Martinez, Mary - Classic Murder: Mr. Romance (BookStrand Publishing Romance)

by Mary Martinez

  Detective Novak looked intently from Adam to Katie, as if he could sense they had interrupted something important. “I think you two have been away from work long enough. We don’t want to make the perp suspicious.”

  “When do you want me to call the society editor and fax my article to her about our date?” Katie wanted to know.

  “The Chief just informed us he doesn’t want you to do that. It may look too contrived after last weekend, when the page was full of news that “Mr. Romance” was on hiatus. We want the editor to become suspicious and start to investigate. We want her to find out about your weekend to Paris, so when the story comes out, people will think she’s uncovered a ploy by Mr. Russo to cover up his rendezvous,” Detective Jones said.

  Katie thought about this for a moment. She had the article written, but the Chief’s idea was better. “Sounds good, but how will she find out?”

  “I’m going to have someone from the station call in anonymously this evening saying he spotted the two of you together in an intimate tête-à-tête at a local restaurant. Hopefully someone will be at the editor desk and go check the tip out.” Detective Novak scratched his head as he paced, then turned to Katie. “Do you always send in the information? I know there are many people in the Big Apple waiting on pins and needles all week to find out the next saga of the great man here. Why, is beyond me. I just want to be sure my tidbit will get the desired effect.”

  “A lot of times Adam is sighted at a restaurant, as you have planned, and the editor calls me to confirm,” Katie answered.

  “Then it might work. Okay, so tonight you two have a date. Let me know as soon as possible where you’ll be so I can take care of the tip. Hopefully you’ll have a call tomorrow, but play the news down as if you don’t want to reveal anything. Sort of play it by ear, you know, like Russo doesn’t want anyone to know. All the better if the editor realizes the date is with you, the assistant that was spotted with Adam,” Detective Novak instructed.

  “And if she does her homework, she’ll uncover I’m none other than the daughter of the Sinclairs. It will come across more believable why we want to keep it under wraps. The great ‘Mr. Romance’ is taking me out.”

  “I wish you guys would quit calling me the great one and the great ‘Mr. Romance.’ I’m just a normal guy.”

  The two detectives snorted and Katie smiled at Freda. Adam just glared at them all. Then Detective Novak continued as if Adam hadn’t interrupted. “Then tomorrow night, Freda will be over to start gathering necessary information. What time would you like her to arrive?”

  “I usually get home around six. Ms. Maxim, why don’t you come over about seven? Do you like pizza? We could have dinner while we talk,” Katie said.

  “Please, call me Freda. Sorry, I’m not really a pizza fan. How about I pick up some Chinese on the way over?”

  “Love Chinese. That will work. I guess I’ll see you then.” Katie stood, picked up her purse, and walked to the door to wait for Adam.

  “If we are going to do this, we might as well do it right. Katie, I’ll pick you up at seven this evening. Dress up and we’ll do the town.” Adam joined Katie at the door, turned to the detectives and said, “I’ll call you with our destination.”

  * * * *

  “Oscar, what do you think? Is it too much?” Katie stood in front of her mirror. Butterflies swarmed in her stomach, which didn’t help the slight nauseous feeling at the thought of a date with Adam. The time she went with him to the benefit dinner wasn’t as nerve-racking. Her parents had been there, along with a room full of people. True, tonight there would be other people, but dinner would be just the two of them.

  Oscar just snored lightly in response to her question. He was lying on top of the ever-growing pile of discarded clothes she had thrown on the bed in her pursuit of something to wear. She hadn’t had the time or money to buy something new, the only choice she had was what was in her closet. She couldn’t wear the same designer dress she’d worn before—talk about tacky. She just didn’t go out on many formal dates. Ah, finally, at the back of her closet a long classic black skirt. She wasn’t sure what type of material, but the softness felt sexy, and the side seam had a long slit to above her knee. On the next hanger hung the perfect top to dress up the outfit, a pure black silk halter top with a plunging neckline that made her blush at the image in the mirror.

