by S. L. Menear
Sophia served our drinks and asked, “Would you like to eat out here?”
“That would be great.” I stood. “Can I help you bring everything out?”
“No need. I have it all loaded on a serving cart. I’ll be back in a jiffy, and you can tell me all about your trip.” She zipped back inside.
I turned to Snake. “Sophia is a treasure. She’s far more than a dog nanny. I’m lucky to have found her.”
“You don’t think she’s a tad cavalier about that handgun she totes around?”
“She’s the late Don Calabrese’s daughter. She grew up around guns and Mafia culture.”
His jaw dropped again. “Dang, woman. I thought I’d seen everything in my line of work. Then I spend a day with you, and the surprises keep rolling in.”
My backup cell rang. It was programmed to forward calls made to the cell that had gone down with the boat. As a long-time member of Navy Intelligence, I had learned to have backups for communication devices.
It was Gwen. “Who’s the hot guy on the terrace with you?”
I laughed. “I guess you’re making good use of those high-powered military binoculars I gave you for your birthday. Come over and meet my SEAL friend.”
“I’ll be right there.”
I smiled at Snake. “My best friend is on her way over from next door. Excuse me while I let her in.”
When I returned a few minutes later with Gwen, Sophia had the table set and dinner ready to serve.
I introduced Snake and told him, “Gwen’s a detective with the Palm Beach Police.”
He grinned. “Another armed woman. Maybe you don’t need a bodyguard, Jett.”
“Uh oh, what happened now?” Gwen asked as Sophia handed her a glass of merlot.
I told her and Sophia everything that happened on the dive trip. “Hunter thinks somebody is keeping tabs on me and doesn’t want me to discover the truth about what happened to my parents.”
Snake broke in, “That’s why I’m sticking around a while to protect her.”
Sophia cocked an eyebrow. “I know you bad-boy types. Protecting had better be all you do, Mister. Jett has had a rough breakup and isn’t ready for romance.”
My backup cell rang again. This time it was Mike.
“I have some news. Are you still in the Bahamas?”
“I’m home, and I have news too. Why don’t you stop by? Gwen and my SEAL friend are here.”
“I’ll be there in five minutes.”
Twenty-One
I explained who had called and why. “I’ll let him in.”
Sophia put a hand on my shoulder. “Sit and enjoy your meal. I’ll get the door.” She hustled to the foyer.
A few minutes later, Mike walked out onto the terrace, and Sophia came out carrying beer and wine. She handed a cold beer to Mike and another to Snake. Then she refilled our wine glasses as I made the introductions.
Mike gave Snake a defiant nod and pulled up a chair between Gwen and me. “Manny Delgado was murdered this morning. Cyanide in his coffee. I arrested his wife Dolores for his murder and the mayor’s murder.”
I paused mid-sip. “How did she expect to get away with that?”
“She claims she’s innocent, but that’s what killers always say.” He focused on Snake. “How did the dive trip go?”
Snake filled him in and explained he was staying to protect me.
Mike gave me a worried look. “Whoever killed your parents must be nearby, watching you to stop you from exposing him. Good thing you’re home now with an armed guard patrolling the grounds.”
“Hah! The armed guard didn’t stop the last intruder, and I’m still waiting for you to return my Glock,” Sophia said. “I’m making do with a loaner from Jett.”
“Sorry, Sophia, I’ve been busy with all the murder investigations.”
“No worries. I’ll protect the ladies,” Snake promised with a smirk.
Gwen jumped in, “Back to Dolores. Why did she kill Manny?”
“Rumor was he was threatening to have her killed by one of his Mob connections.” Mike swigged his beer. “He was furious about her affair with the mayor.”
I chuckled. “What about her affair with Andy Carrigan and his affair with Brenda?”
“Dang, sounds like this little island community is a sexual free-for-all.” Snake looked at Sophia. “And you’re worried about me?”
She smirked. “None of those people are staying in this house with Jett.”
Gwen said, “That reminds me, have you seen more intruders, Sophia?”
