Page 90 of Power of the Mind

“Let’s say I’ve been investigating… call it a suspicion, and should it turn out to be correct, I may have a doozy of a discovery to hand over to homicide. Like serial huge.”

Costa groaned. “You’re working with that meathead again, aren’t you?”

“His name is Diem, and I’m certain he could take you in a fight, so curb the name-calling.”

“Why don’t you admit you two are having a thing?”

“Sweetie, the dayheadmits it, I’ll admit it.”

“Don’t call me that.”

“What? Sweetie? Eww. Yeah, that was creepy. I wasn’t thinking. Can you suggest anyone?”

“Serial?”

“Maybe. Or it could be nothing more than hocus-pocus. Do you believe in witches, warlocks, and the supernatural?”

“What?”

“Never mind. Anyone? Preferably not a homophobe. If they’re questioning their sexuality, it could work in my favor. I’m cute and not opposed to flirting.”

“I need to find normal friends.” Costa blew a gust of air into the phone as he exhaled. In the background, his girls sang along to a Disney movie as his wife, Tia, reminded them to keep it down because Daddy was on the phone, and were they almost ready for bath time?

“Are you coming to Maddy’s birthday party next weekend?” Costa asked.

“What?Nextweekend?”

“Yes.”

“Of course I am.” I’d forgotten all about it. He’d invited me weeks ago. “I haven’t been to a princess party since college. I’m long overdue.”

“I don’t want to know.”

“Relax, it was a Halloween thing. I went as Ariel. My shell-cup bra was stellar. I might still have it. Do I need a costume?”

“I’m officially uninviting you and hanging up.”

“Don’t you dare.” I chuckled. “It’s too easy. I hope Quaid bugs you like this.”

“All the freaking time.”

“Are kids still into Barbies, or has that fad died off?”

“Barbies are popular in my house.”

“Perfect. Can I buy her Queer Ken?”

“Is that a thing?”

“Yes, but he costs about a gazillion dollars, and I can’t afford him. If I could, he would go on my trophy shelf, not her toybox.”

“Too bad.”

“I going to pretend you mean that. Why couldn’t I be rich? Memphis is right. I need a sugar daddy.”

“Good grief, can we steer back to the favor?”

“You’re the one who changed the subject.”

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