Page 78 of The Wild Side

“Dessert.” James jerked his thumb at the car.

Melanie knew exactly what he meant. By the time they reached the main road, Gilmour was waiting on the corner. He climbed into the rear seat. “And how did we do this evening?” Melanie quizzed him.

“I don’t know how you did it, but lifting his passport and his phone?”

“It’s called distraction.” Melanie grinned. “And don’t ask me how I did it.”

“Magic Circle?” Gilmour asked.

Melanie made a zipper gesture across her lips.

“It turns out Torres’s diplomatic passport was a fake. There was no record of it in the database. Good thing you nicked it. Made the officer’s job a little easier.”

“What would have happened if Torres was able to show his ID?”

“We knew one of the men was a fraud, so everyone was on the lookout for possible fake identities. They would have had to detain him and go through the motions, forcing him to miss his flight to El Salvador. Then the red tape would roll, keeping him here until they could sort things out. You saved them a lot of time.”

“Does that mean I get a bonus?” Melanie joked.

“Isn’t the wardrobe enough?” Gilmour grinned.

“I am going to have to find a place to wear it.” She opened her purse and handed him Torres’s fake ID and phone. “Should we call his family and tell them he won’t be home for dinner?”

They burst out laughing, including James, formerly known as Charles.

Chapter Eighteen

Lights Out

Melanie patted herself on the back for her quick thinking and sleight of hand, then congratulated herself for taking the day off. She didn’t have to get up to let the dogs out, since Kramer had taught himself how to unlatch the doggie door. She reminded herself that only an idiot would try to break into a house with two very large, very strong, and very loud German shepherds. She slept well most of the time, but last night, she was in the slowest wave of Delta. She stretched slowly and swung her legs around so she was sitting upright on the edge of the bed. The dogs must have sensed the lady of the manor was awake. She could hear them scramble into the house and up the stairs.

“Good morning, my sweet boys!” She kissed them both on the head. “Did you fix breakfast for me?” Kramer cocked his head. “No? Well, that’s just fine.” She pretended to be offended. “After my big night last night, one of you could have fixed coffee.” The dogs looked toward the window. A car was pulling into the driveway. It was Gilmour. Cosmo and Kramer bolted down the steps. Melanie looked at herself in the mirror. “You are so not ready for the public.” She tousled her hair and slipped on a pair of shoes. The lounging pajamas she was wearing were good enough to open the door.

“So now you show up unannounced?” She turned and walked toward the kitchen. “I hope you brought coffee.”

“Good morning to you, Miss Sunshine. I tried to call, but your phone kept going to voice mail. When I hadn’t heard from you, I was a little concerned so came by to do a wellness check.”

“Yes, I am well, and good idea about the coffee.” She grabbed two turquoise mugs from the cabinet and poured the coffee from the cardboard cups. “Don’t even say it.”

“What? Why dirty a cup when it’s already in one?”

“I said, ‘don’t even say it.’ Geez, even Kramer has better hearing than you.” Kramer raised his head at the mention of his name.

“Aren’t we in a fine mood today?” he mocked.

“You, maybe. Me? I’m not awake enough to make an accurate assessment.” She grabbed the bag he was holding and plucked out a warm cranberry scone. “But maybe these will help.”

“You’re welcome.” Gilmour bowed.

Melanie grinned. “Thank you. I was kidding. I feel great today. Well, not great. Not yet. But I will in a few minutes. Perhaps after my second scone.” She looked over at her phone. It was sitting on the counter. Unplugged. “No wonder.” She got up, licked the sticky sugar off her fingers, and charged the battery. “I must have forgotten when I got home.”

“Mel, you did an amazing job last night.” He sipped his coffee. “You’re right. It tastes better in a real mug. No paper aftertaste.”

“See? When will you realize that there is no sense in arguing with me? I am always right. Geesh.” She flicked him on the back of his head.

“Ouch.”

“Sissy.” She took another bite of the scone. “So you were really worried about me?”