She glanced back at the house. “I used that big telescope Jett keeps near the terrace doors. Nobody was on the beach or ocean, and the backyard was clear except for the guard on patrol.”
“Maybe someone was out front, sneaking around and hiding from the guard.” Mike frowned. “That guard can’t be everywhere at once.”
“If anyone had come near the house, our little darlings would’ve warned me.” Sophia ruffled the pups’ fur. “They’re always vigilant. Whenever a guard gets near the house, they nudge me, look in his direction, and bare their teeth.”
I caressed Whitney, then pulled her up on my lap. “What about you, Gwen? Any luck solving the murders of two rich Palm Beachers?”
“I have a long list of their victims and relatives of their victims to interview.” She sipped her wine. “So far, I haven’t been able to establish a connection between any of them. I’m working on a theory that some of them got together and hired a hitman.”
“That’s plausible, but it might be hard to prove.” Mike finished his beer.
“I haven’t exactly made a good impression on Chief Malone, especially after I knocked over the body in the Rolls.” She frowned, then her eyes widened like she’d just remembered something. “Don’t forget the charity ball Friday night at The Breakers, Jett. Will Snake be joining us?” She looked at him.
“No, I have to fly back to Virginia Friday morning.” He grinned at me as he pulled Pratt up on his lap. “Too bad. I’d love to see Jett in a ballgown.”
The doorbell rang, booming “Ride of the Valkyries.”
Snake laughed. “That’s your doorbell? The surprises just keep coming.”
Sophia stood. “Relax, Jett, I’ll get it.” She patted her hidden thigh holster.
A few minutes later, Pierce sauntered out with Sophia and said, “Thanks for putting me on your approved visitors list. The guard opened the gate.” He leaned down and kissed my cheek. “Thank God you’re all right. I saw a news story on my cell phone about a dive boat near Freeport that blew up. The story said four Americans had chartered it. I tried your cell a few hours ago. No answer. I was worried it might’ve been you.”
“It was me.” I made the introductions and motioned for him to pull up a chair. “The boat captain was killed, and sharks ate what was left of him. I feel bad for his family.”
“Sorry to hear that, but I’m glad you and your dive buddies made it home safely.” His gaze moved from me to Snake. “Why did the boat explode?”
Snake seemed to be sizing him up. He said, “We’re not certain, but we suspect our boat was bombed by someone in another boat.”
“That’s terrible. I hope the Coast Guard catches the bomber.” He turned his gaze to me. “The news report said you were near Freeport. Did you at least find some good dive spots?”
“No, we found my parents’ crash site. Now we’re sure the jet was sabotaged, but we have no idea how to prove who did it. I didn’t think my parents had any enemies.”
“Without a motive, it’ll be difficult to find the killer,” Mike said. “You’ll have to look into all your dad’s business dealings as well as your parents’ personal lives.”
Gwen leaned in. “I just had a thought. What if Atsila was the target? She treated Cherokee patients as a shaman using natural medicine. Maybe one of her patients died, and the family blamed her and took revenge.”
“None of Mom’s patients died under her care. Some died much later of old age, but
that’s hardly a motive for revenge.”
“I could ask around and make sure it wasn’t a Mob hit,” Sophia offered. “You know, just to rule that out.”
“Good idea,” I said, “and while you’re asking, find out if they know anything about the boat explosion.”
The three men stared at Sophia with their mouths agape.
“What? The daughter of Don Calabrese still has connections. I’ll see what I can learn.”
“I don’t think Jett’s parents had any dealings with the Mafia, but you never know,” Gwen said. “It’s worth checking out.”
I elbowed Pierce. “I’ll call your dad and ask if anyone ever sued my parents or vice versa. Maybe he knows someone who held a grudge against them.”
“He was their lawyer for over twenty years, so he’d know if anyone had a beef with them.” Pierce patted my hand. “I’ll ask him to review their records and give you a call.”
