I went back in the house and upstairs to retrieve my phone. I messaged Billy: “Car has a flat. Can you fix? Parked in the driveway.” And then sent Creole a message so we could skip the lecture on not keeping him up to date. “Shooting in the driveway. Only fatality – a tire.”
I went back downstairs and stared out the garden window, standing guard, since I’d had to leave the hot-wired engine running.
Billy messaged first: “On my way.”
The phone rang immediately afterwards. I answered. From the frustrated sigh, I knew it was Creole.
“What the hell happened?” he demanded.
I gave him a stripped-down version of events.
He groaned, and the line went silent, then he asked, “You sure you’re okay?”
I reassured him and proceeded to update him about the hospital drama of the night before. “Fab left her phone behind, and I have no way of getting ahold of her. I hate to call Didier.”
Another long pause. “Didier broke up with her early this morning.”
“I’m the last to know,” I shrieked into the phone.
“Babe, my ear.”
“We have to find her.”
“She’s a tough one. She’ll be fine.”
“You don’t want to help. Fine. I’ll find her myself,” I said evenly.
“I’ll get back to you. I just don’t think meddling in their love life is a good idea.”
“And how long do you think it will take before Fab moves another man in? One like her ex-husband, perhaps, criminal and insufferable to be around.”
A long-suffering sigh came through the line. “I’ll get with Didier and give you an update tonight. Now promise me you won’t do anything to risk your safety.”
“I’m going to Mother’s. I’m debating whether to tell Spoon about the flat or let it be a surprise, hopefully when I’m not anywhere around.”
Creole laughed. “I wish I could be there when he figures out you were less than truthful.”
We exchanged kisses and hung up.
Chapter Ten
Billy parked in the front, opened the door, stood on the door track, and frowned at the car. He jumped down and circled the auto, sticking his head in the window. “You couldn’t tell me that the flat tire in question is on the boss’s cherry, big bucks, classic Mercedes?”
I waved and shrugged.
He opened the car door and bent down, reaching under the steering wheel. The engine shut off, and he came back up with a handful of wiring, which he tossed on the ground. Squatting, he inspected the tire and shook his head. “What the hell happened?” Before I could answer, his finger slashed across his throat. “I know nothing and want to keep it that way. There’s something to be said for ignorance.”
“Would you like something cold to drink?”
He rolled his eyes. “I’ll take one of them fancy beers you got stocked.”
I hustled into the house, thinking I should’ve warned him up front. I didn’t think he would have turned down my request for help—he hadn’t in the past—but I didn’t want today to be the first time. Popping the top off a bottle of Red Stripe, I hurried back outside.
I overheard the last of his phone conversation and knew a flatbed had been ordered. He ended with a curt, “Hurry it up.” He turned to me and took the beer from my outstretched hand. “A little tip, and of course, you didn’t hear it from me. Your story better be award winning.”
After Billy loaded the Mercedes, he followed the flatbed back to JS Auto Body. I went back inside and changed into work attire, shoved my lockpick in my skirt pocket, and put my Glock in my bag. Back downstairs, I threw Fab’s phone in my purse. I laughed at what had unfolded; one of those situations that was intense at the time and sort of funny later. The guy who thought I was nuts should be thanking me; little did he know that I’d saved his life. Spoon would’ve tracked him down and wrung his last breath out of him.
I gave the cab driver directions to Mother and Spoon’s condo. He dropped me off at the security gate. I didn’t have to wait, as another car drove out just then, and I hiked over to their building, bypassing two opportunities to announce my visit over security intercoms.
I had my lockpick in hand when I approached the lobby door and, thanks to Fab’s tutelage, had the door open quickly. I rode the elevator to the top floor. Once outside their door, about to knock, I lowered my hand and opted to use my lockpick once again. When I stepped over the threshold, I knocked and shouted, “I’m here.”
“How about knocking before unlocking the door?” Spoon stepped into view, narrowing his eyes at me down the long hallway.
