Blood Orchid (Holly Barker 3)

The crime-scene tech handed the detective an open wallet. “Florida driver’s license,” he said.

“Ernesto Rodriguez,” the detective read from the license. “Name sound familiar to either of you?” he asked Holly and Marina. Both shook their heads.

Two hours had passed before the corpse was taken away and the investigation completed. Holly went into the kitchen with Marina. “Now, the notebook, please,” she said.

Marina went to the fridge, took an open bag of Tater Tots from the freezer, fished out the notebook, and handed it to Holly.

“Thank you,” Holly said, putting it into her damaged handbag. “What did the man say to you when he came inside?”

“He said he was a friend of Carlos, and he wanted his notebook. I told him I didn’t know about a notebook, and he became angry and started to tear the place apart. Fortunately, you arrived about that time.”

“Did he hit you?”

“No, he only pushed me against the wall, but he was about to hit me.”

“Did you know him, Marina?”

“I’ve seen him in Pedro’s shop,” she said, “but I don’t know his name.”

“Often?”

“Just once. He was talking to Pedro in the office when I dropped in to see Carlos.”

“Where is your mother?”

“She’s working at the church today.”

“We’d better get the living room cleaned up before she comes back. We don’t want her to be frightened.”

Marina nodded, and the two women went to work, restoring the room to its former appearance, except for the bloodstain on the carpet.

Marina got some spray carpet cleaner from the kitchen and was about to begin using it when Holly stopped her. “Do you have any disinfectant?”

“Yes, some Lysol.”

“Better spray the stain well before you clean it. You never know about blood these days.”

When the house was in order, Holly made to leave. “Something else, Marina,” she said.

“Yes?”

“You shouldn’t speak to Pedro again. If he calls you, tell him you don’t want to talk to him, and if he tries to see you, call the police.”

“Why?”

“I believe he sent the man here today for the notebook, and since he doesn’t have it, he’ll still want it. I think Pedro was involved with whatever Carlos was doing. I’ll speak to him and tell him to stay away from you.”

“Thank you,” Marina said.

“In the meantime, I think it’s best if you and your mother leave the house for a few days. Rodriguez had a friend with him, and we don’t want you to be here when he comes back. Is there somewhere you can go? A friend or relative that Pedro doesn’t know?”

Marina thought about it. “My mother has a sister in Sarasota; we can go there.”

“Does Pedro know about her?”

“No.”

“Good. You’d better pack a bag for your mother and yourself and go pick her up at the church.”