Read Online Code Red Lipstick by Sarah Sky - Free Book Online Page B

results, not excuses,” he barked into his phone. “Do your job or I’ll find someone who can.”
    He hung up and tossed the phone on to the table. He passed her a paper cup without looking at her and sat down.
    â€œI expect the tea tastes like mud but it’s the best I can do.”
    She watched as he unpacked his own cup and some sandwiches. He shoved a packet across the table towards her.
    â€œI thought you might have changed your mind,” he said shortly.
    â€œI haven’t.” She tossed the sandwiches back with equal contempt. “I’m not going home. My agency’s lined up some jobs for me in Paris. I’m going to be working flat out over the next couple of days.”
    â€œWow! That’s really convenient. Did you persuade them to do that when you swung by after our little talk?” He cracked the knuckles of his right hand.
    She winced. “That’s my business.”
    â€œAnd yet now it’s mine. I had to warn your dad off because he refused to stay away from Paris. He was jeopardizing our operation. Now you’re being equally obstructive. When will you Coles ever learn to do as you’re told?”
    Probably never.
    She shivered as he popped the knuckles of his other hand. Her nerves were ragged enough already without having to listen to that godawful sound. She could tell by the smirk hovering on Nathan’s lips that it was a deliberate torture.
    â€œI just want to find my dad,” she said.
    â€œYou need to leave that to us. We’re already looking for him. Why do you think I’m going to Paris?”
    â€œTo carry on fitting him up for a crime he didn’t commit? You and Margaret seem to be doing a pretty good job of that already.”
    Nathan shook his head. “Margaret’s already in Paris, looking for your dad and chasing up potential leads.”
    Jessica’s heart leapt. “Has she found out anything yet?”
    â€œThat’s classified.”
    â€œYet throwing mud at my dad yesterday wasn’t? Neither of you has even considered the possibility that my dad’s innocent and got set up, have you?”
    Nathan hesitated. “It’s an avenue we’re exploring.”
    â€œOh great. That gives me lots of confidence. Well, while you’re slowly exploring that avenue, I’ll get on with what I’m doing.”
    â€œNo, you will not!” he shouted. He thumped his fist down on the table, spilling his tea.
    Jessica jumped. Her eyes narrowed. Who the hell did he think he was?
    They glared at each other in silence as the door slid open and a man walked past en route to the refreshments carriage. The door closed quietly behind him.
    Nathan leant closer threateningly. “You don’t seem to understand the position you’re in, Jessica. I’m not here to negotiate with you. You either do as you’re told or you’re on the first train back to London.”
    Jessica’s eyes welled up. She couldn’t go home without finding Dad. She just couldn’t.
    â€œI understand why you’re doing this, Jessica, and it’s commendable that you’re so loyal to your dad.” His tone was a little softer now. He reached out as if to touch her wrist. “But believe me, it’s time to back off.”
    She snatched her hand back. Pretending to be sympathetic didn’t suit him at all. “You don’t understand anything! Do you really expect me to stand back and do nothing while my dad’s out there somewhere, needing help?”
    â€œThat’s exactly what I want you to do,” Nathan hit back. “You might have tagged along with your dad on some of his jobs but this is a whole different ball game. People – people who are a lot more experienced than you – are ending up dead. Is that what you really want?”
    Jessica shivered as she remembered the image of Lara, lying strangled on the floor. Was he threatening her or simply warning