MURDER AT SUGAR RUSH BEACH a gripping crime mystery packed with twists by LENNON PAULA

Author:LENNON, PAULA
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Joffe Books crime thriller, mystery and suspense
Published: 2022-03-02T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 17

Tuesday, 8 January, 1.20 p.m.

Detective Preddy allowed Harris to drive his jeep while he sat in the passenger side reading through notes, raising his head only to point out the memorized potholes along the way. Harris was well used to the overcautious advice and accepted it with good grace. They drove through the winding hills under lush overhanging trees and into the small upscale Portobello district on the outskirts of Montego Bay, a hillside area offering good views of the sea.

“So . . .” Preddy turned slightly in his seat so he could see the Scotsman’s reaction. “What’s wid de Guardsman Alarms guy earlier?”

A muscle in Harris’s cheek twitched and his fingers clenched the steering wheel. “Och, just had an issue with the circuit breaker, I think. Something was causing the CCTV tae malfunction. Cannae be too careful when it comes tae security.”

“And since when were you assigned to deal wid Pelican Walk security?”

Harris regained his composure and replied slowly, “What with an expensive piece of machinery like the Audi, and all the longing glances it was getting, I just thought we should make sure all alarms and cameras are working properly.”

“Hmm,” said an unconvinced Preddy, “I see.”

Soon they located a property known as Blue Coat Inn, where an elderly lady ran an Airbnb operation. It seemed to be the in thing now — people using private houses to earn much-needed US dollars, and the government threatening them with all sorts of penalties if they did not register the properties and declare their earnings. This was the address Nicki Younis had given Spence and Rabino as her place of accommodation. There were no signs indicating that the property was anything other than a large private house. It was the only one with bright blue walls, so could not be missed. The house cast a sizeable shadow over a lawn of weed-filled grass. There was no gate or fencing around the property, so Harris drove in and parked on the driveway.

The sound of laughter hit them as soon as the engine went off. On the front-facing verandah were tables occupied by a Black family — three men and two women, all dressed in long shorts and vests with knapsacks beside them, ready for a day of exploring the city. They spoke with acute American accents. Empty plates lay before them with traces of hard-dough breadcrumbs, while the distinct smell of saltfish and callaloo lingered in the air.

The front door was wide open with a huge coir welcome mat on the threshold. Preddy smiled at the group as he walked up the verandah steps. “Good day. How is everybody?”

The heartfelt responses ranged from “Fine” to “Good” and even a “Great.”

“Looks like we came too late, missed a great meal,” said Harris with a warm smile.

“Oh my Gaahd,” said one of the men with considerable enthusiasm. “The saltfish and callaloo is awesome, and the fried dumplings are like nothing you’ve ever tasted in your life.”

Harris tucked his sunglasses into his pocket then pointed at Preddy.

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