by Addison Fox
Mingus shrugged, having no real interest in putting a face to the name. “Sorry, it doesn’t ring any bells,” he said as he moved back behind his desk and sat.
Simone frowned. “Well, she’s been picked up for questioning. They’re alleging she had a sexual relationship with one of her students.”
Mingus shot his sister a look. “She’s a teacher?”
“High school, and she didn’t do it,” Simone said matter-of-factly.
“How do you know that?”
Simone scowled. “I know her. Joanna is not that kind of woman.”
“Are you sure you know...” he started.
Simone waved her index finger at him a second time. “I know.” She reached into her purse and pulled a dollar bill from inside, dropping it onto his desk. “I need to hire you to help prove she’s innocent.”
Mingus laughed as he picked up the currency, smoothing it between his fingers. “You really don’t expect me to work for free, do you?”
“Of course not. That is just an unofficial retainer. We’ll work out the details later.”
He laughed again. “I’m not an attorney, Simone. I’m a private investigator. There’s no privilege that needs to be established.”
“I know that,” she answered, irritation rising in her tone. “I just need you to come to the station with me. Please.”
Mingus blew out a heavy sigh. He had a lengthy list of things he needed to complete and taking on another case was not something he had planned to do. He watched as Simone headed for the door.
Simone tossed him one last look over her shoulder. “So, are you coming?”
Mingus tossed up his hands in frustration, knowing that if he were honest with himself, he really didn’t have any other options. His sister knew there wasn’t anything he would not do for her. Even when she irritated him. She had already banked on him saying yes. He’d follow her to the station and he would work whatever case she needed him to work. She had him wrapped tightly around her little finger and, despite his best efforts, he had yet to unravel the string to set himself free.
“I’ll meet you there,” he said, reaching into the desk drawer for his keys. “I need to drive my own car.”
Despite his reservations, Mingus was at least willing to show up. He didn’t know Simone’s friend, but her relationship with the woman was already a cause for concern. He always kept his distance when dealing with people he knew personally in a professional capacity and knew that friends weren’t always truthful if there was something they didn’t want you to know. He didn’t want to be the bearer of bad news if Simone’s friend wasn’t everything she believed her to be.
Copyright © 2019 by Deborah Fletcher Mello
ISBN-13: 9781488023590
Special Ops Cowboy
Copyright © 2019 by Frances Karkosak
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