Executed in Paradise (Florida Keys Mystery Series Book 9)

by Deborah Brown

  “I have a bad feeling about Finn.” I leaned my head back against the seat, closing my eyes. “I’m happy that she doesn’t know our real names. The only one who might tell her is Bitsy. You and I know that if money is involved, Bitsy would sell us out in a second.”

  Brick’s receptionist ran a side business selling and reselling information several times over.

  “No worries about our bosomy friend. A long time ago, with Brick’s blessing, I went through her desk and had a friend snoop through her computer files. Brick didn’t know that last part. She had a file on us; The Cottages’ address was the only one in it, and I made sure that was wiped. Brick only agreed because he didn’t want any problems.”

  “I like your attention to detail. Good thing we take steps to keep our address private.”

  Chapter 29

  Fab kicked my foot aside and flopped down on the daybed, laying Jazz on her lap. “Didier and I won’t be here tonight; we’re going out to dinner.”

  The daybed had been brought in on a temporary basis, but everyone found it a comfortable place to take a nap, and it didn’t crowd the room. So I dressed it up with a slipcover that matched the rest of the furniture and restrained myself from the mountain of pillows I’d envisioned, though I did add a couple of throws on the off-chance it got cold.

  “You’re not going to get away with that,” I said, putting my book down, lifting my displaced leg, and putting it with the other one, which rested against the wall. “I predict a fight with Didier. He’ll put his foot down, and you’ll both be here for dinner. He will not disappoint Mother.”

  “That’s where you—”

  “No,” I interrupted. “Whatever weasel plan you’ve cooked up, you’re on your own.”

  She pushed out her lower lip in a full-blown pout. “It’s just that Didier and I have been busy and I want some alone time.”

  “Tell him and he’ll make it happen. Does he ever say ‘No,’ except when your life is in danger? Let me know, and you can have the house to yourself; I’ll go to Creole’s.” I patted her shoulder with my foot, which she flicked off, brushing at her sleeve. I bit back a laugh. “Brad’s coming, and you need to be here to discuss the yellow house deal. We drag our feet too long, and it’ll be sold. If that happens, you’ll be the one explaining it to Mac.”

  “What about Phil? Why not have her get the information and we’ll take credit?”

  “Phil’s on it. She called, and the only way to get information about a prospective buyer is from the realtor herself. Real Estate agents are required to keep the paperwork on their listings in their office, but a potential buyer’s name wouldn’t be included in the file. Our best bet is to find someone in her office who can get the information and sell it to us.”

  Fab raised an eyebrow, shaking her head. “Then what? Having the possible buyer’s name doesn’t mean we can get the client to sell to us.”

  “Yellow house is a rental being bought by an investor. It’s not his dream digs. It’s all about money, and maybe he’ll take a couple of thousand to go away. Then, once the realtor’s deal has fallen through, we make an offer on the house. Any bribe money would have to be factored into the offering price, of course.”

  “How does Brad fit in? His connections?” Fab asked.

  “My brother knows everybody, and if by chance he hasn’t met them yet, he can remedy that. He has real estate connections; I say we turn the problem over to him and see what he can do.” I blew out a breath. “There’s been some unsettling news: Another dead man showed up not far from The Cottages. Same MO. Phil didn’t have details, but said she would get back to us.”

  “Find out if they have a likely suspect.”

  “Phil did say the cops have a ton of leads. I wonder how many of those tidbits are just people blowing smoke?” I shook my head. “Fingers crossed it will lead to an arrest before another body shows up.”

  * * *

  The front door opened, and my family crowded in all at once. I glanced out the garden window to see where the tour bus was parked and, seeing only their cars, wondered how they’d managed to arrive at the same time. Mother led the parade, filling the island with shopping bags. Copying Fab, I stuck my nose in one of the bags and took a sniff, making a face.

  Mother shook her finger. “I know where you learned that trick,” she said, glaring at Fab, “and the two of you need to stop it.”

  Fab hugged Mother and had her laughing in seconds at whatever she whispered in her ear.

