Murder at the Alamo

by Dianne Harman

  “Ha-ha,” Brigid said. “You know how uncoordinated I am. I wasn’t about to spend money just to keep falling off of some stupid surfboard for a couple hours.”

  Fiona laughed. “True. Have you guys gone to see the Alamo yet? I know that’s something you’ve always wanted to do,” she said.

  “Not yet, but it’s on our list of things to do. I’ve been really surprised at how much there is to see here in San Antonio. I swear there isn’t this much to see back home,” Brigid said.

  “That’s because there isn’t. Nobody comes to Cottonwood Springs for much besides skiing or snowboarding. People go to San Antonio because it’s warm, beautiful, and historic,” Fiona pointed out.

  “I think it’s beautiful in Cottonwood Springs,” Brigid objected. “Although everything is just different here.”

  “What are your plans for today?” Fiona asked. “Horseback riding on a beach? A candlight dinner under the stars?” she teased.

  “No, today we’re going to this place called Natural Bridge Caverns,” she said.

  “A cave?” Fiona asked, shocked. “You’re going underground? Why?”

  “To see all the pretty rock formations, of course,” Brigid said. “They also have more than just the caves, you know.”

  “Oh?” Fiona asked. “Like what?”

  “They have one of those zipline canopy challenges, and a mining spot where you can search for gems and such. They even have a maze you can go through and a place to watch bats when they come out of the cave at sundown.”

  Brigid was pretty sure Fiona would be surprised at her willingness to visit something like a cave. She’d never really been interested in that sort of thing when they were growing up, but when Linc had found it online, it sounded like fun.

  “You on a zipline?” Fiona scoffed. “I wish I was there to see that. Uh, who are you, and why do you sound like my sister?”

  Brigid laughed. “Well, maybe I can get a picture for you. That is if I don’t chicken out.”

  “Nah, you won’t chicken out,” Fiona encouraged. “I know you. Once you set your mind to something, you do it.”

  “Yeah, but those things usually don’t include hanging by a thin wire and whizzing through the air. I’m not so sure I won’t get up there and then have to climb back down,” Brigid admitted.

  “Well, even if you do, at least you tried,” Fiona said. “That’s all that matters.”

  The bathroom door opened and Linc walked out smelling fresh from his shower. He mouthed, “Who are you talking to?”

  “Fiona,” Brigid mouthed back.

  “Hi, Fiona,” Linc called out as he began to search for a pair of socks. He was wearing his favorite jeans and a casual grey t-shirt.

  “Hi, Linc,” Fiona called back. “Well, I better let you go so you can get back to your honeymoon. Make sure you bring me back something really cool and expensive,” Fiona joked.

  “Of course. Only the best for my sister,” Brigid said with a laugh before she ended the call.

  “How’s she doing?” Linc asked as Brigid tossed her phone on the bed beside her.

  “Still has morning sickness, but she seems to be in good spirits,” she said. “I kind of feel bad that I’m not there to take her crackers or soup.”

  Linc moved around the bed and stood before her. Cupping her chin, he tilted her head upward. “She’ll be fine. And you know she wouldn’t want you fretting over her. There will be plenty of time for all of that when the baby comes. Then you can pamper her and the baby all at once.” He smiled reassuringly at her.

  “I have to admit I’m kind of looking forward to it,” Brigid admitted. She stood up and gave Linc a hug. They stood together, their arms wrapped around each other for several long moments, simply enjoying being in each other’s arms and feeling the warmth of the other.

  “Are you about ready to go?” Linc asked.

  “Almost,” Brigid said. “I just need to finish putting on my makeup.”

  Not long after that they gave Charlie some ear scratches and waved goodbye to John who was tending to the flowers around the B & B. It felt a little strange to Brigid to be running around and doing so much, but it was a nice change of pace from sitting in a chair editing day after day. As they headed to their next adventure, Brigid clasped Linc’s hand in hers and looked at him with a blissful, happy smile on her face.

  CHAPTER 10

  Celine Aguirre had just about had enough of her husband. He was forever dismissing her job as a hobby and now that she thought about it, he’d never taken her seriously. Even when she’d gotten her degree in history, he’d asked her why she’d spent so much time on something completely worthless.

  At the time, she thought that was his half-hearted way of trying to get her to strive for something higher. But the reality was, she didn’t want anything else. She wanted a job bringing history to life. Was that really so terrible?

  Over the seventeen years they’d been together, she’d slowly become someone she didn’t recognize anymore. Celine visited a therapist on a regular basis and was on a few different medications, mostly to help improve her mood. She’d been depressed for so long she’d forgotten what it felt like to be happy.

  Not that she’d realized it at first. It wasn’t until she’d noticed that she didn’t want to do anything she used to enjoy that she thought maybe she had a problem. After that, she’d secretly made an appointment with a therapist and started taking steps to change things. It had been a slow process, but that was all before Mark.

  Celine stood up from her desk and walked out of her office with the intention of doing her normal rounds. She didn’t like being one of those bosses who stays in their office and doesn’t get involved with their staff. No, she preferred to be out there with them, making sure there weren’t any issues that needed her attention, and that the Alamo was treated with the respect it deserved.

