Murder at Sunrise Lake

“I’m not going to pretend to understand what’s going on, but it’s clear something terrible has happened. Is there anything I can do to help?” He handed her one of her jackets. She kept them on hooks beside the doors to her home so she could grab one at any time during the day or night in an emergency around the property.

“Thank you,” she murmured automatically. “No, there’s really nothing you can do. I’m sorry for acting so silly. Sam’s fine. Some of the hikers coming up from the city have been clueless about what it entails to summit Whitney. Vienna and Sam were trying to figure out how to protect …” She waved her hand, unable to lie. She didn’t know what to say. “He won’t be back now until late.”

“I’ve been diagnosed with a heart condition,” Marco blurted out. He glanced toward the closed door as if he didn’t want to be overheard even by his bodyguard. “I’ve decided to retire, which in my line of business can be risky. I have no heir other than Sam.”

Stella turned completely around, her back to the lake and the rising sun with all its shades of gold. She hoped he didn’t think Sam was going to step into his shoes.

He shook his head. “I know what you’re thinking. Sam wants nothing to do with my business. He got out a long time ago. No, I’ll name someone else to follow in my footsteps. I want to retire close to my son though, and have the chance to repair our relationship.”

“Why didn’t you go to him before this?”

“I’d like to say it was because we’re both stubborn, but the truth is, even with all my resources, I couldn’t find him.” He sounded as proud of Sam as he was frustrated. “I didn’t know if my only child was alive.”

Stella could understand why he would approach Sam in the middle of the night when he found out where he was. Marco had probably really been afraid his son would take off at the first sign that he’d been found.

“I know I’m a stranger to you, Mr. Rossi, but I have to ask you, just how ill are you?” Because she might advocate for him if necessary. There were years of separation. If Marco was dying, Sam might never forgive himself if he didn’t at least sit down with his father and talk to him.

“I’m not dying yet. I had a heart attack and the doctors have told me that my eating habits and lack of fresh air and exercise have contributed to my very unhealthy heart. I made up my mind if I found my son I’d retire and try to talk him into at least living close to me. Knowing he has a lady makes it easier. It’s beautiful country up here, although I’ve never lived in the country, nor have I ever seen the appeal.”

She found herself smiling in spite of the circumstances. He was city through and through. She couldn’t imagine him ever considering settling in the Sierras. “It isn’t like there’s tons of company up here, Mr. Rossi. If you did decide to make this your home, or at least in the town, it isn’t like a city.” She tried to make it a warning.

Marco nodded. “I’m well aware.” He hesitated. “I met someone two years ago. We don’t live together, but I think if I did retire and moved away from the city, she might consider moving with me.”

Meaning out of harm’s way, Stella interpreted. Whoever the woman was, she wasn’t part of what he’d been doing all of his life. Stella honestly didn’t know that much about what he did, but she did know Sam. He wouldn’t be too happy with his father coming here and talking to her without him being present.

“You do know Sam will want to talk to you about all this himself.”

Marco sighed. “Yes, but he won’t be very receptive. I was hoping you would advocate for me if my son refuses to cooperate, Stella. I think he’ll listen to you.”

She could see his charm, his appeal to women, a powerful, handsome man, asking for help. He knew what he was doing, what he looked and sounded like. She had the feeling that he had practiced that charm many, many times over the years.

“When he comes to see me, insist on coming with him. He’ll be much more cautious how he treats me, what he says. We’ll have a better chance of making amends with each other with you present.” He sounded perfectly sincere and appealing.

Stella shook her head with a faint smile. “Here’s the thing, Mr. Rossi. I would never, under any circumstances, go behind Sam’s back. I wouldn’t mislead him or try to persuade him one way or the other. Sam is a grown man. He’s intelligent and I don’t believe he’s hotheaded or does anything without thinking it through. If he was stubborn when he was younger, he isn’t that way now. He’s thoughtful and calm. I believe he will listen to you and whatever is between you and will honestly try to resolve it. You won’t need me there for that. If Sam wants me there, of course, I’ll go with him.”