Deadly Interpretations

by Andie Alexander

  “He was friends with Ali,” I said. “I remember him waving to Ali whenever he’d come to my office.”

  “Now it’s all coming together.” Jim pulled out his cell phone, dialed, and put it to his ear. He waited for a moment then lowered his gaze. “I need to talk to Rafferty,” he said, over the phone.

  “Rafferty?” I whispered.

  “One of the big bosses,” he whispered in return, covering the phone. “We’re going to set up a sting for Billy, and I can’t wait.”

  After Jim finished his call to the boss, Chris left the apartment. He returned with a few items in a bag, then he and Jim taped a wire on me. I called a taxi and went to the Blue Dish of New York while Jim and Chris set up the rest of the sting. Billy was waiting for me at the curb, helping me out of the back of the car as soon as the taxi stopped. He eyed my purse for a moment, and I knew what he was thinking, the rat. Why didn’t I see that before? I’d been used more than I knew. He was doing it right under my nose the whole time.

  “I’m so glad you could meet me,” he said with a kiss to my cheek.

  “Me too.” I wanted to hit him. What was I ever thinking when I got mixed up with him?

  He put his arm around my waist and took me into the restaurant. “Remember the first day I met you?”

  I suddenly wondered if it had all been set up. “Yeah. It’s funny how you got my purse back so quickly. I had no idea you could run that fast.”

  He stared at me for a moment before a smile broke on his face. “I’d do anything for you, sweetheart.”

  He’d never called me that before. I wondered what coaching he’d had and who was directing him? Everything was falling into place, and no one I’d trusted was actually trustworthy. The only one I could trust was Jim, and it was up to me to fight with him.

  How weird was my life, anyway?

  Chapter 28

  We found an empty table in the front, and I made sure I sat so I had clear view of the front door. I doubted Jim would be in the restaurant, because Billy would recognize him. But I was looking for Chris or someone else I recognized.

  A waitress dressed in a blue outfit with a short skirt approached our table.

  “What’ll it be?” the waitress asked. She popped a huge wad of pink gum.

  “I’ll have a blue plate special and an ice cream sundae,” Billy said. “And she’ll have the same.”

  “No, I won’t,” I said. “I’ve already eaten. Roast.” I turned toward the waitress. “I’ll have a glass of water.”

  “You need more than that,” Billy insisted, and then addressed the waitress. “She needs the ice cream sundae, at least.” The waitress walked away and Billy leaned closer. “You have to spend more time with me than a glass of water.”

  “Whatever,” I muttered. “But I’m not hungry.”

  He took my hand and kissed the palm. “You’re so beautiful. Know that?”

  “Yes, I do know that.” I removed my hand from his; sure Jim was dying laughing. “Now what’s a matter of life and death and what present do you have for me?”

  Billy gazed at me, his brown eyes very deceitful. It had been there all along, but I never knew it. It was like a slap in the face to finally realize I’d been used.

  “If I don’t see you again, I’ll die,” he said. “That’s the life and death part.”

  “Really? I don’t think that’ll happen.” I glanced up and saw Sami enter the diner, walking behind me toward another table.

  Billy’s face froze as he stared at him, then he leaned closer to me. “See that man that just came in?” he whispered.

  “Yes.”

  “If I don’t make contact with you, he’ll kill me.”

  I leaned in closer. “Why?”

  “He wants to know what you know.”

  “About what?”

  “Whatever you’re doing on the side at work. He threatened my life if I don’t tell him. Harley, I like my life. I don’t care if you don’t want me anymore, and as soon as you tell me what he wants to know, I’m out.” He seemed truly scared. He was more of a pansy than I’d thought.

  “But I know nothing,” I said. “I’ve already spoken with him and told him that to his face.”

  He shook his head, his eyes bouncing from me to Sami and back again. “I know and he doesn’t believe you. I’m to take you to bed and find out what you do know. That’s your present. Me, in bed with you.”

  I stared at his face, and as scared as he was, he was lying. I could see it. “That’s no present. I don’t want you.”

