Red Flags by Tammy Kaehler Page B

that’s where Billy’s death took place. Haven’t you unmasked killers before?”
    You know very well, since your son was collateral damage. I replied to the group. “I’ve been lucky to help the police catch a few criminals. But it’s not what I do. Besides, we don’t know Billy’s death had anything to do with racing.”
    â€œYou know the players in the Reilly family, the bank structure, and racing,” Bob put in. “It couldn’t hurt us to have someone involved in the investigation making sure Frame Savings is the number one priority. Someone we can count on to bring a minimum of publicity to Billy’s…situation.”
    It could hurt me.
    My father’s voice got frostier. “We have no business asking her to have anything to do with Billy’s death. No right. Much less to play on her feelings of obligation to us for the sponsorship. All she owes us for that is to race and represent us well.”
    â€œNo one’s threatening her sponsorship.” Sharon looked me in the eye. “Whatever happens, Kate, you have a contract. We’re delighted you’re representing us.”
    I could hear the “but” coming.
    â€œRight, gentlemen?” Sharon surveyed the room, eliciting nods. “Don’t worry about that, Kate. But—” There it is. “—it’s true you’re in a unique position.”
    â€œI didn’t know Billy. Or his friends.” I tried to stay calm, to keep the desperation and panic out of my voice.
    â€œBut you are more familiar with his various activities or circles than anyone else.” Sharon smiled. “Perhaps you can keep an eye or ear open, in case his death had anything to do with the racing world? So there’s no negative blow-back on the Frame Savings brand.”
    Sharon glanced at my father and spoke to me. “While we’re not asking you to whip out your magnifying glass and outdo the police to capture Billy’s killer, it’s fair to say the promotion of the Frame Savings brand is ultimately one of your goals as our representative. Wouldn’t you agree?”
    She’d backed me into a corner. I hoped my frustration and reluctance didn’t show on my face, at least not as much as anger and fear showed on my father’s.
    I forced a smile. “I’ll see what I can find out and keep the board posted.”
    Everyone was in a congenial mood after that, except for my father. For my part, the request to solve Billy’s murder—clearly that’s what they wanted me to do—only added to how conflicted I felt about having Frame Savings as a sponsor. The upside was the fulfillment of my racing dreams. The downside was dealing with my father’s family. Being beholden to them. Having to interact with them.
    Coleman stopped me on my way out of the conference room, shaking my hand again. “Looking forward to your results, on and off the track, Kate.”
    â€œI can only guarantee you performance in a racecar. I’m a driver, not an investigator.”
    â€œPerhaps you need to figure out how to be both, since that’s what our brand needs right now. I’d hate to have to make more changes so soon.” He touched a hand to the knot of his tie and walked away, leaving me reeling.
    As I pulled myself together, I heard a new voice whisper, “An attractive girl, but not feminine. And quite aggressive.”
    I stiffened, suspecting it was the only board member who hadn’t spoken a word in the meeting. I slowly turned to survey the room. As I expected, the whisperer stood with the grouchy board member and the executive assistant, all of them trying to pretend they hadn’t been talking about me.
    Sharon touched me on the shoulder. “Thank you for being here, Kate, and for representing us.”
    â€œThank you for the support.”
    â€œDon’t worry about them.” She glanced at the critical trio. “It