Read Online Double Doublecross by James Saunders - Free Book Online

of San Diego and had seen very little of the outside world until she had left to search for employment in Los Angeles. Once there, she had used her looks to find small part-time positions as a model with the occasional opportunity of small parts in commercials.
    Sara had met Carl at a smart watering hole in the SanFernando Valley and was impressed with the way he dressed and tossed money around buying drinks for his associates. He was taken up with Sara’s striking appearance, and they were soon dating big time.
    Then Carl broke the news he was moving to Northern California and would she like to live with him in his apartment, absolutely free, of course. She immediately agreed. She liked the way he talked about the big future he envisioned for them with plenty of money and travel. This appealed to her, but she was still impatiently waiting for the big day. He was always promising the big time, but she was running out of patience.
    They pulled up at Rick’s front door and unloaded her bags onto the front porch housing two large shrub containers and a hanging basket of bright red geraniums. He reached into his pocket, pulled out a latchkey, opened the door and carried her bags inside the foyer and put them to one side.
    â€œHeavy bags you’ve got there. I like the yellow ribbons tied around the handles. Any significance to that?” he inquired.
    â€œIt makes it easier to identify them when you pick them up at the airport carousels. I don’t have to look at every piece of luggage. When I see the ribbon, then I know it’s mine. It makes life a bit easier.”
    â€œThat’s a very bright idea. I’ll have to remember that. Now, let me show you to your rooms. You have a bedroom with a small retreat complete with a television set, a full bathroom and a little kitchen that’s fully equipped. I’ll give you a spare key so that you can come and go as you please. So, there you have it. What do you think?”
    She looked around and felt guilty but relieved to have found a place that would keep Carl off her back for a while.
    â€œIt’s perfect,” she said. “I don’t know how to thank you.This will be lovely until I find somewhere permanent in the next month or two.”
    Secretly, Rick hoped that would never happen. He realized that he was attracted to her, but at the moment he was hesitant to make any approach to her on the subject. He decided he was going to play it cool and wait until a relationship had developed.
    â€œBy the way, there’s room for your car in the garage, and I’ll give you a spare garage door opener. It’ll give you total independence, and you won’t have to see me at all unless it’s by accident,” he said jokingly.
    â€œOh, I’ll come out of hiding occasionally and cook you a dinner or two,” she said with a smile.
    â€˜That
would
be nice,’ Rick thought. ‘Perhaps I’ll surprise her and prepare dinner for two tomorrow night just to break the ice.’
    He carried her suitcases into the bedroom while she brought the Tourister bag bulging with Carl’s clothing. Sara still couldn’t understand why he wanted a bag full of clothes in her possession. He was very emphatic about that detail, so he must have a good reason for it.
    Rick said goodbye after showing her around the house and made his way to the office. He was already late, and Stan would be anxiously waiting for him.
    That was no problem. After all, they were partners and he would explain everything to Stan later in the afternoon before they closed for the day. Stan looked up as Rick opened the office door.
    â€œWhere have you been? I thought you got lost,” he said quizzically.
    Rick was silent for a moment, wondering how Stan would take the news.
    â€œI’ve arranged for Sara to stay at my place until she finds a place of her own. It’s only temporary. I’ll see if I can find her a place after the holiday