by Lucy Quinn
Evie slowly inhaled the salty ocean air as she waited for Sunshine to do her business. It was early in the morning, but the heat was already settling in as people jogged and walked by, music in their ears or chatting with a friend. She’d woken up before anyone else, and even though people were her thing, Evie was enjoying the quiet. The past three days had been a whirlwind of activity that exhausted even an extrovert like herself.
She thought about Dora, who was conked out in the bed they’d shared last night. She was glad her friend had finally managed to fall asleep. Dora was an anxious person on a good day, and Evie knew that sometimes her friend’s mind raced with so much information it was hard for her to make it all stop.
Sunshine gazed up at Evie and wiggled her little fluffy tail as if she wanted to play. “You know what?” Evie asked the pup. “Let’s take a little walk to clear our heads. What do you say?”
Evie was barefoot in a pair of the short-shorts and a tank top like those Billy had mentioned to Brian back at the gator farm, and she glanced down at herself, second guessing the wisdom of her walk in what she was wearing. She shook her head because she was afraid Dora was rubbing off on her. Since when did Evie care about what other people thought of her choices? Besides, it was Florida after all, and the heat made it necessary to wear as little clothing as possible. She didn’t feel as if she was any more scandalous than women running in sports bras and jogging shorts.
And it was true that she was hardly making a splash when she noticed the people she passed only smiled in a greeting or, in the case of the runners, gave her a sweaty grimace if they glanced at her at all. In fact, it was a little insulting she hadn’t turned any heads.
The concrete sidewalk was smooth under her feet as she walked. She did care what Dora thought of her, however, and she grimaced when she recalled how she’d almost told Luke and Billy about her best friend’s lap dance. One that had shocked Evie but pleased her as well when she realized Dora was capable of moving way out of her comfort zone to keep them alive.
In fact, she was proud of Dora and the changes she’d been making. Her friend could have easily fallen apart by now, considering all she’d experienced in the last couple of days, and nobody would blame her one bit. But she hadn’t.
And that made Evie think she needed to try a little self-growth herself. Starting with keeping her urge to blurt out her every thought in check. As she and Sunshine turned the last corner of the block, she looked down at her adorable puppy. “Sunshine, today is going to be a good day. Let’s go save some lives and put away some bad guys. What do you say?”
“Baby, you can lock me up any time!” said a young man who was jogging by her with a friend and had obviously overheard what Evie had said.
She turned to call back to him, pleased she hadn’t lost her sex appeal. “I’ll do that and give your momma the key!”
His friend elbowed him. “Burn!”
Evie laughed. The smile was still on her face when she let herself back into Luke’s townhouse, but it fell when she noticed all the somber faces of her friends who were sitting at the kitchen table. Sunshine let out a questioning whine, and Evie asked, “What’s wrong?”
“It’s talent show rehearsal day at Riverwoods,” Dora said. “No pets allowed, and they won’t be until sometime next week.”
“And?” Evie glanced down at Sunshine. “Since when has that stopped us?”
“Oh, no,” Dora said. “We all know what happened the last time we smuggled Sunshine into some place.” She gave the dog a stern look.
Sunshine whimpered and leaned against Evie’s leg.
“Hey,” Evie said. “She learned a valuable lesson, and I know she’ll be good this time.”
Luke raised his eyebrows and wisely got up from the table to find something to do in the kitchen, while Billy’s head was on a swivel watching the interaction between the women. He definitely found them entertaining judging by the smile on his face.
“No,” Dora said. “We can’t take any chances with this because I think we’re only going to get one shot. It’s not a place we can break into.”
Evie opened her mouth to give a snippy comeback, but then she remembered her vow for self-growth and closed her jaw so she could give her next words some thought. Dora was right, they probably did have only one chance, and it wasn’t like Sunshine had to go. She’d be fine hanging back at Luke’s. “Okay. Fine. We do this without Sunshine.”
Sunshine let out a whine that sounded a lot like What?
Dora blinked a couple times as if she wasn’t sure who had taken over Evie’s body, but she recovered quickly and sighed. “I guess we have to decide who we’re going to be so we have a reason to be let in to Riverwoods.”
