Greed in Paradise (Paradise Series) Read Online Free PDF

looks wise. Raul was a dark-skinned body builder, while Dickie was a string bean and pale just-a-shade-up-from-death color.
    It felt awkward to ask Raul for favors, but Dickie owed me and I him. I had gotten into the habit of collecting IOUs; advice from my Aunt Elizabeth, who said one or two in your pocket were useful. “Is Dickie busy?” I knew Dickie took pride in dressing dead people for their final bow and I wouldn’t want to interrupt him.
    “He’s on a body run.” Raul opened the door wide, motioning us inside. “You wouldn’t be here for another hand of poker, would you?” he asked Fab. “She stripped my pockets bare the last time she was here.”
    I sat on the bench inside the door. Fab roamed around the room. Looking into each open viewing room, she refrained from opening the closed doors with name cards. “Did you pick up Gus Ivers?” she asked.
    “Last night, and he’s been cremated,” Raul told us. “The daughter, Violet Ivers, barked orders that we were to be waiting to escort the body of her father as soon as the coroner signed the release. Then she demanded an instant cremation. Religious reasons I assume, but didn’t ask. Odd though, that she wanted to view the process. Dickie flipped, already upset his expertise wouldn’t be needed. He hates cremation.”
    “We’re just checking to make sure Gus died a natural death and was not helped by anyone.” Fab finished looking around and stood by the front door, poised for a quick exit.
    The waiting area was decorated in heavy ornate furniture, covered in brocade patterns, slip-covered in plastic. Not particularly comfortable, but one probably didn’t stay any longer than necessary. After a while the backs of your legs stuck to the furniture, leaving a sweat spot when you stood.
    “Nothing unusual,” Raul said. “Death certificate said kidney failure. The coroner is a friend, so if there were irregularities he’d tell us. Gus’s doctor signed off. If they suspected foul play, they wouldn’t have released the body so quickly.”
    Astro and Necco came barreling around the corner into the reception area. One of them had a leash in its mouth, skidding to a stop. Both Dobermans, I couldn’t tell them apart. The dogs lucked out; when they desperately needed a home, Dickie and Raul took them in and they had thrived.
    “Thanks for the info,” I said. “You and Dickie stop by Jake’s any time. Spread the word—new owner.”
    “We both liked Jake, but have you thought about a new name?” Raul asked. “We got Carlos Osa’s body. An envelope of cash arrived shortly after with instructions to bury him. Three well-dressed men in expensive black suits showed up for his farewell, looked him over, and left. Scared Dickie and I, but we tried to be cool. Not sure if we pulled it off. We triple-locked the doors when they left for whatever good that would have done. If they really wanted inside they’d shoot the locks off like I heard your friend here say once.” He looked at Fab.
    I couldn’t muster any sympathy for Carlos. It still made me shudder to think about having my body parts sliced off.
    “Maybe I’ll have a name that bar contest,” I joked, although I’d probably never agree to that, because I wouldn’t be forced into using some dreadful name. “Your dogs are about to run out of patience. Have fun.” Astro and Necco sat thumping their tails hard on the floor.
    Fab waved to Raul and shot out the door, leaving me to say our good-byes. “Could Raul and Dickie be any different?” I said, climbing into the passenger side.
    “Raul and I are both insomniacs. We spent late nights playing board games and talking when I hid out here. He told me he loves Dickie because he’s wicked smart, they like all the same things, and he’s got a gigantic—”
    “Stop. La, la, la…” I covered my ears.
    “I asked if it did tricks and Raul winked at me.” Fab belly-laughed.
    “You’re so nervy.” I shook my head.
    “I’ve already got my