  “Well, Oscar, I think I’m set.” Katie paused when the dog gave a short bark. “What?”

  She turned back to the mirror trying to see what was wrong, and then noticed her trim feet peeking out from the bottom of her dress. “Well, jeez Louise, Oscar, I wasn’t going to leave with no shoes.”

  Adam was picking her up. Thank goodness she wouldn’t have to walk far in the drizzle falling quietly outside. Brady would probably be driving, so he’d drop them at the front of the restaurant. Bending down to reach into her closet, she brought out her basic leather suede pumps with the tapered toe. They would be perfect and the heels weren’t too high. She didn’t want a repeat of last time, when she had to remove them so she wouldn’t stumble and break her neck.

  Grabbing a light shawl for a wrap, she went to the living room to wait. She looked at the slim silver watch on her wrist and realized she was early. Unlike most women, she had so much nervous energy when going somewhere, she was habitually early for everything.

  Chapter Twenty

  When the knock sounded, she pulled the door open expecting to see Adam. “Hi Ad…Oh, Dottie, what are you doing here?”

  Dottie raised her eyebrows and stepped past her into the room. She bent down and ruffled Oscar’s fur, then straightened and turned to Katie.

  “I have a date,” Katie said lamely.

  “Well, I hope you aren’t dressed like that for an evening at home.” Dottie walked over to the couch and sat, for all appearances as if she were ready to stay the evening.

  “I’m really just getting ready to leave. I thought you were my date.” Katie wasn’t a good actress. Her palms were sweating and she didn’t want to give Dottie the impression something was going on.

  “Come on, give up. Who’s the lucky guy?”

  “If you must know, it’s Adam.” Katie figured Dottie would be reading the papers like everyone else. She might as well be as honest as possible.

  Dottie stood, walked to the hall and disappeared. When she came back into the living room, she looked at Katie in question. “Where are your bags?”

  “My bags?”

  “You mean he’s going to buy you a new wardrobe, just for your trip?”

  Enlightenment dawned on Katie, and she hastened to correct Dottie’s incorrect assumption. “It’s not that kind of date. We’re just going to dinner. That’s all. No big mystery.”

  “Oh, just a working dinner. I was so excited for you for a minute.” Dottie sat back on the sofa.

  Before Katie could correct Dottie again, another knock rattled her door and a nanosecond later, a thump on the wall separating her apartment from Mrs. Newcomb’s. Katie looked at the ceiling for a minute and then went to let in Adam.

  “Hi, mmm...” Adam gathered Katie in his arms and kissed her breathless. Only stopping when he heard Dottie clear her throat, he stepped back and looked around Katie. “Oh, hi, Dottie, I didn’t know Katie had company.”

  “Obviously not.” Dottie smiled at Katie. “I guess I was wrong—

  you’re not going out on a business dinner. Usually a boss doesn’t give his assistant a toe-curler kiss unless he’s married and taking her out on the side.”

  “Dottie!”

  “It’s okay, Katie. I’ll let you guys get on with your date.” Dottie walked to Katie, gave her a little peck on the cheek, then as she walked past Adam, she winked and gave him a swat on the butt, causing him to jump.

  After the door closed behind Dottie, Katie turned to Adam. “Did she just do what I think she did?”

  “Yes, she did. You have delightful friends. Not as delightful as you, though.” Adam picked up the shawl sh
e had resting over the chair, bent to pat the dog on the head, then ushered Katie out of the door.

  * * * *

  “Close your eyes. I want everything to be a surprise and Brady’s about to pull up in front of the restaurant.” Adam blocked Katie’s view when she tried to look around him to see.

  “Okay, I’ve got my eyes closed.” A pout filtered through Katie’s reply, and the sound rippled along Adam’s arms, causing the hair to stand on end.

  “Just one more minute.” Adam leaned forward, keeping an eye on Katie so she wouldn’t peek. He glanced out the window. “Brady just pulled up. Keep your eyes closed, I’ll help you out.” He took her hand and opened the door. Carefully he helped he get out of the limousine so she wouldn’t bump her head. Then, when she stood facing the restaurant, he told her to open her eyes.

