thirty-six

I sat back down in the chair and stared unseeingly at the floral arrangement on the table in front of me. “What did Marcy say?” Nigel asked.

“Lots, actually,” I said, “but the main thing is that they’re arresting Harper.”

Nigel’s eyes widened in shock. “Are you serious? Then we need to go down there and bail her out,” he said.

I held up my hand. “Harper’s dad is already on it. He and the family lawyer are on their way to the station now.”

Nigel relaxed slightly. “Well, that’s good.”

I shrugged. “That’s a relative term.”

Nigel squeezed my shoulder. “Hang on. I know what you need.”

Skippy put his head back in my lap and nudged my hand with his nose. I began to pet his ears when he started to whine. Leaning down, I lifted up one ear and peered in. “Nigel,” I called. “Did we bring Skippy’s medicine? I think he’s got another ear infection.”

“I’ll get it,” Nigel said. “Hang on.”

Moments later, Nigel appeared with a dirty martini. I glanced up at him. “I hope that’s for me, and not Skippy,” I said.

“Of course,” Nigel said as he set the glass down on the table in front of me. “Skippy likes his martinis dry.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a bottle of the ointment. Skippy stoically held still while Nigel put a few drops in each ear. “Good boy, Skippy,” he said. “Now don’t scratch at them or we’ll have to pull out the cone of shame.”

Skippy put his head back in my lap and stared mournfully at me. “Okay,” I said, “you can have an olive.” I fished one out and tossed it to him. Skippy caught it neatly and lay down at my feet.

Nigel went to get his drink and then slid into the chair opposite me. He clinked his glass against mine. I took a grateful sip. “What else did Marcy have to say?” he asked. When I finished telling him, he let out a low whistle. “Damn. This just keeps getting better and better,” he said. He took a sip of his drink. “So who do you want to visit first?” he asked.

I looked at him in confusion. “Visit?”

Nigel nodded. “Yes. The way I see it, we need to talk to Nina and Jeremy first thing tomorrow about their visits to Dan. Then maybe we can grab a late lunch.”

I smiled at him. “Have I told you today how much I love you?” I asked.

“I believe you covered that subject quite satisfactorily earlier this morning,” Nigel said. “But if you feel the need to go over it again, I’m happy to oblige. However in the interest of full disclosure, I probably should tell you where I’m taking you to lunch before you embark on any demonstrations of affection.”

I sat back in my chair with a slow smile. “I assumed you were taking me to Little’s Vittles.”

Nigel smiled back. “You are a clever girl.”

I tipped my head in acknowledgement. “By the way, thank you for my martini.”

“You’re welcome. Is it dirty enough for you?”

I took a sip and winked. “Never.”