“I’m sure the tour group is keeping you on your toes.” Paige knew by the smile Ana returned that she was right. She accepted a bathrobe and slipper bundle from Ana and started toward the pool entrance, then paused. Looking down, she saw a sketchpad and pencil on Ana’s side of the counter, several designs roughly drawn on the page.
“Ana, your designs are so unique. I think they’d do well in upscale boutiques and art galleries. Do you sell them other places, outside of Tres Palomas?”
Ana shook her head. “Not outside of town. I have some in our resort gift shop and others in Luz’s store, but not anywhere else. It is enough to keep up with the visitors who come through. I would rather spend time on one piece and feel proud of it than to make more without giving them all of my attention.”
“Has anyone ever asked you about making larger quantities?”
“Now and then someone suggests it. But it would be more than I could do myself and I do not want to hire others to help. I like that I can do this on my own. And I like them to be unique.”
“It makes me happy to hear you say that,” Paige said. “For so many other people, making things seems to be about quantity and money these days.”
“I am happy with my life as it is. When someone buys a piece, it’s the only one like it; I know I have given that person a little bit of myself. And, with it, I get to travel.”
“I never thought about art that way,” Paige said. “Part of you goes where the art goes.”
“Yes, that is exactly right.” Ana turned to the door as Sylvia and Martha entered. Both had wrapped their hair in scarves and were dressed in muumuus, loose and brightly colored. Sylvia was not wearing her pin.
Exchanging hellos with Paige, the women soon had robe and slipper bundles in their arms and were headed for the dressing room. Paige lingered a few minutes with Ana.
“Ana, I have one other question. Are you the only one with a key to this building?” Paige was sorry she’d asked as soon as she saw the worry on Ana’s face. Once again curiosity had caused her to stick her foot in her mouth. It wasn’t likely to be the last time, either, but she regretted the discomfort her question had caused.
“No.” A frown creased Ana’s brow. “Luz and Marisol keep a key in the office. And Miguel has keys to all the buildings, since he handles upkeep and emergency repairs – a pipe bursting, for example, which happened once last winter. Why do you ask?”
“I thought I saw someone near the building during the storm the other night, a shadow moving. I heard a window or door slam shut. I shouldn’t have said anything. I’m sorry if I worried you. I just thought…well, obviously I was mistaken.” I know I wasn’t mistaken.
“Were any lights on?”
“No lights,” Paige said.
“I do not think it is possible that anyone was in here,” Ana said. She paused, as if thinking it over. “No, once I close the spa for the day, it is closed. No one would have any reason to be here afterhours. Marisol does not care much for the spa, and Miguel would just hop the back fence if he felt like taking a late-night soak. He would not even come inside. Besides, nothing was disturbed.” Ana looked around, checked below the counter, and then looked back up at Paige. “Nothing is missing. The only things of true value here would be some back stock of my jewelry, which I hide under the counter in a box, and it is all here.”
“Well, it was very windy,” Paige said. “It had to just be a latch that came loose and caused the banging. And I did see tumbleweeds rolling by, and they looked a lot like people.” She switched topics quickly, pointing toward the pool area. “Which way to the soda pool? I soaked in the iron pool last time.”
“Are you just planning to soak? I could schedule a massage for you,” Ana said. “We have a therapist onsite today.”
“Not right now.” Paige smiled. “But maybe I’ll consider it for later. I haven’t had one for a long time.”
“The hot stone massage is especially popular,” Ana pointed out. “You can add an aromatherapy treatment to make it even better – a combination of orange, anise and chamomile, for example.
“I’ll keep that in mind. Meanwhile, the soda pool….”
Ana pointed toward the back door. “Just go out and follow the path around the iron pool. You will see a sign just to the right of a small cactus garden. The soda pool is behind that. You can set your belongings on one of the lounge chairs or tables nearby. Or I can give you a key to a locker, if you prefer.”
“Thanks, but I won’t need a locker this time,” Paige said. “The ladies from the tour group seem fairly harmless and I don’t have anything of value with me.”
