Page 107 of Mr. Perfect

“I heard that,” Amos said from the barstool at the kitchen island.

“He’s nothing compared to you, darling,” Marla said, leaning forward to kiss her husband.

The couple had arrived at Jude’s early so Marla could teach Felix how to make the cobbler for the pool party Jude was hosting to get to know Felix’s friends better. The week had been a whirlwind of activity. First, the abduction, then the breaking story about the Spencer family perishing in a boat accident off the coast of Mexico, which hogged the headlines until the FBI arrested Mercy and his men. There were two dozen arrests, but Felix expected the number to go up. No one in the media made a connection between the Spencers and Mercy, and it was a bitter pill for Felix to swallow on some days, even though he knew he’d made the right decision.

It felt like they’d barely had any time to breathe, and Felix was looking forward to spending a relaxing evening with friends.

“So, what’s next for the podcast now that the pardon process is underway and Mr. Perfect didn’t pan out.”

Felix chuckled. “Well, The Auto King investigation ended abruptly, but I still foundmyMr. Perfect.”

“I’m so happy for you, Felix,” Marla said.

“Thank you. A wise woman advised me to be courageous in love.”

Marla kissed his cheek.

“It’s Rocky’s turn to pick our next investigation, and he wants to pursue Tess Hamilton.”

“She’s the one they suspect killed her three husbands?” Marla asked.

Felix nodded. “That’s her.”

Marla checked Felix’s progress and motioned for him to keep working. “What are you going to call the episodes? Wicked Woman? The Black Widow?”

“Rocky chose Pretty Poison,” Felix replied.

Marla let out a deep sigh. “If only I can live long enough to see the pretty one settled too.”

Felix thought about the standoff he’d witnessed between Rocky and his husband earlier in the week. He bit his lip to keep from laughing, but it slipped out anyway in the form of a ridiculous giggle snort.

“What the hell was that noise?” Amos asked.

“It’s the sound of a man who knows a secret,” Marla told Amos. She turned her attention to Felix. “You better tell Mama everything.”

Felix set the knife on the counter. “It’s not my secret to tell.”

Marla arched a brow, then looked heavenward. “I’ve often wondered these past weeks why you haven’t called me home yet, Lord. Now I know. There is much work to be done still.” She leveled her dark, impish gaze on Felix. “I don’t think it’s too much to ask for a hint about what I should expect. How hard is my task?”

“Rocky has a husband. A super sexy one and sparks fly when they look at each other,” Felix blurted out before darting from the room before Marla could ask more questions.

“Felix, you get back here,” Marla yelled after him.

He kept heading for the sanctity of Jude’s office but pulled up short before reaching the door when he heard Jill’s voice.

“Jude, you promised to bring Felix home to meet me. Why are you hesitating? Do I embarrass you?” Jill asked.

Felix’s heart sank.Do I embarrass him?

“Don’t be ridiculous, Mom. I crazy love you, and I can’t wait to introduce you to Felix.”

Oh, thank fuck!

Realizing it was rude not to make his presence known, Felix continued into Jude’s office. He casually made his way to Peabody’s terrarium and watched the turtle do…absolutely nothing.

“Mom,” Jude said, “I promised Felix a romantic getaway. I think you and I have drastically different ideas on what that means.”

“Bring him to me or else,” Jill said before disconnecting the call.