“Unmentionables who've crossed the line aren't happy to see me. And bad things happen when Beaner isn't happy. So either you're going to have to convince him to chill and talk to me, or else you're going to have to get him alone somewhere. I can't seem to follow Beaner, but I can follow you.”
“What about his listening-and-understanding problem?”
“I suck at that,” Diesel said. “That's girl stuff. You're going to have to explain that to him.”
“Only if you help me with Annie Hart's cases. I've scored a big zero with two out of three, and I'm not sure the third one will fly.”
Diesel's cell phone buzzed.
“Yeah,” Diesel said into the phone. “Now what?”
He slouched deeper into the couch and listened with his mouth set tight. “Yeah,” he said. “I hear you. I'm working on it. Send everyone a case of whatever the hell it is they need.”
“And?” I said when he disconnected.
“Beaner can't find Annie, so he's visiting her friends and relatives, causing havoc.”
The next call was from Annie.
“I'm working on it,” Diesel said. “I can't approach him in public and have him contaminate a room filled with innocent people.” He nodded and listened. “You have to be patient,” he said. “I have a partner. She's helping me with your cases, and she's helping me find Bernie Beaner.” More talking on the other end. “No, I'm not bringing her to you. You have to trust me.”
Diesel disconnected.
“How'd that go?” I asked him. “Does she trust you?”
“Not even a little. She's coming over here.”
“What about Bernie? I thought it wasn't safe for Annie to go out because Bernie might get her.”
“She'll get help,” Diesel said. “She'll be okay.”
I took another handful of chips, fed a couple to Bob, and turned my attention back to the game. A few minutes later, my doorbell rang. Diesel got the door and ushered Annie Hart into my living room. She was a little shorter than me, a little plumper, a little older. She had short, curly brown hair and lively brown eyes and a nice mouth. She smiled at Diesel and me, and the smile produced crinkle lines at the corners of her eyes. She was wearing a bright red hooded jacket, jeans, and boots, and she had her purse tucked into the crook of her arm.
Diesel introduced us. “Annie Hart, this is Stephanie Plum. Stephanie, meet Annie Hart.”
I stood and extended my hand. “It's a pleasure.”
“Have you seen the files?” she asked me.
“Yes.”
“It's very important that you help these people have a good Valentine's Day. And it's so close. Today is Friday and Valentine's Day is Monday. Of course, the real goal is lifelong love, but truthfully, that's icing on the cake.” She flicked her eyes at Diesel. “We all love Diesel, but relationships aren't his strength. Diesel runs on pure testosterone, and relationships need a little estrogen.”
“Pure testosterone… that would explain his wardrobe,” I said.
Annie and I took a moment to assess the grungy thermal shirt, beat-up boots, and two-day beard.
“Exactly,” Annie said. “Although, it seems to work for him.”
“You have to go with what you've got,” Diesel said.
“I have a good feeling about you,” Annie said to me. “You have a lovely aura. I hope you don't mind the intrusion, but I had to see for myself. I really feel much better now. Call me if you have problems. Any time of the day or night. I've made promises to these people, and I hate not to keep a promise. I've really tried hard with Charlene Klinger, but I've been terribly off the mark. She says she doesn't want a man in her life, but I know that's not true. She's a good person, and she deserves to have a loving helpmate.”
“Can I get you something?” I asked. “Coffee? A drink?”
“I'd love that, but I promised this would be short. Perhaps when everything is settled we can visit. I know you have some romance problems.”
I shot a look at Diesel. “Blabbermouth.”