“We’ll find that line somewhere,” Threnody promised. “It’s a good starting point. I’ll help you look for it.”
“So far, I haven’t an idea of where else to start looking.” I wasn’t about to tell her of the blue line aboard Kane’s boat. I had no intention of trying to incriminate an innocent man and I felt almost sure Kane was innocent. Almost.
“Let’s go now,” Threnody said. “I told Brick I needed a few things from the twenty-four/seven grocery, but he’ll be suspicious if I’m away too long. I’ve insisted that Brick, you, and I meet at the marina early tomorrow morning to discuss Diego’s funeral. Chief Ramsey had no objection to that plan. I’m hoping you can be there around eight.”
“What about Pablo?”
“Of course we’ll include Pablo—if we can locate him—again.”
Chapter 20
(Monday, At Last)
Early Monday morning, and I didn’t disturb Dolly, knowing she needed some extra rest. We’d discuss last night’s accident in more detail later. I tried to make myself believe it was an accident in spite of Threnody’s take on it.
I drove to Daiquiri Dock Marina and parked in a visitor’s slot next to Threnody’s Caddi. For a few moments I walked along the planked decking in front of the chandlery enjoying the salt taste of the sea air and absorbing the ambience of the area. Crafts of all kinds bobbed in their slips—sailboats, cruisers, runabouts. Two captains shouted greetings to each other, revved their motors, and managed no-wake exits toward open water in spite of their obvious eagerness to bait their hooks and wet their lines. The stench of gasoline hung in the air.
Brick’s crayon-shaped dock pilings discouraged most water birds from perching. Today I smiled as 3 pelicans and 2 gulls left their calling cards on the sterns and motors of docked boats while they perched there waiting for handouts.
After squinting into the glare of sun on sea, it relieved my eyes to step into the dimness inside the chandlery. Where was everyone? I could have rung the bell for attention, but instead I speared a hotdog from the countertop mini-grill, wrapped it in a bun, and added mustard. Hotdogs might be falling off the tip of nutritionists’ pyramid of healthful foods, but I felt no guilt while I enjoyed the salty spiciness of one of my favorite foods.
“Morning, Rafa,” Threnody called, stepping from a doorway at the back of the store. “We’re going to meet here in Brick’s office.”
“May I bring you a hotdog?” I pointed to the grill.
“No thanks. My stomach balks at hotdogs before noon.”
“But mine doesn’t.” Brick grinned and stepped onto the selling floor. “Bring me one, okay? Catsup, please. No mustard.”
I wondered if anyone ever disobeyed Brick’s commands. I laid my hotdog on a napkin beside the grill while I fixed one for him and carried it into his office.
“Thanks, babe.”
Stepping into Brick’s office was like stepping back in time. Posters from past decades decorated the walls. The seventies? The eighties? Star Wars. Arthur. Casa Blanca.
“Have you learned when the ME and the police will release Diego’s body?” I asked, pulling my thoughts to the present.
“Probably sometime today,” Brick said. “I told both officials I’d claim the body and pay any fees involved.”
“So shall we plan the funeral for tomorrow?” Threnody asked. “Tuesday? Maybe tomorrow afternoon?”
“The sooner the better,” Brick said.
“What mortuary will handle the service?” I asked. “We’ll have to schedule a time that suits the mortuary. A time and a place.”
“I’ll check the mortuaries,” Threnody offered. “I think Tisdale’s has a crematory. We’d want that, wouldn’t we?”
“I think so,” I said. “Maybe we should ask Pablo about that.”
“Only if he drops around,” Brick said. “I knew of no way to reach him this morning. Get prices as well as availability, Threnody.”
“Of course.” Threnody grabbed a telephone directory and turned to the yellow pages. “Maybe a mortuary will offer a chapel for their services. Or do you think we should hold the service in a church? Diego was Catholic, wasn’t he?”
“I wonder how big the crowd will be.” I said. “Diego may not have had many family members in this country, but he had lots of friends from Key Largo to Key West.
“And there’ll be the curious,” Brick said. “Either of you ever attended services for a homicide victim? Unless we plan private services, some people may attend out of curiosity.”
