“What a charmer,” Johanna said in a low voice screwing up her face. “He really thinks he's something.”
“I suppose with his looks and money most women would gravitate toward him the minute he showed any interest.”
“Especially those young and naive. Money talks.”
The blonde smiled coyly at Thatcher as she slowly backed away from him. “I need to use the restroom. I'll be back in a minute,” she said in a normal tone of voice.
“Go ahead,” Thatcher replied smiling broadly. “I'll wait for you in the car.” He stood at the counter for a few seconds and watched as she disappeared down the hallway. He nodded at the redhead and walked with long confident strides to the entrance.
“Let's find out who the blonde is,” Frankie said, “before she comes back. I'll think of something to say while you keep an eye on the hall.”
“Deal.”
Frankie sauntered to the counter with Johanna trailing a few steps behind.
Johanna's eyes shifted to the hallway. She hoped the blonde took her time in the ladies room. It would be awkward if she appeared before Frankie had a chance to learn her identity. It could also blow their cover.
Frankie peered over the counter to where the redhead had returned to her desk.
The receptionist looked up at her with the same bright smile. “I'm sure it'll only be a few more minutes.”
“That's fine.” She drew her eyebrows together. “I do have a question for you, though.”
“Yes?” She didn't bother getting up this time.
“The woman who was just here looks oddly familiar to me, but I can't seem to place her. It's driving my sister and me crazy.”
She grinned and nodded knowingly. “Kristin Robbins. She's done a few local television commercials. You probably recognize her from those.”
Frankie nodded enthusiastically. “I knew she looked familiar.”
Johanna took the opportunity to make their exit. She glanced at her wristwatch and frowned. “I'm afraid we can't wait any longer. We have another appointment this evening.”
“I'm sure an agent will be available momentarily,” the redhead replied quickly.
Johanna tossed her head. “We really have to go. We may be back tomorrow evening, but our time is at a premium.”
They were out the door before the woman could say another word. They walked slowly to the car. Thatcher sat in his car with the motor running looking at messages on his cell phone. He didn't look up as they passed. They quickly jumped in Johanna's car and waited for the blonde to join Thatcher.
“That's a good idea you had, Frankie, to switch our cars each day.”
“It'll throw suspicion off us.” She leaned back in the seat. “At least for a while.”
“It's nice to have you in the passenger seat for a change.” She paused. “Even though you think you're the better driver.”
“You're learning under my tutelage,” Frankie teased.
“Stop,” Johanna said playfully punching her arm. “I'm a good driver and you know it.”
“And someday maybe you'll be as good as me,” she replied peering out of the windshield. “Here she comes. It took her long enough.”
Thatcher immediately pulled out of the parking slot and drove to the front of Kramer Insurance Company. Kristin opened the passenger side door and slipped inside.
“I wonder where they're going tonight. I hope we don't have to tail him for too long,” Johanna said. “I'm anxious to get home.”
Frankie turned her head and looked at her. “Are you feeling all right? Maybe you're doing too much too soon.”
Johanna patted Frankie's hand. “It's not that, honey. I'm just anxious to get home to see what I can dig up on Kristin Robbins now that we know her name.”
Frankie cocked an eye. “Oh, I thought maybe you had another reason. Maybe something you promised me tonight.”
“That is my number one priority tonight.” She yawned.
“Are you tired? Maybe when we're finished tonight you should go to bed early and get a good night's sleep.” Frankie looked at her cautiously.
“I intend to go to bed early, but sleep is definitely not what I have on my mind.” She squeezed Frankie's hand. “I feel fantastic, so quit worrying.”
“I can't help it.” Frankie smiled. “I just want to make sure you’re not overdoing it. You’ll let me know if it gets to be too much for you. Promise?”
“I promise. I’m not over doing it and I’d let you know if I was, sweetie.”
“Okay.”
Johanna played with a strand of hair. “Doesn’t it seem odd that Thatcher isn’t trying very hard to hide his relationship with Kristin?”
“Yes. It’s almost as though he wants to get caught. But why? It makes absolutely no sense.” Frankie shook her head. “I’ve been wracking my brain trying to figure out his angle, but am coming up blank.”
“Well, there is one thing we can agree on. He’s an arrogant son of a bitch,” she said bitterly.
“That he is. Maybe that’s why he believes he’ll never be caught. And this place is out of the way.” Frankie pulled on her chin. “I think we need to let Alec know about Kristin Robbins.”
“What about Kendall? She’s our client. Shouldn’t she be the first to know everything we find out?” Johanna asked as she slowly eased the car out of the parking space, then keeping a safe distance, followed Thatcher’s car out of the parking lot.
Frankie exhaled loudly. “Yes, she’s our client, but my gut tells me to talk to Alec first. It might be better if she hears it from him.”
“We have to tell her something.” She gripped the steering wheel. “Or maybe ask her to meet us at Alec’s office.”
“I like that.” She blew her breath out. “I can’t wait until Thatcher’s world comes crashing down.”
“Me, either.” Johanna watched as Thatcher exited the parking lot. She waited several seconds before she exited. “It just hit me. Why is Kristin at the insurance company every night? What’s her connection? The receptionist says she’s made some local commercials.”
“Maybe she’s doing one for them. Hopefully something will come up on your search. It
