Page 39 of Evidence of Secrets

“I’ll check with Laura and see what her schedule is like.”

Boy was she good. Ryan fell into that, hook, line, and sinker, which was right where she wanted him to be. Laura’s problems might be resolved if she could get him interested in the Salt & Sea. She’d mention it to Laura next time she worked.

The future was looking brighter. She’d have a new beau; her feature article was coming along well and finished soon; and then she’d have that personal conversation with Laura. It was a win-win for everyone. Hopefully.

CHAPTERTHIRTY

Hank held the beer he volunteered to bring in one hand and pushed open the door to Mark Stone’s house with the other just as Sam stepped out.

“Hey, you’re not staying for the game?” he asked.

“Ha ha. No.” Sam reached down to pick up an overnight bag. “I’m on my way to Grace’s house. Have fun.” She waved goodbye as she left.

Right. Hank knew he’d have fun but hoped not to lose any money. Tonight, he was feeling lucky. He heard voices and laughter coming from the kitchen. The beer would get warm if he didn’t put it in the fridge.

Luke walked out of the kitchen with the case of poker chips and placed it on the dining room table. “Ready to lose?”

“In your dreams. I’m feeling lucky tonight.”

Luke smirked. “I hope so. I need the extra cash.

“Fuck off.”

“Okay, then. The guys are in the kitchen.”

“Great.” Hank held up the six-pack. “Gotta keep this cold.” He put the beer in the fridge as Mark and Joe unpacked sandwiches and chips.

“Who else is coming tonight?” he asked.

“Ben and Joe.”

“I’m surprised Joe is coming and not keeping guard over Claire.”

“She kicked him out. Told him to come tonight or else.”

Hank laughed. Claire was laid-back until she had enough. Apparently, she had enough of Joe for an evening.

“Oh, and Jake,” said Mark. He looked at his watch. “Jake was running a little late.”

“Problems at the restaurant?” Hank asked.

Mark shrugged. “Who knows?”

“Okay, sandwiches and chips are ready to go,” said Danny as he carried the food platter into the dining room. Over his shoulder, he yelled, “Hank, grab me a beer!”

“Sure thing.” Hank grabbed a couple of beers and followed Mark into the dining room. The table was set up for poker. The poker game was the highlight of his week, spending an evening with friends, especially after the stressful job he just finished.

Logan was settled into the apartment and had helped him on a job. This time they were guarding another celebrity who thought they were all that, plus a bag of chips. This time, it was a young actor who kept trying to sneak some female fans into his room. Hank and Logan didn’t need to look at IDs to know the girls were just that—girls. And definitely, none were over the age of twenty-one. God, sometimes he hated his job.

Hank had talked to Laura several times. She’d been happy to hear from him. But each time they talked, he detected an underlying strain of stress in her voice. He hoped they’d get together on Monday and he could find out the problem.

“Let’s get this party started,” hollered Ben as he and Joe walked through the door, followed by Jake.

A couple of hours later, Hank was down a good chunk of money, even though he thought he had several winning hands. Just bad luck. The guys were taking a break and having snacks.

Ben got a call and went into the living room to take it. He came back, groaned, and announced that the girls were having fun.

“So Marlee is drunk?” asked Jake.

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