Murder in Paradise (Paradise Series)

by Deborah Brown

“Ronnie doesn’t get to keep your stuff,” Mac huffed. Ronnie was Shirl’s ex, and apparently not happy over the breakup.

  I kicked off my flip-flops, got up, and put my feet in the pool. “How about a raise?”

  “That depends, is it legal?” Mac looked at me over the top of her sunglasses.

  “My plan is to shuffle Jake’s paperwork off on you. The books were set up by the CPA; same procedures are in place as The Cottage’s books. And find Apple for me.” I knew the mention of our favorite homeless drunk would peak her interest.

  “About her,” Mac started. “Apple came by here the other day. I gave her money out of petty cash when she confirmed the clean pee storyline and that Miss J is branching out, peddling her urine to anyone with cash.”

  Somehow I had to convince Miss January her new entrepreneurial spirit could land her in jail. “I thought Apple graduated from the half-way house and got a life. Is she back on the streets?”

  Memories of Apple rolling around the floor naked with my ex-husband when I thought we were still happily married had receded. Then one day, I stumbled over her panhandling. I helped give her an option to get off of the streets by giving her the name of a women’s shelter, but it had been up to her to make the first step.

  “Apple left the program early. She hooked up with Angie and moved into a one-room apartment over the cleaners. No air conditioning. That’s a nice feeling, sweat running down your body 24/7 in the summertime.” Mac stopped to suck down the rest of her energy drink. “Everything was fine until Angie showed up for an 11:00 a.m., stinkin’ drunk. Apple has given herself the title of ‘Social Drinker.’ They’re one paycheck away from eviction.”

  I kicked water on Mac. “I’ve got a proposition for Apple and Angie that might keep them off the streets.”

  “Are you going to run hookers now?” Shirl belly-laughed. “Lordee, I’m funny.” She slapped her thigh.

  I fished my ringing phone out of my pocket. “It’s about time. Where the hell have you been?”

  “Can’t a girl get a few minutes of peace?” Fab whined. “I’m on my way back to the house.”

  “I’m out of patience today,” I warned her. “Meet me at Wino’s. We’ve got a couple of jobs to discuss.”

  Wino’s just opened recently, a wine bar for people who preferred their wine out of a bottle with a cork, as opposed to a screw top. The added bonus—outside seating.

  “Why can’t we do that by the pool?” Fab laid on her horn.

  “Mother and Brad threw a pool party. The house is full of people; we wouldn’t get a minute of privacy.” I’d break the news about Zach in person, after securing a promise she wouldn’t ditch me and move.

  The screen lit up with Zach calling. I sent him to voicemail.

  “How’s Zach doing?” Shirl asked. “He was a big pain-in-the-ass patient.”

  I got out of the pool and slipped into my flip-flops. “How long before Zach’s one hundred percent?” I asked Shirl.

  “Bet he’s milking his headache for all it’s worth. The doctor told him to call and make an appointment if he had any lingering symptoms after a day or two. Then he’ll need brain surgery.” Shirl gave a shout of laughter. “Seriously, it was a very mild rap to the head. Dr. A rolled his eyes when he signed him out, mouthing, ‘asshole.’”

  “I’m glad I relaxed the rule on long-term tenants; you’re working out.” I pointed to Mac and reminded her, “One time only.”

  * * *

  Here I was, a grown woman, worried that I missed curfew by a couple of hours. Fab had scored us a sidewalk table at Wino’s. A glass of Cabernet awaited me.

  Just as I stepped out of the car, my phone rang; this time it said “Mother.” This could be a trick. I threw the phone on the passenger seat. I felt extreme guilt about being a crappy girlfriend who didn’t want to sit and stare at her boyfriend all day. But not enough to go home just yet.

  “We can skip the lecture about your disappearance, if you make me a promise.”

  “I went back to the condo for a second look around, are you happy?” Fab narrowed her eyes. “Before you ask, nosey, I found two keys that he stuffed inside a light fixture.”

  I gulped what was probably very good wine that didn’t deserve not to be savored.

  “Next time I ransack a place, I’ll be sure to remember that tip. Any idea what they go to?” I clinked glasses with her, almost forgetting my wine etiquette.

