Murder at the Alamo

by Dianne Harman

  They watched as one floated by and heard the tour guide explaining the area to the people on the boat. Everyone on board was listening intently as they floated by and took pictures. Brigid thought the boat ride looked amazing, but couldn’t imagine eating on one.

  “No, I think I’d be too distracted to eat. I can only imagine how pretty everything is when viewed from down on the water. I’d probably still have a whole plateful of food left when the ride was over. Let’s find somewhere to grab a bite and then we can find out about the tours. I’d rather be able to see everything and take pictures.

  “Fiona would love to see this place. She’ll be furious with me if I don’t take tons of photos for her to check it all out.” Brigid didn’t want anything to get in her way of experiencing San Antonio to its fullest, even something as simple as a meal. Besides, she knew she was a slow eater to begin with. Having distractions wouldn’t help.

  They began to stroll along the sidewalk, pausing at each restaurant to check out the atmosphere and the menus posted in front of them by the sidewalk. There were little coffee shops, loud cafes with live music, and several restaurants that were more on the fancier side. They finally stopped at a steak house that wasn’t quite as formal as a few of the other places they’d seen, but was still a very nice upscale restaurant.

  It had a definite Texas feel to it with paintings of horses and cowboys hanging on the wall along with other types of Western décor. The smells coming from inside the restaurant were mouth-watering. They looked at the menu that was outside the restaurant, and it appeared you could get everything from a juicy steak to a hamburger. It looked like it specialized in American food, with an emphasis on beef.

  They stepped inside and the young lady at the hostess stand asked if they would like a table inside or outside on the waterfront.

  “Outside, please,” Brigid said. She turned to Linc, “As long as that’s okay with you?”

  “Whatever you want. I’m just here for the food,” he said with a grin.

  They followed the woman outside to where she seated them at a table under one of the umbrellas along the river. The sun had begun to move lower on the horizon, casting long shadows across everything. Strings of fairy lights lit up the area, giving it a romantic glow. Their waiter took their drink order and then left them to look over the menu.

  “I don’t know how I’m going to decide what to order,” Linc said. “Everything looks amazing. There are so many items to choose from. How in the world do I choose?”

  “I’m in the same boat over here,” Brigid agreed. “I want to try a little bit of everything.”

  They continued to look over the menus before finally settling on some appetizers and entrees. The waiter came back and took their orders before leaving them alone again.

  “This city is beautiful,” Brigid said as she looked around. “It has a completely different vibe than any other place I’ve been.”

  Linc nodded. “I noticed it, too. It’s not that it’s overly modern. You’re practically enveloped in history here, but there’s also a young and vibrant feel to the place. It’s kind of like the city itself is alive.”

  “Exactly! Even this area we’re in right now. There’s almost a tangible life force to everything. Plus, it’s all just beautiful to look at,” she marveled. “The stairways, the bridges, even the buildings. It’s so full of character.”

  “We made the right choice in coming here,” Linc said as he took a sip of his iced tea. “I think we could spend weeks here and never run out of things to see.”

  Brigid nodded. “I think so, too.” They continued to point out all the little details around them and finally they took a selfie of the two of them with the river as a backdrop. Holly had made Brigid promise to take lots of photos, so she could see everything when they were all back home again. The thought of the young girl made Brigid wish she were with them to enjoy it all.

  “Do you think Holly’s having an okay time in Missouri?” Brigid asked as their food arrived. Linc had chosen a steak with a mushroom wine sauce and a twice baked potato as a side. Brigid had decided on what the menu touted as a gourmet beef stew.

  “I’m sure she is. That girl knows how to make the best out of even the worst situations. I don’t think you have anything to worry about. She knew how to take care of herself long before she met us. I’m sure she’s having a wonderful time,” Linc said as he cut into his steak.

  “I hope so. I’m probably worrying too much, but this was her first time flying and she had to do it all by herself. Then when she got there, she was getting picked up by people she didn’t even know,” Brigid explained. “That’s being pretty brave.” She hoped it was just her own nervousness that she was projecting onto Holly.

  “Yeah, but she’d spoken to her aunt on the phone a couple times, so it’s not as if she’s a total stranger. Besides, she has her phone. If anything was really wrong, she’d let you know,” he pointed out.

  “That’s true,” Brigid said as she began to dig into her dinner, feeling the tension slip from her shoulders. She took a deep breath and said, “You’re probably right, and I’m worrying over nothing.”

  “At least you care enough to worry. Don’t be so hard on yourself,” Linc said with a reassuring smile.

  “Sometimes I wonder how she feels about living with me. I know she likes it, don’t get me wrong, but I wonder if she feels out of place since we aren’t legally family or anything like that.” Brigid had been thinking about it ever since she and Linc had taken Holly to the airport. Did Holly feel as though she didn’t have a family?

  “I can see your point. Like maybe she’d be more comfortable if everything were legalized?” he asked.

  “Yeah, something like that,” Brigid nodded.

  “Is that something you want to do? Adopt her legally?” Linc asked. “I have no problem with it, but I just don’t want you rushing into anything without thinking thoroughly through it. There’s a lot you’d have to do to legally adopt her.”

