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they were either in the kitchen putting together trays of food or in the garden, serving. The only one up front was the housekeeper. She’s half blind, got one foot in the grave, and couldn’t identify anyone if she’d wanted to. The only reason Mrs. Huntley keeps her around is because the housekeeper is older than she is.”
    “Even so, wouldn’t the housekeeper have suspected something?”
    “Apparently not. The burglars told her they were there to remove the stuff for cleaning and she believed them.
    When a thundercloud threatened to rain on their get-together, Mrs. Huntley invited her guests inside, and—”
    “—and discovered a tornado had already swept through.”
    “—and sucked everything up.” He studied her. “So, are you in?”

    64
    Karen Kelley
    She began twisting her top button. Calm down , she told herself. It wasn’t like she wanted to return to law enforcement.
    But it might relieve her boredom. She hadn’t sold a blasted house since the Randolph home. Even the real estate deal with Troy’s brother, John, had fallen through.
    John had decided to open his travel agency in another town. Troy had profusely apologized after his brother missed their appointment the other evening.
    Still, she eyed her father and his innocent expression.
    It could be another ploy on his part. He didn’t look like he had anything up his sleeve.
    “It would be just this one time, and I’d only be doing it to help you out.” She wanted him to be perfectly aware of that fact so he wouldn’t get any foolish notions in his head.
    “Of course. I just need to get the mayor off my back.” There was a sudden, sour taste in her mouth. Her father and the mayor went back a long way—as far as grade school, in fact—and they never had liked each other.
    “I don’t trust him,” she said. “I think he’s on the take.
    The only reason he’s worried about the burglaries is because he’s up for reelection.”
    Her father grunted. “You and me both. It seems like an awful lot of his cronies are getting some juicy city contracts, too. Problem is, he has a squeaky-clean record. If he is crooked, he’ll slip up sooner or later. They always do.” She hoped it would be sooner rather than later. At least she could help her father in the meantime. But this would be the absolute last time she worked as a cop.
    “Okay, then as long as we understand each other, I’ll show the house. Do I need to say anything to my boss? It isn’t as if the police department will actually be buying the place, right?” she asked as she stood.
    “The department will be leasing the house. That way the newlyweds will be able to move in immediately. I’ve TEMPERATURE’S RISING
    65
    already called your boss and explained the situation. I’ll just let him know you’ll be the one showing the place.” He came to his feet. The smile on his face wavered. “Oh, there’s just one other thing.” His gaze fixed on the keys she lightly swung back and forth.
    She was afraid he was about to tell her something she didn’t really want to hear.
    “About your car . . .”
    Jessica gripped the steering wheel. Her initial excitement had waned. She should’ve just told her father no, that she didn’t want to get involved. She’d only kept her reserve status in case there was a national disaster or something.
    The light changed. She let off the brake and stepped on the gas, passing by one of the city’s three parks and a high school. At least the house was in a decent part of town. She’d make a quick run-through of the property and be done.
    Her father wanted everything carried out in the most normal way possible. At least she knew Marty and Angie.
    She assumed they would be the surveillance team posing as a married couple. Her father hadn’t really said, but they were usually his first choice.
    And her father was right about her being the one to show the property. Since he was setting up the surveillance, he might as well have someone on both