It Takes Two to Mango

by Carrie Doyle

  “Let’s talk in here,” said Tony.

  Tony was a compact man with heavy, horizontal eyebrows and dark hair that he wore under a baseball cap with the resort’s logo emblazoned on the front. His skin was tawny from overexposure to the sun. Both his polo shirt and khakis were neatly pressed as if he had just donned them, with nary a sweat mark despite a full day’s work in the blazing sun. He exuded the enthusiasm and conciliatory manner that someone who works as a service professional in a fancy hotel needs to possess, thought Plum. She forgot entirely that she also worked as a service professional in a fancy hotel but decidedly did not possess that attitude.

  He led them into a deceptively spacious, white cabin. The flooring was covered in fake green turf. A plastic basket of balls was next to a rack of clubs. On the back wall was a giant screen that pictured the ninth hole. There was a golf simulator and all sorts of technical equipment. A desk was in the corner, and next to it, two director’s chairs clothed in spearmint fabric. They all sat down.

  “What do you do with all this stuff?” Plum asked, motioning toward the golf simulator.

  “It’s state of the art. We use doppler technology to track and record 3D characteristics of the ball while in motion,” said Tony enthusiastically. “It’s the best performance-enhancing software because we can monitor granular swing changes and track a player’s improvement and skills.”

  “Oh,” said Plum, who felt as if he may as well have been speaking Spanish.

  “I take it you’re not a player?”

  “Not at the moment,” she said.

  “Well, if you ever want a lesson, we can start you in here. It works for all levels. Beginners use it to form a correct swing, and golfers of every level use it to get feedback on launch angles and ball flight and trajectory. I even have scratch golfers coming in to work on distance and accuracy.”

  “I see,” said Plum, wondering what would make a golfer itch.

  “Come by and try it.”

  “Tony, we won’t take up much of your time; we just had a few questions for you,” began Juan Kevin, who could clearly tell Plum was wishing she had not asked Tony any golf questions. The director of security then explained the reason for their visit.

  Tony nodded. “Yes, I played a few holes with those guys. I don’t normally do that, but it was my day off, and I’m friendly with the golf pro at Jason’s club back in the Hamptons, and he connected us. I thought they were nice guys.”

  “Did you sense any tension between them?” asked Plum.

  Tony shook his head. “No. But we mostly just talked about golf. I was telling them about the history of the course, they asked me some questions about club usage and lies, and that was pretty much it. We had a beer afterward, but again, it was pretty golf-focused.”

  Sounds completely boring, thought Plum.

  “Did Nick say anything about feeling fearful or in danger?” asked Juan Kevin.

  “No, not at all,” said Tony. “He seemed in great spirits. They were loving the resort, excited to be here. Such a pity that he died. Very sad.”

  “What about Jason’s fiancée?” asked Plum. “Did anyone mention her? Or the wedding?”

  “They were teasing Jason that this was his swan song, that soon he’d have a ball and chain, you know, just ribbing him. Nothing serious.”

  “How did Jason take that?” Plum asked.

  “He didn’t get annoyed or anything like that. But you know…if I really analyze it, he didn’t seem very excited when they brought it up. I mean, who knows, people react differently, and maybe he’s just stressed, but he wasn’t like, yeah, this is great.”

  “Angry?” asked Plum.

  “No, more like tense. And you know, maybe he is. It’s a big step; it’s a big expense, a wedding. Maybe he’s worried about that.”

  “Or maybe something else,” said Plum.

  Juan Kevin folded his long fingers and sighed. “We’re trying to assist the police to make sense of all this. Is there anything at all you can remember that stood out? Any interaction or comment?”

  “I’m trying to think,” said Tony. “They mentioned they were going to Coconuts for drinks and dinner and asked if I wanted to join them, but I told them it was my fiancée Cindy’s birthday, and we had plans. Oh, and Jason did say to Nick, ‘You better not try anything.’”

  “What does that mean?” asked Plum.

