Digging Through Ashes: A Mac and Maggie Mason Mystery - Book 5

By Charles P. Frank

Digging Through Ashes finds private investigators Mac and Maggie Mason in a real bind: one of their colleagues is accused of arson and fire has destroyed evidence.

Have you ever had to give bad news to someone you loved? If so, youll feel at home in Digging Through Ashes.

Have you ever struggled to keep a secret that might well redirect your life? If so, youll feel at home in Digging Through Ashes.

Have you ever tried to figure out what would happen if visitors from outer space showed up on earth? If so, youll feel at home in Digging Through Ashes.

Have you ever wondered if a generous offer were really generous or if it might be a scam? If so, youll feel at home in Digging Through Ashes.

Have you ever been in a situation when you did not know whom you could trust? If so, youll feel at home in Digging Through Ashes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Aug 7, 2014
• ISBN: 9781491739808

Charles P. Frank

Charles P. Frank is a pseudonym for a husband and wife team in Florida and their good friend in North Carolina. Separately, the authors have published a number of other books in the genre of memoir, history, and theology. Digging for Death was their first journey into the realm of the novel. Digging Through Time is their second and is a story of relationship and romance wrapped around mystery.

Book preview

1

HIGHWAY 72 WAS DARK. IT was past midnight. Mac thought as he drove, We’ll be home by 1:00 AM. He felt the warm wind on his face, blowing his gray hair as he guided the Sebring convertible north. He looked over at Mags sleeping peacefully with her blonde hair blowing from beneath her pink ball cap. I’m a lucky man, Mac thought.

As Mac rounded a curve, he looked over the tree line of the umpteenth orange grove he had driven past. What in the world is that? Mac said out loud.

Mags, wake up! What is that?

Mags slowly awoke and looked in the direction that Mac pointed.

What a bright light! Mags spoke over the wind noise the open convertible caused. It’s so bright. What is it?

I have no idea. It doesn’t look like a plane, and it’s not the moon. There’s no moon tonight. It’s too bright for a star. And look, it’s getting closer.

As the bright light took on shape, it was apparent that there wasn’t just one light, but several.

Mac pulled the Sebring to the side of the road just as the car’s radio began to exude nothing but static. And then the Sebring stalled. Mac tried to start the car again, but to no avail.

This is strange, Mags. I can’t start the car and look, whatever that is seems to be hovering over that empty field and now landing. I think it’s a UFO.

Oh, Mac, you and your UFO’s. Could it be a helicopter?

I’ve never seen a helicopter that looked like that. It’s round, like a saucer.

Just as Mac finished his sentence a bright beam of light illuminated the Sebring.

That looks like a door opening on the side, said a now somewhat frightened Mags.

The couple was mesmerized as two small figures appeared in the doorway and began a short walk down the ramp and towards the car.

Mac attempted to reach into the center glove box for his PPK Walther and discovered he was unable to move. Mac, I can’t move, said a frightened Mags.

Those were the last words he heard from Mags. He, too, could not speak.

Mac was aware that the driver’s side door was being opened. Mags’ door was opened also. One of the small figures stood outside each door. Mac was only aware that he seemed to float from the car. He could tell that both he and Mags were floating a foot above the ground towards the opening of the saucer-shaped craft.

We’re being abducted, Mac mumbled to himself.

As he floated up the ramp and into the saucer, he was aware that Mags was entering behind him. Out of the corner of his eye he could see her levitate up and onto a long table. He was aware that he was being lowered to a table adjacent to hers. He was unable to speak or move. As he lay there, one of the creatures he assumed to be alien took a long instrument, placed it above Mac’s abdomen, and began to lower it. As it touched the area near his navel, he did something he had never done before. He screamed!

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Mac, Mac! Wake up! You’re screaming.

Mac’s eyes opened and instead of looking into the large eyes of the creature, he saw Mags alarmed and leaning over him in their own bed of their own home.

Mac, you’ve been dreaming, Mags said with concern.

Oh, Mags, it was not a dream; it was the worst nightmare I’ve ever had.

Tell me about it, Mac. It must have been horrible to make you scream.

Mac began with the drive from Lake Okeechobee and the encounter with the bright light and the saucer. He concluded by telling Mags about the creatures beginning their probing of his body.

Oh, Mac, that is horrible. But, it’s what you get for watching all those alien encounter shows you’re addicted to.

Mags, I think I’d better swear off of those for a while. I doubt I’ll sleep anymore tonight.

2

MAGGIE MILLER MASON, A RETIRED model, owner of Maggie Miller Cosmetics, and now a private investigator in her husband’s detective agency, awoke before Mac and quickly showered and dressed. Hearing Mac moving in their bedroom and bath, Mags prepared a cup of decaf coffee with a limited amount of sweetener and half and half. As Mac entered the kitchen, she handed the coffee to him. Good morning, my husband! Did those UFOs fly away so you could get some sleep?

Mackenzie Mason, the retired head of Major Crimes for the Miami Police Department, nationwide lecturer on the criminal justice system, and a partner in Mason-Phillips Investigative Services took his cup of coffee and said, Thank you darling. I can sure use that this morning. Wow, what a night! I certainly didn’t get much shut-eye.

