Indecent Danger (Danger Incorporated #3)(37)
Shane shrugged and did his best imitation of an “aw shucks” grin. “I could have one of my assistants do it I guess, but it just wouldn’t be the same.” He nodded toward the bar across the lobby. “I do have a few minutes between meetings. I don’t suppose I could buy you a drink? You know what they say about drinking alone.”
“It would be impolite not to join you,” she breathed, her voice husky. “Right now?”
Absolutely right now while you’re entranced by my charm.
“Just let me pay for this.” Shane pulled another brown bear from the shelf. “Let’s get one for you too. I think every pretty girl should get a new…toy.”
Her cheeks turned pink and she giggled as he led the way to the cashier. This was almost too easy and he felt a little dirty as he paid for the two stuffed animals. Charming women out of their clothes had been a hobby since he’d turned fifteen and had his growth spurt to over six feet tall. But all the women in the world couldn’t fill the empty space inside of him.
Only one woman could do that.
The cashier bagged his purchase and he linked Iris’s arm with his own.
“You’re a pretty smooth operator, Shane.”
Iris didn’t look like she cared much if this wasn’t a grand passion or true love.
“You’re not so bad yourself. Now let’s get that drink.”
He led her through the lobby and straight to the bar. A few drinks and Iris Perry just might tell him something useful.
Chapter Nineteen
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“I need you to go to New York City and talk to that bookie. I already called to have them ready the corporate jet.”
Travis pulled Shane aside while Aubrey was chatting with her sister on the phone. She’d been elated at the news that she was no longer under suspicion but of course sad that Martin and Caroline weren’t out of the woods yet. As far as Travis was concerned Detective Prather wasn’t thinking globally enough. He was concentrating only on the guests at the party. Bruce had far more enemies than just those people.
“I can do that,” Shane easily agreed. “I wouldn’t mind trying to talk to a few of Bruce’s business associates either. He had to have pissed off dozens over the years, what with his winning personality and caring attitude. I’ll fly out tonight. Are you staying here in Florida or heading back to Tremont?”
“Staying here for the time being. I hate to leave a friend when the shit has really hit the fan, if you know what I mean. I don’t know if I can help him but I want to try. Martin has done so many things for me all these years. I’d like to pay him back.”
Even now Martin was demonstrating amazing grace under pressure. Travis was more impressed than ever with his mentor and friend. Martin could have pulled the billionaire card and brought in a phalanx of attorneys, but instead he’d stayed open and accessible. The man was a class act.
“There’s only so much you can do, Trav. You can’t do the police’s job for them.”
“I’m only trying to help. I’m aware that most police officers are underpaid and overworked. I don’t doubt that Prather wants the real killer, but his limited resources don’t allow him to look further than the small pool of suspects right here at the party. He doesn’t have the manpower to look elsewhere.”
Shane tapped a note into his phone before shoving it back into his pocket. “Do you honestly believe the killer isn’t here this weekend? It’s a long shot. I agree with Prather on this one. Someone here had the best opportunity. The murderer is someone you know, maybe even someone you care about.”
Travis glanced sideways, ensuring that Aubrey was still deep in conversation with Gigi. “Is this your not so subtle way of saying you think it might be Martin? I’ve known the man for over fifteen years and he’s no killer.”
“All I’m saying is that it could be one of your friends here at the party. Someone you like and respect. You need to prepare yourself for that and not let your personal feelings blind you as we find out more information.”
There needed to be a change in subject. Now.
“Tell me what Iris said. Did you find out anything at all?”
Shane’s brows shot up and he grinned like the cat that ate the canary. “She has a boyfriend. Another one. But she never said his name. I think he was the one she was talking about to Aubrey because she mentioned he was really good looking. She didn’t have a lot to say about Bruce.”
Finally some information that might be useful.
“Two men and she had drinks with you. She’s sociable, I’ll give her that.”
“She was rather offhand about Bruce, didn’t seem all that broken up that he was gone. She spoke of her boyfriend in admiring terms so I think she’s just an incurable flirt. I got the feeling she likes the attention so I made sure to give her plenty.”
“Dating a man like Bruce I can’t say I blame her. I doubt he gave her much attention.” Travis stroked his chin in thought. “Did she tell you anything about the unknown boyfriend?”
“He’s old money,” Shane shrugged. “She mentioned his family had money but she was vague about what he did for living. But I got the feeling he was here this weekend. But that doesn’t narrow things down much. Not in this crowd.”