“Don’t think Diego would have wanted private services,” Threnody said. “He doted on his friends and acquaintances. I suggest an open funeral in a large church for his service.”
“St. Paul’s, perhaps?” Brick asked. “How cool would that be?”
“That’s Episcopal, not Catholic.”
“May I offer a suggestion?”
We all looked up, startled, when Pablo spoke from the doorway. Brick rose from behind his desk, but Threnody and I remained seated.
“Come in, Pablo.” Brick pulled up another chair, easing it between Threnody and me. “We’re planning Diego’s funeral. Of course, if you want to take over, you’re more than welcome to do so.”
Pablo remained standing behind the chair Brick offered. “Thank you. I don’t want to take over the planning of Dad’s ceremony, but I’d like to be a part of that planning. Dad and I had been estranged recently, but…but…”
Pablo’s eyes grew moist and I thought he might break down, but Brick came to his rescue.
“We understand, Pablo. We understand. Threnody and I certainly know how difficult it is for parents and children always to be in agreement, to keep their relationship on an even keel.”
“We’re glad you showed up last night at The Frangi and approached us here this morning.” Threnody scooted her chair back to make more room for Pablo, should he decide to sit beside us.
Pablo eased into the chair Brick offered, and Threnody continued speaking.
“We’re pleased to have your input on planning Diego’s service. We had tentatively decided to hold it tomorrow afternoon. If we call The Citizen today we may be able to get an announcement in tomorrow’s paper. Of course, we’ll arrange for radio and TV announcements. We’d like your input on the place for the service as well as for the burial spot.”
“Care to share your feelings?” I asked. “Under the circumstances, I feel sure you and Diego never discussed these matters.”
“Right. Never.”
“So what do you suggest?” Brick sat again behind his desk. “Threnody mentioned the Tisdale Mortuary.”
“That’d be fine with me.” Pablo leaned forward in his chair. “Dad was never much for attending church, so I’d suggest an outdoor service.”
“Do you have a location in mind?” Brick asked.
“When I was a child, Dad and I spent many pleasant times in Bayview Park. We called it Jose Marti Park because it’s the place where Marti organized revolutionists to help defeat Spain’s hold on our homeland. Maybe we could arrange an outdoor service at Bayview.”
“Sounds like a good idea,” Threnody agreed. “We could check out that plan with the proper officials. Since Diego served as a councilman, getting permission to use the park should be no problem. Would you like to go with me to make those arrangements?”
“Yes. I would like that and maybe we can also discuss plans for some music. Would you sing, Threnody? Dad and I always liked to hear your voice. Would you do “Amazing Grace?” That was one of the few hymns Dad knew.”
“I would feel honored to sing,” Threnody said. “Perhaps we can arrange for a portable organ or piano and a pianist to play in the background before and after the service.”
“And the burial?” Brick asked. “If you go along with the cremation plan, we could scatter Diego’s ashes in a place of your choosing, Pablo. Perhaps at sea?”
Pablo shook his head. “After his escape from Mariel and losing his wife at sea, Dad’s never been fond of
the ocean. I think he’d like to be buried in the Key West cemetery. It’s another spot we frequently visited when I was a child. Strange place to take a kid, right? Maybe. Maybe not. Dad liked to study the inscriptions and the art on the tombstones. That cemetery’s still in use, isn’t it?”
“Yes,” Brick said. “I’m sure it is.”
“So let’s see if we can buy a burial plot there. Some people think a burial at sea has an ethereal appeal, even a glamorous appeal. But I’ve never felt that way. I’d like to see Dad laid to rest in a spot where I could place a hibiscus blossom on his grave marker now and then.”
Brick stood. “So why don’t you and Threnody secure a mortuary and get permission to hold the service in a secluded area at Bayview? Due to Diego’s Cuban heritage, we should have no trouble with the authorities in control of the park.”
“That’s fine with me.” Pablo looked at Threnody who nodded in agreement.
