Scottsdale Sizzle: a romantic light-hearted murder mystery (Laura Black Mysteries Book 3)

by B A Trimmer

  “We’re focusing on the vault,” I said. “Do you know anywhere else your granddad could have hidden the jewelry or where he might have left a clue on where to find the chest?”

  “It’s been a few years since I’ve been in the house. I think it’s been the same with Elizabeth. But as we went through the house today, we looked everywhere I knew where to look.”

  “The room with the vault can only be accessed if you know to pull the green book on the bookshelf,” I said. “Do you think there are any other hidden rooms? Maybe your granddad thought you knew about one of those and he put the jewelry there?”

  “It’s possible. Granddad always did love things like that. Having a secret room somewhere wouldn’t surprise me.”

  “What about the other properties he owned? We’re concentrating on the house because it seems the most obvious. But maybe he moved the jewelry chest to one of those?”

  “From what the lawyer said, there are five other properties. Four of them are undeveloped land somewhere in the desert near places called Carefree, Pinnacle Peak, and Queen Creek. The other is a bar. I remember Granddad once said he owned a saloon in a place called Whiskey Row, wherever that is.”

  “Whiskey Row’s up in Prescott,” I said. “That’s a town up in the mountains about an hour and a half from here. It’s nice.”

  “Maybe we should go up there and take a look around.”

  “Maybe, but let’s first get into the vault. You said the combination is an important date in your granddad’s life. You’ve started a list of those dates. If you think you could call other family members to get the rest of them, I should drop you off at your hotel and you can get that done. When you’re ready, we’ll go back over to the house and try them out. I imagine your sister will be doing the same thing. Are you sure we can’t work with her?”

  “You saw how she was and this was one of her better days. I don’t think we can expect any cooperation from Elizabeth.”

  ~~~~

  After our lunch, we spent a few minutes walking around the resort, mainly looking at the plants, the fountains, and the pools. As always, being surrounded by the beautiful scenery lifted my spirits and gave me motivation to press on.

  We got to my car and drove out of the resort to go back to the Tropical Paradise. As we turned north on Scottsdale Road, I noticed there was a dark blue rental sedan behind us with two big guys in it. I normally wouldn’t have given it a second thought, but they appeared to be the same two guys in the same dark blue car that had followed us down Camelback as we had driven to the Phoenician.

  “I don’t suppose there’s any reason why anyone would want to follow you?”

  He turned and looked at the car, now about fifty yards behind us.

  “None at all. Are you sure they’re following us?”

  “No, but they look familiar. Maybe I’m being paranoid.”

  ~~~~

  I dropped off Les Murdock near his room at the Tropical Paradise. The two guys in the blue rental sedan had followed us up Scottsdale Road until we got to the resort but they didn’t follow us in. Les and I agreed he’d make calls to his relatives and get as many of the important dates in his granddad’s life as possible. I told him I’d pick him up again at eight o’clock to head back to the house and try as many of the combinations as possible. With any luck, we could wrap this whole thing up in one day.

  ~~~~

  I drove back to my apartment on Miller Road, found a parking space, and went in. My apartment building started out as a hotel back in the nineteen-seventies. It was converted into condominiums in the late nineteen-eighties. It was then switched over to apartments at about the same time people were getting worked up about the millennium bug.

  It’s constructed as a big cube, with a hollow atrium in the middle, skylights overhead, and balconies circling each of the five floors. There’s an open area in the corner of the atrium with a large TV, several couches, and half a dozen comfortable chairs. Many of the residents gather here during the day to gossip, share cookies, and watch reality TV.

  After they converted the hotel to apartments, the maintenance budget took a dip and now the place could really use a facelift. But, it’s close to where I work and the rent is reasonable. Well, reasonable for Scottsdale anyway.

  ~~~~

  I was sitting at my kitchen table, sorting bills, and feeling vaguely depressed about my finances, when someone knocked on my door. I tensed briefly, then realized it was the gentle knocking of Grandma Peckham, my next-door neighbor.

