Murder in Aruba: An Anna Winters Cozy Mystery (Murder in Paradise Book 5) (3 page)

Anna felt sharp pain in her head as she struggled to get up. She could feel blood on the side of her head and saw Pauline next to her.

"What happened?" Anna asked.

"Obviously, we were attacked," Pauline sighed. "We're getting too close to something. I am not sure what at this point, but there is something someone isn't happy we're close to discovering."

"It wasn't Cassandra though,” Anna replied. "It was a man that attacked me, I could tell that even in the dark"

"Maybe it was Adonis coming back from the dead making a mad dash to finish his flat bread," Pauline laughed. "Oops! Too soon?"

Anna looked at her friend and shook her head. "I don't think I've ever heard you say anything so incredibly politically incorrect. I think I kind of like it."

"Just trying to lighten things up," Pauline chuckled. "My head is killing me though. Maybe we should go to the gift shop for some pain killers?"

"That's not a bad idea,” Anna winced.

Standing up, Anna offered Pauline her hand. Pulling her up, the two wrapped their arms around each other's waists to hold each other steady. Making it into the lobby, Anna winced at the light. It caused her head to throb miserably. Squinting her eyes, Anna led Pauline towards the gift shop.

"What are you two doing?" A man's voice demanded.

Anna could feel her heart race and her stomach fall. Taking a deep breath, she turned. Mr. Puccio's face was etched in rage.

"Mr. Puccio, it is an absolute pleasure to see you," Anna lied.

"There is a firm policy that prohibits the public display of affection between employees," Mr. Puccio snarled. "Remove your hands from each other at once!"

Removing her hands from Pauline, Anna struggled to balance herself.

"We're very sorry, Mr. Puccio," Anna sighed. "It won't ever happen again."

"Is that blood?" His words came from between gritted teeth.

"We had a fall,” Pauline offered. "We're just getting some medication and we'll wash up."

"Hopefully, the blood means you know who the killer is, I told you I'd fire you if there was another murder and I will do so unless you find out who the killer is pronto!" Mr. Puccio hissed. "You do realize that I am getting a lot of publicity for the mass murder in the banquet hall? We have people with morbid curiosity wanting to reserve it. How horrible is that? You two need to be catching a killer right now."

"Well, if you'd shut up, we could," Anna snapped. "For the love of God! Stop making this all about you and the almighty dollar."

Mr. Puccio stumbled back in shock and Anna smirked. His face grew a deeper shade of red.

"If you weren't in the middle of solving a murder, you'd be out the door," Mr. Puccio warned. "But I would tread carefully."

"No." Anna put up a hand. "You're going to start treating us better. We're doing you a favor. You're not doing us a favor. My recommendation would be that you go back to your office and you pray that we don't quit on you."

Mr. Puccio looked at Pauline who just shrugged her shoulders. Turning in a fury, Mr. Puccio stormed through the Lobby cursing in Italian. Pauline drew her friend in and whispered in her ear.

"You could have gotten us fired." Pauline looked around. "What are you doing?"

"I'm raising the stakes." Anna forced a smile. "I'm tired of being his whipping post. If he fires us, so what? I wasn't going to tell you this yet, but I have a business offer on the line."

"What do you mean?" Pauline asked.

"I was offered $100,000 to solve this murder,” Anna smiled. "We could break free of here. We could start up a private investigation company and use our talents."

"That's a lot of money." Pauline looked floored. "But what about the Grand Palatial?"

"Maybe it is time we look beyond what is here?" Anna suggested. "Sure. We could stay here and cater events for the rest of our lives or we could help people. How often do people get second chances? Oh, Pauline, think of it. We could travel the world still and help people in need."

"So we chase down killers?" Pauline asked. "I'm not a fan of murder. I'll have to be upfront with you about that."

"We can solve crimes." Anna tugged her friend towards the gift shop.

As they walked, Anna kept looking at Pauline. Standing at the register, they waited for a young blonde haired woman to acknowledge them. They quickly paid for the painkillers and went back into the lobby.

"So stolen jewelry?" Pauline replied thoughtfully. "I could get into that."

"Well, that would be an example of something we could do," Anna nodded. "Now, let's go get washed up."

Heading towards the elevators, Anna noticed Henry and Demetrius having a heated conversation at the bar. Pauline looked at her curiously.

"I need to see what's going on between them." Anna paused. "Look more into Christos. Check the name on his ID on the internet and let's figure out why he has this meathead Demetrius on his payroll."

Pauline nodded. "I'll do that after a shower."

"That's fine." Anna patted her friend on the back and made her way to the bar.

Taking a seat in a table behind Demetrius and Henry, Anna strained to hear the conversation behind her. She knew she needed to pull as much as she could from the conversation. When the bartender walked up to her, she asked for a Coke and some pretzels. Giving her a curious look, the young man left and soon brought her the soda and snack.

