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Wendy gave her a grateful smile, and sat down as she began to talk. While Frieda made them coffee, serving it up with a healthy dollop of Irish cream, Wendy explained what happened at Anita’s party. She explained how Frank seemed to try to warn her to stay away, and how Jimmy suddenly appeared, surprising her, and somehow able to dismiss Frank as if he were working for him.
“Poor Frank,” Frieda murmured, wondering what the poor man was trapped into.
“Something crooked is definitely underway,” Wendy stated, wrapping her hands around her warm coffee cup. She picked it up and took a long sip, her shoulders finally relaxing as the liquor warmed her belly.
“This was a great idea,” Wendy told Frieda, smiling, “thank you.”
“Just let me know when you need a refill,” Frieda replied quickly, giving her a wink.
“So what now?”
Before Wendy could answer, her cell phone began to ring, and her face paled.
“It’s Anita,” she sighed dismally.
“Answer, but sound sick,” Erik advised quickly. “Apologize and accept any invitation she gives you. We can still do this.”
Wendy’s meek look disappeared, and she nodded her head resolutely. “Yes, we can.”
She took a deep breath, then answered, her voice perfectly mimicking a person with stomach issues.
“Hello? Yes, yes, so sorry. No, I’m fine. No, he didn’t upset me at all. No, yeah, he just took me to the side because I started feeling sick. Oh, really? I had no idea about that. Yes, well, he took me off guard. Yes, I’m sure. Tomorrow sounds great. Thanks again. You too. Bye.”
Wendy hung up the phone, and let out a deep breath. “I think I’ll take the second cup now,” she said to Frieda. “Hold the coffee.”
“You got it,” Frieda replied, already getting up. “What did she say?”
“I think she bought it, but she was super worried about what Frank said to me and wanted to make sure he didn’t do anything to upset me. She mentioned Jimmy, too. Apparently, he was supposed to wait to talk to me until after Anita explained their relationship. They’re partners in a development project. She apologized for him surprising me.”
“So, she didn’t mention him following you?” Erik asked.
Wendy shook her head as she accepted her mug back from Frieda.
“No, but I bet she’s the reason he did. I didn’t want to mention it to her either.”
“Good thinking,” Erik assured her. “We need to get someone on Jimmy. He’s a loose screw in this, I’m sure of it. All he needs is just the right twist and he’ll fall right out.”
“I like the sound of that,” Frieda smirked. “Who do we get?”
“I bet Regan will do it,” Erik offered.
“Who?” Frieda and Wendy asked in unison.
“Regan,” Erik repeated. “He’s my buddy who helped with the phone. He has a little experience in this stuff, and he’ll be a fresh face.”
“Another secret agent friend of yours?” Frieda asked, her eyebrow drawing up. “How many of you are hiding out in these mountains?”
“More than you think,” Erik answered. By his tone, Frieda couldn’t tell if he was joking or serious, and decided she didn’t want to know.
“I’ll give him a call tonight as soon as I get home,” Erik continued. “Free, do you mind staying here with Wendy for the night?”
“Of course, I will,” Frieda replied, turning to Wendy with a comforting smile.
“I’ll make us a great breakfast in the morning.”
“Thank you, Frieda,” Wendy replied graciously. “I don’t think I can sleep. The being followed thing really freaked me out.”
“Of course, it did,” Frieda replied. “This is all uncalled for, and I want nothing more than to shove my foot in that sorry excuse for a man’s rear for doing this. It’s bad enough he’s in cahoots with whatever Anita is trying to pull, but to follow you home after a party?”
