Page 77 of Line of Sight

A moment later Amy’s tinny voice came out of the speaker. “Who is it?”

“Frosty the snowman if you leave me standing out here much longer.”

There was a pause, followed by abuzzand a click. I went inside and climbed the stairs to the third floor. When I reached it, the door to the right-side apartment opened, and she stood there, staring at me, her gaze incredulous.

“When you asked me not to call you again, I thought that was the last time I’d hear from you. So why are you here?” She lowered her gaze, then bit her lip. “Especially bringing flowers.”

They weren’t much, something I’d picked up from a gas station, but I wanted her off guard.

I smiled. “You’re going to interrogate me standing here on your door mat?”

She cocked her head, then stood aside to let me in.

I held out the flowers. “For you.”

Amy frowned. “Why?”

I shrugged. “I thought you might need something to lift your spirits. Not that I had any idea if they needed lifting. I just saw them, and they whispered, ‘Buy us for Amy.’ I have something else for you too.” I reached into my messenger bag and removed a packet.

She glanced at it and burst out laughing. “My God, you have a good memory. I used to eat Baker’s sweetened coconut by the handful in college.”

I gave her my most relaxed smile. “Then I hope it tastes the same.”

We went into her living room, and I complimented her on her taste. Judging by her expression, she bought the fake praise.

Still gullible as hell.

She opened the packet, then jerked her head up to stare at me once more. “Why don’tyoutry some first?”

I laughed. “Fine, if it’ll make you happy.”

Maybe she wasn’t as big a fool as I’d thought.

She poured some into my palm, and I grimaced. “I’m only doing this to make you happy, okay? I hate coconut.” I ate it, pulling a face as I swallowed. “Oh dear Lord, it’s as vile as I remembered.”

Amy smiled, then helped herself to a large handful. She rolled her eyes. “Oh my God. It does taste the same.”

I snorted. “And now that we’ve established I’m not here to poison you, can I have a drink?”

She flushed. “Sorry.” She went over to her liquor cabinet. “What’ll you have?”

“Whatever you’re having.” I steeled myself.

Amy chuckled. “You might regret that. Coconut rum.”

I raised my eyes to the ceiling. “Tell me you’ve got some bourbon.”

“You’re in luck. I don’t even think it’s been opened.” She poured out two drinks, then joined me on the couch.

I raised my glass. “To the future.”

We clinked, and she sagged again the cushions. “I sounded bad, didn’t I? On the phone, I mean.”

I let out a heavy sigh. “As soon as I hung up, I regretted my choice of words. That’s why I’m here. To apologize.” I emptied the glass, coughing a little. “Damn, that hit the spot.”

Amy grinned. “I think you needed that. Want another?”

“If you’re offering.”