Page 42 of Pretty Poison
Holding up a key fob for closer inspection, he said, “This might be my favorite one. Not everyone owns a smartwatch or other high-tech gadgets, but nearly all of us have a key fob.”
“Check this out,” Trudy said, lifting a lightbulb from the box. “Designed to look like an LED bulb used in those smart homes where you can control everything from a phone app.”
Rocky took it from Trudy’s outstretched hand and marveled at the flawless design. He knew without screwing it into a lamp that it would also function as an ordinary lightbulb and would sync with a smart home’s technology. The bulb would only act as a listening device when triggered remotely on an app. “Okay, this is my new favorite.”
They also ordered hollow coins which would store microchips, a recorder disguised to look like a desk calculator, and a digital picture frame that snapped pictures and videos and recorded conversations while displaying the images the owner uploaded. They purchased new GPS trackers in various sizes and a pair of sunglasses to match the eyeglasses Rocky and Felix had successfully used at Jack Mercy’s nightclub.
“That’s not all,” Trudy said, sounding like a game show host.
“What else have I won, Johnny? A new car? A yacht? A year’s supply of soup?”
“Smartass,” Trudy grumbled as she pivoted her chair to reach inside another box and pulled out a dozen legal pads shrink-wrapped together. “Christmas came early.”
As much as Rocky loved technology, he still did his best thinking when he put pen to paper. There wasn’t a problem he couldn’t solve with a legal pad and a good pen. Then why had Rocky resisted the suggestion to write in a journal? It was like he self-sabotaged his efforts to get better.
“Rocky,” Trudy said, interrupting his musings before he could drift too far away.
“Yeah?”
“I’ve given your advice a lot of thought.”
“I say a lot of things, so maybe you help me out here a little.”
Trudy chuckled but averted her gaze. When she began chipping away at her nail polish, Rocky knew she was nervous. He also understood what she was working up her courage to say.
“Remember how you told me I blended into every room like drapes?”
Rocky snorted. “I said no such thing, Trudy. I called you a chameleon.”
“Only after you hemmed and hawed and stumbled over your words because you were trying not to offend me.”
That part was true. Rocky had tried to extol the way she adapted to every situation. Trudy’s smile was a universal language, and she had a trustworthy face and a peaceful demeanor. He’d simply wanted to say that Trudy would make an excellent investigator if she’d ever wanted to branch out a little. He’d botched it miserably with his stammering about, allowing her to make suggestions. All of them were awful.
“I’m not the one who claimed you blended in like drapes, sofas, and throw pillows. You were. I think a blooming cactus describes you well. Pretty, low maintenance, and nice to have around.”
“Let’s not forget prickly when provoked,” Trudy said, waggling her brows.
“What conclusion have you drawn?”
Trudy shook her head. “No conclusions. I’m still in the thinking phase. Well, I did discuss it with Darren.”
“And?”
“As much as I love taking care of you and Peter around here, I do need something more challenging. Do you think Peter would go for it, though? I don’t want to hamstring the office with this career move. On the other hand, I don’t want to try to do both jobs or get stuck filling in for the new receptionist when she calls in sick.”
“Hold up,” Rocky said, sensing she was about to get worked up. There was only room for one nervous Nelly in this firm, and he’d claimed the role first. “Peter would never discourage you from pursuing a path that made you happy. You wouldn’t become a licensed investigator overnight or even in a few weeks or months. We’d have time to train you properly and hire someone to take over your office management duties. You could even help us interview prospects and train your replacement.”
“You make it sound so easy.”
“It can be that simple if you want it badly enough. What does Darren think?”
“He’s worried I’ll become cynical and suspicious.”
“Tell him to toe the line, and he’ll have nothing to worry about.”
Trudy laughed. “Good one. I’ll want to use it later.” She picked up her phone and began typing a note.
“We’ll probably have other changes happening sooner,” Rocky said. He told her about his conversation with Peter regarding Avery doing freelance work for them.