  I had met Grandma the day I had moved into the apartment, a little over three years ago. I had heard the same soft knocking at my door and had opened it to find a small thin woman with curly purple hair, a big smile, and mischievous blue eyes. Grandma had handed me a Diet Pepsi as a housewarming present and we’ve been friends ever since.

  Today, I opened my door to find Grandma Peckham holding my cat, Marlowe, who was asleep and limp in her arms. She walked in and placed him on my couch. Marlowe didn’t wake up but he did a long stretch then rolled over and curled into a ball.

  I’d found Marlowe while driving through Colorado on vacation a few years back. When I first saw him, he was huddled against a snow bank behind a Truck Stop. He was dirty, starving, and shivering with cold. As I walked closer to take a look at the pathetic little cat, he ran to me and started bawling to be picked up. We bonded immediately and we’ve been friends ever since.

  “I’m going to be out for the rest of the day,” Grandma said, “so I thought I’d bring Marlowe over. I wouldn’t want him to singe his little paws on the balcony.”

  Grandma and I share a common wall between our bedrooms and we have doors leading out to a shared balcony. We’ve both installed cat doors so Marlowe can come and go as he pleases. We leave the cat doors open year-round, but Marlowe won’t go outside in the summer heat. I can’t say I blame him. When the outside air temperature goes over a hundred and ten, I can only imagine how hot the concrete of the balcony gets.

  “Are you doing anything fun tonight?” I asked.

  “I’m having a gentleman caller take me out to the movies. We’re going to see a new Tom Cruise science fiction film.”

  “Is this a new guy or somebody you’ve seen before?”

  “Well, I know we’ve been out before. But honestly, I really don’t remember a lot about him. There’ve been so many men lately they’re all starting to blur together.”

  “Any of them stand out so far?”

  “Well, I did go out with this one eager beaver about two weeks ago. Land sakes alive, that soldier was ready for active duty. But, I’m not just looking for that anymore, I’m also looking for someone who respects me as a person. I’ve even started thinking about traveling again. It might be nice if I had someone to do that with.”

  A couple of months before, Grandma had decided the best way for her to get some action in the bedroom was to put an ad on the internet. She had picked out a website called sexymaturebabes, where the personal ads were full of pictures of naked seniors. Grandma took several naked selfies and posted her ad. As a result, she’s had a steady stream of horny older guys who were also looking for some intimate companionship or at least a steady booty call.

  “Is there anything you do remember about him?” I asked.

  “Well, he used to be a dentist from Cleveland and he moved here after he retired.”

  “Do you remember what he looks like? Tall, short, thin, fat?”

