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When Ginni had written that down, Kitt said, “I’m just curious. Is Lana here?”
“Funny you should ask. She usually is but her fiancé came in alone tonight and he’s sitting at the bar. They got back from a trip yesterday and I haven’t seen her yet. I could ask him if she’s coming in later.”
“No, please don’t. I was just being nosey. I heard that’s her picture over the bar and…” Kitt shrugged.
“You wanted to see if she looks like that.” She chuckled. “I think the painting was touched up or something. She’s not quite so glamorous.” Ginni turned to walk away, then whirled around. “If you want to know anything about Ms. Turner, you can ask Jay yourself. It appears he’s on his way over.”
The waitress scurried off and Kitt’s heart pounded as her perpetrator approached. This might be a major opportunity but she had to be careful.
“Pardon me, miss. Are you Suzette G
old?” he said, when he reached Kitt’s table.
His voice was as smooth and oily as peanut butter and jelly. Careful not to show disdain, Kitt forced a smile. “Sorry, I’m not,” she replied. “My name is Kitt—Katherine, really.”
“Well, Katherine Really, I’m sorry too.” His eyes crinkled at the edges when he laughed. She could see at that close range that Jason was a number of years older than Rob, but he’d matured well. It became apparent also that he carried a certain charm. Not the kind that would appeal to her but it obviously did to some women.
She chuckled appreciatively before asking, “Are you expecting Ms. Gold?”
“Actually, I’m not. Do you mind,” he pulled out a chair, “if I join you?”
Kitt shrugged. She didn’t want to appear too eager but she would like to detain him until she had the information needed.
Jason sat down. “I spoke to her…Suzette…earlier and she said she couldn’t make it tonight, but she sounded quite disappointed. So I thought something might have changed that would allow her to meet me after all.”
Suzette? “I take it you haven’t met. Is that why you’re wearing a red carnation? So she’ll recognise you?”
He nodded. “I’m Jay, by the way.” He patted Kitt’s hand.
“Glad to meet you, Jay By-the-Way.”
He guffawed at that and heads turned, making Kitt sorry for her clever repartee.
“You’re clever as well as pretty,” he said, stroking the hand he’d just patted.
She drew it gently away. “Aren’t you Ms. Turner’s boyfriend?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.
“What makes you say that?” When Kitt didn’t reply, he added. “She and I aren’t committed. We have an open relationship and she’s out of town for a couple of days. So?” He shrugged. “Would you like me to move?”
“I was merely curious,” she said.
The musical combo that had been on break when Kitt arrived sauntered away from a table next to the bar and made their way back to the head of the tiny dance floor.
Her cell rang. Damn. It must be Dan. Why couldn’t he leave her alone? Didn’t he trust her? Kitt took her time answering. Maybe the music would prevent Jason listening to their conversation. “Hello?” she said cautiously.
“Is it him?” Dan asked.
“Yes. I’m sure of it.”
“You sound secretive. Can he hear you?”
“Perhaps.”
“Okay, just listen. Keep him there. Our client is on the way. She should be there within the next half hour. When she walks through the door, she’ll hesitate while you make your way to the rest room. She wants to talk to Jason. It seems she’d like to give him a chance to return her stuff and not involve the law. Crazy woman, I’m guessing, still has a thing for him. You keep an eye out and if she gives you a nod, step in and keep him busy while she pretends to go to the little girls’ room and leaves the premises. Otherwise, keep an eye out and see what happens. Meanwhile, I’m coming in. I don’t want you left alone with him at this hour. He might be in a foul mood.”
“You don’t need—“
Dan clicked off. Damn.
