Hidden Agemda (Kate Diamond Adventure) Read Online Free PDF Page A

Ritzholdt , the knowledge and resources were invaluable.
    They weren’t bad people, really—most of them wouldn’t hurt a flea. Of course, the people they stole from might not see it that way, but that had been long ago. Now, they’d pooled their resources to buy the retirement complex and they all lived on the right side of the law—most of the time.  
    The people at Golden Capers were really just like any of the other senior citizens in Florida except they had special knowledge … knowledge about art, antiquities and gemstones as well as knowledge of how to get into and out of any type of secured environment. And, of course, they also knew how to use evasive maneuvers if they were being chased and were expert shots, which was the main reason why Kate was there.
    Kate tapped on the open condo door and Carlotta whirled around from her task of arranging grapes on a platter. She ran to Kate, her arms wide. Kate bent down to hug her mother, who was almost a foot shorter. Her heart flooded with warmth as Carlotta returned the hug and pecked a kiss on both of Kate’s cheeks. The scent of her perfume—Chanel No. 5—flooded Kate’s nostrils, stirring up happy memories of childhood.
    “It’s wonderful to see you.” Carlotta held Kate at arm’s length. “You look great.”
    “Thanks Mom, so do you,” Kate said truthfully—somehow Carlotta managed to looked better with each passing year. Even the thin strands of silver that had worked their way into her hair made her more attractive.  
    Carlotta’s almond-shaped deep brown eyes twinkled with excitement as she pulled Kate further into the condo. “I’m dying to hear about your new assignment.”
    Carlotta let go of Kate and swooped up the platter with the grapes. Balancing it in one hand, she grabbed a pink liquid filled pitcher with the other. “But, I’m sure you’re hungry from your long flight so I figured we could snack out on the lanai.”
    “I sure am.” Kate reached out to relieve her mother of the pitcher, then picked a grape off the tray and popped it into her mouth while she followed Carlotta past the breakfast bar and through the contemporary style living room toward a wall of sliding glass doors that opened onto the lanai.  
    The lanai was a twenty-foot wide balcony that ran the entire length of the condo. The view of Lemon Bay was breathtaking. The table had already been set with small plates and glasses. The two women pulled out seats and settled in.  
    Kate took a deep breath of salt-spiced ocean air and let it out slowly. Glancing out toward the peaceful blue waters of the bay, she felt a sense of calm.  
    “It’s so great to be here,” Kate said talking not only about the scenery but also about being with her parents. She didn’t get down here nearly enough and loved spending time with them … especially if that time included thinking up ways to retrieve pieces for the museum.
    Carlotta nodded while she nibbled a grape. “Your father and I love it. So peaceful and relaxing.”
    A gentle warm breeze ruffled Kate’s hair as she looked out at a small sailboat that was navigating the channel leading to the open ocean.  
    “Lemonade?” Carlotta held up the pitcher.
    “Love some,” Kate said. She grabbed some grapes, crackers and cheese from the platter as her mother poured the lemonade.
    “Where’s Dad?” Kate peered back into the condo just as she heard a door slide open from behind her.
    “Oh, I’m right here, Kitten.” Vic Diamond came onto the lanai fresh from a shower and rubbing his hair with a towel. Like her mother, he looked much younger than his age. Even though his dark hair was now mostly gray, his tall, muscular frame and tanned skin gave him a youthful appearance. The stress-free active lifestyle must agree with them , Kate thought.  
    “I had a big tennis match today … had to shower up.” He leaned down and pecked Kate’s cheek before settling himself into a chair.
    Carlotta pushed the tray of grapes