"So I like Anstice." Henry said lowly. "That doesn't mean that I had anything to do with the death of Adonis."

"My boss doesn't see it that way." Demetrius warned. "He asked me to talk to you. I would suggest that you make it a point to be open with me. If I decide you're lying, it will be very painful for you."

"Are you threatening me?" Henry asked. "I don't have to put up with this."

“Wrong,” Demetrius snapped.

Anna turned her head to the side and noticed the gun in Demetrius' hand. It was stuck in Henry's side. Turning her head, Anna could feel her heart thumping.

"Get that out of my side," Henry demanded. "I'm a married man. I have no interest in Anstice. That ship sailed years ago. So, you can tell Christos he should mind his own business for a change."

"This is his business," Demetrius warned. "You need to walk the straight and narrow. You are a dead man walking at this point. Christos only has to say the word and I'll take you out myself. Then I'll have a slice of cake and a glass of wine. The perfect pairing for murder. You can cry to someone if you'd like because no one will believe you. As far as anyone here is concerned, I am an accountant from New York."

"Someone will figure you out," Henry hissed. "When they do, I hope there is hell to pay. You're nothing more than mafia trash."

"Is that any way to speak to someone who could take you out right now?" Demetrius chuckled. "You're a brave man in public. But what if we took a little walk on the beach? Would you still feel as brave as you do right now?"

"I'm not afraid of you," Henry scoffed. "I'm not afraid of Christos either. I don't owe you anything. I never will. So, spend your time dealing with the other thugs you surround yourself with and leave me alone. I'll pretend as though you don't exist and I'd appreciate if you'd return the favor."

As Demetrius pushed his chair back, Anna felt herself wince. She waited to hear gunshots, but was relieved to hear the heavy footsteps of the man walking down toward the main lobby. She could hear Henry's labored breathing and his nervous laughter.

Turning, she looked at him.

"Is everything okay?" Anna asked.

"I'm fine." Henry's words were cold.

"He stuck a gun in your side," Anna reminded him needlessly. "He also threatened your life. I don't think you're fine."

"You saw that?" Henry asked. "I can't believe I have a witness. I could be safe now. Oh, thank heavens."

"If you want to go to the police, we can,” Anna offered. "But I don't think he is anything more than a barking dog. He will cause you some mental anguish, but I don't see him trying to take you out."

"So, I am safe?" Henry looked at her curiously. "I have no interest in Anstice. That was a long time ago. But everyone thinks the murders were to help me get back in her arms. My wife and I fight. I won't lie about that. But I would never betray her or the memory of Adonis like that. You have to believe me."

"I do believe you,” Anna nodded. "That is why I am here. Together, we are going to find out who the killer is and clear your name. I think if it did come down to you being the killer, you are a dead man. I know that likely isn't what you want to hear. However, it is the truth."

"I swear to you I am not the killer," Henry insisted. "Just help get Demetrius off my back. I'll do anything I can to help you."

"Just keep your ears open," Anna smiled. "Everyone who is guilty will tip their hand at some point. All we have to do is wait for that moment to happen, then we swoop in and snag a killer."

"Wait." Henry stopped her. "I thought you were a mastermind detective? You wait for people to reveal their hand?"

"Solving a mystery is built on clues or suspicions," Anna explained. "But you need to have something concrete to work with if you plan to catch a killer. Luck is an equal part of the equation. I know it doesn't make sense right now, but it will."

Henry looked at her and nodded. "You can count me in. I need to go now."

Anna nodded and watched as Henry left the area. Just as he turned out of view, her cellphone rang. Seeing the call was from Pauline, she answered it.

"What's going on?" Anna asked.

"Anna," Pauline whispered. "We are in danger."

"What do you mean we're in danger?" Anna demanded. "Well, any more than we already are."

"Christos is a mafia Godfather," Pauline warned. "Demetrius is his hit man. We've already gotten on his bad side. I don't like this at all."

"We've dealt with the Serbian mafia before," Anna sighed. "So we deal with the Greek mafia. I'm not concerned."

"No." Pauline fought back the tears. "He has a habit of finding a woman he is interested in. Wining and dining her and then killing her a few days later to quiet her. He's chosen me."

"He hasn't chosen you," Anna laughed. "Stop being dramatic."

"No," Pauline continued. "There was a box of chocolates on my desk and a note. He has a dinner reservation with me tonight at six. It told me to dress in something nice for our date."

"So," Anna replied. "What's the big deal? Have dinner with him and tell him you're not interested."

"All the women have died shortly after dinner?" Pauline cried. "I have about three hours after six before I die."

