An excerpt from BARRACUDA BAY, the next Detective Emilia Cruz mystery
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Emilia and Mercedes slipped out of their pew to join the funeral goers making their way out of the cathedral. They emerged into the midday sunshine to find an impromptu press conference taking place as reporters swarmed Carlota and her escorts.
Camera crews jockeyed for position, getting in the way of the pallbearers attempting to cross the plaza and load the casket into the waiting hearse. Three different television broadcast trucks were parked in the way, generators grinding out electricity to power microphones and recording equipment.
With Mercedes in tow, Emilia threaded her way through the crowd to get close enough to hear what Carlota was
saying as reporters thrust an assortment of cell phones, miniature recorders and microphones at the mayor.
“My family and my city are laying to rest another cherished life ended too soon,” Carlota raised both hands in the air as if channeling Evita Peron, emphasis added by the severe black dress and lace mantilla spilling over a sleek chignon hairstyle. “Too many of us have lost those we love to the violence caused by evil that seeks
to overthrow civil authority across Mexico--.”
“How dare you!” Tears still streaming down her face, Victoria Alvarez charged through the crowd to Carlota, elbowing past Emilia without any sign of recognition. “How dare you make a mockery of my daughter's funeral?” she screamed. "You've created a circus for the sake of attention and your damned election!"
Reporters gasped.
Camera crews surged forward, the casket and hearse show abandoned for the promise of a juicy cat fight.
Carlota put a reassuring hand on the other woman’s arm. “Victoria, together we--.”
Ignoring the cameras and microphones, Victoria slapped Carlota, a stinging smack loud enough to be heard above the churn of the crowd.
Carlota stumbled backwards as her head snapped to the side, cheek bright red.
Emilia reflexively shot out a hand to keep the mayor from falling.
~