“Thanks, Pierce. Nobody sabotages a jet without a reason. If your dad can help me find someone with a motive, maybe the FBI will nail them.” I finished my glass of merlot.
Pierce drained his beer. “Knowing Dad, you can expect his call tomorrow.”
Everyone said their goodbyes, and Sophia, Snake, and I carried everything into the kitchen and finished the cleanup while the puppies watched us.
“I bet you two are exhausted after the day you’ve had.” Sophia nudged Snake. “Where’s your luggage?”
“It went down with the boat.” He held up a small nylon bag. “Hunter loaned me a few essentials.”
“Speaking of essentials, I’d better open the gun safe and supply you with a firearm.” I led him into the study. “I have plenty of weapons and ammo here. Choose whatever you want.” I opened the safe door, hidden behind a bookcase, and switched on the interior light.
He grabbed a Glock 40 and two extra magazines. “Need anything?”
“I keep a Glock 26 and extra mags in my bedroom. Come on, I’ll show you to your room.” I led him upstairs to a room down the hall from me on the top floor. “Mine’s the one at the end, in case you see someone sneaking around up here.”
“I can protect you better if I’m in the same room with you.”
“Nice try, but I’ll have the dogs with me. They’re very protective.”
“They’re little puppies. Better to have a big, strong man close by.” He winked.
Twenty-Two
I woke from a sound sleep at midnight when Sophia yelled, “Freeze, dirtbag!” followed by Snake yelling, “Don’t shoot!”
I flung open my door, switched on the hall light, and found Sophia wearing night-vision goggles and seated in a chair in front of my room. Her weapon was pointed at Snake.
When the light came on, she dropped the Glock onto her lap, yanked off her goggles, and covered her eyes. “Great, now you blinded me with the light.”
“What the heck is going on?” I looked from her to Snake, who wore Navy gym shorts and no shirt. My gaze paused for a moment on his six-pack abs.
“Your crazy dog nanny almost shot me.” He snatched up her pistol while her eyes were closed.
“I saw a big man sneaking toward your room and drew on him. It’s his own fault for not staying where he belongs.” She blinked her eyes and felt her lap. “Give back my gun.”
I glared at Snake. “Give her the weapon, and both of you go to bed. I’m too tired for this nonsense.” I herded the puppies back to my room and closed the door.
Mother invaded my sleep again. She led me into the great hall and ran her hand over the telescope. Then she walked out onto the terrace and returned.
Pratt and Whitney were in my dream, rocketing around the huge room, chasing each other. They misjudged a turn and tumbled into the telescope stand. The long, heavy spyglass toppled toward me. I tried to catch it so it wouldn’t smash onto the oak floor. When it hit my chest, I lost my balance and fell backward, knocking over a floor lamp and landing on my back with the telescope on top of me.
My fall and the loud crash caused by the fallen lamp woke me and brought Snake and Sophia rushing into the room. The puppies licked my face.
“Jett, what happened?” Sophia switched on a table lamp and crouched over me while Snake surveyed the room, pistol in hand.
I rubbed the back of my head. “That’s going to leave a lump. Help move this heavy thing off me.”
Snake leaned down, lifted it up, and returned the tripod stand to its upright position with the telescope secure on top. Then he scooped me up, carried me to a sofa, and sat beside me. “Should I be looking for an intruder?”
“No.” My face flushed. “I had another sleepwalking episode. I dreamed my mother led me here and showed me the telescope.” I petted the worried-looking puppies. “I thought the dogs were in my dream. They didn’t know I was sleepwalking and followed me. I guess they thought it was playtime. They were roughhousing around and knocked the telescope into me.”
Sophia scanned the backyard with the telescope. “There has to be a reason she led you here. All the other incidents led to you investigating your parents’ deaths.”
I stared a moment, remembering. “My parents used to keep the spyglass on the terrace every night until they went to bed, in case they wanted to look at boats, airplanes, or stars. Then they’d bring it inside before they went upstairs.”
