Page 30 of Tightrope

“You’re about to tell me that I need someone around who has had some experience with this sort of thing, aren’t you?” she said. “Someone like you.”

“I’ll be the first to admit that I lack many of a dog’s admirable traits. I don’t play fetch very well and I’m not cuddly. But on the plus side, my nose isn’t usually wet and I bathe daily.”

“Something to be said for those two attributes. Fine. You’re welcome to take a room. But I’ll warn you up front I’m going to charge full price. Under the circumstances I’m sure you’ll understand.”

“The money won’t be a problem,” Matthias said. “I’ll be happy to pay a week in advance.”

She brightened a little. “Do you think this business will be over in a week? That would be very good news. I can survive a week, especially if I have a paying customer. That would be you, of course.”

“I can’t give you a definite end date but Luther and I are convinced that Smith is working under a deadline. There are always guaranteed delivery dates in that business. Whoever commissioned the acquisition of the Ares will not be happy if he doesn’t receive his merchandise on time. And Smith won’t risk staying in the country now that he has taken the risk of double-crossing the Broker.”

“Does the Broker know his identity?”

“Probably not, but you can bet he will be looking for Smith, and Smith has to know that. He won’t want to hang around. Meanwhile, you must not talk about any of this, do you understand? Whatever you do, do not so much as breathe Smith’s name. Are we clear? I told you as much as I did tonight only because you have a right to know what’s going on in your own home. But I need your word that you won’t discuss this with anyone else. It would put you in grave danger.”

“What about Hazel?” Amalie asked. “She’ll be coming home fromthe hospital soon. The doctor assured me that she is going to be okay. What am I supposed to tell her?”

“Tell her that after what happened here tonight, Luther Pell became concerned for the safety of the ladies running the Hidden Beach Inn. He insisted on providing some security for you until the authorities arrest the intruder who broke in here tonight.”

“Just a neighborly gesture by the local nightclub proprietor, hmm?”

“Something like that.”

“No one, including Hazel, will believe that story, not for a minute,” Amalie said.

“Well, you could always tell people that, while visiting my pal Luther Pell, I fell for you, and that I moved into the inn in order to get closer to you.”

Amalie winced. “Forget it. That will never fly. Let’s stick with the first version. In the spirit of neighborly concern, Luther Pell suggested that one of his business associates move into the inn in order to provide security. People will have their doubts, I’m sure, but they will certainly understand that the new owner of the Hidden Beach Inn is nervous and deeply appreciative of Pell’s offer.”

“You prefer that version?” Matthias asked.

“It’s just a tad more believable, and it has one huge advantage over the other version.”

Matthias studied her with unconcealed curiosity. “What’s the advantage?”

“It’s the truth. We don’t have to pretend that you moved in because you developed a sudden romantic interest in me. I really don’t need that kind of gossip going around Burning Cove.”

Matthias’s eyes narrowed a little. “Exactly what kind of gossip are you talking about?”

“Do I have to spell it out?”

“Yes, I think so.”

“Fine,” she said. She waved her hands. “I don’t want people thinking that I’m a... a gun moll.”

“I believe that term is used only in the movies.”

“So? Everyone goes to the movies. That’s the term people know.”

Matthias gave her an unreadable look. “Do you really think that is what people will call you if I move in here?”

She gave him her brightest, most sparkly smile, the one she reserved for showtime.

“You said you could read crime scenes, Mr. Jones. Well, I can read an audience. I promise you that if you insist on moving in here, there will be talk.”

“Amalie...” he began.

“Speaking of scenes...”