Before Nightfall by Kat Martin

Author:Kat Martin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HQN Books
Published: 2020-06-11T02:30:55+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

BENITO CORTEZ STROLLED out to greet them as the black SUV drove through the wrought iron gates of Casa del Cielo, “House of Heaven,” a stunning residence on the side of a hill at the base of the Sierra Madre mountains.

The sprawling white structure was spectacular, a contemporary architectural design composed entirely of sharp-angled walls and huge plate glass windows. The fountain in front was a modern sculpture, and the views out over the city were magnificent.

The driver stopped the vehicle, got out, and opened the rear passenger door. Colt slid out first, reached down, and took hold of Lissa’s hand. He ignored a thread of arousal as she followed him out into the bright Mexican sunshine. It was a few degrees cooler here, the air less humid, which suited Colt just fine.

The stout black-haired man walking toward them in a pair of beige chinos and a blue knit pullover wasn’t tall or large. He wasn’t handsome. At best, he was mildly attractive. There was no arrogance in his stride as he approached, and yet Colt could feel the power the man exuded as if it were a living force.

“Señor Wheeler.” Cortez extended a blunt-fingered hand, the nails cut short and perfectly manicured.

Colt accepted the handshake. “Señor Cortez. A pleasure meeting you. We appreciate your hospitality.” He turned. “This is Lissa Blayne. She’s a friend of the missing boy’s mother. Lissa is a private investigator in Dallas.”

One of Cortez’s black eyebrows went up. “A lady detective.” He smiled. “I do not believe I have ever met a female sleuth before.” His English was perfect. Alex had mentioned he was well educated.

Lissa smiled and extended her hand, which Cortez warmly accepted. “Thank you for offering your help,” she said.

“As my friend Alejandro undoubtedly told you, it will be my pleasure to see El Puñal receive his dues.” He waved airily. “But we will talk more about that tonight at supper when you will meet my lovely wife, Lupita. In the meantime...” He turned and an elegant young man in a perfectly tailored ivory linen suit came down off the porch.

“Rico will show you to your quarters. Your bags will be waiting for you. Cocktails at seven. Dinner at eight. There is a house phone in your casita. If there is anything you need, do not hesitate to ask.”

“Thank you,” Colt said. They followed Rico along a concrete walkway to a separate villa, one of several that hung on the side of the mountain a short distance from the house.

The structure was done in the same modern design, with brilliant white walls, sharp angles, and lots of windows. The inside was a surprise, the rooms brightened by the use of vivid colors. Reds, oranges, and yellows predominated in paintings, accent pieces, and pillows on the sofa, giving the contemporary design a distinctly Mexican flair.

“I will be back at seven to escort you to supper,” Rico said, and left them.

Lissa turned in a circle to survey their surroundings and take in the spectacular view.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.