Jethro returned the smile. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Any cameras are probably owned by the businesses that keep warehouses here by the railroad tracks.”
“I counted seven,” Wolfe said cheerfully. “If I had more time, I’d find your hideaway.”
“I counted nine,” Angus said, turning back to his board. “There are two on the west side that you can only see if the sun hits them just right.”
Jethro might’ve sworn something uncomplimentary under his breath.
* * *
Nari stayed in the bedroom to make her calls while the guys worked by the murder board. She finished the arrangements with the attorney, inwardly wincing at the exorbitant retainer. They might have to rob a bank just to get the guy in the same room as Angus. She glanced at her watch and hurriedly sent a video call.
“Hello,” her mother answered, squinting while pushing buttons on her phone. “Nari? Is that you?”
Of course it was her. They chatted every Sunday. “Hi Mom.”
“Oh, hi, sweetie.” Her mother set down the phone, facing her. “I found a new holder for the phone. Isn’t it convenient? The Dixon boy next door brought it over when he saw me trying to put the phone on the porch to talk to my friend, Diedre. He’s such a nice boy. Teenagers are better than ever these days if you ask me.”
Nari didn’t have anywhere to put her burner phone, so she sat on the bed and held it. “You look well.”
Her mom’s hair was long and straight, pure black and beautiful. Her eyes were brown and soft. “Thank you. So do you.” She reached for something on the table and brought back glasses to perch on her nose. “I need readers now. Can you believe it?” She studied Nari. “Is that a bruise on your chin?”
Darn it. Nari had thought she’d covered it. “Just a little one from training. You know.” Lying was wrong, but worrying her mother was worse. “Have you been training at all?”
“Of course. I knocked your Uncle Boahi on his butt twice yesterday. Ticked him off, too.” She smiled. “He’s dating a girl I don’t like. I guess at forty she’s a woman, but she giggles like a twit.”
Then the woman didn’t have a chance. Nari finally relaxed, crossing her legs on the bed. “Where’s Dad?”
“Oh.” Her mom leaned toward the camera. “He’s out putting food on the grass for the darn squirrels. The man was tired of them eating the food out of the bird feeders, so he bought squirrel food off that eBay. Squirrel food.” She leaned even closer, her eyes the only thing visible as she whispered, “It’s just seeds and more seeds, Nari. The man paid a hundred dollars for seeds.” She chuckled, the sound light. “Men.”
Nari laughed. That sounded just like her dad. He’d loved her as his own from the second he married her mom. Why she was trying to impress the man who’d abandoned her, who’d only been a father via check, was something she should figure out. Angus had been right about that. “I bet the squirrels are happy.”
Her mom leaned back, showing her entire face again. “They are, because they’re still eating out of the bird feeder.” She looked beyond the phone and then returned. “So. Are you still spending time with that big lion man?”
“Wolfe. His name is Wolfe, and he has a fiancée I very much like,” Nari said, shaking her head.
“Oh yes. Wolfe. Good name. Not as good as Force, though. Angus Force is a name I like.” Her mom smiled. “How are things with Angus?”
Nari sighed. Nothing got by her mother. “I don’t know. We’re working on several cases and he’s completely focused. So am I. Also, I know he doesn’t want a relationship, so I should work on a friendship.”
“Oh, for goodness’ sake. Men don’t know what they want.” Her mother whipped off the glasses. “Just last week a very nice couple came into the store, and he was looking for the perfect oval-shaped diamond to put on her hand. She couldn’t stop glancing over at this lovely square emerald surrounded by diamonds.”
Nari grinned. “What happened?”
“I suggested she try on the emerald ring and she reluctantly agreed. The girl absolutely lit up when I slid it on her finger.” Her mother smiled.
Nari held her breath. “Please tell me the young man caught on.” Her mother had been known to smack a customer or two with a wooden spoon back in the day. That was illegal these days.
Her mom nodded. “I had to give him the ‘mom’ look, but it worked. They paid cash, too.” She sighed happily. “Oh. Before I forget, have you stopped wearing your fitness tracker? I’m just killing you on steps.”
Nari winced. “I’ve been a little busy, Mom.”
Her mom sniffed. “It’s no fun winning the spa weekend bet if you don’t at least try. Promise me you’ll get in steps this week.”
Nari sighed. “I promise. I’ll give you a run for your spa money.” Man, she could use a spa day right now. “Speaking of which. Why don’t you get an updated tracker for your wrist and stop wearing the one in your bra? It takes forever to sync.”
“I own a jewelry store, dear. Give me a break,” her mom said. Then she blushed. “Frank. How’d it go with the squirrels?”
“Perfect.” Her dad kissed the top of her mom’s head and then leaned in until only his nose was visible on the screen. “Nari? That you?”
