Neighbors and More (High Rise Series) by Mona Risk Page B

bare-foot. They formed a half circle as the bride and groom
approached, greeted by a man wearing black pants and shirt, and holding a book—probably
a minister.
    “Isn’t it lovely? A wedding on the beach,” she repeated with
a sigh, as she turned toward him. “I wish them happiness.” A mixture of
emotions played across her face—bitterness, disappointment, anger. He hated
seeing her so disheartened.
    His fingers tightened on the can as he guzzled the rest of
his beer. “Maybe I should rub your back. It’ll comfort you.”
    “Thanks. I appreciate the offer.” She smiled, a very sad
smile, and averted her gaze. “But I need to think.” Torturing her lip, she tapped
on the arm of her rocking chair. “Who is trying to frame me, Dante? Who wants to
throw Steve’s death on my shoulders? And why?”
    Desperation drenched the green pools of her eyes and twisted
his gut. The temptation to take her in his arms and kiss her into oblivion
escalated.
    Focus and help her.
    “Who and why?” The two words kept tumbling through his
brain. He raked his fingers through his hair. “I wish I had an answer.” In an
effort to distract her from gloomy feelings, he added, “Let’s review the
plausible killers and their motives.”
    Her eyebrows arched, but she nodded. “Greg? He couldn’t
stand Steve because he hit on me. Greg ordered Steve to stay away from me and threatened
him once.”
    “Would Greg kill for you? Does he still love you?” Dante
grimaced. He didn’t like the idea of any man, competing with him for Alexa. Especially
not her former husband.
    “It’s not a healthy love. More like an obsession. Greg
thinks he owns me. He won’t allow me to break free from the leash he insists on
noosing around my neck with his attentions, his jealousy, his money. But to
kill…  I don’t think it’s his style. He’d pay others to do his dirty work.”
    Dante nodded. She was right. “You know him well.”
    “Better than anyone.” She sipped her beer and glanced again
at the party on the beach.
    The music had stopped, and the ceremony had probably
started.
    “What about Carter? Maybe he had a fight with Steve,” Dante
suggested.
    “Maybe. I would put him on top of the list because I never
trusted him and he did all but accuse me of Steve’s death.”
    “I will check his background and Steve’s. And their
company.”
    “How?”
    “Don’t worry. The attorneys in my firm are experts at
researching a case.” He scratched his nape while she frowned. “How about
Julia?”
    “Julia?” Alexa exhaled. “Hmm. Until this morning, I thought
she was in love with Steve. She didn’t wait long to celebrate her new widowhood
with Tom.”
    “Could she have caused that widowhood?”
    “To inherit? I don’t know if they have a sizable fortune.” Alexa
shot him a hopeful glance.
    Client confidentiality prevented him from divulging what he
already knew. Dante averted his eyes. “I don’t think so.” Julia had approached
him a few months ago to represent her and get a big alimony out of Steve. Preferring
not to deal with neighbors, he’d referred her to another firm as he had done
previously when Greg had needed a good attorney.
    “Judging by the size and the quality of the ring he’s
supposed to have bought for me, I don’t think Steve is that wealthy.”
    “ Cara mia , you are the most exquisite gem.” Dante
brought her ringless fingers to his lips.
    “Thank you.” She spun her head, glanced right and left, and
shrugged. “It’s good to live on the twenty-first floor. The only neighbor who
could ogle us is here with me.”
    “In that case, let’s take advantage of our open air
privacy.” He chuckled and pulled her out of her chair on to his lap. Her delicate
flowery perfume intoxicated his senses more efficiently than a bottle of Scotch.
He gave her a searing kiss, wishing he could smother her anxiety. She laced her
fingers around his neck and opened her mouth to his tongue and his passion. As
she