Page 57 of Sinful Beauty

“Foul play expected?”

“Police on the scene suspect drunk driving, but they are waiting on a toxicology report.”

“You don’t believe that.”

“No. I don’t. I think someone learned he had a meeting scheduled with Interpol and eliminated a loose end.”

“Any Solonoff sightings?”

“No. The information on the incident in California is limited right now. Since you’re working from home today, can you give one of our Arrow contacts a call? See what they can learn. Accident occurred in Los Angeles on Highway 101.”

“Will do.” Arrow has contacts with the LAPD. Shouldn’t be too much for them to access information.

“Tristan, it goes without saying, and you’re one of our best, but eyes and ears open.”

“You really do love me.”

“You’re the only one I can wallop at gin.” There’s a pause, and some clicking on his end like he got distracted. “Has that assistant you’re courting provided any leads?”

“Does the use of antiquated language equate to jealousy?”

Penny’s voice carries through from his end, no doubt telling him he’s got someone else on the line.

“One minute,” he says to Penny. “The reason I brought up your love interest is that I authorized a deeper background check.”

“Waste of time and money. She has no part in this.” I’ve spent every night over the last two weeks with Lucia, and she doesn’t have the character to take part in a crime of this magnitude, nor does she live like someone with illegitimate gains.

“Fascinating.”

I wait, expecting more, but a dull tone crosses the line. I check the screen and he ended the call.

Nigel. Curmudgeonly old bastard. What brought on renewed interest in Lucia?

Lucia: Dinner at the pub?

Her timely text has me checking my wrist watch. The day is getting away from me. She’s a reason I worked from home today.

At the office, when I come around behind her desk and glimpse her skirt, her thigh, any part of her really, even her ankles, I remember what we did the night before. And as if she has telepathy, her cheeks flush and her gaze darts about.

Thank goodness no one else works in the hallway leading up to Peltz’s domain. If they did, the water cooler gossip would boil over.

Me: Not feeling it. My place?

Lucia: Should I stop by the market?

Me: Are you offering to cook?

Lucia: Yes

Me: We can order in

Lucia: I’d like to cook. You have an amazing kitchen. Someone should use it.

In truth, I’ve grown tired of the menu options. Her cooking should be welcome. Yet, the idea breeds distinct discomfort. It’s not the domesticity, per se, but what it implies.

I can take comfort in the knowledge I’ll leave her in a better position than when I arrived. I have legal counsel addressing her request for Swiss citizenship and I asked Penny to do some searching for posts in EU countries that would be a proper match and offer vertical movement.

Me: Ring when you arrive

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