Shadow Of Suspicion (Margot Harris 3)

“My man on the inside promised to keep them off us for forty-eight hours. I don’t need to hide.”

“You’re hiding in my place.”

Stone shrugged. “Better safe than sorry. I don’t know if you noticed this, but people in my business lie. A lot. Any time out in the open is a risk, but I figure this one will be worth taking.”

“It’s not just the cartel. Sure, they’d be the worst, but the cops and the F.B.I. are looking for you too.”

“Yeah, I know, but I’ll take that chance. Like I said, it’s a risk but one I’m willing to take.”

“If I get caught with you, I could lose my license.”

“If I don’t fix this you’re going to lose more than that.”

Margot thought about that for a second.

“Alright, can I trust you not to steal anything while I take a shower and change clothes?”

“Steal? You’re hurting my feelings. I’m not a thief.”

“You’re a criminal who gave information to the Feds.”

“Sure, but still.”

Margot decided that, for all of Dean Stone’s numerous faults, stealing was probably not one of them. She went to her room. She put her gun back in her purse and took out her phone to tell Mal what was going on. She saw that Detective Radcliff had called her more than once. She figured she ought to call him back so he didn’t worry. She was calling his number when someone kicked in her front door.

Chapter 5

Margot was grabbing her gun when she heard someone shout, “Freeze.”

Since the voice was familiar and Margot knew hitmen didn’t yell freeze first, she put her gun away. She walked back into the living room as Stone was saying, “Easy on the trigger, cowboy. I’m unarmed.”

She saw Detective Radcliff standing in her doorway aiming his department issue Glock 21 at Dean Stone. Stone, for his part, didn’t seem too worried.

“Hey, Rick,” Margot said to him. “Long time no see. Sorry I didn’t answer your call.”

“I was worried.”

“I was busy.”

“Wait,” Stone said. “This is why you stayed out all night? This douche?”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“Have you looked in the mirror? You could do better.”

“Why don’t you go ahead and lace your fingers behind your head and get on the ground face first,” Detective Radcliff told him.

“Why? Because I said she could do better? Come on kid, you know you’re playing out of your league.”

“How about because you’re a wanted fugitive?”

“Fugitive? At best I’m a person of interest.”

“Either way, do what I’m telling you.”

Stone looked at Margot who told him, “Do what he says.”

Stone shrugged and looked at Radcliff, “You ever shot anybody before?”