DEATH

AT THE LAKE

BOOK 2 – The Death Card Series

By

J.S. Peck

BEJEWELED PUBLISHING

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

Chapter 1

I had to give credit to Sweet Pea, my darling dog, who sat in front of me with her head cocked. She never moved the entire time I vacillated between crying and laughing about all that’d recently happened at the Purple Passion Lounge. I was a total hot mess — exhilarated and exhausted. I’d reached my limit with working as an undercover agent at the Purple Passion Lounge, trying to solve the murders of my client and another stripper who performed there. Instead of finding the murderers, I had participated in a drug bust and had kidnapped four young girls the people there had brought into the lounge to be sold as part of their human trafficking scheme.

Even today, all I had to do was close my eyes to envision the four sets of eyes belonging to those girls staring back at me as they had when I’d unlocked one of the office doors there and found them hiding inside. What was going to happen to them?  And what about me for having kidnapped them?  The Chief of Police wasn’t about to let me off the hook for that. What about those people who’d love to get their hands on me for my interfering with their plan? Also, what’s happening with the three different murders yet to be solved?

All would have to wait … I couldn’t worry about any of it right now. I needed to get to bed and recuperate. It was my turn to host my three best friends here in Las Vegas in less than 24 hours. Nothing was going to stop me from that. Most importantly, for all our safety, I couldn’t let them know how much I was involved with all that was going on here with the murders. That was going to be hard to do because we usually have no secrets between us…

My “sister-friends” (more like sisters than friends) and I always have fun together, doing whatever inspires us at the time. We never know what’s going to happen, which makes it even more crazy fun. I’d been lucky enough to attend Cornell College where I met and befriended these three fabulous women – two from Boston, Massachusetts, and one from Boise, Idaho. They were the ones who’d alleviated the pain of my having been belittled and bullied when I was younger for my psychic abilities and those of my grandmother.

I love my girlfriends for they fill my life in ways so wonderful it’s hard to describe. I couldn’t wait to see them!   However, I really needed to get on the ball and set some plans in motion for their visit. I made my way to my computer to purchase tickets for us to see the new show in town at the Smith Center. As I turned on my computer, there was a pop-up telling me I had new messages. My heart fell for I couldn’t stand it if there was another threatening one like last time so I decided not to even look. What I didn’t know wouldn’t hurt me, right?

The next morning, I woke feeling more refreshed and as I laid in bed, I began to make a mental list of what I’d to do. I’d make a run to Costco to pick up some more wine and fill in whatever I needed to have for special nibbles and appetizers. At nighttime, we usually eat out or order something fabulous in, so no worries on that end. I was beginning to feel more relaxed after making my list of last minute things to do. I decided to first wrap the little gifts I had bought for them as a welcome before I left on my errands.

As I was about to do that, the doorbell rang and Sweet Pea raced to the door with her tail wagging, barking with excitement and anticipation. When I opened the door, there was Brian standing there with a worried look on his face. He’s handsome, irritating and sexy – someone I’m attracted to in spite of our appearing to be out of sync. Do opposites really attract? Or, how much difference is too much? But the truth is, neither one of us wants to be tied down at this point in our lives.  We each want our freedom to do what we want.  That’s the “push me, pull you” sort of relationship we have.

“Hi there, Cowboy!  What’s up?”

Coming straight to the point, he asked, “Your friends are coming in today, right?”

“Not until tonight, actually.”

“Okay, that still works.”  He looked intently at me, a bit unsure before continuing, “I’ve made arrangements for you and your friends, even Sweet Pea, to share a double room suite for the next three days at Loews out at Lake Las Vegas…”

“Whoa!” I shook my head in protest.

He immediately held up his hand and said, “It’s on me! I’ve already paid for it all; it’ll cost you nothing – meals and libation included. You being there will keep you safe and away from here until things settle down.”

“Thanks, but no thanks. We’re staying right here in my house. Besides, why would you do that?”

