Page 120 of Wild Escape

It was a felony in Florida to purchase stolen merchandise, but Hendrick’s intentions seemed noble. As long as the book actually got back to Douglas, he’d be in the clear. No prosecutor would take that case. I told Hendrick as much.

“What I want is the name of the collector you bought the book from.”

“The reason I have the book now and can give it back to Douglas, at substantial cost to me, I might add, is because I made certain assurances.”

This was a can of worms. “Just make sure Douglas gets the book ASAP.”

“I’m on my way to the hospital now.” He paused. “Are we good, or do I need to lawyer up?”

After a beat, I said, “I’m no longer on the case. It’s wrapped up as far as I’m concerned.”

“Thank you, Deputy. All the best.”

“Likewise.”

I went down to the jail on my sportbike and picked Daphne up. She strutted out of lockup with a beaming smile. I handed her a helmet, and she climbed onto the back of my bike and held on tight.

“Where to?” I asked.

“First thing I want to do is take a shower.”

“Mine’s big enough for two.”

“I know,” she said in a hungry voice.

I revved the throttle, eased out the clutch, and headed back to the Avventura.

We steamed up the shower stall, then wrecked the mattress. It was a divine experience.

We’d no sooner finished the deed when the sheriff called.

I didn’t want to answer, but I did anyway.

“I hate to interrupt.” He knew damn good and well what I was up to. “But we’ve got another situation. I need you and that numbskull to get over here.”