

You hang in there, Marianne replied. That’s the one piece of hope we can offer. The world will eventually right itself. Perhaps not the way you or he would like it to, but it will shift back on its axis some way.

Kat frowned. That’s all well and good for the long run, but what do I do now?

What would you have done when your former boss told you about plans that didn’t make sense to you? Micki asked.

She tried to recall. My former boss never came up with hare-brained schemes.

Better keep that term to yourself, Syd said.

Kat released a heavy sigh. But it felt so good to say it. Say something that described my real feelings.

Would you like me to help? Marianne asked. I’d be more than happy to put my playwriting on hold for a bit and do some market research for you.

I’m not sure Rick would appreciate your, uh, assistance.

You wouldn’t tell him it was from me. You’d simply have it at your disposal to mention as needed. You know, one point at a time?

Thanks. I’ll consider your offer. At the moment, I’m still absorbing the news.

How else can we help? Syd asked.

You already have. I needed to vent. For all I know, Rick may have thought through his idea and decided to drop it. She could only hope.

Rick hadn’t felt this good in a long time. Still not as good as before the election, but this new project gave him something different to think about. And it hadn’t hurt that the people here at the lumberyard had been so helpful and given him a pretty great deal on his purchase.

He hoped Katrina would come to understand how building these fishing-rod holders was like a life preserver for him. He’d been drifting for months, hating himself and