False Witness (28 page)

“Was Garza the one watching us from the vineyard?”

“No, that was Ralph keeping an eye out for Terri. He made sure he was spotted because it also served to heighten the monastery’s concern about intruders and snoops. The idea of selling the vineyard to developers and offering you the buffer zone—again that was all part of Garza’s plan to motivate you and smoke out Terri.”

“Cold and logical.”

“Yeah,” he agreed. “Garza’s told us a bit more about the original scam. When their victims started asking questions, he and Rio emptied the bank accounts and cashed out. Then Rio got cold feet and wanted to return the money.”

“How did Angie play into that?” Sister Agatha asked.

“She found out about the money, killed Rio, and framed Garza for the crime. She testified against him, all the while planning to go back for the cash once Garza was in prison.”

“Except Garza escaped,” Sister Agatha added.

“With Garza after her, she had to get protection from the
Feds. They insisted she relocate, and that put her in Arizona, out of reach of the money. By then Garza had figured out that she’d stashed the money in the vicinity of the body, just not
too
close by—either the vineyard or the monastery.”

“The rest is pretty much as we guessed, correct?”

Tom nodded. “Greed is the oldest of motives.”

“Terri must have thought that fortune had smiled on her when Garza crashed through our gates. But she still had Pax to worry about. I remember how friendly she always was to him. She probably hoped he wouldn’t give her away when she sneaked in to dig up the money. But after I found her and she identified Garza at the motel, fear trumped greed.”

“Exactly.” Tom shifted in his chair, then stood and walked to the window, staring at the workmen outside, who were applying a coat of plaster to the restored wall.

Sister Agatha remained at the desk. “We managed to get a donation for our wall, but it’s a shame things got so fouled up. If John Gutierrez had been for real, we would have received another check. Heaven knows we could have used that money.”

“You’re going to be getting the money you need, and more,” Tom turned, a smile on his face. “Didn’t you know there was a reward—a finder’s fee from a group of the investors Garza and Rio scammed?”

“Thank you, Lord,” Sister Agatha said looking upward, then quickly glanced back at Tom. “Would it be uncharitable to ask how much?”

“Ten percent of whatever was recovered, which puts it at around eighty-five thousand dollars. That will give the monastery enough money to invest—perhaps in a vineyard?”

“Tom, that’s a
great
idea. I wonder if Eric Barclay could use a partner? I know Garza owns the vineyard, but if there are no
legal issues, do you think he might be willing to cut a deal? He asked me to help bring Angie to justice, and I have. I honored his last wishes.”

“I can arrange for you to meet with him and his lawyers, of course. It would be difficult for anyone to prove that the money Garza stole years ago was the same money used to buy the winery, so a deal may be possible. I’d go for it if I were you.”

“If you were me, you’d look awful silly in a nun’s habit, Tom.” She grinned.

Tom checked his watch and stood. “I’ve got to go now, but I’ll stay in touch. Good luck.”

Sister Agatha saw Tom out, then returned to her desk to answer the phone. The call was from their contractor, who was confirming that the gate would be up by tonight.

As she placed the phone down, another knock sounded at the door. Sister Agatha gave thanks to God and went to answer it.

Eric Barclay stood there, cap in hand. “I hate to bother you, Sister Agatha, but I’ve heard a rumor that the man who bought my property was a wanted criminal. I’ve been trying to catch up to the sheriff, and was told he might be here.”

Sister Agatha ushered him inside. “You just missed him, but I can fill you in,” she said, telling him about Jimmy Garza. “I haven’t had the chance to discuss this with Reverend Mother yet, but I’m hoping we can come up with a way to save the winery. As it turns out, Jimmy Garza owes me a big favor, Eric. If things work out, it’s possible we may join you as silent partners.”

He grinned widely. “That’s the best news I’ve heard so far!”

“There are still some rough spots that’ll need to be smoothed over, but I’m very optimistic.”

“Now I have some good news of my own. The leading
provider of altar and table wines in our area, Casa de Avila Winery, closed down a month ago. Our hope has been to take over the business they left behind. But we didn’t have much of a chance—that is, until our San Miguel Rojo won a major competition. Word got around quickly, and the biggest distributor in our area wants to do business. Luz de Cielo Winery could pick up where Casa de Avila left off.”

“That’s wonderful!”

“May this be the beginning of a long association between Luz del Cielo and Our Lady of Hope Monastery, Sister.”

As Eric left, Sister Bernarda came into the parlor. “How’s everything going?” she asked.

“Our financial troubles may soon be behind us,” she said and explained.

Sister Bernarda smiled broadly. “When we let go of our problems and put them in God’s capable hands, wonderful things always happen!”

Sister Agatha smiled as the bells announcing Chapter rang. “Let’s lock up the parlor and go join the community. It’s time to share the news and give thanks for all our blessings.”