Free Law and Author by Erika Chase

Lizzie hung up and hummed while she dressed in a short black skirt with a tangerine T-shirt. She found the cats lazing on top of the love seat backrest, in the sun streaming through the window. She grabbed a comb for Edam and the brush for Brie and tried to do a two-handed grooming session. She gave up after a few seconds and gave Edam a thorough combing, luxuriating in the soft warmth of his fur. Then it was Brie’s turn. He was more playful and ended up chewing on the edge of the brush. Lizzie finally gave up and left them to enjoy the sunbathing.
    By the time she’d picked up two lattes and a couple of chocolate biscotti at the Cup’n Choc down the street from the police station, it was nine thirty. Mark stood at the front desk in the waiting room, speaking to the volunteer on desk duty when she walked through the doors. Lizzie stayed close to the door she’d just entered, watching Mark. He still managed to take her breath away. She’d never told him how sexy she found the fact that he’d chosen to go bald. And he still had the physique of the high school football hero he’d once been. But most of all, it was his dark chocolate eyes, so expressive and yet so liquidy deep, that most times when he looked at her, she felt herself melting.
    Mark finished giving instructions to the older woman and ushered Lizzie into his office. He gave her a quick kiss and then removed the lid from the coffee container.
    â€œI do have sweets,” Lizzie said, holding out the small brown bag.
    â€œYou may stay,” Mark said with a smile.
    â€œThat’s good, because that was my plan.” Lizzie sat on the upholstered chair at the side of Mark’s desk, while hepulled his leather swivel chair over beside her and sat. He took a long drink of his coffee before talking.
    â€œI’m afraid I really don’t have long so just tell me what you want to know.”
    Lizzie grinned. “I thought I couldn’t ask any questions.”
    â€œI know how this plays out so I’m just skipping to the end. Shoot.”
    â€œDo you have any more details about the murder?”
    â€œNot much and not much that I can share.”
    â€œSeriously?”
    â€œIt’s all technical stuff, Lizzie. I do know though that the victim is Rafe Shannon and that he’s from Atlanta.”
    â€œWe knew that yesterday.”
    Mark grimaced. “Can I continue? Furthermore, we now know that he is known to the police there. It seems he has ties with some local hoods in Atlanta. He’s worked as a bouncer at one of the casinos and he also likes to do odd jobs for bookies.”
    â€œYikes. Sounds like bad news. Which begs the question, how did you find out his name? I thought he didn’t have any ID on him.”
    â€œHe didn’t.”
    â€œSo how?”
    â€œNot going there.” Mark sounded stubborn but he did allow her a small smile.
    â€œOkay, so how come Darla knows someone like that?”
    â€œAccording to her, she doesn’t.”
    â€œShe’s still saying that? You didn’t beat it out of her?” Lizzie asked, eyebrows raised in question.
    â€œNo. My rubber hose is out for repairs at the moment.” Mark got serious. “I don’t believe her but I’m not going to accuse her of lying just yet. I want to get some more facts from her hometown first.”
    â€œGood. That should speed things up.”
    â€œGlad you approve.” He leaned back in his chair and enjoyed another sip. “Has she told Molly anything about her home life or more about why she’s here?”
    â€œNot as far as I know. What if there wasn’t a blowup with her mama? What if there’s a more sinister reason she’s here?”
    â€œSomething to do with our dead guy?”
    â€œI was thinking more something to do with Bob. But he’s not rich so it’s not likely she’s ingratiating herself into his life for his money.”
    â€œYou really