  Scowling at Liam, I raised my eyebrows in question. I was out of patience waiting for the pink bakery boxes to appear. I needed to know ahead of time how much room to save for dessert.

  Liam wrapped his arms around me in a hug. “Not my fault,” he whispered in my ear. “Mrs. Westin ordered dessert from that new Italian restaurant she insisted we try. ‘Your palates need broadening,’ she said.”

  “Are you mad at Mother?” I asked, surprised, knowing Mother would hate being addressed like that, especially by Liam.

  “I told her that I’m going to call her Mrs. W until she makes up her mind what version of grandmother she likes. Just when you think she couldn’t possibly come up with another variation, she does. Then I forget which to use, and she makes faces. Are all women this complicated?”

  “Ask any man in this house; it gets worse.” I laughed. “Consider this training for understanding our fair species by the time you are much, much older.”

  Brad joined us, hugging me. “You’ll be lucky if you ever understand women. They don’t think like men. I don’t have a better explanation than that.”

  “This kind of talk means you’re getting older, and I won’t stand for it.” I kissed Liam’s cheek, then poked Brad in the side. “I need to talk to you.”

  Brad placed his hand on my lower back and pushed me past Spoon and Julie, who were taking orders from Mother, and out the doors to the patio. “Get a room,” Brad admonished Fab and Didier, who were tucked into a corner of the patio.

  “Cover your eyes, Liam,” I said over my shoulder.

  “Oh, please.” Fab rolled her eyes. “We’re kissing.”

  Didier anchored her to his side, kissing the top of her head.

  “I don’t want anyone to hear what I’m going to ask you,” I told Brad. “Some people wouldn’t understand.” I grasped his hand and dragged him around the pool. “Let’s adjourn to the no-eavesdropping zone.”

  We’d almost reached the far corner of the pool when a warm breath caressed the back of my neck. I stepped back, making contact with a hard chest, and sighed as arms wrapped around me. I twisted my neck to the side, giving better access to the teeth nipping my skin.

  “I didn’t like your text—the ‘no one died’ part,” Creole rumbled in my ear.

  “What about the ‘love you’ part?”

  “Enough, you two.” Brad laughed.

  “Corner talk. What’s up now?” Creole glanced between us, his frown deepening.

  I turned in Creole’s arms and gave him a quick kiss. “I just need a few minutes with my brother. Entertain Liam; his mother would flip if she knew what I was about to ask.”

  When we were alone, I told Brad about Mac and Shirl wanting to buy the yellow house and the realtor’s less-than-friendly response. And that rifling her office and searching public records would most likely yield nothing. “Can you help us?”

  “I’ve never used that realty office; the woman who runs it is abrasive and has zero personality. I’ve got a broker who wants me to use her exclusively, though; maybe she can strong-arm the realtor, or maybe she’s got a connection in that office. Might cost you.”

  “Keep in mind that Mac and Shirl are on a limited budget. I suppose, if all else fails, I could send Fab to scare the hell out of her.”

  “Neither of you—” He jerked on my arm. “—are to do anything foolish. Let your big bro take care of this one.” He flexed his muscles. “You’d owe me.” He grinned.

  “Name one time I said no to you.” I held up a fin
ger. “Just one.”

  He put his hand under my chin and leaned down until we were face to face. “I want the damn IOU, just in case. You two are to do nothing—and I mean nothing—that would put you in jeopardy of any kind.” He hugged me. “Dinner time. I’m hungry.”

  “I’m suspicious that it came in bags I don’t recognize. Liam says Mother’s on one of her crusades to bring us a new food experience.”

  “You’re the only resistant one. Open your food horizons.”

  “Sometimes you’re a great brother, and then whammo, no sympathy.”

  “Here’s my A-rated advice since you don’t have a dog: use the napkin trick and sneak out later for a burger.”

  We both laughed. Growing up, Brad and I had perfected the art of disposing of unwanted vegetables in our napkins, making sure to get rid of them in the outside trash.

  “Dinner’s ready,” Spoon boomed out. Mother poked him in the side.