  “I took it to mean, you know, it better not be one of those old-fashioned bachelor parties, with, you know, strippers or something,” said Tony.

  “Got it.”

  “But again, it was all innocuous. I’m putting a very carefree conversation under a microscope. There was no way I left them and thought, ‘That man will be murdered tonight, possibly by his friends.’ No way.”

  ***

  “That was futile,” sighed Plum as they walked back toward their carts. They had given instructions for Tony to contact them if he thought of anything else that might be relevant.

  “Every conversation is important,” said Juan Kevin. “Elimination is helpful. And besides, maybe we’ll jog his memory and he’ll remember that Jason said he was going to kill Nick.”

  Plum gave him a look of disbelief, and he gave her a sneaky smile that turned into an intent stare.

  “What?” she asked.

  “It’s just…you look like Christmas,” he said.

  “What does that mean?”

  “Your white skin is red but now has a layer of green.”

  She scowled. “I lathered myself in aloe. My sunburn is painful.”

  “The sun is cruel,” said Juan Kevin. “People forget.”

  “Well, I doubt I’ll forget again.”

  “There’s an old Paraison proverb that says, ‘keep the fruit in the sun for a day, and it will ripen, but keep it for a week, and it will become putrid.’”

  “I think someone should tell Leslie Abernathy that,” said Plum unkindly. “But the sun is not the only reason I’m feeling really uncomfortable,” she said.

  They reached Plum’s car, and she pulled out the spy camera. Juan Kevin’s eyes grew larger as she filled him in.

  “I can’t believe I missed that it was a wireless camcorder. I’m embarrassed. I should have known better,” said Juan Kevin.

  “Maybe your subconscious knew better, because you at least mentioned it to me.”

  “I thought it was a fire alarm, though. I was certain you had purchased something American. High tech.”

  He studied the gadget, turning it around to see all angles. “This is connected through Wi-Fi. The person who put it in probably saw you take it down.”

  “Oh, don’t say that, it freaks me out,” she said, taking it from his hands and staring at it. “I wonder if it can be disconnected?”

  “Probably when the connection is lost.”

  “I’m going to hide it in my underwear drawer. Give them an eyeful.”

  Juan Kevin arched an eyebrow. “I can take it if you like.”

  “No, I want to hang on to it for now. I was thinking…it must be the fake Nicholas Macpherson who installed it.”

  “Most likely. The question is: Why? Have you asked Deepak and Jason?”

  “No,” said Plum. “I don’t really trust them. Although maybe if we could get Deepak alone, we could break him. He’s the more vulnerable of the two.”

  Just then Plum’s phone buzzed, and she answered it. She quickly rang off.

  “Well, speak of the devil. That was Jason.”

  “What did he want?”

  “He wants me to meet him in his hotel room. His fiancée, Kirstie, has just arrived, and she would like a word with me.”

  “I hope you don’t mind if I accompany you.”

  ***

  Plum was distinctly impressed by the hotel accommodations, which had clearly been renovated in recent years
. The stylish room had towering cathedral ceilings and grand, louvered windows that folded back to expose a view of the turquoise sea. The floors were covered in cool-white stone and striped blue-and-white throw rugs. There was a king-size, four-poster mahogany bed with crisp white sheets and blue accents that matched the color of the sky, as well as a generous seating area with striped, upholstered furniture and a writing desk.

  Plum marveled at the aesthetically pleasing environment and instantly decided it was imperative that she redecorate her town house. Why live in a space that looked like the set of a bad sitcom? She began fantasizing about her renovations. She’d replace her own bed with one similar to this but cover the canopy in gauzy, white fabric that would flutter in the soft breeze. But then she remembered that she wasn’t going to be here that long.

  “Plum, this is Kirstie Adler, my fiancée,” said Jason.

  The slender brunette in front of her was pretty. Her upturned nose looked like it was fashioned in a doctor’s office as opposed to in utero, and her lips were unnaturally puffy, but the enhancements worked to her advantage. It was evident she put in a lot of time at spin class and Pilates or perhaps had removed a rib or two in order to attain a certain level of tininess. She wore a tight, fuchsia tank top and skinny jeans. The expression on her face was decidedly unfriendly.

