Sweet & Vicious by Chayse Manning

Author:Chayse Manning
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: romance, mystery, multicultural, suspense
Published: 2015-02-16T14:03:04.538949+00:00

Chapter 18

“Problems?” Dutch asked. He stood in the doorway, wiggling his index finger in his ear.

All heads turned in his direction. All swiveled back to Min Li. She clamped her mouth shut, her face contorted, scowling. “We forget soy. Got plenty. Chopstick, too.”

Damn, she was good. Not perfect, though. “Who screamed?” He scanned the interior, his gaze darting from table to table, booth-to-booth, and even beneath each one.

“Me,” Min Li replied.

“Yeah, right. Do you really expect me to believe that crap?”

“Dumb rodeo cop never believe nobody.”

Snickers coming from the locals set his teeth on edge. Dutch wrinkled his nose. “Suppose I interview one or two or all of your customers? Suppose I take up residence here and question everyone who steps through your business gates? How many do you think would continue frequenting this place? Suppose I put cruisers outside yours and your hired help’s homes? Better yet, I’ll get a warrant.”

The kitchen door flew open and Ting Lan screeched.

Startled at first, Dutch swaggered toward Min Li. “Sounds familiar.” As planned, he had the owner backing toward the kitchen. Randi was here. Somewhere. He sensed her presence.

“Okay, okay. Ting Lan scream.”

She scrambled hard for lies, the type of woman willing to chance anything to divert his attention and slowly running out of options. No problem. Jinx had planted himself at the back door. Randi was cornered now.

“Why would your daughter scream in a restaurant full of lunchtime customers?”

She stood statue-still, face serene, unruffled. “Because I show her this.”

Ting Lan screeched and barreled through the swinging door.

“Jesus Christ!” Dutch stumbled backwards. Bumping chairs and tables, he tripped over scattered boxes and lost his balance altogether. Luckily, the buffet service center was right there. He caught hold of the edge well before he landed flat on his ass. “What the hell is that?”

“Scorpion.” Triumphant, she smiled brightly. “Delicacy.”

Laughter broke out, followed by customers applauding.

“Get rid of it.”

What the hell was she doing dangling a live damn scorpion? The creature squirmed, and Dutch could’ve sworn the claws reached up to pinch her fingers.

“Oh, big bad rodeo cop.” Min Li narrowed her eyes. “Here. You get rid of it.”

She tossed the stinging critter in his direction. Dancing sideways, Dutch’s heart danced its own wild jig. He hopped from boot to boot, over and all around the insect, before realizing the scorpion was motionless.

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