I patted her cast. “When you feel up to it, we’re going out. You’ve had a seriously sucky time of it, and we never did get shitfaced.”
Her smile was sad. “I know you were only trying to get information out of me. You don’t have to pretend to be my friend anymore.”
My heart ached for her. For all the loss she’d gone through. For this most recent betrayal. “I’m not pretending. Stop by the diner this week. I’ll feed you a mountain of pancakes and we’ll make plans.”
“Really?”
“Really.” I hoped Candi could get past this and move on with her life. That girl deserved some happiness.
I left her and stopped by the dojo. I had to let Kai know that I’d found Rob’s killer. I dragged him out of a karate class, and as we sat in his office, I told him the long, twisted tale. All of it, including the fact I wasn’t a PI, that I’d taken his case under false pretenses.
Kai was deeply saddened by Rob’s senseless death. Yet he didn’t seem that shocked when I told him I wasn’t an investigator.
We sat in silence for a few moments while he absorbed it all. Then he dug in his desk and pulled out a checkbook. “I don’t care what you call yourself, Rose, you solved this case, put your life on the line to save the Carlucci girl. Whatever I pay you, it won’t be enough.”
I’d been thinking about my fight with Al. I’d used Kai’s advice to my advantage. Still, I had a long way to go if I wanted to protect myself. “Why don’t you give me self-defense classes in lieu of payment?” I waved my splint. “I’m freaking tired of getting my ass kicked.”
He grinned at that. “Deal. We’ll start as soon as your arm’s healed.” He gingerly hugged me goodbye. Unlike Carlucci, I found Kai’s embrace comforting.
My last stop was the Morales’ house. When Sofia answered the door, she wore no makeup and her hair was a tangled snarl. It looked like she hadn’t slept in days. I hoped the yellow-green stain on her t-shirt was baby puke and not something worse.
“Hey, Rose,” she whispered, waving me inside. “I think Olivia is finally napping.”
I settled on the sofa in the living room, and Sofia took the rocker. “You have news?”
There was no way to break it gently, so I told her the facts. “I found Rob’s killer. He’s dead. This won’t go to trial, and I’m guessing you’ll never read about it in the papers.”
She swallowed and glanced at the floor. “The police called, said they’d ruled out suicide. How do you know the killer’s dead? Did you see the body?”
“Yes. He suffered.” I didn’t offer any more details. I didn’t want to add to her burdens right now.
“Good.” She noticed my arm. “Is that how you got hurt?”
“Kind of. Sofia, I’m so sorry Rob got caught up in all of this. He was never the real target. I know that doesn’t make it any easier.”
She grabbed a tissue and dabbed her cheeks. “It was his own fault. He joined the fight club in the first place. I miss him, though.”
We sat in silence for a moment. I’d decided to leave when Sofia’s voice stopped me from moving.
“Rose, I didn’t understand what you were trying to tell me that day in the diner, about the prescription meds. I called the detective in charge, hounded him. He finally told me the only drugs found at the house were Rob’s steroids.” She glanced up, her eyes meeting mine. “You found them, didn’t you?”
No point in lying anymore. “Yeah. A big bag of them. I know it’s not much consolation, but they weren’t Rob’s pills.” Which reminded me, I needed to flush them as soon as I got home. They couldn’t stay in my oven indefinitely.
Fresh tears blurred her eyes. “I know. They were Franco’s. I finally put it together. The new Mustang, the fight he had with Rob. Rob found the drugs and took them, didn’t he? He hid them from me because he loved me. He didn’t want me to know my brother was a dealer.”
That about summed it up. I merely nodded.
“I confronted Franco. He finally admitted everything. He was getting the pills from a doctor at the hospital. He’s not sorry, he’s angry—at me, at Rob. I’m going through all this pain, and Franco only cares about the drugs. I told my parents. They kicked him out of the house.” The tears spilled over and she blotted at them. My heart broke for Sofia. So much change in such a short amount of time.
She leaned back in the chair and closed her eyes. “At least I have some peace. Rob didn’t leave us voluntarily. I’m just overwhelmed right now, you know? Rob wasn’t much of a dad, but he loved Olivia so much.”
“I talked to Will Carlucci. He wants to provide for you and Olivia. I know it won’t bring Rob back, but it might take some of the stress off you.”
Her eyes drifted open. “Why would he do that for me?”
I couldn’t bring myself to tell her the truth, that I’d asked Will for the favor. “Carlucci has a daughter. He loves her, like you love Olivia.”
I left Sofia to her grief and drove to the hospital.
Four days later, I sported a brand-new cast and was back at work. It was hard slinging trays with my left hand, but I managed.
I’d been gone less than a week, yet I missed out on everything. During the burlesque revue, Sugar had been spotted by a talent scout and planned to go on tour with a burlesque troupe for the next six months. Axton had a steady girlfriend. Ma had sworn off men for good. That Sally Dawkins eloped with one of the guys from the dating site, and Byron Metzer put his house up for sale. He was moving to Florida to be near his grandkids.
