Carolyn Arnold - McKinley 02 - Vacation is Murder by Carolyn Arnold

takes.”
    The man smiled at Sara. “See, now that’s a woman.”
    Sean fished out the money and, being coaxed on by more approaching sirens, begrudgingly extended the additional amount.
    “Ah, now, we have vacancy.” The Mexican pulled a key ring off a nail. “Room one ten.”

     
    The room was simple and square, with the bathroom in one corner. The tub, toilet, and sink pedestal were all a pale green.
    “You can’t complain it’s not coordinated,” Sara said. She was determined to find some positive in the mess they were in. Sean had been through enough and had nearly drowned.
    There was a double bed with a ratty comforter, and she would do her best to will her mind off what germs would be living in the fabric. Rumor was that brand hotel chains didn’t wash their comforters after each guest—she didn’t want to give much thought to the last time this one likely saw a hot wash cycle.
    Sean dropped on the end of the bed and bounced back up. “Come here.”
    She walked over to his open arms and snuggled in to him—despite the fact his wet body was cool to the touch. Energy quaked through him. She pulled back to look up, rubbing his back as her other hand caressed his face.
    “That was too close for my liking,” he said.
    “Mine too, baby.”
    She landed a soft kiss on his lips. As much as she wanted to melt into the moment and reminisce about the past few weeks of nothing more than lovemaking and sand, all of the questions parading in her mind needed answers. She waited out the embrace, letting him end it.
    “We’ve got to find Earl, Sean. We need to get the answers.”
    “At what risk?”
    He looked on her with such vulnerability lacing his eyes, it pained her.
    “I know you’re afraid of losing me, but you have to trust me to handle it, like you did before.” She peered into his eyes, beseeching him to see the truth.
    Slowly, he nodded.
    “How long do you think we’ll need to hide out here?” Sara took a few steps and turned around.
    “You might not like the answer to that.” His eyes diverted from her to the room. “I think we should spend the night here. Until we can drop the money tomorrow and get Earl back, it’s probably safer than returning to our resort.”
    Sara went back to his side. She knew he was right—even if she didn’t like the answer. If they returned, they put themselves at risk. The man, who had fled, and who she was certain had kidnapped Earl, might also know which resort they came from.
    “I know it’s not the nicest place in the world, and I’m sorry,” Sean said.

    She kissed him tenderly, tossed the sunhat to bed, leveled eyes with Sean, and then smiled. “We could have gone to a Mexican jail. This is the Ritz.”

 

     
    A New Dawn
     
    THE SUN MADE ITS WAY through the tattered curtains, waking Sean. He rolled over, expecting to put his arm around Sara, but she wasn’t there. A wave of panic went through him but ebbed away when he heard the toilet flush.
    She came out of the washroom and stood at the end of the bed. Her hair was tousled, locks of brown curls resting on her shoulders. She wore the dress she had the day before, which for a woman like Sara would be a crime any other time.
    A spark in her eyes spoke of adventure, but more lingered in her aura. Despite the quiet reserve she could have at times, there was determined passion to get this all sorted out.
    Sean wondered if it was to avoid another night at “The Ritz,” but knew better. Today they would get Earl Spencer back and have the man responsible for all this held accountable.
    They had taken care of the money arrangements last night and they’d have it in hand by ten this morning. One issue could put a definite detour in their plans, however—timing.
    “And why hasn’t anybody called yet? We don’t even know where to drop the money once we’re there. And, poor Amelia. I feel so bad leaving her there.” Sara’s eyes misted.
    “We didn’t have a choice, darling, if we’re going to save