The Borgia Dagger Read Free Page B

took care of Tessa when she was little. For them, I gladly gave up a promising career in the theater!" He looked squarely into Tessa's eyes. "And in return, they left her money to retain me for life!"
    "Your act isn't working, Edwin," Tessa said. She shook her head with scorn and turned to the others. "How could I retain someone who wouldn't do his job? Who spent day and night in front of the TV set, instating actors in old movies?"
    "Who refused to drive you to parties on his one night off a week! That's all it was!" Squinder shouted. "A year ago she fired me—and all her other servants—because she's spent almost all her inheritance on clothes, cars, wild parties—"
    "Okay, okay, enough of this," Officer Riley said. "Miss, do you want to press charges?"
    Squinder suddenly looked frightened. "Please, Tessa. If you have a heart, don't do it. You know I'm not a violent man. I just—flew off the handle. Times have been rough."
    Tessa sighed. "No, Officer, I can't be bothered. I think Mr. Squinder will know better than to mess with me again."
    Officer Riley looked surprised, but let go of Squinder and unlocked the handcuffs on his wrists. "If you say so."
    "Thank you," Squinder said softly. He brushed himself off, lifted his chin high, and walked away.
    "I'm not sure we should let him go," Frank said. "A few hours ago he was about to commit suicide."
    Tessa nodded. "I'm not surprised. He does this every few months — but only when he knows people are around to stop him. It's his eccentric way of dealing with his failure as an actor. He's crazy, but harmless."
    ' When Squinder was out of sight, Officer Riley said, "I don't like the looks of him. Be sure to call us right away if there's any more trouble.
    Frank, I think you or your brother ought to give Miss Carpenter a ride home." With a smile and a wink, he tipped his cap and walked back to the squad car with his partner.
    Callie thought she sensed a special meaning behind Officer Riley's wink, and she wasn't so sure she liked it. Especially when she caught a glimpse of the way Tessa was looking at Frank.
    "You know, Frank," Tessa said, flashing a warm smile, "you handled Squinder beautifully.
    And I just couldn't believe how you single handedly took on all those men by the truck!"
    "It was nothing," Frank mumbled, feeling uncomfortable under Callie's burning gaze.
    "Listen," Tessa went on, touching Frank's hand, "I'm having a big party tonight in my house — sort of a celebration for the arrival of the artwork. I'd love for you to come!"
    Frank cleared his throat and cast a nervous glance at Joe and Callie. "Oh!" Tessa said, following Frank's glance. "You can bring your friends too."
    At that, Joe stepped forward with a broad smile and an outstretched hand. "I'm Joe Hardy, Tessa — Frank's brother."
    "Nice to meet you," Tessa replied. "And is this your sister?"
    Callie looked as though a chill had shot through her. "No," she said dryly, "I'm just the driver.'
    "This is Callie Shaw," Frank added quickly "She's — "
    Joe could barely contain himself. "We'd be happy to come to your party, Tessa! Listen, I'm free right now. Can I give you a ride home?"
    Tessa's smile fell slightly, and she looked over at Frank, as if expecting him to offer her a ride too.
    Feeling relieved, Frank said, "Thanks, Joe. I'll go with Callie. See you later." He headed after Callie, who was already walking to her carr while Joe flirted with Tessa on the way to the van.
    " 'And is this your sister?' " Callie said, mocking Tessa's voice. "Sorry, Frank, I can't help it, she makes me furious! Did you catch the way she was looking at you?"
    Frank put his arm around Callie. "I know," he said. "She's obviously spoiled rotten. But don't worry about me. It's Joe who seems to be falling for her."
    Callie took out her keys as Frank went around to the passenger side of her car. "Yeah, but she definitely has her eye on you. Did you see how disappointed she looked when she knew Joe was taking her home?"
    "But,