  “Not a safety deposit box, so that takes sneaking into a bank vault off the table.”

  Shoo, that sounded like a felony to me. “Hold up your right hand and best-friend swear to my promise.” Being a good example, I held up my hand.

  “Okay, what? You’re so dramatic,” Fab said.

  “Promise me you will not move out.” I had a horrible feeling that if Zach and I moved in together, that would be the end of my relationship with my best friend. I wanted to keep all of my friends.

  “I knew this was weird,” Fab hit her hand on the table. “What’s going on?”

  “Zach got into a car accident, has a concussion, and is recuperating for a couple of days at the house.”

  “Days? And nights too?” Fab shrieked.

  I lowered my voice to a deep growl and mimicked Zach, “Get me a pillow, and water, hold my hand, stare at me. I can’t take it already. My favorite is ‘who’s on the phone?’”

  Fab gave me her creepy smile. “He won’t last.” Her phone rang and she answered. After a pause, she said, “I’ve been busy, what’s up?” She hit the Speaker button.

  “‘Busy,’ my ass. You were probably doing something illegal. You better not go to jail again,” Mother lectured, “Do you hear me?”

  “You could be a little nicer, I’ve had a bad day.”

  “You know I love you and nothing better happen to you. Do you understand me?”

  “Yes, Madame.” Fab sounded sincere but she smirked at me.

  “We’re having a family party and you’re not here. Bring my other daughter and get the hell over here.”

  “I don’t...”

  “Don’t bother lying. You suck at it. Fifteen minutes and I want you both walking through the front door.” Mother hung up the phone.

  “Is she going to ground me?” Fab asked.

  I laughed at the look on Fab’s face. She had no control over Mother and that frustrated her.

  “How mad was Creole after I snuck out?” Fab handed me my wine glass. “Gulp this down and let’s go.”

  “Cut the man a break. He’s been generous in giving you information; you need to return the favor. Have you noticed he helps us every time he can?” I finished off my wine. “Creole was livid and he took out his frustration on my lips.”

  Fab whistled. “How was that? Oh, don’t give me that innocent look,” she said. “You sample that and you’ll be thinking, ‘Zach who?’ Do you notice that Creole, for the most part, doesn’t care what you do?”

  “I’m in love with Zach,” I said, but I didn’t want to give up half my life to be with him.

  “Then why did you just suck down the last of the wine? You could be home playing sexy nurse to his annoying self,” Fab watched me closely. “Who’s better, Zach or Creole?”

  “They’re both good, but very different.” I fingered my lips. “We’ve only got five minutes before the second deadline of my day comes and goes.”

  CHAPTER 33

  Fab got bored driving the speed limit and sped by me, so I arrived long after her. I walked by the kitchen window and Spoon gave me a quick wave and resumed washing dishes.

  “Took you long enough,” Fab said after she opened the front door with a big smile. “Didier’s back. Ha-ha, Zach’s not enjoying the party.”

  I took a deep breath, pushed my bag into Fab’s arms, and walked into the living room. Zach sat rooted in the same spot I left him in, a look of thinly-disguised fury on his face. “Sorry it took so long.” I bent and kissed him on the lips. “Good news, re-opening the carwash is just days away.”

  Z
ach’s gaze wandered to the kitchen where Didier joined Spoon, who was putting dishes in the dishwasher. “The party got bigger after you left.”

  “No one will bother you in the bedroom,” I said, hoping he realized if that was what he chose that he would be entertaining himself. I had zero plans of sitting in my room like a disobedient child.

  “What I really want is a beer,” Zach snapped, rubbing his temples.

  “Probably not a good idea. Hanging out by the pool always makes me feel better.” I ran my fingers across his cheek and brushed his hair back.

  Zach grabbed my wrist and pulled me down next to him. “Tell me about your involvement in Clean Bubbles.”

  Fab cut in, pulling on Zach’s arm. “Come on invalid, we’re moving the party outside and that includes you. Get your ass up or I’ll tell Madeline on you.” She turned to me, saying, “Go put your bathing suit on.”

  Relieved for a getaway, I flew off the couch and up the stairs. I sighed, leaning against my bedroom door. I was happy to not be grilled and have to check my response before it came out of my mouth.

