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  Avoidable Contact

  A Kate Reilly Mystery

  Tammy Kaehler

  www.TammyKaehler.com

  Poisoned Pen Press

  Copyright

  Copyright © 2014 by Tammy Kaehler

  First E-book Edition 2014

  ISBN: 9781464202391 ebook

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in, or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the publisher of this book.

  The historical characters and events portrayed in this book are inventions of the author or used fictitiously.

  Poisoned Pen Press

  6962 E. First Ave., Ste. 103

  Scottsdale, AZ 85251

  www.poisonedpenpress.com

  [email protected]

  Contents

  Avoidable Contact

  Copyright

  Contents

  Dedication

  Acknowledgments

  Daytona International Speedway

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-one

  Chapter Twenty-two

  Chapter Twenty-three

  Chapter Twenty-four

  Chapter Twenty-five

  Chapter Twenty-six

  Chapter Twenty-seven

  Chapter Twenty-eight

  Chapter Twenty-nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-one

  Chapter Thirty-two

  Chapter Thirty-three

  Chapter Thirty-four

  Chapter Thirty-five

  Chapter Thirty-six

  Chapter Thirty-seven

  Chapter Thirty-eight

  Chapter Thirty-nine

  Chapter Forty

  Chapter Forty-one

  Chapter Forty-two

  Chapter Forty-three

  Chapter Forty-four

  Chapter Forty-five

  Chapter Forty-six

  Chapter Forty-seven

  Chapter Forty-eight

  Chapter Forty-nine

  Chapter Fifty

  Chapter Fifty-one

  Chapter Fifty-two

  Chapter Fifty-three

  Chapter Fifty-four

  Chapter Fifty-five

  More from this Author

  Contact Us

  Dedication

  To my mother, Gail,

  For convincing me I can do anything.

  Acknowledgments

  I tell stories about a real racing series, real cars, and real tracks, and I do my best to make the technical and racing details as accurate as possible. But I generalize, exaggerate, and flat out make the rest up. Where the line between reality and make-believe blurs, I hope readers and race fans will forgive some liberties. Only a couple character names aren’t make-believe: Tommy Kendall, Christine Syfert, and Leon Browning, thank you for donating generously to the Austin Hatcher Foundation and allowing me to make you part of Kate’s world.

  I owe a great debt to Kevin Buckler, Bob Dickinson, Jeanine Curtis, and everyone else at The Racer’s Group. You made this story possible by helping me understand what it’s like to be part of a team for this incredible race. Thank you also to drivers Kuno Wittmer, Dominik Farnbacher, and Oliver Gavin for generously explaining the track and checking to make sure I’d done it right—any mistakes are mine. And to Doug Fehan (who really does have charm as his superpower), thank you for putting up with my questions.

  It takes a village to make sure I get things right, and I owe thanks to the rest of my racing world experts: Beaux Barfield, Pattie Mayer, Drew Bergwall, Steve Wesoloski, Shane Mahoney, Dawn Bell, Lauren Elkins, Scot Elkins, Dr. (and spotter) Chris Murray, and Tyler Tadevic. You gave me access, information, answers to weird “what if” questions, and helped me at every step.

  To my writing peeps and critique partners, Christine Harvey and Rochelle Staab, thank you for encouragement, commiseration over every step in the writing process, and a lightning-fast beta read. To Simon Wood, thank you for the guidance, Obi Wan. Thank you to my agent, Lucienne Diver, for reviews, feedback, and believing in me and Kate. To everyone at Poisoned Pen Press—especially Annette, Barbara, and Rob—and my fellow PPP authors, thanks for the support and for letting me play along.

  In the world of my family and friends: thank you to Lara Kallander for reminding me I needed to use the character named after her in this third book. Extra special thanks to friend and subject matter expert Dr. Jason Black for helping me figure out how to kill (or at least horribly injure) people. To Stan Laughlin, thank you for the stories, and to Scott James, thanks for the wonderful photos. To Barb and Mary, thanks for being so enthusiastic, for helping me with names, and for being my race buddies—it’s an honor to be part of your lives. Finally, thank you to my parents (real, by marriage, and honorary), Gail, Roger and Aggie, Linda and Jerry, and An. Thanks for calling when I forget to and living with my grunted responses when you ask how the writing is going.

  Last but not least, to Chet, my person. Thank you for giving me space when I need it and hugs or tissues when I need those. Thank you for the many years (they feel like a hundred).

  Daytona International Speedway

  Daytona Beach, Florida

  Chapter One

  1:20 P.M. | 0:50 TO GREEN FLAG

  Nothing surprised me about pre-race festivities anymore. Skydivers, samba dancers, Clydesdales—we saw them all. Uniformed cops and security guards generated no excitement. But two police officers with their serious faces on, heading my way? Unusual.

