Free Lethal Bond: Jamie Bond Mysteries Book #3 by Gemma Halliday, Jennifer Fischetto Page B

north of the 134 seriously depleted the chances. I glanced at my phone. It was almost four. "Maya called ahead. Livingston's second girlfriend will be at work around five-thirty. We're still on for that?" I asked Caleigh.
    She nodded. "Yes."
    Great. I had enough time to run home and take that bath. I stood. "Okay, I'll be back to pick you up." To Sam I said, "Go home. Spend a few hours with your son before meeting us at the restaurant."
    She smiled, excitement dancing in her eyes. "You sure?"
    "Absolutely." I walked to the door, waving over my shoulder.
     
    *  *  *
     
    I drove home and started peeling off my clothes right as I kicked my front door shut. My blouse by the coffee table, skirt at the bedroom door, and undergarments on the bathroom rug. I'd collect them later. As the tub filled, I poured a small glass of wine and took it back to the bathroom.
    I eased myself into the hot, bubbling water, and sighed so loud I was surprised the bubbles hadn't burst. The scrapes on my knees burned for a second, but then the pain eased away. I sipped the wine, lay back, shut my eyes, and relaxed. I had to keep aware of the time. But all I needed was just a moment of nothing. No talking, no bad guys, no clients…
    Then Danny popped into my mind. Of course.
    His tousled hair, green eyes, boyish grin, and that stupid bug.
    I opened my eyes. I hadn't wanted to get pissed again. He meant well. I guessed. In some caveman kinda way. Then I imagined Danny dressed in fig leaves, or was that pre-caveman wear? I giggled despite my irritation.
     
    *  *  *
     
    The West-side Roller Rink was located just east of Alvarado, bordering Filipinotown. I parked my car beside a pumpkin orange Honda Civic, careful to leave plenty of space between us. Caleigh and I walked to the front door in silence. We hadn't said much on the way over either. The bath and few sips of wine had relaxed me. My knees were sore, especially when bending them, but my face no longer hurt. I applied a pound of concealer and foundation and hoped it didn't cake off before the night was over.
    I had dressed in a pair of leopard print pumps and a simple black dress that I could easily toss a blazer over (like now) or dress up with a simple strand of pearls (for dinner), while Caleigh wore a skin-tight, red mini dress with cap sleeves. She looked stunning, as usual. Of course, in her impress-Big-Daddy outfit, she looked a bit overdressed for a roller rink.
    As soon as I entered, I squinted. The lobby was dim, and it took a minute for my eyes to adjust. Rock music blasted from speakers, and the closer we got to the rink itself, shouts and cheers mixed in with it. Three women raced around the rink, grunting. They all wore electric blue helmets and tops, with black, knee-length leggings, knee, elbow, and wrist pads, and, of course, roller skates.
    "Roller derby?" Caleigh shouted into my ear.
    I'd been so preoccupied this week, when Maya had given me the address of the roller rink, I hadn't questioned why. I assumed the girlfriend worked for the rink, not that she was on a team.
    "Can I help you?" asked a voice to our left.
    I turned to find a woman in the same color gear as those skating. "We're looking for Nikki Barnes," I told her.
    The woman called over her shoulder. "Yo, Nikki. A couple of chicks to see ya."
    Classy.
    Before rolling off, she winked at me. "Love the shoes."
    Caleigh's phone beeped. She withdrew it from her purse and smiled at the display.
    I didn't ask.
    "I'm Nikki." I looked over and once again was greeted by a stunning woman. She had pitch black hair pulled back into a low ponytail with full bangs. Deep set, light brown eyes and a smooth olive complexion. Her arms and legs, however, were almost covered in blue and yellow bruises. She held her helmet which had two, large, white stars on each side
    I felt right at home with the bruising.
    "Hi, I'm Jamie and this is Caleigh." I didn't bother with the full introductions, didn't think we needed them, and didn't want