Sunshine let out a sigh, and her little bones thudded on the hardwood floor when she laid down, resigned to being left out of the mission.
Billy perked up. “You two can be Mr. Tuttle’s relatives, and Luke and I will apply for jobs.”
Evie exchanged a surprised glance with Dora because that was actually a good idea. Who knew the mailman had a mind for schemes? Maybe he was just the man to help her get Bert Jolen’s junkyard collection off his front yard. That stained toilet of his always reminded her of… But that thought was for another time. She said, “That could work.”
Dora nodded. “I’ll be Ida, his niece.”
“Ida?” Evie chuckled. “You sure? Because you can pick any name you’d like, and you want Ida?”
“Hey, it was my great-grandmother’s name.”
“And that’s exactly who should keep it,” Luke said as he returned to the table and handed Evie a latte just the way she liked it. “I say you go with something hotter, like Jessica.”
“Jessica?” Dora asked. “Like Jessica Tandy? Or Jessica Fletcher?”
“Oh, the detective lady on Murder She Wrote!” Billy cried. “That’s good.”
“No,” Luke shook his head. “Like Jessica Biel, or Jessica Alba, or”—he pumped his eyebrows at Dora—“Jessica Rabbit.”
Evie chuckled at the way Dora flushed because of Luke’s flirting. “Definitely Jessica for you, and I’ll be…” Evie glanced down at her short-shorts. “Daisy, as in Daisy Duke.”
Billy nodded in agreement, while Dora said to Luke, “Let me guess. You’re going to be James, as in Bond?”
He gave her a smirk. “James works.”
“I’ll be Clark, like Clark Kent.” Billy puffed up his chest. “A hero in disguise.”
Evie tried not to spit out her coffee. But she supposed it was appropriate. Nobody would have expected the stout little mailman to have run fast enough to grab his mailbag to protect the mail. “I like it.” Her stomach growled as if things were settled, and she hopped up from the table. “What’s for breakfast?”
“I’m on it,” Luke said as he stood.
Dora got up too. “No. Evie—I mean, Daisy—and I can make breakfast. It’s the least we can do considering all you’ve done for us. How would you like your eggs?”
“Scrambled with a little bit of—” Luke stopped himself and shook his head. “I’ll take them any way you make them, Jessica.”
Dora giggled and nearly tripped over herself as she tried to walk backward and turn around at the same time. Fortunately, Evie was there to grab her shoulders and steady her friend. And she was glad to do it, because no matter who they were pretending to be, Dora and Evie made a great team.
26
It wouldn’t be a scheme with Evie if costumes weren’t involved, and Dora should have known throwing on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt wouldn’t satisfy her friend.
Nope.
“Ta da!” Luke said as he opened two French doors to a huge walk in closet in one of his neighbor’s townhouse. Actually, it was more like a room. Dora gaped in awe at the shelves covered with shoes and handbags. Clothing hung on both sides of the room while dressers were on either side of the door. There was even a small riser with a three-way mirror.
“Who is this Erica?” Dora asked as jealou
sy burned in her gut. She gazed longingly at a Dolce and Gabbana bag.
“Enrique,” Luke said. “And he keeps a variety of sizes for his friends he brings to vacation with him.”
Evie winked at Dora as the situation became clear. She teased Luke, “Do we want to know how you know about this closet?”
Luke chuckled. “I prefer to keep some of my secrets to myself.”
* * *
Twenty minutes later, Dora had her hair in a high ponytail and was wearing a body-hugging dress with a push up bra that made her look curvier than usual. She put her hand on her stomach that was back to its usual tautness as she gazed at herself in the mirror. There was no trace of too many crab cakes now. Who needed a diet when you were running from the law, a dirty cop, and a crooked former boss? But she drew the line at the wedge sandals Evie pushed at her. She wanted the ability to run if necessary and was wearing practical flats.
Dora glanced in the mirror at Evie, who was beside her trying to tame her wild curls, and said, “All I need to pull this off is some bubble gum to chew.”