  I stood in pit lane, enjoying the view of overcast skies, an enormous racetrack, and some ten thousand people, all of us buzzed on anticipation and adrenaline. Drivers, teams, and fans savored the buildup to the green flag. Everyone focused on the world inside the giant bowl of Daytona International Speedway. Everyone was ready for the marathon that is the legendary 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race. Then the sight of badges, gunbelts, and somber faces, flanked by Series staff, shot my heart rate into race-stint territory.

  I straightened up from my slouch against the side of our number 28 Corvette. Tug Brehan, the number two guy in operations for the new United SportsCar Championship series—and, hands down, the most stylish guy at the racetrack—led the officers to me through the sea of people.

  Tug put a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Kate Reilly, this is Detective Latham with the Daytona Beach Police.” He gestured to the tall, slender man with a shaved-bald head and mocha-colored skin. “And Officer Webster, Daytona International Speedway Police.” That was the older guy, shorter and rounder, with graying red hair and pale skin.

  Webster nodded, then turned to scan the crowd around us.

  Latham looked from me to Tug. “Is there somewhere quieter or more private we could talk?”

  I shook my head. Dread curdled my stomach
. “Tell me.” When the cop didn’t respond, I pointed to the front of the grid. “We could fight our way to my team’s pits, but it’s at the far end of chaos. What is it?”

  Tug beckoned to someone. Holly Wilson, my best friend and new manager/assistant, appeared next to me.

  I panicked. “My grandparents?”

  “Your family is fine.” Tug started to say more, then stopped.

  Relief left me lightheaded.

  Latham cleared his throat. “I understand you know the Series Vice President of Operations Stuart Telarday well.”

  “Stuart?” Twelve hours ago I’d have said he was my boyfriend. I’m not sure what he is now. “He’s a good friend. Is he in trouble?”

  “I’m sorry to tell you he was involved in a hit-and-run accident a couple hours ago.” Latham watched me intently. “He’s in critical condition.”

  My mind went blank. I shook my head. “Hold on. What?”

  “Stuart Telarday was injured in a hit-and-run shortly before eleven this morning. He was crossing International Speedway Boulevard, possibly on his way to a restaurant.”

  “Outside the track? He wouldn’t leave the track on race day. It can’t have been him.”

  “He carried three kinds of photo identification.”

  The news slammed into me with the force of a couple Gs. I must have swayed, because Holly put her arm around my waist. Tug stepped forward again.

  “A restaurant?” The details didn’t make sense. Stuart. Hurt. Critical.

  “A security guard at the track exit said Telarday mentioned the Mexican place,” Latham responded. “On the corner of Bill France Boulevard.”

  I looked at the detective, but pictured Stuart instead. Black trousers, crisp white Series shirt, horn-rimmed glasses, and a slight frown on his face as he scrolled through messages on his phone. He saw the green light and stepped into the crosswalk with his typical determined stride. Then a car careened through the intersection, inspired by the racetrack nearby, tires squealing—bam. I closed my eyes on the horror of impact and a person—Stuart—flying and hitting the ground.

  The pedestrian and car were easy to imagine. I’d witnessed nearly the same accident yesterday, in the same location. Then, however, the car braked and swerved in time, and the pedestrian jumped out of the way.

  I opened my eyes, astonished to find a vibrant world around us. I looked at Detective Latham. “How bad is he?” It came out as a whisper.

  Latham spoke first. “The official word is critical.”

  “We’re not releasing anything more than that,” Tug—Stuart’s employee—put in. He pitched his voice low, though the cacophony around us made it unlikely anyone else could hear. “But I think it’s appropriate to tell you, Kate—” he eyed Holly.

  I exhaled sharply. “She won’t repeat it.”

  He nodded. “Stuart has compound fractures of multiple limbs, broken ribs, internal bleeding, a broken collarbone or shoulder. But the concern is the skull fracture and possible brain injury. He’s in surgery right now.”

  I had to concentrate to make sure I was breathing. “Is he going to—” I couldn’t finish the question. Not out loud.

  Tug took my hand. “Kate, we don’t know. He’s got the best team of doctors around.” I stared at him, trying to process his words. Tug was short for a man—which still meant taller than me—with dark hair, perpetually tan skin, and something around the eyes that hinted at some kind of ethnic ancestry—part Native American was my guess. The charm he always oozed was mixed now with sympathy and concern.

  I need to sit down, pronto. I pulled free of Tug and Holly. I curled up on the pavement next to my car, my arms and head on my bent knees. I tried not to think about the pain and terror Stuart must have felt. Tried to think positive thoughts about the work surgeons were doing. How Stuart would heal. I processed the idea of him fighting for his life in a hospital room. Not being at the race. Maybe ever. I tried not to cry as I argued with myself.

  I should be there. You can’t do anything. I should be there anyway. You have a job to do here. How can I be here with him hurt? Are you willing to let two dozen people on your team down or damage your career to sit in the waiting room? Would my boss let me? Would Stuart want me to?

  Slowly the buzzing in my head faded, and I looked up. Detective Latham and Officer Webster were talking with Jack Sandham, my team owner and boss, and Tom Albright, our team media, computer, and everything-else-unassigned guy.