  I slipped into my new turquoise tankini, tying a sheer colorful wrap around my waist, low on my hips. I pulled my curly mess up into a ponytail. A swim would put me in the party mood. If I could manage to stop worrying over Zach’s every sigh, he might loosen up and enjoy himself.

  ***

  From the top of the stairs, I recognized Creole’s back, talking to Zach. They had been childhood best buddies, but their friendship ended when Zach thought Creole had come back to town as drug dealing scum. Only after Mother forced them to talk did Creole fess up to being DEA assigned to the Miami office. The trust between them was tentative. It didn’t help that Creole told Zach he was biding his time until Zach screwed up so that he could sweep me off my feet.

  Zach had me in his sights, staring intently as I walked down the stairs. Creole turned around, winked, and stripped my clothes off with his gaze. Didier met me at the bottom of the stairs and offered his arm.

  I spoke to Didier in my best French accent that I practiced in the bathroom mirror.

  “So, you think I’m charming?” Didier whispered against my ear. “How about if I drive those two thugs over there crazy?” He motioned to Zach and Creole. Didier put his hand at the back of my neck and whispered in French.

  I blushed and giggled. “You know, I didn’t understand a word of that.”

  Didier laughed. “I complimented the way you look in your bathing suit and threw in something slightly naughty.”

  My cheeks burned. “I love that you and Fab are together. You are really good for her. She’s softer, less intense because of you. Treat her good or I’ll shoot you.”

  Didier glanced over his shoulder. “Which one is it going to be? Say the word, Fab will shoot one of them for you.”

  Fab put her arm around Didier. “What are you two whispering about?” She had on three pieces of black material, held together with string.

  “Didier was telling me how cute I am,” I said.

  “Do you think I’d have an ugly friend?” Fab looked horrified.

  “That’s shallow,” I bit my lip.

  Didier kissed Fab. “I love her bold honesty. I never wonder where I stand with her, she tells me, and sometimes quite loudly.”

  Mother yelled, “Listen up!” She paused until everyone stopped talking. “Dinner’s ready and we’re all eating outside. That includes you.” She pointed to Zach.

  I whispered to Fab as we moved to the patio. “We need to talk. We’ve got a job. A freebie.”

  “This side of the partnership doesn’t work for free.”

  I poked Fab. “You tell Shirl you’ll be sending her a bill.”

  “Shirl’s a nurse who could come in handy. Make it clear—free for you, fine, but she owes me.”

  I had no intention of telling Fab that Shirl would be excited to “owe” Fab.

  Mother pushed together the tables so that everyone could sit together. She had chosen all the shell-themed dishes from my collection and arranged all the side dishes, covered with wire mesh bug deterrents, on my latest backyard project—a new countertop installed by Ben. He added storage underneath and a small sink. I added my personal touch, ordering several bags of seashells to cover the entire top of the counter and overhang. After a few ugly starts, I finally got it right.

  I sat down next to Zach and kissed his cheek, “See what you miss out on when you only show up in the middle of the night?”

  He glared at me. “You didn’t return any of my calls.”

  Brad set a huge platter of assorted barbequed fish in the middle of the table. They were sitting on a bed of rice with skewers of grilled vegetables.

  “Guess what we saw yesterday?” Liam flopped in the chair next to me.

  “Don’t look at me,” Fab said. “I know already.”

  I grabbed my chest and looked at Liam. “I’m the last to know?”

  Liam laughed. “We went to an alligator farm, and a tourist showing off tried to pet it and got chunks eaten out of his arm, and blood spurted everywhere. At first, Mom said I couldn’t look and then changed her mind. She pointed to the sign that said, ‘No molesting the alligators.’”

  “Did he croak?” Creole asked.

  “The alligator was fine,” Liam laughed.

  I nudged him, “The dude.”

  “When he looked down and saw himself covered in blood, he passed out; but he woke up by the time they rolled him into the medic van,” Liam said. “I’m a kid and even I know that petting the alligators is a terrible idea. I called Kevin to see if the dude died and he checked and said no, but he’s in the jail ward of the hospital, since he got arrested for being a stupid ass.”

