Read Online Swindled in Paradise by Deborah Brown - Free Book Online Page B

other and were happy to refer the happy couple to the courts and let them figure it out.”
    “Any truth to her claims?” I asked.
    “No.” He slammed his water bottle down on the desk. It sprang a leak, water dribbling across his desk. The bottle took flight and landed in the trash with a bang. “Now that Ian is over the shock, he wants to get back at Ursula by stealing his stuff back. Forget the thrift stores. He hit those up, looking for anything familiar, and didn’t find anything. No one could remember seeing her either, but they did confirm that there had been no large donations of household goods recently. Ian figures she’s got it stored somewhere.”
    “There’s always the trash,” I said. “But disposing of an entire household in bins without anyone noticing would be nearly impossible. She’d have to do a dump run. Not sure they allow moving vans out there.”
    “Ursula wouldn’t ruin her fingernails at the dump,” Brick sneered.
    “Why is Ian so certain she still has the stuff?” Fab got up and started to pace.
    “I tried to tell him this was a lost cause, but he wants answers. Before contacting me, he hired a feckless detective to tail her,” Brick grouched. “Why not call me first? Ian figured Ursula spotted the detective, because she never slipped up.”
    “Sounds like she’s a clever one. We’ll have to factor that into any plan we come up with.” Fab massaged the back of her neck.
    “What makes you think Ursula’s still in the area?” I asked.
    “She’s been sighted a few times in various parts of the Keys. It surprised me that she didn’t skip town. First, you need to find her. She gave my guy the slip and then showed back up right under his nose. I’ve got two addresses you can check out.” He turned his glare on me. “Miss Schmoozy here can shake the information out of Ursula’s neighbors, acquaintances, whoever you can find. I’m not sure how you get people to spill their guts, but if it can be used to Ian’s advantage, it works for me.” He passed me a notepad with the addresses on it.
    I flicked the page. “We need a list of names, other pertinent information, something besides two measly addresses.”
    He opened a desk drawer and produced a sheet of scribbled notes across the desk. “Make the most of it; it’s better than nothing,” he grumped.
    I held the page at arm’s length and squinted. “You could use a handwriting class.”
    “Smart a…” he mumbled. “Ian’s a single father. His wife died of cancer a few years back, and he’s raised one happy little girl.” He paused to glare at us before continuing, “And another thing… if you two are inclined to side with your own sex and believe the crap Ursula spews about Ian, you should ask around about him. No one is going to say an unkind word about him because it wouldn’t be the truth. Even the neighbors took Ian’s side and didn’t believe Ursula. When they found out what happened, they gathered replacement household and clothing items for him.”
    Fab passed her empty water bottle over my shoulder, I tossed it in the direction of the can but this time I missed, sending it flipping off the rim.
    “You have terrible manners.” Brick eyed me.
    “Call and complain to Mother.” I said, knowing full well she scared him. “You could part with one of your Cubans, and I’ll give it to her with your regards.” I eyed the humidor.
    “No thanks. She’ll talk you out of working for me, and then I’ll have problems with Princess here.” He smiled at Fab.
    What was the secret to their relationship? I wondered. He always has her back.
    “Where can we find Ian?” Fab asked.
    “Insurance is covering their stay at a residential hotel until repairs can be made to the house. They approved the claim pretty quickly. He called the contractor and had a few of the boards over the windows removed. The neighbors keep an eye out to discourage undesirables. Last thing Ian needs is for someone to camp out and set