Mother came from the direction of the kitchen to stand next to her husband and wave from the living room.
I breathed a sigh, happy they were both clothed. It was one thing to joke with Fab and another to catch them in the act. “I did,” I said and winked at him, heading down the hallway. “Ready for a good story?”
Spoon met me halfway and enveloped me in a hug. “You’ve come to the right place. Plenty of drama here today.”
It surprised me to find my whole family gathered in the living room. “Someone forget to invite me?” I waved to Brad and Liam and bent down to kiss Mother’s cheek. Being the last to know was a running joke in our family, and today, I was taking my brother’s usual place.
“Fab’s asleep in the guest room,” Mother whispered in my ear. “Fab and Didier broke up. I’ve got some tricks in mind, some ideas to get them back together. We’ll just keep it between you and me. Some people think I meddle.”
“No, not you.” I made a face. “But…” I started and was immediately shushed. I wondered what kind of plan she had concocted.
I made myself comfortable in a chair next to my brother and across from Mother and Spoon, who sat on the couch.
“Does that mean my car is here?”
Mother nodded.
“Good. I’ll be taking it when I leave.” I turned to Spoon. “Fab needs another loaner. Your ride was slightly assaulted today.” I gave him the details and didn’t bother prettying up the facts.
“Fab’s already signed the paperwork on her new ride; it’s being delivered tomorrow,” Spoon said.
Spoon’s lack of response to the almost-theft was unnerving. Only the twitching of a cheek muscle signaled he’d heard every word.
“Damn. I miss all the good stuff.” Liam shot me a cheeky grin from the floor, where he lay stretched out.
“You’ve had enough excitement.” Mother looked daggers at him.
“Not so supportive now, are you?” Brad’s words, directed at Mother, dripped with sarcasm.
“What’s happened to the service in this joint? Can I get something to drink?” A bottle of water appeared over my shoulder. I smiled up at Spoon.
“Go ahead, tell her.” Brad directed a stern expression at Liam and pointed to me.
“It’s nothing,” Liam mumbled.
“Oh, let me,” Brad said, in a show of more sarcasm. “I’ll enjoy being the bearer of atrocious news.” He paused. “Liam’s engaged.”
“What?” I squealed and jumped to my feet. “You’re not even eighteen.”
“It’s not that big a deal,” Liam protested.
Spoon grumbled something unintelligible, and Mother smacked his arm.
Brad kicked the bottom of Liam’s foot. “You forgot to mention that your intended is in prison.”
I turned on Mother, hands on my hips. “You allowed this… whatever it is?”
“I’m sure you remember how sneaky and tight-lipped teenagers can be.” Mother’s lips compressed in a straight line.
“Everybody sit,” Spoon ordered.
Looking around, that meant me, since I was the only one standing.
“It’s not prison,” Liam reasoned. “It’s jail.” He turned his attention to me. “I’m happy you showed up; planned to call you. LaLoose can get out as soon as bail gets posted. Not quite sure how it’s done.”
“Who the hell is La… what? Jail?” I s
truggled not to raise my voice. “That’s a stripper name.”
Liam looked seriously like he wanted to coldcock Brad for telling on him.
Brad spoke up. “La called last night. In addition to bail, she popped the question. She’s such a romantic.”
“She’s twenty-two.” Spoon’s eyes glittered with amusement.
“I suggested that they wait until Liam turns eighteen.” Mother’s face was pinched with concern.
“You look like my mother…” I told her. “Did you even attempt the ‘hell no’ speech?” When she didn’t answer, I got up and changed chairs, pushing Liam’s feet out of the way. “No!” I held his gaze. “First off, she’s a perv. Secondly, you’re headed to college, and loser felon chick isn’t going to derail that.”
Liam mumbled, “…nice girl.”
“I’m afraid to ask what La is in for. If you’re too nice to tell her to get lost, I’m not and neither is Fab.” Liam shook his head. “You think I’m not handling this well, tell Fab. Be prepared to never hear from La again.”