“Pablo, I suggest that I go to the cemetery officials and make arrangements for burial there,” Brick said. “As a respected businessman, I think they’ll agree to sell me a suitable plot at a reasonable price. Rafa, why don’t you join me? Two business people may get a better deal than one.”
I didn’t care to bargain over the price of a burial plot nor did I care to join Brick. I said so immediately. No way did I intend to fall into the category of one of the ‘ladies Brick had an eye for.’ I owed that to myself and to my covert partnership with Threnody.
“I have plans for the morning, Brick, and I know you’ll be able to make the necessary arrangements at the cemetery.”
Brick nodded in silent agreement.
I left Brick’s office quickly, glad to hurry back to my car, but was surprised to see Kane sitting on the passenger side waiting for me. We exchanged a deep kiss before I spoke.
“Great to see you here, and I hope nothing’s wrong at The Buccaneer.”
“Nothing wrong that I know of.” Kane grinned. “But there’s a murderer at large. Remember? I like knowing where you are and that you’re safe.”
“Come on, Kane! I won’t have you playing protector. Makes me nervous.”
“And you’re planning to investigate Diego’s murder makes me nervous. Very nervous.”
To tell him I wasn’t going to investigate would be a lie. To tell him I would be circumspect in my investigating would break my promise to Threnody. I chose my words carefully.
“We all need to do whatever we can to bring Diego’s killer to justice.”
“Leave it to the police, Rafa. You could blackball yourself and your future career in Key West by nosing into this case.”
“We’ve been over this before. Discussion closed.”
“Where are you going now?”
“Going to drive by Bayview Park. Pablo suggested we hold Diego’s service there. I’m not totally sure where it is.”
“You’re headed right toward it. It’s on the corner of Truman Avenue and Jose Marti Drive. It’s a beautiful area. Pablo’s made a good choice. Look!”
I looked, but not at Bayview Park. The small parking area at a tourist information office had an empty slot and I pulled into it. Bayview Park lay half a block or so behind us and we stepped from the car for a better look at the vast expanse of grass bordered by palms and seagrape trees. A small monument stood in the distance, but we couldn’t see it clearly. Perhaps a likeness of Jose Marti, I guessed. Three boys ran across the grass flying kites until one of them fell.
“Look, Kane. He’s hurt. But no. He’s getting up again. Guess he didn’t break any bones. Probably turned his ankle.”
“Maybe stepped into an owl’s burrow. Guess he’s okay. He’s chasing after his friends. Didn’t even lose hold of his kite string.”
“Burrowing owls? Never heard of that before. Florida owls don’t live in trees?”
“Some do. Some don’t. Many times conservationists rope off areas where the owls live in the ground—especially if they have young.”
“And when do they have young?”
“I don’t have the statistics on that. Want to look it up? The city might refuse to let anyone schedule a funeral in the park if it’s going to disturb the owls.”
“That’s not my problem. Pablo and Threnody were going to try to make arrangements to use the park—or at least some area of the park. Brick’s to arrange for a burial plot at the cemetery.”
“And what was your assignment?”
“I don’t have one. I planned to return to the hotel, check on Dolly, and see if everything’s going smoothly at The Frangi.”
“Expecting trouble?”
“No. But I wanted to make sure Dolly’s okay after the accident last night. Want me to drive you to your boat?”
“No, thanks. Just let me out at the next corner. I’ll run into Fausto’s for a few groceries, then I’ll walk on to The Buccaneer.”
“You’ll have things to carry. I’ll wait and drive you to your boat slip.”
“Thanks, Rafa, but not this time.”
I let him out at Fausto’s and drove on to the hotel.
Chapter 21
(Monday Morning)
I parked in my usual place behind the hotel. Sun sparkled on a few drops of dew still clinging to the scarlet poinsettia plants that ringed the fence around the pool. A coconut thudded to the ground near the gate, and another splashed into the pool. The lingering aroma of frying bacon that wafted from the hotel kitchen reached me as I left my car. Walking to poolside, I picked up a dip net and fished the coconut from the water and carried it to a trash can nearby before I took the elevator upstairs to my suite.
