out Of Sight (2010) by Cameron Stella

Author:Cameron, Stella [Stella, Cameron,]
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2011-01-14T19:19:10.437000+00:00

21

Sykes expected one of them to laugh.

They stood on the sidewalk outside Fortunes. Wazoo's hand was tucked under Nat's arm and he held Mario. Poppy looked at the ground.

"We'll be off then," Nat said.

"Where's your car?" Sykes asked, glancing around.

"Bucky took it back," Nat said. "See you later."

"Why are you looking for Gray?" Sykes said. He couldn't contain his curiosity.

"I'd be grateful if you didn't mention it unless he does, but Gray may fill in for Bucky Fist. Bucky's got to go off on compassionate leave. Illness in the family."

"Fill in for Bucky?" Sykes's voice got louder with each word until he realized he was shouting and dropped his voice. "As your homicide partner? Does Marley know, for God's sake?"

"I wish I hadn't said anything," Nat said. "Maybe we'll decide against it but I really need him and he's the only one who can slip into Bucky's shoes without needing any training. Plus, he knows the cases we're dealing with."

"Marley's pregnant," Sykes said.

"I think that's sweet," Wazoo said, looking distant. "I'm looking forward to meeting her."

"This will all be over long before the baby's born," Nat said, but he did have the grace to look uncomfortable. "You'll be late for your appointment if you don't go now."

Sykes squinted at him. It wasn't raining anymore and the sun had awoken ferociously. "What appointment?"

"Hands On," Nat said weakly. "Isn't that what you told me?" he asked Wazoo.

With no warning, Mario wriggled and fell from Nat's arms. The dog jumped at Sykes, who automatically caught him.

"He wants to be with you," Wazoo said, wrinkling her brow. "Look at him."

Mario settled comfortably.

"Forgive me but I'm going to have to duck out fast on this party and get some work done," Poppy said. She sounded angry, and looked angry. "The last thing I want is to have Ward rushing out here and finding us before I can get to my apartment."

"Why don't you tell Mr. Smooth to get lost?" Wazoo said.

Poppy smiled at her and tapped her chest, like a sign between the two of them. "He'll lose interest."

"You don't like him," Nat said. "So why are you encouraging him?"

"She's not encouraging him," Sykes said through his teeth. "In case you didn't notice, he's hooked." And he didn't blame the man even if he did instinctively wish he'd leave town for good.

"I've got to go." Hurrying, looking over her shoulder at the entrance to Fortunes, Poppy slipped up the alley beside the club and disappeared inside the door she and Sykes had used earlier.

"Excuse me." A tap on his shoulder interrupted Sykes's plotting. He wanted to get to Poppy again and very soon.

"Yes?" He glanced behind him and started. David, the teenager who said he was Pascal's son, stood there, sunglasses still firmly in place, heavy black duster zipped from hem to neck despite the warmth.

"I was out for a walk and I saw you here."

Sykes didn't think so but he'd figure out the truth when they did not have an audience. "Hey, David. Be with you in a minute.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.