“We still have things to clean up and I don’t want you involved. The people we think are entangled in all the murders know where you live, remember?”

“Do you mean you have a lead on who killed Melissa and Sally?” I asked, curiosity mounting. I didn’t want to be left out of discovering and prosecuting the people responsible for their deaths. From the first, I had vowed to do that and I still wanted to be a part of it.

“We’re working on it, but there’s no room for you to be involved,” he repeated emphatically, throwing in the last incentive, “Besides, the last thing you want to do is get your girlfriends hurt, right?”

He had me there. I hated to give in, but I could see his point. “If I agree, I don’t want you paying for anything. I’ll take care of it myself.”

“Too bad, it’s already done. You can pay for the other things you girls do, okay?”

“I’ve already purchased tickets to see a show at The Smith Center one of the nights…

“No problem,” he immediately cut in. “I’ll have a limo pick you up. Just let me know the day and time, okay?”

“Just how are you managing to do all this, if you don’t mind my asking?”

“Well, I do mind,” he said firmly, dismissing any chance of a response. “Just promise me that you’ll leave first thing in the morning, Rosie. Enjoy it out there!”

As I hesitated, he added, “You deserve a break from all this!  Get a massage or a – what do you girls call it? – ‘Mani-Pedi’ or something?  Just stay there and have fun!”

I stood in front of him weighing the pros and cons. He interrupted my train of thought by adding, “I’ll have security there for you, too. But if anything comes up or you need me, call me right away. Just go and enjoy,” he pushed.

Hmmm. Although I wasn’t feeling entirely comfortable about his proposition, maybe this wouldn’t be such a bad idea after all. I was more than a little worried I might have more unwelcomed visitors here at the house while the girls were staying with me, and I certainly didn’t want them to become involved or get hurt.

“Well?  Promise me?   He paused. “Just tell them you won a prize or something,” he coached.

“Okay, deal,” I said reluctantly as we shook hands. Then he pulled me forward and looking deep into my eyes ended up giving me a kiss on the forehead. What’s up with that?  I asked myself.

He bent down and patted Sweet Pea before he turned to leave and said, “I’ve paid the guard at the gate to keep careful watch over your house tonight and for the next few days. Call me right away if anything more happens. I mean it.”

I stood there not knowing what to say. So I said nothing as he walked out the door. I wasn’t used to all this concern or relying on someone else. Sometimes, it made me feel as if I were floating along, doing what anyone wanted me to do as if I didn’t have a choice. Maybe this time I didn’t.

I looked at the clock and realized I now would have to redo my shopping list to buy some different treats to take with us to Lake Las Vegas. Sun screen, beach towels and more. I would also have to pack for Sweet Pea, who’d be over-joyed with excitement to join us. She loves staying at hotels and acting as the official greeter to the guests whether anyone wants her to be or not. Luckily, she’s cute enough to get away with it.

The day sped by and before I knew it, it was time to pick up my “sister-friends” at the airport. They had managed their flight times to land just about 20 minutes apart which would make it easy for everyone to gather there before heading home together.

First to arrive was Nancy from Boise. At first, she was hard to find in the crowd because she is petite, only 5 feet tall. It was her wild blond, curly hair sticking out between the taller people that made me able to grab her from the line and give her a hug as big as she was. My 5’10” dwarfed her, but her smile was huge and electrifying, making me so grateful she is my friend. She is the “tomboy” who loves all sports and animals. She even owns four non-allergic dogs of her own. At college, she took courses to become a veterinarian, but her allergies to animals kept her from actually working with them on a daily basis. Instead, she works from home for the offices of an organization that fund-raises to protect animals across the globe who are endangered in any way. She loves her job and has travelled around the world to see some of these animals for herself — always taking her allergy medicine along.

