Page 46 of Special Agent Joseph

“It’s this case I’m working on. See, there’s this man who runs a cartel here in Vegas, and they sell drugs, flooding the streets with the shit. Well, this bastard has a granddaughter who ran away from him and somehow ended up in the pit herself and has become an addict. So, gramps is suddenly refusing to deal with the incoming shipment… the one we had a sting set up on so wecould seize the shit and burn it. Only now with him out of the picture, we have no way of knowing where it’ll end up.” Still in a stupor, shaking her head, Megan admitted, “Even I can’t figure out what’ll happen with this new twist.”

“What did the text actually say?”

“Basically what I just told you. Which means the plans have changed and I’m to report to the office in the morning.”

“So, what about Joe? He’s also involved… right? By the way, I like that dude. He’s got class. Know what I mean?”

Surprised, Megan stared at her roomie. “What’s this? A bromance? You never like any man I’m with.”

“That’s because you have rotten taste in my sex. But Joe, he’s cool. Has a heart and some humor. Why not pay him a surprise visit and see what he knows about your drug case? He’s involved… right?”

Megan set down her wine, pushed her chair back, and stood. “Why not? He still doesn’t know I’m FBI. Thinks I’m just Lucia’s bodyguard. But I am involved, so he won’t find it strange that I’m interested.”

Changing the subject as Mikey often did, he offered some typical advice. “Put on that new sweater you showed me. That cashmere one you bought on a whim because of the green color. It’s you, girl. Makes your eyes glow.”

Bending to wrap her arms around Mikey’s neck, she kissed the back of his head, loving that she got fashion advice from such a handsome guy. “Every girl should have a Mikey for a roommate. You’re special, you know that?”

“Let’s hope my new boyfriend agrees with you.”

Sensing an importance to his statement, she teased, “He’s a fool if he doesn’t.”

“I wish it were that simple.”

Something in Mikey’s voice stopped her dead. “Wait, do I hear fear in your tone? Is he the one… this new beau?”

Smiling softly, shyness marking his features, Mikey nodded. “Wanna meet him? He’s flying in from the UK on the weekend, and we’ll be spending a few days together. I could bring him home for mama bear’s inspection.”

Being serious, Megan admitted, “I look forward to it. What’s his name?”

“Peter Jones. He’s been alone for a couple of years after losing his partner to cancer. I like him, Meggie. I really think he’s perfect.”

Hearing the nervousness in his tone, she kissed his cheek. “I’ll try and like him, I promise.”

“You’ll be nice?”

“Of course, aren’t I always?”

“Not with Rollie, or Jimmy you weren’t.”

“That’s because they were both idiots. I didn’t appreciate the way either one of them treated you… as their personal lapdog. You’re too precious to be ordered around like someone’s lackey. But I promise, if Peter is as nice as you say, I’m sure I’ll love him.”

“Thanks, pet. Trust me, he is.” Beginning to clear the table, he stopped and pointed his finger toward her room. “Now go. Get pretty and follow Mikey’s advice. Joe’s a good guy.”

Giddy as all hell, taking her time getting ready, Megan picked up her phone a few times, thinking to text Joe to see if he was home and would be okay to having company. But then she dropped it, remembering Mikey’s advice to surprise him. Were they close enough friends that she could just show up and expect to be welcomed?

The memory of their last time together with him kissing her head settled her nerves and got her thinking.Seriously idiot, if he showed up at the door, I’d welcome him inside, right? Happily.So doesn’t it follow that he’ll do the same?Yes… it does. Get going.

Finally, clad in her pretty off-the-shoulder green sweater, her dark wig in place since he believed it to be her real hair, she checked her mirror. Looking this way and that for any flaws in her flirty skirt and bohemian-style bling sandals, even she knew she looked good. Grabbing her matching small bag, she headed for her car, playing loud music the whole time, her way to calm her nerves.

When Maria opened the door, Megan’s heart dropped. “Oh, I was looking for Joe.”

“Sure. He’s here. Just in the living room; probably didn’t hear the doorbell. When he’s playing his harmonica, he doesn’t hear anything. Go in. Surprise him. He’ll like it. I’m just finishing up in the kitchen.”

Before she could move, Jack came rushing around the corner of the garage, running straight to her side. His welcoming woofing sounds made her chuckle. Maria, obviously anxious around the dog, backed away. “Go to Joe. He’ll be happy for the company.”

“Thanks, Maria.” Megan crouched, petting Jack’s ears and his massive back. “Find Joe, boy.”

Jack turned his head towards the sound of music and sprinted into the house ahead of her. Following him, she froze at the doorway into the room. In the low light of one lamp, Joe lounged in an easy chair, the harmonica nestled by his face and the sweetest sounds of a blues song filled the room. Seeing his eyes closed, Megan stood in the doorway and just listened, enraptured by the incredible, heartsore, wrenching tune.

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