“You made him lava cake and Chicken a la Ma for nothing,” I said. “He didn’t deserve it.”
“You got that right, toots.” Ma’s lips pursed in disgust. “Men. Who the hell needs ’em?”
On my second day back to Andre’s office, we resumed our stakeout of Ted Benson. This time, we were prepared. When Ted slipped out of Ernie’s Bar, we followed him. The driver of a late-model Buick led us to a brick ranch on the southeast side of town. Andre pulled out his camera—the one with a long-range zoom lens. He had a straight shot into the living room.
“You’re not going to believe this.”
I slouched down in my seat. “I’d believe anything at this point. Try me.”
“He’s playing a video game with one hand and shoving a hoagie in his mouth with the other. He’s cheating on Mrs. Benson by eating meat.”
“Better than screwing around, I guess.”
“I hope she feels the same way.” He snapped several shots and packed the camera back in its case.
“Hey, can I talk to you about something?” As I’d sat with Henry in the hospital, I’d taken inventory of my life and had drawn a few conclusions. Now, staring at my arm cast where Sugar had Sharpied an anchor, I cleared my throat. “I’m not sure this arrangement is working for me.”
Andre’s eyes were obscured by his dark lenses, so I couldn’t get a bead on him. “What are you referring to, Miss Strickland?” His words were as clipped and formal as ever.
“I’m not sure we’re a good fit, professionally speaking.”
Horizontal lines deepened across his forehead. “You don’t like working with me. You find me too structured.”
“That’s not true. I do like working with you. I think you could loosen up once in a while, but your methods have helped me. Truthfully, I could use a little more structure in my life. I’m just not sure I’m cut out to slog through background checks. And school’s starting soon. Working twelve-hour days, taking classes at night…I need time to study. I’m sorry.” I was breaking up with my work boyfriend, and it tore at my heart a little bit.
“I should have taken you out in the field more,” Andre said. “I see that now. But I can’t let you go without helping you gain some proficiency with a firearm. It would be irresponsible of me.”
I glanced at him from the
corner of my eye. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he didn’t want me to go. That maybe he liked having me around. “I could still come in a couple times a week. You could teach me how to shoot, show me how to use those gadgets in your supply closet.”
“That’s a definite possibility. And you could spend at least one hour on background checks. They keep you sharp.”
“You’ve got yourself a deal, Andre.”
“You’ve never addressed me by my first name.”
“Yes, I have.”
“Not to my face. I’d remember.” He put the car in gear and pulled away from the curb. “I believe I prefer it to Hardass.”
“Hey, I’ve never called you that to your face either.”
That earned me a full-blown smile.
Once we arrived at the office, Andre told me to go home. He’d type up the report for Mrs. Benson himself. Since I was working with one hand, it’d be faster that way.
As I drove toward Sullivan’s house, for the first time in weeks I felt good about my life. Henry was alive and well, Roxy and I were tight once more, Sullivan and I had come to an understanding, and I still had a job with Andre. The only cloud to my silver lining was Jacks. We were on the outs, and I wasn’t sure how to fix what we’d broken. Hopefully time would heal that wound too.
When I reached Sullivan’s house, I checked on Henry first. He lay on the sofa, sipping a 7UP and watching an afternoon talk show. He actually had a little color in his cheeks today.
Nurse Bea sat next to him. In her mid-sixties, she had three kids, seven grandkids—she’d shown me lots of pictures—and two ex-husbands. She fussed over Henry like a mother hen, tucking in his blanket and making him eat lots of soup.
“You look better today,” I said.
He hit the mute button and smiled. “Feeling better. Ready to get back to work.”
“Not on my watch,” Bea said. “You’re ready when I say you’re ready.”
Henry tipped his head toward her. “She likes to crack the whip. Boss is in his office.” He winked, letting me know he meant the library down the hall, not Sullivan’s office office.
Heading down the hall, I knocked on the library door and, without waiting for a reply, stepped inside. Sullivan sat behind his desk staring at his laptop. Early evening sunlight shone through the windows and cast a glow on the warm hardwood floors.
He glanced up. “You’re here.”
“I am. Looks like Henry’s having a good day.”
“I believe so.” He stood and sauntered toward me. His navy suit and starched white shirt fit his muscular body perfectly. Every step he took was graceful. A large predatory cat gliding across the room. When he stopped a few inches from me, his body heat was tangible, his spicy citrus scent divine.
“I have something for you.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a keyring with two keys, one much smaller than the other.
He was finally doing it. Letting me in. I didn’t feel the sense of triumph I thought I would. I’d goaded him into this and that’s not what I wanted. “Sullivan—”
“As soon as Henry’s one hundred percent, I’m moving into the penthouse suite at White Oak Towers. The bodyguards will live on the floor below. When you stay over it won’t feel like a frat house. It’ll just be you and me. The smaller key is for the elevator. I’ll have your palm scanned for the door. The bigger key is a backup, in case the power goes out.” Next, he removed a slip of paper. “Here’s the security code. Commit it to memory.”