  “Oh my God.” Katie couldn’t believe it. She’d always wanted to go to Le Bernardin.

  “I thought the cuisine appropriate.” Adam smiled down at her.

  Once in the restaurant, it was evident Adam was a regular. A smiling host led them to their table. Once Adam pulled the chair out and Katie settled in, their host informed them their sommelier, or wine steward, would be over to recommend a wine for them.

  Katie looked around. She knew her parents had been to the restaurant often and she’d drooled listening to them brag about the wonderful French seafood the menu offered. She’d never wanted to come to some place so obviously romantic by herself, so her savings remained in the bank. Now here she was. The floor and walls were in blue, the tan upholstery matched the light wood and the very modern design. She felt delicious just sitting and absorbing the wonderful ambience.

  A warmth started in the pit of her belly and traveled to her brain to make it mush. Hopefully, she’d be able to remember how to make small talk. God, don’t let me babble.

  Michel helped with their wine order and after he left the table, Katie marveled at the menu. She had no idea what to order. Everything sounded delicious. She read the little bio on the chef, she’d heard the name somewhere. Then she remembered. She had come across his name when she’d been researching Janice Beeman’s background.

  “Adam, did you know that Eric Ripert, the chef here, has won a James Beard Award?”

  “The what?”

  “Remember, Ms. Beeman had won one also.” Katie dropped the menu just enough to peer over the top.

  “Oh that’s right, I’m sorry. You feed my poor brain so much information about the women I take out there is just no way to remember everything.”

  Katie looked back down at her menu, hoping Adam hadn’t noticed that his words had hurt. She knew it was dumb, but she felt a little betrayed he’d brought up his “women” on their date. You moron. You are the one who brought up Ms. Beeman, not Adam. True, she had.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing, just trying to figure out what to eat. I still can’t believe you brought me here.” Katie kept telling herself not to get the wrong impression. After all, they were putting on a show. If this were a real date, this was exactly the type of restaurant to which he’d bring whatever lucky woman happened to be on his arm. She’d just have to remember that. But a niggling little thought crossed her mind—the kiss earlier hadn’t been for show.

  “Katie, you know I’m not going to go out on those weekend jaunts any more, right?”

  “Yes. At least until the murderer is caught.” Katie tried to sound nonchalant, as if she weren’t waiting with her breath held to hear his reply.

  “No, I’m through. I’m tired of the different faces; all beautiful true, but I never thought I’d say this—I want to settle down.“

  Katie’s heart drummed in her chest at the news. She was afraid to hope that he was telling her because he wanted to share his life with her. Yeah right, Katie, this is your first real date with him, and it’s not really real and you’re fantasizing about a future with him. If he could read your mind, you’d scare the socks off the poor man.

  * * * *

  Carla Delaine peeked around the paper she had in front of her face. Her contact had been correct, the great “Mr. Romance” was on the prowl again. The woman had her back to her, but Adam Russo was definitely the man sitting at the table. Blond hair streamed, in artful disarray, down his date’s back. Carla wished she could make her hair do that. When she tried, it just looked like a mess. She’d stay until she saw the woman’s face, then beeline back to the office and write up her article.

  Her managing editor had been disappointed when it seemed there wouldn’t be the usual tidbits about their own romance king. She had a good rapport with Adam’s assistant, Katie. Whenever Katie would call with his escapades, they would chat for a while, then she’d take the tidbits to her editor. The readers bought papers faithfully to vicariously live the life of “Mr. Romance.” They had wondered how they would fill the gap without losing readers.

  Why had Katie made a point of informing her there would be no more dates or rendezvous until further notice, if ever? Was the woman with Adam Russo that evening someone special? Heaven forbid. Was the great “Mr. Romance” going to settle down and get married?

  * * * *

  “Don’t turn around, but I think our informant was a success. If I’m not mistaken, Carla Delaine is sitting over in the corner trying to hide behind a newspaper.” Adam lifted his glass and took a sip.