“Oh! Good one,” Evie said as she twisted to check out her backside. She was wearing super-short denim shorts that would have made Daisy Duke proud, and Evie had actually found cowboy boots that fit her, too. “We can stop and grab gum on the way. Now, practice your lines one more time for me.”
Dora rolled her eyes and then raised her voice to sound as ditzy as possible. “Hi. I’m, um—” She let out a little giggle. “I’m supposed to visit my great uncle, but—” She let out a little huff. “This is so crazy, but I forgot his name. He’s a Tuttle, though. That I’m sure of. Uncle Turtle—” Dora slapped a hand over her mouth. “Oops, don’t tell him I said that.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “It’s not a very flattering nickname.”
“Oh my god, Dora! That was fantastic.” Evie yanked on the top of Dora’s dress to reveal more of her pumped-up cleavage. “You’ve got airhead nailed.”
“I ought to,” Dora groused as she tugged her neckline back up. “I’ve watched you put on that act for years. And my boobs will stay in my dress. Got it?”
Evie threw up her hands. “Fine.”
Dora sighed. She hadn’t meant to snap at Evie, and she said, “Sorry. I’m nervous.”
“It’s okay. I know. And I can take it. Been doing it for years.”
Dora smiled at her. “And I’ll let you for many more to come.”
Evie chuckled. “C’mon. Let’s go see if the guys are ready.”
They walked back to Luke’s, and when they stepped into his living room, Dora stopped in her tracks as her jaw fell open. Billy was in khaki shorts and a polo shirt, but Luke was the one who’d captured her attention. He was in a suit that was tailored perfectly to emphasize his broad shoulders and trim hips. His brow knit as he looked at her. “Dora? Is something wrong?”
“No. I—” She smiled as she shook her head slowly. She didn’t have to hide how she felt considering this man had made his interest in her crystal clear. “Not at all, James. You’re stunningly handsome. That’s all.”
He grinned as he took in her appearance. “And you, Jessica, are stunning as well.”
“So, what do you think?” Billy put a foot out to twist his leg and flex his calf. “Do I have the legs of a gardener or what?”
“You sure do, Clark,” Evie said with an exaggerated southern accent. “I’d hire you based on those legs for sure.”
Billy gave her a dramatic bow. “Thank you, Daisy.” He held out his arm. “Shall we?”
Luke mirrored Billy’s action and held out his arm to Dora. “I think we’re ready.”
Sunshine let out a whine from her perch on the couch, and Dora glanced back at her. “Sorry, girl. Next time. Okay?”
Sunshine let her tongue loll out in reply, and Dora had a sneaking suspicion it was on purpose.
“Be good and we’ll bring you a treat,” Evie said before they walked out the door.
Dora shuddered as she wondered what was left of Brian after Cecelia was done with him, but Luke had assured her the men would get out of the gator park alive. Even so, she’d checked the local news earlier in the day to be sure, and she hadn’t seen anything about half-eaten trespassers.
“Dora! Come on,” Evie cried out impatiently from beside Luke’s car as Dora walked across the parking lot.
Dora was lagging behind, because every three steps she took, her dress rode up so high on her thighs that she had to stop to yank it down again. “I’m trying!” She let out a huff of frustration and mumbled, “Stupid dress keeps turning into a shirt.”
The car beeped as Luke lifted his key fob to unlock the doors. “You could just let it stay there.”
She looked up at his amused grin, and her annoyance faded. Because, god, he was even more handsome in sunlight. The way his hair shone… She was a goner. Dora shook her head. She needed to focus instead of getting drooly over a man in a suit. “Next time, you wear the dress and we’ll see how you like it.”
Luke laughed softly as they finished the short walk to the car. He held her door open so she could slide into the passenger seat in front. Billy and Evie were already in the back.
As they drove to Riverwoods, Evie leaned forward to say, “Dor, open that glove compartment and check out his emergency supplies. Betcha he’s got a charcuterie board in there with a split of champagne or something.”
Dora laughed. “I’m not going to snoop.”
“What? It’s one of the best ways to learn about a man. Besides, it’s not snooping if he’s right here. Luke, tell Dora she can check out your glove box.”