Paige followed Ana’s directions, easily finding the soda pool. Dropping her outer clothing and the robe bundle on a lounge chair, she slipped into the water, feeling the warmth surround her shoulders. Resting the back of her neck against the pool’s edge, she closed her eyes and let her thoughts wander. If Sylvia’s pin looked exactly like Ana’s designs, yet Ana only sold in town, what was going on? If someone had bought one of Ana’s pieces in Tres Palomas and resold it along the interstate, the price Sylvia paid for it should have been higher than what Ana charged. Yet it was less than half. Plus Sylvia had said there were many of the same design. Maybe someone had gotten hold of a photograph of Ana’s work and was making cheap copies. Anyone could have taken a picture while traveling through.
Her thoughts shifted to the events of the first night. In spite of what Ana said, Paige was certain someone had been inside the spa building. Something wasn’t right. And Paige was determined to find out what it was.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Charlie Whitehorse cursed as he took a swing at the burly figure in the parking lot of the Tierra Roja Casino. He didn’t appreciate the greeting he’d received. Being shoved up against a cement wall and threatened was hardly his idea of a warm welcome. After all the years he’d been a faithful customer, what kind of gratitude was that? And all over a little outstanding balance? What made it even more insulting was the fact he’d arrived with a payment. Five thousand dollars ought to earn a customer something more than a slam against a cement wall.
“Five grand is nothing, Whitehorse. Hector asked for twenty and you’re already a week overdue with that. You can add another five to your balance.” The menacing figure glared as he spit out the words. “I don’t have the patience for this. We run a legitimate business. This kind of ill will spreads rumors. Makes it look like we encourage people to run up debts they can’t pay.”
“I drove four hours to bring you this money,” Whitehorse sputtered. “At least you could show some appreciation. Go hassle someone else. Hector probably has dozens of clients gambling here.”
“But you’re the one who owes the guy money. His other clients pay up faster than you do. You’re the problem and I’m telling you to take care of business.”
“I’ll have it soon. I only need another week. He’ll have his money.” Whitehorse could feel blood trickling down his forehead and along the bridge of his nose.
“You think I’m a fool? You have no idea where you’ll get the money and, personally, I don’t care how you come up with it. Get it paid, all of it. Or you’ll be sorry.”
Whitehorse watched the man walk away. Self-righteous jerk, trying to act like the casino didn’t encourage customers to spend more than they had. That was exactly what they did. He wouldn’t be surprised if the casino was getting a cut of the outrageous interest that Hector was charging. Why else had his bookie kept advancing him money, even though Hector knew Whitehorse was behind in his payments? The casino was probably in cahoots with Hector.
Of course, there was that small side business, too, which had nothing to do with the casino. At least it had started off small. That was before Hector began seeing the money roll in and used some of the profit to lure Whitehorse further into the world of gambling. He wouldn’t be surprised if Hector had dozens of side businesses going on. The guy was obviously used to manipulating people for his own benefit. He kept his pawns near
by and hooked, found their weaknesses and set up perfect traps. Like the one that had just caused him to be thrown against a cement wall.
Walking toward the parking garage’s elevator, Whitehorse pulled out a bandana from his back pocket and ran it across his face, wincing as he reached the bleeding cut. It didn’t feel all that bad, not compared to beatings he’d taken in the past. He knew the difference between a warning and actual punishment and this was definitely just a warning. A good rinse from the restroom’s cold-water faucet and he’d be ready to roll. After all, he still had five hundred dollars in his pocket, and he felt the beginning of a lucky streak. It wouldn’t take long to turn that five hundred into five thousand and then turn that into the twenty that would get both the bookie and casino owner off his back.
At times, he’d considered going to another casino to win the money back, but at Tierra Roja, they cut him some slack as long as he was making payments. This only proved that they knew what he knew – his lucky streak was close.