  “I’m stuck,” he whispered. “You don’t get it. If I don’t find out, I’m dead.”

  The front door opened and I saw Chris enter with Jordan and Archie, two of the other goons from my apartment. I wanted to smile at them, but turned back to Billy and checked my watch instead.

  “Look, I have to use the restroom before I get that sundae. I’ll be back.” I left my purse right where it was, on the back of my chair, and headed into the restroom. As soon as I pushed on the door and entered, someone pulled me to him, his hand over my mouth.

  “Hello, sweetheart.” It was Jim.

  “You’re here?”

  Jim smiled, then pulled me in for a toe-curling kiss. I wrapped my arms around him, returning the passion. His heart beat like wildfire against my chest and when he backed away, I blew out a huge breath and opened my eyes. He put his finger to his lips, and then pointed to the wire around my waist.

  I nodded. “What did you get?”

  “Not much. But there’s probably a sundae out there waiting for you.”

  “Want it?” I asked.

  “No. They’re watching right now to see what happens.” His cell phone rang and he answered it. “Bond here.” He stared right at me. “Interesting. Yes, she’ll be out in a minute.” He ended the call and shook his head. “Your boyfriend out there took your pen and handed it over to Sami, who pocketed it and left.”

  “They didn’t even return it? That was my favorite pen.”

  “Time to look into Billy’s background. I bet he’s got ties to a few of your ex-friends overseas.”

  “How? He’s a stockbroker.”

  “He’d make money investing in something he knows is going to happen. I bet he also has many friends overseas from his job as well.”

  “He’s the one who told me to buy foreign currency,” I whispered.

  “Makes sense. He’s investing in foreign currency because he knows something big’s going to devalue the dollar. I love it when the pieces come together.” He touched his lips to mine again. “Go get ’em tiger.”

  “What am I to do?”

  “Just be yourself. You know, nasty.” He winked and I laughed at him. I walked out of the bathroom and took my seat beside Billy again.

  “Have fun?” he asked.

  “Going to the bathroom? Fun?”

  “Just making conversation,” he said with a grin.

  I looked over to where Sami had been seated. “Where did that man go?”

  Billy looked around. “I’m not sure. Maybe he got what he wanted and left?”

  He expected me to fall for that comment? I must’ve been so naïve in the past; I’d believe anything.

  The waitress brought the blue plate special and placed it in front of him, then put the sundae in front of me. As soon as she left, Billy began to eat. “So how’s Scotty these days?”

  “You know, the same since I took his cigars from him. Nothing new.” It was his fault Scotty had the cigars to begin with, so I had to get in my dig against Billy.

  He nodded. “How’s the mentor?” Small talk. It was so irritating.

  “He and a few friends are watching over him tonight. He’s like Scotty’s big brother.”

  “Are you dating him?” Billy’s face was so nonchalant that I wasn’t sure what he knew.

  “Why are you even remotely interested?”

  “I was wondering if he’d like to have a three-some.”

  My eyebrows hit the ceiling. “No, I
don’t think that’s his thing. He’s very straight.” I studied his face for a moment. “Did you think he was good looking?”

  “Adorable. Blond hair, blue eyes. Yep. Adorable.”

  Why did I ever date Billy again?

  Stick to the plan. “What happened to your boyfriend?”

  “Gone. I couldn’t find a woman for him, so he left.” Billy took another bite and I played with the sundae. It didn’t even look good to me. I was so glad I never slept with this guy, or any guy, for that matter. Who knew what other kinky things he was into.

  “I heard about what happened at work,” he said.

  “Yeah?”

  He took another bite of his meal. “Elizabeth died. Horrible accident. It was all over the news.”

  “Yes, it was horrible.”

  Someone pulled out the chair beside me. “Harley, are you ready to go out?”

  I looked over and saw Jim. He inched his chair beside mine and put his arm on my shoulder.

  “We were just talking about you,” I said.

  “Oh yeah?” He took my spoon and dug into the ice cream, then lifted it to my mouth. “Want some?”