“Go for it,” he said. His gaze darted to Dora’s, and she could tell by the way his lips were twitching he found the situation amusing.
“Okay.” Dora did wonder what she might find out about the man. The glove compartment clicked open when she tugged. It was as neatly organized as she’d suspected, and she listed the contents as she pulled them out. “Manual, first aid kit, toothbrush still in its package along with a toothpaste.”
“Ooohh,” Evie cooed. “The man likes fresh breath. You share an obsession with Dora. If you’ve got floss too, Luke, she’s going to swoon.”
He chuckled. “I sure do. Dental appointment party favor. Dig deeper.”
True to his word, Dora did find a small container of floss along with his insurance and registration paperwork. But that was all. “Sorry, Evie. No snacks.”
“That’s because we haven’t gotten to the trunk. Maybe that’s where he keeps his gourmet picnic.”
Luke laughed. “Sorry to burst your bubble, Evie, but in there you’ll find jumper cables, a spare tire, and a tire jack.”
“Huh,” Evie said. “I don’t know how you get through life. No change of clothes, no food. All you’ve got is clean teeth.”
“And yet, I’m still here.” He winked at Dora.
“Right?” Dora replied as her cheeks flushed slightly. While this banter was fun, she knew Evie was trying to take everyone’s mind off the seriousness of what they were about to do. They had one shot to get the information they needed, and while the four planned to split up into two teams to spread a wider net, it wasn’t a sure thing they were going to get what they were after.
When they pulled up near the service entrance, Luke and Billy got out go apply for jobs, and Dora got behind the wheel to drive Luke’s car through the general visitor’s gate. Even from the outside of the property, it was clear the place was well funded. The gate they pulled up to was wrought iron adorned with pelicans, and the man who was sitting in the gatekeeper’s house was wearing a pressed white shirt and black hat.
Dora blew out a long breath to calm her nerves before lowering her window to talk to the man. She recited her rehearsed lines, and sure enough they worked. Dora and Evie were one step closer to finding Mr. Tuttle.
The guard said, “I’ll buzz you right in, Jessica. You can park in the visitor’s lot on the left, and you’ll find the club house on the right, across from parking. Someone
there will know how to find your uncle for you.”
“Thank you so much,” Dora cooed in her high voice. She even emphasized her flighty character when she lowered the back window before finding the right button to raise hers. Although, it wasn’t an act. She was so nervous that she’d gotten flustered by the controls.
As she drove slowly to the lot, Evie reached over and touched her arm. “You were brill, Dora. We’ve got this.”
Dora turned into a space and clunked the car into park. “Have we, though? Because so much could go wrong, and not only will I be going to jail, but you—”
“Hush.” Evie took Dora’s face in her hands and looked intently into her eyes. “You just did your part and got us through the gate. Now you can leave the rest up to me if you want. I can sweet talk the igloo off an Eskimo.”
Dora laughed. “I’m not sure that’s the saying.”
Evie laughed too. “Of course, it isn’t.”
27
Evie was in her element. There was a reason she was able to land so many different jobs. She had the ability to put on a persona and really sell it. Getting through the doors at Riverwoods would be a cakewalk. Or so she thought.
“Well, hello there, sugar,” Evie said to the older woman sitting behind the reception desk. “Isn’t this place just adorable? No wonder Uncle Tutu loves it so much.”
“Uncle Tutu?” Dora muttered in a voice so low only Evie could hear it.
Evie very gently elbowed Dora’s side. Now was not the time.
“Can I help you?” the woman asked, peering down her nose and wrinkling it as if she smelled something foul.
“You sure can,” Evie drawled, giving the woman a giant fake smile. “We’re here to see my uncle Tuttle. We call him Tutu because of that drag queen talent show he was in years ago.” She let out a giggle. “You should’ve seen the way he shook his tush for the audience.”
“Vic Tuttle?” the woman asked incredulously. “You can’t be serious.”
“Serious as a rattlesnake,” Evie said, leaning over the counter. “He was a real hoot back in his younger days. I can’t wait to see him and give him a giant hug. It’s been way too long.”