Stalker

“He sounds perfect,” Cindy said. “Actually, he sounds like my last blind date.”

“He’s got money,” Rhonda said.

“Well, that part isn’t bad.”

“Those types are always stingy,” Hayley said. “You know, I make it, I spend it. You lick my balls, and maybe I’ll give you meter money.”

Cindy laughed. “Been there, done that.”

Hayley laughed, too. “Are we sounding drunk yet?”

“No, just plain bitter,” Cindy said.

“Uh-oh!” Hayley said. “Look who just walked in. Ole sleaze in a bottle.” She gave him a little wave. “Look out, he’s coming our way.”

Cindy turned around, then felt her skin go hot. She hoped they hadn’t noticed, but knew they had. She was saddled with a near white complexion and that was a dead giveaway. She blushed whenever she became angry, embarrassed, or extremely aroused.

Or so she had been told.

5 (#u96b5b233-67d1-5974-9f81-9ec20ca7d221)

He was dressed ninja-style—black T-shirt and black cords under a black leather jacket, a blazer as opposed to a bomber. His dark hair was combed straight back, and silvered at the temples. His eyes gave off that wary cop look that Cindy had seen umpteen times on her father’s face. But his body was loose, and at ease. He didn’t walk over to them; he ambled, as if being a detective afforded him rights to which low-life uniforms weren’t privy. He took the empty seat across from Cindy, but he regarded Hayley straight-on. It seemed to unnerve her.

“So what brings you out here?” Hayley managed eye contact while wolfing down the last of her Chardonnay. “Slumming?”

“Some of us actually work after hours, Marx.”

“And what are you working on?” Hayley asked. “The new scouts don’t come in until September.”

He grinned a mouth full of white teeth, while signaling the waitress for a drink. “How you talk to your superiors.”

“You aren’t my superior,” Hayley retorted.

“Not right now, but never say never.”

Hayley looked to her left, at Cindy. “Cindy Decker, Scott Oliver.”

“We know each other.” Oliver’s tone was breezy. “I work with her daddy. Or rather I work for her daddy now. Big Decker is my loo.”

“You work Devonshire?” Rhonda asked.

“Yeah,” Oliver answered. “I was there in Homicide a full two years before Deck came on board—the slimy interloper.”

“Uh-oh,” Cindy said. “Do I want to hear this?”

“Nothing to hear.” Oliver flashed her a mouthful of teeth. “I’ve made my peace with it.”

But the look in his eyes said that was debatable. Cindy said, “How is he as a boss?”

“Depends what day you catch him on.” Oliver turned his eyes to her. “How is he as a father?”

“Depends what day you—”

“Uh-huh.”

Cindy chuckled. “You probably see him more than I do.”

“Probably.” Oliver returned his attention to Marx. “You’re looking well.”

“No thanks to the scuzzballs out there.”

“Was that a dig at the present company?”

Hayley smiled. “I’m taking the fifth.”

Jasmine came over with their food and drink. “Hey, Oliver. I haven’t seen you in a long time. Revisiting old haunts?”

“Wish it were the social thing,” Oliver said. “I’m meeting Osmondson.”

“So you’re doing beeswax. Should I reserve the corner booth?”

“Thank you, that would be nice.”

The table fell silent as Jasmine doled out the sandwich plates—the club for Cindy, the turkey dip for Rhonda, and the beef dip for Hayley. She plunked a beer in front of Oliver. “You know what Rolf is drinking these days?”

“Last time I saw him it was straight Stoly,” Oliver said.

“I think he’s off the booze. I’ll bring over a club soda. If he wants something stronger, he can ask for it.”

Oliver looked at his beer. “You know what, Jasmine? I’ve actually got to concentrate tonight. I’ll take a club soda.”

“I’ll switch you,” Cindy said. “One Diet Coke for a beer.”

Hayley chuckled. “She’s going for the buzz.”

“Nah, I’m fine—”

“Famous last words.”

Oliver gave Cindy his beer. “It’s on me. And you can even keep your Diet Coke.”

Hayley was looking at the bar stools. Andy Lopez and Tim Waters were giving them eyes. “You’re attracting the gnats.”

Oliver laughed. “Nah, Marx, it’s your pheromones—”

“No, it’s you,” Hayley interrupted. “Since you’re here, your species thinks it’s okay to approach.”

“My species?” Oliver said. “Last time I took science, we’re the same species.”