Page 72 of Backwater Justice

“Lamborghini?” She raised her eyebrows.

“That’s uncanny. I have my eye on one, myself.”

“Well, if you’d rather change it up, I can do a Ferrari, Maserati, or Aston Martin.”

“You really are my kind of woman.” Oliver grinned. “Why don’t we try a couple of them?”

“Sounds grand!” Annie chuckled. The conversation moved on from favorite places to movies, and the usual small talk banter.

As they were leaving the restaurant, Oliver excused himself and went to the men’s room. When he returned, he lightly squeezed his nostrils together and sniffed. Then he explained they would have to drive to Portland. That was where the biggest sports car dealership was. “Well, that will give me a chance to drive your Porsche.” The valet brought Oliver’s car around, and Annie dashed to the driver’s door.

“As you wish.” Oliver made an ostentatious bow.

This was the second time that day Annie would be whizzing along I5 from Salem to Portland. But this time, it was going to be much more fun.

When they arrived at the dealership, Oliver was greeted by two men who were as impeccably dressed as he was. They could be on the cover ofGQmagazine orEsquire. Annie noticed all of them were well-manicured, too. The men obviously knew Oliver and were happy to see him. Again. “Can’t stay away from that beauty?” One of the men nodded toward a shiny red Lamborghini Huracán.

“Ooohhh . . . it is a beauty,” Annie exclaimed. She sashayed her way across the showroom.

Oliver leaned in toward the two men as they watched. “She’s Countess Anna De Silva.”

“Ooohhh . . . she’s a beauty, too,” one of the men commented. “Is she in the market for a shiny new car?”

“She made some noise about driving something cross-country,” Oliver said with authority. “She wants to test-drive a few different makes and models.”

“Absolutely! I am sure we can accommodate her.”

One of the men crossed the room and addressed her. “I’m Eric. What did you have in mind?”

“Sorry. I get very excited around fast cars. I’m Annie.”

He opened the driver’s door. “Please get a feel for this beautiful piece of art.”

Annie slid in and melted into the soft leather. “It’s scrumptious,” she said. “May I take it for a test-drive?”

“But of course.” He opened the door so she could unfold herself from the coupe. “Come with me.” He took her to a computer terminal, where he typed a few strokes and waited to see what was available. “We have a silver one that’s accessible.”

“Fab! Let’s do it. Oliver? Ready?”

“Give me one sec.” He took off for the men’s room again, and once again, he pinched his nose and sniffed as he exited.

It was obvious to Annie that Oliver was doing cocaine. She had never done it herself but had been around many people who had. Did. It was at almost every party she’d attended in the late 1980s.He needs a lesson in discretion.

It wasn’t company policy to allow two non-employees to drive a $300,000 car out on the street, but the salesmen would make an exception in this instance. If anything happened, Annie could cover the cost. They weren’t too sure about Oliver. He had been hemming and hawing for over a month about the car he wanted. He kept promising a deposit, but it hadn’t arrived yet.

A man in a service uniform pulled the car around to the side entrance. Annie jumped into the driver’s seat, and Oliver slid into the passenger side. “Be back in a bit!” Annie waved and pulled away slowly enough not to give the two salesmen palpitations.

Oliver directed her to a country road where she could tear it up. And tear it up she did. He glanced over at the speedometer. 120 mph. Fast enough. He was both awed and terrified. He’d never met anyone like this woman before. He could actually go for someone like Annie. She was rich enough for his standards. Age? Just a number.

Annie knew Oliver was looking at her as if she were his latest prey. She played along. The man had no idea whom he was dealing with.

After twenty minutes of zooming around the outskirts of Portland, they returned to the dealership. Oliver was quick to return to the men’s room.

One of the well-groomed sales associates asked her how she liked the ride.

“Spectacular! What’s next?” She smiled from ear to ear. “I’ve had my eye on a McLaren 720S. Do you happen to have one of those lying about?”

“No, I apologize, but we can order one for you.”