Page 97 of Now or Never

“Is this good talk or scary talk?”

“It’s talk about Robin Hoodie.”

“That’s crazy talk. I was just leaving my desk. I thought I’d take Bob for a walk on my lunch break. You can ride along, if you want.”

“Does that include lunch?”

“If you don’t mind leftovers.”

“I love leftovers. I’ll meet you in the lobby area by the front door on the court side.”

“They won’t let you in the building if you’re carrying,” Morelli said.

“I’ll meet you outside by the municipal lot.”

“I can’t decide if I’m relieved that you’re finally carrying or if it scares the hell out of me.”

I hung up and admitted to myself that I had the same mix of emotions as Morelli.

“It’d be a shame for Eugene to have to go to jail if he isn’t Robin Hoodie,” Lula said. “And his mama would be real upset.”She looked over at Mr. Big, curled up in my lap. “Mr. Big likes you. You’re like the dog whisperer.”

No doubt the doughnut and all the dog biscuits helped the relationship.

Lula drove past the courthouse entrance and parked in the municipal lot. I called Connie and told her we were outside.

“I’m finishing up,” Connie said. “They have to return Jug’s personal items and then we can leave. We’ll be out in five or ten minutes.”

A black Audi drove into the lot and parked next to us. Lou was behind the wheel. I got out and handed Mr. Big over to him.

“Connie should be bringing Jug out soon,” I said to Lou. “I talked to Harry and it went okay, but I’m going to be needing a fruit basket.”

“You want the one with the pears?”

“Yes,” I said. “Definitely.”

“If you stop by the warehouse, I’ll have it at the front desk,” Lou said.

“Thanks. I’ll pick it up tomorrow morning.”

“How did you manage to do this?” Lou asked. “There’s been real bad blood between Bruno and Harry.” His eyes went to my bulging breasts. “Never mind, I got it figured out. That’s a nice sparkly shirt you’ve got on.”

I pulled the toilet paper out of my bra and handed it to Lou. “You might need this in case Mr. Big has an accident.”

“Ha!” Lou said. “Ha ha! You’re okay.”

Connie and Jug walked out of the building and crossed the street to the lot.

“I don’t have to plan on taking an ocean voyage now, right?” I said to Lou.

“Right,” Lou said. “Unless you want to take the bimbo’s place. I’m going to need to find a new companion for Bruno. The deal could include a first-class cruise on Carnival.”

“I’ll pass on that.”

“Smart,” Lou said.

“Thanks for taking care of Mr. Big,” Jug said to me. “I owe you.” He turned to Lou. “I had a Big Mac for lunch when I was in jail. We should stop on the way home and get one for Mr. Big.”

“All’s well that ends well,” Connie said. “I’m going back to the office.”

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