That was some nightmare you had, Mags said, as she kissed Mac on the cheek.

Well, back to the world without aliens. I need to call Dale Gardner about the fire on Perry Island. I know this has to be very upsetting to him and Jane.

The previous evening, Mac had received a phone call from Brad Moose Williamson, one of his agents, who had escaped a burning condo while on a two night post-wedding stay with Pepper, his wife. Their stay was on Perry Island, the resort community where their double wedding with Paul and Brenda Landers had taken place. Paul and Brenda, both agents with Mason-Phillips, were victims of the fire, but had also escaped unharmed, although a bit frightened.

Yeah, I was so upset last night when that Mr. Martinson came to the door; I was really too numb and didn’t hear much of what you told me about the fire. Mr. Martinson…hmmm, I want to do a little research on him. I think I’ll get Carlos to help. I just don’t know what to think about him. Do you really think he is my father?

On the night before, a man, claiming to be Mags’ father, had come to the door, throwing Mags into a shocked state, having thought that the father she had never known was probably dead.

I just don’t know, Mags. He obviously knew your mother. He knew her name was Sarah, and the timing of his story fits. It may not be proof, but it’s a start.

But, Mac, why did it take him so long to find me? It’s not as if my picture has not been on TV, in magazines, and on billboards for years. He said he recognized me from a billboard ad he had just seen. He said I looked so much like my mother. Why didn’t he find me sooner? I’m not sure he is for real. Maybe it’s a scam.

Think about it, Mags. When he was released as a POW, he talked to your mother’s neighbor. That’s when he learned that your mom had a daughter born after he left for the war, and also learned your mother was dead. At that time, you would have been in the orphanage. The neighbor didn’t know that. It must have been like looking for a needle in a haystack. Then, he said that when the private detective was unsuccessful, he buried himself into his own business. I assume that he had given up until seeing that billboard. Perhaps as you aged, you began to look more like your mother, and he put two and two together with the name of Miller.

I guess, Mac. I want to work with Carlos to uncover everything I can about the man before I call him or see him again. Now, tell me about the fire on Perry Island.

Carlos Garcia was a recent hire at Mason-Phillips. With degrees in both Criminal Justice and Computer Science he had already proven invaluable in helping solve two cases, one being the Gertie Babble blackmailing case and the other the embezzlement of funds from Maggie Miller Cosmetics. He was a computer whiz.

From what Moose told me last night, he and Pepper were in bed when the smell of smoke awakened him. He got up, went to the small lanai of their unit and saw flames coming from another nearby building. He woke Pepper. They gathered their things and Moose called Paul and Brenda. The four got out before their building caught fire. The four of them went door to door awakening all those in the buildings. They probably saved some lives. By that time, the island fire department was on the scene. That’s about all I know.

Mags thought and then asked, So, they don’t know how the fire started?

As I said, I don’t know more than what I just told you. That’s why I want to call Dale. He and Bob Gardner own the resort. I just want to offer our help to see if there is anything we can do.

Do you think this might be a case for Mason-Phillips? asked Mags.

I have no idea. It could have been an accident, you know, a construction malfunction such as bad wiring, something like that.

Oh Mac, I just thought of something. Both Moose and Paul took those lanterns with them from their wedding into their units. You don’t think? Those lanterns had live flames and I bet they carried them all over the island showing them to everyone. You don’t think…

I don’t know, Mags. I hope not, Mac replied with a worried sigh.

Well, let’s have a light breakfast and get to the office. As of now, today looks to be a full day, Mr. Mason!

But, it is good to get back home, isn’t it? Mac asked.

Mac, I’m so happy we were able to locate in Venice, Florida, after we got married. I just love it here, Mags said smiling.

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Mac and Mags arrived at the Mason-Phillips Venice office to find the ever-cheerful and competent Ramona Ramirez at her desk.

Greetings, Mac and Mags. I see you survived the big weekend!

Mags responded, Yes, Ramona, but I will have to say that I was exhausted. Have you heard anything from Moose, Brenda or Paul this morning?

No, they haven’t come in yet. Coming to work two days after getting married shouldn’t be expected, should it?

Ramona, that was their idea. Let us know when they do arrive, please, Mac replied.

Will do, sir. I really was so impressed with the parents’ preparation of those two lanterns for the couples. But, I’m not sure I totally understood their meaning. I was sitting near a table full of those friends of Moose’s, the football players, and I couldn’t hear the explanation very well.

Mags, tell Ramona about the lanterns. I’m going to my office to call Dale Gardner.

Mags began, "Well, Ramona, it seems it is a custom in South Africa that the bride’s and groom’s parents bring a flame from their own homes to join together the two flames for the newly married couple to start a fire in their new home. Pepper, of course, is from South Africa, so this was very special.

Since it was impossible for the parents of Brenda and Paul and Pepper and Moose to do that, they did the next best thing. They brought two lanterns that were lit from significant wood from their homes and presented a lantern to each couple.

Oh, that’s such a meaningful tradition. It kinda’ reminds me of the Unity Candles that are sometimes lit at weddings I’ve attended. You know? There are two candles representing the bride and groom. The couple takes the flame from those two candles and lights a third candle, the Unity Candle. It’s beautiful.

