For the Love of Paulo

By Jeanne Martz

Rakishly handsome Paulo Leonetti thrives on the attention he receives from his lady clients at his California coast employer. Time has not been as kind to his wife, Cheri, who is unable to compete with Paulo’s female fan club, especially now that she is pregnant with their first child. Determined to reinvent her image after the baby arrives, Cheri worries whether it will be enough to maintain her husband’s interest.

Adding more fuel to their conflicted marriage is Cheri’s wealthy father, Douglas Northway, who considers Paulo nothing but a bargain-basement beach bum unworthy of his daughter. While he welcomes every opportunity to discredit his son-in-law, the body of one of Paulo’s beautiful clients is discovered, prompting Federal Agent Hugh Chancy to sign on for one last job before he retires. After Chancy and a detective begin their investigation, another of Paulo’s female connections is found murdered. Now as Paulo secures a spot at the top of his list of suspects and a twisted chain of events unfolds, Chancy begins to question whether he will ever see retirement.

In this gripping mystery, a womanizing new father suddenly finds himself as the prime suspect in the murder investigation of two beautiful California girls.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Aug 30, 2019
• ISBN: 9781532081156

Jeanne Martz

Jeanne Martz is the author of four books. “The Sons of Nels Swenson” is a sequel to her book “The Women of Swenson Farm” published in 2015. Her love for rural communities, farming, and country folk has inspired her books. She is a graduate of Iowa State University and has always called Iowa home.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Cheri Leonetti watched as her husband, Paulo, surfaced through a ripple of waves and headed across the sandy beach before landing on the blanket next to her. Sprawling close to her side, he kissed her tenderly and caressed her very pregnant belly. It was all very sweet, but his eyes were locked in flirtatious play with a leggy blonde behind them.

Paulo! Do you think I can’t see what you’re doing? she said, pushing him away.

I’m sorry, baby. She was smiling at me and giving me the look. You know I can’t resist a pretty smile.

Yes, Paulo, after all these years, I know how it is with you and women. I thought things might change when you found out you were going to be a daddy.

Here. Rub me down, baby. He handed her a bottle of coconut-lime lotion.

She struggled to her knees and knelt behind him, slathering his broad shoulders with the fragrant concoction, working it across his hard-muscled arms and around to his washboard abs. His looks had not changed since she met him at a party sixteen years ago. Those same striking features and charm had drawn her in, as they had every other female in the room, but she was the one he took home that night.

Paulo’s niche in life was at the beach and on the waves of the Pacific Ocean, where he lifeguarded, gave surfing and scuba lessons, and provided other services that the clientele of West Branch Beach, Marina, and Recreational Area were interested in, a job her father referred to as nothing but a beach bum.

Time had not been as kind to her. The thick brown hair she piled high on top of her head was showing streaks of gray, making her appear older than her thirty-six years. At times like today, she felt more like Paulo’s mother than his wife. Adding fuel to her present misery were the excess pounds and stretch marks placed on her once slender figure by the pregnancy. After the baby arrived, would she be able to compete with the beach beauties who vied for Paulo’s attention on a daily basis?

Two giggling sophomoric girls approached.

Here comes some of your fan club, she said, tossing the bottle of lotion in his lap and using his back as a prop to stand up—his bronzed image a perfect specimen of maleness.

Hi, I’m Honey Bradshaw, one girl said, playfully shoving the other one away as more giggling took place. Thanks for picking me out of that giant wave this morning. Like, I really didn’t see it coming.

Yeah, like right, liar, the other girl said, laughing.

Paulo jumped to his feet and bowed. Paulo Leonetti at your service. Always glad to help a damsel in distress.

Cheri pushed her dark glasses to her forehead so they could see the full impact of her annoyance. Placing both hands on her stomach, she said, And I’m Cheri Leonetti, Paulo’s wife and soon-to-be mother of his child.

Oh, said Honey. I thought that … I mean … well, never mind what I thought. We have to go. See you around, Paulo.

