“No one better at walking into a room and turning a woman`s head than you, Arnie. You made me feel special when I was with you. Still do.”
“Works both ways, Jess. Quite a pair we made.”
Now Jessica could feel a hint of tension and excitement in the air, and though enjoying the exchange, she knew it had to stop. Not spending the night in L.A. had been part of her discipline, and if the investigation took off then further discipline would be necessary. But she knew that intending to abide by such a condition was one thing, actually sticking to it quite another.
Looking at him, she knew the task wouldn`t be easy, and also that investigations involving a double killing were inclined to lead to more killing. When that kind of danger arose, cold-hearted decision making would be paramount and a deeply emotional attachment could threaten their safety. Determined restraint would be necessary with regard to her feelings, yet past experience told her that would be no easy achievement.
“Your flight is late evening, right?” Arnie said.
“Yes.”
“Then when we finish eating, you good for a walk along the beach, soak up the last few rays as the sun goes down?”
“Malibu has the most beautiful sunsets on the planet. Not something that should be seen on your own, so Yeah, I`m good with that. How about we take a shot of tequila with us?”
“Hell of an idea, Jess. Shot of tequila it is.”
The Cygnus Agenda Page 30
