Double Trouble (Dev Haskell - Private Investigator Book 10) Read Free Page A

round.
    “You’re certainly cheery for having accomplished absolutely nothing all day, again,” Louie said.
    “I’ll have you know I did accomplish something today and I’m pretty damn proud of it.”
    “Do tell,” he said then nodded thanks to Jimmy as he slid my beer and Louie’s next drink across the bar.
    I proceeded to tell him my Tommy tale. How the guy was down and out just fighting for a second chance and coincidently I went the extra mile, was able to get in touch with him and give him Andy’s number.
    “And, I just got off the phone with Andy. He said he was going to offer Tommy the job.”
    “Well, you better watch it, much more of this sort of behavior and you’ll be confusing all of us who have you pegged as a complete and utter asshole,” Louie said then raised his fresh drink to me in a toast.
    “Sorry to disappoint,” I said.
    “We toasted one another for the better part of the evening and I ended up taking the backstreets home. I pulled into my driveway, locked my car and was halfway to the front door when a voice called my name.
    “Dev?”
    I jumped a couple of feet, looked around, and there was Tommy stepping out of the shadows. “Tommy, God, you scared the hell out of me, what’s up?”
    “I just wanted to tell you thanks, again. I phoned Andy Lindbergh this afternoon. I think it went pretty well and I have an appointment with him tomorrow. Can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done, man.”
    “My pleasure, Tommy.”
    He nodded like that seemed logical then just stood there looking like the new kid in the neighborhood hoping someone would pick him for their team.
    I waited for a long, pregnant pause then asked, “You got a place to stay tonight?”
    “My car, I was gonna park on one of the side streets down by the police station. It’s pretty safe down there, most of the time, usually.”
    “Look, I got a spare couch. Why don’t you come on in and get a decent night’s sleep, shower and shave tomorrow morning so you’re on your best foot going in to talk with Andy.”
    “That’s awfully nice of you, Dev. You sure I wouldn’t be cramping your style?”
    “Tommy, it’s after two in the morning and I didn’t bring anyone home. I don’t have a lot going on right now so grab your stuff and come on in.”
    “I’m traveling light,” he said and followed me up the steps.
    I showed him where the guest bath was and got him a glass of water. “If you’re the first one up tomorrow this is how you make the coffee,” I said pouring water into the coffee maker then scooping six spoonfuls of grounds into the filter. “See that button at the base of the coffee pot?”
    “Yeah.”
    “All you gotta do is push that thing.”
    “I think I can remember that.”
    “What time are you meeting Andy tomorrow?”
    “Eleven, I’m praying I’ll be walking out of there with a job.”
    “Just be yourself, Tommy. Who wouldn’t want to hire you?”
     
     
    Chapter Five
     
    Tommy was gone by the time I got up, but then again it was almost noon. The coffee was still on with maybe a half-cup left in the pot. I just hoped all went well for both him and more importantly, Andy.
    “Just calling to say thanks, again,” Andy said when he called a little after four.
    “You hired him?”
    “Yeah, in fact right now he’s working at the same desk where you failed so miserably, he’s been making collection calls since noon. No offense, but he’s already done about a thousand percent better than you.”
    “Terrific.”
    “Yeah, he wanted to work until eight tonight, said you actually get the best results between six and eight. Which I guess sort of makes sense.”
    “He’d know better than me.”
    “Or me. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you again, Dev. He’s gonna be a great addition. I’m thinking there are all sorts of possibilities for someone with his talents.”
    “Glad to hear it, Andy, and thanks for giving him a chance.”
    “Your guy get the job?” Louie asked looking up