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“Yes. Who’s this?”
“James Pierson. I hope it’s not too early. But Cassidy said you’d be at the animal clinic before eight. I wanted to catch you beforehand. Normally, I don’t wake up women at dawn to ask them out. But in this case, time’s working against me, and I really want to see you. I’ve got a full day at the office, other than the few hours I’ll be at my uncle’s funeral. After that, I’m flying back down to Wellington, midday tomorrow at the latest. So tonight’s all I’ve got. Is there any chance you’re free?”
Devon gave a breathless laugh. “Talk about a whirlwind life. I’m flattered you thought of me.”
“I’ve been thinking of you since yesterday. Does that mean you’re free?”
“For tonight? Yes. But right now, I’m on another call.”
“I see.” A hint of annoyance. “Not with Blake, I hope.”
“With Blake?” That was a weird conclusion for him to jump to. “No. With my grandparents,” she improvised. “They’re frantic for some word on my mother.”
“Have you gotten any?” James was suddenly all concern.
“Unfortunately not.” Devon used that concern to her advantage. “So, to be honest, I could use an evening out. It’ll take my mind off my worry for a few hours.”
“I could use the same. So, shall we say seven o’clock?”
“Seven’s great.”
“Excellent. I won’t keep you from your grandparents. How about if I call later for directions?”
“Call me at work.” Monty’s heads-up about Blake’s intentions popped into Devon’s head, and she reacted accordingly, choosing a time for James’s call that was in between Chomper’s potential drop-off and pickup times. “I’ll be in surgery all morning. And I’m sure you’ll be inundated with work and with emotionally preparing for the funeral. Why don’t you give me a call around four?”
“Done.” James sounded smug. “What’s your office number?” He jotted it down. “I’m really looking forward to this evening.”
“So am I. Bye, James.” Devon punched the flash button again. “Monty?”
“Still here.”
“That was James Pierson. We’ve got a dinner date tonight.”
“These Pierson guys don’t waste any time.”
“Or any tears. Neither Blake nor James seems grief-stricken over his uncle’s death—at least not enough to curtail their social lives.”
“So I noticed. I can’t wait to find out the scoop behind that.”
“Go for it. James is planning a full morning at the office. You can zero in on him as soon as Blake leaves for White Plains.”
“Sounds like a plan. I’ll check in with you later, in between your impromptu get-together with Blake and your hot date with James. We can compare notes.”
“Want to choose my outfit for dinner?” Devon asked drily.
“Cute. No, I’ll leave that to you. I do want to know where you’ll be and when.”
“Right. In case I need backup.”
Monty chuckled. “You watch too many cop shows. Talk to you later.”
With a wry grin, Devon hung up the phone.
“What was that all about?” Lane demanded.
“My part in this detective team—cajoling information out of Edward Pierson’s grandsons.”
“Clearly, you’re well on your way.” Lane raised his mug in a mock toast. “I’m impressed, doc. That was fast work.”
