Chapter 5
With the sun now high overhead, Scott waded into the cool waters of the pool. He turned his head toward the sound of a familiar voice. “Una conga fruta, por favor. Sin alcohol. Gracias.”
The voice belonged to the man sitting at the edge of the pool wearing dark aviator sunglasses, red speedo trunks, and sporting the deep tan of a true sun-lover: Tom Finley, his boyhood friend.
“Still ordering the fruit punch, no alcohol?” Scott said. Tom looked up.
“Scott!” he yelled, throwing his hands in the air and hopping into the pool.
“What’s up, Ace?” Scott said, high-fiving his friend.
“I wasn’t expecting to see you.”
“After you told me about the rumor that Contessa was selling the hotel, my boss sent me down here to convince her to work with us instead. I would’ve told you had I known you were coming.”
“You know me. I’m what you call a sun-guy.
Any excuse to get down here will do. Plus, I figured this might be my last chance to enjoy Las Olas.
” He removed his sunglasses, revealing a pair of bright blue eyes.
Dark haired and tall, Tom was a lifeguard back in Clearwater, Florida, and had a swimmer’s physique.
“Have you figured out why she’s selling?” Scott asked.
“Contessa? I’m not sure but I’ve been here for a few days and have noticed some strange birds hanging around. I think she’s having a problem with the local cartel.”
“Come again?”
“Checkout those guys over there.” Tom pointed toward the bar at the end of the pool where a group of Mexicans in jeans, cowboy boots and hats were sitting at one of the tables drinking beer.
One of the men, who wore a red handkerchief around his neck, opened a beer bottle with his teeth, then spit the bottle cap on the ground.
Something glinted near the man’s waistline, and Scott quickly realized that it was a gun.
“I’ve seen a few of those guys since I got here,” Tom said. “You’ll have to ask Contessa about it.” Scott nodded. “By the way, Scott, a bunch of the old crew is here and we’re going water skiing this afternoon. Can you join us?”
“Count me in,” Scott said.
“Great. Boat will be at the pier in half an hour.”