“Oh, probably nothing. At least, nothing you can use.”
“Tell me.”
“Willifred’s owned a string of boats.”
Jenna resisted the urge to glance at Sol. “I never knew that.”
“No reason you should have. Willifred plays things close to his chest. Which is the only reason he’s not been arrested on multiple charges. I always suspected Willifred had no real interest in the sea. What he wanted was a chance to party away from prying eyes. Which is probably why dear old Grandad never once allowed Willifred to set foot on his precious vessel.” Auburn stared over the pool’s sparkling waters, then added, “Aunt Eloise went on for years about how the old man probably had a secret stash. And what do you know. She was right. Only not where she thought.”
The agent asked Jenna, “This man making enquiries. Do you have a name?”
“Lane Pritchard. A supposedly retired LA lawyer.”
“I’ve done some checking,” Sol said. “LA police have long suspected him of being linked to the Mob.”
Banks took out his phone. “Spell that name.”
Jenna did so, then asked Dino’s grandson, “Has he shown up here?”
“Not that I know of.”
“Any chance he’s been nosing around Dino’s house?”
“How should I know?” Auburn jerked his chin in Sol’s direction. “We keep waiting for the place to be sold.”
“It was officially listed day before yesterday,” Sol said. “The agent Dino instructed us to use now has three cash offers.”
“You mean Benny Watts,” Banks corrected.
“Legal records still show Dino Vicenza as owner,” Sol replied. He looked at Auburn. “I must warn you. This question of identity may slow things down.”
For the first time, Auburn showed real interest. “Does Mom know?”
“I’ve seen no need to involve Mrs. Raye,” Sol replied. “Yet.”
“She’ll set the dogs to howling in Santa Cruz,” Auburn said. “Mom’s already burned through most of her inheritance. Bought some place in Kauai. It’s either get her share of the house’s sale or go on the hunt for another husband.”
Noah felt like he stood outside himself, watching this drama from an objective distance. Close enough to hear everything that was said, but still well removed. Able to study this spoiled rich guy with the absurd name and wonder about the grandfather. How the old man had probably assumed his life was totally under control, long as his secrets kept him safe. How that mattered more than family.
He heard Jenna say, “We think Lane Pritchard might be after your grandfather’s gold.”
“Too late,” Auburn replied. “My family can go through money fast as a California wildfire.”
“I don’t think,” Jenna said, “this man will care.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
She gestured to the agent. “If he shows up asking questions, you need to alert Agent Banks. Immediately.”
Banks asked, “Where is this gold now?”
“Mom’s is mostly gone, like I said.” Auburn looked from one to the other. “Mine’s in a safety deposit box. What the others did with their shares, I have no idea.”
Banks said, “I assume these assets have been duly reported to the IRS.”
Sol replied, “That matter is between myself, my clients, and the proper authorities, and does not concern you.”
Auburn looked at Jenna, his tone bitter. “This is your idea of revenge, bringing the feds down on my head?”
