Page 20 (1/2)

“We’ve had a secret, passionate affair for the last three years, during which ti raised on the far side of the moon by Buddhist rip, Mavis It has to do with a case, and,” she added before Mavis could open her mouth, “it’s confidential”

Mavis didn’t bother to roll her eyes again When Eve said confidential, no ae her an inch “Okay, but you can tell ood in person as he does in pictures”

“Better,” Eve muttered

“Jesus, really?” Mavis moaned and let herself fall onto the sofa “I think I just had an orgasm”

“You ought to know” Eve set the package down, scowled at it “And how did he knohere I live? You can’t pluck a cop’s address out of the directory file How did he know?” she repeated quietly “And what’s he up to?”

“For God’s sake, Dallas, open it He probably took a shine to you Some men find the cool, disinterested, and understated attractive Makes them think you’re deep I bet it’s dia on the box as her patience snapped “A necklace A diamond necklace Maybe rubies You’d look sensational in rubies”

She ripped ruthlessly through the pricey paper, tossed aside the lid of the box, and plunged her hand through the gold-edged tissue “What the hell is this?”

But Eve had already scented it, already—despite herself—begun to smile “It’s coffee,” she murmured, unaware of the way her voice softened as she reached for the si Mavis held

“Coffee” Illusions shattered, Mavis stared “Theof coffee?”

“Real coffee”

“Oh, well then” In disgust, Mavis waved a hand “I don’t care what the dalitter”

Eve brought the bag to her face and sniffed deep “Not this wohed “In more ways than one”

Eve treated herself to one precious cup the nextEven her temperamental AutoChef hadn’t been able to spoil the dark, rich flavor She drove to the station, with her faulty heater, under sleeting skies, in a wild chill that carees, with a smile on her face

It was still there when she walked into her office and found Feeney waiting for her

“Well, well” He studied her “What’d you have for breakfast, ace?”