Page 30 of Tequila Tuesdays

Martin had given me some good information, even if he couldn’t take the case. I looked up Damien’s email address and sent him an official work email, explaining that Martin had recommended him and what I needed.

Then I shook off my worry about Shanda and started working on another file.

Damien called while I was in juvenile drug court and left a voicemail. “Hey, Harley. I got your email. It was so professional and business-like, I forgot for a minute how we met. Come by my office after you’re done with work, and we’ll discuss your case. And save my phone number in your contacts so you don’t have to keep calling the office or using email to get a hold of me from now on.”

After I listened to his voicemail, I added his name and number to my contacts and checked the time. It wasn’t quite five, so I took a chance and swung by his office. Ramone and Jonathan also had their offices in the same building, and it was a nice area in downtown Palm Springs. When I walked into the foyer of MAD Investigations, a pretty receptionist greeted me. She eyed me a little warily when I walked in.

“Hello. Do you have an appointment?”

I approached the high counter. “No. But Damien left me a voicemail and said to come by if I could make it before closing. I’m here about a case.”

She smiled in relief and glanced at the clock on the wall behind the counter. “Give me your name and I’ll let him know you’re here.”

I nodded. “It’s Harley Emerson. I appreciate it.”

She headed back to the offices, and I looked around the reception area. It had a clean, contemporary feel with nice signage behind the counter and framed black and white photographs on the wall. I studied them while I waited for Damien. Someone was a talented photographer, and I recognized the San Jacinto mountain range with a few big horn sheep in the foreground.

Damien walked over and stood next to me. “Laurel took those.”

I looked at him in surprise. “Wow. They’re great.” I scanned the one on the far right a little closer and pointed to two sheep in the background. “Are those two…?”

Damien grinned down at me. “Fornicating? Yes. You’re only the third person to notice.”

I laughed. “Laurel has a wicked sense of humor.”

The receptionist came out of the back with her jacket and purse. “Damien, I forwarded you two messages, and neither are urgent. I’m taking off. Will you lock up?”

“Yes. Thanks, Kara.” Damien turned and studied my clothes. “You look different in a suit and without your Viking warrior braids and spandex shorts.” I had on a navy suit and a violet-colored shell. He reached over and took my laptop case. “Very professional. But you’re the only person I know who lookslessintimidating in a suit.”

I smiled. “I’ll have to start wearing my volleyball uniform to work, I guess.”

“You might cause a riot.”

I cocked my head. “Why?”

His lips twisted. “Because you look a littletoogood in those spandex shorts.”

My face heated. I’d worn those spandex shorts most of my life. Every female volleyball player did.

He grinned. “Why do you think I call you Legs?”

“Because I have long legs?” I answered.

Damien grinned. “That’s part of the reason. But I digress, and we need to discuss your case. I didn’t eat lunch and I’m starving. Would you mind if we grabbed some dinner and talk while we eat?”

My stomach jumped a little. He was doing me a favor by taking my case, and I realized with a start that I enjoyed being around him, and the way we teased and ribbed each other.

I nodded. “Sounds good. What are you hungry for?”

He looked me up and down. “You’re pretty dressed up for fast food or Mexican. Do you want to go home and change first?”

“I’m fine. We could walk over to one of the restaurants along Indian Canyon Drive. There’s a good Italian or Asian fusion restaurant. Or the oyster bar along Tahquitz Canyon.”

He raised his eyebrow. “I’d like to watch you slurp down oysters. But that restaurant might be a little loud if we’re going to discuss the case. How about the Italian restaurant?”

“Italian it is.”

I waited for him to lock up his office, and then we walked outside. It was already starting to get dark, and he put his hand on the small of my back as we walked.

---