Silver Master Read Free

kept waiting in a public area. Discretion was everything when you operated the most elite matchmaking agency in the city.
    Promises, Inc., worked only on referral. It did no advertising. There was nothing on the front door of the office or on the business cards that Celinda and the other consultants carried that indicated the nature of the business that was done behind the company’s elegant doors.
    Laura followed Celinda’s glance toward the empty reception chairs. “I put them in your office.”
    â€œWhy me? Why didn’t you give them to one of the other consultants?”
    â€œThese two specifically asked to speak with you.”
    Celinda sighed. “I’m getting a bad feeling about this. You’re about to drop the other shoe, aren’t you?”
    â€œObviously you are an amazingly intuitive woman,” Laura said dryly. “Neither of the two would tell me why they wanted to talk to you, but one of them carries a badge that says she is with the Cadence Police Department. Detective Alice Martinez.”
    â€œGood grief.” Celinda stared at her, flabbergasted. “Probably not a potential client, then. It’s highly unlikely that a woman living on a detective’s salary could afford our services.”
    â€œI’m inclined to agree with you. The man with her gave his name as Davis Oakes. He did not elaborate further.”
    â€œWeird.” She did not know anyone by that name. She did not know any police detectives, either, for that matter. “And weirder.”
    â€œI would have asked Ms. Takahashi to deal with them, but she’s at that charity luncheon today. She won’t be back until around three.”
    Patricia Takahashi was the owner of Promises, Inc. The fact that Laura regretted not being able to get her involved spoke volumes about just how nervous the visitors had made her.
    Celinda hoisted her large black tote higher on one shoulder. “Well, I suppose I’d better go see what they want.”
    She started around the edge of the desk, heading for a short hallway lined with closed doors.
    Laura looked at the oversized tote. “Where’s Araminta?”
    â€œNapping. She had a big lunch. Unfortunately, it was not her own.”
    â€œOh, dear.” Laura’s smile was half-amused and half-sympathetic. “Another restaurant scene?”
    â€œI’m afraid so. I’ve explained to her that just because the food on someone else’s plate looks better than what I ordered, it does not necessarily follow that she can help herself to a stranger’s meal.”
    â€œHow nasty did it get?”
    â€œVery nasty. The person whose meal Araminta swiped referred to her as a rat. I, of course, took offense on her behalf. The waiter got involved. Evidently there is a rule about bringing animals into restaurants unless they are companion animals.”
    â€œI’ve heard that.” Laura’s mouth twitched a little. “One of those boring public health regulations, I believe.”
    â€œI explained that Araminta was a companion, but by then things had become complicated.”
    â€œHow complicated?”
    â€œIn the general uproar and confusion that followed the reference to a rat, Araminta took a few sample bites from some of the other diners’ plates as well. A large person came out of the kitchen waving an empty garbage bag and a big pot. There was talk of catching Araminta in the pot, transferring her to the bag, and delivering her to animal control.”
    â€œOh, my.” Laura’s eyes danced. “Sounds like a circus.”
    â€œSuffice it to say that we will not be going back to the Quik-Bite Deli anytime in the near future.”
    She went down the hall to her office and opened the door.
    The waves of strong, subtle psi power slammed right through her sturdy defenses, catching her completely off guard and rezzing all of her senses. Excitement and anticipation pulsed through her. The