Carolyn Arnold - McKinley 02 - Vacation is Murder Read Online Free PDF

you back for dinner.” Sean reached into a pocket and pulled out a wad of bills.
    Earl put his hand over Sean’s as the women turned around and smiled.
    “You guys sure are moving slow,” Catherine yelled back.
    “We’re just enjoying the view,” Sean said.
    “He is so ador—” Catherine turned forward again, the rest of her words lost to the rush of the sea lapping against the shore.
    “I don’t even know why I told you this,” Earl continued. “She wants something from me and I can’t give it to her.”
    “Money?”
    “Yes.” The s trailed and came out as a hissing noise.  “But I don’t have it. She’s going to ruin my marriage.”
    Sean didn’t have the heart to say that Earl had already done that. “Your secret is safe with me.” He paused, debating whether to ask the next question, wondering if it stemmed from his lack of excitement in the professional arena these days, but he sensed there was more that Earl wasn’t saying. “Do you think you’re in danger?”
    Earl slowed his pace. He didn’t say anything.
    “Did she follow you here without your knowledge or did you invite her?”
    “No, I didn’t do that.”
    “Which one?”
    “You really think I’d invite her?”
    “She has to be pretty serious to follow you all the way down here.”
    “You’re starting to make me nervous. I honestly don’t know why she’d come all the way here.”
    Catherine and Sara were waiting under the overhang for the two men to catch up.
    “How about a nightcap?” Catherine asked.

    “Rain check. I must get my beautiful wife to bed.”

 

     
    Disillusioned
     
    SHE WATCHED THEM FROM THE corner of the lobby and sipped her glass of wine.
    It was about ten when they came through. His wife was walking with a lean to the left, her cheeks reddened from alcohol, but now she sat with him, drinking more, tossing her head back in laughter to something he had said.
    She had to look away. It was bad enough she had followed the urge to go after him earlier today. What had she been thinking? The boat ride over had made her sick, and by the time her stomach had finally stopped tossing, it was time for the return trip.
    She could tell she had spooked Earl when she’d lost her hat at his feet that morning. And when they caught each other’s glance on the island, she thought he went a shade of green—the same one she had attained from the turmoil on the pitchy water.
    On the island, Earl had been standing with a younger, handsome man and it was apparent he belonged with the other woman in the group. She got a better glance at her tonight as she waltzed through the lobby on his arm. The diamonds the woman wore likely cost more than she’d ever see in a lifetime. A woman like that didn’t wear costume jewelry, even on the streets of Cancun.
    The waiter took her empty glass. “Another?”
    “No, thank you.”
    She needed to keep her mind clear for the next step. She was ready for this. She had primped herself in front of the mirror for hours while they ate their dinner.
    Her shoulder-length red hair was pulled back into a soft bun and she wore a fitted purple evening gown that hugged her slight curves perfectly. Earl had always complimented her when she wore that color.
    It was time to act.
    She stood, faltering on the four-inch heels.
    The waiter came back and placed a white wine on the table in front of her.
    “I didn’t order this,” she said.
    He smiled and jutted his head in the direction of the bar.
    Her stomach lurched when she saw the man who sent her the drink. Her fear was confirmed and her prayer had gone unanswered.

 
     

     
    Honeymoon Ransom
     
    THE SUN WAS UP SO maybe Sara should surrender to the arrival of a new day. Her eyes pinched shut against the brightness assaulting her retinas. She knew Sean was awake and watching her, so she rolled over.
    “You know, I could feel you watching the back of my head.”
    “Who me?”
    “The Spencers have been married thirty years, Sean. That sounds