Digging for Beauty: A Mac and Maggie Mason Mystery - Book 3

By Charles P. Frank

Digging for Beauty continues the journey of private investigators Mac and Maggie Mason. Mystery meets romance meets distress meets death. No day is business as usual for this stalwart couple!

Come along as Mac and Maggie face new threats in their battle with her cancer.

Come along as Mac and Maggie try out their unpracticed skills as grandparents.

Come along as Mac and Maggie get swept up in drama of missing persons.

Come along as Mac and Maggie find their friendships tested.

Come along as Mac and Maggie struggle with evil that looks good and good that looks evil.

Come along as Mac and Maggie face danger, disappointment, and death.

Its not too late to meet Mac and Maggie Mason. Who knows---you might even meet yourself in the perplexing happenings in Digging for Beauty!

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Feb 14, 2014
• ISBN: 9781491724767

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

MAC MASON WAS SITTING IN his home office, looking over listings for rental office properties. Mac was the retired head of the Major Crimes Division for the Miami Police Department and, until recently, had been a lecturer and consultant for local, state, and national law enforcement agencies. In his early sixties, Mac had recently become partner with Phil Phillips in what was now Mason-Phillips Investigative Services. Phillips had based his company in Miami, but Mac’s chief caveat in accepting the partnership was that he be allowed to open a branch office in Venice, Florida.

Mac and his wife, Maggie Miller Mason, had made their home in Venice since his retirement several years previously. Maggie, or Mags as she was affectionately known, had been a top flight model and currently owned a very successful company, Maggie Miller Cosmetics. Her company had recently rolled out a new perfume called Mmmm, and that product was selling off the shelves.

Mags came into Mac’s office, a small room in their Venice home. Mac looked up with a frown on his face and said, Mags, we need to talk.

Mags, knowing what was on Mac’s mind, answered angelically, What about, Dear?

"Mags, you know what we need to talk about. It’s that bomb you laid on me on The Mistress on our way back from Miami yesterday. I was so stunned that I thought you were kidding, but knowing you, you probably weren’t."

Mac and Mags had just returned from Miami, where they together had solved a murder, freeing a falsely convicted man from death row. They had lived on their thirty-nine foot luxury boat, The Mistress, during their stay in Miami.

Mac, I was very serious. You know—you’ve seen it yourself—I can take care of myself in a tough spot. I can do it! I want to be involved with you in Mason-Phillips Investigations. I want to get my private investigator’s license, and I want to work with you! I know I can make it work!

What about Maggie Miller Cosmetics? Mac asked, hoping Mags had not thought about how her business venture might interfere with her being a PI.

You know well enough that I don’t have to do much directly with the company anymore. I have a great staff that does all the work. I just have to talk with Kimberly Christiansen once a week or so. You’ve met her; she’s a great vice-president. And, I might have to do a photo shoot for a product ad once every few months. Other than that, Kimberly and the staff take care of everything else. The one-day Board meetings are only held twice a year. I promise that MMC won’t interfere, Mags argued.

Hon, I just don’t know. You are still a cancer patient, and the PI work can be dangerous, Mac countered.

It can’t be any more dangerous than what I’ve been through in the last year. I’ve been kidnapped, shot, almost mugged, and I helped apprehend a murderer. I think I’ve proven that I can take care of myself. I can help with investigations. She took a deep breath. And you’re the one who insisted I get self-defense training. Brenda did that for me while you two were working together in Miami. And not only that, I have my carry permit for my Ruger LCP and you know I am able to use it. She paused to measure Mac’s reaction. Then she added, And I’ll go through any other training that might be necessary.

Mags, I need time to think about it. I’m still reeling from the thought of your becoming a PI, getting a license and all that. Let me adjust to that idea and see what it might entail. I am concerned about how taxing it might be for you.

Yes, Dear, Mags responded, with a knowing smile.

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Mac returned to the correspondence from the real estate agent, listing property that might be the future location of the new Mason-Phillips Investigative Services branch in Venice. As he reached for his phone to call his son, Adam, his cell phone began playing Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, his personal ring tone.

Mac Mason here, Mac answered.

Mr. Mason, it’s Moose.

Brad Williamson, better known as Moose, was soon to be a lead agent in Mac’s new Venice office. Moose was 6’ 7" and around 300 pounds of solid muscle, a retired All-Star tackle for the Atlanta Falcons NFL team.

Yes, Moose, what’s up?

Mr. Mason, this is awful. All I can do is just say it. He paused. I’m in jail! I’m sorry to bother you, but I didn’t know who else to call.

Moose, what happened? What’s going on? Where are you being held?

I’m at the Sarasota Police Department.

Moose, I’ll be there within the hour. I don’t get it. Why were you arrested?

I’d rather explain when you get here.

I’ll be right there!

Mac hung up the phone and called to Mags, Mags, could you come here?

Mags came into the office and saw Mac’s worried expression. What’s wrong, Hon?

