The Other Lady Vanishes (Burning Cove #2)(48)

Alarmed, Adelaide turned quickly in the seat. “Are you talking about breaking into Dr. Paxton’s villa?”

“No, I’m talking about asking a friend to get me a key to the villa so that I can take a look around while Paxton is out. Got a better idea?”

“Not yet, but I’ll think of something,” Adelaide vowed. “Give me thirty seconds.”

“Why are you so concerned about me going into Paxton’s villa?”

“Because if you’re right, if he did have something to do with Zolanda’s death, he’s dangerous.”

“Thank you for your concern but I can take care of myself, Adelaide.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know—you used to be in the import-export business. You have a gun. I’ve got one question for you.”

“What?”

“Where is that gun tonight?”

“Locked inside the glove compartment of this car. Luther doesn’t allow guests to carry guns into the club. I could have asked for special permission, being his friend and all, but I didn’t think it was necessary. Luther’s security people are well armed. There’s probably no safer place in Burning Cove than the Paradise.”

“Oh,” Adelaide said.

She studied the glove compartment in front of her as if she had never seen one before.

“I assume you were going to point out that owning a gun isn’t much use if it’s not available when you need it,” he said.

She sighed. “Something like that. I didn’t bring my gun, either, so I’m in no position to lecture on the subject. Moving right along, has it occurred to you that Paxton might also own a gun. If he surprises you while you are searching his villa, he would have every reason to shoot you first. He would be able to claim he thought you were an intruder. Which would be more or less the truth.”

“Huh.”

“Now what are you thinking?”

“It strikes me as rather interesting that you would leap to the conclusion that Paxton might have a gun,” he said.

“Why wouldn’t I think that? I’ve got one and so do you. And someone in this situation is already dead.”

“Madam Zolanda was not shot.”

“True,” Adelaide said. “But if she was murdered, I think I may know how.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“I’ll tell you when we get back to the cottage. You’re driving at the moment. You shouldn’t be distracted.”

“And what you’re going to tell me will probably distract me?”

“Probably.”

Adelaide fell silent. He realized that he was starting to enjoy the view of Cliff Road. The pavement was lengthening and unwinding in front of the car—all the way into infinity. It occurred to him that he could drive forever and never arrive at the end. He would have Adelaide beside him all the way.

The moonlight splashed silver on the night-darkened ocean. The glow was becoming more intense. It was beckoning him, drawing him deeper into the night. It was a spangled highway that until now he had never known existed. There were secrets at the end of the gleaming silver road. All he had to do was follow the radiant trail.

“Jake?”

Adelaide’s voice came from another dimension.

“There’s nothing to worry about,” he said. “We’re going to find all the answers when we get there.”

“Where are we going?” Adelaide asked.

She was concerned. He did not want her to worry. He would protect her.

“Everything will be all right,” he said. “Can’t you see the moonlight highway? We can follow it to the truth.”

“Jake, listen to me. You must stop the car.”

“But we’re not there yet. Look at all the colors around us. Who knew there were so many shades of night?”

“I said, stop the car.”

She leaned toward him. For a few seconds he thought she was going to kiss him. Instead, she yanked the key out of the ignition. The roar of the engine ceased abruptly. The car began to slow.

Adelaide grabbed the wheel.

“Let go,” she ordered.

He obeyed, letting his hands drop to his knees. She was climbing over him now, taking control of the wheel.

He laughed. “You should have told me you wanted to drive.”

“Move your foot out of the way,” she said. She kicked the side of his leg with one silver sandal. “Do it now, Jake Truett.”

Obediently he moved his foot. Adelaide was half sitting on his thigh. He could feel the lush curve of her hips. Filled with wonder, he raised a hand to touch her bare back.

“You’re so soft,” he said. “And warm.”

She got one silvery foot on the brake and steered the car onto the side of the road. It came to a full stop. The glorious night closed in around them.

“Are we going to make love now?” he asked.

“No,” she said. “We’re going to get out of the car.”

“Good idea,” he said. “We can make love on the beach.”

“No,” she said again. She scrambled back to her side of the seat and used his keys to unlock the glove compartment. He watched with interest as she took out his gun and a flashlight.

“Do you want to do some target practice on the beach?” he asked.