by Rayna Morgan
“Was he going to steal my purse?”
Tito shrugged. “He may only wish to meet a pretty lady. There is no way to know if his intent was evil.”
“Can you tell me who it was?”
“I only saw him from the back but he seemed familiar. If I spot him around town, I’ll let you know.”
A thought occurred which made her shiver. She pulled out her phone and found a picture of Jason, the man on the cruise ship.
“Is this the man?” she asked, holding up the phone.
“I can’t tell from the photo, but that man looks big. The one who followed you was smaller. Short enough that I could take him.”
She smiled. “I admire your courage, Tito, but I’m glad you weren't required to protect me.”
He giggled. “Me, too.”
The tension drained from her shoulders.
“Take me back to the B & B, please. I’ve had enough excitement for one evening.”
He helped her into the car and started the engine.
“It’s obvious someone needs to watch over you, señora.”
“Have you appointed yourself?”
“I’m as good as anyone and you seem to have fallen into my lap. That may be a good thing for you. Not so good for me. But I can’t disobey Ricardo.”
Lea smiled as they bounced over cobblestone streets. She enjoyed this man and felt safe in his care.
“You sound like a fatalist,” she said.
“More of a realist. But, don’t worry. I won’t sell you out.”
She turned toward him. “Sell me out how?”
“At the airport, a man saw me holding the sign printed with your name. He approached and offered to pay if I provide information.”
Color drained from her face as fear unnerved her.
“What kind of information?” she demanded.
“I don’t mean to frighten you,” he stammered. “He wants to know what I learn while you are in my taxi like your reason for being here and where you are staying. He offered to pay extra to keep him informed of your activities, including places I take you.”
She shuddered. The safety she felt in this man’s presence faded.
“Would you barter my safety for a few dineros?”
He hung his head. “I wouldn’t wish you harm but I have a family to feed.”
“What is the price he offered to betray me?”
“Take comfort. There is not enough money. Ricardo would kill me.
• • •
Back in her room, she tried to unwind with yoga. Her mind resisted any relaxation the poses offered.
I’m in over my head and completely out of my element. Alone in a foreign country, miles from family and friends. What do I think I’m doing? Tom’s right. I have no business being here, especially on my own.
She felt her usual self confidence ooze away.
In front of her family, she rarely displayed doubts. She convinced her sister she knew what she was doing so Maddy would participate in her adventures. She refused to give Paul ammunition to discourage her by second-guessing herself in front of him. And she tried to make her father proud by being strong and self-reliant.
But now she was alone. Free to doubt her ability to accomplish what Sean asked.
It would be easier to pack and go home, but how could she leave without knowing the answers. If she didn’t find the truth about Cate, who would?
The harder she tried to fall asleep, the more questions raced through her mind keeping her awake.
Did Mario kill his girlfriend or is the cartel responsible? If not Mario, what secrets is he hiding?
Did Cate’s ill-advised affair with a married politician end up being deadly?
Had threats aimed at a powerful, wealthy businessman resulted in harm?
Was Holly less of a friend to Cate than she claimed?
What about the innocent-looking busboy with a crush?
Who followed me tonight and why?
She sought an answer to one final question as she closed her eyes.
Should I be intruding on Cate’s family in their time of grief?
• • •
Thwarted in her efforts to sleep, she dressed and walked across the lawn to the main house where she found the host reading in the study.
He pushed his glasses on top of his head. “Having trouble sleeping?”
“I suppose it’s the travel and being in a strange place.”
“The higher elevation affects people for a day or two,” he told her. “Your system will adjust.”
He pointed toward shelves filled with books.
“Pick out a book. If you don’t finish it during your stay, take it home with you and mail it back.”
“That’s kind of you.”
His gaze wandered over the bookcase. “Many of these books have journeyed farther than I have.”
Scanning familiar titles put her at ease, like running into old friends.
She pulled out a paperback with an innocuous cover. “Reading this should put me to sleep.”
“Don’t be too sure. That book is full of twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages.”
She slipped the book back in place on the shelf.
“Never mind. You’ve given me what I need for a good night’s sleep.”
“What’s that?” he asked, surprised.
“The reminder that you can’t judge a book by its cover.”
Chapter 25
Warren paced back and forth in his study, impatient with Lea’s decision to return by boat. He was eager to share vital information he received from his friend in Ensenada.
His anxiety mounted when he received an unwelcome call from his other daughter.
“Don’t shoot the messenger,” Maddy complained after delivering Lea’s message.
“Lea probably won’t answer her phone,” he muttered. “Did she tell you where she’s staying?”
“She knew you would ask so she intentionally neglected to tell me.”
“Never mind. I’ll be speaking with Paul on another matter. I’ll ask him.”
“Lea may have omitted to inform her husband as well, in which case I don’t envy you making that call. His reaction will be worse than yours.”
