“Well frankly, Peggy, I find it somewhat suspect that someone even noticed that we were there. First of all, we were parked inconspicuously, far enough away that the average person in mourning wouldn’t notice. And if they did, maybe it’s because they had a guilty conscious.”
“That is not for you or I to decide. You are not a detective, Elizabeth. Maybe we need to go over your job description? Or maybe you would feel more comfortable working for SPD rather than this office?” Her nostrils flared.
Rolling her eyes, Elizabeth felt defeated. She shook her head to the side and said, “Okay, I apologize, Peggy. At the time Martinez asked me I didn’t see the harm. He was able to obtain a new suspect in the case with my help and, like I said, I paid my respects.” She stood up to leave and added, “I should emphasize the fact that whoever made the call to Chief Holden, should be made aware to Martinez because I am sure the family of the victim would never have been concerned, least of all noticed.” She grabbed the handle to the door and asked, “Can I get back to my work, please?”
Peering down her nose and frustrated with Elizabeth’s lack of remorse and respect for authority, she waved her hand demanding Elizabeth’s exit. “I’ll be speaking with Marilyn about this.”
Not responding, Elizabeth walked out the door and down the hall to her office. Whatever Peggy. Cheese and rice! She took a beeline to China’s office, who was diligently working at her computer, and flung herself into the chair in the corner. She sighed deeply.
Jumping at the distraction, China laughed at herself and said, “Damn Liz! Give a girl a little warning next time, will ya?”
Brushing a few hairs out of her face she apologized. Then she took her voice down a few decibels. “You know, Peggy Cabot is the worst thing that has happened to this office since we’ve been here. What was it, two, three years we haven’t had or needed a supervisor?”
China turned in her chair to give her full attention. “Two. It’s been two years, honey.”
“It’s not that I’m completely opposed to having a supervisor per se, but what the hell? This is what we get stuck with? I swear, China, if she looks at me down her nose one more time – Oh my God, I can’t even stand her nasally, pretentious voice! Like she is so much better than us. She has a BA. I have a frigin’ law degree for crying out loud.”
“Don’t feel bad. She made a comment about my clothes today.” She pursed her lips together and batted her eyes.
She eyed China up and down. She had on an off-white button-down shirt, a black pencil skirt hanging just a few inches above the knee, and a pair of black high heel open-toed shoes that wrapped around her ankles. Stunned, she asked, “What about your clothes?”
“Well, let’s see, my skirt is too short, my top is too revealing, and I need to look a little more professional.”
“Oh, come on? What the...”
Waving her French manicured nails in front of her she flung her bangs off her brows and said, “I kid you not. She literally asked me to button my shirt up further. As if it’s my fault she has no cleavage. I have been working here how long? No one has ever made a comment about the way I dress. Hell, at least she kinda has a reason to be on you but I haven’t done anything to warrant her riding my ass. Jealous bitch.”
A little offended, Elizabeth replied, “I haven’t really done anything, either.”
“You know what I mean. I got one word for you, Liz. Cankles. And now we can add superiority complex to the mix. Per-fect combination.” She frowned.
“I guess we should get something done before she comes down here and yells at us both.”
China scrunched her eyebrows together and curled her lips. “Screw her. Peggy obviously has issues. She’s pissed off because you’re smarter than her and she hates the fact that I am ten times more attractive. I really wouldn’t worry about it too much.”
“Yeah, but still.”
“Come on, Liz.” Her shaped brow was high and rounded. Matter-of-factly she reminded her, “Doctor’s wife.” Changing the subject she asked, “So how was lunch with your Latin Lover anyway?”
“Okay I guess. Pam’s boyfriend showed up after the family left just like Angel anticipated. I was able to get his name so he could run a background check on him.”
Her face filled with excitement. “Success! You guys should open up your own PI business.” It was like she had an epiphany. “Oh my God, Liz, that’s it! Angel can be the detective, you be the lawyer, and I’ll take care of the office. Win, win, win!”
“Really, China? That’s crazy.”
“Uh, not crazy, entrepreneurial. One of these days you’re going to totally love one of my ideas and we’re both going to leave all the Peggy Cabots in the world behind forever.”
Elizabeth stood to leave. “Well, for right now, we should both get back to work before Jabba the Hutt makes her way down the hall and catches us.”
“Hey, a girl can dream, right?”
Chapter 12
Exhausted after a long day, Elizabeth pulled down the gravel driveway to the lake house looking forward to a glass of wine and an evening with Martinez, even though he was bringing work with him. Grabbing her bag from the passenger seat she exited her vehicle and headed to the steps leading to the screened in porch when she heard a clanking noise. Cautiously, she crept to the door.
“Son of a bitch! You mother -”
“Uncle Bill! What on earth are you doing? You scared the crap outta me!” Entering the porch she ran to his aid. He was in the entry to the house, the door wide open, fiddling with something on the inside wall next to the door. His tools spread out all over the welcome mat.
“Hey baby
