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“Well it seems like you ladies have lot of questions to answer, and need no distracting.” Cyril said rising all of a sudden.
“Hey that was not the deal!” Gladys said rising to meet him face to face in defiance. He grabbed her face and kissed her long, and hard, leaving her breathless and Gloria wide-eyed.
“Thank you…I have made my choice; no offence Gloria, but your twin has the spice and sass to keep a rogue like me hooked, and coming for more.”
“None taken.” Gloria said giggling as he dashed for the door, while Gladys, who was still not sure of what to make of it all, sank to her seat.
“Tell Mrs. Cowling that her husband is as faithful as ground to an oak, and is planning a nice holiday for all the disruption this past few days. Now there; I think we are even on exchange.” And he was out the door in a flash, his grey overcoat trailing him like a lazy shadow.
“Why Gloria, I think you may have met your match.” Gloria said giggling into the silence after he had left.
Chapter 8
Gloria was brainstorming on another case file she had scheduled for that day vaguely aware of Gloria receiving calls in the other room, her social charm on high gear, and did not pay much attention to the knock on the door, but looked up when she heard Gladys’ exclamation of surprise.
Three messengers were ushered in each bearing an abnormally large bouquet of roses; one, a bouquet of red roses, another, a bouquet of white roses, and the last a bouquet of yellow roses. In short order the scent of roses pervaded the atmosphere in the tiny office causing both women to giggle.
“Package for Ms. Gloria Patton.” One of them announced before handing over a note that read: Apologies. Viktor
She was signing the form when her phone started ringing. Viktor’s accent less voice came crisp and clear down the line.
“Dinner, eight o’clock.”
Gloria mouthed the name Viktor to Gloria. “I don’t know, I feel like sleep instead; must be all the ether I took in.”
“That is all the more reason why you should come for dinner tonight. A little fresh air can work wonders.” Viktor replied, standing his ground.
“So what did you have in mind?” She asked as Gloria saw the messengers out.
“It’s a surprise.” Viktor replied.
“I don’t know if I can handle any more surprises this week Mr. Konoplyanka.”
“Viktor, I’ll pick you up at your house.”
“How do you know where I-“
Gloria stopped short as the phone indicated call ended. To say that she had mixed feelings about him was an understatement. She wanted to be with him with every fiber of her being, but if he was a criminal, albeit a smooth one, then she could see the strain that would place on her psyche having grown around cops.
“I say go and have fun; innocent until proven guilty. Think ‘killer Instinct’” Gladys advised. “You can’t fight this; you can only go with the flow, until you meet a rock along the river. I still wanna kick him in the groin for what happened, but in truth it wasn’t his fault-you messed up and got served.”
“Gee thanks.” Gloria said sarcastically.
“I’m getting you that gun by the way.” Gladys said before returning to her duties.
Towards the end of the day, Mrs. Cowling came in for her report. She was used to the office by then, and her eyes did not peruse the four corners when she sat down. She was skeptical at first about the results of the investigation but eventually, despite herself, was moved to tears. “I never really believed he could do it you know.” She said dabbing her eyes. “Best husband ever-a real family man!”
“Of course Mrs. Cowling; we are just happy to help re-enforce that notion for you.” Gloria said, more than willing to humor her. “Needless to say our dealings shall remain confidential, except on your express request to divulge.”
Mrs. Cowling was already rummaging through her bag for her check book to and was shaking her head. “Yes and be sure I’ll recommend you to anyone I know who may need help.”
Fifteen minutes later, at the hour of five, the office of Patton and Patton, closed for the day, while the founders headed to the bank.
Gloria, who had never been a social ball of fire, had a problem deciding what to wear for the evening, but finally settled on a silk white gown that left her shoulders and her back bare, but ended just low enough beneath her knees to allow her to appear reserved. The glittering white earrings she wore were a perfect match for the dress, bolstering the effect without appearing tacky or forced, bringing it all together. Gladys, who was in the living room, went wide-eyed with appreciation at the sight of twin when she finally came down from the stairs. Gloria breathed a deep sigh of relief at the smile on her twin’s face which was all the confirmation she needed.
