“I still think that's just the tip of the iceberg. There's got to be more to this. There's a big piece to this puzzle that's missing.” Johanna's eyes lit up. “First, after we deliver the summonses for George, we need to go to Kramer Insurance Company and learn the identity of the blonde. She's the key.”
“I thought you wanted to wait until this evening.”
“I've changed my mind.”
Frankie looked at her, bewildered. “I've been thinking about this. Just hear me out. I think we should continue to tail Thatcher to see if he goes to the insurance company again. If he does, then we'll go in. Our assumptions could turn out to be wrong. It could have been a one-time thing picking the blonde up there. Let's hold off for a little while before going to Bronson Enterprises too. Maybe we won't even have to make an appearance there if we can nail him first.”
Johanna was thoughtful for a moment. “I suppose you're right. We keep going back and forth on this and it isn't getting us anywhere.” She sighed. “You make sense. And Thatcher could have a reasonable explanation for meeting the woman, waiting around to hold the baby, and then pass the woman an envelope.” She rolled her eyes. “Come on, Frankie.”
“Johanna, we're on the same page, but until we have tangible proof, Thatcher will lie his way out of everything. We have nothing right now. He could be paying the blonde to keep her mouth shut. If we try to bust him now, he'll make fools out of us. And it won't take him long to figure out Kendall hired us. The whole thing could backfire and God knows what he might do to her.” Her jaw was set firmly. “We don't make careless mistakes.”
She tossed her head. “I didn't think of that. You're right. We'll see where Thatcher goes tonight. If he goes to Kramer Insurance Company again and picks up the blonde, then that's all we need. Then we can snoop around to see what dirt we can dig up on the blonde and Becca Manning. Sound good?”
Frankie stood. “Yes. Now, I'm going to put on a big pot of coffee.”
“Haven't you had enough caffeine this morning?”
“Never can have enough.”
Johanna smiled. “I thought George would have called by now. I think I'll run over there and pick up the summonses myself. He probably got sidetracked with everything else going on.”
“I'll go with you,” Frankie offered. “I can use some fresh air.”
“What about your coffee?”
“I need to cut down.”
Johanna laughed. “Come on.”
* * * *
“Where's George?” Frankie asked.
“In a meeting,” Kate replied distractedly. “And Arlan's out delivering a few summonses.”
Frankie's eyebrows knitted together. “I thought George wanted us to deliver them?”
She shrugged. “He never mentioned it to me.” She lowered her voice. “He probably forgot he asked you. It's been a madhouse around here with the fires.”
“Any leads?” Frankie asked.
Kate's eyes narrowed. “You know I can't share that information with you, Frankie.”
“Since when?” Frankie persisted.
“Frankie, you know as well as I do that unless you and Johanna are working a case with us, everything else is off limits to you.” She picked up a stack of folders. “Sorry to cut this short, but I'm up to my ears in paperwork.” She glanced at Johanna. “You taking it slow, I hope?”
“As much as I can.”
“Good.” She nodded. “I'll catch you two later.”
“George must have a lot on his mind to forget he'd asked us to deliver some summonses. I'm surprised, though, that he sent Arlan to deliver them. I thought Arlan would be working with him on the fire investigation,” Johanna stated as they walked to the car.
“So Kate says.”
“What do you mean?” Johanna stopped and touched Frankie's arm.
Frankie's eyes clouded. “Didn't you notice that Kate couldn't wait to get rid of us?”
She shrugged. “No. She's busy. She has a lot on her mind, too. Especially with her upcoming wedding and her whole family coming for it.”
“If you say so.”
Chapter 7
Frankie scanned the entrance to Kramer Insurance Company. Thatcher Longman had once again driven there after leaving his office. This time he hadn't waited in his car but had parked his sports car and entered the business. She patted Johanna's knee. “We know now it's not a one-time thing. We'll wait a few more minutes then go in.”
“I think we should go in now since he's been in there for fifteen minutes,” Johanna replied.
Frankie stretched her cramped muscles. “I'm on board with that. What should we say?”
Johanna bit her lip deep in thought. “Well, we could pretend we're in the process of opening a business and were referred to Kramer Insurance Company because of their evening hours,” she suggested. “Or we can play it by ear.”
“I like the referral bit.” Frankie snapped her fingers. “We'll say we wanted the hands on, personal touch of a local company as opposed to purchasing a policy online, but unfortunately, most insurance offices close before we can get there. Since Kramer's has evening hours, we decided to stop in tonight to see if they can offer us everything we need.” She shrugged. “Or words to that effect.”
Johanna's eyes narrowed. “Most people can get a few hours off during the day to take care of their business.”
“Hey, I'm tired and hungry. That's all I got,” Frankie said holding her arms out with her hands facing palms up. “Besides, I thought we were going to wing it.”
“You're right. I just don't want to blow our chance.” Johanna screwed up her face. “We have to make ourselves convincing.” She peered at Frankie. “To satiate your hunger, we'll pick up some take out on the way home. And about your being tired, not tonight, honey. I've got something else in mind. I want what I was promised last night, but you were too tired to deliver.”
“And here I was worried that you might be over doing it.” She puckered up her face. “I can't believe that I fell asleep before you even
