Madison Westin 02-Deception in Paradise

by Deborah Brown

  “You’re light on the info, girl. How about some details?”

  “I hit the highlights. My money’s on the fact that when I hear from you next, you’ll know more than I do right now.”

  “Where did he go over?” Joseph asked.

  “Right where you hit the open water, just past 33rd Avenue.” I stood up.

  “If he was a floater, he should’ve surfaced by now. Is he local?”

  “I believe so. Call me as soon as you hear anything.” I walked to the front door. “The emphasis on as soon asyou hear.”

  “I’ll know something in a couple of hours. I’ll put my shoes on and head down to the Jumpin’ Croc. Somebody there will be talking. Nothing but locals and the fishermen crowd drink there.”

  “Thanks, Joseph.”

  * * *

  I drove to 33rd Avenue and circled the block a few times. Everything was quiet. Seeing into the canal from the street was impossible, and I wasn’t getting out of my SUV. The last thing I wanted was for someone to see me snooping. I could call Zach, but what would I say? “Hey Zach, can you help with my ex-husband.” Awkward.

  I turned my SUV around to head home, taking the back streets that ran along the water; never discovering a single dead body. The reality was that I couldn’t have picked Pavel out of a lineup as I didn’t even know what he looked like. I wanted Jax to stay away from my house, but I feared if I took my eyes off him, he’d disappear, leaving behind a new set of problems.

  Not having eaten all day, I pulled into Roscoe’s drive-thru, a run-down, dumpy dive that made the best burgers in the Keys. I once asked Roscoe why he had big outside tables, but no chairs.

  “I provide great food. Go eat it somewhere else. I don’t want no trouble,” he had responded.

  What did he care? He always had a line waiting. I ordered my usual hamburger; no “meat surprise” with Roscoe, he used only first-quality ingredients. I sat in my driveway, turned on the radio, took the hamburger out of the bag, tossed half the bun back in the bag, and devoured it. I wasn’t in the mood to share with Jazz or anyone else.

  Everything was quiet. I sucked down the last of my lemonade and went inside. I was relieved I had the house to myself. Calling and asking for Spoon’s help was out of the question since he was with my mother. She couldn’t find out until I told her.

  My phone rang. “It’s Joseph,” I told Jazz. “I hope he has something good.”

  “I got your information.”

  “That was fast.”

  “Pavel hasn’t surfaced. He’s the talk in every bar in town. Pavel worked for Sid Byce on the docks, unloading fish off the boats for his restaurants and seafood store. Byce owns several restaurants up and down The Keys. He’s a big deal in this town, owns a lot of real estate, knows everyone, used to be on city council, and family connections that go back to his great-grandfather.”

  “Doesn’t he own The Wharf restaurant?”

  “That’s one of his. Good food, overpriced, attracts the hip and mindless. Byce has a friend on the Coast Guard, so he also got a call last night that Pavel went missing.”

  “What’s the talk?”

  “Did you know Pavel jumped before?” Joseph asked. “It’s assumed he’ll show up in a day or two.”

  “Who jumps off boats in the dark?”

  “Drunks.” Joseph laughed. “Pavel and his girlfriend live in those apartments behind the biker bar on Second Street.”

  “Isn’t that down by the docks?”

  “It’s also across the alley from where he works. Here’s a weird one for you. Pavel’s girlfriend and another girl have been walking up and down Gulf Boulevard, drunk, looking for him in every bar they can find. The guys in a couple of those bars must have thought it was their lucky day, as women never go in those, not even the skanky ones.”

  “Is that it?” Where could Pavel be hiding? If he were still alive…

  “You could’ve told me trouble came to town.”

  “I need more info, as you like to say,” I said.

  “Seems your husband and his friends were drunk, attracting attention, racing around the canals in no-wake zones. The Coast Guard found a half-dozen empty half-gallon liquor bottles and a shit load of empty beer cans.”

  I knew Jax’s story had holes in it big enough to drive through. “Do you know who was on the boat?”