The casino was crowded when he walked in. He’d done a reasonable job of patching up his pummeled face, waiting until the bleeding stopped before heading into the throng of people lined up around tables. They were focused on the games, hypnotized by the hands of the dealers, the cards being drawn and the general atmosphere of excitement. That next big win was right around the corner and they all knew it. And Whitehorse planned to be the one to hit it.
Ordering a scotch and soda from the bar, he leaned against the wall and pulled out a cigarette. Alcohol and nicotine always gave him an edge, an advantage. No one else would believe that, but he knew what helped the cards fall in his favor, just the way he knew this was his lucky day.
Leaving the bar, he cruised the room with his drink in one hand and cigarette in the other. Several tables looked promising, though he quickly eliminated a couple with dealers he didn’t care for. It didn’t matter that the casino kept cameras on the dealers to keep them honest. He knew a few couldn’t be trusted. If they could, he wouldn’t have fallen into the debt he had. But that didn’t matter on this particular day. Things were about to turn around.
He stopped by an ashtray and put out the cigarette, smashing it into the sandy dish. Now focused, he eliminated the remaining tables one by one. All thoughts of the recent skirmish set aside, a smile spread across his face as he approached the table. This was his lucky day, finally. It was time to buy in.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The late afternoon sun cast shadows across the landscape and tinged the pathway to the llama barn with a warm hue. Paige took her time walking, relaxed from the long soak in the soda pool. She had been tempted to take a nap when she’d returned to her room, but her thoughts were moving too quickly. She needed to talk to Miguel.
Rico leaned over the fencing, watching Paige approach. Josie was by the barn door with Miguel, who was adjusting some type of saddle on the llama’s back.
“Don’t spit at me, ok?” Paige whispered to Rico. She paused, waiting for a response. No spitting. Satisfied they’d reached an understanding, she turned toward Miguel.
“Are you planning to ride her?” Paige winced as soon as the words left her mouth. Llamas were not horses, and she knew perfectly well they weren’t for riding. The saddle obviously served to hold a pack full of supplies. “I mean take her somewhere, of course.”
Miguel glanced at Paige, amused, then looked back at Josie. “No, we do not ride them, which I suspect you already know. But if the weather holds up, some of the tour members want to take a llama trek tomorrow during lunch. We load up the llamas with food and head out on a hike. I am inspecting the saddle to be sure it is in good shape. Guests can take turns holding the llama’s lead as they walk. There is a good, shady spot for a picnic about a mile up the trail.”
“It sounds like fun,” Paige admitted.
“It is,” Miguel said, checking the straps of the llama’s saddle. “The trail winds uphill, but just a little. They can handle it. The vistas from the picnic area are excellent.” He paused to look at Paige. “You should join us.”
“Maybe I will. Is Rico going, too?”
Miguel laughed. “I see I have some tough competition. He might. If we only have a few group members going, Josie can handle it. If more go, Rico will join us, too.” Miguel paused. “Of course, if it means you will go, I am sure Rico will be happy to accompany you.”
“I’ll see,” Paige said, tempted. “Meanwhile, I came down here to ask you about something odd.” She glanced over her shoulder to make sure no one was behind her, listening. Miguel picked up on her hesitance to speak up and walked closer.
“What is it?” Miguel leaned an elbow against the fence and looked at Paige, a hint of a smile crossing his smooth, tanned face. He reminded her of the subjects of print ads in menswear catalogs – casual, posed perfection with a southwestern, outdoor flair. He was using the pretext of listening as a means of flirting.
“Sylvia was wearing a silver pin at breakfast this morning that looked a lot like one of Ana’s.”
“Who is Sylvia?” Miguel now seemed like a man who was about to hear a story that didn’t interest him, but he would listen out of politeness.
“One of the tour group ladies. You carried her baggage to her room last night.”
“OK. It sounds like she found a pin in the gift shop that she liked, or bought it at Luz’s store.” Raising his eyebrows, he stepped back, his voice growing animated. “Which brings to mind something I never thought of before: we could bribe the bus drivers to stop there when they come through. I did not think of this before, but…”
“Miguel!” Paige stomped her foot to make him focus. She crossed her arms, impatient.
