Summer Vacation Murder by Rachel Woods

Author:Rachel Woods [Woods, Rachel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 0000000000000
Published: 2023-09-02T00:00:00+00:00

20

At eight in the morning, Kirk South, who worked at the bar in a smaller pool area near the golf course, was cleaning glasses and getting things set up for the mid-morning mimosa crowd.

Beanie and Joshua—who’d showed up at the Bronson villa around seven a.m., in time for breakfast, much to the delight of Ethan and Evan, who monopolized his time with questions and horseplay—strolled to the bar, took seats, and waited for Kirk South to notice them.

As Beanie drove them through the resort in the golf cart, Joshua admitted his worries that Kirk wouldn’t talk to them. “Remember, Simba said the resort management told the staff to stay quiet.”

“We’ll have to see how it goes,” said Beanie.

Nodding, Joshua said, “Excuse me …”

Acknowledging them, Kirk South removed a bag of limes from a small refrigerator beneath a sink, and said, “Sorry. We open at eleven.”

“We don’t want a drink,” said Joshua, then introduced himself. “I’m a reporter at the Aerie Observer.”

Kirk frowned but said nothing.

“I’m Roland Bean from the Palmchat Gazette,” said Beanie. “We were hoping to ask you a few questions about Pablo Lima.”

“I don’t have anything to say about Pablo Lima,” said Kirk, grabbing a knife and a cutting board from a drawer next to the fridge.

“I know the resort management told the employees not to speak to the press,” said Joshua.

“That’s right, they did,” confirmed Kirk. “So I’m not speaking to you.”

Scowling, Kirk opened the bag of limes and dumped them into the sink.

Beanie glanced at Joshua. The former intern didn’t look as discouraged as Beanie thought he would be, considering that the interview with Kirk South was a bust, over before it even began.

After clearing his throat, Joshua said, “Okay, then, how about you don’t speak to us …”

Kirk frowned. “What?”

“How about this,” began Joshua, resting his elbows on the bar. “I’ll ask you a few yes or no questions. If the answer is yes, you cut the lime in half. If the answer is no, then cut the lime into quarters … okay?”

Beanie thought Joshua’s idea was pretty ingenious. But would Kirk South go for it. Technically, he wouldn’t be providing a verbal response to Joshua’s questions, so he could follow the instructions he’d been given by management to stay quiet.

Kirk glared at Joshua.

Joshua stared back.

Beanie looked at both guys. Kirk was obstinate and reluctant. Joshua seemed determined. Beanie felt as though he was about to witness a duel. The faint strains of calypso music floated from speakers hidden in the trees, lending a strange vibe to the tense moment. Low conversation, a bit of laughter, and the splash of someone jumping into the pool seemed surreal. Frustration made Beanie wish he did have a drink. What was Kirk going to do?

Finally, after what felt like a week, Kirk South cut the lime in half.

Relief flooded Beanie.

“Okay, so … was Pablo Lima stealing from the resort guests?” asked Joshua.

Grabbing another lime, Kirk placed it on the cutting board.

Beanie stared at the shiny green citrus fruit.

Kirk pierced the lime at one end, then sliced it in half.

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