her toward a senior living community in Rancho Santa Fe, about a thirty-minute drive north of the city. By that time it was early evening and Kendra reluctantly decided to wait until the next day to visit him.
“Maybe you should have called first,” Jessie said as they exited the freeway after ten the next morning. “Even if Bill Dillingham is able, he might not be willing. Maybe the guy just wants to stay retired. Didn’t you tell me he wasn’t in the best of health the last time you saw him?”
“Yeah, it was sad. But he was weak in body, not of mind. He was very, very sharp. And if I had called him, he might have said no.”
“He could still. Even if he’s alert and has all his wits about him.”
“Work is always good for a person, and someone as talented as Bill would have trouble giving it up. I’m willing to take that chance. And we can always go back and use the FBI’s sketch artist if we have to.”
“True.” Jessie frowned. “I used to visit relatives who lived in retirement homes. I always thought those places were depressing.”
“I hope this one isn’t.” Kendra turned onto El Camino Real Drive, which would take them to the facility. “If that’s the case, maybe we can stay a little longer and try to make today a little less depressing for Bill. After all he’s done for me, it’s the least we can do.”
* * *
Fifteen minutes later, Kendra and Jessie stood slack-jawed in front of a massive, beautiful fountain that fronted acres of well-manicured grounds. In the distance, a spirited golf match was under way. A group of elderly women power-walked by them, wearing earphones and fluorescent workout clothes. On another field, a man flew a drone helicopter with his two grandchildren.
“Wow.” Jessie gave a low whistle. “Not what I was expecting.”
“Yeah, me neither. The people at the front desk said Bill isn’t in his room.”
“Do they have any idea where he is?”
“He double-booked himself for two activities on the grounds this morning. He’s either at tai chi or curling.”
“They have a curling court here?”
Kendra showed Jessie the printed yellow map the receptionist had given her. “Yep. She said she’d page him.”
“Kendra!”
They turned to see Bill Dillingham walking toward them. He looked nothing like he had the last time Kendra saw him; he was now tan and fit, and his eyes’ former twinkle had been restored. His hair was neatly coiffed, and he sported a jaunty mustache. He wore white slacks and a bright red shirt.
“Bill?” Kendra hugged him. “You look fantastic.”
“I feel fantastic. Good to see you, my dear.”
Kendra stepped back, still amazed at the smiling, healthy-looking man in front of her. She motioned toward Jessie. “Bill, this is Jessie Mercado. She’s a good friend and an amazing P.I. She’s helping me on a case.”
“Delighted.” His gaze was raking Jessie’s face. “She has an interesting aura. Bold, yet complicated. I’d like to paint her.” Bill took Jessie’s hand and kissed it. “And if that’s sexual harassment, I’m afraid you’ll just have to take me to court.”
Jessie smiled. “Pleased to meet you, Bill.”
Kendra once again took in the beautiful surroundings. “This place is incredible. I want to move in here myself. Today. Right now.”
“You’re too young. I’m afraid you’ll have to wait a few decades. But it sure is a nice place to wake up to every morning.”
“Nice? That’s an understatement.” Kendra lowered her voice. “It must cost a fortune to live here.”
He shrugged. “I came into some family money and I’ve always been a good saver. I realized that being by myself was detrimental to my health and I needed interaction. So I decided to stop being careful and start spending that money. I figure if I can’t be good to myself now, when can I?”
Kendra nodded and laughed. It felt good to see Bill so vigorous and happy. “Absolutely.”
“And around the same time I moved up here, I got new doctors. They changed my medications and it’s made all the difference in the world. I feel like myself again. I’ve taken up cycling. I ride over three miles a day. And there’s always something to do around here. There are shuttles every day to the beach whenever we want a change of scenery.”
“Wow.” She added with genuine sincerity, “I’m so happy for you, Bill.”
He studied her expression. “Yes, you are. But something tells me you’re here to intrude on that happiness.”