We chatted excitedly while waiting for Karen and Susannah to arrive. I saw pictures of her newest puppy and videos of all four of her dogs playing together. They were hysterical!  Then, we heard a tremendous shout, “Helloooo!” We knew Karen was here. She’s the unrestrained “kid” who finds fun in almost everything she does. She teaches first grade – no surprise – and has won several awards for her way with children and helping the foreign students settle into America and the English language. She danced her way toward us, waving her arms above her head in the air, “I’m so glad to be here, ladies. We’re going to have so much fun!”

After hugs and kisses were given, Susannah showed up, looking as trim and professional as could be. She is the “perfectionist” always wanting everything to be in order. She had a rough childhood and has a bit of a control issue. But she knows it about herself and can laugh at her ways. She’s a corporate lawyer working in the financial district in Boston. She dresses and looks the part in all the best ways. Other people often find her intimidating, but not us three. She can be a “hoot” for she has a very dry sense of humor. We love to be in her company.

After gathering our things, we headed to my house to be greeted by Sweet Pea. She was convinced, I think, they’d come just for her. Sweet Pea, their gift to me after Jeff had died, luckily is loved by all and treated like one of the girls. Because she is non-allergic, she was swooped up into the arms of Nancy, who received many kisses for doing so. The other girls pampered her as well. She looked up at me with a huge smile on her face. It had taken me time when I first had her to realize that yes, indeed, dogs really can smile.

“Hold on, girls. Don’t unpack your bags yet…”

“Woo-hoo!’ Karen cried out. “A surprise!  I just knew you were up to something special when we talked the other night. I could hear it in your voice.”

“Well, I do have a surprise for us all!  We’ve been given a double suite at Loews at Lake Las Vegas for the next three days. We head out tomorrow!  Even Sweet Pea has been invited,” I added.

“Woo-hoo!” hollered Nancy. “I love that place!  Isn’t that the same one we drove out to see and have cocktails the last time we were here?

“It sure is,” answered Karen. “I wouldn’t forget a place like that!”

“Ladies, let’s go upstairs,” I said. “In the first guest room are your presents for this trip!”

“Wow! More surprises?” asked Karen.

“Are you sure you want to spend your money like this?” inquired Susannah in a side whisper to me. She is my lawyer and handles most of my financial affairs dealing with my Trust fund. She asked in spite of knowing I have more than enough money to do this and anything else I want. Thanks to my parents and Grandmother’s keen sense of investment.

“This is a ‘thank you’ for doing a favor for a special client,” I informed them. “Room and board is on the house. All else is on us. Not bad, huh?”  I hated not telling the whole truth, much less calling Brian a client.

“I’ll say. I sure would love to meet this client of yours!” enthused Karen.

“You never know…” I responded in a low voice.

Excited as little girls, we all scurried up the stairs and piled into the first guest room. On the bed were four bundles exactly alike with the exception of the color of the beach towels. “Just pick one and I’ll take what’s left,” I encouraged.

Each of the girls grabbed a pack and we all ended up laughing as it was obvious each of us was comparing what we’d gotten to what the others had. Nothing seems to have changed since the early days of college and so many fun get-togethers.

In addition to a beach towel, each bundle held a fun straw hat, matching tee shirts with “girlfriends are the best” written on it, a romance summer reading paperback, sun tan lotion, (for Susannah’s dark skin as well), after-sun lotion and fruit lip gloss. We all tried on the hats and Nancy and Karen switched. Since we’d share all the books, each of us ended up satisfied with what we had. All our things fit into one of the tan straw bags with different colored handles that matched the color of the beach towels so we’d be able to tell which one was ours.

“Let’s head downstairs for a night cap before we go to bed,” I suggested. “How does Amaretto on the rocks sound?”

Karen said, “Now we’re talking.”  She’s not a real drinker but loves to indulge when she’s with the rest of us.

Nancy and Susannah chimed in together, “Count me in!”

We settled in for just a short time of small talk before heading back upstairs to bed. Tomorrow at Lake Las Vegas would be the real start of our “sister-friends” weekend and we couldn’t wait for it to begin.