Murder in Paradise (Paradise Series) (24 page)

“You could be a little nicer, I’ve had a bad day.”

“You know I love you and nothing better happen to you. Do you understand me?”

“Yes, Madame.” Fab sounded sincere but she smirked at me.

“We’re having a family party and you’re not here. Bring my other daughter and get the hell over here.”

“I don’t...”

“Don’t bother lying. You suck at it. Fifteen minutes and I want you both walking through the front door.” Mother hung up the phone.

“Is she going to ground me?” Fab asked.

I laughed at the look on Fab’s face. She had no control over Mother and that frustrated her.

“How mad was Creole after I snuck out?” Fab handed me my wine glass. “Gulp this down and let’s go.”

“Cut the man a break. He’s been generous in giving you information; you need to return the favor. Have you noticed he helps us every time he can?” I finished off my wine. “Creole was livid and he took out his frustration on my lips.”

Fab whistled. “How was that? Oh, don’t give me that innocent look,” she said. “You sample that and you’ll be thinking, ‘Zach who?’ Do you notice that Creole, for the most part, doesn’t care what you do?”

“I’m in love with Zach,” I said, but I didn’t want to give up half my life to be with him.

“Then why did you just suck down the last of the wine? You could be home playing sexy nurse to his annoying self,” Fab watched me closely. “Who’s better, Zach or Creole?”

“They’re both good, but very different.” I fingered my lips. “We’ve only got five minutes before the second deadline of my day comes and goes.”

CHAPTER 33

Fab got bored driving the speed limit and sped by me, so I arrived long after her. I walked by the kitchen window and Spoon gave me a quick wave and resumed washing dishes.

 “Took you long enough,” Fab said after she opened the front door with a big smile. “Didier’s back. Ha-ha, Zach’s not enjoying the party.”

I took a deep breath, pushed my bag into Fab’s arms, and walked into the living room. Zach sat rooted in the same spot I left him in, a look of thinly-disguised fury on his face. “Sorry it took so long.” I bent and kissed him on the lips. “Good news, re-opening the carwash is just days away.”

Zach’s gaze wandered to the kitchen where Didier joined Spoon, who was putting dishes in the dishwasher. “The party got bigger after you left.”

 “No one will bother you in the bedroom,” I said, hoping he realized if that was what he chose that he would be entertaining himself. I had zero plans of sitting in my room like a disobedient child.

“What I really want is a beer,” Zach snapped, rubbing his temples.

“Probably not a good idea. Hanging out by the pool always makes me feel better.” I ran my fingers across his cheek and brushed his hair back.

Zach grabbed my wrist and pulled me down next to him. “Tell me about your involvement in Clean Bubbles.”

Fab cut in, pulling on Zach’s arm. “Come on invalid, we’re moving the party outside and that includes you. Get your ass up or I’ll tell Madeline on you.” She turned to me, saying, “Go put your bathing suit on.”

Relieved for a getaway, I flew off the couch and up the stairs. I sighed, leaning against my bedroom door. I was happy to not be grilled and have to check my response before it came out of my mouth.

I slipped into my new turquoise tankini, tying a sheer colorful wrap around my waist, low on my hips. I pulled my curly mess up into a ponytail. A swim would put me in the party mood. If I could manage to stop worrying over Zach’s every sigh, he might loosen up and enjoy himself.

***

From the top of the stairs, I recognized Creole’s back, talking to Zach. They had been childhood best buddies, but their friendship ended when Zach thought Creole had come back to town as drug dealing scum. Only after Mother forced them to talk did Creole fess up to being DEA assigned to the Miami office. The trust between them was tentative. It didn’t help that Creole told Zach he was biding his time until Zach screwed up so that he could sweep me off my feet.

Zach had me in his sights, staring intently as I walked down the stairs. Creole turned around, winked, and stripped my clothes off with his gaze. Didier met me at the bottom of the stairs and offered his arm.

I spoke to Didier in my best French accent that I practiced in the bathroom mirror.

“So, you think I’m charming?” Didier whispered against my ear. “How about if I drive those two thugs over there crazy?” He motioned to Zach and Creole. Didier put his hand at the back of my neck and whispered in French.

I blushed and giggled. “You know, I didn’t understand a word of that.”

Didier laughed. “I complimented the way you look in your bathing suit and threw in something slightly naughty.”