Anna could feel the situation was getting the best of her. She had a quadruple homicide on her hands. Henry had his life threatened by Demetrius and Pauline was in danger. To make matters worse, Cassandra was already planning a mass murder.

At this point, Anna knew she needed to put a stop to some of what was over her head. Deciding the best place to start working through problems was with her friend Pauline, Anna left her room and was walking across the hallway when a friendly sounding voice called to her.

Anna turned to see Anstice approach her. Forcing a smile, she couldn't help but wonder what the widow was up to.

"Hello, Anstice," Anna smiled. "What can I help you with?"

"You are solving the murder of my husband," Anstice replied with a frown on her face. “This, unfortunately, deals with the murder."

"I'm listening," Anna nodded.

"Well, Ithica has been a bit of a nightmare," Anstice sighed. "You know, she knows about the past Henry and I once had. I want to make a point that the past, well, it is in the past. But she seems to be hell bent on accusing me of trying to get back together with him. She'd like to believe that he and I planned Adonis' death and that we want to rekindle our romance. That isn't true, Anna."

"I know it isn't true," Anna nodded. "I hope you were able to convince Ithica there wasn't a chance of this happening?"

"She is crazy." Anstice started to tear up. "All of these years, we have been dear friends. I don't understand why she would come after me like this. This doesn't make sense to me at all. If I tell someone I am going to do something or that something is true, you can count on it. Everyone who knows me will attest to this."

"I believe you,” Anna offered. "How would you recommend we deal with Ithica?"

"I am not certain that anything can or needs to be done," Anstice sighed. "I just wanted you to know what was going on. You're the expert here. I am just putting my faith in you. That seems like the right thing to do at this time, don't you think?"

"You're right," Anna agreed. "Let me get things under control. I'll take care of this, I promise."

"I trust you," Anstice smiled.

With that, Anna knocked on Pauline's door. Her friend cautiously opened the door.

"Oh, Anna!" Pauline smiled. "Come in."

Pulling open the door, Pauline let her into the room. Then quickly, slammed the door and pushed all the bolts into place.

Anna looked at her friend with concern. "Are you okay, Pauline?"

"I'm fine." Pauline forced a smile. "I'm just dealing with the stress of everything. You know I found out I am going to die soon."

"You aren't going to die." Anna shook her head. "I will do everything in my power to make certain your life continues past dinner tonight."

"I'm not going to dinner." Pauline raised her hands in front of her chest. "I would be a very dumb woman to rush into the arms of a killer."

"But I need you to go to that dinner," Anna pleaded. "It's the only way we can take down Christos."

"Well, what are we taking him down for?" Pauline asked. "As far as I can tell, we have nothing on this guy. Apart from him being a Greek Mafia Godfather who wants to take me out. "

"Well, he isn't completely innocent," Anna said. "Demetrius wants to kill Henry. So, you already have an ally that you can rely on. All we need to do is come up with a plan."

"Oh, so we're setting a Scooby Doo trap," Pauline laughed. "Is this going to be like those traps where Scooby Doo and Shaggy continuously get caught in the trap?"

"They always caught the bad guy in the end," Anna offered. "Think of it that way."

"This is real life though," Pauline sighed. "People actually die when things go wrong. They don't find themselves in a strangely hilarious situation instead."

"We're running short on time," Anna replied. "Cassandra is going to figure out the vial of poison she was given is a fake."

"What?" Pauline demanded. "She has more poison?"

"I heard from Monica," Anna replied sheepishly. "I meant to tell you."

"What did Monica do?" Pauline demanded. "More importantly, why is The Phantom of Barbados in Aruba? I thought she stuck to her own island."

"Turns out she travels quite a bit," Anna said. "She has been the supplier of the poison Cassandra uses. Well, for someone at the hotels. She refuses to admit that she is supplying Cassandra. The point is this time she warned me and gave us the edge. The poison is vodka based to mask it. Cassandra tried to give me a lemon drop martini. I played the, 'I love you' card. She "accidentally" spilled it. But all that did was buy me some time. We know Cassandra is the killer."

"We still need to catch her and figure out who hired her to help kill the others," Pauline replied. "We are running out of time."

"We need to do something," Anna replied. "So what do we do?"

"If you're cool with going under the gun again, we can stage a setup for Cassandra,” Pauline suggested. "You know you'll have a pistol to your head and all."

"I'm really not fond of having a gun pointed at me,” Anna laughed.

A knock at the door caught both women off guard. Pauline looked nervously at Anna who answered the door. Anna slowly pulled the door open and saw Cassandra on the other side. The young woman looked annoyed to see her.

"Oh, Anna," Cassandra scowled. "How fortunate that you are here."

"What can I say?" Anna joked. "Pauline and I are inseparable."

"It's like a creepy twin thing,” Cassandra replied dryly. "Can I come in?"