  Holly crouched down next to me. “You going to make it, sugar?”

  “No alternative.” My voice shook.

  “This going to stop you from driving?”

  “Not getting in the car won’t help him. He wouldn’t want me to stay out of the car and sit at the hospital.” I grabbed Holly’s hand. “Would he? Should I be there? I feel like I should be there.”

  She shook her short, red curls. “He’d tell you not to let your job be another casualty of his accident.”

  I looked at my feet.

  “Time for you to stand up, though.” She tugged on my hand. “Come on. They’re starting to clear the grid.”

  When I pulled myself to my feet, everyone closed in again, physically and emotionally. I turned first to Jack. I had to look up a foot and a half to meet him in the eye.

  “You okay, Kate?” His voice was low, gruff. At my nod, he blew out a breath. “Do you need—if you need to go to the hospital, I won’t stand in your way, but it’s problematic. I wouldn’t say that, except he’s in surgery, and it’s not like you can see him anyway.” Jack was uncharacteristically flustered.

  “I’ll stay here now. Later…” I swallowed hard.

  “We’ll see what happens later,” he agreed. “For now, you’re third stint in the car. Do you want extra time?”

  “Let’s stick to the schedule. Let me do my job.”

  “Business as usual then. Keep me posted on how you’re doing.” He moved away.

  I turned to Tug and the cops. “Thank you for bringing me the news. Tug, who can keep me updated on his condition? Who’s at the hospital?”

  “Let me have your cell number, and I will call or text.” He handed me a business card. “His family is en route, and in the meantime, Polly’s there.”

  I recited my cell number, feeling a flicker of relief. Polly was the office manager for the operations team, helping Stuart and Tug ensure every team, supplier, and sponsor had the information or tools they needed to race. I knew Polly viewed Stuart as a second son. Even better, she knew I was dating him, and I could contact her directly.

  Latham recorded my number in his notebook. “We’d like to ask you a few questions.”

  I had a terrible thought. “Was it an accident?”

  “Based on witness accounts, we believe it may have been a deliberate attack.”

  No one would want to kill Stuart. I had to pause to be sure my voice was steady. “I have no idea what I can tell you, Detective. It doesn’t make any sense to me—and I certainly didn’t run him down in a jealous rage.” I faltered, remembering my last conversation with Stuart wasn’t all sunshine and roses.

  Webster, the track cop, raised an eyebrow. But before he or Latham could follow up, Tom interrupted.

  “Kate, get ready, Zeke’s on his way to you.” He bounced on the balls of his feet.

  I didn’t give the cops a chance to argue. “That’s SGTV with a live shot. You’ll have to wait.”

  I walked to the front of the Sandham Swift Corvette where Tom had cleared a space for a good camera angle. I took a deep breath. My mind churned with Stuart’s condition, the argument I had with him that morning, and what the cops wanted to ask me.

  “Tom,” I shouted. “Topic?”

  He shook his head at my unasked question. “Race only, not Stuart.”

  Thank God.

  Zeke and his cameraman were on final approach.
Fifteen feet away. Ten. Five. I took another deep breath.

  Showtime.

  Chapter Two

  1:45 P.M. | 0:25 TO GREEN FLAG

  “Another benefit of this year’s merger between the former American Le Mans Series and Grand-American Road Racing is the appearance of stalwart ALMS teams in not only this race, but also at other iconic tracks and races that were previously part of the Grand-Am schedule.” Sports Group Television reporter Zeke Andrews walked slowly backward in my direction, facing the camera.

  “One such team,” he said, only two steps away now, “is Sandham Swift Racing, a longtime privateer in the ALMS. They’re a team that’s had their troubles in the past, but has been turning their luck around in recent years, perhaps in part due to the arrival of one Kate Reilly.”

  He reached me and turned, the camera swinging to capture us both. We stood side-by-side, at roughly equal heights, his talking head blond and tanned, mine black-haired and even more pale-skinned than usual because of the news I’d received.

  “Kate,” Zeke began, “what do you think are the factors in the team’s improved competitiveness over the last couple years—culminating in a second-place finish in the championship last year? And what’s the team think about the chance to compete here at the Daytona 24?”

  I turned on interview autopilot, smiling at Zeke as the camera moved to focus on me alone. “The only credit I’ll claim for Sandham Swift’s recent success is for being part of a team that works hard and works well together. In the last year and a half, we’ve come together and really meshed—from drivers, to crew and mechanics, to the bosses and support staff. We enjoy being out here racing, enjoy the competition, and we’re on fire to beat all of them.”

  Zeke smiled with me. I registered one of my co-drivers for the race, Miles Hanson, approaching from my left. It figured SGTV also wanted to talk to NASCAR’s tall, handsome golden boy.

  “As for being here at this race?” I looked left and right at the assembled teams and cars on pit lane. “We’re excited for what we hope is the first of many, many years. The next twenty-four hours…” I froze as fear crashed down on me. What’s going to happen to Stuart?