  “A couple of newly relocated friends of your husband.”

  I had a bad feeling about his so-called anonymous friends. Jax didn’t do alone; he hated to be by himself. It made sense he brought hangers-on with him. “If you hear anything, please call me. If there’s a sighting of Pavel, call me. I don’t care what time it is.”

  “Don’t worry. He’ll turn up laughing it up in some bar, probably the Croc.”

  “I hope you’re right.” I hung up, wanting to throw my phone across the room.

  CHAPTER 11

  I heard the bedroom doorknob turning. I held my breath for a second, and then heard the familiar sound of a pick inserted into the lock. I smiled, wanting to run naked to the door and throw it open, but I needed margarita courage to do that.

  “That was a little slow,” I said.

  “If you knew I was here, why didn’t you open the door? Playing hard to get?”

  “As a matter of fact…” I pulled my T-shirt over my head and threw it at him.

  He kicked off his shoes, unzipped his pants, and let them fall to the floor. “You like watching me undress?”

  “Try not to dawdle.”

  He laughed. “What’s been going on?”

  I crooked my finger. “Come over here, and I’ll tell you about my day.”

  He crawled into bed next to me, wrapped me in his arms, and kissed me. “No wonder your family calls him Dickhead.”

  “That’s not foreplay talk.” I rolled on top of him, my face against his chest, and ran my hands through his thick black hair. I pulled his face to mine and inhaled his earthy, male scent. “Did you sign your new client?”

  “I signed two.”

  “I know how we should celebrate.” I lowered my mouth to his in a hungry kiss. His body responded to mine. I loved the feel of our naked bodies; we fit together in all the right places.

  * * *

  I woke up with my head on Zach’s chest, our legs tangled together. “Why are you playing with my nipples?”

  He chuckled. “I thought it was a nicer way to wake you up than shaking you.”

  “It’s still dark out.” I loved waking up next to him, and I wanted to prolong the moment.

  “I’ve got back-to-back meetings today. We need to talk, and I’m hungry.”

  “I’ll cook while you shower,” I offered.

  “That’s funny.”

  “I’ll put the frozen waffles in the toaster for you.”

  “Your mother told me you were an amazing cook. She says you did all of the holiday cooking for family and friends. How do you go from a gourmet cook to take-out and microwave food?”

  “Jax happened.” I sighed. “He liked his own cooking over mine. Mine wasn’t southern enough. The last dinner I cooked was on Christmas, three years ago. He was several hours late and walked in drunk. He asked where the macaroni and cheese was, then left.” Jax hated Christmas; his father had died on Christmas day.

  “He’s going to jail. How much time he spends there will depend on whether Pavel’s found dead or alive.”

  “Did you run the report on Jax?” I hated asking for help with my ex-husband.

  “Anoui was supposed to have run that check. I did tell her there was no hurry, but that’s changed now. You know Anoui; if Jax has lint in his shorts, she’ll find it. I’ll ask her to rush the reports and get them to you by this afternoon or tomorrow. Then we’ll know what he’s been doing and who he’s been doing it with.”

  “I’ve asked Joseph to ask around about Pavel,” I said. “I told him to call immediately if he finds him. Can Anoui run a check on Pavel, too? I’d at least like to know what he looks like. A picture would be
nice.”

  “Where’s Jax now?”

  “He’s out looking for Pavel. He wasn’t around for several days before the accident, and I haven’t seen him since.”

  “I’ll help in any way I can. I’d rather you call and tell me these things than hearing from Big Louie on the docks.”

  I wrapped my fingers in his hair, pulled his face to mine, and kissed him. “Thank you.”

  “You know, if we shower together, we can take care of two things at once.”

  I rolled over and jumped off the bed. “I’ll race you to the bathroom.”

  * * *

  Zach and I came down the stairs together, and I could smell the coffee and hear Fab talking to Jazz. I was surprised she could work the coffee machine.

  “I thought we had a talk about you feeding Jazz on the counter,” I said.

  “He’s old, and he likes it up here. Besides, as his Auntie Fab, it’s my right to spoil him.”

