Behind The Gates (A Maggie McFarlin Mystery Book 1)

by Charisse Peeler

  “Do you play an instrument?” Maggie asked.

  “I play the bongos,” he said proudly, “but my preference is dancing. Do you dance salsa?”

  Maggie laughed out loud. “Nope. I don’t dance.”

  “I bet you would be a great dancer, with those hips,” he said.

  Maggie decided not to take offense. Instead she changed the subject.

  “We have another ten miles to go,” she said, looking at the map on her phone.

  “It’s getting close to lunch,” Silas said. “Why don’t you give the passport place a call and ask if they’re open during lunch. If not we can stop, I know of a great Cuban place not too far from here.”

  Maggie called the instant passport shop the agent had recommended. Surprisingly an actual person answered, not a machine. Maggie explained the situation then fell silent for a few minutes as she listened to the person on the other end of the line and nodded her head as if the person could see her. She listened a little longer then, finally, shook her head.

  “Well, that’s not good news,” she said as she hung up her phone.

  “Uh oh, what?”

  “No way I’m getting a passport today. Even if I do all the paperwork, the fastest I can have it is Monday morning.”

  “That sucks,” Silas said. He fell silent for a moment. “You have no idea where yours is?”

  “I looked everywhere. I know I have it, I just used it a few months ago.” She shook her head, admonishing herself. “I remember putting it somewhere safe, maybe too safe.”

  “Let’s go back to your house and take a look.” Silas shrugged. “If we don’t find it, no biggy.”

  “Okay, let’s go,” Maggie said, raising her hand and twirling her finger in the air.

  Silas took the next exit then crossed the overpass. He got back onto I-95, heading north.

  Maggie was lost in thought, trying to remember where she had put her passport. When they came to the turn signal for the country club, she fished her driver’s license out of her pocketbook to hand to the gate guard. Silas had already rolled his window down. Maggie saw that the guard was a young Hispanic man she had noticed all the time driving through the community in one of the security trucks.

  “Hey, man.” Silas took the license from Maggie’s hand and held it out to the guard.

  “Hey, how’s it going?” The young man took barely a glance at the license then pushed the button for the gate. “Take it easy.”

  Silas drove through the gate. “Do you know that guy?” Maggie asked.

  Silas smiled. “How would I know him?”

  “I don’t know…it’s like you had a thing.”

  “A thing, Maggie?” He looked at her sideways with a smirk on his face. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “How—”

  Maggie stopped herself from asking the rest of her question, which had just occurred to her. How did you get in the other night to pick me up? She had never called him in. And that led to the next question: how had he known where she lived? Britney must have told him, she concluded.

  “How what?” Silas asked.

  “How long do we have?” Maggie answered calmly.

  “As much time as we need, babe.”

  Silas winked at her and smiled. Maggie smiled back.

  Once they reached her house Maggie had Silas pull around to the garage. They entered the house together, through the garage door. Silas followed her into the wide-open space comprising her living room, dining room, and home office. She pulled open a few file cabinet doors and pointed at her desk.

  “I’ve looked through all of this but it could use a fresh set of eyes. I’ll go look in my bedroom.”

  “If you need any help in there…” Silas suggested playfully.

  “I’m good for now,” she replied, but her mind said If you only knew.…

  Maggie started opening drawers and checking jewelry boxes. She pulled out the small safe from the closet; it wasn’t even locked. Then she emptied the contents onto her bed. Everything was actually pretty well organized, the envelopes were clearly marked. There was even an envelope marked Passports—but when she opened it she found they were all old or expired. The current passport wasn’t there.

  She took the safe back to the closet and began to dig through her old handbags. She was about to give up when she noticed a wallet on one of the shelves. She picked it up. Underneath it lay an old fanny pack. She pulled the fanny pack off the shelf, and sure enough, it held a few credit cards, an old driver’s license—and her passport. She dropped everything and ran into the living room. Silas was methodically searching through her files.

