Read Online Hot Stuff by Don Bruns - Free Book Online Page B

time, I’m looking out for Amanda, because she can’t very well look out for herself. Got it?”
    I nodded. James was still seething.
    â€œEm, take it easy. We want the job.” I glanced at James, trying to gauge his reaction. In the deepening shadows, his face was a curious mask of anger and awe.
    â€œAs I see it, we approach the situation just as we have. The only difference is, we now have some access to what the cops know. And that has got to be a plus.”
    After a long silence James spoke. “All right.”
    I’m certain my jaw dropped. The resignation surprised me. This was a surrender I hadn’t anticipated.
    â€œWe have no choice at this point. However, I think we need to keep Bouvier out of this. He’s paying for our service, but the reason he hired us was that he doesn’t trust cops.”
    James paused, seeming to gather his thoughts.
    â€œI understand that sentiment. I think you two know very well that I come down on the side of there is too much ‘law’ in this land. However—”
    â€œHowever what?” I wasn’t sure where he was going with this.
    â€œAs far as anyone else is concerned, anyone else, we’re working undercover for Jean and Sophia Bouvier.”
    â€œJames,” I had to point out the obvious, “as far as anyone else is concerned, we’re not undercover. You are a sous chef.”
    He gave me a grim smile. “It gets confusing, pardner.”
    Em and I nodded.
    â€œConway said we don’t tell anyone. So that’s settled.”
    â€œIf we can trust Conway.” The “Can-Can” played on Em’s phone and she grabbed it from her purse and pushed the button.
    â€œWhat?”
    Pausing, she gritted her teeth. “I’m sorry. It was all a mistake.” Obviously. someone on the other end was grilling her.
    â€œNo, no. It was, it was a friend playing a prank.”
    Another long silence.
    â€œBelieve me, I would never—no, please. It was a mistake, someone was messing with me. Okay?”
    She nodded and hung up. “Damn. Nine-one-one does not like to be fooled with. Not in the least.”
    James climbed back into the truck. I opened the passenger door of the Jag and Em got in. I was going to drive to Em’s place in a brand-new Jaguar, a sleek, sexy sports sedan. Then I was going to make love to a sleek, sexy sporty young lady. Her fire, her passion had ignited my passion.
    â€œI’m serious, Skip. There’s only one thing I want from this investigation, from this job. I want the killer. I’ll do anything that has to be done to achieve that end. Please understand that.”
    â€œI believe you.”
    â€œIf your roommate, if your best friend screws this up, I’ll have no mercy. I’ve never been so serious.”
    I’d seldom seen her so worked up.
    â€œEm?”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œYou were accused of a diamond heist? They thought you stole a ring from Kahn’s Jewelers?”
    â€œI told you that was off limits.”
    â€œLook, there’s you, Amanda, and this cop. For the second time in the last nine years the three of your lives are intertwined. And one of you isn’t alive right now to discuss it. Don’t you think it is kind of important that—”
    â€œDrop it, Skip.” Her tone was icy.
    â€œYou tend to call the shots a lot.”
    She crossed her arms and stared out the window into the dark evening. Finally, she spoke. “Look, I loved Amanda. She wasn’t the easiest person to be close to, and in the end,” she paused for a moment, a break in her voice, “in the end, she turned out not to be the nicest person in the world. But understand this. I place a lot of emphasis on loyalty. And even though we had grown apart, Amanda Wright was always there for me. It’s a very personal thing, Skip, and I don’t care to go into it with you. Please, work with me here. The diamond thing,