“A party at our place after the races next Saturday. That’s sure to provide a more relaxing setting.”
“You think Ellie will go to the race and then your party?”
“I’ll talk to Moira. She said that Ellie and her are attending the races. Ellie had an uncle who was retired from the police department but was killed over a year and a half ago. It was in New Castle, a few towns over.”
“Oh yeah, the robbery at the convenience store on Smith. Two crooks died, the retired cop, and the clerk, too.”
“Yes. It was tragic.”
They pulled into the parking lot and decided to park the car instead of using the valet.
“Hey, you can’t park there,” some kid in a vest told them. Vin flashed his badge.
“We won’t be long.” The kid nodded his head and headed toward another car that just approached.
As they entered the place, Justice was surprised by the upscale décor and fancy chandeliers.
“The food smells good,” Vin stated as he rubbed his belly. Justice smiled as they approached the front reception area.
“We’re looking for Mr. Luke Phillips. We were told he was dining here today,” Justice stated toward the woman.
“Is he expecting you? I don’t have another party joining him.”
“No. We’d like to speak with him please.” Vin flashed his badge and the woman’s eyes widened and then she smiled at Vin.
Her cheeks took on a rosy shade of pink and she nodded her head. “Of course, Detective.”
She picked up the phone and whispered into the receiver.
Vin and Justice stood by the waiting area, absorbing the decorations. Some of the items were eye catching, but nothing grabbed his attention like the brunette in red walking down the hallway escorted by two men in designer suits.
As they came closer, he felt his heart race and his eyes widen at the sight of Ellie walking between the two men. Was she with them? Did she belong to them? Both men paused and one guy—tall, dark hair, very upscale—took her hand and kissed the top of it.
She smiled and nodded her head, and then he placed his hand on her waist, leaned forward, and kissed her cheek. He couldn’t be a boyfriend. If he were, he would have kissed her on the mouth. He wanted to feel relief, but instead he felt more on edge, especially when she turned to shake the other man’s hand and he leaned forward and kissed her cheek. As she started heading toward them, the two men watched her, eyeing over her backside until she locked gazes with him.
The woman from the front desk pointed toward Vin and Justice and both men looked. Their expressions changed and so did Justice’s. Ellie was hanging out with a man who they needed to question about a murder.
* * * *
Ellie felt her belly quiver after having such a nice lunch with Renaldo. He was so suave and very good at flirting, that she found herself flirting back and wondering where it may lead. After Luke received a phone call as the lunch was ending, they parted and now she was heading home to ponder over her reaction to the charismatic man. After they both kissed her good-bye, she headed t
oward the main entrance and nearly lost her footing as she locked gazes with a fierce-looking Justice Lawson. He was dressed in suit pants, dress shirt, jacket, and tie, and was staring at her along with Sam’s brother, Vin.
They looked at her and then back toward Luke and Renaldo, and for some strange reason she felt guilty.
“Hey, what are you two doing here?” she asked.
Justice looked her over and she felt her nipples harden as her breath caught in her throat. That was a first for her.
“I could ask you the same thing. You know those two?” he asked with an attitude.
“I’ll give you a minute. I’d better go introduce myself,” Vin said and then winked at Ellie before walking away.
“What’s going on?” she asked.
“Business.” He looked at the cleavage of her dress and then down into her eyes. Even with the Jimmy Choos on, he still towered over her.
“Business? You’re a detective. What type of business would you have with Renaldo and Luke?”