Page 42 of Evil Bones
“Comment ça va?”
“Ça va bien.”
Once we’d greeted each other and given assurances that all was well, Ryan asked his usual question.
“Where are you?”
“In bed.”
“What are you wearing?”
“Panties and an old PETA T-shirt.”
“Show me.”
“No.”
“Sounds hot.”
“It’s so sexy, if you saw me in person, I’d have to sedate you.”
“No need for drugs,ma chère. Your charm and beauty knock me out every day.”
My eyes rolled with no input from me.
“I can’t wait to see you,” I said.
“My flight is booked, and I should wrap up my investigation shortly.”
“What’s the issue, again?” He’d mentioned his most recent case briefly, but I’d forgotten.
“A guy got canned for skimming at a car wash where he works. Says he didn’t do it. Wants me to find the bastard who did. What’s up with you?”
“It’s been relatively quiet on the forensic front.”
I updated Ryan on Bear and the other animal remains. Balodis. Joye. Kumar. My happy time with Slidell trying to track the dog toy.
“Skinny’s probably pissed at being demoted to paw patrol.”
“Actually, I’m surprised at how committed he seems to be.”
“The guy’s a marshmallow center when it comes to animals.”
“How do you know that?”
“Not important. Look, Slidell can be a boor and a loudmouth, but he means well.”
“He does. But—”
“But what?”
Good question. Whatwasit that had been bothering me?
“Kumar made a comment about the animal displays possibly having a sexual component. Slidell called and grilled her on the theory. I think he’s become a bit channeled on that.”
“Who cares his motivation? If Skinny’s fired up to put the bust on this whacko, just go with the flow.”
“You’re right.”