  “Auntie Fab.” Zach snorted and shook his head.

  “I’m cooking,” I told Fab.

  She raised her eyebrows. “You are? What are you cooking?”

  “Frozen waffles,” Zach said.

  “I’m fine with coffee,” Fab said.

  “Me, too,” Zach added.

  “We could all go to the Bakery Café,” I suggested.

  “In that case, I’ll have an artichoke soufflé, fresh squeezed orange juice, and a latte.” Fab smiled.

  “And you?” I asked Zach.

  “I’ll have the new French toast thing with the egg and bacon in it, orange juice, and coffee.”

  “Both of you are turning down my home cooking for all that yummy food. You’re both spoiled.”

  “What about you?” Fab asked.

  “I’ll make up my mind before we get there. Separate cars and we’ll meet there?”

  “Ride with me,” Fab said. “I’ll bring you back.”

  * * *

  “They forgot the kibble for your yogurt,” Zach pointed out.

  “They’re bringing me my granola,” I said. “I’m having lunch with my mother later; I need to save room. When Anoui runs the check on Jax, have her find out the issue date on his driver’s license.”

  “It would be better if you let me take care of the investigation, since that’s what I’m good at. The best thing would be for you to stop asking questions.” Zach glared at me.

  “I can be helpful.”

  “If you want my help, you’ll stay out of it.”

  “Lower your voices. People are looking over here,” Fab told us.

  “What happens if Pavel floats up?” I asked.

  “Things get worse for Dickhead,” Zach replied. “He could be charged with manslaughter or worse. Who’s the boat registered to?”

  I lost my appetite. “Me and Brad.”

  “Brace yourself for a lawsuit from Pavel’s family. Do you have insurance?”

  “I’m sure we do. I’ll have to talk to Brad. I don’t know how I can face him.”

  “I’d talk to him for you,” Zach offered, “but that would make it worse.”

  “When are they releasing the boat?” Fab asked.

  “I’m supposed to call,” I said.

  “Go over to the Coast Guard station and ask to see the boat,” Zach said. “Take pictures and inspect for damage. Any chance asshole had an accident out there on the water?”

  “It’s Dickhead,” I reminded him. “When I think back to our conversation, it had been light on details.”

  “I can get a copy of the accident report faster than you can,” Fab said. “I have a friend at the local Coast Guard station. He’ll know the latest on the investigation.”

  Zach put his arm around me. “Don’t worry.”

  My phone rang. “Hi, Mother.”

  “Honey, we’re running behind schedule. I won’t be able to make lunch. How about I call you when we dock?”

  She sounded as though she was having a good time. “Sure, that’ll be fine.” I tried not to sound disappointed. “Are you still in Islamorada?”

  “We’re just getting ready to leave.”

  “Have a safe trip.”

  “I’ll call as soon as I get back.” She hung up.

  I put my hands over my face and banged my head on the table. “She’s lost her mind.”

  Zach rubbed the back of my neck. “Is your mother okay?”

  “What’s going on?” Fab asked.

  “I’ve got a question for the two of you. Would either of you want your mother to date Spoon?”

  Fab threw back her head and laughed.

  Zach blew his coffee back in his cup. “She’s with Spoon?”

  “Worse than that. They sailed to Islamorada yesterday, and they’re just heading back now.”

  “She’s sleeping with him!” Zach announced.

  “Do you have to say it like that? If you don’t stop laughing, Fab, I’m going to kick you out of your chair.”

  “Sorry,” Fab muttered.

  “The whole prison thing bothers me. Is he or isn’t he legitimate now? More importantly, is he totally legitimate? People whisper about his auto body place, not to mention him in general, of course, when he’s nowhere around because people are afraid of him.”

  “Very few people in this town are one hundred percent legit,” Zach pointed out.

  “It’s hard enough thinking about her having sex with Spoon, but I don’t want her to end up in jail or worse.”

  “Sex with Spoon,” Fab said. “I bet that’s all hot and messy.”

