SeñoraHernandez motioned for them to continue into the establishment.
“She welcomes you back to the Cabo Wabo,” Teresa said, “and offers to provide your food and drinks.Usted no tiene que pagar.”
“Tell her thank you,” Chase said.“But we came to ask questions.You see, we don’t remember much about what happened last night while we were here.We had hoped someone could remind us, and maybe we’ll remember.”
Teresa waved toward the bar at the center of the room.“Juan was here last night after my mother left.He will be able to answer your questions.”
Alana marveled at how easily the Navy SEAL charmed the two ladies, both older and younger.When he turned those incredibly blue eyes and his killer smile on someone, she could see how someone could fall in love with him in seconds.
Was that what had happened?Had he smiled at her and turned her knees to mush?Even though he was using his charm on the other women, it affected her as well.
The thought made her frown.She wasn’t supposed to be falling for the guy.She was supposed to be discovering how they’d ended up married, why someone was threatening them and how they could end their short-lived marriage.Alana squared her shoulders and crossed to the bartender.
“Buenos días, Juan,” Alana said with a smile.“Do you remember us from last night?”
The bartender grinned.“Sí, si.”He nodded toward her.“Alana and Chase.”He spread his arms wide.“Mis amigos,what can I get you?”
“We’re having a hard time remembering what happened last night,” Alana said.
Juan nodded and winked.“Ah, the tequila.You two had several shots while here.”
“We did?”Alana cringed.No wonder her head still hurt.
“Sí, and then theseñorstarted the conga line.”
Alana shot a glance at Chase and laughed.“You salsa dance and you conga?”
He shrugged.“I’ve been known…”
“And you help women in distress.”Alana shook her head.“Is there anything you can’t do?”
“I can’t convince you I’m an okay kinda guy.”He winked and turned to the bartender.“Was there any trouble here last night?Did I get into a fight?”
Juan frowned.“You,señor?No.You and theseñorahad everyone laughing and having a good time.You closed the bar down at two o’clock in the morning.”
“Closed?”Alana asked.
“Sí, señora.”
She didn’t try to correct Juan regarding theseñorareference, although she wanted to.Correcting him would only delay getting to the bottom of what had happened the night before.
“You did not want the party to stop.”Juan smiled.“Everyone moved to La Casa Loca, where they stay open until four o’clock in the morning.”
Alana exchanged a silent glance with Chase.Perhaps, they were finally getting somewhere in their investigation.
Chase’s lips tightened briefly.“Where is La Casa Loca?”
“Not far down the beach from here.”Juan laughed.“You led the conga line all the way there, stopping halfway for a short time.”He grinned.“I watched from the outside patio.”
“Gracias, amigo.”Chase held out his hand to Juan.
“De nada, my friend.”Juan shook his hand.“Come back later,sí?You are good for business.”
Chase smiled.“We’ll be back, but maybe not tonight.”
Juan nodded and touched his temple.“The tequila is strong,sí?”
“Sí,” Chase said.He hooked Alana’s arm and guided her out the door leading to the beach.