The man seemed to thrive on knocking me off balance. This was more than a simple key swap. This was a huge step. Curling my fingers around the ring, the metal turned warm and the small ridges sank into my palm.
“I should have told you about the penthouse sooner,” he said. “I wanted it to be a surprise. It’s taken awhile to get everything ready, but the apartment is secure. It’s close to the diner. You can come and go as you please.” He reached out and toyed with a strand of my hair. “Or stay. Permanently. Live with me, Rose.”
“Permanently?” I echoed. Living together was a commitment. One I wasn’t sure I was ready to make.
I remembered that fortune cookie I’d eaten on my stakeout with Andre. Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.
I may never know all the secrets Thomas Malcolm Sullivan kept buried in his past. But I knew he loved me enough to trust me. At least with this. It was a huge step for him too.
“I told Jacks about us.”
His eyes changed, darkened. “And?”
“Next are my parents. Don’t say you weren’t warned.” I opened my hand and gazed down at the key. “Thank you for this. Can I think about the moving in part?”
Cupping my chin, he leaned down and kissed me softly. “Take all the time you need. I’ll be right here.”
Reader’s Discussion Guide
1. Rose took a case behind Andre’s back. Was she justified or was it the wrong thing to do?
2. Rose is feeling jealous of Roxy’s friendship with Sugar. How would you have handled the situation?
3. Rose feels insecure about her relationship with Sullivan. Why?
4. Do you respect Rose for sticking to the case or should she have dropped it after Andre found out?
5. Rose and Andre have an unusual relationship. Since Rose has created her own family, how do you think Andre fits in? Or does he?
6. Rose makes a lot of distinctions about right and wrong, yet the people she loves the most have a criminal past. Discuss.
7. Sullivan’s past is a mystery. Is Rose wrong for sticking with him when he won’t share his history with her? Is love enough?
8. Rose was reluctant to tell her family about Sullivan. Why?
9. Roxy’s mother called to make amends. Was Roxy wrong in her response?
10. At the end of the book, Rose is at another crossroads. What do you think she’ll do?
About the Author
As a girl, Terri L. Austin thought she’d outgrow dreaming up stories and creating imaginary friends. Instead, she’s made a career of it. She met her own Prince Charming and together they live in Missouri. She loves to hear from readers!
In Case You Missed the 1st Book in the Series
DINERS, DIVES & DEAD ENDS
Terri L. Austin
A Rose Strickland Mystery (#1)
As a struggling waitress and part-time college student, Rose Strickland’s life is stalled in the slow lane. But when her close friend, Axton, disappears, Rose suddenly finds herself serving up more than hot coffee and flapjacks. Now she’s hashing it out with sexy bad guys and scrambling to find clues in a race to save Axton before his time runs out.
With her anime-loving bestie, her septuagenarian boss, and a pair of IT wise men along for the ride, Rose discovers political corruption, illegal gambling, and shady corporations. She’s gone from zero to sixty and quickly learns when you’re speeding down the fast lane, it’s easy to crash and burn.
Read all about it and/or grab the book from Amazon
CLICK FOR DINERS, DIVES & DEAD ENDS
In Case You Missed the 2nd Book in the Series
LAST DINER STANDING
Terri L. Austin
A Rose Strickland Mystery (#2)
Rose Strickland is having a very blue Christmas. Her friend, Janelle, is arrested for attempted murder, her sexy bad guy crush, Sullivan, is marked by a hit man, and her boss, Ma, is locked in an epic smackdown with a rival diner.
Determined to save those she loves, Rose embarks on another investigation, and this one is more tangled than a box of last year’s tree lights. With her eclectic gang at the ready, Rose stumbles across dead bodies, ex-cons, chop shops, jealous girlfriends, jilted lovers, and a gaggle of strippers in a battle for freedom she might not survive.
Read all
about it and/or grab the book from Amazon
CLICK FOR LAST DINER STANDING
In Case You Missed the 3rd Book in the Series
DINER IMPOSSIBLE
Terri L. Austin
A Rose Strickland Mystery (#3)
After shunning her overbearing parents’ wealthy lifestyle, waitress and part-time college student, Rose Strickland, is drawn back into their world when she tries to prove the impossible: the innocence of the town’s crooked police chief. He’s suspected in the gruesome death of Delia Cummings, his secretary and mistress, and all the evidence points to him.
While she tracks down clues with the aid of her anime-loving bestie, Rose’s pal, Axton, and his Klingon gang are feuding with their Starfleet rivals. Things get hairier than a pile of well-fed Tribbles, so Rose gets involved. In between interrogating Trekkies and quizzing socialites at high tea, she discovers the secrets Delia Cummings took to her grave. Suspects abound, but when Chief Mathers threatens to bring down Rose’s criminally mischievous and maybe boyfriend, Sullivan, she makes it her mission to find the real killer before Sullivan finds himself in prison.
Read all about it and/or grab the book from Amazon
CLICK FOR DINER IMPOSSIBLE
Diner Knock Out (A Rose Strickland Mystery Book 4) Page 29