Murder in Cuba

by Dianne Harman

  “Carola, I don't want to alarm you, but you know Mike is the Beaver County, Oregon Sheriff. He's been involved in several murder cases over the last couple of years, and I've helped him as well. I hate to tell you this, but if the coroner finds that Dudley was murdered, Jack could be a suspect, and here's why. Mike says the first place you look when trying to solve a murder case is to find out who has the most to gain from the victim being murdered. “In Dudley's case, from what Mike told me, there could be several people. Certainly Philip and Jack, because now one of their competitors for the Bartolo contract is no longer around. Mike told me he would do whatever was necessary to clear Jack’s name if it does turn out to be a case of murder. I just want you to know ahead of time that it's a possibility.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding! Jack is the kindest, gentlest person I've ever known. That's why he specializes in catch and release fishing. He can’t stand to guide clients he calls 'meat fishers.' You know, the type that want to kill every fish they catch and put it in an ice chest. No, there is absolutely no way my husband could have done something like that. He is simply incapable of it.”

  “From what Mike’s told me about Jack, I would have to agree. Mike said Philip was really mad at Dudley, and he felt Dudley had unfairly embarrassed and demeaned Stewart. Those are two others who could be considered suspects, and then there's his wife.”

  Mike walked into the bar followed by Jack, just as Kelly finished telling Carola what Mike had told her. Carola stood up and hugged Jack. “Honey, I am so sorry about this. Are you all right?”

  “Yes, I'm fine, but obviously Dudley isn't. I told the constable I’d gone for a swim about the time Dudley’s body was discovered, but I hadn't seen anything. I hope he believed me.”

  “You're not the only one. Let's go up to the room. I imagine you could use a little quiet time right now.” She turned to Mike and Kelly. “It's 7:00 now. Let's meet in the restaurant at 8:00. Maybe someone will know more then.”

  “Sounds good,” Kelly said. “Mike, I imagine you could use a little rest too after a long hot day in the sun.”

  They met in the restaurant, but dinner was a somber affair given the recent turn of events. They called it a night as soon as they finished dinner and retired to their rooms.

  CHAPTER 10

  The next morning Kelly kissed Mike goodbye and wished him luck as he scurried around the room making sure he had everything he'd need for the day's fishing. She'd had no luck with the coffeepot or hot water pot that was in the room. The only thing she could find next to it was decaffeinated coffee, and she definitely needed something with a kick to begin her morning. After she finished dressing she decided to walk down to the buffet restaurant and get some coffee. It was already sunny and humid and the breeze almost blew the floppy sun hat she was wearing off of her head before she could make it down the steps of their building. When she got to the bottom she thought she heard something.

  She looked down to see where the sound had come from and saw a very small cat. She bent down to pet it as it mewed and wrapped itself around her ankles. “Aren't you a little beauty?” she said to the amber and white colored cat. She gently stroked its soft fur and was rewarded with the cat purring. “Who do you belong to, and where do you live, little one?” Although she knew the cat couldn't answer, she couldn't help but ask the question as she looked around but didn't see anyone. “Do you belong to the resort? Are you in charge of making sure there aren't any mice or other things tourists might not like?”

  Kelly stood up and said, “Little cat, I think I'll call you Cayo after the name of this island. I have to go now, but I hope to see you again.”

  The calico cat looked up at her as if to say, “You're definitely going to see me again. Matter of fact I'm going with you. They know me in the restaurant. Let’s go.” Cayo took a few steps in front of Kelly and then looked back at her as if to say, “Well, are you coming or not?”

  “This is something I didn't expect. Guess there's a lot that happens on this island I don't know about. If you want to come with me, you're more than welcome,” she said to the little cat. The two of them walked over to the open-air restaurant and entered it. There was no doubt Cayo was quite at home in the restaurant.

  Kelly sat down and immediately a server came over to her table, reached down, and petted the small cat while at the same time asking Kelly if she would like some juice or coffee. The cat stretched out under the table as if it belonged there.

