It wasn't until Viv stood under the shower stream that she realized what she'd done. Did I just agree to be a private investigator with Rex Redondo and to spending the night with him as part of our investigation? What was I thinking!
As she toweled off and then slipped into her bathrobe, she thought about how to get out of spending the night with Rex. Maybe I can change my mind. I can just call him and explain.
Then she remembered Farrah. Telling them they ought to find suitable hobbies for retired folks. Combing her hair back from her face, Viv had to admit—ever since Rex Redondo arrived in her world, life had gotten interesting. He'd encouraged her to use her mind, putting her experience and logic to good use. Plus he made her feel alive.
A few minutes with the blow dryer lifted her curls as they cascaded to her shoulders. Slipping on a pair of wide-leg linen slacks and a flowing peasant top, she buckled on her dressy sandals. Her customary choices: a monotone outfit accented by a pair of fancy and expensive sandals.
Picking up her cell phone, she made the call to the HOA. "Desert Tortoise Estates," Joan answered in a crisp voice.
"Hello, this is Vivienne Rose. I'd like you to send me the HOA CC&Rs electronically as soon as you can. I’ll wait and check my inbox while we’re on the phone.” Viv moved their conversation to speaker.
"Nobody really asks for that stuff," Joan said. "I have to do a search to find them in my electronic files. There have been a few revisions since the original agreement. Board approved, by the way. Do you want to hang up? It will take a while."
"I'll stay with you." Viv knew better than to let Joan off the hook. She'll never get around to finding what I want.
Pressing the app to her email, she heard a ding. A message from the Desert Tortoise HOA. Apparently the CC&Rs weren't that hard to find. She opened the attachment, still on the phone with Joan.
"These look fine for now. Send one to Rex Redondo,” Viv added. "He's a homeowner and also interested."
Joan hesitated. "I have to get a personal request from him, not you. On the phone or in writing."
Viv thought quickly. "Mr. Redondo is busy today. I'm helping him out in the office. You can send the copy to him or I'll forward mine. Either way."
"I suppose," came the reluctant reply.
While Viv waited for a confirmation from Joan, she wondered why the woman dragged her feet. One more thing for me to bring up at the next HOA meeting.
"Sent," Joan finally said.
“Thank you." Viv hung up.
After visiting Miss Kitty, Viv made her way to the kitchen. She put together two sandwiches on sourdough, including lettuce, tomato, and avocado. By the time she made a diagonal cut across each one, her doorbell rang.
Rex's hair, slicked back, was still wet from his shower. He looked casual and comfortable wearing faded denim jeans and a plaid sport shirt. His laptop, tucked under his arm, made her smile. This is what I'd call a working lunch.
"I got the documents," he announced, stepping inside.
"I have sandwiches. Why don't we sit at the kitchen table and read while we eat?"
He nodded his approval.
Viv poured tall glasses of sun tea for herself and Rex. She sat down and took a bite of her sandwich before opening her laptop.
A quick glance at the CC&Rs revealed a lot of legalese. Viv yawned and took another bite of her sandwich.
Rex kept reading, his eyes clearly focused on what was in front of him. "Very interesting," he commented. "Did you get to the casita rental part yet?"
"Which page?"
"Toward the end, on page thirty-five."
Viv scrolled, her eyes widening as she read. "So we were right. The two casitas are owned by the community, not an individual. They are designated for guests of Desert Tortoise residents only. And the proceeds are to be put into the HOA general operating fund."
"Nothing about how much is charged per night." Rex chewed slowly. "The fee schedule seems a bit fluid."
"More like nonexistent," Viv commented. "Joan took my credit card over the phone. I forgot to ask how much. I guess we'll find out tomorrow after our stay." She shut her laptop. "According to this document, each casita has an owner's locker. That way people can store golf clubs and outdoor equipment. Since the casitas are owned by the community, we should all have access to that locker to share the contents with our family members who rent."
"So remind me." Rex took a sip of tea. "If Frank is the president, who is the treasurer? Maybe we need to go directly to that person for more information."
Viv opened her laptop again. She scrolled and then stopped. "Pete Langford is our HOA treasurer," she announced. "He was the one who gave me the check at Beverly Nelson's house. He told me that he's a CPA. So it makes sense he'd be the money guy for the Desert Tortoise Estates."
"And you thought there was something going on with the widow. You know. More than friends kinda thing…"
"I don't know for certain. But he sat really close to her and seemed quite friendly. That may mean something."
Rex pulled at his ear. "Are you thinkin' what I'm thinkin'?"
"It doesn't take a mind reader, now does it?" Viv sounded very matter-of-fact.
"Maybe Peter Langford and the widow Nelson decided to kill Carmine and pin the murder on Joey Baker. Maybe they are a couple."
It wasn't until later that night when Viv realized she'd better get packing for a night of investigating, like it or not.