The Infernal Detective by Kirsten Weiss

Author:Kirsten Weiss [Weiss, Kirsten]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Mystery, Witch, Paranormal, Suspense, Lake Tahoe, female sleuth
Publisher: misterio press
Published: 2013-05-12T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

“Darling!” Mr. Mosse greeted Riga at the door to the penthouse study, and kissed her forehead. He wore a black tuxedo, his raven black hair swept to one side, and Riga felt a pang of loss. Donovan looked damn good in tuxedos.

The raven head on the totem pole stared out of one eye, disapproving.

“My assistant is here,” Mr. Mosse said loudly. “You remember her?”

“Of course.” Riga edged into the book-lined study, her stride hampered by the long silver gown she wore. Low lights warmed the room, and firelight flickered across the oriental carpets, leather chairs and couches.

Donovan’s assistant stood at the desk, putting papers into a leather portfolio. She looked up, brushing a lock of dark hair from her face, and smiled. “Hello, Miss Hayworth. I’ll just get out of your way.”

“No need,” Riga said. “Was I interrupting something?”

“Not at all.” Donovan’s father helped Riga out of her short black cape. “We just finished.”

His assistant bustled past. “Have a nice dinner.”

“Thanks,” Riga said. Then, when the woman disappeared in the elevator: “You’re really taking charge around here, aren’t you?”

He strode to the bar, and poured a shot of brandy into a cut-crystal glass. “It’s the least I can do. Fortunately, I remember a thing or two about casino management, though I admit, times have changed. Drink?”

“Sure. Donovan usually keeps some Zinfandel back there.”

“I never was much for wine.” He poured a glass, looking wistful. “Though my wife did enjoy pink champagne.”

She trailed her fingers along the back of the couch. “Why have you stayed here, haunted the casino?”

“Just not ready to go, though it would be nice to see my wife again. I miss her.” He cleared his throat. “We had pink champagne at our wedding. She insisted. Strong willed, like you.”

“It’s coming back in vogue now. Pink sparkling wine.”

He walked to her, glass extended. “Everything old is new again, eh?”

“Something like that.” She took the glass and they toasted. “I’m sorry,” she said abruptly. “I was hard on you earlier. It wasn’t fair.”

“You’re protective of my son. It’s sweet. Though I doubt he’d appreciate it – being protected, I mean. We like to think we can take care of ourselves.”

“You’re right. And Donovan can take care of himself. Where is he, by the way?”

“He went to see his wife. I mean the photographer’s wife.”

Her chest tightened. “The photographer’s wife?” She put the glass down on an end table. “Why?” she asked in an even voice.

“Because Donovan’s coming to the party tonight. Looking like Cam, he thought it would be cruel to surprise her there, in front of everyone.”

Her head throbbed. “To the… Why?!”

“Because there’s a lot at stake. He won’t hide from it.”

“But… What’s he going to tell her? He’s not going to—”

“No, of course not. She’d never believe the truth. I’m not sure what his plan is.”

“Oh, God.” She picked up the wine, drank. Donovan was as pigheaded as… she was.

“You look lovely, by the way. It’s remarkable how much you look like her – Rita Hayworth, I mean.

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