  “Not really. You can have it.”

  “But the mother of my children needs to keep her strength up.”

  “Mother of your children?” Billy said. His mouth hung low in surprise. “So you are dating? Who’s watching Scotty?”

  “Someone else.” Jim never took his eyes off me. “And, yes, we’re dating. We’re getting married, too.”

  “We are?” I asked.

  “Now, sweetheart, you promised me, remember? Back at the grocery store last week?”

  “Oh yeah. That’s right. Thanks for reminding me.” I nuzzled his nose and giggled. I wasn’t a giggler, so the thought kind of turned my stomach.

  “Hey, can I get in on this action?” Billy asked. His eyes were huge and I swore he was licking his lips. I crossed my arms and gave Jim a nonchalant glance.

  Jim’s face turned disgusted. “You’re kidding, right?”

  “Not at all. Harley promised me—”

  “Get your own.” He helped me to my feet. “If you so much as call her again, I’ll hunt you down.” He leaned closer to Billy. “Stay out of her life and away from both of us.”

  “But she owes me—”

  “Nothing. I know the whole story and I’m sure my lawyer will love to hear your side.” Jim spun me around, handed me my purse and walked out of the diner with me, leaving Billy with the bill. He kept his arm around me, and I leaned on his shoulder. I couldn’t be happier to get rid of the loser in that restaurant.

  Chapter 29

  “Are you just blowing smoke?” I whispered as we walked out the door.

  “Nope. Actually, two FBI agents and one Secret Service agent are waiting on his doorstep as we speak. The guy’s going to jail for a number of things, including embezzlement at his job, treason, money laundering, and extortion. I’d like to get him for insulting my masculinity, but…hey…I’m a nice guy.”

  “Sure are.” I smiled, ready to laugh at his ego. “But he really did all those things?”

  He opened the door to his sports car, waiting at the curb. “Yep. We’re digging into his past. It seems he’s got a whole file at the FBI and they’ve decided to turn it over to various agencies.” He helped me inside. After he got in and checked for bugs, he pulled into traffic.

  My life. Ridiculous. “How do I get involved with all these evil people? I think they should be forced to have their heads tattooed with the word ‘evil’ so I know who they are.”

  He chuckled. “I’ll see what I can do to change the law.”

  “You know, that was fun, getting him in trouble. Can I do that again sometime?”

  Jim grinned and pointed toward my wire. “Sure. We’ll see what we can do.”

  He drove to my apartment, but no one was there. I went into the bathroom, and as soon as I took off my top, he opened the door. “Need help with the wire?”

  “Yes.” I crossed my arms over my bra, but he pulled them away and winked.

  “Put your arms to the side and I’ll have this off in no time.” I did as he requested, and he slowly undid the tape. I closed my eyes and tried not to wince.

  “Wimp,” he muttered. “It doesn’t hurt that badly.”

  “It’s not your skin being pulled, either.”

  “True. I’d be grabbing hair on my chest if it was me.” He removed the whole thing and put it outside the bathroom, then shut the door again. His lips captured mine for a moment, before he backed away. “You’d make a great agent,” he whispered.

  “Do you think so?”

  “You have the best poker face. I thought I’d hurl when Billy wanted to join us, but you were almost stoic.”

  “He wasn’t worth it. Thank you for getting rid of him.”

  “No problem.” His endearing blue eyes watched me. “Now you’re all mine, right?”

  “Ego problem?”

  “Not at all.” He touched his lips to mine. “Tomorrow’s the big day.”

  “How do you know there are no cameras in here?”

  “I checked. You’re safe. Rafferty didn’t want the guys watching and re-running you taking a shower naked.”

  The outer apartment door opened. “I’m back,” Chris yelled from the living room.

  Jim winked, opened the door, and left me alone to finish.

  After I changed, I said goodnight to the two men, then slipped into bed. After a few minutes, I felt Jim slide into bed beside me, then his hands pulled me close to his chest. “You’re going to get mad at me and kick me out, remember?” he whispered.