Mother leaned against Spoon, a satisfied smirk on her face.
“Oh, I see. I’m the bad guy? What would you have done if I hadn’t stopped by?” I shook my head in annoyance. “If his mom gets wind of this, our favorite family member will be in smoggy Los Angeles before any of us can even blink twice.”
“Really, Madison. Can’t you keep your voice down? You interrupted my beauty nap.” Fab slid onto the arm of the chair I’d vacated in a pair of black skinny jeans. Her long hair had that slightly messy look, which made her look hotter than ever, especially with a broken heart, which she would never admit to. She’d give most women a complex, but we’d never had that drama between us.
“Just broke the news about the upcoming nuptials.” Brad smiled humorlessly.
“The one with the outstanding warrants?” Fab cracked her knuckles, earning a glare from Mother.
It shouldn’t have surprised me that Fab already knew, and I was definitely not surprised that she’d already run a check on the woman. “Man hands,” I tsked at Fab. That was always the threat from Mother when I cracked my knuckles growing up.
“Not happening.” Fab’s eyes bored into Liam.
I bent down and dug to the bottom of my purse, pulling out Fab’s phone. “Catch.” I tossed over her phone, which she easily caught. “Don’t ever leave home without it again.”
The sadness that swept across her face was quickly replaced with detachment.
“When you’re legal and start hooking up with women,” I told Liam, “you need to talk to Creole. He can give you pointers on how to avoid the ones with stability issues. Sorry, bro.”
“We already had that talk. I gave him hair-curling examples of why it’s not worth the fun and games,” Brad said with finality.
Liam got up, stretched, and headed to the kitchen.
Mother went to the kitchen and came back with a stack of to-go menus. Her idea of home cooking. Both of us used to cook and gave it up when we relocated to Florida. Either the men barbequed or Mother ordered in.
Fab moved to a chair next to mine.
“How did you leave it with Didier?” I asked.
“He says we need a break,” Fab said with little emotion. “My recklessness is too much for him to handle. Leaving the hospital with a head injury was the last straw for him.” She stared out the window. “He suggested I give up my investigation work. Do something else. Except I’m good at what I do.”
“Maybe there’s room for compromise.”
“He gets to do what he loves; why not me?” After a long pause, she added, “I think a clean break is what’s best.”
“Not if you still love him. I’m sure he still loves you. I don’t imagine you’d be an easy woman to forget.”
“I never thought I’d fall for a really good man.” The last few words were little more than a pained whisper. “Look how that’s turned out – terrible.”
“I’m here for you.” I shook my finger at her. “No dating without pre-approval.”
“I assure you, I’m not interested in dating.”
Since none of us could agree on what to eat, Mother placed an order from Jake’s; she knew everyone’s favorites.
I went in search of Liam and found him outside on the patio, hanging over the railing. Warm and humid, the air smelled fresh. Rolling waves crashed onto the rocks below. I moved across the patio to stand next to him.
“You upset that no one is supporting your relationship with your new friend?” I asked.
“Oh, heck no. I met her at a game of beach volleyball; she’s a friend of a friend who knows Kevin. She asked for my number, and I thought what the heck, kind of flattered, older woman and all. Didn’t expect her to call, and especially not from jail. I thought it was funny and told Spoon. Madeline eavesdropped.”
“She better not hear you calling her by her first name, and I don’t suggest ‘Mrs. Spoon’ either.”
He laughed.
“What do you want to happen?” I asked.
“I want the whole drama to go away. No more phone calls,” Liam said emphatically.
“That’s an easy one. I’ll take care of that tomorrow, no bloodshed.”
“You wouldn’t… uh…” He hesitated.
“No bodily harm. But yes to scaring her out of town.” I winked at him. “What was your answer when she popped the question?”
“I hesitated at first. She started crying, and the next thing out of my mouth was ‘sure.’ I really need a crash course in women.”
