Page 75

“That’s great news. Will it be an issue for him to get home since we’ll be at the pageant?” he replied.

“Ah, good point. I’ll call a friend to see if he can take him home if we’re still stuck at the hotel. I don’t think it will be an issue.”

“Have you read the email I sent a short time ago?” he asked.

“No, I haven’t. I see I have a couple of emails to look at. I’m picking up some dinner for Craig and me to take back to the hospital right now.”

“Okay. Give my best to Craig. I’m glad he’s doing better.”

“I will. And I’ll check my email,” I replied before ending the call.

The restaurant wasn’t busy, and I got our order within twenty minutes. While waiting, I checked my email. When I opened Sean’s message, it included the Chandlers’ financials. Things seemed to be moving along in that case, and I hoped we could figure out who cut the Jaguar’s brake line and get it solved. I knew Craig would want to be kept in the loop as well, since Brooke had been his client.

Remembering I needed to call someone to take Craig home from the hospital if I couldn’t, I thought the best person might be Bryce. Andrew had just been to the hospital, but we hadn’t seen Bryce since my performance at Beaux Nightclub. Getting back into my car, I punched his number. He answered right away.

“Hey there, Jonesy. How’s Craig doing? Is everything okay?” he asked with a concerned tone.

“Hi, Bryce. Yes, Craig’s doing better, and that's why I’m calling. He may be released from the hospital tomorrow, but we don’t know when. I’ll be working security at the Miss California pageant, and I may get tied up. Do you think you could take him to my place if I’m not able to?”

“Oh, yeah. No sweat. Andrew and I don’t have any plans. I’d be happy to, and I’m sure Andrew will help as well,” he replied enthusiastically.

“You’re a lifesaver, dude. Craig has a new cellphone, but he hasn’t set it up yet. I can text you his room number. He has a hospital phone by his bed. I’ll make sure he reaches out to you when he knows he’ll be discharged. Again, this is only if I can’t make it.”

“Hey, it’ll be great to see him. Don’t fret, detective. I’ve got it covered if need be.”

“I’ll let him know our backup plan. I appreciate it,” I said thankfully.

“Uh, back to the beauty pageant. Are you working because of what happened in Lake Tahoe?”

His question threw me, but I knew he worked in TV news, and I’m sure they covered Gretchen’s murder and the other missing contestant. I cleared my throat. “Yeah, security to watch over the contestants. Secret Squirrel stuff. I can’t get into it, but it’s the reason I may be tied up,” I replied, not wanting to give him details.

“Understood, Dick Tracy,” he said with a chuckle. “Be careful.”

“Thanks, Bryce. We’ll be in touch.”

With that taken care of, I needed to get back to the hospital and feed my boyfriend before our dinner got cold.

It was the first day of the Miss California pageant. The electricity and excitement filled the Palace Hotel. I wasn’t sure if it was because they were in my city, but the surrounding atmosphere seemed like a bigger deal than it had been in Lake Tahoe. Perhaps it was because my senses were heightened, being in the middle of it. Or maybe because it was California.

I’d stopped by the hospital before coming and was fortunate to run into Dr. Jenson. She said she’d reviewed yesterday’s report on Craig and hinted that if he was well enough to share a private moment with me, he’d be well enough to be discharged. I was sure she could see my face flush with embarrassment. So much for keeping our secret, Nurse Lois.

As I arrived at the hotel, Sean and I met in the van to test the surveillance equipment. With it in perfect working order, I made my way through the hotel to the ballroom's backstage area. It was abuzz with activity. As I unloaded my makeup accessories, the other artists greeted me and asked me more questions. I figured a few of them had discussed me and wanted to know who I was and where I’d come from.

The made-up storytelling was easy, but I kept it short and sweet, which only made them more inquisitive. Luckily, a few of the contestants who’d arrived came back to have their makeup done for their interviews, which began that afternoon. Since I was only doing touch-up work, I was left to watch the glamor work from foundation to finished powder. It wasn’t a waste of time, considering I had picked up quite a few tips for my drag work.

The one who was bored was Sean. I heard him yawn a few times during the afternoon. When I was alone, I asked how he was doing.

“Fuck, Jonesy. I don’t know how you can listen to the constant babble between these women. Kinda mind-numbing,” he replied, irritation spiking his words.

I had to laugh, but I understood. “Sean, it’s no different when they go to a salon and chat with the stylists. Personally, I tune it out, but to be honest, I’m watching their application techniques like crazy.”

It was his turn to laugh. “Well, when I get my haircut, it’s with a ‘good to see ya, Matt,’ and then silence unless they want to talk sports. I guess I can see how you’d study the work for your gigs. Better you than me in there.”

“I can’t imagine you trying to do what I’m doing. This is why it’s great to have a gay partner, pal. I can teach you a few things.” I teased, and he scoffed. “By the way, there’s a security officer back here. I remember her from the briefings. We’ve been ignoring each other, but I caught her giving me a surprised look when she saw me in this getup. I winked at her as I walked by, and she snickered.”

“So… you’re not doing any makeup on anybody?” he asked.

“I doubt I’ll be working on anyone to…” was all I got out before I heard my name being called by Sofia. “I gotta get back in there,” I said, rushing back to my station.