Scarlet Oaks and the Exposed Photographer by Michaela James

Author:Michaela James
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: humor, heroine, sleuths, radio dj
Publisher: Michaela James

Chapter 38

Scarlet greeted Friday morning with mixed emotions. Happy to be starting a three-day weekend, thrilled to have more time with James, but so anxious about Mia.

Clipboard in hand, Tom asked the group, “Does everyone have sufficient gasoline in their tanks?”

Looking up from their places around the coffee table, Mia, James, and Niles assured him they did.

Pressing pen to paper, Tom said, “Check.”

“He’s in his element,” Niles whispered to Mia.

Pacing up and down, Tom continued, “Mia, as planned, will arrive in her own vehicle. Scarlet’s car may be recognizable from her visits to Aptos and James’ Lexus is too flashy for a struggling model.”

Not knowing if he should laugh or apologize, James instead drank his tea.

Tom looked seriously at Mia, “Do come in Miss …?”

Taking a second to realize they were role playing, Mia responded, “Thank you. Reynolds, Sarah Reynolds.”

“And she’s all alone in the world,” Niles added with a smirk.

Receiving a not unexpected glare from Tom, Niles offered more coffee cake to those seated.

Returning his gaze to Mia, Tom went on, “I was very impressed with your portfolio Miss Reynolds. Clearly, you had a very talented photographer.”

This earned a chorus of groans from Niles, James, and Scarlet. Tom looked affronted. “He could well say that. I’m simply preparing Mia for what she may very likely hear from Mr. Oily head.”

Giggling, Mia said, “Would everyone please start calling him by his name, so I don’t actually call him oily head to his face?”

Agreeing they would, Scarlet added, “Mia will be staying at Mom’s with James and me tonight.”

Tom gave a brief, polite smile and tapped his clipboard. “Thank you, Scarlet, but that’s not until number ten.”

Looking at James and hiding a laugh behind her hand, Scarlet listened as Tom imparted, “Niles and I will arrive at oily, I mean Ed Stoneman’s residence, a good hour before Mia. We’ll be hiding in the brush, completely camouflaged.”

“Each with our own pair of night vision goggles, so there’ll be no squabbling,” Niles added helpfully.

Nodding, Tom continued, “James will be driving the getaway car, parked three houses down from the Stoneman residence. Scarlet will be with him. Whenever anyone approaches, they will kiss passionately.”

As the small group laughed, Tom informed them, “I’ve seen it done many times in movies, it works like a charm.”

Pointing to his left wrist and looking around the group of friends, Tom enquired, “Are we all wearing our Star Trek inspired watches?”

The room nodding in affirmation, Niles said, “Don’t be surprised if the spy shop is closed next time we stop by. The guy can retire with what we’ve spent there in the last few months.”

“Scarlet got us a good discount,” Tom volunteered.

Placing her tea cup on the table, Scarlet said, “For the last time. I’m not the reason you get a discount. We give him a lot of business, that’s why we get a deal.”

Collectively shaking their heads, Niles spoke for the others, “Nope, it’s because of you.”

Exasperated, Scarlet responded, “Maybe it’s because I don’t snigger at his wardrobe choices.

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