  “Black coffee, please. It looks like you know this cat.”

  “Ah, yes. Many people feed him, and he keeps the mice and other little critters in check. We like him very much, but he has never stayed with just one person. Usually he walks through the restaurant hoping to find someone who will give him food. You must own a cat, and he senses you are a friend.”

  “No, I have two dogs. I've never owned a cat. I really don't know anything about them.”

  “Animals always know about people. You might not have a cat now but you will. He can tell.”

  Oh yeah, Kelly thought. With two dogs, and the last one pretty difficult to get Mike to accept, don't see that happening anytime soon.

  She sipped her coffee and had the same thought that she'd had the morning before about the coffee tasting more like foamy hot chocolate than the black coffee she was used to at home. She’d decided yesterday that it wasn't bad, just different. Meanwhile Cayo snored softly beneath her feet. She pushed her chair back, being careful not to disturb him. She circled around all of the breakfast stations trying to decide what to have for breakfast.

  Good grief. I have never seen such a breakfast display. Whatever country you're from, and whatever you’re used to eating for breakfast, it's here. I'd like to try everything, but not only would I be in a food coma for the rest of the day, Mike would have to hire a forklift to get me on the plane when it's time to go home. Probably not a good thing to do. She settled for a fresh shrimp omelet and some fruit.

  The savory taste of the freshly caught shrimp in the omelet reminded her of what Carola had eaten for dinner the previous night. She’d opted for shrimp pasta with mushrooms, calamari, onions and garlic. It looked so good Kelly had already decided that's what she was going to have for dinner tonight. What fascinated her was Carola's description of how the chef had prepared it. Evidently he’d taken precooked pasta and put it in a cylindrical sieve type container which he plunged into simmering hot water. Carola told him what she wanted in her pasta, and he squeezed oil from a bottle into a pan which was sizzling hot, flash fried the ingredients, and asked Carola what kind of sauce she wanted on her pasta. The choices were bolognese, white, or a combination of the two. He'd taken a ladle of the sauce from a container, mixed it with the sizzling ingredients, drained the pasta, and put it in the sizzling pan. He mixed the ingredients together and plated it. Kelly had looked enviously at the pasta plate, and Carola confirmed it was every bit as good as it looked.

  If it's half as good as it looked, I could easily serve that at the coffee shop. I could have a list of ingredients and customize a pasta plate for customers. With the pasta being precooked it wouldn't be any harder for Charlie to make than it is for him to cook an omelet or hamburger, and I don't know of any restaurants around us that do something like that.

  Kelly felt a tap on her shoulder and looked up to see Carola wearing a cover-up top over a bright pink bikini. With her jet black hair and dark skin, she was breathtaking. Her beauty and innate sexiness was not lost on the men in the room, many of whom took the opportunity when their wives or significant others were getting their breakfast to stare longingly at Carola who seemed to be completely oblivious of her charming and sexy appearance.

  “I’m going down to the beach and sunbathe this morning. You're welcome to join me,” Carola said as she sat down across from Kelly. Sensing something near her feet she looked down. “What do we have here?” she asked, looking at the reclining cat who was purring next to Kelly's feet.

  “This is my new friend. He dis
covered me on the walk here this morning and hasn't left me. I've named him Cayo.”

  “Here kitty, here kitty,” Carola said. Cayo looked at her, but didn't move from his spot next to Kelly. “I thought you told me you were a dog person. I'm the one who has two cats at home. I’d think he’d sense that and come to me.”

  “Me too. I can't explain this. I know absolutely nothing about cats.”

  “You might not know anything about them, but I can tell you they are uncanny when it comes to accepting people. If a cat purrs when someone is around, that's a person that can be trusted. If instead a cat hisses, you want to get as far away as you can from that person.”

