Free An Act of Deceit: Book 2 of the Sarah Woods Mysteries by Jennifer L. Jennings

running around. He had others, too.”
         “Were you in love with him?”
         “That’s the funny thing. I don’t think I was. But he made me laugh, you know? He was fun and carefree. My dancing didn’t seem to bother him at all.”
         “How’d you find out he was married?”
         “He got a call one night while he was at my place. He left the room, but I overheard him talking.”
         “You must have been hurt.”
         “You know, I think I felt worse for him. It must be awful to be stuck in a marriage with someone you don’t want to be with. Anyways, I ended it and told him he should try to work things out with his wife.”
         If she was referring to Marty, and I had to assume she was, I detected no bitterness whatsoever. “Did you meet him here?” I asked.
         She nodded. “I did. I suppose I should have known better than to get involved with a customer. But he was so sweet. It was hard to say no to that man.”
         “I wish I could find a sweet, honest man to fall in love with. I seem to be attracted only to the bad boys.”
         “You’re not alone. But I know someone who might be able to help you deal with that asshole ex-boyfriend of yours.” She reached across the bar, grabbed a pen, and scribbled something on a napkin.
         “Who’s this?” I asked. She had written the name Armand and included a phone number.
         “Just call him. You can thank me later.”
         I was at a complete loss. I slipped the napkin into my purse just as Zach returned.
         “Hello, ladies. I see you’ve helped yourself to my wine stock.”
         “Yes, and we’re doing a grand job of drowning our sorrows.” Tiffany smiled discretely behind her wine glass.
         A buzzing sound inside my purse told me I had an incoming text message. I checked: it was from Carter. It read: Five minutes away. Meet me outside.
         “Well,” I said, “my ride’s here. I’m grateful to you both for letting me hang out. If I’d waited outside, I’d be a human popsicle by now.”
         “No problem. Take care, Sarah. I hope we’ll see you again.” She and Zach both waved as I turned and walked toward the exit.
         Outside, Carter was just pulling up to the curb.
         “Sorry you had to come get me, but I didn’t know who else to call.” As I settled in, a sinking feeling came over me. “I think someone stole my car. Guess I’d better report it.”
         “We can stop at the police station on the way back.”
         “Thanks.” I brought my hand to my mouth to stifle a yawn. “Otherwise, it all worked out. I was able to talk to Tiffany.”
         “Did you get anything we can use?” he asked.
         “I gave her a sob story about my cheating boyfriend, and she mentioned being involved with a married man. She didn’t offer a name and I didn’t push.”
         “Do you think she was referring to Marty?”
         “I think so, but oddly enough, she didn’t seem the least bit angry or resentful. Wells said Marty told him Tiffany was livid when he broke it off with her. But Tiffany claims she was the one who ended her relationship with the married guy.”
         “Maybe she was talking about some other guy?”
         “Or maybe Marty’s lofty ego was bruised and he told Wells a different story to save face. He seemed like the type who wouldn’t admit to being dumped, especially by a stripper.”
         “We need to find out for sure.”
         “How do we do that?”
         “We follow her home.”
         “Tonight?” I asked. Carter’s sudden U-turn provided the answer. We returned to the club and parked across the street. He shut off the engine and killed the lights.
         “I hope you’re not in any hurry to get home,” he said.
         I shrugged. “No one will miss me.” I remembered the napkin. “I got a phone number,” I said, digging in my