My cheeks burned. “I love that you and Fab are together. You are really good for her. She’s softer, less intense because of you. Treat her good or I’ll shoot you.”

Didier glanced over his shoulder. “Which one is it going to be? Say the word, Fab will shoot one of them for you.”

Fab put her arm around Didier. “What are you two whispering about?” She had on three pieces of black material, held together with string.

“Didier was telling me how cute I am,” I said.

“Do you think I’d have an ugly friend?” Fab looked horrified.

“That’s shallow,” I bit my lip.

Didier kissed Fab. “I love her bold honesty. I never wonder where I stand with her, she tells me, and sometimes quite loudly.”

Mother yelled, “Listen up!” She paused until everyone stopped talking. “Dinner’s ready and we’re all eating outside. That includes you.” She pointed to Zach.

I whispered to Fab as we moved to the patio. “We need to talk. We’ve got a job. A freebie.”

“This side of the partnership doesn’t work for free.” 

I poked Fab. “You tell Shirl you’ll be sending her a bill.”

“Shirl’s a nurse who could come in handy. Make it clear—free for you, fine, but she owes me.”

I had no intention of telling Fab that Shirl would be excited to “owe” Fab.

Mother pushed together the tables so that everyone could sit together. She had chosen all the shell-themed dishes from my collection and arranged all the side dishes, covered with wire mesh bug deterrents, on my latest backyard project—a new countertop installed by Ben. He added storage underneath and a small sink. I added my personal touch, ordering several bags of seashells to cover the entire top of the counter and overhang. After a few ugly starts, I finally got it right.

I sat down next to Zach and kissed his cheek, “See what you miss out on when you only show up in the middle of the night?”

He glared at me. “You didn’t return any of my calls.”

Brad set a huge platter of assorted barbequed fish in the middle of the table. They were sitting on a bed of rice with skewers of grilled vegetables.

“Guess what we saw yesterday?” Liam flopped in the chair next to me.

“Don’t look at me,” Fab said. “I know already.”

I grabbed my chest and looked at Liam. “I’m the last to know?”

Liam laughed. “We went to an alligator farm, and a tourist showing off tried to pet it and got chunks eaten out of his arm, and blood spurted everywhere. At first, Mom said I couldn’t look and then changed her mind. She pointed to the sign that said, ‘No molesting the alligators.’”

“Did he croak?” Creole asked.

“The alligator was fine,” Liam laughed.

I nudged him, “The dude.”

“When he looked down and saw himself covered in blood, he passed out; but he woke up by the time they rolled him into the medic van,” Liam said. “I’m a kid and even I know that petting the alligators is a terrible idea. I called Kevin to see if the dude died and he checked and said no, but he’s in the jail ward of the hospital, since he got arrested for being a stupid ass.”

Everyone at the table laughed.

“Remind me to talk to Kevin about how he describes his ‘cool arrest stories,’” Julie said.

 “How was jail?” Liam asked Fab.

That brought silence to the table, everyone looking uncomfortable. Zach laughed.

“Not a lot of fun, the food’s terrible. Thank you for asking.” Fab winked at Liam. “Hey, hotshot,” she said, and looked at Creole, “my cellmate said she didn’t murder anyone either and I believed her. Can you help another girl out?”

Creole banged the table. “You’ve got a lot of nerve. NO!”

“Just figuring that out?” Zach mumbled.

“We should talk after dinner,” Fab said quietly.

Mother, Julie, and I glared at Creole.

Brad laughed at Creole. “You’re so stupid. You need a couple of lessons dealing with Westin women.”

“Why can’t I say stupid?” Liam asked his mom. “Does Brad have to apologize?”

Julie turned her head and made what sounded like a cough.

Spoon deflected the conversation. “When are you coming by my auto body for a tour?” he asked Liam.

“We’re coming soon.” Liam sent a high five his way. “Brad’s restoring a 1962 Corvette and needs parts. Joseph said you’re the only man in The Keys who can get anything a person needs.”

“I’ll bet,” Zach said under his breath.

Brad wasn’t all that sold on Spoon as a suitable boyfriend for Mother. I thought the two of them working together on this restoration project was a good way to show they had more in common than differences. “What do you like most about Spoon, Mother?” I asked.

Mother kissed his cheek, a big statement to everyone at the table. They were no longer sneaking around; they just became official. “That’s easy, how often does a woman find someone to enjoy a Jack on the rocks and a cigar with who makes her laugh?”