  “I would like to know why my fiancé and his friend are being held hostage on this godforsaken island!” Kirstie demanded. “I will sue you if you don’t get us out of here.”

  “Now, Kirst,” said Jason. “Let’s not…”

  She put up her manicured talon, and Jason was silenced. Plum had a vague memory that she used to do that herself in staff meetings when she wanted the team to quiet down. She hoped she didn’t come off as badly as Kirstie did. A little niggling thought told her that she had.

  “That’s quite a trick, how you’ve trained your fiancé. I’m sure you will have a lovely marriage,” said Plum.

  “Miss Adler,” said Juan Kevin quickly, in a mollifying tone. “It is not up to us. The local government is investigating the cause of death of your friend Nicholas Macpherson…”

  “Oh, he was no friend of mine!” said Kirstie. “His death is a blessing, or it will be when we get out of this horrible place. We need to leave now.”

  “I understand,” said Juan Kevin. “But regardless, there are procedures and protocols. The police are working as quickly as possible to ascertain who killed him, and as soon as there’s a conclusion, Jason and Deepak can leave.”

  She folded her arms like a spoiled child. “Well, we will see about that. My father’s lawyer is making calls, and no doubt Jason will be on the next plane. My father is a very, very powerful man and does not like this one bit. Not one bit.”

  Plum was thinking that she didn’t like this Kirstie one bit, not one bit, but she decided to remain diplomatic.

  “It might expedite things if we sat down and chatted for a minute,” said Plum. “Maybe you have some information that could be helpful.”

  “Fine. If it can get us out of this hellhole,” Kirstie snapped.

  “Let’s talk on the balcony,” said Plum hastily, before she said anything that she would regret. “Where’s Deepak?”

  “He went for a walk,” said Jason.

  They situated themselves in the comfortable recliners that overlooked the pool area. In the distance they could see the shoreline and mountains to the left. It is heavenly, thought Plum. What was this entitled New York City brat thinking calling it a hellhole?

  “You want to know what I think?” asked Kirstie, unprompted. “Nick pissed off some guy because he was pulling one of his stunts.”

  “What are his stunts?” asked Juan Kevin.

  She looked vexed. “Here is what Nick does: he cheats, he scams, he uses, and he lies. Or did—thank God, he’s no more.”

  “Kirstie, that’s not fair,” protested Jason.

  He was again silenced by the manicured finger. Plum was shocked. Jason was a bully when his little lady wasn’t around, but all she needed to do was raise a finger and he was putty? Kirstie must have some very special skills. Probably in the bedroom, mused Plum.

  “I never understood why someone as good-looking as Jason would hang out with Nick. Jason is a catch. Nick was a liability. He was the guy who would drag people down. Make them cheat. Stiff people at the bar. I bet he stiffed Jason for this trip!” said Kirstie.

  “He definitely ended up stiff,” murmured Plum under her breath.

  Juan Kevin shot her a look, but fortunately Kirstie and Jason didn’t hear her.

  “Jason told me there was a really angry guy at the bar. Nick was hitting on his mother or wife or something?”

  “Martin Rijo,” said Juan Kevin, leaning closer. “It is his stepmother. Carmen Rijo.”

  “Right. There’s your guy,” said Kirstie.

  “Why do think that?” asked Juan Kevin.

  “Jason told me how furious he was at Nick and then he ended up following Nick and the wife out of the bar all the way home…”

  “What?” both Juan Kevin and Plum said simultaneously.

  Their heads swiveled from Kirstie to Jason. He shot his betrothed a peeved look then rolled his neck back with exasperation.

  “What?” said Kirstie. “Was I not supposed to say that? Jason, I don’t know why you’re holding back. You need to give them all the information so we can get the hell off the island. My wedding is in two weeks, and I have a lot of prep to do. And so do you. That detox cleanse is not going to do itself. I am NOT walking down the aisle to some flabby finance guy.”

