Starfall by Michael Griffo

Author:Michael Griffo
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: epub, ebook, QuarkXPress
ISBN: urn|ean|9780758280763
Publisher: Kensington Books

Louis is about to take his own personalized exam.

“Melinda?”

Arla and I are thrilled to hear the question mark firmly nailed at the end of her name when Louis opens the front door. He’s as surprised to see her standing on the other side of the doorway as we are; her sudden appearance is unexpected. Hopefully it’s also unwanted. I mean what the hell is she doing here? Ringing the front bell as if the welcome mat’s message extended to everyone including homicidal housewives, two-timing tramps, and unmotherly mothers. Okay, I’m done. But Louis isn’t.

“I told you not to show up like this,” he announces, his voice emotionless and flat. “I don’t want to see you anymore.”

Burabo¯! Which is Japanese for bravo! The Jaffog has truly lifted, and Louis is able to see and think and react clearly. And he clearly doesn’t want Melinda in his life.

“And I told you that I’m not giving you up without a fight,” she replies. “Merry Christmas.”

“Christmas isn’t for another week,” Louis reminds her.

“I thought I’d give you your present early,” she replies, walking right into the living room and revealing a large red ribbon from behind her back. “Me.”

Bu¯inguhisu! Which is Japanese for boo hiss! Clearly Melinda doesn’t like to take no for an answer. Nor does this gift-giver like an audience.

“Why don’t you two be good little girls and give the grown-ups some privacy?” she asks.

Neither Arla nor I budge from the couch where we’re co-reading a fashion magazine. Sadly, I have to admit that Melinda looks like she belongs right on the front cover. Wearing form-fitting Lycra-infused pants the color of Louis’s mocha-tinted skin, tucked into chocolate-brown cowboy boots, and topped with an espresso-colored double-breasted suede bolero jacket, Melinda certainly dressed for the occasion. Too bad her occasion was to try and seduce her ex-boyfriend fully clothed and Arla’s occasion is to save her father from becoming an ex ex-boyfriend fully committed.

“As a good girl, I know what’s best for my father,” Arla starts. “And that isn’t to be alone in a room with you or accept gifts from strange women.”

While Melinda scowls, Louis laughs at his daughter’s comment, which only makes Melinda scowl deeper. If the look weren’t so frightening, it would be interesting, like some avant-garde fashion shoot, but the problem is Melinda Jaffe isn’t a model; she’s a murderer. I can tell by Arla’s nervous stare that she’s remembered that Louis, the only professional detective in the room, hasn’t got a clue to that fact.

“What’s the problem, Melinda?” he asks. “Winston dump you too?”

At least Louis has his moxie back and he isn’t falling for his ex’s pathetic attempt to reunite. Unfortunately, his ex may have more than just a reunion on her mind.

“You haven’t seen the last of me, Louis,” she declares. “Because when a Jaffe woman wants something, a Jaffe woman gets it.”

Her reply doesn’t have its desired effect, and Louis merely laughs louder and heartier than I’ve ever heard him before. Like a desperate out-of-work actor auditioning to be a street-corner Santa.

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