Private #1 Suspect (Private 2)

“This was our date, Tommy. First, last, and only.”

CHAPTER 69

I WAS WAITING for Jinx at the bar on the pool deck, having a long, tall Perrier on the rocks. I was enjoying how the sunset was painting pink light on the pool, when she slid into the seat next to mine.

“Hi, Jack. Sorry I’m late. I got stuck at the office.”

“It’s okay. I like it here.”

Jinx smiled. “I’ve heard you’ve been having a rough time in the last few days.”

She smelled sweet, like jasmine. She was wearing midnight blue, a silk tunic, tight pants, gold sandals on adorable feet. Her diamond necklace caught the light.

“Jail is an enriching experience,” I said. “I got to see the other side of the fence. Take it from me, the grass wasn’t greener.”

“You look like you took a beating.”

“Part of the enrichment program.”

I’d meant to get a laugh, but she reached out and touched my bruised jaw. I let her do it.

“I tripped,” I said.

“A bad trip, looks like.”

I smiled at her. She put her elbows on the bar, asked the bartender for a gin and tonic. It was an unguarded gesture, and I saw her through it. She was right there, the woman who had asked for my help because she was being haunted by killings—and because she could lose everything she had.

I said, “We’re working on your case, Jinx, but if you want to take your business elsewhere, I understand. More than that, there’s no charge for the time we’ve clocked.”

“The cops are hopeless,” she said.

“You mean the cops are hopeless too.”

“This time last month, there was standing room only at this bar.”

“We’ll keep working if that’s okay, Jinx. If we don’t get results, you don’t owe us anything.”

“You’re making a compelling case for me to stay with Private.”

Finally she smiled. “I should admit something,” she said. “I like you, Jack.”

I had an awkward moment because I wasn’t sure how to respond. Whatever she was thinking, friendship or more, it wasn’t a good time for me. It was the worst.

“Jinx. Listen, I’m checking out of the hotel in the morning.”

Jinx stiffened at what she took to be a rebuff. She said, “Was everything satisfactory?”

“Yes. I just have to get back to my house. My life.”

“Of course.”

She stood up and said, “Iggy, Mr. Morgan’s drinks are on the house. Jack, I’ve got some calls to make. Stay in touch, okay? And take care of yourself.”

I watched her walk across the deck, and when she was inside, I left the bar and went to my room.

I could list four or five reasons why I didn’t need a romantic complication right now. But there was no reasoning with the strong pull I felt toward Jinx. I wanted to help her as much as I wanted to help myself.

If she’d stayed at the bar for another minute, I would have told her that I liked her too.