Witches on Parole (WitchLight Trilogy: Book 1) by Geary Debora

Author:Geary, Debora [Geary, Debora]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Fireweed Publishing
Published: 2011-09-12T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Lauren had barely sat down at her desk when her office phone rang. Cripes, it was eight o’clock in the morning. Clients usually waited a couple more hours before calling. “Good morning, Berkeley Realty.”

“Morning. I’m looking for a Lauren McCready.”

“Speaking. How can I help you?”

“This is Officer Ortig with the Berkeley Police Department. I’ve got a teenage troublemaker in the back of my car right now. Caught her skulking around one of your listings. Says she knows you, so I called the number on your For Sale sign.”

Lauren reached for her coffee and took a big swig. She wasn’t truly functional until after the second cup, and this was still the first. “Sorry. Officer Ortig, right? Which listing is this?”

The policeman rattled off an address. Yes, that was one of her listings. “And you arrested someone trying to break in?”

“No ma’am. Casing the joint, though. Said she was just looking in the windows, but I’ll bet my badge she’s got a record. Seen her kind before.”

Caffeine was hitting her brain. “Does she have a name, Officer?”

“Nope. All she’ll give us is her street name. Lizard. It’s always the smallest ones with the toughest names.”

Crap, crap, crap. Lauren gulped more coffee. “Officer, can I get you to just wait there? I’ll be there in five minutes.” She didn’t give him time to answer. Most negotiations were better carried out in person.

She bolted out of her office, coffee in one hand, car keys in the other. The address was only two blocks away, but she wasn’t about to show up sweaty and out of breath. And her new car was a very professionally spiffy ride, which would hopefully impress Officer Ortig.

When she climbed out of her car two minutes later, it was clear not much impressed this particular police officer. She put on her best snooty-realtor face and stepped forward. “Good morning, Officer. I believe you’ve accidentally detained my assistant.”

Now she’d managed to surprise him. “Your what?”

“She’s my new intern. I asked her to take a look at some of our listed properties, get a feel for the neighborhood.”

Ortig snorted. “You got to be kidding me.” He opened the back door of his cruiser. “Get out here, kid.”

A very pissed-off Lizard climbed out of the back of the car and stood, arms folded. She was dressed in head-to-toe delinquent—ratty jeans, even rattier leather jacket, and truly disreputable Doc Martens.

Lauren saved the lecture. “This is indeed my assistant, Officer. She’s here following my express instructions.”

Ortig just shook his head and pulled Lauren off to the side. “Did you run a criminal reference check before you hired her?”

“She came with excellent references.” It wasn’t precisely a lie—Jennie was a well-respected member of the community.

“Of course she did.” Ortig wasn’t buying it. “Save me from freaking do-gooders. Next week, you’ll be calling us when she robs you blind.” He waved at Lizard. “Go. And try using the front door next time.”

Lauren decided an empty house was as good an exit route as any. Pulling out her lockbox codes, she dragged Lizard up the front steps, and moments later, through the door.

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