I glared at Brad with a warning look that said,
Do not upset Mother
.

Brad shook his head, not convinced. “And you, Spoon?”

“Miss Madeline accepts me for all my flaws and doesn’t hold my past against me. Emphasis on past,” Spoon said.

Well done Spoon, he easily held his own. “Time for dessert.” I stood up. “Fab and I will clear these plates.” I followed Fab into the kitchen.

Julie trailed behind us. “Your mother just asked Zach when she’d get to meet his family.”

The three of us stood at the island. “He’s going to think I put her up to that,” I groaned. “What did he say?”

“Not until you committed to something more than sleeping together,” Julie said. “That brought the conversation to a halt. I thought Brad would punch him.”

“Did you meet the Lazarro family?” I asked Fab.

Julie looked surprised. “Did you and Zach...”

“We had sex a long damned time ago,” Fab said. “The last time I met a boy’s family was in high school. Both families prayed the romance would be short-lived.”

“What about Gabriel’s family?” I asked, wrapping up food.

“Gabriel’s family tree consisted mostly of criminals. They loved me. His father helped me perfect my pickpocket skills. His mother, a true wino, sipped from morning until night and played board games in between. His uncle Leon, who lived with them, hit on me at every family get together.”

“We’re taking our dessert home with us.” Julie cut pieces of Key Lime pie and put them on a plate. “The three of us are getting up early for a road trip. Liam’s working on a class project.”

A pair of male arms went around me. “I sense trouble in paradise and I’m keeping my eye on you.” Creole kissed my neck. “I’m reminding you of your promise to right of first refusal.” His hand traced my cheek, down to my shoulder.

Fab smirked and Julie’s jaw dropped, neither said a word.

I had to push hard to step away. “Are you leaving?” 

“Criminals don’t keep banker’s hours.” Creole squeezed my cheeks together and planted a hard kiss on my lips.

“Before you go,” Fab opened the junk drawer and handed him two keys, “I found these and have no clue what they’re for.”

I gave Fab a thumbs up behind his back.

Creole tossed them in his hand. “Do you mind if I take them? You have my promise you’ll get them back. I have a colleague who’ll be able to tell us what they unlock.”

“Madison vouched for you,” Fab warned.

“Are you worried I’ll sneak out on you, lie to your face? Not my style.” Creole’s eyes narrowed. “Get me the info on your girlfriend from jail. I’ll look into it.” He left out the front door.

Mother came into the kitchen, hands loaded with dishes. “Mind if I spend the night? Spoon’s driving to Orlando to pick up a Lamborghini in a few hours.”

“See you later, Didier and I are going for a walk on the beach.” Fab looped her arm in Didier’s, who’d just shown up at her side.

With all the helping hands, we cleaned up the kitchen in record time.

 “Where are you guys going tomorrow?” I hugged Liam. Brad and Julie waited at the door.

“We’re touring Hemingway’s House in Key West. Then I’m going to write a report for my English class,” Liam said.

I wanted to follow everyone out the door. Instead, I stood in the entryway and hoped Zach and I weren’t about to start a fight. I blew out a deep breath and joined Zach on the couch.

“Are we finally alone?” Zach asked.

“Not for long. Fab and Didier won’t walk on the beach all night and Mother’s sleeping over. Spoon’s got a job.”

He arched his brow. “Who works in the middle of the night?”

“You do, for one,” I reminded him.

Zach gripped my arms and pulled me onto his chest. “I’m a terrible patient. I don’t know how to sit and do nothing.” He ran his fingers down my back and over my butt. He kissed me hard.

“Where is your mother sleeping?” Zach whispered.

 “I’m not asking her to sleep on the couch,” I giggled.

His mouth ascended on mine, his tongue flirted and teased, our mouths locked together. I wiggled against him while he kissed me into a coma.

The front door opened. “Hey, sis, I’m back. Look who I found on the sidewalk.”

“We’re in the living room.”

Brad and Mother walked in together. “Mother lurked at the end of your driveway, smoking like a thug. Since we’re leaving early for Key West, I thought I’d spend the night. What do you say, Zach, a slumber party?”

I buried my face on Zach’s chest and laughed.

“You and me in the living room,” Brad said to Zach. “We can stay up all night, get to know one another.”