  “That’s not helpful,” I said.

  “Have a talk with her,” Zach suggested. “I can talk to Spoon and tell him under no circumstances does he involve her in anything illegal.”

  “You leave Spoon to me,” I told him. “You know how Brad hated you when he met you and now you’re in the tolerable category?”

  “Yes.” Zach’s eyes narrowed.

  “When he hears this, I bet he actually starts to like you.”

  Zach shook his head and laughed. He didn’t care what anyone thought of him. “Thanks, I think. I have a meeting back at the office,” Zach stood up. “Keep me up to speed.” He pulled me out of my chair. “She’ll be back in a minute,” he told Fab.

  We walked to his Escalade. He pushed me up against the driver’s side door and kissed me until my mind went blank. “How about a real date this weekend?”

  “Dinner, then sex?”

  “Or sex, dinner, and more sex.”

  “I’d love that.” I kissed his lips.

  “Call you later.”

  I turned around, and Fab handed me my purse. “It looked like you two were finished. Let’s go to the Coast Guard office and see what we can find out.”

  “How was bodyguarding Israel?” I asked. “He’s got that Latin sizzle thing going for him.”

  “I haven’t noticed.”

  I laughed. “Sure.”

  “The whole gig was uneventful, which is the way I like it. What’s up with you and Zach?”

  “I’m trying to be grownup, but I’d like more time for fun. That means I limit the urge to whine.”

  “I know what you mean. A weekend in Key West would be fun… or anywhere, for that matter.”

  “Did you woman up and tell Marco what you want?”

  She shook her head. “Nope.”

  “Me neither. We should do that before we get bored with being neglected and move on.”

  “I’m pretty much there.”

  I sighed. “What if they turn out to be the loves of our lives and we never said anything?”

  CHAPTER 12

  Fab jerked the wheel of her Thunderbird hard, skidded sideways into the driveway of the Coast Guard building, and screeched to a halt. She hated the brake pedal and never used it until the last second.

  We walked into the office, and Fab went to the counter. “Is Lieutenant Patrick in? Tell him Fab Merceau is here to see him.”

  We didn’t have to wait long before he appeared in his white Coast
Guard shorts and shirt. He towered over the two of us. Why wouldn’t Fab go for him? Probably too normal.

  He looked her up and down, a boyish grin on his face. “Hey, trouble.” He swung Fab into a hug.

  “This is my friend Madison Westin,” Fab introduced.

  I wanted a hug like hers, but wasn’t going to ask. “Nice to meet you.” I nodded at him, unsure of what else to say.

  “I need some information,” Fab told him.

  “Come back to my office.” He motioned for us to follow him down the hall. “What’s up? Please tell me you’re not in some kind of trouble with the Coast Guard.”

  I chuckled. He obviously knew her well. He had a nice office, no pictures of a woman or children, just one of him and his Akita. His nameplate read Dan Patrick.

  “There was a guy overboard the other night, a Pavel Klaus, and I wondered if you knew anything about the case,” Fab said. “Madison and her brother are the owners of the boat, although she wasn’t on it that night.”

  “I know we stopped looking for him. We have two reports on file regarding incidents of him jumping overboard and swimming back to shore. The latest was two months ago over on Decker Island. Klaus went with a group of people. They were all drunk, got into a fight, so he snuck off and swam back to the mainland. The friends called and reported him missing. We searched, and the whole time, he was sitting at the Croc, laughing it up.”

  “You think he’s alive?” Fab asked.

  “You’d think he would’ve shown up by now,” Dan said. “No one’s seen him, as far I know.”

  “Can we get a copy of the report? And is it possible for us to look at the boat?” Fab asked.

  Dan stood up. “I’ll be right back. I know the report is done; I’ll get you a copy. One question: did Devereaux have your permission to take the boat out that night?”

  “No, he didn’t,” I said.

  “We’ll note that in the report, and it will help you in dealing with the insurance company.” Dan left the office, shutting the door behind him.

  “He’s very nice,” I said.