“What do you mean, some detectives were here? What do we know about Mindy Davidson’s death?” Robyn put down her fork and stared at Max.
“They’re talking with a lot of neighbors, Robyn. I wasn’t the only one they came to see.”
“So? Why did they talk to you at all?”
“Think about it, sweetheart. You work with her brother-in-law, and I’m here all the time. I see all the women at the pool and in the recreation center, Mindy included. They’d be fools not to talk to me.”
She took a deep breath. “I guess you’re right.”
“Of course I am. Here, let me pour you some more tea.”
“I don’t want any more tea.”
“Okay. Just don’t be mad at me.”
She shook her head. “I’m not mad. I just don’t want to get involved. Don’t you realize it could mean my job? I work for that family. I make damn good money for what I do, and I don’t want to lose it.”
Her words stunned Max. He hadn’t thought about the possibility that Robyn might lose her job. That would be awful. He might have to go to work. “Don’t worry, baby. They think too much of you at Davidson Industries. They wouldn’t let you go.” He hoped he was right.
“I’d like to think they’d never fire me, but Vernon Armfield isn’t the kind of person you play around with. He’d dump me in a heartbeat if he thought I could hurt him. I’ve seen him do it to others.”
“How in the world could you hurt him?”
“I’m almost positive he was getting it on with Mindy. He was always meeting her to talk business. But you and I both know Mindy wasn’t interested in business. As long as she got her monthly check, she could care less what went on at Davidson Industries.”
“Don’t you understand?” He smiled. “That could be our trump card.”
“What do you mean?”
“If he tries to fire you, tell him in no uncertain terms that you’ll spill the beans about him and Mindy. He won’t want that coming out.”
“You know what? I think you’re right.” For the first time, Robyn relaxed. She smiled, and then took a deep breath. “That takes a big load off my mind.” She leaned over and kissed him. “Thanks.”
He returned the kiss. “I’m glad you’re thankful. Do you have time to show me how much?”
“I wish I could, but I can’t today.” She sighed. “I’ve got to get the rest of the monthly statement out this afternoon. Vernon is waiting for it, so I’d better get back.”
“I understand. Tonight, then?”
“You bet.” She stood. “Now, you be a good boy. I don’t want to hear that you’ve done things you shouldn’t while I’m at work.”
“What are you talking about?” He stood and walked her to the door. “I’m always a good boy.”
“Keep it that way.” She gave him another quick kiss and stepped outside. “See you tonight. Fix a special supper. Maybe a nice Italian dish.”
“I’ll do that.” He closed the door with a worried look on his face. He couldn’t help wondering about Robyn’s remarks. What was she getting at? Did she suspect something? Damn, he had to keep her in the dark about his daytime games with the neighborhood women. Things were going too good to mess up now.
He headed for the kitchen to get an aspirin. He had a headache. All he needed now was for Tess to call and say she had spilled her guts to the police or those private detectives.