Murder at the Races by Strauss Lee

Author:Strauss, Lee [Strauss, Lee]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Mystery, Historical
ISBN: 9781774091388
Amazon: B08DDBS2ZK
Goodreads: 54650661
Publisher: La Plume Press
Published: 2021-02-28T08:00:00+00:00

The Santa Bonita Police Station was housed in a small, Spanish mission-style building. Its palm-tree-lined front walkway always looked so welcoming in contrast with what Rosa was used to in London. Though it was November, the day was still warm, and part of her wished that she could just get back into her car and head to the beach for the rest of the day. She would be satisfied with just staring at the gentle surf and watching the seagulls rather than heading into what would probably be an uncomfortable encounter. However, her duty to her client called, and perhaps Miguel had new information that could help her, and vice versa. No one said working with a former romantic partner would be easy, but at least they had maintained professionalism, cooperating for the common good.

“Come on, Diego,” Rosa said, lifting her tabby out of the car. “Perhaps you can help lighten the mood a bit.” She had slipped him into his harness earlier and now clipped on the leash as she carried him across the street.

The reception officer, a burly black man with a kind face, was used to seeing Rosa with her cat and smiled as he petted Diego on the head. “Detective Belmonte is in his office,” he said after a moment. “Go on in.”

Rosa walked through the busy open office space where several uniformed police officers sat at their desks, tapping away on typewriters, talking on the phone, or immersing themselves in paperwork. Several waved at Rosa as she walked by, and one officer even grinned at the sight of Diego.

“Your fellow officers,” she said softly into the fur on the top of Diego’s head. She then realized that perhaps she brought Diego with her subconsciously as a sort of comfort blanket. Diego purred, even as his golden eyes filled with curiosity.

Miguel’s office door was closed, so she knocked twice.

“Come in.”

Miguel’s office was austere and professional with some metal filing cabinets and two wooden chairs opposite a Spartan metal desk near a window with blinds open to let the November sunshine in. A diploma from the police academy bearing Miguel’s name hung on the wall. Notably missing was the picture of Charlene Winters, Miguel’s former fiancée.

The one light spot was the large birdcage in the corner with a pretty African gray parrot grooming itself on its perch.

“Hello, Homer,” Rosa said.

“Hello,” the parrot returned. “Look who’s here, look who’s here!”

“Funny,” Rosa remarked, “Did you teach him that?”

“Naw, he just started saying it one time after my sister Carlotta stopped by. Now he says it no matter who comes into the office.”

“I hope you don’t mind my dropping in.”

Miguel leaned back on his chair. Since the age of sixteen, Rosa had usually been able to read Miguel’s feelings as easily as reading a book. He couldn’t hide them if he tried. At the moment, she saw surprise mixed with some discomfort. She related to the discomfort part.

“Have a seat.”

Normally, the rapport between Rosa and Miguel was witty and fun. It came as easily as breathing and was a chemistry that had been there right from the start.

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