Free Cause of Death (Det. Annie Avants Book 1) by Renee Benzaim

later.
    Upstairs, he brought the sacks into his kitchen, just off the patio, and opened them.
    "Yumm, burritos, rice, and beans.  Enough for two people.  I wonder who the second dinner was for?" he said as he dumped the crushed carton of eggs into the trash and put the tortillas in the refrigerator. He took his meal out onto his covered patio.  The yard to his home was large and surrounded by olive trees.  Even when he looked at it on the satellite maps on his computer, he could barely see a small part of the roof.  This home had been built many years ago and was solid.  No sound escaped from the basement, which suited his purposes just fine.
    He sat there enjoying the evening.  His friend, Okie, walked over to join him, carrying a couple of cold beers.
    "Hey, Okie, how's it hangin'?" he asked his neighbor.
    "Just great," Okie said.  "That sure smells good.  What is it?"
    "Mexican food.  I have more.  Do you want some?  There's another whole serving."
    "Sure, that would go great with the beer."
    He went inside and got the second serving and brought it outside for Okie
    "Here you go.  Enjoy," he said as he picked up his icy cold beer and rubbed it against his forehead before taking a big swallow.
    "Where did you get this, and why did you buy two orders?" Okie said.  "It tastes great."
    "A little Mexican restaurant I found in Arvin. I was hungry and thought I could eat two orders, but you know how filling this type of food is.  My eyes were bigger than my stomach," he said, as he laughed.
    The two men ate in silence and listened to the mariachi music that spilled into the night from a nearby bar.  After finishing their meals, and Okie's beers, Okie returned to his trailer. The man went inside to play on his computer.  Tomorrow he would pay a visit to his guest, but for now, she could rest.

* * *
    Where is she ? Julio wondered as he looked at his watch.  It was already 9:30 PM and Carmen hadn't returned from town.  Why is it taking her so long to get back ?  His grumbling stomach reminded him of his growing hunger.  I bet she met up with some friends and is wasting time while I sit here and starve.
    In exasperation, he headed for town.  As he walked down C Street, he saw Carmen's friend AnaMaria on the other side of the street.
    He crossed over so he could speak with her.
    "Hola, AnaMaria," he said, "how are you?"
    "Hola, Julio.  I'm great, thanks.  Did you get your fill of food finally?"
    "No, that's why I'm out.  I'm still waiting for Carmen to bring me something to eat."
    "What?  She arrived at the market a long time ago and went right in to buy some food.  She should have been home by now."
    "Were you at the market?"
    "Yes, Julio.  Me and some friends were standing outside, just chilling, when Carmen arrived.  About 20 minutes later, she came out carrying two sacks and headed home.  I'm surprised she isn't there yet.  I wonder where she went?"
    "Shit.  Where could she be?"  Julio frowned and stood silent for a moment.  "Were any of her other friends around?  Maybe someone who offered her a ride and then they went somewhere else first?"
    "I didn't see anyone else.  She headed east on Bear Mountain Road when she left and turned up Derby.  That's the last I saw of her."
    "Well, I guess I'll buy something for myself and head back on home.  Hopefully, she'll be there by now and we'll have plenty to eat until Mom and Dad return tomorrow.  See you later, AnaMaria."

CHAPTER EIGHT
    Tuesday, 14 August 2012, 8:00 AM
    Tom knocked on Sgt. Collins' door and shifted about from foot to foot as he waited for her to answer.  That woman spends more time on the phone than anyone I know , he thought.  However, it was a normal occurrence and he didn't want to disturb her.
    "Come in," Sgt. Collins said, finally.
    Tom walked into the office and sat down in the chair across from her desk.  He noted, from the expression on her face, that something was disturbing her.
    "Do you have any new information about