  “Thanks, but this might be the only time Cayo and I are together. I imagine he has a lot of friends here. Anyway, thanks for the beach invite, but I need to make sense of the notes I took when we met with the chef yesterday. Why don't we meet here for lunch, say at 1:30? That should give both of us plenty of time. I understand they sell a card which allows you to access the Internet in the lobby. I want to do that and let everyone know we arrived safe and sound. The day we left home there was a hurricane in Mexico that looked pretty bad, and I'm sure my staff and children are wondering if we've been affected by it. See you later.”

  Kelly stood and started to walk towards the restaurant entrance. As soon as she stood up, Cayo stood up and walked with her step for step. “Kelly,” Carola said laughing, “I'll bet you anything you want to bet that this isn't going to be the only time you and Cayo are together. Hope Mike likes cats.”

  When she got to her room Kelly slid the plastic key card into the slot and the light on the lock turned green. She opened the door and before she could close it, Cayo slipped into the room, jumped on the bed, and curled up on a pillow.

  Oh, this is just swell. Our vacation is starting to have a life of its own. Yesterday the death of a fishing guide, and today I've been adopted by a cat. She looked at the calico cat that had fallen sound asleep. I don't have a clue how Mike is going to feel about this. Dogs we talk about. Cats we've never discussed.

  CHAPTER 11

  Kelly heard the salsa music as soon as she walked down the stairs from their ocean view room and headed for the restaurant. If the day before yesterday was any indication, I'll bet Carola will be dancing, and every man in the restaurant will be salivating. As it turned out, it was just as she had predicted. Carola was dancing with a Cuban man to the cheers and hoots of the crowd. Everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time. When Carola saw Kelly she danced over to the table where she’d taken a seat and said, “Be with you in a minute.” She and the Cuban man finished the dance to a thunderous round of applause.

  “You’re really good,” Kelly said as Carola sat down. She waved the server over and in fluent Spanish asked for a piña colada. She turned to Kelly. “What can I order for you?”

  “I don't know, surprise me. I have no experience with rum drinks.”

  A few minutes later the server brought them piña coladas. They talked about their families, their husbands, and this and that. Kelly had just looked away from Carola when much to her surprise, she saw Mike walking into the restaurant. She said in a loud voice, “Mike, over here.” He walked over to their table and sat down.

  “What are you doing here?” Kelly asked. “I thought you were going to be fishing all day and eat lunch on one of the islets like you did yesterday.”

  “So did I, but the constable sent a boat out for me. The coroner brought his equipment to Cayo Largo earlier today, and he’s determined that Dudley was murdered. Apparently it's the first murder that’s ever occurred here on the island. The constable wants me to help him, since he's never had to conduct a murder investigation. Plus, Dudley was staying here at the hotel, and we were with him in Havana as well. The constable is picking me up in a few minutes.” Mike heard something under the table and looked down. He saw Cayo with his head resting on Kelly's feet.

  “What in the devil is this? Never mind, that was a stupid question. I know what it is, but how and why?”

  “I have no clue. I was simply adopted by him on my way to breakfast this morning. I think he plans on staying with us while we're here.”

  “Great. I love our dogs,” Mike said, “but I have to tell you it's been kind of nice not having to get up to let them out, make sure they're fed, and all the rest of the stuff that goes along with being a dog owner. What is it with you, Kelly? Do you send out sounds at some tone decibel I can't hear inviting stray dogs and cats to come to you?”

  Kelly laughed. “I have no idea. I know nothing about cats, but Cayo seems to have decided we're going to be friends while I'm here.”

  “Mike, I know you have to go, but does this mean Jack will be a suspect? Where is he?” Carola asked.

  “I think everyone who has had anything to do with Dudley will be a suspect. As for Jack, he's still out fishing. There was no need for him to come in with me. I told him to keep fishing and see if he could become a member of the Grand Slam Club.” He turned to Kelly. “I have no idea when I'll be back, so if you get hungry tonight go ahead and eat without me.”

  “Okay, but how do you intend to start this investigation, since it sounds like it's falling into your hands?”