Cheri saw Honey’s eyes roll before she walked away and whispered to her friend, Can you believe it? What does he see in her?

Paulo waved when they glanced back, a huge smile covering his face.

Cheri scooped up a fistful of hot sand and threw it at his oily back.

Hey! What? I can’t even look at a beautiful woman without you getting mad? You know you’re my special lady. I don’t mean nothing about them girls. I was just having fun.

I’ll see you at home, Paulo, and don’t be late. In case you’ve forgotten, we’re having company for dinner. She stomped off in a huff.

When she was out of sight, Paulo took a quick dip in the water to remove the gritty sand and bring back the sheen to his tanned body. Spotting a volleyball game down by the marina, he sprinted down the beach to join in. His first volley return landed in a rolling stop at Honey Bradshaw’s feet. She picked it up and gave it an awkward punch, and with two assists, the ball was over the net into a pocket of lesser-developed boys. Boys who were put to shame in front of the very girls they were there to impress as Paulo ducked out of position and slammed it back to the other side.

A few more competitive guys joined in the challenge and moved closer to the net.

Hey, hotshot, try that again, and see what happens! a tall Asian dude yelled to Paulo. The guy, called Buddy by his friends, was about ten years Paulo’s junior and built like a Sherman tank.

Paulo’s strength was unyielding as he jumped and batted the volleys from every position on the other side of the court. Buddy received a smashing return to his face, which caused blood to gush from his nose onto the sandy playing field. The game was over for Buddy as his friends took him off the premises.

This isn’t over, old man, he said, raising a clenched fist in Paulo’s direction.

One by one, the men disappeared until Paulo was left alone with the women. It was then his aggressiveness turned into sweet, gentle taps and soft volleys as he laughed and teased with the ladies for the rest of the afternoon.

The volleyball court cleared, and the beach crowd diminished as the sun lost its tanning power for the day. Paulo checked in and secured the rented beach crafts as they were returned from afternoon outings and then locked up the scuba diving equipment, surfboards, beach balls, and volleyball nets.

Before leaving, he went inside the general supply building and glanced over tomorrow’s schedule. His name was listed as the guide for a group of tourists to go snorkeling midmorning and then a group of Red Hat ladies at two o’clock for a boat excursion along the coast for about an hour.

Looks like a quiet day tomorrow, he said to his boss, Raleigh Kincaid. Got a date with the missus, so better get going. Later.

He was surprised to see Honey Bradshaw sitting on a bench outside the General Store and Bait House as he left. What are you still doing here? he said.

My roommate, April, left, and I need a ride home. I’d appreciate if you could drop me off at our apartment. Besides, there’s something I’d like to talk to you about, she said.

All right, but I don’t have a lot of time.

Chapter 2

Cheri’s skin glowed a pinkish red. Even with a sunblock of fifty, the sun had penetrated her flesh in two hours’ time. After her shower, she sprayed a medicated mist on the reddened areas, which cooled and eased the gnawing pain. Why couldn’t I have inherited my mother’s olive skin tone?

She pulled on a loose-fitting floral smock over dark blue maternity slacks and then dried and curled her faded hair, letting it hang free of pins and ties.

Ouch! Ouch, she moaned, slipping into a pair of flip-flops. Even the tops of her feet were sunburned. She gave them a quick spray and hurried downstairs to help Ana put the finishing details on the table before the guests arrived.

Ana, housekeeper, cook, and her live-in caretaker as a child, now resided with her and Paulo. What an elaborate table she had arranged in honor of Cheri’s father Douglas Northway’s sixty-fifth birthday.

With only a half hour before party time, Paulo was nowhere to be found. She tried his cell phone and usual hangouts without success. On her third attempt to reach him, she was about to leave a nasty message on his phone when he popped through the front door and rushed upstairs. If I wasn’t so pregnant, I’d go after him and give him what for, she said to Ana, but tonight I’ll let it pass because I want everything to be perfect for Daddy.

