34

Jake and Eva pulled up to the landing strip and parked the car in the back.

“They should be here any minute,” Eva said, looking around.

Jake got out of the car. “I told him to call me when it was done.” He paced back and forth in front of the car.

“Maybe he couldn’t for some reason.”

“Like what reason Like trouble You got any more of those bad feelings”

Eva folded her arms. “He’s your brother.”

“She’s your cousin.”

“Then I guess we wait,” Eva said.

Jake leaned against the side of the car. He looked at Eva. “How are you feeling”

She shrugged a little, a half smile on her face. “Not bad. Guess that morning sickness thing hasn’t fully kicked in.”

Jake nodded. “What if it’s a girl”

“What if it’s a boy” She moved in front of him and stood in between his legs.

He hooked his arms around her waist. “Scary.”

“Yeah, scariest thing we’ve ever done.”

“Yeah.” He lowered his head for a quick kiss when the short blast of a car horn snapped them apart.

“No time for all that lovey-dovey stuff,” Jinx said, striding from the car. Rita hopped out from the other side.

“Well, don’t you two look impressive in your little uniforms,” Eva joked.

Jinx did a short bow. “Miami’s finest.”

“Got the stuff” Jake asked.

Jinx held up the duffle bag, identical to the one they took from Stan’s car. He grinned. “Poor old Stan. They’re gonna book him on a bag of dirty laundry.”

They all broke out laughing.

“Come on. Let’s get out of here,” Rita said. “These polyester pants are killing me.”

*   *   *

Lenora’s head pounded. She tried to open her eyes but quickly shut them against the light. The pounding continued. But it wasn’t her head. It was the door. She struggled to sit up.

“Mrs. Ingram. Open the door. It’s the police.”

Lenora blinked several times, shook her head to clear it. She looked around. Where was Stan

“Mrs. Ingram! Open the door.”

Lenora pushed herself to a standing position. She felt sick. She made it to the door and pulled it open. Two uniformed officers stood in front of her with Stan in handcuffs.

“What’s going on Why is my husband in handcuffs”

“He had a very interesting story to tell us, Agent Ingram. Why don’t you get your things and come with us.”

“I want to call my supervisor. I … I’m on special assignment.”

“We’ve been in touch with your supervisor, Agent Flannagan. He doesn’t know about any special assignment. Come with us, ma’am.”

She whirled on Stan with fear and fury. “What did you tell them You fool! What did you say” She lunged at him.

The officer stepped in between them and took her by the arm. “Get your things, ma’am.” He motioned to an officer near a second patrol car. “Secure the room.”

Lenora got her purse and shoes and was led out of the motel room.