Free Into The Heat (Sandy Reid Mystery Series Book 6) by Rod Hoisington

seeing the guy. Not a regular. Not what you wanted to hear, I’m sorry.”
    “Holly, that’s marvelous. However, you really didn’t need to make a trip down here for that. Thank you very much.”
    “No one believed that I knew you, not one of them, even when I showed them your card.”
    “You’ve given me useful information. I appreciate it. Is there anything else?”
    “The manager said some police dude had been in and showed her the same picture. But no police talked to me, or any of the others. So like, he wasn’t as smart as you.”
    “He didn’t have Holly Davies on his side. So, thanks for stopping by.”
    “Can I see your office as long as I’m here?”
    “Well, you really need to call first, so I can give you my undivided attention.” He looked at his watch for emphasis.
    She smiled at him. “Just a teeny-weenie peek?”
    He shrugged. “Just a peek.” He led her down the hall and after a tentative step into his large office, she said. “Awesome. This is like going into another country—yeah, like I’ve ever been in another country.” She stood looking around at the time-honored arrangement of rich tones and dark woods that screamed out years of high fees from his father’s law practice; all tastefully bedecked with irreplaceable garnishes and accoutrements. Rows of leather-bound books reached from floor to ceiling ensconced in a teak bookcase built into the wall behind his desk. Dark tinted shades partially covered the two windows.
    “Wow, all this leather in here, must be like living in a wallet. Looks like you’re about due for a new desk.” She ran her fingertips over the sleek mahogany surface only slightly distressed by one hundred years of service.
    The four paintings arranged on the walls were nineteenth century landscapes by American artists. “But I like the pictures.” She stepped up closer and extended a finger as though to touch a painting. Martin cleared his throat noticeably. She looked back at him and then over to the corner. “Hey, I could live on that leather couch.” She walked leisurely around his office, running her finger across a row of law books. “You’re an important person, aren’t you? I’ve never known an important person, I mean like, who even knows my name. I guess you don’t need to display awards and certificates on your walls like the offices in TV shows because you already understand how important you are and don’t give a shit whether other people know it or not—that’s cool.”
    He shrugged. “Everyone’s important in one way or another.”
    “You’re so full of it, aren’t you?” She turned around and faced him, resting her hands on the back of a chair. “I need your advice.” She bit the corner of her lip. He didn’t say anything—speculating about her next move.
    “I’m thinking about getting married.”
    “Oh, that’s a surprise, Holly, you hadn’t mentioned that before.” He was still surprised about her showing up at his office. Even though he didn’t know her and didn’t want to get involved, he had to admit it was sensible of her to be asking for advice from an adult—even though he was the wrong adult. He was less annoyed when he thought about the interruption that way. He couldn’t just dismiss her with a few platitudes and be done with her. Much too young, could be the biggest mistake of her life—all that. He’d give her a moment.
    He moved the leather chair up closer to his desk for her. “Go ahead and sit for a minute. I guess you’ve considered what that means. It’ll be tough to save money for anything, let alone for your college education.” He sat in his desk chair. “What will your folks say about that?”
    “Mom will go, ‘That’s nice dear. How’s school?’ Daddy will nod and go, ‘Ask your mother.’ Once, when I was twelve, I told daddy that mom said I could drive the car, and he tossed me the keys without looking up. So, you want to tell me why should I bother with them?”
    “Sorry about