Free Old Loves Die Hard (A Mac Faraday Mystery) by Lauren Carr Page A

never saw her until a few days before the murders and never since. The chief of housekeeping has no idea who this Nita is. It’s very embarrassing. I’m surprised Jeff said nothing to you.”
    When their food arrived, they fell silent while the server placed their plates in front of them. Mac had ordered French toast and sausage while Hector had ordered a fruit and yogurt plate.
    “Tell me about this Nita.” Mac poured the syrup over his French toast.
    “According to everyone who spoke to her, she barely knew English, if any,” Hector reported. “We got her on the security video. Unfortunately, we don’t have a good enough picture to show anyone. The service staff gave us a description though.”
    “Why would she kill them?” Mac took a bite from his French toast. He chewed while waiting for the security chief to answer his question.
    Hector stared at his plate.
    Mac asked, “Does anyone have any idea who she is?”
    “All we know is that she had long thick black hair and wore black glasses. She was seen wearing a cleaning uniform mixing in with the help.”
    “What about the key card that all the employees get?” Mac pointed at the identification card that Hector kept in his breast pocket.
    For security, all employees had identification cards that contained encrypted codes which allowed them access into areas where they needed to work. Key cards wouldn’t grant access for areas where the employee had no reason to enter. For example, a bartender’s key card wouldn’t allow him into the accounting office. Since access cards were needed to get into several areas of the resort, most employees wore them attached to lanyard cords around their necks. Other employees would clip them onto their belts.
    There were very few security key cards that granted access into all areas of the Spencer Inn resort. Mac possessed one. As the Inn’s manager, Jeff Ingle also had one, as did Hector Langford and his deputy chief.
    The security chief told Mac, “The employees I inter-viewed said she wore a lanyard cord around her neck and they saw what looked like a security pass in her breast pocket. But when I pressed them, they realized they never saw her use it.”
    “It was for show.”
    “She could’ve used any card or had her picture taped to a white blank one.” Hector laughed. “It’s one of the oldest tricks in the book. A guy hangs out in front of an apartment building that has a security lock. When someone else goes in, the guy follows him inside. Happens all the time.”
    “But who…”
    Hector took a sip of his coffee before saying, “The police found a black wig and black glasses and the smock from the Spencer Inn cleaning uniform in Christine’s suitcase. Nita was first seen here at the Inn on Thursday. That’s the same day Stephen Maguire checked in. No one has seen her since the murders.” His tone softened. “I’m sorry to say this, Mac, but I think she was stalking Maguire. I’m pretty certain the police agree.”
    “What does David O’Callaghan say?”
    “He’s not talking to anyone.” His displeasure about not being on the inside of David O’Callaghan’s investigation was evident.
    Jeff Ingle appeared at Mac’s elbow. “How are you and your family holding up?”
    “We’ll be okay.” Mac thought, What’s the alternative?
    Jeff slid into the seat next to him. “I just wanted to let you know that I’m worried about something.”
    “You’re always worried about something.” Mac finished off the last of his French toast. “That’s what I pay you for.”
    Seeming to miss the humor behind Mac’s comment, the manager plunged on. “Stephen Maguire was killed three days ago. The media has covered it. I’ve seen it on the news. They say the Maguire family has refused comment and to date, no one from the Maguire family has contacted me. You’d think Ed would have at least gotten a call from their lawyer.”
    “Isn’t no call from them a good thing?” Mac asked. “Do you want them to