Moose just called. He has been arrested and is being held at the Sarasota Police Department. I’m going right now. Do you want to go with me?

Definitely! Let’s go.

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Mac and Mags drove the thirty-five minutes to the Sarasota Police Department as quickly as possible. Mac checked in with the officer in charge who asked How can I help you? Mac explained that he was there to see Brad Williamson, an employee of his. Mags was asked to wait while Mac was taken to a small room with only a table and two chairs. Moose, handcuffed and wearing an orange jumpsuit, was brought in and sat facing Mac.

Thank you for coming, Mr. Mason, Moose said, as he looked embarrassed. I wasn’t sure what I should do and the only thing I could think of was to call you.

Moose, what happened to your face? Mac said as he saw a bruise on Moose’s left cheek.

It’s part of the story, Mr. Mason.

Maybe you should tell me the story. But first, what are they charging you with?

As well as I understand it, it’s disturbing the peace and public fighting. I’m told it can range from a misdemeanor to a felony. I’ll go before a judge tomorrow morning. I had to surrender my private investigator’s identification and, of course, my sidearm.

Tell me what happened.

I’ll tell you the whole story. Billy, a friend of mine from college, lives in Sarasota. He called me and suggested we get together to catch up. He mentioned this place called Ray’s Sports Bar. I don’t usually frequent bars anymore, but agreed to meet Billy there.

Where is this bar? asked Mac.

It’s in a seedier part of northern Sarasota. Anyway, when I got to the bar, Billy wasn’t there. I was a little early. I found a place at the bar and ordered a Diet Coke. The bartender snickered at my order, but served it. Three guys were sitting at a table immediately behind me. The only other people in the bar were several women sitting at a booth in the corner. I’d been sipping my Coke for a few minutes when a woman came up and sat next to me. She asked me if I would buy her a drink. I told her that I wasn’t interested in meeting anyone, but that if she wanted a Coke, I’d buy it for her. She laughed and asked me if a big boy like me couldn’t handle a beer or something stronger. I told her that I had the drink I wanted. Then she put a hand on my arm, kinda friendly like. One of the guys at the table behind me came over and said something like, ‘What are you doing with my girl?’ and then added a racial slur I don’t take kindly to. He grabbed me by the shoulder and whirled me around on my bar stool. I told him I didn’t want any trouble, but then his two friends came over and stood on each side of him. The first guy pushed me and then took a swing. He connected with my left cheek and that’s where I got this bruise. I got up from my stool, and before I could do anything else, the guy’s two friends grabbed me and held my arms behind me. The first man called me a ‘woman-chasing-coon’ and gave me two pretty hard body shots. That’s when I decided I had to defend myself.

What was the bartender doing through all this?

I wasn’t really watching him. I was too intent on avoiding a fight and then defending myself. But, it was obvious later that he had called the police. I also suspect that he was friends with the three guys, you know, regulars or something.

Well, go on. What happened next? Mac encouraged.

As I said, I knew I had to defend myself or I’d be beaten senseless. I shook off the two guys holding me, using some of the techniques we teach in self-defense—you know, like we taught Mags—mainly my elbow to the ribs. I blocked a swing by the man in front of me and landed a solid punch to his jaw. I’m told I broke his jaw, as well as knocking out several teeth. He didn’t get up. I turned to face the men behind me and each took a shot at me. To make a long story shorter, I took both of them out with a couple of punches. Then, all heck broke loose. The police arrived. The bartender told the officers that I had started the fight. The three guys pleaded that they were sitting minding their own business and I picked a fight with them. I was handcuffed and brought here.

What about the other witnesses? What did they say?

They slipped out the door when the fight started, Moose replied. So did the woman who sat next to me.

Mac asked, Did Billy ever arrive?

No, not that I know.

Is that everything, Moose?

Yes, that’s the whole story. I might just be fined and have to pay for any damages, but I’m not guilty and I don’t know what this might do to my licensing as a PI.

Moose, we are going to get to the bottom of this. But, first, let me see what I can do to get you released. I called an attorney on the way here; she should be here any moment. She’ll do whatever possible to get you out of here and I’ll be in court with you tomorrow. When Ms. Kostanik gets here—she’s the attorney—I’m sure they will let her talk with you.

Thanks, Mr. Mason. I’m sorry to have to bring you into this.

Alright, Moose, let’s cut the Mr. Mason stuff. We’re friends as well as co-workers. It’s Mac from now on. OK?

Thank you, Mac.

One more thing, do you have contact information for this friend of yours? Billy, wasn’t it?

Yes, sir, I do, but it’s in my wallet and that was taken from me when I was booked.

Let me see if I can get your wallet. I’ll need your permission, of course.

Mac signaled the officer stationed down the hall and explained the need for the wallet. After Moose signed a simple form, the wallet was brought to Mac. He quickly found the small piece of paper with Billy Matthews’ name and phone number written on it.

