Murder at the Miramar (Augusta Burnette Series) Read Online Free PDF

directions to different attractions, or to ask questions about the beaches and whether or not there were lifeguards on duty, but for the most part we worked on in a comfortable silence. At last, Emmy sighed and sat back in her chair, placing her hands to the small of her back and stretching.
    ‘There. I think we are done, AJ. We only need to check on the evening entertainment. I want to see if the sound system has been set up as I requested.’ She stood to her feet, groaning softly as she lifted her arms above her head. ‘Ah. What I wouldn’t give for a good massage just now.’
    I looked up at her, an idea percolating in my ever-enterprising brain. ‘Is there something I could do? I mean, so you could at least lie down a bit? I would be happy to, really.’ I sounded like an acolyte eager to please the master, but I really did want to earn my keep.
    Emmy smiled. ‘No, but thank you, AJ. You have already been more of a help than you know.’
    I nodded, only slightly disappointed. As I’ve mentioned before, I often engage my mouth without the benefit of brainpower. I stood to join her but she waved me off.
    ‘No, there’s nothing you can do right now. Since this is your first day and I don’t want you to quit on me just yet, why don’t you go and make use of our spa? We have a private area for women only and you’ll probably be in there by yourself right now. We can meet up at five,’ she added, consulting her watch. She must have read my hesitation, because she added, ‘Really, AJ. We’ll have a busy evening, so take advantage of this time, OK?’
    I smiled my thanks at her and watched her leave the lobby and step out into the afternoon sunshine. She didn’t have that usual briskness, I saw, and I felt anxiety for this woman who I’d met only last night. Esmeralda Ruiz struck me as someone who was truly concerned about those in her care, and that she tended to carry a bigger personal responsibility than she would admit. After a morning such as we’d had, I could hardly say I blamed her. Hopefully, she’d have a good night’s rest and a much better day tomorrow.

Chapter Five
    The evening’s entertainment was in full swing, the salsa music swimming upward to sway the bright stars that had begun to appear in the sky. Happy couples danced on the patio and makeshift dance floor, and the musicians kept them asking for more. I sat to the side of the bandstand, watching the guests enjoy themselves. I could feel the day’s tension begin to slip away with the music, although I’m certain the glass of excellent Merlot I held was helping as well.
    Emmy sat next to me, head tilted back and eyes closed as she listened to the music and the happy chatter surrounding us. I had noticed a lift in the tenseness of her shoulders after she’d returned from checking on the sound system and making sure that all was in place for this evening. She deserved to have things go right for once on this crazy day.
    A loud popping noise, accompanied by a brilliant blue flash, startled me from my reverie. Screams from the dancers replaced the pulsating music, and I could see activity was centered near the keyboardist. He now sat slumped forward, his forehead resting on the keyboard and his hands hanging limply down at his sides.
    Emmy pushed past me, signaling to the servers to keep the guests back from the bandstand and to clear the dance floor. I was beginning to think this place was jinxed: a lost child; a dead body; and now this latest disaster.
    I watched as Emmy, moving with purpose but very carefully, approached the other musicians who seemed frozen where they stood, each staring at their keyboard player as if he’d suddenly sprouted another head. I hurried to Emmy’s side, getting there just as one of the security guards arrived. He put a hand on Emmy’s arm, keeping her from moving any closer.
    ‘Ms Ruiz, don’t mess with that. There could still be live wires on stage. We’ve called 911 already, so let’s just keep the