Free A Taste of Sin by Jennifer L. Jennings, Vicki Lorist

you’re doing.”
    I offered a sincere smile. “I’m glad I can help.”
    Max gathered his equipment and headed to the door. I gave him the head nod, the one that implied, ‘give us a few minutes alone.’ Max got the hint, gave a quick wave good-bye to Emily, and left.
    Emily turned to me. “He seems like a nice man.”
    “Yes, he is.” I placed my hand on her shoulder. “Can I ask you a question? It might be none of my business, but it’s something I feel I should bring up.”
    “What is it?”
    “Well, I couldn’t help but notice the guy working on your yard. He was here a few days ago, and again today.”
    “Oh, that’s Hector. Why do you ask?”
    “I’m curious because you said you were having a hard time paying the bills. Usually, landscaping is one of the first luxuries to go.”
    “Oh, I can explain that. Hector and my husband have a barter agreement between them. Paul does his taxes, and he maintains our yard. It seems to work out for everyone.”
    “So, are they friends?”
    “Well, I wouldn’t call them friends, necessarily.”
    It seemed like an unusual arrangement to me, and the red flags were flying high in my mind. “Has Hector ever been invited into the house before?”
    She paused to regard me with caution. “Is there a particular reason you’re asking?”
    “Just curious.”
    Emily shrugged as if she couldn’t see the point. “Well, sometimes he needs to use the bathroom, or get a glass of water. I don’t see any harm in that, do you?”
    I wasn’t so sure. “He’s very lucky to have such nice clients to work for,” I said, turning to leave. “Anyway, I’ll let you get some rest now. I’ll be in touch.”
     

Chapter 13
     
     
    Max seemed quiet on the ride home. I knew there was something on his mind.
    “What’s your impression of Emily and this whole situation?” I asked, giving him an opportunity to air his concerns.
    “I don’t know. It sucks that a woman in her condition should have to worry about her husband poisoning her.”
    “Yeah, it definitely makes me sad.”
    “By the way, have you discussed with Emily what you’ll be charging for your services?”
    “Not yet. I haven’t dared to bring it up. She seems worried about money. The company she worked for didn’t give her much when she left. Her hospital bills have wiped out most of her investments. Paul’s income isn’t cutting it. They might lose their house.”
    Max gave me that look. “You have a big heart, Sarah. I love that about you, but how do you expect to pay your own bills?”
    “I know. Carter warned me about that, too. But this is different. I want to help her either way. And I’ll pay you for your time if that’s what you’re getting at.”
    Max twisted his mouth in offense. “You’re my girlfriend and I’m happy to help. Emily is basically a stranger to you.”
    “It’s a favor for Linda,” I said. “Linda basically asked for my help. And since Carter and I aren’t working on a big case right now, I have nothing else to do.”
    He squeezed my knee, affectionately. “Sure you do, you can spend time with me.”
     
     
    * * *
    During dinner, Max set his laptop on the kitchen table so we could keep an eye on Emily’s kitchen.
    We watched as Paul came home from the gym at 6:45 p.m., still wearing his workout attire.  He paused in the kitchen, downed a glass of water then left the room. I assumed he was going to check in with Emily or take a shower.
    “It’s like watching a silent horror film. The suspense is killing me,” I said. Probably a poor choice of words considering what was at stake.
    Max topped off my glass of wine. “Try to relax. We could be here for hours. What time does he usually make her tea?”
    “She wasn’t specific.”
    He pushed my plate a few inches closer to me. “You should eat something.”
    “I’m too nervous.”
    Twenty minutes later, we watched as Paul returned to the kitchen wearing a long robe. He turned on the stove, filled the kettle with