  “I think he took me out to dinner last time. But I can’t remember anything else about him. I guess I’ll have to let you know.”

  ~~~~

  I made myself a tuna fish sandwich on 12-grain bread for dinner. As I was mixing the ingredients, Marlowe loudly reminded me how much he also like tuna. I plopped a spoonful into his bowl and we both had a nice snack.

  I looked at the clock and saw I wouldn’t need to leave for an hour so I took the opportunity to call Reno. We had what I called a “discussion” on Saturday night about my job and how i
t was too dangerous. Before the discussion, we had made plans to meet again Wednesday night at Frankie-Z’s, our favorite restaurant. About halfway through the discussion I had gotten angry and left in a huff. Since it was currently Tuesday, I thought I should call Reno and make sure the date for tomorrow night was still on.

  I sat on my couch and hit the speed dial for Reno. He answered on the third ring and I could tell he was in his car.

  “Hey,” I said. “Is this a bad time?”

  “No, I’m heading over to headquarters on Indian School. We’re having a citywide after-shift meeting on some of the Mexican drug gangs that are popping up in Arizona. Now that we’re losing control of the Southern border, some of the gangs in Northern Mexico have picked up their operations entirely and relocated to Arizona. I’m one of the detectives assigned to advise a task force that’s looking into ways to deal with it.”

  I got a shiver when I thought of my recent close encounter with a Mexican drug syndicate called the Muerte Negra or in English, the Black Death. The leader in Arizona was a vicious man named Carlos Valentino. I wasn’t sure how much Carlos knew about my involvement in helping to bring down a rather large shipment of drugs the gang had brought into the country. I sometimes wake up in a cold sweat fearing he’ll piece together the information he has and decide to come after me personally.

  “Hey Laura, did I lose you?”

  “No, sorry. Thinking about an assignment. Are we still on for tomorrow night? Frankie-Z’s at seven-thirty?

  “Well yes, if you’re sure you still want to. I wasn’t certain after the way you left on Saturday.”

  “I know. I was angry. But you implied my job wasn’t important.”

  “I’m sorry, that wasn’t my intent. I worry something will happen to you. You sometimes meet up with some rough people in these assignments you do for Lenny.”

  “You want a girlfriend that’s boring? And besides, you don’t deal with the same things? Like every day?”

  “I have a gun and a badge. Not to mention the backing of the entire Scottsdale Police Department. You have Sophie.”

  “I have a gun, remember? You got me the Baby Glock for Christmas a year and a half ago. Besides, I also have Gina. So in a way I also have the backing of the Scottsdale Police Department.”

  “Well, I can’t argue about Gina. It was a loss to the department when Lenny lured her away by offering to double her paycheck. She’s one of the best detectives I’ve ever worked with. I’m glad she’s there to help watch over you.”

  “So, are we good?” I asked.”

  “Yes, we’re good. And you’re right. I couldn’t handle a boring girlfriend. Frankie’s at seven-thirty?”

  “Perfect, I can’t wait.”

  I hung up the phone and sat on the couch for a few minutes petting my purring cat. Having a nice conversation with Reno had put me back in a good mood. I hadn’t meant to throw in the part about Reno not wanting a boring girlfriend, but now that I said it aloud, I began to realize it was true. I think deep down Reno liked having a girlfriend who could handle herself. I think the only thing bothering him is the thought that someday I might get myself into more trouble than I can handle. Then I’ll end up getting hurt, or worse.

  I guess that’s a reasonable attitude for my boyfriend to have about me.

  Playing treasure hunt in the big house all day had made me feel a little grimy. Since I still had about forty-five minutes before I had to leave, I decided to take a quick shower, put on a pair of navy blue Bermuda shorts, and a pastel yellow cotton top. In the back of the closet, I found a pair of white cross-trainers with a yellow stripe. I quickly blew my hair dry and tousled it to add some fluff. I did an OK job with the makeup, said goodbye to Marlowe, and then was out the door.

  As I walked down the hallway toward the stairs, I saw an older guy, wearing a dark grey suit, white shirt, and a black tie. The suit was about two sizes too big for the man’s thin body. He had on a pair of thick, black-framed, glasses and he was lifting them to squint at the numbers on the apartment doors.

  “Are you looking for Mary Peckham?” I asked. “I’m Laura Black. Grandma Peckham’s my next door neighbor.”

  “Why, yes I am,” he said in a bright cherry voice. He held out his hand in greeting. “I’m Grandpa Bob.”

  We shook hands and I lead him back down the hallway to Grandma’s door.

  “You’re going to a Tom Cruise movie tonight?”

  “I think so,” he said. “But if she doesn’t want to go to that one, she also talked about liking vampire movies, so maybe we’ll go to one of those.”

  “I heard you and Grandma met on the web site. How’s your experience been on that?”

  “It hasn’t been half bad,” he said. “I’ve been able to meet some Cracker Jack women. It was my daughter who suggested it. She knows I’ve been lonely lately. Besides, the family thinks they’ll be safer this way.”

  “Safer?” I asked.

  “Well, you see, after my wife passed, the kids have been worried I’ll marry some Clyde hopping Jezebel and they’ll be out an inheritance. Can’t say I blame them. I’ve still got a few good years left in me. It might be worth an inheritance to be treated like a king by some good-looking younger gal who doesn’t mind spending time with an old geezer like me. They think if I just date around and don’t get serious with anyone, they’ll still get the money after I’m gone.”

  I walked the man down to Grandma’s door, told him to have fun, and then walked down to my car. The sun had set and the horizon was on fire with oranges and reds. It reminded me of the bedroom at the house on Camelback Mountain.

  The drive back up to the Tropical Paradise was uneventful. If someone was following me, I couldn’t make them out.