“Not if he’s sincere about turning over a new leaf and encouraging her to follow her passion.”
“He may practice that in theory but when it comes to Lea’s safety, his good intentions fly out the window.”
“We’ll see, but I think you’re wrong about Paul.”
Moments later, he was eating his words.
• • •
“What were you thinking?” Paul shouted. “How could you allow Lea to go off on her own in pursuit of a killer? I shouldn’t have encouraged her to work on this case.”
“I have no more control over Lea than you,” Warren argued. “We both know how stubborn she is.”
“A trait she inherited from you,” Paul snapped.
Both men took a moment to regain their composure.
“You know Lea can take care of herself,” Warren said. “Besides, she doesn’t feel she’s in pursuit of a murderer. Her motive in trying to find Mario is to prove his innocence, not his guilt.”
“If she’s wrong about him, she may prove his guilt by becoming his next victim.”
“If it makes you feel better, I’m in agreement with her about Mario. Things don’t add up about the young man, but he’s no killer. I’d bet my reputation on it.”
“Your reputation is not at stake. My wife’s safety is.”
“Don’t worry. If we don’t hear from her soon, I have police connections south of the border who will locate her. But she won’t appreciate my employing those resources until it becomes necessary.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Paul concurred. “Part of being supportive is learning to trust her. I have to believe she will exercise enough caution to stay out of danger.”
“That’s the spirit. When she calls, let her know her old man would like a word.”
“Will do. By the way, I forwarded the package she requested. You should receive it by messenger today.”
“Thanks, Paul. I’ll make sure she gets it.”
The doorbell rang moments later. Warren signed for the delivery and carried the package to his study.
He had no intention of waiting for his errant daughter to listen to the tape he found when he tore the envelope open.
Chapter 26
The next morning, Lea enjoyed fresh fruit and muffins in the sunroom when her host informed her she had a visitor.
She looked surprised. “I don’t know anyone in town.”
“There’s a taxi on the street. Did you call for a ride?”
“I think I know who it is. Show him in.”
A Hispanic man of medium height and weight entered the room.
“I hear you’ve been looking for me,” he said gruffly.
“Thank you for coming. Please, have a seat.”
She looked at the host. “May we have another cup of coffee?”
He nodded. “Ana will bring it.”
After the innkeeper left the room, Lea faced the man across from her.
“It’s your cousin I’m looking for. I have questions about the death of his girlfriend. His friend said he might stay with you.”
There was no response.
“Is that true?” she asked.
“Is what true?”
She could see how little cooperation she would get from Ricardo.
“Is he staying with you, or is he at his parents’ home?”
He ignored her question and folded his arms across his chest. “What happened to his girlfriend has nothing to do with my cousin.”
“For his sake, I hope that’s true. As soon as I hear that from him, I’ll leave.”
The housekeeper placed a cup of coffee in front of the visitor and returned to the kitchen.
He continued without prologue. “Mario’s father kicked him out.”
It wasn’t an answer to her question, but it was closer to what she needed to know.
“For what reason?”
“My uncle has been upset since my cousin dropped out of the police academy. Mario is the youngest son. His father had big hopes for him. Instead, he brought shame to the family.”
“In what way?”
“Mario used drugs in high school. My uncle doesn’t believe people change. Mario’s a smart guy so there’s no way he flunked out of the academy. His father figures he got kicked out for drugs.”
“Is that the only reason Mario can’t stay with his family?”
He scratched the stubble on his chin. “My uncle worries his son is somehow involved in his girlfriend’s death.”
“Why would your uncle think that?”
“Because of his history with women.”
“Can you be more explicit?”
“Mario got married straight out of high school. It was a big mistake. His wife was lazy. She sat home all day watching soap operas and complaining about him not making enough money. Then he found out she was cheating with one of his friends. When he confronted her, she ran to their neighbor and lied about Mario threatening to beat her. The police hauled him off to the station.
“She didn’t press charges, but he’d had enough. He moved out the next day. She went to his family trying to get their help to convince him to return. Mario refused and it deepened the rift between him and his father.
“When Cate came on the scene, it looked like she could be a catalyst to put Mario and his father back on speaking terms. When he took her to meet his parents, they were charmed as he knew they would be. They considered her a positive influence on their son.”
“What happened after the accident?”
“News of her death brought back memories of the problems with Mario’s ex. My uncle told my cousin to keep his troubles away from the family.” He finished his coffee and pushed the cup to one side. “He wants nothing to do with Mario.”
“Then I assume Mario is staying with you.”
“That’s none of your business.”
“I’m taking that as confirmation he’s still in Chapala. It’s important I speak with him.”
He shuffled his feet. “Look, I don’t get involved in my cousin’s business.”
She didn’t believe that for a moment but knew better than to push.
