Holly Plum [Plum - Rice, Beans, and Revenge

RICE, BEANS, AND REVENGE

A Mexican Caf Cozy Mystery

Holly Plum

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Copyright 2017 by Holly Plum

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

CHAPTER ONE

It was a chilly November morning. A blast of cold air swept over Mari Ramirez as she opened the door to her apartment, sending shivers up and down her spine. Racing back inside, she grabbed her favorite Longhorns hoodie which she hadnt worn in over a year. She had found it at the bottom of a pile of clothes in her closet. She caught a glimpse of her bulldog, Tabasco, staring at her sadly from behind the entertainment center.

You know you cant go with me, Mari said. Dad has specifically asked me not to bring you into the restaurant.

Tabasco whimpered as she scratched behind his ears.

Alright, she said, waving a hand. But if I catch you anywhere near the spice rack, I'll bring you straight home.

Tabasco barked in agreement, and Mari grabbed his leash on their way out the door.

A light mist had settled over the streets as Mari drove past the town's main shopping center and grocery store toward Lito Buenos Mexican Restaurant. She felt a surge of pride every morning as she reflected on the fact that she worked at a family-owned business. The Ramirez family had been through many financial ups and downs, but it was still satisfying for Mari to switch on the neon open sign at the start of each business day.

It was nearing nine o'clock. Usually, the restaurant was deserted at this hour, but Mari was surprised to find a crowd of photographers and onlookers gathered outside the front entrance. The moment they saw her, they began taking pictures and shouting questions.

Ms. Ramirez, how long have you known Karlie Lam? one yelled.

Can you confirm that Ms. Lam is sitting in the dining room of your restaurant at this moment? another one shouted.

What do you say to the accusations that you give special treatment only to certain customers? The photographer raised his eyebrows and looked at Mari disapprovingly.

Mari rolled her eyes at this last question. Over the years she had learned to spot the many tricks of Mr. Chun, the man who owned the Chinese restaurant across the street. He had friends at the local newspaper, and he was forever trying to soil the good name of Mari's family.

Mari turned to face the crowd as she approached the front door. Tabasco's bark settled some of the chaos. Motioning for silence, she said in a loud voice, If you have any questions, you can direct them to my father, Jose Ramirez. Lito Buenos Mexican Restaurant treats all customers fairly."

A surge of questions rose anew as Mari turned around and unlocked the door to let herself inside. She paused for a second in the colorful entrance hall to let the warmth of the place wash over her. Tabasco tugged at his leash. Mari let go of it, and the dog trotted to the office at the back of the restaurant where he usually napped for most of the day. The lights in the kitchen were on, but the dining room was still dark. However, a slim figure was seated at one of the booths in the back beneath an oil painting of a broken-hearted matador and his lover. The woman set down her fork and waved excitedly as Mari approached her table.

Hey, Mari, Karlie Lam greeted her. She was much taller than Mari, with auburn shoulder-length hair and long, dark lashes. Your dad let me in. It feels like I havent seen you in forever.

It does feel like forever, doesnt it? Mari replied, smiling in spite of herself, as she sat down opposite her old friend. At least one of us managed to get out there and see the world, right? After you had left for New York to pursue your modeling career, I thought I'd never see you again.

"Except on TV," Karlie joked. "You did see me on TV last month. Right?"

"I sure did." Mari refrained from mentioning that her brothers, Alex and David, had recorded it.

Everyone talks about what a terrible place this is, Karlie said, peering around the dining room from behind black rectangular sunglasses. Honestly, I dont see whats so bad about it. It has a particular, I guess you could say, decrepit charm to it.

One might say that, Mari responded. She crossed her arms. Karlie hadn't changed at all since Mari had last seen her. She was still dishing out backhanded compliments as usual.

Anyway, what have you been doing with yourself?

Well, Mari began, allowing herself exactly two seconds to think of a way to answer that question without embarrassing herself, I moved to Fort Worth and became a teacher. And then I got engaged, and neither one of those things ended up working out, so Im back here helping Dad.

They both laughed, though Mari wasnt entirely sure why.

"Typical Mari." Karlie smirked.

Anyway, Mari continued in the awkward silence that followed, what brings you back to Texas?

Well , Karlie replied, Im back in town for a photo shoot. You probably noticed all the photographers standing outside. Mari nodded; they would have been hard to miss. My agent has been on the phone with a very famous magazine all weekend. I won't name drop. Karlie took a deep breath. "It's Vogue . They want me to do an expos type of thing. I'm supposed to get in touch with my roots or something by letting them photograph my inner Texan? Anyway, it's Vogue ."

Mari frowned slightly. That's interesting."

Karlies expression turned frosty. My agent is a genius. Any model out there would kill for this opportunity."

Mari shrugged. Of course.

Karlie snapped her fingers, changing the subject. Oh, by the way, I was on the phone with my agent last night, and he told me to find a dog. Apparently, that will make my shoot seem more authentic. So I told him I would try to find one for this afternoon. You wouldnt happen to have your dog, Whiskers, or whatever still?

Tabasco, Mari corrected her. And sure, you can borrow him as long as you bring him straight back when the photo shoot is over.

Tabasco? Karlie responded. I love it.

Mari continued to smile, though Karlie had finally revealed that she wasn't at the restaurant to reminisce about their high school days. Karlie was there because she needed something.

Just so you know, Mari added, Tabasco doesnt always listen. And he loves shoes. He will destroy them if hes left alone with a pair for longer than ten seconds. I'm serious.

You got it, Karlie replied. She barely seemed to be listening.

The two of them sat there in silence for a moment longer before Mari said, Hey, why dont you come back around dinner time? Ill make a few calls to round up some of the old gang, and well have ourselves a little hometown reunion.

Karlies dark eyes glittered with excitement. That sounds like a fabulous idea. I get tired of the usual fans anyway. Are Hazel and Robin still around?"

They sure are, Mari stated, reaching for her purse. Ill get in touch with them and see if they want to meet up. Well make a night of it.

Alright, you've convinced me, Karlie said. "A night with old friends from high school can't be all bad."