  Brigid paused and considered it. It wasn’t as if she didn’t already think of Holly like a daughter. She constantly worried about her and whether or not she was happy and healthy. But did Holly want to leave things as they were? It was tough to say. “Maybe I should think about it a little more,” she finally said. “It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s just that I’m not totally sure it’s something she’d feel comfortable with.”

  “I think that’s a good idea,” Linc said with a small smile. “Sit with the idea and see how it feels. Maybe we should talk to her about it when we get back home. To another subject. The sauce on the steak and the potatoes are some of the best things I’ve ever eaten. How’s your beef stew?”

  “It’s the best I’ve ever had. It has this kind of a gravy that’s simply delicious. I’m glad we picked this restaurant.”

  The waiter walked over to their table and handed each of them a dessert menu. “I hope you left a little room for dessert. People tell me that ours are the best they’ve ever had.”

  Linc and Brigid looked at the menu for a moment, then Brigid said, “Well, you’re the expert, not us. What would you recommend?”

  “My two favorites are the shortbread cookies with dulce de leche filling and the panna cotta with fruit on top.”

  “We’ll take your advice,” Linc said. “One of each. We’ll split them and see which one is our favorite.”

  When the waiter brought their desserts, they each tried half of one and half of the other. “Thoughts, Mrs. Olsen?” Linc said.

  “Phenomenal. Those were the perfect ending to a perfect meal, but I think we need to walk dinner off. Agree?”

  “Yes, both on the quality of the meal and the walk.”

  They paid the bill and began to stroll along the river to where the boats were loading. After a quick exchange, they purchased two tickets to ride a boat and climbed on board.

  “Do you think it’s strange for me to be a little excited?” Linc whispered to Brigid after they sat down in their seats.<
br />
  She smiled. “Really? I don’t think it’s strange, but I’m a bit surprised. This isn’t exactly like skiing or snowboarding. You tend to be more of a thrill seeker and, hopefully, this won’t be one of those kinds of rides,” she said as she held up her two crossed fingers.

  Linc laughed. “I doubt it will be. No, it’s just a little different, that’s all. I don’t think I’ve ever done anything like this before.”

  “I really haven’t either. Unless you count those round tube rides at the amusement park,” Brigid said with a laugh.

  By then, the sun had almost completely set and the lights of the city had turned on. A few businesses had strings of lights on them that made everything seem just that much more magical. Listening to the tour guide, they took in the sights and learned a bit about the history of San Antonio as they slowly cruised down the river. Brigid snuggled under Linc’s arm, searching for a bit of warmth now that the heat of the day had gone and the evening was cool on the water.

  After the tour was over, Linc took Brigid’s hand and kissed it. “Do you want to head back, or do you want to walk a little more?”

  “I’d like to walk a little more,” Brigid said. “I don’t feel quite ready to head back yet.”

  As they were strolling, they heard the sound of music coming from nearby. “I wonder what that is,” Linc said. “It almost sounds like a concert.”

  Ahead of them they saw a group of people outside a bar with flashing lights. “Looks like it might be coming from in there,” Brigid pointed out.

  When they got closer, it was obvious she was right. Inside a band was playing an upbeat song while couples danced and a few sang along with the band.

  “Want to head inside? We can grab a drink and dance for a little while. What do you say?” Linc urged.

  Brigid thought about saying no, since everyone inside seemed quite a bit younger than they were. But once she saw the reflection of the sparkling lights in Linc’s eyes, she could tell he wanted to.

  “Sure,” she said. “I haven’t danced in a bar in so long I can’t even remember the last time.”

  “No time like the present then,” Linc said with a smile. He took her hand and led her inside. They found a seat at the worn wooden bar and ordered drinks. Although Brigid had been apprehensive at first, she found herself enjoying the energy of the upscale bar. It made her feel a bit more vibrant than she was used to, but that was a good thing.

  A slow song came on and Linc tossed back the rest of his drink. “Excuse me, beautiful lady?” he began. “May I have this dance?”

  Brigid couldn’t help but grin, warmed by the alcohol in her system. “Why of course, sir,” she said as she took his hand.

  He led her to the dance floor where the lights had dimmed to a soft blue. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he pulled her close, and they began to sway with the music. Brigid hadn’t ever heard the song before, but it seemed fitting for Linc and her. It was about second chances and finding love after searching for a long time. It was haunting and beautiful, making the moment just that much more magical.

  Once it was over, Linc took her by the hand and led her back outside. “I think I’m ready to take my bride back to our honeymoon suite,” he said as he kissed her gently.

  “Then by all means, let’s go,” she said with a smile. “I’m ready if you are.” Hand in hand, they walked back along the River Walk and headed towards where they’d parked their car. Brigid wasn’t sure if it was the drink, the dance, or just the wonderful time she was having, but she felt as if she was floating on air.

  CHAPTER 4

  Larry Barelli was getting tired of being the muscle. It seemed like everywhere he went, that’s what was expected of him. When he’d started working as a bartender at El Lobo, he thought he was finally getting away from all of that. Maybe people could tell he was ex-military, but he felt as though people automatically assumed he was a tough guy. He wasn’t quite sure what it was that seemed to make him the prime candidate for being the big tough guy that people sometimes needed for a little help.

