Read Online Murder at the Miramar (Augusta Burnette Series) by Dane McCaslin - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Dane McCaslin
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large window opposite me. I could see someone at work on the herbaceous borders lining the drive. That reminded me about Emmy and her walk past those same flower beds.
‘Oh, and I covered the front desk when Emmy went to check on the sound system. That was about four-ish, I think. That’s about it, aside from dinner and the dance.’
I stopped talking, waiting for direction. Detective Baird’s head was down as he wrote his notes with an easy script, giving me a great view of his profile. Absolutely gorgeous, I decided, trying to think of something to say that would bring that ravaging dimple out of hiding. No, that was a bad idea, I reminded myself. I didn’t want to deal with a blushing episode again.
I’ve never been a delicate girl, always a bit ungainly, and I’ve never managed to learn the art of girlie ploys. When I’m embarrassed, I tend to go a mottled reddish-pink, looking more like a sunburn victim than a reticent young woman twirling a parasol or fluttering a fan – you know, like one of those ditzy gals in old movies.
I realized he was waiting for an answer to some question that I had totally spaced, and I could feel the dreaded mottling beginning to creep up my neck. Fabulous. And I hadn’t even had the pleasure of observing that dimple peek out, to make the blush worth it.
Detective Baird was still waiting for my answer, so I sheepishly admitted that I hadn’t heard a word he’d said. His blue eyes twinkled at me, making me feel like he’d read my mind, and I did that crazy hot-cold thing that seemed to happen whenever he was around. Good thing I was sitting down already; I might’ve bit the dust.
‘No, I didn’t actually see Emmy check the sound equipment. That’s just what she told me.’ I looked intently at him, trying to read meaning behind his question concerning Emmy’s whereabouts. I had no earthly idea why he’d go down that road; so distressed had Emmy been, I knew she couldn’t possibly have had anything to do with Miguel’s death.
Or could she? A recollection popped into my mind and I remembered that peculiar look on her face when the accident had happened. That had been odd, no doubt about it. But murderous? I couldn’t say.
Detective Baird clicked the pen shut, signifying the end of our conversation. I was disappointed; it hadn’t lasted nearly long enough, from my point of view, and I knew that it showed on my face. I have never been able to file my feelings away as neatly as others can. I could see right away my message had been sent and received, loud and clear. Great. That was all I needed; to come across as a kid with a crush.
He laughed, flashing that amazing smile that sent a bolt of something tingly racing down my spine.
‘I need to talk to some of the kitchen staff, AJ. Care to walk over there with me?’
Oh, wonder of wonders! He’d used my name. This sent my temperature fluctuating again; I was beginning to feel like a water tap, switching back and forth from hot to cold and back to boiling in a matter of seconds. Or maybe I was coming down with some tropical disease. Either way, I was walking on a cloud.
‘Sure, no problem,’ I replied, trying to sound casual, as though strolling with the world’s handsomest man was an everyday occurrence.
Miraculously, I was able to put one foot in front of the other all the way through the maze of corridors. The kitchen, situated near the middle back portion of the resort, had two entrances. I chose to go through the one I’d used that morning when I was looking for Ellie. I figured I’d be able to find at least a handful of staff there, and I would keep an eye out for Maria. After what she’d said in my room that morning, I wanted Detective Baird to talk to her before he left.
I led the way into the kitchen. We were in luck: Maria was standing with her back to us, putting a tray together for a room service delivery. I walked over to her and tapped her on the shoulder, startling her and nearly sending her
‘Oh, and I covered the front desk when Emmy went to check on the sound system. That was about four-ish, I think. That’s about it, aside from dinner and the dance.’
I stopped talking, waiting for direction. Detective Baird’s head was down as he wrote his notes with an easy script, giving me a great view of his profile. Absolutely gorgeous, I decided, trying to think of something to say that would bring that ravaging dimple out of hiding. No, that was a bad idea, I reminded myself. I didn’t want to deal with a blushing episode again.
I’ve never been a delicate girl, always a bit ungainly, and I’ve never managed to learn the art of girlie ploys. When I’m embarrassed, I tend to go a mottled reddish-pink, looking more like a sunburn victim than a reticent young woman twirling a parasol or fluttering a fan – you know, like one of those ditzy gals in old movies.
I realized he was waiting for an answer to some question that I had totally spaced, and I could feel the dreaded mottling beginning to creep up my neck. Fabulous. And I hadn’t even had the pleasure of observing that dimple peek out, to make the blush worth it.
Detective Baird was still waiting for my answer, so I sheepishly admitted that I hadn’t heard a word he’d said. His blue eyes twinkled at me, making me feel like he’d read my mind, and I did that crazy hot-cold thing that seemed to happen whenever he was around. Good thing I was sitting down already; I might’ve bit the dust.
‘No, I didn’t actually see Emmy check the sound equipment. That’s just what she told me.’ I looked intently at him, trying to read meaning behind his question concerning Emmy’s whereabouts. I had no earthly idea why he’d go down that road; so distressed had Emmy been, I knew she couldn’t possibly have had anything to do with Miguel’s death.
Or could she? A recollection popped into my mind and I remembered that peculiar look on her face when the accident had happened. That had been odd, no doubt about it. But murderous? I couldn’t say.
Detective Baird clicked the pen shut, signifying the end of our conversation. I was disappointed; it hadn’t lasted nearly long enough, from my point of view, and I knew that it showed on my face. I have never been able to file my feelings away as neatly as others can. I could see right away my message had been sent and received, loud and clear. Great. That was all I needed; to come across as a kid with a crush.
He laughed, flashing that amazing smile that sent a bolt of something tingly racing down my spine.
‘I need to talk to some of the kitchen staff, AJ. Care to walk over there with me?’
Oh, wonder of wonders! He’d used my name. This sent my temperature fluctuating again; I was beginning to feel like a water tap, switching back and forth from hot to cold and back to boiling in a matter of seconds. Or maybe I was coming down with some tropical disease. Either way, I was walking on a cloud.
‘Sure, no problem,’ I replied, trying to sound casual, as though strolling with the world’s handsomest man was an everyday occurrence.
Miraculously, I was able to put one foot in front of the other all the way through the maze of corridors. The kitchen, situated near the middle back portion of the resort, had two entrances. I chose to go through the one I’d used that morning when I was looking for Ellie. I figured I’d be able to find at least a handful of staff there, and I would keep an eye out for Maria. After what she’d said in my room that morning, I wanted Detective Baird to talk to her before he left.
I led the way into the kitchen. We were in luck: Maria was standing with her back to us, putting a tray together for a room service delivery. I walked over to her and tapped her on the shoulder, startling her and nearly sending her
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