  “Can you tell us about this, Jason?” asked Juan Kevin gently.

  “And why you didn’t tell us this before?” asked Plum less gently.

  “I told the police,” said Jason, defensively.

  “They’re useless,” said Plum.

  “Exactly what I said,” confirmed Kirstie.

  Plum stared at her and suddenly felt protective of Captain Diaz and his crew. How dare this girl criticize them?

  “Please just tell us what you know,” asked Juan Kevin.

  Jason sighed. “Nick was talking to that woman Carmen. And Martin showed up with his goons. He saw Carmen, and he went over and said something to her—I don’t know what, it was in Spanish—and she got upset. And Nick can’t let sleeping dogs lie…”

  “Always had to be a wise ass,” interjected Kirstie.

  “Unfortunately. He mouthed off to Martin, then Martin got in his face, and they had words. Then the freaky-looking lady with them left, but Nick and Carmen remained talking. Nick decided it would be hilarious to send a Flaming Asshole to Martin—that’s a Fireball drink—and Martin got pissed off. Then more words. Nick and Carmen decided to leave. They were going to drink at our house. She had a separate car, so Nick went with her, and Deepak and I took the golf cart. We got there first, and I was about to call it a night, but we heard shouting in the driveway, so we went out and saw that Martin and his goons had followed Nick and Carmen and were making a scene. Nick told them to get lost, but they wouldn’t. I was pissed. I didn’t want trouble…”

  “You promised me there would be no trouble,” interjected Kirstie.

  “Right. I suggested Nick go back to the bar and get security to do something. He then took off again with Carmen. I thought they either went back to the bar or to her house.”

  “And that was the last time you saw him or Carmen?” asked Juan Kevin.

  “Yes. I went to bed.”

  Kirstie looked smug. “I suggest you go and arrest this Martin person as soon as possible. My father is great, great friends with the President of the United States, and I’ll have him tweet a strong warning to the government of Paraiso. I will decimate your tourist industry.”

  “I’ll see what I can do,” said Juan Kevin, rising.

  Chapter 16

  “Loo
ks like your friend Carmen lied,” said Plum gleefully.

  It had taken all of her self-control to wait until they were in the lobby to rub it in Juan Kevin’s face. What would he say now about his precious Carmen?

  He looked as if he was about to defend her but conceded, “She was less than forthcoming.”

  “Why do you think she lied?”

  “She did not lie,” he said. “She just didn’t tell us everything.”

  “That’s lying,” trilled Plum.

  “It appears that no one is telling us the whole story. Jason never mentioned that Nick had brought Carmen back to his villa.”

  “Yes, everyone is a liar. And now everyone has a motive, and they are all suspects.”

  Juan Kevin didn’t reply but continued walking towards his car, his jaw set firmly. Plum suddenly felt guilty. It wasn’t kind to taunt Juan Kevin about Carmen. Maybe he really was in love with her and his heart was broken. She decided to drop it.

  “Well, that Kirstie certainly keeps Jason on a short leash,” she said, attempting to steer the subject away from Carmen.

  “Yes. I wonder if he has given her reason to be so controlling.”

  “Maybe. I honestly question what he sees in her. Why would he marry her?” said Plum. “I once had a boyfriend who used to say there are more attractive single women in New York than grains of sand on the beach here. He could find one blindfolded.”

  “Perhaps her ‘very important father’ is attractive to him.”

  “Good point. She sounds wealthy.”

  They continued in silence. Plum’s sunburn was feeling itchy and uncomfortable, and she was ready to take a cool bath and lather more aloe on her skin. But she really felt as if they were on to something and wasn’t sure they could afford to call it quits for the night. Although Juan Kevin was probably eager to get rid of her and drown his sorrows over his beloved Carmen.

  “If this father is very powerful, then we don’t have much time,” said Juan Kevin. “We need more answers before Jason leaves the island. I think we need to return to Coconuts and reinterview everyone there.”