  “I found it!” She held the passport up to show Silas. “Let’s go!”

  “Well, let’s go then,” he said. He began putting everything back in the cabinets.

  “Forget that!” Maggie insisted. “If we get back to the airport, we can be there by two.”

  When they closed the door to the house, Silas punched in the code. Maggie watched in surprise.

  *

  The flight was short and uneventful. Maggie was simply relieved she hadn’t ruined the entire trip. She was impressed how Silas had taken it all in stride.

  As soon as they walked into the hotel, they spotted the bar. Jay and Britney were sitting there, speaking to a man in a suit.

  “You made it!” Britney leaped out of her seat and embraced Maggie. “I honestly didn’t think you were going to make it!”

  Maggie laughed, shaking her head. “Honestly, I didn’t either, but we’re here.”

  “This is Franz, he’s the GM here.” Britney turned to the tall-suited gentleman whom she and Jay had been speaking to. “This is my best friend, Maggie.”

  Franz nodded to Maggie and bowed slightly. “If you ladies need anything, let me know. I made reservations for seven tonight at the steak house, my treat.”

  “Thank you, Franz, you’re the best,” Britney said.

  “I’m just glad you’re going to take on our little project,” Franz replied.

  “I’m looking forward to it.” Britney smiled.

  Franz turned to Maggie. “Nice to meet you.” Then he waved to the guys and walked away.

  Maggie looked at Britney, surprised. “You took the job?”

  “Hell yeah, I took the job. It’s a half-million-dollar project!”

  “That’s a ‘small’ project?”

  Britney gazed purposefully at Maggie. “You need a drink, my friend…you have got some catching up to do.”

  Maggie looked over where the guys stood. Both had a beer in their hands.

  Britney motioned to the bartender. “What are you going to have—wine, mimosa, what?”

  “What’s your specialty tonight?” Maggie asked.

  “Hurricane,” the bartender pushed a table tent toward her with the picture of a tall pink concoction garnished with an orange slice and a cherry .

  “That sounds about right, I’ll have one of those,” Maggie said.

  The bartender turned to Britney.

  “Better make that two,” she said. She turned back to Maggie. “I honestly thought you were not going to make it.”

  “I honestly didn’t think I would, but it must have been meant to be.” Then Maggie remembered: “Did you happen to call Silas in the gate last night?”

  “No.” Britney shook her head. “Why?”

  “We’ll talk later.” Silas moved next to her, setting his arm around Maggie’s waist, pulling her close. The good, strong physical contact made Maggie forget about everything, except how good Silas made her feel.

  *

  When the two couples walked into Katsuya, they were greeted by Franz, who promptly walked them to a table he had reserved for them. As soon as they settled into their seats, a man wearing a black vest over a simple white dress shirt appeared directly behind Franz. Franz nodded to the four friends. “I leave you now in the very capable hands of our sommelier, Jeff Delaney,” he said. Then he moved aside, bowed slightly, and disappe
ared.

  “Good evening,” the sommelier said, addressing them formally. “As Franz said, I am pleased to be at your service this evening, and I would like to start the evening with a very special champagne”—he displayed the bottle to them—“chosen just for you by our chef.” Jeff expertly popped the cork on the bottle. Four crystal glasses appeared, carried on a small tray by a gentleman wearing attire similar to Jeff’s.

  “I will give you a few minutes to relax then return with recommendations once you have chosen your meal.” He moved aside, letting the second gentleman step to the table.

  “Good evening,” he said, passing out menus. “My name is Jesus Martinez, and I will have the pleasure of serving you this evening.” He smiled. As he handed Silas his menu they nodded to each other as though acknowledging some common Latino brotherhood. “May I offer a recommendation this evening?”

  “Please,” Britney spoke up.

