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are pretty independent.”
    He was quiet. And I could hear James taking deep breaths. When Emily took control, he would usually go nuts.
    â€œThen why would they work with me on this?”
    â€œBecause Amanda was a good friend of mine, and the two investigators would realize that we’d have a better chance of finding the killer if we worked together. You, Lessor, Moore, and me.” She shot a glance at James, putting him on notice.
    â€œNo one else could know.” The cop was quieter now, thinking through the idea. “I mean, if they pulled this off. Someone who fit in, who knows what goes on in a professional kitchen. I wouldn’t tell anyone, you couldn’t tell anyone. Undercover means exactly that.”
    â€œYou wouldn’t tell your supervisor?”
    â€œConfidential informant.”
    â€œYou can do that? You just said you’d have to get it approved.”
    â€œI’m lead investigator on the case. I can do anything.”
    â€œWe could share information.” Em was negotiating, while we were just observing. I knew it was driving my partner crazy.
    â€œSome.”
    â€œWe’d need a give and take.” Em sounded confident. Like she was in charge. I wasn’t so sure.
    â€œWe?”
    â€œMmmm, the investigators. Lessor and Moore. I mean, they would need a steady flow of your information. If you want theirs.”
    â€œThey could get someone hired in that kitchen?” Cautious, but optimistic. The detective seemed excited about the possibility. “You think they could actually do this? Remember, we’re dealing with a murderer here. I mean, if the killer really does work for that restaurant, that’s a pretty dangerous place to be right now. This would have to be their call.”
    â€œThey
already
have someone in there. Detective Conway, meet James Lessor and Skip Moore. James is a cook, pretending to be a sous chef, and Skip,” she paused, obviously not proud of my station, “Skip is the dishwasher.”
    He looked at James, turned and looked at me, and took a deep breath. Glancing back at Em he said, “Oh, great.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

    â€œHe is going to watch you like a hawk.”
    The three of us stood in the parking lot as we stared at his unmarked Chevy driving off, the red taillights winking in the dark Miami night.
    â€œI don’t care. We don’t need to be sharing any information with the cops. You had no right to—”
    â€œListen to me, damn it.” With an edge to her voice, she spoke to him in a firm tone. “Conway said you’d better stay out of the way. If he found you interfering, he’d nail you. He was ready to put you out of business. Shut you down. Do you understand that?” She was breathing hard, and I was somewhat worried about her. “Did you not hear him, James? Did you? I dealt with this guy. Nine years ago. He’s serious, and he doesn’t back down.”
    James was quiet, waiting for the tempest to subside.
    â€œAnd what did I do? I gave you a free pass, Lessor.” Now she was pointing at him, almost pushing her finger into his chest. “I gave you a chance to earn your three thousand dollars a week, nohassle from the cops. What the hell do you want? If your fragile ego is in the way of your earning power, then let me know. I’ll call the detective and tell him to go ahead and hassle you all he wants.”
    Em took a deep breath, put her hand to her side, and kept her gaze on my partner.
    â€œYou want the money, James. I want Amanda’s killer.”
    â€œEm,” I very seldom saw her so riled, “we just didn’t see that coming.” I just wanted her to settle down.
    â€œI want this case solved, Skip. I’ve got a very personal stake in the outcome of this investigation. This girl was a friend. She stood up for me. Usually, I look out for you. And sometimes, your partner. Actually, very seldom is it your partner. But this