Page 4 of Beneath Deception
“As you probably know, a man’s body was found on Venice Beach,” Sloan stated.
“That’s too bad, but I still don’t know why you are here,” I reiterated.
“Your business card was found in his pocket. Do you know a Michael Jeffries, Mr. London?” Wallace chimed in.
The minute the detective said his name, I knew the look on my face illustrated my affiliation with Jeffries. The last time I saw him he was alive and breathing. To find out that he was dead suddenly concerned me, especially knowing that he was one of my so-called job assignments. Staring back between Sloan and Wallace, I said convincingly, “Jeffries was interested in advice on starting a business. That’s the only reason why he had my card. Nothing more. Now if you will excuse me, I have a business of my own to run.”
When the detectives left, I turned to my desk and took the bottle of McCallan’s and poured a healthy portion into my glass. I just couldn’t believe that the stupid idiot got himself killed after everything I told him. What was even more alarming was if Colin ever found out that I never followed through with his assignment, I was as good as dead myself. The only question I had was, who other than Colin wanted this man dead? Downing the rest of my Scotch, I headed back downstairs, knowing that sooner or later Colin was going to question me about the two detectives.
When I got to the bar, Colin was no longer sitting beside Tessa. It may have been because he needed to relieve himself or got called away. Closing in on her, I waved Russ over to let him know I needed another drink, and to bring Tessa one as well. When her eyes met mine, it was like I was staring back at a mine filled with blue diamonds. I was totally mesmerized by them, almost to the point that I would never be able to escape the trance they put me in. Taking a seat that Colin had vacated, I turned to face her and introduced myself. “I think you have to be the most gorgeous woman that I have ever seen.”
I am not sure if she thought I was dropping her line or if she believed me. With a small giggle, she covered her smile and said, “I’m pretty sure you’re in need of an eye examination.”
“I assure you I have 20/20 vision. My name is Xavier London, by the way,” I announced.
“Nice to meet you, Xavier. I’m Tessa Sands, but you can call me Tess.” Her smile appeared once again, which met the brilliance of her sapphire blue eyes.
After bowing her head in what seemed to be an act of shyness, her eyes rejoined mine, only this time there was fear in them as they veered to the left. Everything about her changed. Wondering why there was a sudden change in her, I turned my chair in the direction she was looking only to find that Colin was quickly approaching us. He had to have had some control over her for her to react in such a manner and I was going to find out exactly what that was.