  I nodded.

  His voice rose slightly. “Try to stay on your side of the bed tonight, will ya?”

  “Very funny.” I turned away from him, but he threw his arm over my waist. “I’m on my side,” I yelled. “What about you?”

  “I never said anything about me.” He leaned close to my ear. “Just keep hating me and it’ll all work out,” he whispered.

  I sat up and stared at him. “You know, I think you’re a little bit chummy for just sleeping here. I think you need to go.” I pointed toward the door. “Now.”

  “But I’m just doing my job.”

  “Out.” I pointed toward the door again, for effect. This was more fun than being angry with him.

  He stood and picked up the pillow, then leaned toward me and winked. He walked toward the door, but spun around at the last moment. “After you get the information for me, I’m gone. Hear me? Gone.”

  I picked up my pillow and threw it toward the door, just missing him. “Good.”

  He walked out and as I went to the door to get my pillow, I could hear him in the living room.

  “She’s still mad at me. Can I sleep in Scotty’s bed?”

  “I’m in his bed, but you can have the couch,” Chris said.

  Ewww…the yucky couch. Poor Jim.

  Chapter 30

  I ate a bagel at the breakfast table the next morning, which was Monday.

  Jim walked in and sat down beside me. “You have to talk to me.”

  “Why?”

  “Because it’s my job.”

  I snorted. “Yeah. Your job. Do you think that’s why you have no friends?”

  Chris walked out of the bathroom, showered and dressed for the day. “What’s going on?”

  “She’s mad at me,” Jim said. “Again.”

  “I see. A lover’s quarrel.”

  “We’re not lovers.” I glanced toward Jim. “Never were, never will be.”

  Jim faced me. “But—”

  “Go find yourself a hooker. You’ll be happier because you won’t have to bond with her, either.” I almost laughed at the word ‘bond,’ but it would’ve lightened the mood.

  I finished my bagel while the men had some sort of conversation with their eyes. I ignored them because I had an acting job to do and I wasn’t about to blow it.

  I stood from the table, put my plate and coff
ee cup at the kitchen sink, then went into the bathroom and brushed my teeth. As soon as I walked out, I grabbed my helmet and proceeded to walk toward the door.

  “Wait just a minute,” Jim said. “This is where I draw the line. You’re not driving to work.”

  “Watch me.” I took my purse and before I could get out the door, Jim and Chris each had grabbed one of my arms, dragging me back into the apartment.

  “Look.” I lowered my voice to make sure I was serious. “I agreed to meet with those guys when they approach me, but never agreed to being babysat. I’m fully capable of driving myself to work.”

  “Got any duct tape?” Jim asked Chris.

  “Yeah. In my car.”

  “Go get it. We’ll duct tape her mouth and her hands, then tape her to the passenger’s seat. If she’s good, we’ll let her out later.”

  Chris laughed, crossing his arms. “You’re not serious.”

  Jim never cracked a smile. “Yes, I am serious. I’m not going to lose my job because of some stubborn woman.”

  “Stubborn?” I asked. “See what I mean by how nasty you are?”

  He slapped his hand over my mouth, and addressed Chris. “Go. Hurry. I’m tired of hearing her mouth.”

  Chris ran out the door and Jim turned toward me. He held both of my hands at my side, his angry face just inches from mine. “I don’t care if you hate me, but I’m going to make sure you make that meeting and we will find out what’s going to happen. After that, it’s going to be up to you what you want, and I’m not going to stand in your way. I’m tired of your pouting and need you to grow up until after the meeting.”

  “My pouting? I’m not the liar. You didn’t see me leading you on, and last night, right after we got home, you made some crack to Chris how I was the moody one. You lied to me once again, saying you cared about me. I’m also not the one who plays with women then throws them away like yesterday’s news when they’re not needed anymore.”

  “So that’s what this is all about.” He let go of my arms. “You don’t think I care about you at all? Do you really believe I treat all my women the way I treat you?”