Page 156 of The Body in the Backyard
Nick wrapped his arms around Riley from behind. “Thanks, guys. And thank you for helping me keep it a surprise,” he said to Gabe.
“How did you manage that with a psychic girlfriend?” Josie asked.
“I just followed Gabe’s advice and didn’t plan anything. The spirit guides weren’t going to blow the surprise ifIdidn’t know I was proposing,” he said with pride.
Riley snickered against him. “You know that’s not how it works, right?”
“Seriously?” Nick looked at Gabe, who returned his glare with a grin.
“There is no real way to predict what messages the spirit world chooses to pass along. But it seemed like something you wanted very much, so I gave you incorrect advice.”
“Remind me to ruin your life later, Undertaker.”
Josie and Brian frowned. Gabe cocked his head. Riley tilted hers back to look up at him.
“You know, the Undertaker wrestler from WWE. Big tall scary guy?” Nick prompted.
Brian shook his head.
“Weak,” Josie decided.
“You try coming up with dozens of size-related insults,” Nick complained.
“You make it look effortless,” Gabe said.
“He’s being sarcastic again, isn’t he?”
“Oh yeah,” Riley agreed.
Nick gave her a squeeze. “Did you know?”
“Have I been having visions of happy sparkles? Yes. Did I think you were going to demand that I marry you in the middle of a crime scene at my ex-husband’s house after you saved the day? No,” she admitted.
Nick lifted her hand to admire the ring he’d put on it. “This was a damn good day,” he said with satisfaction.
“By the way, thank you for doing this at Griffin’s house and not ours,” Riley said.
“It was a pain in the ass moving all the chairs, but I figured the potential property damage would make it worthwhile.”
“Speaking of potential property damage…” Josie said, nodding as Griffin, Bella, and their attorney stepped outside.
“Hey, Griffin buddy. Case is closed. We’ll take that check now,” Nick called.
“Gosh. I don’t think I have my checkbook with me,” Griffin said, patting his pockets.
“I had a feeling you’d say that,” Nick said. “Henry!”
Griffin’s assistant appeared in the doorway. “Yes, boss? Did you want some coffee or a goat cheese omelet? Maybe I should schedule a massage for you?”
“No,” Nick said with a sly grin. “I mean, maybe on the goat-cheese-omelet thing and definitely on the massage. I need you to get me on Hector’s calendar at the Hershey Spa. But first I need your ex-boss’s checkbook.”
“I thought your name was Staff. And what do you meanex-boss?” Griffin demanded, looking wounded.
“I’m interning for Santiago Investigations now,” Henry said, whipping out a leather checkbook cover embossed with what looked like Griffin’s profile. “If I’m going to work for free, I’d rather work for someone who doesn’t suck.”
“Hey, wait a minute,” Griffin said.
“There’s your checkbook and your itemized bill,” Nick said, slapping a printout into the man’s tiny hands.
