She walked out with him, turning him over to a uniform for escort home.
“Tell me something,” she demanded of McNab.
“Definitely a remote zap. He has to have a superior skill with electronics and security, or enough money to buy a jammer, and we’re talking mucho black-market buckaroos for a unit like this.”
“Why?” she wanted to know. “A building like this, security’s good, but it’s not top level.”
“Okay, it’s not that it jammed security, it’s how it jammed.” He pulled a pack of gum from one of his many pockets, offered Eve some, then folded a cube into his mouth when she shook her head.
“It shut everything down—security-wise—without messing with other ops. Lights, climate control, home and personal electronics weren’t touched. Except—” Busily chewing, he pointed to the living room lamps. “In here. This apartment unit, and this specific room. Lights on,” he ordered, and Eve nodded when the lamps stayed dark.
“Yeah, that fits. ‘Sorry to bother you, ma’am, but we’ve had reports of electronic malfunction in the building.’ He’s dressed like a workman. I’d make book he’s got a toolbox. A big helpful smile. Maybe he even tells her to try the lights, and when they don’t work, she opens the door.”
McNab blew an impressive purple bubble, snapped it. “Plays for me.”
“Check out the ’links, let’s be thorough. You find anything, I’m at Central. Peabody!”
“With you, sir.”
“Not while you’re wearing that stupid hat. Lose it,” Eve ordered and strode out.
“I like the hat.” McNab kept his voice low. “Sexy.”
“McNab, you think brick’s sexy,” Peabody replied. But with a quick check to see if the coast was clear, she gave his ass a fast squeeze. “Maybe I’ll wear it later. You know, just the hat.”
“She-Body, you’re killing me.”
He took a quick peek, saw Eve was gone, then dragged Peabody close for a sloppy kiss.
“Blueberry.” Amused, she blew a purple bubble with the gum he’d passed to her. Then hurrying after Eve, she pulled the hat off her head.
She found Eve outside standing beside the totally iced vehicle with the totally iced Roarke.
“No point in it,” Eve was saying. “We’ll hitch in a black-and-white. If I’m going to be really late, I’ll let you know.”
“Let me know regardless, and I’ll have transpo arranged to bring you home.”
“I can arrange my own transpo.”
“This isn’t transpo.” Peabody gave a feline purr as she stroked the car. “This is a total ride.”
“We could easily squeeze in.”
“No.” Eve cut Roarke off. “We’re not squeezing anywhere.”
“Suit yourself. Peabody, you look delicious.” He took the hat from her hand, arranged it back on her head. “Absolutely edible.”
“Oh. Well. Golly.” Under the hat, her head went wonderfully light.
“Wipe that ridiculous look off your face, lose the hat, and get us a ride to Central,” Eve snapped.
“Huh?” She let out a long sigh. “Oh, yes, sir. Doing all that.”
“Do you have to do that?” Eve demanded of Roarke when Peabody walked dreamily away.
“Yes. When she makes detective, I’m going to miss seeing our girl in uniform, but it should be interesting to see how she suits up otherwise. I’ll see you at home, Lieutenant.” And not caring if it annoyed her, he caught her chin in his hand, pressed his lips firmly to hers. “You are, as always, delicious.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Jamming her hands in her pockets, she stalked away.