Page 22 of Cursed By Fate

“Tell that to my neighbor,” the blue-haired woman said. “I’ve seen him cleaning a shotgun on his balcony at night when he thinks no one can see him.”

Chad nearly spat out his drink. “Are you serious?”

“Why would I make up a thing like that?”

The intensity of Chad’s glare could’ve eviscerated the entire bar. “A machete and a shotgun are running loose on the island, but I couldn’t keep my collection of antiques? This is bullshit.”

“Why haven’t you reported your neighbor?” I asked the woman.

She lifted a glass to her red-stained lips. “Guess I just did.”

“What’s your neighbor’s name?”

“Glenn Musgrove, but you didn’t hear it from me. I don’t want any trouble.”

“Is that the only weapon you’ve seen him handle?”

“As far as I know. I try to avoid him. Don’t want him to get angry and shoot me.”

“I won’t let that happen,” I promised. “In the future, if you see anything like that, please come to me directly. If I can handle it quietly, I will.”

I vacated the table and returned to my golf cart. Chad seemed genuinely shocked and angered by the appearance of weapons on the island. I wouldn’t be surprised if Justine received another letter from his lawyer, which meant I had to hurry and find the source of the supply, starting with Glenn Musgrove.

CHAPTER FOUR

I knocked on the door of 33B. Glenn Musgrove currently lived alone. According to our records, his roommate had died of natural causes six months ago. I was surprised the HOA hadn’t placed a new Neighbor in his condo yet. I’d have to alert Justine, once I was finished with Glenn. No point in sending a new Neighbor into a potentially volatile situation.

The door creaked open and one hazel eye squinted at me through the crack.

“Hi, Glenn. I’m Maya August, director of security.”

The door split open. “Thought you looked familiar. You replaced the werewolf. Jude.”

“Judd.”

He leaned against the doorframe. Shirtless. Jeans. Bare feet. “Right. What can I do for you, Maya August?”

“I’m performing a routine search of condos in your block and today’s your lucky day.”

He scowled. “I don’t know anything about a routine search. Aren’t you supposed to give us notice?”

“Not according to the Neighborhood handbook. In fact, we’re meant to conduct a routine search once a year, but we’re behind schedule, partly due to Judd’s untimely demise.”

Glenn worked his jaw, uncertain whether to put up more of a fight. “Try not to take too long. The game’ll be on in fifteen minutes.”

I had no idea which game he meant. I couldn’t keep up with the wide variety of sports ball games the Neighbors continued to follow.

“I’ll be fast. Promise.” I slid past him before he could find another reason to object.

Glenn trailed closely behind me. “What does a routine search involve?”

“Just a quick check to make sure you’re following the rules.”

He released an uneasy laugh. “Lady, I’m one hundred and twelve years old. I don’t even remember what the rules are.”

I beamed at him. “Which is precisely the reason we perform the routine checks. To remind you.”

I started with the kitchen, opening and closing the drawers. Nothing unusual. I gave the pantry a cursory glance before moving on to the linen closet in the hallway. Nada.