“Dolly? Dolly, are you ready for some breakfast?” Crossing the carpet to the guestroom, I rapped lightly on the door. No response. I rapped again. “Dolly? Dolly, you okay?”
The door opened so quickly, I stepped back in surprise.
“I’m up, Rafa. And I’m okay. But we need to talk.”
I peeked inside my guestroom. The bed lay in a tumble of pillows and sheets. It looked as if she might have thrashed about all night. But she was up and dressed in the silk jumpsuit I’d laid out for her.
“Sorry if I’ve overslept a bit this morning.”
“You deserved to sleep in this morning after what happened last night. I didn’t come to hurry you back to work. I came to check to see if you’re okay.”
“I’m fine. Skin’s a little red in spots, but no pain. None at all.”
“Let’s see your hair. How’s it look?”
Dolly pulled a hairbrush from the pocket of the jumpsuit and ran it through her hair.
“Hair’s okay. I had to trim off a few scorched ends here and there, but for the most part I don’t think anyone can tell.”
I motioned toward a bedside recliner, but Dolly remained standing.
“Your upper arms. Push up your sleeves. Let’s see all of your arms. I hope there aren’t any blisters.”
“No blisters. None at all. I tell you, you’re a good nurse, Rafa. My elbows are a bit tender to the touch, but I massaged lotion on them and I’m feeling fine.”
“I’m very relieved about that, but perhaps you should see a doctor to be sure everything’s all right. I could call my doc. I’m sure his receptionist would put you on fast forward to see him if I asked her to.”
“No doctor, thank you. My blouse and bra are ruined, but I have extras and I can order replacements from Burdine’s in Miami. I know they carry them.”
“You send me the bill. I’m sure Mother carries fire insurance. Now that it’s daylight, I’ll take a careful look around The Frangi. There may be some fire or smoke damage that we overlooked last night.”
“I’ll go with you and help you inspect. You’re right. In all the excitement, we may have missed seeing some destruction.”
I led the way from my guest room and Dolly followed. The Frangi smelled of smoke, and I raised the side curtains to allow more air to circulate. After we made a thorough inspection, we sat at one of the glass-topped tables.
&
nbsp; “The fire was an accident wasn’t it, Dolly?” I stared into her face, forcing her to meet my gaze.
“Why, Rafa! Of course it was an accident. What else could it have been? I was trying to help Brick extinguish the torches and I got too close to one of the windswept flames. Nobody was to blame. Unless you blame me for carelessness.”
“Nobody is blaming you. Nobody.”
“Maybe Threnody. I saw her scowl at me. You told her to go get something inside the house, but she didn’t move. She seemed angry and she stood there scowling.”
“I doubt that you really remember that. How could you recall, or even notice such a small thing when your hair was about to go up in flames?”
“I can’t answer that. People remember strange things in times of crisis, and I do remember Threnody scowling. Sometimes I think she doesn’t like me.”
“She wouldn’t hire you to help clean their mansion if she didn’t like you and your work.” I wanted to tell her that she might make brownie points with Threnody if she stopped flirting with Brick. But this was no time for that.
“Dolly, I’m glad—relieved that you’re okay. If you need more rest, do take today off. I feel sure the Vextons will agree to that, too.”
“I’ll work as usual.”
I tried to change the subject. “Have you made any decision about your poem? You going to buy some copies of the vanity book?”
“I haven’t decided yet. If everyone knows about the kind of a scam that makes writers think they’re professional when they’re not, I may say no. I don’t want people laughing at me.”
“I think that would be a good decision, Rafa. If you keep writing and submitting your poems they will find their place in legitimate venues. I like your poems—especially the ones about cats.”
“Thank you, Rafa. I appreciate knowing that. But enough about me. What about Diego’s murder? Police have anything new to say this morning?”
“All Diego’s friends are ‘people of interest’ at this point. Threnody, Brick, Pablo, and I were at our morning meeting.” I told her about the tentative funeral plans.
Dolly looked at the floor and spoke softly. “There’s something I didn’t tell Chief Ramsey at yesterday morning’s meeting.”
Daiquiri Dock Murder Page 13
