Page 13 of Lawbreaker

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“He’s a fanatic,” Stasia answered for Tony. “He never missesMonday Night Raw. He’s watched every WrestleMania since the first one. He has all the guys in to watch it with him every year. If there’s a wrestling move, he knows it.”

“Wow,” Odalie said, and her eyes brightened.

Tony was glowering. “I’m not a fanatic,” he told Stasia. “I watch it once in a while. That’s all.”

“Oops,” Stasia said, realizing that he didn’t want that information shared with Odalie. “Sorry.”

He shrugged it off. His eyes went back to Burt Donalson. “I have to talk to Tom,” he said and walked off.

“I would never have figured him for a wrestling fan,” Odalie said as they melted into the crowd in the living room.

“He really is a fanatic, whatever he says,” Stasia chuckled. “He’s got framed autographed photos in his study.”

“I don’t like that Donalson man,” Odalie said shortly.

“No woman likes him, except, apparently, his wife,” Stasia replied. “If things get too hot for you, go sit in the Jungle Room.”

“The what?”

“Let me show you.”

Stasia led her to the very back of the house, to a large ornately carved wooden door. She opened it into South America. At least, that was what it looked like.

“Oh, my goodness,” Odalie exclaimed as words failed her. “It’s just heaven!”

And it was, to a gardener, or even just to a woman who loved flowers. The room was filled with vegetation. Vines, plants, lit tables filled with blooming orchids of every color in the rainbow, tropical plants, even a few potted trees. And in the midst of it, comfortable chairs and even a hanging rope swing.

“I’ve died and gone to heaven,” Odalie murmured as they wandered through it.

“Burt wouldn’t come in here to save his life,” Stasia said.

“Oh? Why?”

“Are you afraid of snakes?” Stasia asked.

“You know I’m not. Why?”

“Because of Rudolf.”

She frowned. “Rudolf?”

Stasia pointed. There, in the exposed very smooth rafters, hung a huge yellow and white snake with red eyes.

“He’s lovely!” Odalie exclaimed. “John used to have one. We’d chase one of the ranch hands with him when we were kids. We got in so much trouble!”

Stasia grinned. “Burt’s afraid of snakes. He doesn’t like Rudolf.”

“Well, I like Rudolf. Hello, you sweet boy!” She reached up and stroked his head. He just looked at her.

“If I tell Tony, he’ll faint,” Stasia laughed. “He can’t get any woman he knows to come in here, not even Mrs. Murdock. He has to hire a firm to come and take care of Rudolf during the week. Even the maids won’t clean the place.”

Odalie shook her head. “Wimps,” she muttered. “And don’t you dare tell Tony,” she added firmly, with a glance. “I don’t share intel with the enemy.”

“Now you sound like my husband,” Stasia remarked, and chuckled.

Odalie just laughed.