A Sprinkle of Tropical Trouble: A Cozy Mystery (Caesars Creek Mystery Series Book 9) (6 page)

Chapter Eleven

Stormi put her other hand up and yelled, “I’m innocent! Don’t shoot me husband!”

Brandon raced in and grabbed me, while Greg holstered his weapon and took the pipe from Stormi’s grip. She had the forethought to wrap a washcloth around one end where she held it so her prints wouldn’t mar any of Brady’s prints or left over blood residue. After Greg placed the pipe into a forensic bag, he hugged Stormi. However, I knew we were in for a royal chewing out. Luckily, the men weren’t too hard on us, seeing as we caught a killer. But Brandon made me promise never to go looking for trouble, at least not without him.

It turns out, when Paige saw Brady storm back into the room, she took off to get Bruce, Brandon and Greg.

“I was afraid if I pounded on the door he’d simply pull me in there with you guys or start doing something awful. He just had that wild look in his eyes.”

“You did the right thing dear,” Bruce stated. “Although none of you should have put yourself in that predicament.”

Fortunately, a couple of the police officers that Greg was acquainted with were still on the grounds so he yelled at them as Paige and the boys ran to Brady’s building. They weren’t sure if anything was wrong, but with how Paige described Brady, Greg was taking no chances where his wife was concerned. Cue breaking down door to save damsel in distress. Of course, Stormi didn’t need saving as she towered over her nemesis. Greg would learn, if he didn’t know already, that Stormi could handle herself.

We gave our statements to the police and they reprimanded us for taking things into our own hands, but let us off with a warning. Seems that Brady confessed to the murders so the prosecutor would take the death penalty off the table. Although I wondered how life in a Mexican prison might be worse than death for him.

We sat in the lobby waiting for the shuttle to take us to the airport. Our last day in paradise was quite thrilling, but I was ready to get back to the mundane. Winchester and The Frozen Scoop awaited and I would be happy to see them. Before we left however, Hammond walked in. The police had released him and he thanked us profusely for helping free him.

“I’m glad you ladies weren’t hurt,” Hammond said taking my hands in his. “I can never repay you for all the kindness you bestowed on me.”

“I just want you to go home and try and find some happiness Hammond,” I said. “I know it will take a while, as you were such a devoted fan of Andre and Yvette.”

Hammond nodded, a sadness filling his face.

“But I believe you can help Andre and Yvette’s legacy. I’m sure you are aware that one of their charities was the Australian Wildlife Trust to help protect unique wildlife in Australia.” Hammond nodded. I had read that when researching Andre and Yvette.

“Perhaps volunteering to help at their organization might bring you some peace along with doing something constructive in their name.”

“Tara, that’s a great idea,” Hammond said as his face lighted up. “I will look into that as soon as I get back home. Thank you all again for your help.”

Our shuttle arrived and we bid Hammond goodbye.

“Do you think Hammond’s obsession will spill over into the Australian Wildlife Trust?” Brandon asked.

“Well if it does maybe it will be a good thing. He can put his obsession to good use.”

We sat in silence the rest of the way to the airport, taking in the tropical scenery before we headed north. Once at the airport and through security, Paige looked around the concourse.

“What are you looking for hon?” Bruce asked.

“The airport lounge,” Paige said. “I need my liquid encouragement before boarding that bird.”

Oh boy, here we go!

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You can read my books for free with Kindle Unlimited. These books are all from my Caesars Creek Series

A Frozen Scoop of Murder
(Caesars Creek Mystery Series Book One)

Death by Chocolate Sundae
(Caesars Creek Mystery Series Book Two)

Soft Serve Secrets
(Caesars Creek Mystery Series Book Three)

Ice Cream You Scream
(Caesars Creek Mystery Series Book Four)

Double Dip Dilemma
(Caesars Creek Mystery Series Book Five)

Melted Memories
(Caesars Creek Mystery Series Book Six)

Triple Dip Debacle
(Caesars Creek Mystery Series Book Seven)

Whipped Wedding Woes
(Caesars Creek Mystery Series Book Eight)

And my new mystery series: Sweet Home Mystery Series

Creamed at the Coffee Cabana
(Sweet Home Mystery Series Book One)

A Caffeinated Crunch
(Sweet Home Mystery Series Book Two)

A Frothy Fiasco
(Sweet Home Mystery Series Book Three)