From the very beginning of their relationship, her father had labeled Paulo as her bargain-basement beach bum. She had tried to diminish that image over the years, but it was especially important to her now before his first grandchild came into the world.

Daddy can always tell if Paulo and I have been quarreling, and I don’t want any confrontations tonight.

Ten minutes later, she watched Paulo come down the stairs dressed in khaki slacks and a black polo shirt that fit nicely across the span of his chest and emphasized his bulging biceps. Her heart skipped a couple of beats.

Where have you been? she said. I tried reaching you for the last two hours. I thought you knew how important tonight is for me, Paulo. You had me worried.

I didn’t forget, baby. I stopped to watch the sunset at Surfer’s Cove. Man, it was beautiful behind the big waves. The colors outlining the clouds changed from red to purple, then pink and gold, and then orange. You would have loved it.

And who were you watching it with, Mr. Romantic? said Cheri, folding her arms under her breasts and resting them on her stomach shelf.

I couldn’t leave until it was nothing but a glowing arc on the horizon.

You’re so full of crap, Paulo.

The doorbell rang, and he sprang into action to greet the first arrivals.

Cheri followed behind him. Saved by the bell this time, she whispered through clenched teeth as Douglas and Cora Northway stepped into the entryway.

Douglas! My favorite father-in-law. Paulo extended his hand for the firm handshake Douglas was known for. And, Cora, lovely as ever. What a striking outfit you’re wearing, dear. You must wear hot pink more often. It brings out the sparkle in your eyes, he said, embracing all 250 pounds of her.

Hello, Mother, Father.

Douglas jokingly moved his arms first one way and then another as if trying to find the best way to hug his daughter.

Daddy, stop. I’m not that big. Am I?

Her brother, Georgio Northway, pulled in the drive, followed by her father’s friend and business partner, Harlan Bartels.

Hey, Georgio. Ugly as ever, I see, she said, giving him a hug.

Yeah, same to you, sis, he responded with a generous smile.

And, Harlan, always the sweet gentleman, she said as he handed Paulo a bottle of red wine and presented her with a bottle of sparkling white grape juice followed by a kiss on the cheek. You should give Georgio a few lessons in chivalry.

Paulo’s mother, Regina, and her husband, who Paulo called Uncle Leo, were the only guests unaccounted for.

Paulo played the perfect host. After guiding everyone to the comforts of the living room, he helped Ana serve hors d’oeuvres and mixed drinks. The partygoers were engaged in cozy conversation when his mother and Uncle Leo walked in.

Lord! You’d think I could find the place as many times as I’ve been here, said Regina. Things look so different after dark, and Leo here was no help. His sense of direction is worse than mine. ‘Take this turn here,’ he says, ‘and it will take us to Ocean Avenue and straight to Pauley’s house.’ We finally had to stop and ask for directions. And if that wasn’t enough, Leo cut one just as I rolled down the window to ask this guy where the heck we were. The guy gagged when he reached in to draw me a map on the back of my checkbook. Leo just sat there grinning like a Cheshire cat, she said, smacking at him. I was so humiliated.

Leo blushed. Even his ears turned bright red. And my biggest worry was embarrassing Pauley by using the wrong fork at dinner or drinking from someone else’s water glass. I guess we’re past that, he said, rolling his eyes toward the ceiling.

Laughter followed, putting everyone at ease.

Ana announced dinner, and they moved into the beautifully decorated dining room. Cheri had arranged a large bouquet of fresh flowers with a large number sixty-five for the center of the table. The napkins folded whimsically in the glasses matched the candles and tablecloth. The corners of the room held pastel balloons and ribbons that swayed to the rotating fan overhead. The silverware and dishes sparkled under the teardrop baubles on the chandelier.

Ana’s culinary talents contributed to the elegance of the evening. Tonight, she served thinly sliced beef tenderloin cooked in a red wine sauce, Soho potatoes, glazed carrots, and a tossed salad. Any restaurant along the California coast would have given her a lucrative career in food service.

Douglas, did you remember to take your medicine? Cora asked as he took his first bite.

