Blood Orchid (Holly Barker 3)

“Working hard; we’ve sold two houses already.”

“That’s great.”

“You and Ham free for dinner on Saturday?”

“I am, and Ham probably is, although he has a girlfriend these days.”

“Invite them both.”

“I’ll do that and get back to you.”

“I’ll be here.”

Holly called Ham, made the date, and called Shine back.

“Good. My car will pick you up at seven o’clock. Where do you live?”

Holly gave him directions.

“Then you can direct the driver to Ham’s place. Then you’ll pick me up.”

“Where are we dining?”

“At the Yellow Dog Cafe, just south of Melbourne. It’s not a long drive.”

“I’ve heard good things about it. We’ll see you later.”

Holly hung up and went back to work on her personnel files, completing the job while having a sandwich at her desk. Then her phone rang.

“Holly Barker.”

“Hi, it’s Harry.”

“Hello, Harry. How are you?”

“Good. You free for dinner on Saturday night?”

“No, I’ve just made plans; Ham and I are dining with friends.”

“How about Sunday night?”

“Okay. What brings you up this way?”

“It’s not me; his name is Grant Early.”

“Harry, are you trying to fix me up?”

“Not exactly. He’s one of my people and he’s going to be spending some time in your area.”

“Doing what?”

“I think we need a presence around there—not exactly an agent in residence, more of a . . .”

“Harry, is he going to be undercover?”

“Well, yes. He’ll explain that to you. I’d appreciate it if you’d give him any help you can.”

“What could I possibly do for him that the FBI can’t?”