Midas Murders [Book 3 of the Katherine Miller Mysteries] by Janet Lane-Walters

tantrums for later.” He grinned. “Time for her to stop grasping and for me to cease doting. She has no reason to envy you."
    He was right and wrong. In some subtle way our relationship hovered on the edge of change. Was Bonnie aware? Since my arrival both times I'd been in her company, her animosity had pulsed like a monster lurking for an attack.
    "Thank you.” I put the case on the dresser and hung the dress in the closet.
    Lars held out his hand. “Now that the dress question is settled, would you like to take a drive?"
    "Where?"
    "Just around. We'll stop somewhere for lunch."
    "Sounds like fun."
    Making our escape proved to be an exercise in logistics. Every time Lars tried to back onto the drive, another car, truck or van appeared: A florist times three, several vans belonging to the caterer, a truck from a place where tables and chairs are rented, plus a number of cars moved in a stream up the drive.
    We looked at each other and laughed. Lars reached for his cell phone.
    "What are you doing?"
    "Calling Bonnie to see when there'll be a break in traffic."
    "I could stand in the middle of the drive and play traffic cop."
    "Might be the only way.” He glanced toward the gate. “After this gray car, we're clear."
    * * * *
    That evening we dined on the doggie bags we'd brought from lunch and then dressed for the party. In casual clothes Lars is a handsome man, but in a tuxedo he took my breath away. His cummerbund and tie were turquoise and a near match for my dress. The studs were chunks of the same semi-precious stones as my jewelry.
    "Making a statement?” I asked.
    "Staking my claim. You're a beautiful woman and there will be a number of unattached men in attendance."
    "None to match you. Should I worry about unattached women?"
    He chuckled. “We're quite a pair. Shall we walk or drive? We're early enough to get a close spot."
    "And be blocked in so we have to walk home. It's not far.” I reached for the silver fox cape that had been my mother's.
    As we strolled up the luminary-lined driveway, Lars told me what to expect inside the house. “It's a showplace and made for entertaining. The lower floor isn't family space. The house is a huge square with a center courtyard. On one side there's a formal living room and a dining room where doors open into the court. The...I suppose it could be called a ballroom is on the other side and is connected to a hall that opens into the court and leads to the chef's kitchen."
    "Sounds wonderful.” And just the proper place to showcase his daughter.
    "She's hired an orchestra for dancing."
    The sand-colored adobe glittered in the moonlight. “Truly a house of gold."
    "Fool's gold. She had something added to the stucco to create the effect. Bonnie has these pretensions, but she means no harm by them."
    Was his assessment true? His daughter might not physically harm anyone, but from what I'd observed and heard from Don and Megan, she used words as weapons. I wanted to share these thoughts with Lars, but refrained. Why shred his beliefs? Bonnie was his pet and I'd soon be a guest in her house.
    Lars rang the bell. A dark-haired man dressed as a hidalgo answered. He took my cape and Lars coat.
    On one wall a picture of Bonnie hung. I glanced at the other wall where a multitude of mirrors in gilt frames reflected the portrait again and again. I choked back laughter.
    At the end of the foyer, a graceful staircase led to the second floor. A grandfather's clock in white marble and gold works stood near the stairs. Soft lights and shadows were cast by the crystal chandelier.
    Bonnie glided into the foyer. “Daddy, you look so handsome. It's good you came early."
    Her dress was gold lame and white satin and molded to her figure. She wore a pearl and gold necklace. White and gold like everything I'd seen.
    "I wanted Kate to have a chance to see the house before the guests arrived."
    She turned to me. “Aunt Katherine, what a nice dress. Don't you just love the necklace and earrings?