Free Longing and Lies by Donna Hill Page B

worked on developing their list. They knew they’d probably have to make appointments with all of these clinics. But their hope was that they could at least do a walk-in and get some brochures, talk to a couple of the employees and take a look around. One of their goals was to gain access to the clinics’ databases. In order to do that, one of them would have to distract the receptionist or whoever was behind the computers. If that failed, they would have to try to plant a micro camera that was focused on the computer screen and on the keyboard. That way the camera could record the keystrokes and possibly access any passwords that were needed to get into the files. Once that was done, they would be able to pass that information along to Jasmine over at Cartel headquarters. She would then be able to download the files they needed. What they were looking for were client lists, the names and addresses of all the couples who had come to the clinics. It would all take luck and timing. And most important, their ability to work together.
    Elliot leaned back from his slumped-over position and rotated his stiff neck. “I think that’s about all we can do with what we have so far.”
    â€œYou’re right. My eyes are beginning to cross anyway.” She saved all of the information they had compiled and closed down the computer.
    Elliot stood, and the first thought that came to her mind was that he was getting ready to leave again. And it annoyed her that she cared one way or the other.
    â€œI think we deserve a treat,” he said, “for all the work that we’ve accomplished.”
    â€œA treat?”
    â€œYeah.” He checked his watch. “It’s still pretty early. Wanna go explore the neighborhood?”
    â€œYou call that a treat?” she asked in a teasing tone.
    Elliot chuckled. “What if I bought you some ice cream to go along with the tour? Would that make you feel better?”
    She smiled. “Butter pecan can do wonders.”
    â€œYou’re on.”
    Ashley got up and stretched tight limbs. “Then let me at least change and put on something halfway decent.”
    â€œI don’t think you need to.”
    Their gazes connected and that hot sensation exploded in the center of her chest. “Even if you think so, I’m still going to change my clothes.”
    Elliot shrugged. “Your call. I think you look fine, but I guess it’s not for me to say.” He turned and walked away.
    Ashley stood there for moment vacillating between feeling utterly ridiculous and aggravated once again. It was totally exhausting trying to figure out Elliot Morgan. She headed off toward her room in search of something to put on.
    Nearly a half hour later, Ashley emerged in a newoutfit. She’d selected a long-sleeved white oxford blouse and a pair of tight-fitting black jeans belted at the waist with a black-and-silver scarf that was knotted and hung down to her knees running along her left side. Since he said they’d be walking she decided to put on her sneakers instead of her boots. She wasn’t one to generally use makeup, but she did decide to brighten her eyes with a brush of mascara and bring out her full lips with a touch of gloss. She’d run her fingers through her hair to get the wild and carefree look that she liked. A double-stranded silver chain hung from her slender neck.
    â€œReady,” she announced. Elliot turned from his perusal of the CDs that were stacked up on the entertainment unit. For an instant his eyes widened when he saw her.
    She waited for him to comment on her appearance. But he didn’t utter a word.
    â€œYou need a jacket,” he said offhandedly and headed toward the door.
    Ashley rolled her eyes, snatched up her jacket from the hall closet and followed him out.
    â€œIf I remember the neighborhood,” Elliot said, once they’d stepped outside, “there’s a Baskin-Robbins about three blocks