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“Mother of God,” I said, turning onto Catherine of Aragon. “You must hang out with Carver.”
“Carver’s here?” Wolfe asked, rubbing his hands together. “Excellent.”
“Wolfe, this is Doctor J.J. Graves. She’s very good with a scalpel, just as a fair warning.”
“Is she yours?”
“Every feisty inch of her.”
“You always did have all the luck.”
“You’re both crazy.” I pulled into the drivewayof the funeral home and under the portico, and Agent Braddock was right behind us. “I’ve got some work to do.” I started to open the door but Jack stopped me.
“Wait a second, Jaye. Let Wolfe get out first. Braddock will cover him while we get out of the car.”
“If I didn’t understand your worry, I’d be really pissed off about you treating me like a criminal.”
“I guess it’s a good thing you understand then,” Jack said.
I waited as Wolfe got out of the car slowly, showing his hands to Agent Braddock as the agent kept a close eye on him. I got out of the car and Jack kept his weapon out, searching the area.
“Just leave the files in the car,” he said. “We’ll give them to Carver once we get back to the house.”
Jack went inside first, followed by me and Wolfe, and then Braddock taking up the rear. They did a quick walkthrough of the funeral home, even Wolfe, who had his own weapon in his hands as he opened closet doors with quick efficiency.
I started a pot of coffee and let them do their thing, but when Wolfe came back into the kitchen without Jack or Braddock, I couldn’t seem to take my eyes off the dull sheen of the gun in his hands. So long as I lived and breathed I could have gone without looking down the barrel of a loaded weapon again.
“I see you can’t take your eyes off it,” Wolfe said. “I’ve got to admit it’s pretty impressive. Bigger than Jack’s even.” His lips twitched with good humor and he stood still, letting me get used to him.
My gaze went to his face and I watched him carefully, making no apologies for my thorough study. His eyes were a light brown and I recognized them as belonging to a cop. I remembered that Wolfe had turned in his badge and become a P.I, so he wasn’t a cop any longer, but that didn’t make the look go away. He was built like a fighter and held his weapon with ease.
“You want some coffee?” I asked.
“I wouldn’t turn it down. So you and Jack, huh? He used to keep a picture of you and a couple of other guys on his desk. You were all covered in mud and he had his arm slung around you. Both of you grinning like fools.”
I smiled as I poured his coffee and handed it to him. “Flag football. We won.”
Wolfe took a sip of coffee and grimaced. “Jesus.This is terrible coffee. It’s just like being back at the cop shop.”
“Jack normally makes it. I’ve got milk if you think that will help.”
“No need. My stomach lining is already half gone.”
Jack came in at that moment and smirked when he saw Wolfe was drinking coffee. “You always had more bravery than brains.” He grabbed a water from the fridge and took the barstool across from Wolfe. “Despite the circumstance, it’s good to see you again. I asked Braddock to give us some time so I could catch you up on things. You’ll stay in one of the guest rooms at our house until this is resolved.”
“I’d appreciate it. And remember, I’ve made a hell of a lot of contacts in my line of work over the past several years. I can use them if you need me to.”
“I appreciate the offer.”
“I’ll be in my office,” I said, refilling my cup and heading out the door. “I’ll be ready in about half an hour.”
Five minutes after the time I’d told them I made my way back into the kitchen. I’d scheduled flowers, catering, my gravediggers, and made sure I had the casket Mark Mosely had ordered in stock. I’d also contacted the paper and sent them the obituary. The viewing would be Friday night and the funeral early Saturday morning. It would be a packed house.
“You all set?” Jack asked.
“I’m good. Did he catch you up on everything we have so far?” I asked Wolfe.
“He did. And I’m looking forward to seeing the boards you have set up. I’m a champion at research. Have to be in my line of work. I’m ready to take these bastards out.”