Yes, a very similar tradition, Mags responded. Two lives joined.

Mags left Ramona’s desk and began the short walk to her office. As she started down the hallway, she turned and said to Ramona, When Carlos comes in, have him come see me please.

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Mac settled into the ergonomically designed chair behind his desk and picked up his phone and dialed.

Jane Gardner here, a perky voice answered.

Jane, it’s Mac Mason. I know things must be hectic around there, but is Dale available?

Mac, how are you? No, Dale is out surveying the damage from the fire. Bob is here and they’re talking to the Fire Chief now.

Bob Gardner, owner of Joseffa Island, and his brother, Dale, were partners in Perry Island Resort. Bob was a close friend of Mac and Maggie.

Do you have Dale’s cell phone number? Jane asked.

No, I don’t, but I don’t want to bother him if he’s busy.

I heard Dale say that he wanted to contact you. I’m sure he won’t mind if you call. Jane proceeded in giving Mac Dale’s cell phone number.

After writing the number on a pad of paper, Mac entered it into his cell phone contact list.

I’ll wait a while to call Dale. I know he is going four directions at once now, Mac thought out loud.

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As Mags sat at her desk, organizing her priorities for the day, there was a knock on her office door.

Come in, Mags called out.

A tall, olive-skinned, dark-haired young man stuck his head through the door, You wanted to see me, Mrs. Mason?

Mornin’, Carlos! Yes, come in and have a seat and remember, we have a deal. I call you Carlos and you call me Mags or Maggie. Right? Mags got up from behind her desk and took the visitor’s chair next to Carlos.

Yes, Mags. I forget. My abuela’s teachings never leave me no matter how old I get.

Your grandmother is a very special woman, but I think she’d understand. It took Mac and me awhile to get her to call us anything other than Mr. and Mrs. Mason.

Both Carlos and Mags shook their heads laughing.

Carlos, I have a job for you, Mags said seriously.

I’m more than ready for another assignment, Mags. What do you need?

I want you to do a thorough background check on someone. Tell me as much as you can discover about a man whose name I will give you.

I can do that. Do you want this to be strictly a computer background check or do you want me to investigate outside the office?

Right now, let’s stick to what you can find out online.

Will do. When do you need the information?

Carlos, I’m a fairly open person so let me tell you the story. Mags began. My mother died when I was very young. I never knew my father. Mom spoke very little about him. I was raised in an orphanage. Last night a man came to our house claiming to be my father. I know nothing about him. He says his name is Steve Martinson. He was a prisoner of war. I’m assuming that was during the Vietnam War. I have a phone number that he left with me. He knew my mother’s name and only recently saw a picture of me and recognized me as looking like my mom. I want to know all I can about him. I have no idea whether he is telling the truth or if it’s a scam.

Wow, Mags. I’ll get right on it. Do you know what branch of the service he was in?

No, I don’t. I was so shocked when he came to the door that I didn’t ask all the questions I should have asked.

I’ll find out all I can, as soon as I can. OK?

Thanks, Carlos. You have no idea how glad I am that we have you on our staff now.

No, Mrs….uh, Mags. I am the one who is grateful for this opportunity you have given me.

As Carlos left Mags’ office, Mac tapped on the door separating his office from Mags’.

Was that Carlos I heard you talking to? Mac asked.

Yes, I asked him to do some research on Steve Martinson.

Good. I know how that man’s visit must have sent you into a tailspin.

Yes, Mac, it’s bittersweet. It would be wonderful to know my birth father. But, I have so many questions. I have to be so careful and not get overly anxious to accept what he says. Since I became well-known, I’ve had more than one person try to con me.

That won’t happen in this case, Mags. I guarantee you that!

Mac continued. I’d like to call a special staff meeting. I know that everyone is going to hear about the fire at Perry Island Resort, if they haven’t already. I want to get everyone on the same page. Let’s all get together as soon as Moose, Paul, and Brenda get here.

I’ll have Ramona notify everyone, Mags replied, reaching for her phone.

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Shortly after lunch, Moose arrived at the Mason-Phillips offices. He immediately went to Mac’s office door and knocked.

Upon receiving Mac’s greeting to come in, Moose said, Good morning, Boss. Sorry I’m late today. We were at Perry Island Resort until after 9:00 last night, answering questions about the fire.

No problem, Moose. I haven’t seen Paul and Brenda today either.

They were still on the island when Pepper and I left. I’m sure they’ll be in soon.

Just as Moose completed his apology, Mac looked up to see an embarrassed Brenda looking in his door. Paul was beside her.

Well, good morning, you two, Mac said grinning.

We are so sorry for being late. We didn’t get home until after midnight last night. By the time we had unpacked and settled into bed, it was after one. We slept like the dead and didn’t wake up until after 10:00 AM, Brenda apologized.

It’s okay. I’ve scheduled a staff meeting. We were just waiting to begin until you all arrived.

Moose, Paul, and Brenda went to their offices to get their laptops and headed for the conference room. They greeted other staff members as they passed their offices or cubicles.