“Tell him Cate’s family has belongings of his they wish to return.”
“If Mario wants to get in touch, he will.”
Lea folded her napkin and placed it across her empty plate as Ricardo stood to leave.
“I’d like to meet Mario’s family. Can you arrange that?”
“For what purpose?”
“I think Cate would want them to know how much she loved their son.”
For a long moment, he searched her eyes. Finally, he nodded.
“It’s Sunday. The family will be at home. I’ll call to find out if they’re willing to see you.”
He walked onto the patio and spoke on his phone in rapid Spanish.
When he returned to the table, he conveyed the family’s response in two brief words.
“Let’s go.”
Chapter 27
On the way to the meeting, Lea asked, “What did his parents think of Mario’s plans to marry Cate?”
“His mother was elated to think my cousin was settling down and she would soon be blessed with grandchildren. My uncle was skeptical, but he wished them well.”
Just past an open market, Ricardo turned onto an unpaved street. Halfway up the block, he drove into the driveway of a two-story house with a rooftop terrace overlooking the lake.
After pulling open the iron gate, he led her across stone pavers through a yard filled with fruit trees and flowers.
They entered a family room with a brick boveda ceiling and tapestries on the walls. Ornate lamps, colorful rugs, and candles accented leather furniture.
They were greeted by a slightly stooped man with graying hair.
“Our guests are here, Sofia,” he called to someone in an adjoining room.
He hugged his nephew and smiled pleasantly as Ricardo made introductions.
“Welcome,” Alfonso said. “My wife is preparing tea. Please make yourselves comfortable.”
After they got seated, Lea explained her mission.
“I’m here on behalf of Cate Palmer’s family. I understand you met her.”
“What does her family want of my son?”
“Only the comfort of knowing her last weeks were happy ones. Also, they found possessions of Mario’s they wish to return.”
“There is little I can tell you of my son’s life except that Cate appeared happy and excited when he brought her to meet us.”
“Can you tell me your son’s frame of mind? Did he appear worried or distracted in any way?”
“Not on their visit together. Understandably, that was not the case when he returned days after her accident. He was beside himself with grief.”
She hated to be unkind, but forced herself to proceed.
“Despite his distress, you threw him out. That seems harsh treatment in light of the circumstances.”
His eyes narrowed. Lea sensed that Mario’s father was not accustomed to being questioned or judged. His response was chilly.
“My son and I have differences which one of his temporary romances couldn’t heal.”
Sofia objected softly as she entered the room. “Their relationship was more than a fling.”
She set a tea service on the table and began pouring tea. “Cate was different. Their marriage would have lasted.”
Alfonso glared at his wife but refrained from further comment.
“Did you have concerns when you heard of Cate’s accident?” Lea asked, accepting a cup from Sofia.
“What kind of concerns?” Alfonso asked.
“About your son’s involvement. He was cited once for disorderly conduct.”
“That incident occurred on his wedding night more than ten yea
rs ago.”
“That’s a bad way to start a marriage.”
“He was an eighteen-year-old hothead kicking up his heels. We told him he was too young to get married. The marriage lasted less than two years.”
“It ended after his arrest for domestic disturbance,” Lea said.
This time, Sofia’s remarks were strong and assertive. “His wife ran to us for sympathy, but I knew she was lying. Trying to cover the fact of her own infidelity. It didn’t work. She declined to appear in court and the charge was dropped.”
Her husband spoke harshly. “We don’t know the truth of what happened between them.”
“Speak for yourself,” Sophia replied. “I know my son told the truth about that incident.”
Lea continued. “There are rumors your son is involved with drugs.”
Alfonso’s thundering voice bounced off the walls.
“I don’t tolerate bringing dishonor to our family. A son who disrespects his father through his actions is no son of mine.”
Sofia walked over to her husband and placed her hand on his shoulder. For several moments, the only sound was of splashing water in the outside fountain.
When Alfonso spoke again, his voice had softened. “Maybe we were wrong to live in the States so many years. I wanted my sons to receive opportunities I was never blessed with. In the process, Mario may have lost his family values.”
“Are you suggesting your son was somehow responsible for Cate’s death?”
The sparkle in his eyes disappeared. He lowered his tone but the sadness in his voice spoke volumes.
“Sunday is a day of rest. Stop pestering us with accusations and leave us in peace.”
• • •
Lea and Ricardo were at the gate when Sofia ran out of the house.
“May I have a word?” she asked breathlessly when she caught up.
“Of course,” Ricardo said.
Sofia waved a finger in front of him. “Only Lea.”
He shrugged and pushed through the gate. “I’ll wait in the taxi.”
The older woman glanced toward the house before steering Lea toward the flowers as though showing her the roses.
“You mustn’t pay too much attention to my husband. He speaks as much from worry as from anger.”