Paradox Lost by Libby Drew

Author:Libby Drew
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2013-03-09T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

Cammie’s apartment was a third-story walkup in the northeast part of the city.

She hadn’t been a traditional employee since day one. Saul hadn’t even asked for her address until several months into their working relationship. She’d given it without complaint, and he’d recognized the area as a quiet working-class neighborhood with little crime. Satisfied, he hadn’t given her life outside of Kildare Consulting further thought, neglecting to ask if she even had a family.

She’d done all the probing. Been the one who’d taken an active role in his life outside the business. She’d chosen to spend her time with him, and at a time when he desperately needed a friend. What had he given her in return? Hardly anything, in hindsight.

He brought up the rear of their sad little band, trudging up the stairs behind Reegan and Silvia, feeling every minute of lost sleep. He could’ve refused Reegan the sanctuary of Cammie’s apartment. The job had wrapped the second Silvia gave up the chase and agreed to come back with them. More than enough cash remained from Reegan’s retainer to get the pair a decent hotel room, yet he hadn’t hesitated to call Cammie.

His motivations weren’t exactly mysterious. He wanted Reegan. Wanted him for as long as he could have him, and the second they closed the door on the case, the excuse to keep him close would disappear.

“Oh, Saul, I’m so glad you called.”

He lifted his head to find Cammie waving from the third-floor landing. Graduated pots of philodendrons and spider plants lined the white iron railing, draping close to the landing below. A few leaves brushed Saul’s head as he passed and made the final turn in the staircase. No fake ficus trees here. The air held a visceral odor of damp soil and sweet orchid. A painted wooden sign hung off a small hook on her front door. Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.

A mission-style potting bench blocked the other door off the landing. No nosy neighbors. That was a plus. He raised a tired hand in greeting. “Thanks for taking us in, Cammie.”

She was dressed in her usual, down to the sensible brown pumps. “I’d have strung you up by your balls if you hadn’t.”

Silvia stumbled on the last step, muffling a surprised laugh behind her fist. “Oh, Saul. I love her already.”

Cammie steadied Silvia as she gained the landing, then patted her cheek. “What a sweet girl. Saul’s told me all about you and that nasty man. Come inside and have some tea. Have you ever played Clue? If we get a game in, you can be Miss Scarlet.”

Reegan raised his hand. “I love Clue. But only if I get to be Professor Plum. Do you have the interactive or the AI version?”

“I have the cardboard version, handsome. You’ll find it stimulating enough, I’m sure.” She ushered Reegan and Silvia through the door ahead of her, but blocked Saul’s entrance.

Swallowing a groan, he stood on the landing in a recalcitrant schoolboy slouch while she glared.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.