Page 123 of Simon Says

“Thanks. It was real nice of you to share that info.”

She glanced at Dakota with pure dislike. “She’s trouble, and she’s going to drag the lot of you into that trouble with her. Whoever called me was uncouth and crass, and apparently well acquainted with her.” She looked at Barber’s hand on hers. “I’ll play no part in any of it.”

Barber released her and pulled back. “Loud and clear, sweetheart.”

“Good.” With another fleeting smile, she sashayed away.

Well done, Dakota thought, watching Bonnie make a strategic exit after shoving the knife in her back. The woman was an out-and-out pro at retaliation.

Reluctantly, Dakota put the phone back to her ear. “You still there, Simon?”

“Let me talk to Barber.”

She knew that tone too well. “Why? So you two can plan things around me? I don’t think so. I’m not stupid. I hear the warning bells the same as you.”

“And you’ll be extra careful?”

It was how she lived her life. “I repeat—I’m not stupid.”

“I’ll take that as a yes, but I want to hear you say it. Tell me you won’t go anywhere alone. I don’t want you to leave your room for ice without letting someone know about it.”

This day had not gone well. “Sure, I’ll say it. If you will, too.”

“What?”

“Bonnie didn’t parade over here for my benefit. She only shared that stuff because she was worried about you. So I want you to promise that you’ll be extra careful, too. Being the generous sort I am, I won’t forbid you to get ice. Just look up and down the hotel hallways first, to make sure the coast is clear.”

Simon chuckled. “Okay, I get it. You’re pissed that I’m being overbearing.”

“No, I’m annoyed that you think I’m too lame to look out for myself. I don’t plan to skulk around in dark alleys or go for midnight drives alone, and I won’t even play with sharp objects. So give me a little credit for common sense, okay?”

“I’m sorry.”

“You say that sincerely enough, but I can tell you’re grinning.”

“I really do miss you, honey.”

And that easily, he defused her temper. She sighed. “Same here.”

“Now that we’ve got that settled…” He paused for emphasis. “Put Barber on the line.”

Dakota handed over the phone. “This is getting ridiculous.”

Barber grinned evilly. “Hey, Simon.”

Rather than listen to them, Dakota put her thoughts to figuring out why Marvin would call Bonnie. What had he hoped to accomplish? Or was it Barnaby? Crass and uncouth sounded more like Marvin, but Barnaby had his moments. She knew what Marvin wanted—to annoy her, to frighten her. He got off on it, for some reason. But what could Barnaby possibly want? Maybe she should ask Bonnie a few questions about the call…the hell she would.

Laughing, Barber handed her back the phone. “He wants to talk to you again.”

“Right.” Dakota put the phone to her ear. “I hope you have a good long-distance phone plan!”

“I’ll call again later tonight. And in the morning before my show.”

“You don’t need to do that.”

“I do if I want to hear your voice.”

“Then…okay. I’ll keep my cell nearby.”

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