“You figure us out, write a book; you’ll make a ton of money.”
He wrapped me in a bear hug. “Thanks.”
“You need anything, call me, and I mean it.”
Chapter Eleven
Fab had spent the previous day stretched out by the pool, a towel over her face, and when she finally came back inside, she went straight to her bedroom, pleading a headache, and didn’t come back downstairs.
Not even the delivery of her shiny black Porsche 911, which had been delayed by one day, perked her up. She signed on the dotted line and went back in the house.
When it appeared that she had another day of moping around planned, I insisted we go to lunch. Which she declined. I threatened to call Mother.
“Fine,” she said sullenly.
My phone rang, interrupting my attempt to drag her out to the car by her hair. Mac’s face smiled back at me. “Yeah, what?” I answered.
“You better get your butt over here. I quit!” Mac said.
“I suggest that you re-read your contract. You aren’t allowed to quit. What’s going on?” I closed my eyes, thinking that today was my day for a headache.
In the background, I heard pounding, followed by Mac screaming, “Get out here, you weasel bastard.”
“We’re on our way.” I scooped up my purse, tossed the car keys at Fab, and pushed her out the door.
Fab brooded the entire way to The Cottages. I made several attempts at conversation, which were ignored. I was about ready to tell her to pull over and let her walk home when she pulled into the driveway, parking in front of the office.
We both got out of the car, and Fab headed to the office. Turning the doorknob and finding it locked, she pulled out her lockpick. “Do you want anything to drink?” she asked over her shoulder.
Mac flew across the street from her house, a sheet under her arm. “Cops are on the way. Don’t blame me. You can thank the nosy woman across the way.” She pointed to the two-story apartment building on the other side of the property line. “Second floor bathroom window, third one over, where the telescope just disappeared.”
Fab halted. “Cops. Peeping is illegal but do you think they’ll actually arrest her?”
The window slammed shut as the three of us gawked.
“Depends on what she finds so fascinating, I suppose. If asked, she’ll probably say the beach. That’s what I’d say,” I said.
Mac snorted. “She’s disgruntled that her one night in th
e sack with Crum didn’t turn into a hot romance. He sees her coming, he picks up those bony knees of his and runs. Says she played rough with him.”
I crossed my arms, telegraphing to Mac, “get to the point.”
Mac motioned for us to follow her, turning slightly as she whispered hoarsely, “Crum and Joseph went man-whoring last night and came back with…” She pointed to the pool area and punched in the gate code. “That’s Crum’s new business. Teaching old guys or whatever how to get laid. They brought their conquests back here and passed out.”
Despite my best attempt to squeeze my eyes shut to block out what I was seeing, it didn’t work. I counted at least three naked bodies.
Joseph, in all his scrawny skinniness, was sandwiched between two sturdy women on two chaises pushed together. One woman’s butt hung over the side, resting against a chair. I bet the old war veteran couldn’t believe his luck and wasn’t worried about breaking a bone if one of them rolled over on him in their sleep. I wondered what his doctors would think after writing him off for dead.
“That bastard, how did he get back out here without me seeing him?” Mac pointed to Crum, who was lying next to an also-naked woman. He had a beach towel wrapped around his middle, hairy legs and back on display.
“I suppose they’re drunk?” I pushed Mac forward to make use of the sheet she’d brought over from her house. “Get the trio covered up. What about Crum’s, uhm… whatever?”
Fab had stayed close to the gate, one eye on the driveway. “You’re out of time; Kevin just pulled in. Unwrap the towel and drape it over the two of them. Course, you’d have to reach under him.” She grimaced.
“Where are their clothes?” I asked Mac’s retreating back.
Mac flipped the sheet over the threesome, ran to the other end of the pool, grabbed a pink plastic ring, and placed it over the rear end of Crum’s companion.
Lottery in Paradise (Florida Keys Mystery Series Book 11) Page 6