Rita Brown - Cat of the Century

Inez explained to Deputy Sorenson, a competent fellow of about thirty-four, who was missing and why she thought it highly unusual.

Any reasons you can think of concerning her absence? He was a pleasant, respectful young man.

No, Inez replied patiently. She did borrow from the alumnae accounts without clearing it with the board, but she replaced the money quickly. Twenty-five thousand dollars.

Did anyone else know but you?

The president, Dr. Barnett, was informed yesterday.

Did Mrs. DAngelo have enemies that you knew about?

Flo Langston. Perhaps rival is a better term than enemy. They graduated in the same class in 1974. Never did get along.

Did Mrs. Langston know about the twenty-five thousand dollars?

No, Inez crisply replied. Had she known, she would have used it against her. The two have been fighting for control of the board for the last year. It reached a nadir recently. The standing chair had to step down, which is why Im acting chair despite my advanced age.

Which is? Hed been scribbling in his notebook.

Ninety-eight.

He looked up quickly from his notebook, his brown eyes wide. Ninety-eight.

Ninety-eight. Inez smiled, and old though she was, a hint of flirtation infused that smile.

If you dont mind me asking, maam, how have you kept so, uh, fit?

Im an equine vet. Still go out on a case as a consultant. Lots of physical labor and using ones mind. And Im an alumna of William Woods. I like to think Ive kept going because I want to know whats happening at my alma mater.

Jahnae said evenly, I called the bed-and-breakfast where Mariah was staying; she never came back last night. Her car is parked by the barns. She often parks there when visiting here. Shes a passionate horsewoman. We are beginning to worry, obviously.

Inez spoke up, No one has touched the car, for what thats worth.

Might be helpful. He then asked, Did she ever threaten anyone physically?

Well, Inez temporized, not exactly. Two board meetings back, she threatened to tear off Flo Langstons face.

Was Mrs. Langston frightened or angry? He scribbled again.

Angry. She said if she were to tear off Mariahs face, she wouldnt know where to start since she always saw two.

It took the deputy a moment to grasp the insult.

Jahnae said, Officer, is there any way to keep this low-key? Were celebrating the one hundredth birthday of one of our alumna this evening. The weather is already causing some distress. We dont need

she thought for a momentanother problem. Weve assembled the alumnae board so that you might question them as soon as possible. Theyre sworn to secrecy until after the event.

Think theyll keep their promise? Hed seen enough of human behavior to know that most people couldnt resist being the bearer of bad news; the greater the disaster, the happier they were to report it.

I believe they will. Inez smiled. If not, they answer to me.

He studied her for a moment, then smiled slightly. I see.

Before questioning the board, Deputy Sorenson called for a backup. Gina, Im at William Woods. Will you go to the stables on campus and He glanced at Inez.

New Range Rover Sport, black. She supplied the information.

Find a new black Range Rover Sport parked back at the barns. The owner is missing. Ive got some people to question. If theres anything there, I dont want it to walk.

Gina readily agreed. As everyone knew the university, she needed no directions. Deputy Sorenson then walked into the conference room.

Jahnae touched Inez on the shoulder. Would you like me to attend?

No, you have enough to do. If theres any further development, Ill call you on your cell. Inez breathed deeply. Shes dead, Jahnae. I feel it in my bones.

Her face registering not shock but sad agreement, Jahnae nodded. Lets pray shes not.

By 4:00 P.M., nothing new had turned up, and Inez walked through the snow to clear her head, then returned to the Fairchild Alumni House. Tally, Big Mim, and Little Mim were upstairs, getting ready for this evenings festivities. Harry was ironing her skirt in the kitchen. She hated ironing but had dutifully found the ironing board in a hallway closet. Inez told Harry everything, because she trusted Harrys keen mind.

Tally wont find out until after the celebration, hopefully. Harry

set the iron on its haunches. Could Mariah have been involved in something more scandalous than a money problem?

Possible. These days anything is possible. Actually, it was probably always that way. Its just now were badgered by news around the clock. It only makes things worse, I think. Inez sank into a kitchen chair.

Maybe she had something on someone on the board. Blackmail. If business is on the skids, human behavior can always be relied upon for misdeeds. Or sex. Never run out of problems there.

The DAngelos are successful people; they contribute heavily to political campaigns. Its crossed my mind that she might have gotten involved in something unsavory, as you have said, gotten the goods on a prominent public figure. Mariah is too smart to try blackmail. It would have been disguised as something else. Inez tipped her head back, her silver curls catching what little light there was. Shed lit a cigarette, one of the three she smoked every day. God, that tastes good.

Cooper loves Dunhills, too. Terribly expensive. She cant afford them, but I know when she treats herself, its the red pack. She doesnt like menthol.

Havent seen Cooper in a while. Remind me to bum a cig off of her. I love it. Clears out my sinuses. I shouldnt be smoking, but

Inez, at your age, you can do as you damned well please.

A big grin crossed Inezs symmetrical face. I need to be reminded of that more often. I dont know how long I have to live, but less than you.

I hope not. Harry smiled.

If only I could live forever, Inez said wistfully. I find this earth fascinating. I dont want to leave. She took another deep drag. Youll never know how I struggled to give up this habit. Used to smoke a pack a day when I was practicing. At this point, why bother? Your sentiments. She nodded to Harry.

Harry returned to the subject at hand. Do you know the candidates or elected officials that Mariah backed?

No. Ill ask Flo. Theyre at loggerheads about that, too. Flos Democrat. Mariah, Republican.

Have they ever agreed on anything? Charity, perhaps?

Inezs head perked upward slightly. Why do you say that?

Theyre community leaders; leaders are always involved in some kind of charity. Its easy to steal from charities. For instance, you create a special need, like funding wheelchairs for indigent children. And when money comes in for your wheels-for-kids, you do supply wheelchairs. With lots of publicity. You then run all your expenses through the 501(c)3 corporation, a charitable nonprofit. You can live like a king. You can also create another corporation, and the wheels-for-kids makes gifts and loans to it.

How do you know about this?

Had some dealings with the Brothers of Love on the mountain.

Up next to Swannanoa. Inez cited a place just to the south of Route 250, below the Skyline Drive on- and off-ramp. It may well be one of the most interesting places in Virginia, as it was founded, in a sense, to study religions without judgment, perhaps a century ago.

Right.

The Brothers of Love are crooked? Inez was shocked.

Some were. Its been straightened out.

Im happy to hear that. Iwell, I dont want to get off track here. You think Mariah might have set up a charity?

Just a thought.

Ill investigate. If she had, Id think Id know about it. Board members are merciless in pressing other board members about some special project.

Harry excused herself for a moment to go upstairs to the bathroom. Shed imbibed far too much tea.