Page 6 of Murder By the Millions

“My cat!” I yelled.

Jason tried to catch Darcy. The two got tangled up and fell to the floor.

CHAPTER2

[His smile] understood you just as far as you wanted to be understood,believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself, and assured you that it had precisely the impression of you that, at your best, you hoped to convey.

—Nick Carraway in F. Scott Fitzgerald’sThe Great Gatsby

Unscathed, Darcy scrambled free of Jason’s grasp and bounded through the shop to take refuge in the office.

Chuckling, Jason scrambled to a stand and dusted himself off.

“I’m so sorry,” Chloe cried. “My fault—”

“No, it was mine,” Vanna cut in. To be fair, she wasn’t appeasing Chloe. She looked absolutely mortified by her erratic behavior. She presented Jason with her business card. “I have my own business. I’m not merely Allie’s partner.”

“Sometimes partner,” Tegan repeated.

“I’m a professional through and through,” her half sister added hastily and, red faced, hurried out of the shop.

“Well, that was fun,” Jason joked. “I hope your cat doesn’t hate me as much as you do, Allie.”

“I don’t—”

He winked sassily.

Apparently, I wasn’t deft at hiding my aversion to his mall. “Darcy was scared.”

“Darcy, as in Mr. Darcy?” Jason asked. “Nice literary reference. Your cat looks like a Mr. Darcy with his classic tuxedo markings.”

Was he trying to butter me up, so I’d approve of his cockamamie plan?

“Do you have an effect on all women, Mr. Gardner?” Tegan asked.

“Call me Jason,” he said. “And what effect?”

“Having women throw themselves at you?”

“Women threw themselves at me? Gee, I hadn’t noticed.”

I had to admit I did like his sense of humor. It gave him an air of humility. I glanced at my watch. “Oh, my! I’m late. I’m sorry, Tegan, but I have to meet Reika. She’s going to show me photos of everything she wants us to use at theGatsbyparty.”

“WhatGatsbyparty?” Jason asked.

“We’re putting on aGreat Gatsbyliterary dining party.” Tegan beamed. “Complete with food from the era. You can attend if you read the book. Many will dress in period costumes for the occasion.”

“I’ve readThe Great Gatsbya number of times,” Jason said. “It’s one of my favorites. Fitzgerald was brilliant, the way, through the character of Gatsby, he captured the belief that every individual, regardless of their origins, can pursue and achieve their desired goals.”

Knock me over with a feather. He understood the theme?

“The book is truly the literary expression of the concept of America being the land of opportunity.” He started for the door.“I’ll return during normal business hours to purchase some books. If you have a copy ofThe Great Gatsby,set one aside.”

Tegan said, “Will do.”

“And, Allie”—he flicked my business card—“I’ll call you regarding the soiree. I intend to win your approval of me.”

I felt my cheeks flush and wanted to kick myself. His charm was starting to get to me. Drat.