  As usual, Mother had taken into consideration everyone’s food likes and dislikes, including my finicky eating habits. I’d been the reigning queen of picky eating for a long time before Fab came along and usurped me. All of the food looked good, though, and I recognized all the side dishes as ones I enjoyed eating.

  Creole, who must have been first in line in the kitchen, held up a second plate and set it at my place. I wasn’t sure how it had happened, but we had long ago assigned ourselves seats and never deviated.

  Julie caught my eye from across the table. “How much notice do you need for me moving out of The Cottages? Depending on how long the renovations take, our new place should be ready in one to two months.”

  “I’ll accommodate you in any way you need.” Her declaration caught me by surprise, and I wasn’t sure what to ask. “Are you staying in the area?” I did wonder if her brother had finally convinced her to move out of the “hell hole.” Julie was one of the first tenants that I’d rented to, and I would be sad to see her and Liam go.

  “They’re moving into the building the guys are working on,” Mother said.

  Oh great, the last to know! I suppose it was my turn, but I hated it.

  Looking at Liam, it was hard to tell what he thought of the move. I would miss having him around most of all. “You’re welcome here anytime, no invitation needed. The basketball hoop can be moved over here to the driveway. No snack bowl, but the refrigerator is always full.”

  Reading my thoughts, Creole squeezed my hand under the table.

  “That’s cool, and I know where the key is.” Liam nodded. “I need a favor. I’m doing a paper on careers for school. I chose Private Investigator and would like to interview you and Fab.”

  “No favor needed. We’d help you with anything. Fab is the professional; I’m the wannabe. She did her time and got her license.” I winked down the table at my friend.

  “Miss Wannabe has saved my backside a time or two,” Fab interjected. “Never take excellent backup for granted.”

  Julie patted his hand. “I thought you choose law enforcement and were going to interview Kevin.”

  Liam turned slightly and rolled his eyes. He’d never hurt her by squealing on Kevin, whose jerky moments bugged Liam more and more as he got older, something he’d mentioned to me more than a few times.

  “I changed my mind,” Liam mumbled.

  “You’ve got lots of choices for a career paper,” I said. “I know you have plenty of time to decide, but what’s currently on the top of your career list?”

  “I’ve thought about FBI or DEA,” Liam answered.

  “You’re in luck. I’ve got a connection or two and can at least get you a phone interview with an FBI agent.”

  “That would be great. I’ll have the best paper in class.”

  Mother clinked her glass with a spoon, calling for everyone’s attention. “I’ve got news of my own.” She beamed.

  “Are you pregnant?” Fab asked sweetly.

  If Fab had looked in my direction, I’d have burst out laughing for sure. Instead, I squeezed Creole’s fingers so hard, he whispered, “Ouch.”

  My brother’s face was hard as granite.

  No one said a word, all eyes focused on Mother.

  Mother giggled, which only made Brad’s jaw twitch. He hadn’t stopped to think logically that it couldn’t happen, Fab’s comment only serving to remind him of all the reasons he found Spoon unsuitable.

  “Well…” I said, “it would end the grandbaby talk if you’re preggo.”

  Brad’s beer bottle hit the table so hard the silverware rattled. “What’s the news?” he asked tightly.

  “I’m moving to The Cove.” Her brown eyes twinkled with happiness. “I have a contract on my house.”

  I liked the idea that Mother would be closer and I wouldn’t have to worry where she was all the time, not to mention that I could find her faster. “The corner house is for sale.”

  “That’s a great idea,” Brad said, relaxing slightly. “I’m thinking about moving into Julie’s old unit at The Cottages, so the whole family will be close by.”

  “Are you going to sell your house in Alligator Alley?” Liam asked, clearly not liking the idea. He and Brad were the only ones who thought it fun to tromp around out there amongst the tall grasses and bugs.

  “Heck, no.” Brad shook his head.

  Liam gave him a thumbs up.

  “I’ve already found something,” Mother announced.