“Sorry,” Miguel said, returning to his previous position against the fence. “Go on.”
“She didn’t buy the pin here. Not in the lobby’s gift shop and not at Luz’s store.”
“How do you know?” Miguel shifted his weight, more attentive than before.
“I asked her, of course!” Paige threw her arms out to the sides, palms up, exasperated.
“Then it is someone else’s design,” Miguel said, his tone matter of fact. “Ana is hardly the only jewelry artist around. There are hundreds of artists and thousands of designs. I suppose the next thing you will tell me is that the pin is silver with turquoise stones. That would certainly narrow it way down.”
“No need to be sarcastic. But, as a matter of fact….” Paige started.
Miguel laughed, turning away to head back to Josie, who was munching on a bale of hay.
“It was a silver design with three doves,” Paige shouted at his retreating figure. He stopped and turned back to face her.
“Three doves?”
“Yes, three silver doves, with an abstract line underneath that looks like water,” Paige said. “And don’t act like I don’t know what I’m talking about. I’ve visited Luz’s store and looked over the pieces in the resort gift shop, not to mention talking to Ana about her artwork when I was at the spa. And I’m telling you this was one of her designs.”
Miguel leaned against the fence again, far less composed and looking nothing like a magazine ad this time. “But you said the guest did not buy it here. So where did she say she bought it?”
Paige shrugged. “She doesn’t remember. Said one of those shops along the Interstate, at a travel plaza where they found a trading post or something.”
“On Interstate 40, hours from here? That is impossible,” Miguel said. “Ana has never sold her jewelry to other stores, only to individual customers here or in town. Maybe the guest is confused. Or…she might have bought it in Santa Fe….”
“Santa Fe?” Paige asked.
“Never mind,” Miguel said quickly. “Go on.”
“Well, she didn’t buy it in Santa Fe,” Paige insisted. “She’d remember if she did. Besides, didn’t you just say Ana doesn’t sell her designs outside of Tres Palomas?”
Paige watched Miguel shift his weight uneasily.
“Anyw
ay, there’s one more thing,” Paige said, ignoring Miguel’s change in behavior for now.
“What is that?”
“Sylvia said there were dozens of pins at the shop that were identical.”
Miguel had begun pacing at this point. “That does not make sense.”
Both Paige and Miguel fell silent for a minute. Josie smacked one hoof against the ground. Rico let out a sound that resembled a cross between a foghorn and a snort.
“Look,” Paige said, “I’ll see if she has a receipt. I can tell her I want to call the store to get one for myself or for a present for someone. I’ll make up some excuse. Then we can find out if I’m wrong, and I probably am. Honestly, I didn’t mean to worry you. I just wondered where else Ana might be selling her pieces.”
Miguel looked around at the llamas and put both hands on his hips. “I have to get these guys fed and put them in the barn before it gets dark. Maybe Sylvia will wear the pin to dinner. You can notice it again and ask about the receipt,” Miguel said.
“Maybe Ana will be at dinner and see the pin herself,” Paige suggested, wondering why this hadn’t occurred to her before.
“Ana does not dine with the guests. Once she closes the spa, she goes home to work on jewelry. But I will be there. Luz is serving chile rellenos. I never miss that.”
“Is that the same chile that you made me pour all over my eggs this morning? If so, I’m not falling for it this time.” Paige placed her hands on her hips.
Miguel laughed. “That was salsa and I did not make you pour it on your eggs. You did that all on your own, willingly.”
“You didn’t warn me,” Paige pointed out.
“I made sure you had water. Anyway, chile rellenos are delicious, you will see. And you will not need to pour any salsa on top. It will already be on there.”
“Oh, in that case I feel much better now.”
“You said no sarcasm, remember?”
“Unless it’s deserved.” Paige turned away and started back to the casita.
Paige MacKenzie Mysteries Box Set Page 47