Free Prince Charming (Behind the Screen, #1) by Iris Deorre Page A

pointed at the empty glass of wine.
    ‘Yes, that would be great.’ Misty had toned done the outrageous persona and became more of herself.
    Harmony called for the waiter and ordered two glasses of wine.
    ‘You’re off tomorrow?’
    ‘I am. And I have a date. That wasn’t the plan, but this new guy was insistent.’
    ‘You like him, don’t you?’
    ‘Yes, you could say that. I never thought I’d find someone I’d actually like.’
    ‘Yes well, its early days.’
    The waiter returned with the drinks. ‘Are you ready to order?’ he asked.
    Harmony looked at her friend. ‘Should we go for the usual? Share a pizza?’
    ‘Yeah, go on.’
    ‘Could we have the family size pizza with ham, pineapple, red onion and sweet corn?’
    The waiter took down the order then left them.
    ‘How long should I hold off calling the police?’ asked Misty.
    ‘Why?’
    ‘Clients at the gallery are asking questions, I can only hold off for a little longer. He’ll obviously become a missing person.’
    ‘I know. I just need a few more days.’
    ‘Has he said anything?’
    ‘No, he claims he doesn’t know Oliver. We both know he’s lying.’
    ‘Gosh. I don’t know what to say.’
    ‘I know, but it is what it is.’
    ‘What are your plans for him?’
    She shrugged. Deep down she knew what she had planned, but she wouldn’t share it with her friend.
    ‘Thanks for doing this for me,’ said Harmony.
    ‘You know I’ll do anything for you.’
    ‘I know. You didn’t have to get a job you didn’t like and act like a clown.’ She laughed.
    ‘Well, I think it’s worth it. Who knows what else this guy does?’
    ‘Talking about that, I think he’s been up to something.’
    ‘Why?’
    ‘Derek.’ Her thoughts drifted back to the night she’d told him about Marcus as prince charming. ‘The detective seemed a little shaken when I mentioned the name Prince Charming. He didn’t say why, but I can smell trouble.’
    ‘It’s not surprising.’
    ‘Yes well, I shall soon find out.’
    ‘You don’t want to be part of an investigation.’
    ‘I won’t be. They’ll have no reason to suspect me. I’m an upstanding citizen, a sort out surgeon and valued person in my community. No one will be looking at me. They’d try to protect me instead.’ She laughed.
    ‘Yes, I guess so. So what happens when this is all over?’
    ‘I have a few ideas. Plans might change a little.’
    ‘Why? Actually don’t tell me. It’s him isn’t it?’
    ‘Yes. I like him. I really do.’ 
    ‘Tough one.’
    ‘I know. This wasn’t supposed to happen. I’ll see what happens.’
    The pizza arrived. They tried to talk about normal things women talked about, but it always went back to the subject on Marcus.
    ‘It was good to see you, and thanks for everything.’ Harmony hugged her at the door.
    ‘Yes, good to see you too. See you soon?’
    ‘Of course. Just give me a few more days before declaring him missing.’
    ‘Yes okay, I can’t promise someone else won’t.’
    ‘That’s fine. No one will find him soon.’
    ‘I agree. Who would think such an upstanding citizen like you, would capture a demon like him.’ She laughed.
    ‘I couldn’t have said it better.’
    They parted ways.’

Chapter Eight
Answers and Questions
    ‘S o, what’s this all about?’ she asked Derek. ‘It sounds serious.’
    ‘It is. It’s about what you told me the other night.’
    ‘I figured.’
    ‘I have to ask you a few questions.’
    ‘Why?’
    He sat back and sighed. This was harder than he thought. He didn’t want to frighten her, and he didn’t want to cause panic. He knew the moment he let this out, it would get to the media soon enough.
    ‘It’s about an investigation I’m conducting.’
    ‘I knew it.’
    ‘You can’t say anything. No one is supposed to know. At least not yet.’
    ‘Why not?’
    ‘Because it will interfere with our investigation.’
    ‘I see.’ She took a sip of wine. ‘What would you like to know?’
    ‘Anything