Hit and Run by Rayna Morgan

Author:Rayna Morgan [Morgan, Rayna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rayna Morgan
Published: 2018-08-05T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 22

They left the city limits and drove through a valley of patchwork fields where roadside stands offered olives, honey, coconuts, and homemade tamales. On either side of the two-lane highway, plastic sheeting covered rows of the region’s finest produce. A thin layer of haze hovered on the horizon, the remains of fires set to burn dead crops for the next cycle of planting. Small trucks filled with workers bounced along rutted roads to farms dotting the hillsides.

After passing through a village with a general store, a bar, a pharmacy, and an auto repair shop, they arrived at the turnoff to the sand spit. Dust from the unpaved, pothole-filled road swirled over the windshield causing Lea to roll up her window.

At the edge of the farthest dune, they parked in front of a two-story house steps from the beach.

“Nice digs,” Warren commented.

“It doesn’t belong to Lyle. Holly told me he house-sits.”

They knocked on the door, hoping Mario would answer. The only response came from a yapping dog in the neighbor’s yard.

Lea turned the doorknob. Finding it locked, they walked to the back. The patio door was locked as well so they paused to admire the ocean view.

Lea looked for a place to sit but the chairs were covered with swimsuits. “Dad, do you see—”

A dog snarled inches from where she stood.

She spun around to face a man holding a Chihuahua with pointed ears. He tapped the dog’s nose to stop the barking.

“If you’re looking for Lyle, he’s not here. He doesn’t get home from the docks ‘til after three.”

“We’ll come back later,” Lea blurted.

“Are you friends or looking to rent the place?”

“You said someone named Lyle lives here,” Warren pointed out.

“He does, but he rents the top floor to weekend visitors.” The man snickered. “I’m not sure the owner knows, but it’s none of my business.”

Lea rolled her eyes, certain this man made everything his business. She decided to take advantage of his curiosity.

“I’m the one scouting for a rental. My husband is coming this weekend to take our son fishing.”

“You can’t beat surf fishing here on the spit. Far superior to the States.”

“I’m concerned about stories of wild parties and drug use. That wouldn’t be a suitable environment for our son.”

“You don’t need to worry about wild parties. The neighbors get together for weekend barbecues and sometimes bring in a local band, but the parties are far from wild. We’re all home in bed by midnight.”

He hesitated before continuing. “As far as drugs, I can’t say for certain. It depends on where you stay.”

“What about this house?” Warren asked. “This Lyle fellow you mentioned. Does he use drugs?”

“Again, I try to keep my nose out of other people’s business. However, I’ve seen activity that left little doubt about what was going on.”

“Does Lyle live here alone?”

“Usually. His friend from San Diego visits frequently, but Mario’s no bother when he comes. He’s a nice guy. Outgoing and pleasant.”

“Any other visitors?”

“One guy in particular stops by when Mario is in town.”

Lea’s ears perked up.

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