The Sex On Beach Book Club by Jennifer Apodaca Page B

Vail’s boat was broken into. The only thing that appears to be missing is a computer or laptop. There is equipment that goes with the computer, some kind of broadcasting shit, printer and scanner unit, that kind of stuff, but no computer. It’s not in his car either.”
    â€œWhen was the boat broken into?”
    â€œTuesday night, or that’s the theory anyway. I assume Rodgers has a reason to back up the theory. She doesn’t believe in coincidence.”
    Holly wasn’t much on coincidence either. That meant the killer wanted something. Something on the computer? “Any suspects for the break-in or the murder?”
    â€œRodgers wouldn’t say who she thought looked good for either. I couldn’t get a read on her about Brockman either. Watch yourself, AP Gotta run.”
    â€œThanks, Seth.” She hung up.
    â€œWhat?” Wes asked.
    â€œCullen’s boat was broken into, and the police can’t find a laptop or computer. Tanya said he had a laptop. So what was on that laptop? Was it worth killing for?”
    Frowning, Wes said, “You think someone killed Cullen in the bookstore then went to the boat and got his computer?”
    Holly didn’t know. She played the different scenarios in her brain. “Could be the killer saw Cullen leave with Tanya. He or she knows that it’s going to take a little time to do the kiss-and-grope good-bye. They break in, grab his computer, then drive to the bookstore and kill Cullen.”
    His gaze grew troubled. “Why not just kill Cullen at the boat when he gets back? Why do it in my store?”
    â€œExcellent question.” She walked to her desk, reached past Wes and got her tablet. “There’s Cullen, the killer, your bookstore, and the laptop. We’re pretty certain those are involved.” Holly looked at the four items, trying to see a connection.
    Wes pulled her down so that she sat next to him on the edge of the desk. Looking over her list, he said, “Tanya said Cullen wanted to be on radio, a Howard Stern type.”
    Holly looked over at him. “How does becoming a radio shock jock connect to a laptop?”
    â€œResearch? Maybe sending out resumes?”
    She thought about that. “Applying to radio stations. Hmm, wouldn’t he have to have some kind of experience? A portfolio of some type?”
    â€œNo idea.”
    â€œI’ll find out. Damn, I wish we had some way to access that computer.” Holly made a note about radio stations, then said, “But now we have more questions for the women. And your clerks.” She looked at Wes, sitting next to her. “No word from them yet?”
    He shook his head and looked at his watch. “I’d like you to wait until I can go with you to talk to the other women.”
    That caught her off guard. “What do you mean wait? What are you doing now?”
    â€œI need to go let the cleaners into my store. They’re going to be there at one. Then I need to check on Monty and do a few other things. How about we meet around six?”
    Once again, she was struck by how little she knew about Wes. She didn’t like the feeling that he was keeping something from her, especially when she was busting her butt to help him—for the doubled fee, of course. “What other things do you have to do? You have something more important than finding the murderer?”
    He grinned. “Monty. He’s important.”
    Uh-huh. And he was trying to distract her. “After you check on the dog—which, by the way, is why I don’t have a dog—what are you doing then?”
    â€œDon’t get all huffy on me, I’m not seeing another woman.” Wes stood up. “So we’ll meet at six. My place?”
    Holly stood up and faced him. “Did I say anything about another woman? Rein in your ego, book boy. You can sleep with all the women you want, what I want to know is what you’re trying to keep a