Scottsdale Heat: a romantic light-hearted murder mystery (Laura Black Mysteries Book 1) Read Online Free Page A

annoying the manager threatened to kick him out. Then, he had the great idea of going to Circus-Circus. For some reason, he thought the women would be easier there. When that didn’t work, he started hitting on me. I was afraid he’d start dry humping my leg, like a dog. I had to threaten to cut off his balls before he would leave me alone.”
    “I don’t know,” I said, never missing a chance to tease Gina. “Maybe you missed out. An eighteen-year-old would have a lot of stamina. He could pleasure you all night.”
    “Yuck,” said Sophie, puckering her lips.
    “Eighteen? That’s so gross,” Gina said, “I don’t even want to think about that.”
    “You ready for dinner?” I asked.
    “Starving,” Sophie answered.
    “So am I,” Gina said. “I haven’t eaten anything today except for the peanuts on the plane.”
    We walked across and down the street to Dos Gringos, a small Baja restaurant in the middle of the Arts District. The place has always has a charm to it. The tables are mostly located outside on a patio. Each table has a large umbrella or is underneath one of several trees. Colorful strands of lights are strung everywhere. Alternative and popular music was pumping out of speakers hung throughout the restaurant. As usual, the place was packed with twenty-something’s dressed in trendy casual.
    We found an open table near the front, next to the low brick wall that divides the seating area from the sidewalk. This location was perfect for us. We liked watching the guys as they strolled by on foot or cruised by in expensive convertibles.
    After a minute, our waitress came by. We ordered dinners along with Gringorita Margaritas for Gina and me. Sophie ordered a Top Dropper.
    “How’d it go with Mrs. Sternwood?” Sophie asked. “What’d her house look like? Was it fabulous?”
    “Her house is more than I could ever dream of,” I said, “and that’s even if I win the lottery.”
    Our waitress brought the margaritas and Sophie’s Top Dropper. We then munched on chips and salsa until she brought over our dinners. I hadn’t realized I was so hungry until I took the first bite. Maybe it’s just the cilantro, but I love Baja cuisine. I dumped half a bowl of the hot salsa on my burrito and dug in.
    “Gina and I were talking about Alexander before you showed up,” Sophie mumbled, her mouth half full. “What’s the big deal? So the guy has some money and he quit his job. From what I understand, that family has piles of money lying around. Maybe Alex just found a way to tap into some of it without his grandmother knowing about it. I know if I found a way to get my hands on a couple hundred thousand dollars, I’d quit my job too. Only then I’d disappear for a while. Too many people would want a cut.”
    “It’s not like that,” I mumbled back, my mouth half full of carne asada and green chilies. “All Alex has to do is keep his nose clean for a few years and then he’s mega rich. He wouldn’t blow that on something stupid. If he goes to jail again his grandmother will cut him off, like completely.”
    “Don’t be too sure,” Gina said. “Guys can be pretty stupid. Where are you going to start?”
    “I’ll start with Alex,” I said. “I’ll follow him around for a day or two. Get a sense of where he goes and who he sees. It shouldn’t be too hard, it’s not like he’s in hiding. Muffy gave me a list of the places I’m likely to find him. I’m sure her information is out of date, but it’s a start.”
    “Muffy?” Sophie laughed. “You’re serious? Mrs. Sternwood? Her name is Muffy?”
    “Are you starting tonight?” Gina asked.
    “Yeah, I imagine both Lenny and Muffy would appreciate word back sooner rather than later. Either of you interested in coming along?”
    Gina lowered her voice. “Are you looking for company or backup?”
    “Company, for now.”
    “I’ll pass then, I’m beat,” Gina said, leaning back in her seat. “I’m going to stop by the gym for an hour