OK, Moose, I’m going to see what I can do now. I’ll guarantee bail, if that is what your lawyer arranges. Call me as soon as you are free. I want to see what information I can obtain before the court session tomorrow.

Goodbyes were said, and as Mac left, he met the attorney arriving at the front desk. Mac introduced himself, briefly explained what he knew, and left the police department with Mags.

Is it bad? Mags asked as she and Mac walked to their car.

It’s four against one as far as witnesses go. Right now, Moose is standing alone, but I have some work to do.

No, Mac; WE have some work to do. Where do we start? Mags stated with no room for discussion.

OK, before we leave Sarasota I want to try to reach Moose’s friend, Billy Mathews. He was supposed to meet Moose at the bar. He didn’t show. He might have information that could be helpful.

Mac reached the car and, after opening Mags’ door, sat in the driver’s seat and took out his cell phone. He dialed the number for Billy Matthews.

Hello, a voice answered.

Billy Matthews? Mac asked.

Yeah, I’m Billy; who’s this?

Mac explained about Moose’s arrest and then asked why Billy had not shown up at Ray’s Sports Bar.

I did get there, but it was after the excitement. All I heard was that a big guy had started a fight and had been arrested, Billy shared.

Who told you about the fight? Mac asked.

The bartender, Billy replied.

OK, let me ask. Why did you choose that place to meet Moose?

I had met this chick and she and some friends were going to be there. I thought maybe Moose and I could hook up with them.

Do you know how to reach this woman you were going to meet?

Yeah, I have her number.

She might have seen the fight. Can I have her number?

Yeah, I’ve got it here somewhere. It’s 941-555-1942. Is there anything I can do to help Moose? I feel awful that I haven’t done anything yet, but just didn’t know what to do.

No, if what I hope works out, you’ve done enough to help. Thanks, Billy.

Mac disconnected from the call and turned to Mags. Did you hear any of that?

Yes, I heard it all. Why don’t I call this woman? She might respond better to me than to a man.

Good idea, Hon. Here’s the number.

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As Mac drove looking for a place for lunch, Mags dialed the number for Barbara Ritter.

A female voice answered, Hello.

Barbara Ritter? Mags asked.

Yes, this is she. Who is calling?

Barbara, I’m Maggie Mason. Billy Matthews gave me your number. I’m a private investigator, Mags said, winking at Mac.

Is this about the fight at Ray’s Sports Bar yesterday? Barbara asked.

As a matter of fact, it is. Were you there during the fight, and did you see what led to it?

Yeah, I was there with two friends waiting for Billy. We saw the fight start and didn’t want to get into the middle of anything, so we left.

Did you see who started the fight? Mags asked.

Mac gave Mags a thumbs up.

There was a pause and Barbara answered, Yes, there were three guys who started picking on a huge guy at the bar. The big guy tried to tell the three that he didn’t want any trouble, but two of the guys grabbed him from behind and the first guy hit him. That’s when we left.

With a huge smile, Mags stated. Well, the big guy, Brad, has been arrested and the bartender and the three men are stating that our friend started the fight.

Barbara responded, Well, that just isn’t true. Those three jerks started it.

Barbara, would you be willing to testify to that? There’s a court hearing tomorrow at 10:00 AM.

Barbara thought a minute in silence and then said, Will I be safe? Could I bring my two friends with me? They saw it all too.

Sure, bring your friends, and if you even suspect any harassment from any one of the three guys, let us know and we’ll see that you have protection. My husband is a partner in Mason-Phillips Investigations and can provide you with protection, if necessary.

I am not from that area of Sarasota and don’t plan on returning to Ray’s, so I doubt I will have any problems. I’ve never been in court. Will it take long? Will I have to talk in front of a lot of people? What will happen if I do something wrong?

Mags said, My husband and I will be there with you. You won’t have to say anything except the truth, and you won’t get into any trouble. This is a way you can help an innocent man. And I’m sure Billy will appreciate it. Can you help?

OK. She took a deep breath. OK. Yes, I’ll be at court at 10:00 AM with my two friends.

May I offer to have someone pick up the three of you? If you give me your address, and ask your friends to be at your home, we could pick you up at 9:15. Is that enough time to get to the courthouse?

Yes, that will work. I’ll be glad to have my friends with me. They know what went on! But, I don’t know you. How can I be sure you are legit?

Mac looked at Mags and pointed to his business card.

Well, here is the number of the agency where we, uh, my husband works. Check it out. If you change your mind, no one will force you to go with us tomorrow.

Thank you. I just might do that. And, anyway, what is life without a little adventure? Do you want to know how to get to my house?

Mags took Barbara’s address and the names of her two friends and, after words of thanks, ended the call.

Good job. I think we have all we need to prove Moose’s innocence. Brenda is still in Venice looking for a place to live. I’ll call and ask her to pick up the three ladies.

See, Mac, I told you I had what it takes to be a private investigator.

"Yes, Darling. I’ll begin looking into what that