Page 61 of Sinful Deception

“Also known as insensitive,” she quips. But she smiles and kisses him back. “Don’t speak at all if you think the words will be offensive.”

“This isn’t about Jada anymore,” Archer mumbles. “She’s dead and has no feelings. But Fletch and Mia matter. Mia, especially, deserves to know the people who created her are valuable and special and worthy. She is them, so every shit thing you say about Jada?—”

“Is a shit thing you’re saying about Mia.” My phone trills on the kitchen counter, so I start that way, but Archer turns first and picks up the device, spying the screen and swiping to answer with a grin before I can choose to ignore it.

“It’s the mayor.” He sets the phone in my palm and kisses my down-turned lips. “We’re leaving in five, just so you know.”

“You’re a pain in my ass.” I turn on my heels and move into the hall. But I bring the phone up and play my part. “Mayor. It’s Mayet.”

“Hello, Chief. I trust you have everything you need to get through today? Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Uh…” I wander through my bedroom door and stop by the window overlooking our street. “No, I don’t think so. I have a checklist, and I believe everything has been taken care of. Is Fifi at work today?”

He chuckles, soft and sweet in the back of his throat. “No, but she informed me in advance and organized Ms. Guthrie to cover until she’s back. She’s very astute in her work, Doctor Mayet. I have no concerns that she’ll straighten everything out when she returns.”

“I know she’s astute! She was mine first. Remember?”

“I’m aware Archer’s brothers are in town.”Change the subject! It’s like he screamed the words but without saying them at all. “Including Felix Malone.”

“Mmhm. Is there an issue with that, Mayor? Do you have a problem with Felix being in your city?”

“Are you going to make me say it?” His voice takes on a darker, meaner edge that is probably designed to intimidateothers. But not me. Never me. “Felix’s streams of income are no secret.”

“Felix’s streams of income, I’m told, are directly related to the stock market and alcohol sales inside the myriad clubs he owns and manages.” And I’m being obnoxiously vague, purely to annoy the man who annoys me. “I’m assured Felix’s presence in Copeland will be quiet, quick, and without issue. Will we see you at the funeral today?”

“I had intended to swing by,” he grumbles. “However, I’m aware the gathering will be relatively small, despite Detective Fletcher’s many years with the force. Do you suppose my attendance will be received in a negative light?”

“It’s kind of charming how you speak with big words when you’re uncomfortable. You’re nervous, and instead of turning up and risking being asked to leave, you called me instead, like I can somehow dial in on the intricacies of a social gathering and give you good advice.”

“Mayet?”

I snicker. “I doubt very much that he’ll be mad if youswing by. You’re our friend, in a way, and you wish to show your respects. You’re also aware the extended Malones will be there, and despite that, you’re still coming. Unless,” I narrow my eyes, “you’re attending so you can get close to Felix and call it a coincidence. I dunno, Justin. I don’t think Felix will break the law quite so loudly while the mayor and a handful of cops are nearby.”

“So you admit he breaks the law?”

“I admit nothing. Come to the funeral. Or don’t.” I shift the flimsy curtain aside and glance out at the street. “Fletch will appreciate your show of support, even if he can’t vocalize it today. Fifi will like that you’re there, so she can still feel like she’s working, even in some small capacity. I can tick today off as a social interaction and not feel bad for declining your next thirtycalls, and Mia will like seeing more people there to support her mom. Nothing negative can come from your attendance, as far as I can see.”

“Any negatives to menotgoing?”

“I don’t know!” I turn when I feel Archer in the doorway and smile when I’m right. His eyes brighten the moment our gazes meet. “You’re asking me to make this decision for you, Justin. But I don’t think anything horrible will happen no matter what you choose. If you come, great. If you don’t, then I doubt Fletch will even notice. Do whatever your schedule allows and move on with your day.”

“My daughter is in the city.” He coughs to clear his throat. “And her friend, Sophia.”

Stunned, my eyes widen. “Sophia’s in Copeland again? Why?”

“To visit me,” he drawls. “Of course. They’ll arrive later and stay at my home for dinner. Do you want to?—”

“Come to dinner?” I stride across the room. “Absolutely not. Besides, we have our own family in town for the night, remember? So unless you’re inviting Felix Malone for dinner…”

“Well…” He considers it for a beat. “Professionally, I’m not sure that would be?—”

“Exactly.” I snag Archer’s hand and head into the hall. It’s time to go, and a fantastic opportunity to cut our call short. “You keep yours up on the hills, and I’ll keep mine down here with the commoners. There’s no need for overlap. I have to hang up now, Mayor.” I stop at the end of the hall and eye the family I’ve somehow landed face-first in. I didn’t want them. But here we are anyway, eating together and trying not to kill each other. “We’re leaving my apartment,” I explain. “We’ll be at the cemetery in about twenty minutes, then the ceremony thing will be pretty quick. So if you want to come, the window is small.Let’s go.” I turn left and head toward the door. “I’ll see you in a bit. Maybe.”

“Yeah.” He nods, his stubble scratching along the phone. “I’ll be there. However, I’ll maintain my distance. Respectfully.”

“Of course. Be sure to let Sophia and your daughter know I said hello. I doubt I’ll catch up with them this visit, considering how busy everyone is.”

“You could if you came to dinner.”

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