Read Online Carolyn Arnold - McKinley 02 - Vacation is Murder by Carolyn Arnold - Free Book Online

McKinleys had come back to talk to her. If not, were her possessions still on the lounge chair on the beach? She shook the stupid thought. If she didn’t make it out of here alive, it wouldn’t matter.
    He straightened and hoisted up his pants.
    “I asked you to do one little favor for me, Mia.” He held up an index finger. “Just one. Fifty thousand dollars and I’d leave your life forever, but it proved too much for you to handle so I had to take things into my own hands. You know what else that means, right?”
    He pulled a gun from the back of his pants. “Don’t look so shocked. I have my ways of finding like-minded individuals. Compadres .” He shrugged. “And it doesn’t hurt that I know a little Spanish.”
    He leveled the barrel on her. “Seeing as I don’t need you anymore—”
    “Please, no. Don’t do this.” Tears streamed down her cheeks. Would their warmth be the last thing she’d feel?

 
     

     
    For Better Or Worse
     
    SARA WENT TO THE FRONT desk. She spoke a touch of Spanish and could use it to her advantage. They also figured if a man asked after Amelia, they might be cautious and less cooperative, so, Sean took a seat in the lobby area.
    Sara greeted the man behind the counter with a sincere smile. “ Buenos días .”
    “ Buenos días. ” He smiled too, leaning over the counter. “ Te ves lindísima en este vestido. ”
    Okay, maybe she didn’t know enough Spanish to carry on a conversation. She smiled at him.
    “It means you look beautiful in that dress.”
    “Oh. Gracias. ” She smiled, kindly, even though the man’s true thoughts were disclosed by his ogling. It used to make her uncomfortable, but over the years she’d found ways of working her looks to her advantage. Since he spoke English, she continued in the language she was more accustomed to. “I’m looking for my friend.”
    “You’ve lost her? I can be your friend.” Another sly smile.
    She batted a hand through the air. “Oh, but you see, I have her hat and need to get it to her. She burns terribly if she doesn’t wear this.” She held it up.
    “Why not wear it for the day? Maybe your friend met a man? She could be spending time indoors.” He winked at her . “ If you know what I mean.”
    “You mentioned she met a man? Did you see her with one?”
    “Maybe. You should find a male friend. I’ll volunteer.”
    “Oh, gracias, but no. It’s really important that I find her. She’s got a broken heart and will fall for any line.”
    Rejection glazed over his eyes.
    “I need to protect her.” She was losing him.
    “Ah, but you are an angel.” This time he gave her a goofy grin.
    “So, you did see her?”
    “Sí. I see everything.” He pointed behind her to the sitting area. “And I know you are with him.”
    Sara lowered her eyes, trying to put on an innocent air. “Yes, I am.”
    “Why not have him ask me where she is?”
    Sara laughed and gestured to Sean. He donned a gaze of confusion but walked over, placing a possessive arm around her waist.
    “I am telling you the truth about my friend Amelia.”
    “At least you have a name. Come here.” The man gestured for them to follow to the end of the counter. “She went with a man about an hour ago. They were in a hurry.”
    Sara placed the hat on her head. “Do you know where they went?”
    The Mexican pointed and smiled. “See, it looks good on you.”
    Sara glanced at Sean from her peripheral.
    The man continued. “They took a taxi.”
    “Do you know which taxi she took?” Sean asked.
    “Sí, it just happens to be—ah, good timing—that one right there.”
    “Gracias.” Sara pranced across the lobby to the overhang.
    Sean placed a hand on her shoulder. “Let me handle this, darling.”
    “Did you hear what he said?” She ran a hand along the brim of the hat. “He said I look good in this.”
    “Sweetheart, he would have said anything.”
    Sara scowled for a few seconds before the expression melted.
    Sean bent over and spoke