His fork stopped in midair. No, dear. I forgot again. It’s in my jacket, which I left in the car. Will you all please excuse me? he said, shoving away from the table.

The phone in the hall rang as Douglas walked past. I’ll get it, Ana! he yelled, seeing her with an armload of salad plates, headed toward the kitchen. He picked it up on the third ring. Leonetti residence. This is Douglas Northway speaking.

A female voice asked, Is Paulo there?

There was irritation in his voice when he answered. Who’s calling, please?

Uh, Honey Bradshaw.

Well, Paulo is busy right now. May I take a message?

I think I left my sunglasses in his car this afternoon. The last place I remember having them was at Surfer’s Cove.

His jaw began to twitch, and he responded through clenched teeth, Well, Honey, I’ll leave him a message and have him get back to you. Does he have your number?

I think so. But just to be sure, it’s 555-462-7601. Thanks a bunch.

I’ll take care of it, Douglas said, writing the number down and stuffing it in his pocket. Yes, sir, I’ll take care of it, he repeated under his breath after hanging up.

Who is it, Daddy? Cheri called from the dining room.

Wrong number, dear.

Before he got his medicine, he searched Paulo’s open convertible until he found a pair of feminine sunglasses. He slipped them in his pocket with Honey Bradshaw’s phone number. Clouds were gathering overhead. The palm trees lining the drive swayed in the gentle breeze. After taking his medicine, he rolled up his car windows and did the same for Georgio’s and Harlan’s vehicles, then headed back to the house. The thought of Paulo driving around for a couple of days with wet seats gave him pleasure.

He kept a watchful eye on Paulo the rest of the evening. His attentiveness, especially to Cheri, made him sick to his stomach.

Cheri, my love, you just put your feet up and enjoy our company while I help Ana clean up. After all, you’ve worked hard today, and I must say you did a great job, Paulo said.

Thank you, Paulo, she answered politely.

Pauley has always been a sweet boy, gushed Regina.

That he has, affirmed Uncle Leo, nodding approval at anything Regina said.

While everyone laughed and chatted, Douglas leaned close to Harlan and slyly transferred the crumpled paper with Honey Bradshaw’s information into Harlan’s suit jacket pocket, whispering, Find me the address that goes with this name and number. That monkey’s butt is at it again.

Understand. Harlan nodded.

Ana’s birthday surprise was a lemon-raspberry-filled cake sprouting thirteen candles and lemon-custard sorbet sprinkled with toasted coconut.

Each candle represents five years, Daddy.

Good. I’m not sure I’d want to be thirteen again, said Douglas with a smile.

After a chorus of Happy Birthday, he focused a stink eye on Paulo, made a wish, and blew out the candles. The festivities continued with presents and drinks for another hour as the rain came down softly. Being the only one aware of the rain outside, Douglas chuckled to himself.

The best gift he took home from the party was the look on Paulo’s face at the discovery of his rain-soaked car seats.

He couldn’t resist one last barb. That should put a damper on your libido for a few days, he said as he and Cora drove off.

Paulo’s chivalry ended after the guests were gone, leaving Cheri to help Ana clean up. He had a date with a shop vac for the next hour and a half. Why didn’t I order the leather seats?

His father-in-law had found the situation amusing, and he was still puzzled by Douglas’s last remark about his libido as he climbed the stairs and crawled into bed.

Cheri lay motionless on top of the covers.

He listened to the soft rhythm of her breath and ran his hand over her firm breasts and large belly, feeling her warm flesh rise and fall with each breath. She stirred and rolled on her side.

Are you awake, sweetheart? he said softly.

I am now. What time is it?

It’s one thirty. I’m sorry if I woke you.

It’s all right. I had a couple of hours. I think I died when my head hit the pillow.

His hand still rested on her stomach where a hard kick came from inside. Wow! That’s some soccer player you got in there. A series of rolls from side to side moved him to laughter. It has to be a boy.

We’ll know before long, she said.

"Tell me, baby, do you think I’ll be