  “Good. She’ll probably call me first thing in the morning to find out who your date was.” Katie used all her self-control not to turn around and confirm Adam’s suspicions.

  “I’m stuffed. I couldn’t eat another bite if I tried. How about we go dancing, and then stop for dessert on the way back to your apartment?”

  “It’s a work night, remember, and I need my beauty sleep.”

  “Believe me, you don’t need it. I wouldn’t stop at just dinner. If you want Carla to have something to write about, we had better continue. And you can come in late tomorrow. You know we don’t have anything pressing. And besides, you make your own hours, so what does a late night matter?”

  “Okay, you twisted my arm. Where are we going?”

  “Surprise! You’ll just have to wait.”

  Adam signaled for the waiter to bring their check. Katie tried not to giggle at his obvious attempt to make sure the reporter in the corner saw they were getting ready to leave.

  * * * *

  Carla watched the couple leave the restaurant and hurriedly gathered her things to follow at a discrete distance. Luckily, she was able to hail a cab to follow their limo. When they pulled up to a well-known dance club, she decided not to go in. She did wait to see if she could catch a glimpse of the woman’s face.

  She watched as Adam climbed out, then turned to help the woman out. When the blonde stood, she turned toward the cab Carla was sitting in. She couldn’t believe her eyes—”Mr. Romance’s” date was none other than Katie, Adam’s assistant. What was up with that?

  * * * *

  “Adam, you have to come in.” Katie tugged his arm to get him in through the door.

  “It’s three in the morning.” Adam let her pull him into her living room.

  If truth were told, he didn’t want the evening to end. How long had it been since he’d felt so alive or had such a good time with a woman? He’d had enjoyable times, when he’d been content. But every fiber of his body seemed to vibrate with desire, and he knew the cause was Katie. If he hadn’t known he was in love with her before, he now had proof. Now all he had to do was make her fall in love with him.

  * * * *

  “Oh whatever, you told me yourself, this isn’t the first time you’ve stayed out this late when you had to be in the office early. I seem to remember a couple of times you showing up in your tuxedo, coming straight to the office instead of going home. So you sit down on that couch and I’ll take this and go start the coffee.” Katie snatched from his hands the box of dessert they’d bought on the way home and went to the kitchen.

  Katie busied herself pulling a cou
ple of plates and cups from the cupboard, and while the coffee brewed, she took a moment to reflect on the evening. Talk about a perfect evening. She knew if her mother could see her, she’d say Katie had stars in her eyes. If Katie hadn’t known before she was in love with Adam, she knew now. Now all she had to do was make him fall in love with her—not an easy task with all the competition.

  “Okay here we are, chocolate cheesecake and coffee. Perfect,” Katie announced as she placed the tray on the coffee table.

  Adam had loosened his tie, and he absently petted Oscar’s head. The dog had claimed his leg as a pillow. Katie swore there was a contented smile on her pooch’s face. Good, he seemed to love Adam also. After all, they were a package deal.

  She walked around the coffee table and settled herself comfortably next to Adam on the couch. She leaned over, grabbed the two cups of coffee, handed one to him, and wiggled back into the cushions.

  “I really had a nice time tonight.” Katie took a sip of her coffee. The scalding brew burned her tongue, and a gasp escaped as a squeal as she sat up. The momentum sloshed the liquid all over her. Another squeak escaped through her clamped lips as fire raced across both thighs.

  Adam quickly grabbed the cup out of her hand before she could do more damage, settled the mug back on the tray and raced to the kitchen. Within seconds, he returned with a fistful of towels. He dropped next to Katie and proceeded to towel dry her off.

  Katie stared at the top of his head. She couldn’t believe she had spilled hot coffee everywhere. Her breath sucked in and lodged in her throat when gentle hands patted the thin material of her blouse.

  His hands stilled on her breasts. Dark eyes lifted to hers and the air trapped in her lungs escaped in a soft whoosh. He had to have some feelings for her, or he wouldn’t be able to look at her like that, could he?