“Where do you think I am? Anyway, I’m going to lose my mind if I don’t do something. I’ve been home one day and even with a million TV channels, I have nothing to watch. So, tell me what you’re finding out about the drug reps, Scout,” she ordered.
He shook his head, wondering why he ever mentioned he had been a Boy Scout when he was younger. She almost never used the nickname unless she was frustrated. A tenacious detective, it appeared that mandatory bed rest was not going to keep her down. “Okay, they’re either seen as a necessary evil, drug hucksters, or an integral part of the pharmaceutical business depending on what you read. They’re hired by pharmaceutical manufacturers to educate physicians about the different drugs in what’s referred to as a ‘rapidly changing industry.’ They provide doctors with samples of the drugs and the knowledge about those drugs. Some doctors run in the other direction when they see them coming, and some are glad to get the latest information on what’s being available for their patients. From what I saw this morning, the Kilton rep had a trunk full of prescription drugs to give out.”
“Honestly, Carter, I don’t think that’s so unusual. Every time I go to a doctor’s office, I see reps traipsing through.” She laughed, but it sounded more like a snort. “I swear, they all seem young, dressed to kill, wearing high heels and tight skirts.”
“If I’d said that, it would have sounded sexist.”
“Just calling it like I see it. But seriously, they’re in competition with all the other drug companies who are out hocking their drugs to doctors.”
Rubbing his chin, he thought about Beth handing the boxes to Polly. “Aren’t they supposed to give the drugs to the doctor?”
“Nah, I’ve seen them give samples to the nurses or even the receptionists.” She paused for a few seconds and then asked, “Do you want me to do some more digging on Kilton Pharmaceuticals? I’m stuck in bed but have my laptop.”
Glancing at the time on his laptop, Carter said, “If you want to, I’m not going to argue, Rachel. Just take care of yourself first.” Disconnecting, he stood and grabbed his jacket off the back of his chair. Hustling out of the headquarters building, he made his way down the street toward the deli—and lunch.
A few blocks later, he made it to Sherman’s. Stepping inside, he spied Tara at a corner booth, just taking off her coat. He stalked toward her and lifted his hands to her coat. “Here, let me.”
She looked over her shoulder and beamed. “Thank you, Detective Fiske.”
They slid to opposite sides of the booth and ordered iced tea. Her attention focused on the menu, but he could not take his eyes off her. She looked the same as this morning with just a swipe of lip gloss added. Her gaze lifted and she nibbled on the side of her bottom lip.
Before she had a chance to speak again, he blurted, “Call me Carter, please.” Her eyes widened slightly, and he rushed, “Detective Fiske sounds so stuffy.”
Her lips curved upward. “Okay, Carter. And please, call me Tara.”
Nodding, he smiled in return. “So, what’s good here?”
“I know it’s boring, but I almost always get their BLT. They put a ton of crispy fried bacon on it and use thick, butter-toasted bread.” She glanced down at the menu, and before he had a chance to respond, her gaze jumped back to his and she added, “Oh, and you have to get their fries. Fresh-cut and seasoned with some kind of special salt.”
Chuckling, he said, “You’ve sold me. Sounds like a perfect lunch. Good food and good company.”
Cocking an eyebrow, she smiled. “You’re assuming that I’m good company, Carter. For all you know, I’m a lousy lunch partner.”
“Well, I eat with my fingers, use lots of ketchup on my fries, and sometimes knock my drink over. I might even have to borrow your napkins if I make too much of a mess.”
She burst into laughter. “Then we’ll be perfect lunch partners because that sounds just like my daughter.”
At the mention of a daughter, his eyes dropped back to her ring finger, confirming that it was bare. He was glad she was staring down at her hands, giving him a few seconds to erase the shock from his face.
The server came over and they ordered the BLTs and fries. He refocused his attention back to her. “So, you have a daughter?”
She lifted her gaze and smiled. “She’s in first grade and loves school. She actually didn’t want to stay home today but woke up with a fever. I’m fortunate that my mom or sister can watch her when she can’t go to school. That’s why I was a little late to work today.”
Seeing the obvious pride on her face, he met her smile with one of his own, although his stomach had dropped. “What’s her name?” As soon as the question left his lips, he wondered why he asked. It’s not like I’m interested, I’d just like her help with the case. He leaned forward, placing his forearms on the table, his gaze still on her. Yeah, right. If I’m not interested, why do I hate finding out that she’s married?
Tara brightened and replied, “Colleen. She’s the light of my life.” Lifting her shoulders in a shrug, she added, “I confess, she’s the only and best thing that came out of my disastrous marriage.”
“Oh?”
“I’m sorry. I have no idea why I said that. That was so not appropriate for a working lunch.”
He leaned forward a little more and shook his head. “No, Tara, that’s fine. I mean, we’re getting to know each other. Even if it is a… um… working lunch.” For a reason he could not define and refused to spend time thinking about, he felt more relaxed finding out that she was single. Wanting to keep her from feeling self-conscious, he steered the conversation in