  “For starters, the chef recommends the king crab tempura and the yellowtail with jalapeño. For the main course, we have a special premium A-4 Japanese Wagyu beef, grilled medium well and garnished with fresh wasabi. Tonight we also have a fresh salmon grilled on a cedar plank and garnished with tomato, caper, and sansho peppercorn sauce. For dessert you must try the chocolate lava cake, it is to die for. Of course, everything on our menu is fresh and delicious.”

  “We’ll take one of each of the appetizers, and four salads,” Britney said. “And I’ll take the steak.”

  “Madam?” Jesus turned to Maggie.

  “I’ll have the salmon.”

  “Sir?” He turned to Silas.

  “Quiero el filete, por favor.”

  “Lo tengo,” the waiter replied, nodding at Silas then turning to Jay. “Sir?”

  “I’ll also have the steak, but I’d like it well done.”

  “Very good. Anything else I can get you right now?”

  “I think we’re good,” Jay said.

  As soon as the waiter disappeared, Britney raised her glass. “Cheers.”

  “Cheers,” the other three repeated.

  As soon as the salads were set down in front of them, Jeff, the sommelier, returned.

  “Based on your choices, I would recommend a nice Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Reserve 2015, it is from the Côtes du Rhône region. It is a great pairing for the steak; and for the salmon, I would suggest a California wine, Williams Selyem Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2017.”

  “Well, I’m not much of a wine drinker,” Silas said, “so can I get a Bud Light?”

  “Of course, sir.”

  “I’ll also take a Bud Light,” Jay said.

  “I think we’ll both take the wine,” Britney said. Maggie nodded her head.

  As soon as Jeff had left the table, Britney stood up. “Maggie?”

  Maggie took the not so subtle hint. “Excuse us,” she said, joining her friend. She followed Britney out of the restaurant and back into the hotel. They paused for a moment to take a picture next to the large portrait of a monkey near the lobby; then they headed into the bathroom.

  “These guys are fun,” Britney said, looking in the mirror while adding some lip gloss. Maggie took the opportunity to use the toilet; she didn’t answer until she was at the sink washing her hands. “The only thing I find odd is that Silas seems like he knows everyone.” She carefully fingered some stray hairs into place. “He even acted like he knew the gate guard at the club. “

  “I think he’s just one of those people who instantly connects with others,” Britney responded. “Kind of like you, actually. I don’t think you’ve ever met a stranger.”

  As soon as they were seated at the table again, Jeff was pouring their wine, and the guys were already ordering another beer.

  “Why is it…” Jay started.

  “Don’t,” Britney interrupted.

  Jay gave her a look. “I was just going to ask…”

  “We go together so we can talk about you,” she said. They all chuckled.

  The conversation soon shifted to Marco and his murder.

  “Did you know Marco?” Jay asked Maggie.

  “I guess as much as you could know Marco,” Maggie said.

  “Did you give him money too?” Jay asked.

  Jay’s question caused Maggie to swallow hard. She was obviously uncomfortable with the conversation. Clearly, Jay had already had this conversation with Britney, and she had told him about the money.

  “I think he owed a lot of people money,” Maggie said softly, not admitting anything.

  “I think Alexandra lost the most,” Britney said.

  “Why’s that?” Jay asked.

  “They made the cardinal mistake,” Maggie said.

  Jay looked at her. “What was that?”

  “Mixing business with pleasure. She really did like him. I think he actually liked her too, but he was so full of himself he couldn’t see them as a couple.”

  This time Silas asked: “Why’s that?”

  “Alex thinks it was her age. He couldn’t get past it.”

  “She is a beautiful classy woman,” Silas said.

  Maggie stared at him. “Do you know Alex…?”

  “No, but the way you two talk about her, I’m sure she is,” Silas said.

  “She really is,” Britney replied, “and she really liked him.”

  By the end of the night, Maggie had consumed the full bottle of wine at dinner, and after a few more after-dinner drinks, she was especially glad that she had taken extra time with a razor before the trip. Silas proved to be especially attentive. It had been over three years since Maggie had spent a night with a man, and the fun of the day just continued through the night….

