Page 31 of Pax

“You alright, Juan?”

“Yes, sir. Thanks to these gentlemen.”

“Nice of you to show up,” said Christopher. “Do you always let your staff fight for themselves against drunken patrons?”

“Wh-what? No. No, I was busy in the back. Juan knows I’ll always defend him.” Juan said nothing, turning to wash the dirty glasses. Christopher and Patrick said nothing, the manager quickly retreated to the back once again.

“His wife is one of the chefs,” said Juan. “He’d rather sit back there with her than come out here.” He wiped down the counter space where the men were sitting and then spotted something that made him freeze. A small key ring with one key and a religious medal attached.

“What’s that?” asked Patrick.

“Saint Philomena. Patron Saint of Youth.”

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

“Well, I don’t think it’s unusual,” said Cruz, looking into the screen. Razor was seated beside him. Both men had been stationed in Coronado, and both were first-generation Americans. “Lots of kids are given saint medals when they get their first communion.”

“The key and medal were left on the bar by a grown man. A white man,” said Christopher.

“Listen, it’s definitely a connection to look into. I’m gonna have to bounce off. Razor can help?”

“Everything okay?” asked Luke. Cruz smiled, nodding at him.

“Oh, yeah. Briggs, Beatrice, Hudson, and Hattie all have the stomach flu and are puking and other things all over the place. Worst part is, I think Forrest is getting it as well, and that leaves poor Maddie to deal with everything.” They could hear the sounds of retching, and Cruz turned. “Yeah. Gotta go.”

“He’s good,” smirked Razor. “That is unless all the other kids get the same damn bug. Then he’s going to be seriously pissed off. Look, I agree with Cruz. Kids are often given medals, but if you saw this on two of the bodies and this man at the bar had it, I’d look into it further.”

“Thanks, brother.”

“We can be there if you need us,” said Razor. “The shop is crazy, but we can send Abe. He’s Hispanic. Nate and Mike look Hispanic, and both are fluent in the language.”

“I know,” nodded Luke, “but they damn sure don’t look desperate.” He signed off and turned to look at the others.

“I think we have to find out where those guys are staying and what convention they’re here for.”

“The 43rdAnnual Nautical Boat Show and Water Sport Extravaganza,” said Deanna, looking up at everyone from her phone. They all stared at her. “It’s here every year at this time, and it’s the only big one in town. Plus, these placards are identical to what those guys were wearing.” She turned the phone around, and Pax, Christopher, and Patrick all nodded.

“Nice work, babe,” smirked Pax.

“A boat show. Does that feel odd at all?” asked Brax. “Is the key a boat key?”

“I’m not sure, but it feels like maybe we should visit the boat show today,” said Bogey. “What do you think, babe? In the mood to buy something fast?”

“No,” she smirked, “but I’ll go with you and look.”

“Us too,” said Benji. “Two or three couples, a few guys looking for their male weekend chick hangout.”

“Chick hangout?” frowned Brax.

“You know what I meant. If those guys at the bar are selling boats, they might know something.”

“Looks like we’re going to the boat show,” smiled Deanna. Pax looked at her, frowning. “You heard your dad. A few couples and a few single guys. Since it’s just me, your mom, and Alice, we all need to go as the couples.”

“I hate it when she’s right,” frowned Pax. She kissed him, smiling.

“You love it when I’m right. I’ll go put something sexy on. You need to play the doting husband willing to spend all your money on the perfect boat for me.” She walked off, and Hex grinned at Pax.

“She’s got a point. And she’s cute as shit,” he smirked.

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