The Hitwoman and the Gold Digger by JB Lynn

Author:JB Lynn [Lynn, JB]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Cozy Thriller | Mystery
Published: 2018-10-18T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

When I returned to the B&B, Armani was about to embark on a spending spree. Flanked by Aunt Loretta and Marlene, they were followed by Templeton, who’d gotten roped into playing chauffeur and package carrier. He didn’t look happy.

“You know we don’t have a lot of storage space,” I warned, hoping to save Templeton some labor. “Don’t go buying the entire housewares department.”

“Wardrobe and makeup.” She tossed her shampoo-commercial-worthy hair for emphasis.

“We’re all going to get makeovers.” Loretta batted her false eyelashes for emphasis.

“How exciting,” I replied drily.

“You should join us,” Marlene suggested. “A girl’s day will be fun.”

That was definitely not my definition of fun, but I kept that to myself. “Can’t,” I answered.

“You should,” Armani urged.

“I’ve got private stuff to do,” I told her pointedly.

“Oh.” She nodded her agreement. “Yes, do that instead. But do you think you’ll be available to go property hunting in a couple of days?”

I shrugged noncommittally. I didn’t exactly relish the idea of chauffeuring her around to look at houses, but if it got her out of the B&B faster, it would be worth it.

I waved them off, got the animals resettled in the basement, took a shower, and returned to the remains of Armani’s home.

Jack Stern, wearing his leather jacket, was surveying the debris. He smiled when he saw me pull up.

He walked over to my car, so I lowered the window. “Ms. Lee.”

“So formal today?”

“Well, I was going to ask for an on-the-record statement,” he admitted.

I shook my head and pantomimed zipping my lips closed.

Bending down, he rested his forearms in the window and gave me his most charming smile. “What about the interview with Armani?”

Flustered by his flirtatiousness, I gulped. “She’ll do it.”

“Is she shaken up about this?” He jerked his chin in the direction of Armani’s decimated home.

“Wouldn’t you be?”

“Not too much. I’m a rolling stone. I don’t have roots. I’m not into material things,” he said with a wink.

“Except your jacket,” I teased.

He shrugged. “We all have our vices.”

“We do,” I agreed.

He leaned a little closer, pinning me with his dark gaze. “So, can I ask you an off-the-record question?”

I nodded slowly. “As long as I can still plead the fifth.”

“You’re talking to a reporter, not testifying in a court of law,” he reminded me with a smile. “Have you figured out what the Licks’ involvement in all of this is?”

I shook my head.

He stared at me, trying to determine whether I was telling him the truth.

“I swear,” I told him earnestly.

He nodded. “Me neither, and it’s frustrating as hell.”

“We should go stake them out,” I suggested.

“The Licks?” he asked, looking alarmed. “That’s a bad idea. They’re dangerous.”

“I thought you were the brilliant, fearless crime writer,” I challenged.

“Part of my brilliance is not doing things that could get myself killed.”

I shrugged. “Can’t blame me for trying. Somebody’s got to figure out why Armani is in danger.”

“The cops are on it,” he assured me.

I rolled my eyes.

He chuckled. “Have dinner with me tonight?”

Surprised by the out-of-nowhere request, I blinked.

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