The P.I. Contest

“All of the above. Oh, and plus I found out Conner was screwing a woman in Records.”

“What?”

“It’s true. Our engagement is over. I’ve returned the ring, kicked him out and I’m looking for a fresh start. And I mean a totally fresh start.”

“Oh, Kate, I’m so sorry to hear that. What a flipping jerk, though.”

“Yeah. I busted him right at the office, in front of all his buddies.”

Lindsay whooped. “Serves him right.”

“And then I told Rock I was quitting.”

“Girl, I like your style. And you definitely called at the right time. Nathan and I are drowning in work. If we don’t find someone soon, our sex life is going to be on permanent hold.”

“That sounds desperate. So Nathan’s a full-fledged partner now, is he?”

“I’ve even had new signs and business cards printed with Fox & Fisher. It’s going well, Kate. Really well.”

“I’m glad. You both deserve to be happy.” Lindsay and Nathan took very different approaches to their jobs. Lindsay was all about gut-feel and action, whereas Nathan preferred methodical research and careful planning. Their skill sets were complementary, and Kate liked them both very much. More than that, she respected them and trusted them.

“Kate, I’m sorry for what you’ve been through. But I’ve always felt you’d be a perfect fit to work with Nathan and me.”

Kate had the same feeling. “So when do I start?”

“I’d like to say tomorrow, but I have a partner now. I should probably arrange a meeting with you, me and Nathan. I’ll call you later to set up a time.”

JAY SAVAGE FINISHED HIS set of twelve reps, then replaced the weights on the rack. He was glad his buddy Nathan Fisher had talked him into going to the gym tonight.

He hadn’t worked out once since his sister died and the physical release was just what he needed.

“Want to grab a beer after we’ve showered?” Nathan asked as they completed a slow lap around the track to cool off.

Jay checked the time. He had an hour before Eric’s school night curfew of ten o’clock. “Okay, but it has to be quick.”

They both had damp hair when they perched on bar stools fifteen minutes later. Always health conscious, Nathan asked for a Coors light, but Jay ordered a Guinness, figuring his workout justified the extra calories.

“So—how are you doing?” Nathan asked.

He’d attended Tracy’s funeral a month ago and he’d called pretty much every week since then to check in. Jay appreciated his friend’s concern, but he couldn’t talk about what Tracy’s death meant to him, the deep remorse he felt and the guilt.

“I’m doing okay, but I’m worried about Eric. Hell, even before his mother died I was concerned about him.” At fourteen, Eric was at a critical age. Two years ago, he’d been a cheerful kid, eager to please. Now he was silent and moody, and Jay feared he was on the verge of making some very poor choices.

Just like Tracy had when she was his age.

“He must miss his mother,” Nathan said.

“I’m sure he does, but he doesn’t talk about her. I think he resents having to live with me.” But there was no one else, so neither one of them had a choice in the matter.

“Maybe he needs time to adjust.”

“Yeah. We both do.” Eric had been furious with him when he’d imposed a curfew, but so far he was honoring it. Jay didn’t think he was doing quite as well about school. He was pretty sure Eric had been cutting classes. He had an appointment set up this week with his homeroom teacher to see if he was right.

“He’s lucky he has you.”

Jay nodded, but in truth he wasn’t so sure about that. He’d practically raised his sister on his own, and look how she’d turned out. He didn’t want to screw up with his nephew, too.

“Have you decided what you’re going to do about work?”

Jay sighed. “My leave is over this week. I’m afraid I’m going to have to resign.”

“Jeez, man, I’m sorry.”

Nathan knew how much he loved flying. But when you worked as a commercial pilot, you had to be prepared to be away from home for three- or four-day stretches of time. With no backup at home for Eric, he just couldn’t do that.

“Eric’s too young to be alone overnight. And I can’t afford live-in help.” Jay tried to put a positive spin on the situation. “In a couple of years, when Eric’s older, I’ll go back.”

“What are you going to do in the meantime?”

Jay shrugged. “Good question.”

“We’re looking for someone at the agency,” Nathan said casually.

“Yeah?”

“Remember that summer we worked for Power Investigations?”

Jay laughed. “I haven’t thought about that in years.”

“We were staked out in that van, and it was so bloody cold.”

“I was determined to make us coffee with that old propane stove—”

“And the curtains caught fire. Remember how that gray-haired guy came running from his garage with a garden hose?”

“Yeah, in his underwear. And his wife yelling at him from the front door…”

They were both laughing too much to continue with the story. Their cover had been so blown that night. Plus, the interior of the van had been badly damaged. For some reason Power hadn’t fired them, though.

Jay wiped a tear from the corner of his eye. “Yeah, that was some job, all right.”

“We raked in a pile of dough that summer.”

“True.” Enough money that they’d both been able to enroll in college that fall. Nathan to study criminology and Jay aviation flight training.

The two men drank their beers quietly for a moment. Finally Jay said, “You really have an opening?”

“You bet. Lindsay and I have been turning away clients lately because we just can’t handle any more.”