Swindled in Paradise Read Online Free

always managed to stay under the radar, never attracting unwanted attention. In my experience, she delivered what she promised, which was why Fab and I called her instead of our unreliable street snitches, who traded info for cigarettes.
    While Phil took the containers out of the bags, I grabbed plates and silverware. With a shuffling of the stools, there was enough room for all of us, including Phil to sit around the island. My brother got out an assortment of beers—none of the guys could agree on the same brand—and Creole had the blender going for margaritas while Fab’s favorite vodka appeared on the counter.
    A pounding on the front door brought the activity to a halt. Fab jerked open the junk drawer and grabbed the Beretta that was inside. It sounded to me like a cop knock, which I’d mastered a long time ago. Creole nodded to Brad, who checked the peephole, then turned and shrugged, opening the door.
    Kevin crossed the threshold. He never showed up at the house in uniform unless he was on official business. Now what? I thought. Wait until Creole hears about the horse. I wanted to laugh, but Kevin looked serious.
    Kevin stalked into the kitchen, skipped the pleasantries, and ordered, “Didier, would you step outside.”
    Fab had slipped the gun back into the drawer when Kevin set foot in the house, but she jumped in front of Didier. “I don’t think so. What do you want?”
    Creole spoke up, his mouth a firm line. “What’s going on, Kevin?”
    Didier shook his head. “Good question.”
    “Hands behind your back,” Kevin ordered. “You’re wanted for the murder of Lauren Grace.”
    Didier’s eyebrows shot up. “Murder?”
    The man wasn’t a cold-blooded killer, and the look of shock on his face convinced me he had no knowledge of the crime. I’d known him long enough to know he was an honorable, straight-up guy. “Doesn’t Didier have the option of telling you to go…stuff it?” I asked.
    “I know you think you know the law, since you’re always busy trying to skirt around your legal issues, but this piece of paper gives me the authority.” He held up an official-looking document.
    Fab jerked it from his fingers.
    “Don’t say a word,” I told Didier. “I’ve got the best criminal lawyer in the state on speed dial. Do not speak to anyone, ” I stressed, “without speaking to Cruz Campion first.” I tossed a glare at Kevin.
    “This isn’t cool,” Brad told Kevin. “There’s no other deputy on duty to make this arrest?”
    Kevin, by virtue of his sister and Brad being together, had been included in family get-togethers lately. The same events that Didier had been a part of for longer than him.
    Does Kevin have to look pleased when whipping out the cuffs? I thought.
    Fab handed me my phone.
    I eyed the screen and saw that she’d already dialed the lawyer’s office. I was on hold momentarily before he picked up. “Cruz Campion,” he said.
    I hit the highlights, knowing he liked his information quick and to the point. Cruz only had one question when I was done. “His lawyer wants to know where you’re taking him,” I barked at Kevin.
    “He’s going to the local station. Miami is sending an officer to pick him up,” Kevin responded.
    I relayed the information to Cruz. “No talking to anyone until you talk to your lawyer,” I called out as Kevin cuffed Didier and led him out the door, Creole right behind.
    The trio passed the window, Creole talking to Didier. He gave him a pat on the back when they reached the patrol car. I knew he was reassuring Didier that he and I would use every connection between us to make sure he didn’t end up in jail and, if the worst happened, that I had bail connections. Creole would be the biggest help since he worked directly for the Miami Chief of Police and if… well, Creole could get Didier jail perks.
    Fab’s hands shot out in front of her as she demanded, “Who the hell is Lauren Grace?”
    Brad shot a look at Didier, still standing in the