  *

  Maggie woke in a fog, realizing the shower was running in her bathroom. The personification of her joyous night walked in with a towel wrapped around his midsection. Maggie blinked a few times to make sure what she was seeing was real. This guy had some abs…or pecks….or whatever chest muscles were called. She pulled the covers closer to hide her jelly belly, muffin-top body.

  Silas smiled wide. “Good morning, beautiful.”

  “Good morning,” Maggie replied.

  “Ready for breakfast?”

  “Uh, well I need a few minutes to get ready….”

  “I’ll tell you what, I’ll go find my room and get dressed,” Silas said. “I’ll meet you at that little restaurant right off the lobby in half an hour.” He picked his clothes off the floor and walked out the door, still wearing just a towel.

  “Sure, sounds good,” Maggie said to the already closed door.

  She climbed out of the bed but kept the sheet wrapped around her even though she was alone in the room. “What the hell am I doing?” she said to herself. “Just go with it,” she answered herself. “Just go with it.”

  Silas was already sitting at a table outside when Maggie came down. He saw her and stood up to pull out a chair.

  “Sorry I took so long.”

  “You’re right on time.”

  Silas motioned the server, who placed a cup of coffee in front of Maggie. Maggie eyed him as she took the cup in both hands and took a sip. “How did you know I liked coffee?”

  “You look like a coffee drinker,” Silas answered, smiling.

  The server reappeared, ready to take the order. Silas ordered an egg white vegetable omelet, no cheese, and sliced tomatoes instead of hash browns. Maggie ordered two eggs over easy, hash browns, and white toast. She wanted to ask if the restaurant had a little sausage gravy the chef could put on the hash browns, but she decided not to. Instead, she decided to hire a personal trainer when she got home.

  Chapter 18

  Mojito

  All three ladies sat in the back of the Uber. Maggie rested her head against the window, Britney was texting on her phone, and Alexandra was fixing her lipstick, holding a small mirror.

  “I have something to tell you guys,” Maggie said. She lifted her head and faced the others.

  “What is it,
sweetie?” Alexandra asked. She smacked her lips then blotted them with a tissue she had tucked in her sleeve. Britney pushed a few more buttons before dropping her phone into her lap.

  “Marco conned me for ten thousand dollars but I didn’t tell the detective.”

  “What?” Alex asked in a low tone. “Why?”

  “Why what? Why did he take my money?”

  “Why did you loan him the money?”

  Maggie sighed softly. “I don’t know how it happened, exactly. He just came over to look at the wall between my bathroom and the atrium I had turned into my office. There’s a big window he said could be turned into a fish tank. He said he knew someone who could do it. I mean, can you imagine some jellyfish floating around? It would have been so cool.”

  “Okay…but how did the money come up?” Alex again asked.

  “We were sitting on the couch…I had poured us of each a glass of wine. We were talking about ideas for the place. It was so ’80s but had character. He actually had a great eye. He suggested that I take the wall down between the kitchen and living room—like he had. I said I was conflicted with the idea. I’ve seen it done both ways, and I was leaning toward keeping the wall. The next thing you know he was telling me about his sister Angie and all her problems in her marriage. He said that he was helping her out and he could barely afford his club dues this month. He said he had a contract that he had been working for two years finally coming through.”

  “Rehab facilities?” Britney asked.

  “Yes, exactly,” Maggie said.

  “Oh Lord.” Alex rolled her eyes.

  “He said he would pay me back and get me the fish tank at his cost.”

  “And you gave him the money?” Alex asked.

  “Ugh, I didn’t want to,” Maggie admitted. “I knew it wasn’t the smartest decision I ever made…but he said Angie was in real trouble and her husband was abusive. He said he was paying for her attorney. He also said he was supporting his mother in New York. I’m a sucker for a sad story.”

  “Well, the story of his sister and mom are both true,” Alex said. “I checked it out.”