  “Several things have happened. Guido, the head fishing guide at the marina, told me when he came to get me in the boat that Philip had volunteered this morning to take over Dudley's group and help them. Guido said he wasn't too sure how he felt about it, because Philip told the group now that Dudley was dead he was going to be the one who would get the exclusive rights from Bartolo to fish in the Cayo Largo area, so they better get to know him."

  “What a horrible man,” Carola said. “He's saying Jack doesn't have a chance at becoming the exclusive United States agent for Bartolo, right?”

  “That's how I'd interpret it. I agree, it takes a lot of nerve to do something like that when a man has been murdered, but I doubt if his clients know that since they're all still out on the water.”

  “What else has happened?”

  Mike looked at his watch, “I'll make this quick, and then I need to go change. The constable will be here in just a few minutes. He spoke with his superior on the main island, and a decision was made to not allow anyone who could be considered a suspect to leave the island, and that includes Dudley's wife. It's somewhat unusual, but he's also decided not to allow Dudley’s body to leave Cuba until the killer is found. Jack, Stewart, and Philip, all of whom are the fishing people who might be considered suspects, are here for several more days anyway, but it's unusual to place a hold on the body of a murder victim and not allow the spouse or the decedent’s body to be returned to their home country for some type of a memorial service.” With that he stood up to leave.

  “Wait, Mike, one more thing. What made the coroner say Dudley was murdered rather than suffering a heart attack, which is what was originally thought?” Carola asked.

  “He found a little dot on Dudley's arm that looked like a needle puncture. When he conducted the autopsy, he found traces of an unknown substance in Dudley's body. He didn't know exactly which one it was, but it seems to have caused Dudley's heart to stop. Essentially he was poisoned. A lot of coroners would have missed it. I'm pretty impressed the coroner was able to get that information from an autopsy done under rather primitive circumstances. See you later.”

  Carola, who was normally carefree and vivacious, had become very quiet. After a few minutes she looked at Kelly and said, “I remember you told me how you have helped Mike solve several murder cases in the past. I’m so worried for Jack. Please, Kelly, would you help Mike find the murderer? I’ll do what I can to help. Surely my ability to speak Spanish can be of some use. Please, please say yes.” She looked at Kelly, her big brown eyes glistening with unshed tears.

  “I'll be happy to do anything I can, but we're in a foreign country, at a remote resort, I don't speak the language, and the possible suspects are from all over the world.”

  “I think the first place to st
art is with Dudley's widow,” Carola said. “She was very rude when I tried to talk to her before, but maybe if I go to her room and offer my condolences, she'll be nicer, and I can find out something.”

  “From what you told me and what I overheard, I doubt it, but yes, it's worth a try. I wonder where she was when Dudley was murdered. In other words what is her alibi? As to any other suspects, we can forget about Jack, although he was taking a swim, and Dudley was murdered either when he was in the water or right before he was in the water. While Jack might not have a very good alibi, I feel certain we can cross him off the list.”

  Carola looked steadily at Kelly and said, “I told you before that Jack could not have done it, and that's why I want to find out who did.”

  “I understand, Carola. That leaves Stewart and Philip. Since they're both out fishing right now, we’ll have to wait to find out anything about them. There is someone else that hasn't been mentioned, and this is where your fluency in Spanish might help. I don't think I've told this to you or Mike, but when the guides were showing the men how to cast during the orientation, I went up to the marina building where the fishing equipment is stored to use the bathroom.

  “I overheard the head guide, Guido, telling another guide he wanted Jack to be the one to get the contract from Bartolo. I thought it was interesting that he was speaking to his guide in English since he's Italian, and his guide is Cuban. He told the guide he was talking to him in English because he wanted him to use his English as much as he could. He said the reason he wanted Jack to get the contract, and not Dudley, is that Dudley had bragged that when he got the contract he would bring his own people in, and Guido was worried about what would happen to the Cuban guides who had worked so hard to get where they were. He said he considered them family.”