  Her footsteps were quiet as she walked through the building and headed for the outer grounds. She didn’t wear noisy high heels, just for the simple fact it helped keep the employees on their toes. There was a time when she hadn’t been the boss, and she well remembered that loud shoes were a signal that someone was coming. Celine preferred to move quietly.

  As she stepped out into the warm summer air, she thought about the first time she realized Mark was attracted to her. They’d been working together on a new idea for people who visited the Alamo for the haunted tours. She still remembered the way their hands had brushed against each other and the look in his eye when she gazed up at him. It had been so full of primal need it had taken her by surprise.

  Nobody had ever looked at her that way before, and it had stirred something within her. It wasn’t that she hadn’t had lovers in her life, but none of them had been quite so passionate. She was the one who had always taken the initiative. She’d just thought she was one of those women who liked to take the lead.

  Yet when Mark had initiated their relationship, it was the first time she’d actually felt like a woman. Someone who wanted to be taken care of rather than doing the taking. He’d kissed her, and there had been no holding back from then on. The sheer amount of desire she’d felt from a simple kiss had left her lightheaded and longing for more. And she knew he’d felt the same way.

  Since then, they mainly rendezvoused at work, but once or twice they’d met for drinks after work. She’d end up driving them somewhere so they could be alone, and they’d make love in the back seat of her car. Occasionally, when she was feeling particularly down about herself, she’d call him to her office and they would lock the door. She knew it wasn’t professional, and she never should have let it happen, but he made her feel young again. It was so wrong and yet it felt so right. It made her feel young, sexy, and still full of life.

  She’d never taken risks like that before and the danger of getting caught just added to the excitement of it. After all, her husband barely looked at her anymore. The only times they were intimate, and those were few and far between, Celine felt as if it could
be anyone lying with him. There was no more passion or lust. It was as if it was part of the job. Once they were finished, he’d roll over and pick up his phone, e-reader, or turn on the television. There was no cuddling or anything else to make her feel as though he still found her desirable.

  Celine tried to maintain a purely professional air about her, but inside her heart had been shattered long ago. When Mark showed an interest in her, it was as if all the pieces had started to fit back together again. Before she knew it, she was smiling and singing in the car on the way to work. There were days when she wondered what Mark would do if she left her husband. She didn’t want to scare him off, but her feelings for him were starting to grow.

  What had started as a purely physical thing had quickly turned into something more for her. She was fairly confident that he felt the same way. Otherwise, why would he keep it going for this long? Surely, he had to have some sort of interest in her. If she left her husband, it wasn’t like she expected Mark to marry her or anything, but she would like to explore what they had going on between them.

  Of course, it would have to remain a secret. She knew she wouldn’t be allowed to keep her job if it was revealed that she was having a romantic relationship with one of her employees. Maybe she could get a transfer or help Mark get a position somewhere else. There were always options if one knew where to look.

  As soon as she walked outside, she began inspecting the courtyard. After all, it was the first thing every visitor to the Alamo saw, and she needed to make sure it was in top shape and would make a good impression on them. Looking around, Celine was satisfied it still looked presentable.

  The grass could probably use a trim, but that was scheduled for later this week, which would be fine. Anyway, people weren’t coming to the Alamo to see the grass, and it wasn’t so shaggy that people would even notice it. She’d just learned a long time ago to spot issues before they became a problem. Staying ahead of things was a big part of her job.

  As she rounded the corner of the building to check on the rest of the area, she heard people talking. The sounds were low and indistinct, but she could tell they were coming from one of the more secluded spots on the grounds.

  She thought about leaving whoever it was to their conversation, but they’d had problems with teenagers recently wanting to hang out as if the Alamo was some kind of a park. It was better to investigate now than have something trashed or vandalized. She slipped behind a line of trees and drew closer so she could see what was happening without bringing attention to herself.

  The first thing she noticed was a gift shop employee’s polo shirt. Whoever it was, the person worked at the Alamo. Since it wasn’t normal for employees to hide out among the trees, she wanted to get a better look and see who it was. Depending on who it was, she might need to mention it to them later. When the person turned slightly, she recognized Zoey’s profile.

  So, she thinks she can slip away from her duties, hmm? Celine thought. I wonder what she’s doing? I better keep an eye on her and whoever else is out here with her to make sure this isn’t something that needs to be addressed.

  Celine continued to watch, curious as to what was going on. It could be something entirely harmless or it could be something that needed her attention right then and there. After all, the Alamo wasn’t your average historic monument. It must be treated with respect and some of the younger employees needed to be reminded of that.

  She’d noticed a tour guide’s polo shirt on the other person, but that person was still hidden by the thick cover of the trees and shrubs. The shrubs had been planted for privacy, but right now, she wished she could see the other person. As she watched, the person reached out and softly touched Zoey’s cheek. It was the large hand of a man.

  It appeared Zoey was having some sort of a tryst out here in the seclusion of the trees. Celine almost stepped out to confront the girl but thought it might be better to see who was with her before she confronted Zoey in case they managed to slip away.