"Sure," Anna nodded and opened the door, despite Pauline's glare.

"What do you need, Cassandra?" Pauline asked as she crossed her arms.

"I would like to make peace with you." Cassandra forced a smile. "I realize that you and I don't see eye to eye. But we are going to be working together for years to come. I think it is important that we work past these differences and heal our broken friendship."

"There isn't a broken friendship," Pauline responded coldly. "For there to be a broken friendship, there needed to be a friendship to begin with."

"Now, Pauline," Anna snapped. "I think you need to forgive Cassandra and forget everything that went wrong with the two of you. If you can't do that, I will have to fire you. You know the rules."

Pauline gave Anna a confused look. "I forgive you. We're fine."

Cassandra hugged Pauline who left her arms at her side. "Thank you, Pauline! I know we are going to have a better friendship now."

"Yep." Pauline replied glaring at Anna.

"Well, I need to get to work in the kitchen." Cassandra smiled. "I'll talk to my two friends later."

Anna and Pauline watched as Cassandra left. A few moments after the door shut, Pauline turned to Anna.

"What is wrong with you?" Pauline demanded. "Why would you do that to me?"

"She can't know we are on to her," Anna replied. "Plus, if this helps us to buy more time, we have other things to focus on right now."

"Fine," Pauline groaned. "But if she forces me to spend time with her, I will beat you."

"Get ready for your date," Anna laughed. "We can commiserate about Cassandra later."

"I guess if I have to," Pauline sighed. "Please, make sure you are around to protect me just in case he decides to kill me."

"I promise I will be there." Anna smiled. "Now, get ready."

Anna went to the door and turned to see Pauline with a worried look on her face.

"I am going to die tonight, aren't I?" Pauline asked seriously.

"You won't die. I promise you. This isn't where your story ends. In fact, I see volumes of your story in the future."

"I get the point," Pauline laughed. "Okay, let me get dressed."

Giving Pauline a smile, Anna left the room and closed the door behind her. As she approached the door to her room, she was surprised to see Mr. Puccio turning the corner.

"Mr. Puccio," Anna smiled. "What can I do for you?"

As he turned the corner, she noticed two security guards were behind him. He approached Anna with a stern look on his face.

"No one ever talks to me that way." His voice was cold. "You've left me no choice but to fire you."

Anna looked at the man, dumbfounded. "Mr. Puccio! You're being unreasonable."

Raising his voice, he continued. "No. You are in violation of your contract. I have no choice but to terminate your employment with the Grand Palatial hotel. You are no longer an employee, effective immediately. You have 30 minutes to pack your room and leave the property. Anything left behind becomes the property of the hotel."

With that, Mr. Puccio turned and walked away.

"Come on, Anthony." Anna called out. "Let's be adults here."

"You will not address me again," he shouted over his shoulder as he left.

The guards looked at Anna with false pity on their faces.

"Looks like the almighty Anna has fallen from grace," The older man with a bushy grey moustache, bald head and brown eyes fake pouted.

"Will she ever get back on her feet?" the younger blonde hair, blue-eyed man questioned.

"Maybe she will solve the mystery of why she was fired before the next harrowing tale," the older man suggested.

"Or perhaps no one will care," The younger man offered.

"I get it." Anna rolled her eyes. "Let me pack my stuff up."

"Actually, we did that for you about 10 minutes ago," the older cop smiled. "We were all but happy to kick you out of here. You have been making security look bad for months."

Anna opened the door to her room and found that her stuff was packed up and she was set to go.

"If you come on the property again, you will be arrested," the younger man said.

"I'd do my best to avoid that."

The older guy gave a fake frown. "Anna Winters is likely to get stabbed with a shiv in jail."

Anna looked at the two men and noticed Cassandra in the hallway. The young woman had a smile on her face that reached from one ear to the other. Anna looked at her coldly and turned to the men and simply nodded.

"Please bring my baggage for me." Anna's voice sounded defeated. "I guess this is how it ends. I have spent years devoted to this hotel and even endangered my own life to save its name four times. Now, you are tossing me out like I am a piece of trash. This is a new low, even for Puccio."

Turning to go, the three walked to the elevator. Anna couldn't help but remember the smile she had seen on Cassandra's face. It showed the pure joy she felt in witnessing the hell Anna was going through. It would all work out in the end. Anna knew that. But there wasn't any comfort in knowing that someone who hated her so much was in the hotel at that very moment and feeling like she won.

But good always wins and Anna knew that. While it was a struggle right now and she'd have to get creative to solve the murder. She knew she couldn't let Anstice down. She just hoped she could figure out a way to interview the guests at the Grand Palatial without landing in jail for criminal trespass. After all, the police wouldn't be so willing to work with a criminal, would they?