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

so we’re prepared,” he said.
    She nodded. “You’re right. I’m also starting to think this guy we’re after has a history wherever he’s from.”
    “I do too, and my guess is it’s the good ol’ United States, but we’ll know soon enough.”
    Sara took in the structure of the building, letting her eyes trace up and down, side to side. She faced Sean. “How do you propose we find out their room number? Assuming they didn’t get dropped here and head somewhere else to throw us off.”
    “You think they know about us?”
    Sara bit her bottom lip. “Absolutely. We know that Amelia does. Otherwise why scribble that note in her book? What we don’t know is her relationship, if any, to the man who took her.”
    “I think the chances are slim someone from Cancun has a vendetta against her.”
    “I believe you’re right.”
    “That means he followed her. I hope Voigt comes back with something soon.”
    “Me too, darling.”
    The sun was beating down and had Sean seeking shelter. He extended his hand to Sara and led her into the lobby of the motel. In a place like this, he wouldn’t let her leave his side.
    The plan of attack formulated in his mind and flicked into focus once he was free of the blinding heat. Places like this didn’t give out information—their customers typically paid cash and didn’t provide real names anyway. He had to present himself as someone to fear.
    He did a quick survey of the interior—there was an ugly couch, framed in wood, its back was scalloped, the fabric a faded, rusty floral pattern. The man behind the counter was all of five-feet-four with dark skin and a wide, round face. He had his hands braced on the aging laminate countertop, a toothpick poking out from the corner of his mouth. He wore a dazed, awkward grin.
    “Would you hurry up your ass, broad?” Sean tugged on Sara’s arm, delicately balancing between appearing to be a ruffian and not hurting her. He turned to face her and enlarged his eyes, urging her to play along.
    “This is no way to treat a lady. Get your hand off me, you creep.”
    “Now, now, little darling.” Sean pulled her to him and tucked her tight into his side, looking to the guy at the counter.
    “She always has to say no before she says yes. Don’t ya, darling?” Sean planted a big, wet, noisy kiss on her cheek.
    Sara pushed on his chest but then surrendered to his embrace. “You know it, big boy.” She turned to face the man and smiled. “Please get us a room. Now.”
    The man slowly drew the toothpick from his mouth, every fragment of the wood scraping across his teeth. With it removed, the grin was feral and Sean would recognize its origin anywhere. The man was a predator.
    “We’re meeting up with two friends of ours and having ourselves a party, if you know what I mean,” Sean said.
    “Ah, Señor.” The man laughed, causing the skin around his eyes to pinch into deep-set wrinkles. “Party.”
    Sean realized that the man’s knowledge of English was limited. Sean used gestures as he spoke, hoping it would be enough to get the message understood. “They would have arrived not long ago.”
    The Mexican’s brow knitted in confusion.
    Sean went about it another way. “She’s a redhead. He’s a jerk, but also my friend. Amigo.” He passed a smile at the man.
    “Sí, sí. Amigo.”
    “Right. He wore a Budweiser t-shirt.” Sean patted his chest.
    “Ah, great American beer.”
    “Yes.”
    Seconds passed with him and the Mexican staring at each other.
    “Their room number?”
    “Muchacha bonita.” He bent over, leaned on his elbow and tapped his fingers to his lips, then pointed at Sara.
    “No way, man. She’s mine. Maybe I haven’t made myself clear.” Sean put his hand into his shorts pocket while keeping eye contact with the man. “I’m here to party and no one gets in my way. Understood?”
    Sean drew out his hand.
    “Stop.” The man passed a glance from Sara to Sean.
    “Room three fifteen,