  As far as he was concerned, he was just your average guy. Average height, maybe a slightly bigger build than most, but that was just because he did his best to stay in shape. It was more from a habit he’d gotten into while he was in the army than anything. It wasn’t as if he was downing protein shakes and talking about his workouts to anyone who would listen. He just liked to take care of himself and eat things that were healthy.

  He was behind the bar once again tonight, hoping that with enough tips, he just might be able to pay his utility bill. He’d been doing fairly well through the winter, but now that the weather had started getting hot, his electric bill had started to climb. It was hard making ends meet, and this job was the only thing he’d been able to land. But it wasn’t cutting it.

  Larry was in dire need of more money. Not to mention the fact that he still needed to take a trip to visit his mom. She’d fallen a couple of weeks earlier and hurt herself. Even though his sisters had been there to watch over her, he still felt as though he needed to make a trip to see her, but his old truck was a real gas guzzler.

  He’d been approached by a guy a few weeks ago about doing some under-the-table work for him. The guy insisted that his name was Bob, but Larry knew when someone was lying to him. The guy’s name definitely wasn’t Bob, but who was he to argue? When the guy offered him cash to do a little intimidation work for him, Larry gladly accepted. Why not? Everyone seemed to think he was some tough guy. Might as well get paid for it. It wasn’t something he planned on doing for long, but he really needed the cash.

  So far there had only been a couple of jobs, but it didn’t take much for Larry to put two and two together. “Bob” ran an illegal gambling operation, and he needed Larry to convince people to pay up what they owed him. All Larry had to do was show up on the deadbeats’ doorstep and they’d been more than eager to hand over the money they owed. Larry had gotten a percentage which helped him catch up on a few of his outstanding bills. Now he really needed to do another job for Bob, so he’d have the funds to take the trip to see his mother.

  “Hey handsome, can I get another one?” a petite blonde asked, leaning over the bar, and giving him a look at her ample bosom as she did so. Her perfect white teeth seemed to glow in the blacklight.

  “Sure thing,” he said with a wink. Girls seemed to fall for his blue eyes and dark hair, which tended to make the tips a little larger towards the end of the night. Nobody tipped quite as well as a drunk girl who wanted in your pants. It probably helped that the bar was in what was considered the tourist district. Something about being on vacation seemed to make some women throw all their inhibitions out the window. Not that he cared as long as it helped his wallet. He poured the woman another drink and slid it across the bar.

  “What are you doing later tonight?” she asked seductively.

  “I close, so I’m not getting off until after two,” he said as he wiped off the bar with a towel.

  “Hmm, so when can we get together?” she asked with a sly smile.

  She was a direct one which always seemed to make things easier. “I don’t know. It’s fairly busy right now, but if you stick around, I might have some free time,” he said, his voice getting low. He didn’t mind a casual hookup once in a while, if the woman was good looking enough.

  “Maybe I will,” she said before slipping back into the crowd. It was hard telling if he’d actually see her later. Sometimes they’d come on strong and then change their mind when things got right down to it. Not that it really mattered to Larry one way or another. For every one that stood him up, three more were soon in the offering.

  His cell phone buzzed in his pocket, pulling him back to reality. He took it out of his pocket and saw that he had a text message from “Bob.” He wasn’t sure if he should be disappointed or happy. The money was good, but he was starting to feel a little dirty about the whole thing. Something about using intimidation to earn money didn’t feel right. Plus, what
if things escalated? Eventually, someone wouldn’t be so easily swayed. What would Bob expect him to do then?

  I have another job for you. Give me a call when you can.

  Larry was hopeful that this next person owed a lot and would easily cough it up. Then maybe he’d have enough money to pay off his bills and take the trip to see his mom. After that he could tell Bob he didn’t want to do any more work for him. It was a long shot, but he was crossing his fingers that it would work out.

  “Hey, Jo?” he said as he got the other bartender’s attention. She turned to listen to him as she mixed a drink. She was doing a little dance behind the bar to the beat of the music.

  “What’s up?” she asked, her nose ring glittering in the lights.

  “I have to make a call. Think you can manage on your own for a few minutes?” he asked.

  She looked around and nodded. “Sure. Just make it quick,” she said as she passed the drink she’d been mixing across the bar.

  “Will do,” he said as he slipped out from behind the bar and headed towards the rear of the bar. It was much quieter back there and it would be easier to hear Bob. Out on the floor it was almost always impossible to take a call. Too many voices combined with loud music. He punched in the number, put the phone to his ear, and waited.

  “Larry, thanks for getting back to me so quickly,” he heard on the other end of the line. Bob’s gravelly voice sounded as though he’d been smoking for a long time.

  “I don’t have a whole lot of time,” he said. “I’m at work. But I wanted to get back to you before it was late.”

  “I appreciate that,” Bob said. “Do you remember a guy named Mark that you had a little talk with not too long ago?”

  “The guy that works at the Alamo?” he asked.