Chapter 73: Steve's Secret
Abby would visit every six months, but if Frank could find a fresh body to replace Ginger's remains, her visits might become unnecessary.
While Ginger's monthly benefits were substantial, they paled in comparison to the potential consequences of getting caught.
They had been lucky this time, but if the ruse had failed, Frank would be facing a long prison sentence.
"Do we really have to send Aunt Ginger away? Please don't. I promise to take care of her," Debbie pleaded, having grown fond of the elderly lady.
"She can't stay here, Debbie. If she's gone too long, the nursing home will notice. You don't want to cause trouble for Veronica, do you?" Fiona gently explained, kneeling beside Debbie.
"Debbie, you can visit her at the nursing home anytime," Veronica added, comforting Debbie.
After returning Ginger to the nursing home, Debbie was heartbroken and cried bitterly.
Frank held Debbie close, gently patting her back.
"You all head back. I'll stay with Debbie for a bit. We'll come home later," Frank said to Fiona, understanding Debbie's attachment.
Reluctantly, the others agreed, leaving Frank and Debbie behind.
Back at the nursing home, Granny Ginger seemed oblivious to the earlier chaos, wandering around and occasionally repeating Abby's questions.
With the Ginger crisis resolved, Frank refocused on Steve, even contacting Tony to chip away at Steve's reputation.
Steve's daily routine largely involved stealing cars. With Fiona now aware of his activities, Frank wasn't interested in Steve's car thefts anymore, but he still familiarized himself with the business.
Stolen cars were typically refurbished and sold at near-new prices, yielding high profits.
Steve occupied the lowest rung of this profit chain, essentially a laborer.
There were two types of car thefts Steve engaged in: opportunistic thefts, where he'd sell the car as a used vehicle and earn a commission based on the sale price, and commissioned thefts, where employers specified the make and model, similar to government contracts. The latter was far more lucrative.
A commissioned luxury car theft could earn Steve thousands.
No wonder Steve maintained the façade of a wealthy heir.
Steve's earnings were impressive, but what stood out was his diligence.
Through surveillance, Frank learned that Steve didn't hold a regular job. He either scoured the streets for cars matching his orders or worked at a repair shop. Any time not spent indulging in leisure was dedicated to Fiona.
Steve's lavish spending and time investment painted him as a devoted suitor, explaining the quick reconciliation between him and Fiona.
However, Frank soon uncovered some of Steve's secrets.
"What are you doing here, Steve?" Frank muttered as he followed Steve, watching him leave the Southside and head to an affluent neighborhood, parking in front of a mansion.
From his car, Frank observed Steve enter the mansion and not return.
"Could he really be a rich kid? 1055 North Street," Frank noted the address, planning to investigate further.
Using the address, Frank quickly found information about the mansion's owners online.
Over the following days, Frank noticed Steve visiting less frequently. Sometimes, he'd be absent for days unless Fiona called him.
Frank staked out the mansion daily, armed with a telescope.
Steve hadn't been stealing cars lately, spending all his time at the mansion, only leaving to visit Fiona.
"Where's Steve? I haven't seen him much," Frank asked Fiona, feigning ignorance as he watched Steve leave in a hurry.
"He's been busy with work. Why do you care? You usually can't stand him," Fiona replied, puzzled.
"Just curious," Frank said nonchalantly, though his mind was racing with thoughts.
It was clear Fiona was unaware of Steve's mansion visits, as he used work as an excuse.
One day, Frank waited outside the mansion, watching Steve drive away. Instead of following, he approached the front door with a toolbox.
"Hello, Mrs. Leisman, I'm here to fix the plumbing," Frank announced.
Dressed in blue overalls, toolbox in hand, Frank was ready to investigate Steve's connection to the mansion.
Frank had researched the mansion beforehand. It belonged to Dr. Lloyd and Mrs. Candace Leisman.
Dr. Lloyd was a well-known doctor, typically at the hospital, only returning home at night. During the day, Mrs. Candace was alone.
Candace was a silver-haired middle-aged woman, impeccably maintained and looking far younger than her fifty years, with smooth, youthful skin.
"Oh, right. We do have a plumbing issue. Come on in," Mrs. Leisman said, stepping aside to let Frank enter.
Frank had been observing Steve and the mansion for a while and had sabotaged the plumbing days earlier.
He had called the real repair service, pretending to be the owner, and canceled their visit.
Inside, the mansion was warm, a stark contrast to the cold winter outside. Candace wore a thin silk robe, a testament to the cozy interior.
"Have a look and see where the problem is," Frank said, removing his jacket as Candace led him to the kitchen.
"Would you like something to drink? Tea, beer, soda?" Candace offered.
"Tea would be fine, ma'am," Frank replied, opening the cupboard and starting to work on the pipes.
Candace placed a cup of tea on the counter, watching Frank work while lighting a cigarette from a sleek metal case.