Page 10 of Phoenix Rising

“Let’s go in here,” Audria said as they came to a shop that featured handmade items from local artisans. Reese wasn’t much of a shopper, but he wandered the aisles, admiring the talents of those who had created the art. Many of the pieces indicated they’d come from the Native American communities that resided in Arizona, including the Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation, and Pueblo of Zuni. He looked up from examining a woven rug to see Audria checking out a necklace made of turquoise and diamonds.

He came up behind her and whispered in her ear, “That would look beautiful on you.”

She jumped, and it pleased him when a blush colored her cheeks. “Thanks, but it’s out of my price range.” She returned the piece to the woman who had removed it from its case and continued perusing. She selected a snow globe featuring the red rock landscape. “BeBe collects them,” she explained as she paid for the gift.

Reese had met the woman, described to him as the glue that held COBRA Securities together, and instantly liked her and her husband, Tank.

He glanced at his watch as they left the store. It was close enough to check in, so they returned to the hotel, detouring to the garage to gather their luggage before heading to the lobby.

“Welcome to Aguas Tranquilas Resort and Spa,” a woman with short red hair and a face full of freckles greeted from behind the registration counter. Her nametag read Becky.

“Thank you, Becky,” Reese responded. “Ross and Amy Green. We have a reservation.”

“Great, Mr. Green. I’ll pull up your information now.”

Her fingers flew over the keyboard as she tapped in their names. Reese glanced around the luxurious interior. A fountain of galloping deer among cacti was the centerpiece, the sound of water providing a calming effect. Vibrant plants and trees were scattered around the seating areas. A currently unused baby grand piano was situated against one wall. Several shops, an elegant-looking restaurant, and a trendy bar were located down a corridor.

The printer spit out papers, and Becky had Reese list his contact information and sign his name before she explained the amenities.

“A friend of mine is also staying at the resort. Can you ring her room to let her know we’re here?”

“Absolutely. What’s the name?”

“Paige Stockton.”

Becky typed into her computer and then frowned. She looked up at them. “I need to get my manager. One moment, please.”

“That can’t be good,” Audria muttered out of the side of her mouth.

No kidding.

A woman with dark hair fastened into a bun, wearing a charcoal business suit and black pumps, emerged from the back room. “Mr. and Mrs. Green, welcome to Aguas Tranquilas Resort and Spa. My name isLeslie Houseman. I’m the general manager. Can I speak with you in my office?”

When they started to follow, she added, “You can stash your luggage behind the desk. Becky will keep an eye on it.”

Reese wasn’t happy about leaving their belongings since they’d geared up with various weapons. Not wanting to draw attention to them, he rolled his bag against the wall while Audria did the same. Then he guided Audria ahead of him with a hand on her back. Though others might not have noticed her infinitesimal jump, he certainly did. It didn’t bode well for their undercover op if the wife couldn’t tolerate the husband’s touch. He’d have to mention that to her.

Ms. Houseman pointed at two leather chairs in front of her desk, a sleek, modern iron and glass design. She took a seat. “Becky said you asked about Paige Stockton?”

“Yes. She’s a long-time friend.”

“I’m afraid Ms. Stockton is no longer staying with us.”

“My wife spoke to her a week ago, and she was here.” Oops. It was his ex-wife. Thankfully, Audria smoothly picked right up.

“She said she would be here for a while,” Audria insisted.

“Yes, she had paid for a five-day stay with the option of extending. When five days passed, and we didn’t hear from her, housekeeping entered her room to clean it. Her belongings were there, but she wasn’t. Our staff tried the contact number she listed when she checked in, but there was no answer. We waited an extra day before packing her items and storing them. We keep unclaimed luggage for three months.”

“I’d like to take possession of her things.”

“I need proof of your relationship with Ms. Stockton before I release anything.”

“This should do it.” Reese reached into his pocket and displayed his FBI credentials, keeping a thumb over his name.

Ms. Houseman’s eyes widened, and she placed her palms on her desk. Thankfully, she didn’t look too closely at the badge. “Did something happen to Ms. Stockton? Is that why you are here? Is something going on inside my resort? I need to protect my employees.” Her voice rose an octave with each word.

“No, no, there is no reason to panic. Nothing has occurred that we know about.” Truth. They didn’t know what had become of Paige. “My wife and I are simply on vacation, but Ms. Stockton is a friend, and I will look into why she didn’t return for her belongings.”

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