  “She means nothing to me,” a familiar voice said. “I was just trying to get in her good graces and things went a little too far. I’m sorry.” Celine knew the voice, but was trying to convince herself she was wrong until the man stepped closer to Zoey. There was no mistaking it was Mark. She felt her heart drop as his words sunk in. He was seeing Zoey? And who else?

  “Then why were you making love to her?” Zoey asked as a tear slipped down her cheek. Celine felt sick to her stomach. Zoey had caught Mark having sex with someone else? How many women was he seeing besides her?

  “Things were happening with her before you and I got together, babe. Like I said, I was just playing along so I could get the promotion. Then maybe you and I could get a place together? What do you think?” he asked as he leaned forward and began to kiss and fondle her. Rage boiled up in Celine as she realized they were talking about her. Zoey must have spied on their impromptu love-making in Celine’s office. That was the only explanation. Well, at least Zoey hadn’t reported it. Yet.

  “Promise me you’ll break it off with Celine,” Zoey sniffled.

  “I promise,” he said as he wiped away another tear. “I told you, that old bag means nothing to me. You’re the one I want.”

  Celine turned on her heel and slipped away. She felt the blood rushing to her face, pounding in her ears, and making it impossible to think rationally. Pure rage pumped through her veins. Mark had used her. He’d taken advantage of a lonely woman so he could get a promotion. She wanted to scream and cry. Actually, she wanted to beat him to a bloody pulp. But none of that would do her the least bit of good.

  In the end, she knew there was no way she could let him get away with this. He’d used her, plain and simple. She’d put her heart on the line, and he’d ripped it from her chest and stomped on it. Well no more. She took a few deep breaths to calm herself before entering the office building. There was no way she’d let anyone see she was upset. She wouldn’t give Mark that satisfaction.

  She headed to her office, deciding she’d had enough of men and their games. Who was he to think he could play her emotions like that? He didn’t know who he was messing with. The old, sad Celine was gone and in her place was a woman of substance. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes of her old self, something new had been born. He had no idea who he’d trifled with.

  She’d make sure Mark knew how much he’d messed up. He’d find out he’d double-crossed the wrong woman.

  CHAPTER 11

  As Brigid and Linc approached the Alamo, Brigid was surprised by its beauty. Although it was over three hundred years old, the wooden doors and some of the more intricate details were amazing. It was almost as if they’d been carved yesterday, but she was sure some parts of the Alamo had been recreated. She knew nothing beyond the obvious about its history. She was hoping to learn more about it today.

  “We need to hurry to meet up with our tour group. It’s getting close to the time it said in the email,” Linc said as he urged her forward. Linc had reserved their time with a tour group online the night before, which had made Brigid breathe a bit easier. She’d been worried about lines and having to wait for a long time in order to get in. This was far more efficient. They saw a tour guide waiting nearby and a group of people collecting around her.

  “Good morning,” the guide said. She was a gorgeous African American woman with high cheekbones and light brown eyes. Her smile was bright and infectious. Brigid couldn’t help but like her immediately. “My name is Shavonne, and I’ll be your guide this morning. If you’ve already purchased your tickets online, please have your proof of purchase ready. If you haven’t, you can do so at the ticket office.”

  Linc pulled up the email on his phone and they waited for their turn. It all went fairly quickly and before long they were starting the tour.

  As they walked through the Alamo, Brigid couldn’t help but feel the history of it in the rough stone walls. She had a sense of all of the people who had lived and died here before the modern world built up around i
t.

  There wasn’t as much inside as she’d expected, a few display cases in some rooms and flags on display, yet it felt complete. It was almost magical. She and Linc didn’t speak, remaining silent as they continued the tour. Brigid thought it was kind of like having a religious experience.

  Eventually they made it back outside. The fresh air of the courtyard was welcome as they continued on the tour. Tall, lush trees shaded parts of the area from the intensity of the sun that was slowly rising in the sky. Brigid could feel sweat rolling down her lower back as she fanned herself with a brochure she’d picked up.

  “This area is called the Arcade,” the tour guide began. It was like a long outdoor hallway with no ceiling, only wooden beams crossing above it. There was a rock wall on one side with arches that had metal gates attached to them. In the early morning sun, it was beautiful. The greenery made the area look inviting, as if there should be a few tables and chairs set out for people to sit at and have a cup of coffee while they read their newspapers.

  As the tour guide continued to point out different parts of the area she paused, “Excuse me one minute, folks,” she said. Brigid had been busy looking around, but at the tour guide’s words she craned her neck to see what had caused the guide to stop.

  Someone was sitting in one of the archway areas, just off the path. It looked like it was someone who worked at the Alamo, since the person was wearing the same style of shirt as Shavonne, their tour guide. The person’s back was to the group, so that only the person’s shoulders were visible from where the group was standing. It was almost as if the person had chosen that particular spot to sit down and relax while they were on a break.

  “Mark, what are you doing?” the tour guide asked as she drew closer to the person. “You know you can’t hang out here,” she began as she touched his shoulder. Brigid was watching the woman’s face as she took in the man’s appearance. Her eyes became wide before she let out a blood-curdling scream. She pulled her hand back quickly, not wanting to touch him. “Someone, call 911!” she yelled.