Gibson & Clarke (Failed Justice Series Book 2) Read Free Page A

investigator. Someone who knows the ropes and is not afraid to bend and twist them. Must be sharp and loyal. Know of anyone?”
    One name came to mind. She had been thinking about him more and more lately.
    Rik Scott. He would be perfect.
    “Give me a minute to think on it. Are you ready for dessert?”
    “Maybe coffee only. Then I have to get back to my hotel and review a few files I brought up with me. I have a flight back at noon tomorrow. Let’s plan on an early breakfast so I can take a look at the Fung case and get your thoughts on how you want to handle it.”
    Marta temporarily forgot about her luncheon appointment with Ronnie Rosenthal. First things first.
    That would be Rik Scott.
    Billy Jo called for the check and reached in his wallet for his new metal credit card, the latest in prestige in the industry. Marta reached over and playfully slapped his hand.
    “We now have a new business account card. This is strictly business. Let the IRS split the cost with us.”
    Billy smiled.
    “Now you’re thinking like a businesswoman. Thanks.”
    “I’ll call you in the morning.”
    Marta gave him a peck on the cheek, let others stare as she slid out of her chair, and gave the parking slip to the teenage parking attendant who was visually undressing her.
    “Now that you have something to think about when you meet your girlfriend later, could you please stop staring and get my car?”
    The pimply teenager blushed and ran off looking for the four-year-old dark gray Altima.
    Marta headed home. Alone.
    I’ll look good in a new Jag ragtop. Maybe silver with a black top and gray leather interior.
    Marta then thought of Rik Scott, the new investigator currently working for the county. He was officially part of the sheriff’s office but was assigned to the district attorney for all big cases. Rik was a hunk. A solid six-foot black man whose muscles rippled when he got nervous. He had a killer smile and body. More important, he was smart and discreet. He would be perfect, in more ways than one, to be the office’s private investigator.
    It was close to ten p.m. when Marta got home, showered, and crawled into bed. It was then she did something totally out of character. She found Rik’s number on her cell phone.
    “Rik, it’s me, Marta Clarke.”
    “What’s wrong? Are you in trouble? Did you get arrested for anything?”
    “No, none of the above. I wanted to talk to you. Is this a good time?”
    “Marta, it’s ten fifteen. What’s so important it couldn’t wait until tomorrow morning?”
    “I have a job offer for you and didn’t want to wait. As you know, I left the DA’s office and now have my own shingle—actually with Billy Jo Gibson. We’ve just picked up a major client. Can I assume this conversation is not taped and considered confidential?”
    “Marta, you know me better. Lay it on me.”
    “We may be representing Xiang Yeung and his associates. We will need a first-class investigator. One who is smart and very discreet. The first person I thought of was you.”
    “I’m honored. Tell me more.”
    “First, we would pay you twice as much as you’re now making. The hours may be long, and it would be a personal services agreement. When I call, you must be available.”
    “Sounds too good to pass up. When do I start?”
    “As soon as you can get that tight ass over to my place. The door will be unlocked. I think you’re smart enough to figure it out. And be discreet.”
    “Give me twenty minutes, Boss.”

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER 4
     
     
    “Rough night? It looks like you didn’t get much sleep.”
    Marta turned to Billy Jo while she was having her second cup of coffee. They were in the hotel coffee shop.
    If you only knew, Billy, if you only knew.
    “Been doing a lot of thinking. Did not get a great deal of sleep last night. A second secretary makes good sense. We can elevate Miranda to senior assistant. As to a private investigator, I think I have the right person. He’s a