  Everyone at the table laughed.

  “Remind me to talk to Kevin about how he describes his ‘cool arrest stories,’” Julie said.

  “How was jail?” Liam asked Fab.

  That brought silence to the table, everyone looking uncomfortable. Zach laughed.

  “Not a lot of fun, the food’s terrible. Thank you for asking.” Fab winked at Liam. “Hey, hotshot,” she said, and looked at Creole, “my cellmate said she didn’t murder anyone either and I believed her. Can you help another girl out?”

  Creole banged the table. “You’ve got a lot of nerve. NO!”

  “Just figuring that out?” Zach mumbled.

  “We should talk after dinner,” Fab said quietly.

  Mother, Julie, and I glared at Creole.

  Brad laughed at Creole. “You’re so stupid. You need a couple of lessons dealing with Westin women.”

  “Why can’t I say stupid?” Liam asked his mom. “Does Brad have to apologize?”

  Julie turned her head and made what sounded like a cough.

  Spoon deflected the conversation. “When are you coming by my auto body for a tour?” he asked Liam.

  “We’re coming soon.” Liam sent a high five his way. “Brad’s restoring a 1962 Corvette and needs parts. Joseph said you’re the only man in The Keys who can get anything a person needs.”

  “I’ll bet,” Zach said under his breath.

  Brad wasn’t all that sold on Spoon as a suitable boyfriend for Mother. I thought the two of them working together on this restoration project was a good way to show they had more in common than differences. “What do you like most about Spoon, Mother?” I asked.

  Mother kissed his cheek, a big statement to everyone at the table. They were no longer sneaking around; they just became official. “That’s easy, how often does a woman find someone to enjoy a Jack on the rocks and a cigar with who makes her laugh?”

  I glared at Brad with a warning look that said, Do not upset Mother.

  Brad shook his head, not convinced. “And you, Spoon?”

  “Miss Madeline accepts me for all my flaws and doesn’t hold my past against me. Emphasis on past,” Spoon said.

  Well done Spoon, he easily held his own. “Time for dessert.” I stood up. “Fab and I will clear these plates.”
I followed Fab into the kitchen.

  Julie trailed behind us. “Your mother just asked Zach when she’d get to meet his family.”

  The three of us stood at the island. “He’s going to think I put her up to that,” I groaned. “What did he say?”

  “Not until you committed to something more than sleeping together,” Julie said. “That brought the conversation to a halt. I thought Brad would punch him.”

  “Did you meet the Lazarro family?” I asked Fab.

  Julie looked surprised. “Did you and Zach...”

  “We had sex a long damned time ago,” Fab said. “The last time I met a boy’s family was in high school. Both families prayed the romance would be short-lived.”

  “What about Gabriel’s family?” I asked, wrapping up food.

  “Gabriel’s family tree consisted mostly of criminals. They loved me. His father helped me perfect my pickpocket skills. His mother, a true wino, sipped from morning until night and played board games in between. His uncle Leon, who lived with them, hit on me at every family get together.”

  “We’re taking our dessert home with us.” Julie cut pieces of Key Lime pie and put them on a plate. “The three of us are getting up early for a road trip. Liam’s working on a class project.”

  A pair of male arms went around me. “I sense trouble in paradise and I’m keeping my eye on you.” Creole kissed my neck. “I’m reminding you of your promise to right of first refusal.” His hand traced my cheek, down to my shoulder.

  Fab smirked and Julie’s jaw dropped, neither said a word.

  I had to push hard to step away. “Are you leaving?”

  “Criminals don’t keep banker’s hours.” Creole squeezed my cheeks together and planted a hard kiss on my lips.

  “Before you go,” Fab opened the junk drawer and handed him two keys, “I found these and have no clue what they’re for.”

  I gave Fab a thumbs up behind his back.

  Creole tossed them in his hand. “Do you mind if I take them? You have my promise you’ll get them back. I have a colleague who’ll be able to tell us what they unlock.”

  “Madison vouched for you,” Fab warned.

  “Are you worried I’ll sneak out on you, lie to your face? Not my style.” Creole’s eyes narrowed. “Get me the info on your girlfriend from jail. I’ll look into it.” He left out the front door.