Fool's Errand by Joe Kilgore

Author:Joe Kilgore
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: old school private detective private eye PI P.I.; mysteries thriller suspense mystery series; literary noir crime fiction; underground rebels former military; kidnapping abduction ransom; Mexico California U.S.; gritty dark action
Publisher: Encircle Publications
Published: 2022-04-19T16:00:45+00:00

CHAPTER 21

With Sinatra on the tape singing from “Lady Is a Tramp,” Ellis reflected that of the many small pleasures in life, surely one of them is driving an open-top car across the Coronado Bridge on a sunny California afternoon. With the bay on one side, an island on the other, and a lovely woman waiting to have a drink with him at one of the world’s more beautiful Victorian hotels, he could almost forget about his office being ransacked, his car’s narrow escape, and his elevator thrill ride. Not to mention the mayhem at Benny’s, the bombing in Mexico, and a family called Whitfield seemingly in the midst of being drawn and quartered. Funny, Ellis thought, how everything else at the moment was sort of taking second place to the memory of Laney lying naked in his arms. The round curve of her hips. The soft, sweet scent of her neck. The way her head rested in the small of his shoulder. That’s what was on Ellis’ mind as he left his car with the valet at the entrance to the sprawling, white wooden-framed wonder most locals simply called The Del.

He held that thought as he walked through the main lobby. Glancing over to his right he could see the Crown Room was already being prepared for the evening’s festivities. He wondered how much time he’d have with Laney. Well, he thought, whether it’s a lot or a little, it’s a good sign she called and wanted to see him. And he was certainly looking forward to seeing her.

Ellis walked through the hotel, onto the patio and was almost to the pool when he heard Laney say, “Hey, handsome, buy a girl a drink?”

Odd, Ellis thought. The voice was coming from behind him. When he turned he saw Laney sitting at a patio table. He knew immediately why he had walked right by her. She was dressed for an evening out. Black, strapless evening gown. Hair pulled back tight. Silver high heels that matched the choker around her neck. He hadn’t expected to see her looking so formal. But he didn’t miss a beat. “Well, I would but I’m here to meet someone I know and she might not be thrilled about me spending time with such a beautiful distraction.”

“Pretty good comeback, Ellis. I just assumed you had work on your mind.”

As Ellis pulled out the chair next to hers and began to sit he said, “The truth is I was thinking entirely of you, but not in this particular attire. Excuse me, have I said yet how stunning you look? Let me say that. You look stunning.”

“That’s very sweet of you. And if I didn’t have to worry about mussing myself up, I’d give you a big kiss.”

“Well if I had my way you’d definitely get mussed up, but why the big concern? When do you have to go to work?”

“I’m working now, in fact. This is known as the pre-show entertainment. We sit around outside showing off the merchandise and getting buyers used to looking at us.

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