Read Online Double Doublecross by James Saunders - Free Book Online Page B

stability. He also lacked the vision Carl had of the extravagant life he was going to lead one day.
    She felt a certain affection and tenderness about Phil Speed, but she could see a cruel and barbarous ruthlessness lurking within him in a quiet way. He obviously tolerated Carl when they worked together, but the bottom line was he would double-cross him at the drop of a hat.
    When Carl was away, Sara saw Phil Speed two or three times a week, depending on his schedule. Phil lived in a two bedroom apartment in Oakland just a few miles across the bay from San Francisco. Usually he spent at least two days a week in Seattle and the remainder of his time in Oakland.
    Now that she was temporarily staying with Rick, it was going to be more difficult to see Phil other than at lunchtime. Obviously she was going to have to come up with some creative reasoning to get away and meet him.
    The dinner at Stan and Helen’s was arranged for the following weekend. Helen was going to cook one of her gourmet chicken and artichoke dishes with an orange cream cake for dessert. They had also invited Pat and Jake James to make up the party, knowing that Pat would keep any discussion moving along if the evening fell flat.
    As usual, Pat and Jake arrived early, stopping by the kitchen to say hello to Helen who was working feverishly on her gastronomic feast.
    â€œHave a seat somewhere—and what’ll you have to drink?” said Stan.
    â€œFor heaven’s sake, Stan, I can’t do two things at once. You should know that by now,” Pat said. “Okay, I’ll have asherry—but just a small one … for now,” she added with a laugh.
    â€œWhat about you, Jake? Anything a bit stronger?”
    â€œI’ll have a beer, if that’s okay with you.”
    â€œNo sweat. One beer and a sherry coming up.”
    Stan served the drinks as the door chimes sounded.
    â€œMust be Rick and Sandy,” Stan said.
    Pat looked up “No, Stan! It’s
Sara
. Sandy was another one. This Sara seems to be lasting a lot longer than usual. Maybe he’s getting serious at last.”
    Stan opened the door, greeted Sara and Rick and then introduced Sara to Helen, Pat and Jake.
    During the main course Pat did most of the talking. The conversation topics were mainly the economy, politics and general local gossip. During the latter part of the main course, Pat became strangely quiet and Stan noticed she was staring hard at Sara. He said nothing and decided to tackle her about it when the coffee was served in the family room.
    â€œThat was a delicious dinner, Helen. I’m sure we all thank you for such a wonderful meal,” Rick said. He had always felt a soft spot for Helen and at times felt envious of Stan, wishing he could settle down with a woman like her.
    Everyone agreed with Rick, and Helen smiled, inviting her guests into the other room for coffee. As they moved toward the family room, Stan caught hold of Pat’s arm and said, “You were quiet all of a sudden. Anything wrong?”
    â€œNo, not really. It’s just that I can’t help feeling I’ve seen Sara during the last few days, and I can’t for the love of Mike remember where. Maybe I’ll ask her in a minute or two. I hate it when this happens, don’t you?”
    â€œOkay, fine. Don’t let it preoccupy you this evening,” he said with a smile.
    Coffee was served and the conversation sputtered on and off into general subjects and small talk.
    It was nearing time to call it an evening, and everyone made their way to the door exchanging pleasantries, when Pat approached Sara.
    â€œSara, I’ve seen you lately, but I can’t for the life of me remember where or when it was. I’ve seen you in our office once before, but this was in the last three or four days. Maybe it was in the supermarket or in the mall.”
    Sara hesitated fractionally and finally said, “No, I don’t think so. Not in the