  ~~~~

  I again parked by Les Murdock’s bungalow. I didn’t want to park too close to the main building where Tony DiCenzo had his business offices. It wasn’t that I was avoiding him, exactly. It’s more like talking to Tough Tony isn’t something anyone should do unless there is an actual need. As a rule, it should be avoided. Too many things could go wrong.

  As I got out of the car, I heard the sound of a Caribbean band with a steel drum coming from the direction of the big pool. As I walked closer to the bungalow, I saw the band was playing on a small stage, near the pool bar. The stage had a palm frond roof and there were two big statues of Polynesian idols on either side. Several Tiki torches had been lit around the pool and bright streamers with colorful flags had been put up. Strings of lights that had been invisible during the day were now lit up, adding an enchanted feeling to this already gorgeous tropical lagoon.

  Now that the sun had gone down and the temperature was barely over a hundred, people had come out to enjoy the evening. I’m not sure how many pools the Tropical Paradise has, but the one next to Les Murdock‘s room seemed to be the main one for the resort. There were the happy sounds of splashing, talking, and laughter from the two-hundred, or so, people in and around the pool. Waitresses in colorful and sexy tropical outfits were circulating through the crowd delivering drinks to the people sitting poolside. The pool itself was nicely lit, showing off its beautiful deep blue color. Groups of children were playing Marco Polo and sliding down waterslides. I saw several couples had paired off under the waterfalls and in the grottos formed in the lava rock surrounding the backside of the pool.

  The pool bar was also doing a brisk business. The thirty, or so, bar stools were all filled and a knot of people was gathered at one end to order fresh drinks. I saw three bartenders, all in bright tropical shirts, making drinks at a steady pace. A small dance floor had been set up in front of the stage and about thirty people were moving and dancing to the rhythmic sounds of the band.

  I stopped in front of the gate that led down to the pool. I then looked over the scene for almost a minute. For some reason, the ongoing party made me a little sad. Listening to the band, the people, and the splashing waterfalls, I was again tempted to grab a drink and lay on one of the lounge chairs n
ext to the pool. Then I would simply forget about life for a few hours.

  Instead, I had work to do.

  ~~~~

  I knocked on Les Murdock’s door. He answered and this time he was fully dressed. Somehow, that vaguely disappointed me. His hair was wet and I assumed he had just gotten out of the pool or maybe the shower.

  I’ve noticed tourists take a lot of showers. There’s something about walking around all day in the dry desert heat that makes them feel grimy.

  I saw Les had given up on the idea of slacks and now was wearing a pair of light colored shorts. He had on a pastel blue short-sleeve button-down with the same brown Farucci loafers, no socks.

  “How’d the search go?” I asked. “Were you able to come up with the dates?”

  “Um, yeah. I called several relatives and came up with a pretty good list. I circled the three I think are most likely.”

  Something about his voice seemed a bit odd. Like maybe he was stressed or nervous. Perhaps it was only the anxiety of the whole treasure hunt thing but it sent up tiny red flags in my head.

  He went to the table and handed me a notepad with a list of maybe twenty dates and notations on it. Some of the dates were underlined, one had stars next to it, and three of the dates were circled. There were also a couple of small doodles of dogs in the margins. Les stood next to me and pointed at the first date he had circled.

  “This one, December 20, 1923, was the day he was born. It seems kind of obvious, but you never know” His finger slid down to the next circled date. “He was married on June 19, 1948. It seems reasonable he would regard his anniversary as important, especially after my grandmother died. And this one, March 21, 1949. It’s the day Dad was born. I know Dad and Granddad never got along, but maybe Granddad regarded the date as important anyway.”

  “Those seem reasonable,” I said. “OK, let’s head over to the house and try ‘em out. If none of the three work, we can go through the entire list, one by one.”

  ~~~

  We left the bungalow and walked down the path to my car. The pool party was still going full force. If anything, it looked like more resort guests had joined in. I saw there was a new group of at least a dozen women who were all dressed in identical pink shirts. They looked like part of a bachelorette party. They were standing in a circle, laughing and doing shots. As we passed by the gate, Les stopped for several seconds and looked in, just as I had.