Murder in Paradise (Paradise Series) by Deborah Brown Read Free Book Online

You have a three-day reprieve to figure out your next move, five if the paperwork gets lost.”
    “That’s impressive,” Fab said. “Any way to lose the key?”
    “Creole was at Jake’s when you called and let us know you were on the way over with your ex. He made this happen,” I said. “You owe him.”
    Mother snapped her fingers. “You listen to me, Fabiana Merceau. We love and care about you. You damned-well better not do anything stupid. I will be extremely disappointed if you end up in prison.”
    Feeling light-headed, I’d had enough of my childhood regression. I wanted to make a splashy finale by flipping over and standing up. Instead, I slid slowly to the floor, intensifying Mother’s glare. “I agree with Mother.”
    My phone rang, breaking the awkward silence. I almost groaned out loud. Mac never called for anything fun, like, “Want to go get some ice cream?”
    “The sheriffs are here snooping around, asking questions,” Mac said. “They’re tracking a black convertible Mustang that took out two cars and a pedestrian at the end of the block.”
    “I’ll be right there.” I thought about throwing the phone across the room, but I’d need it later. “Either of you want to tango with local law enforcement?” I asked Mother and Fab.
    “You need to kick those tenants of yours to the curb,” Mother said. “I’m going home while we have a reprieve from the Gabriel drama. Call me if you need extra muscle.” She flexed her bicep and did a couple of air fists.
    “I’m driving,” Fab said.
    Mother covered her ears. “Stop, you two.”
    “It’s my car and you’re doing all the driving. I call ‘dibs’ on the way home.” I walked with Mother to her car. “Stay out of trouble,” I whispered and hugged her.
    Fab backed out of the driveway and pulled up alongside Mother at the stop sign and revved the engine.
    “Stop it. Mother will take the challenge.” The words had barely left my lips when Mother squealed her tires and took off.
    We followed Mother to the Overseas and I breathed a sigh of relief when we turned in the opposite direction.
    “I’m on call for a car repo job. Brick got smart and started outfitting his high-end rentals with GPS locators.” Fab slowed as she went by The Cottages and continued down the side street. “Do you want me to pull into the driveway?”
    “Looks like part of the street’s blocked off.” I turned in my seat and stared out the back window. “Let’s park in beach parking; quicker getaway.” Purchasing a parking tag enabled me to park in any beach lot without a pocketful of change.
    “What would we be running from?” Fab looked interested.
    “You and I both know stuff comes up at the last minute.” We both laughed, a nice tension breaker from the specter of Gabriel.
    “I’ll wait in the office. I like Kevin, but his partner gives me a rash.” Fab barely had the door closed when she sprinted off.
    I cut back to the street and walked up the driveway. I didn’t want anyone to know about my alternate parking choices. Kevin and his partner, Johnson, stood where cottage ten used to be, the rubble cleaned away and the framing had begun. Couldn’t they conduct their investigations in someone else’s driveway? Two first time guests from the UK sat on their porches, taking in the excitement.
    “Kevin, Officer Johnson.” I nodded. “Does this accident involve anyone at The Cottages?”
    “You wouldn’t happen to know anyone who owns a newish black convertible Mustang?” Kevin asked. “Sideswiped two cars and hit a young woman. She seems to have disappeared, along with the driver of the car.”
    “No one here owns a Mustang.” I wanted to add, now leave .
    “We’re not done here. I have a few questions about your involvement with Koozie.” Johnson stared at me. “You seem to have ignored all my messages. And to think I was polite. I should’ve issued a warrant for your arrest.”
    Kevin’s laugh set me off. “You know damned well,