Is she messing with me?I shake my head and sigh. “No, no. It’s all good.”
“Are we done?”
“Ah, sure. Thank you.” I push exit, expecting the conversation to end but she doesn’t disappear.
“How do you like my glasses? Do they make me look smart?” As her decapitated head rotates three-hundred and sixty degrees, I try to decide how to answer.
My best bet is to remain neutral. “They are… nice.”
“Are these better?” Her tortoiseshell frames morph into a dreadful shade of sixties turquoise with an unfortunate cat’s eye slant.
“Listen, Jasonelle, I need to go. I like both just fine.” Can it be insulted? I can’t afford to have it pissed. I need her assistance.
“You are not helpful. Please choose.” She blinks, a small frown on her animated face.
“Okay, the first pair is better.”
“Excellent. Is there anything else I can help you with?”
“No.” Sweat rolls down my forehead. Holy shit. Dealing with Jasonelle was a lot harder than I imagined. I don’t think the world is ready for a female version of Jason.
“Goodbye. I look forward to future discussions.”
“I’m sure you do.” After hanging up, I call Sam and tell her about her uncle’s watchdogs.
She laughs. “Don’t worry. Joey probably called his dad. Rose is my Uncle Vinny’s favorite. He’s simply keeping an eye on her.”
“So, he thinks she’s in trouble?” My heart thumps because my question is rhetorical and needs no answer.
“Yes, and I am so, so sorry to drag you into this. I never should’ve left my computer unlocked, not even for a moment. But seriously, what are the odds Catrina would roll on the right combination of keys?”
Seeing how she’s my pal’s wife, I remain silent. From my perspective, the chances were pretty damn high. Her tabby cat is infamous.
I lean against the door, catch a glimpse of Hands, and wave him over. When he arrives, I put my phone on speaker. “Can I ask why you were on the dark web?”
“Sure. A new type of Fentanyl is being imported into the US and the Feds asked me to find out where it’s coming from.”
I share a worried glance with Hands who leans over and asks, “I thought most of it originates south of the border.”
“True, but it’s the Chinese who sell the Mexicans the base chemicals. They just mix it and smuggle it to the US. This stuff is different. It’s a brand-new designer drug coming from Asia. Listen, I need to go, but before I do, I want to thank you two for watching out for Rose and Mia. Suds and I will cover your expenses.”
“Please don’t. I owe your husband more than I can ever repay.” He and Hands made sure I had a job during my recovery. Hell, I was a fucking wreck until they pulled me out of the bottle.
I’m so deep in thought, I miss much of what Sam says next. “…and don’t hurt her. She’s been through a lot.”
“Don’t give it another thought. She’s not my type.”
The private eye clicks her tongue. “Ah dude, you realize you kissed her in front of a roomful of highly trained militia? Like you, they don’t miss much.”
“I admit, my reputation with the ladies isn’t the greatest but I’ve always been honest. I like sex. I don’t like relationships. It’s fucking simple. Women are the ones who make it complicated.”
“You are so full of shit. Just do what it takes to get her to remember.”
“Surely, you don’t mean anything?”
“God, no. You two would be terrible together.”
I want to ask why but it might sound like I’m interested. My questions would get back to Rose and neither one of us need to stoke the flames of desire.