  My fork clattered against the plate. “So you decided you wanted to move, put your house up for sale, and signed a contract on something else? And not a word to your family?” I huffed. “Who thought all that sneaking around was a good idea?” I eyed Spoon, my voice rising. “Did you know? And condone the idea?” I tossed back the rest of my red wine.

  Spoon held his hands up in defense. “You know how your mother is when she gets an idea.”

  There were a bunch of cowards at the table. No one said a word. They were probably making a mental bet as to who would break the uncomfortable silence.

  Where’s that wine bottle? Was I the only one who’d noticed that neither Mother nor Spoon answered the question?

  “I’ll go over the paperwork,” Brad said tightly. “Make sure you’re getting a good deal.”

  “No need,” Mother brushed off his offer. “Spoon knows the developer.”

  “Where is this property?” Didier asked, venturing into the fray.

  Brad was tapping his fingers so hard against the table that Julie finally covered his hand with hers. It appeared to be a tug-of-wills that she won. “What does he know about real estate?” He glared at Spoon, who glared right back. “I don’t know of any new developments, so what’s the address?”

  The Cove had managed to stop further development of any high-rise condominiums, much to the relief of those who wanted to keep the small-town beach feel.

  Mother smiled at Brad and then around the table. “I’m buying a loft.”

  “Where?” I narrowed my eyes. I only knew about one such development, and surely she wouldn’t choose that area.

  “It’s a great deal,” Mother cooed, snuggling up to Spoon. “I’m getting the top floor, a three-bedroom unit. I get to choose all of the finishes, and it has a water view.”

  “I know that building,” Brad barked, his body rigid again. “You’re talking about the docks and the sleaziest part of town.”

  “Who had this terrible idea?” Fab demanded. “It’s a crime-infested neighborhood, which is why your boyfriend has barbed-wire fencing.”

  I agreed with Fab, but maybe Mother would hear the words better if they weren’t coming from me.

  Spoon scanned the table, glaring angrily. “I’d never let anything happen to Madeline. And I’d be right down the street.”

  Brad groaned. “This is a stupid idea. It better not be a done deal.”

  “The whole area is part of a revitalization program, and the old building is being renovated from top to bottom,” Mother said defensively. “Security is a priority. A card key will be requ
ired for the front entrance, elevators, and garage.”

  “Mother, I’m going to tell you the same thing you’d tell me: no way are you moving in there.” Brad persisted. “Besides the deplorable condition it’s in, I’ve heard there are structural problems. It needs to be torn down, not renovated.”

  The easygoing side of my brother had departed the patio. Smoke practically steamed out of his ears. “Anybody think this is a good idea?” Brad looked around the table. “No!” he shouted. “That should tell you something, Mother. It’s a good thing that Madison has a house in a safe neighborhood, or we wouldn’t have a place for family get-togethers; we certainly won’t be coming to your new place.” He pointed to Julie and Liam. “I’m not exposing either my girlfriend or the kid to crime.” He paused. “One more thing…” He leaned across the table into Spoon’s face. “Anything happens to my mother, and you’re a dead man.” He shoved his chair back, stood and said, “We brought dessert,” and disappeared inside the house.

  “Excuse me.” I stood as well. “I’ll talk to him.”

  As I followed Brad, I heard Liam say, “I love these dinners.”

  Chapter 30

  The phone rang, and I opened one eye. Morning sun streamed in through the window. Creole’s arm lay across my body, his leg hooked around mine, cocooning me in his body heat. His breathing was slow and regular. I felt protected, and Mother’s shenanigans didn’t seem so worrisome right now. Smiling, I reached out to brush back a lock of hair that had fallen over his face. “Don’t answer it. It can’t be good news.”

  He buried his face in the crook of my neck, and we lay there, drifting back to sleep. It seemed like seconds, but I knew it had been longer when his phone beeped from the bedside table. He woke up instantly and stared down at me, a smile curling on his lips as he reached up and grabbed my wrist.

  One arm around me, he reached for his phone and quickly scanned the screen. “Another body’s been found, and this time, an arrest was made. Might be a link to the serial killer case.”

  “Thank goodness for that. Is this the same body from a couple of days ago or a new one?”