Snake gave Sophia a sideways glance. “I think Jett’s mother is trying to tell her that she and her husband saw something they shouldn’t have, and that’s why they were killed.”
“That has to be it. We just have to find out what happened right before they left on vacation. I’m guessing they saw someone on a boat behind our house.”
“All right, children. We’ll sort this out in the morning. Go to your own beds and stay there.” Sophia holstered her weapon and pointed her fingers at her eyes and then at Snake. “Behave yourself.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He squeezed my shoulder. “You never said this would be more dangerous than a SEAL mission.” He scooped up Pratt and carried him upstairs.
“You’ll be safe as long as you stay away from her room.” Sophia followed him up the stairs. “I’ll be watching. Sleep tight.” She slapped his butt.
“Careful what you start, woman. I’m more man than you can handle.” He winked at her and continued up.
“If I thought for one second you were serious, I’d be on my back faster than you can say, ‘Help, I’ve fallen on her, and she won’t let me up.’”
I carried Whitney past them. “All right, you two, quit fooling around and go to bed. I’m exhausted.”
Once Snake and I were on the fourth floor, I led the dogs into my room and closed the door. Moonlight filtered in from tall windows and the glass balcony doors on three sides.
The next morning, Snake and I sat at a table on the terrace with my laptop while Sophia fixed breakfast. A warm breeze caressed me as I checked for local news stories that might give us a clue.
“Nothing the week before, but the day they left, there was a story in the evening news about a missing local woman, Lola Brown.” I pointed at the item. “She was twenty-two.”
He sipped his coffee. “Did you know her?”
“No, she probably moved here while I was away in the Navy.”
“She could’ve gone missing the night before your parents left on vacation, but it wouldn’t have made it into the paper until the following night.”
“I’ll check for follow-up stories.” I tapped the keys. “Look. Two fishermen found her body floating in the ocean the next day.” I gasped. “And the autopsy showed she was pregnant.”
He frowned. “That’s a strong motive if the father was a selfish jerk who didn’t want to take responsibility. Easier to drown the problem.”
I stared out at the ocean. “And maybe my parents saw her on his boat.”
“What time did they fly out the next day?” He reached down and accepted the frisbee Pratt offered him. He flung it toward the lawn, the puppies charging after it.
�
��They left at ten in the morning from the private jet terminal at PBI, which means they didn’t know she was murdered, or they would’ve reported it.”
He sat back. “How long were they planning to be away?”
“It was supposed to be a four-day vacation at a casino resort in Freeport.” I poured myself another cup of coffee and refilled his cup.
“They wouldn’t have learned about the crime until the second or third day of their trip. By then, it would make sense to wait until they returned home to report what they had seen.” He stirred cream and sugar into his cup.
“Which is why the killer made sure they never made it home.” I bit my lip.
He reached over and gently turned my chin toward him. “None of this is plausible unless the killer was certain they had seen him with the victim. How could he have known they saw him on a boat? He must’ve been at least a half-mile away.”
We were lost in thought, blankly staring into each other’s eyes when Sophia rolled out the serving cart with breakfast. The aroma of warm cinnamon rolls, bacon, and eggs scrambled with a sprinkling of cheddar drifted over us.
She punched his muscled arm. “I can’t leave you alone with her for five minutes.”
He turned. “No need to be jealous. It’s not what it looks like.”
“That’s what they all say. Eat your breakfast and behave yourself.” She plopped a plate in front of him.
I chuckled. “He’s telling the truth. Our thoughts were occupied with how to explain the conundrum we just discovered.”
Pratt and Whitney nudged Sophia and Snake to help them climb onto their laps.
“Don’t pick them up.” I pointed at the bacon. “They’re trying to get closer to this. My uncle gave them some, and now they want it every time they smell it.”
Sophia shook her head. “It’s lucky Hunter’s so good-looking or I’d be mad at him.” She settled in for breakfast. “Tell me what’s puzzling you.”
I explained what we’d learned on the Internet and that it only made sense if the killer knew my parents had seen him with the victim.