Devilish Details (7 page)

“Don’t be telling an officer of the law you
committed battery,” Addison said. When she grunted, he hissed out a
noisy breath. “I’m trying to keep you out of jail, Jazz. You can’t
be swinging fists on folks.”

“Did Kyeisha file charges? No,” Jazz said
mildly. “Not every disagreement requires police intervention.
Besides, I wouldn’t be surprised if she has warrants.”

“Right now the stakes are high, so watch
yourself. Well, let me get to it.” Addison stood and rolled his
shoulders. “Got a long night ahead.”

“Especially if you’re gonna be searching
roach motels looking for Kyeisha and her new boyfriend,” Jazz
joked. She gazed up at him in appreciation, but worked not to let
him notice. His sexy deep laugh made it hard.

“Gotta love that smart mouth,” he
replied.

“Some might call it a great sense of humor.”
Jazz winked at him, and was rewarded with more musical laughter.
She could get addicted to the sound.

“Have a good evening. By that I mean no
trouble,” he rejoined and pointed at her.

“Hey, wouldn’t dream of it. See ya later.”
Jazz stood.

“You will,” Addison promised. With a wave,
he strode back to his unmarked cruiser.

“Uh-huh, that might not be bad at all,” Jazz
murmured, watching the graceful power of his stride.

* * *

Two days later, Jazz had another early
morning outside her routine. At eight o’clock she was up and
moving. This time it was by choice. The sunny April day didn’t seem
to improve the mood of drivers. Baton Rouge deserved its reputation
for horrible traffic. By the time she got to the offices of Crown
Protection, Jazz had more reasons not to end up with the usual kind
of job. MiMi had it right. Jazz needed a big cushion of cash so she
wouldn’t have to work for anyone else. Or worse, end up working a
regular gig like the miserable commuters.

She pulled into the five level parking
garage next to Willa’s office building and found a space after
circling for three minutes. Then she took the elevator down again
with more morose looking people. More proof living a conventional
life sucked. She needed to have her best persuasive game face on
with her big sister. After a flirty grin at the security guard,
Jazz got off on the fourth floor. Glass doors with bold gold
lettering straight ahead informed potential clients they’d reached
Crown Protection Services, LLC. When Jazz pushed through to the
lobby, a loud female voice greeted her. She glanced around but
didn’t see anyone. A young female receptionist kept talking on the
phone despite her worried expression. Kay, Willa’s office
administrator, made frantic gestures at her to continue business as
usual.

“Take a message if you can,” Kay whispered
frantically. “I’ll go check on Willa.”

“Hey, what the hell is goin’ on up in here?”
Jazz said.

“Some lady came in and said she wanted to
discuss a contract. That’s all I know,” Kay replied.

She scurried down the hall leading to
Willa’s office with Jazz close behind. Despite her three inch e
Italian leather boots, Jazz overtook Kay and beat her to the
office. When Kay knocked on the door and paused, Jazz pulled her
aside.

“Knock my ass.” Jazz jerked the door open
and marched in.

A tall woman dressed in an expensive dark
green wool suit and tan cape shook her purse in the air. “I want to
know where that slut is right now. Is she here? I’ll bet she’s in
one of these offices.”

“Excuse me, but you best calm the hell down;
screaming at my sister like you’ve lost your damn mind.” Jazz was
just getting wound up.

Willa came from behind her large polished
oak desk. “Everybody calm down. Mrs. Netterville, MiMi doesn’t work
here. So aside from causing more problems for yourself, staking out
my office won’t do you any good.”

Mrs. Netterville squared her shoulders. “Are
you threatening me? I know important people in this city, including
a top police official. From what I’ve read about you and your
associations
the last thing you want is a lawsuit or
criminal charges filed. Let me tell you one thing...”

Jazz stepped between Mrs. Netterville and
Willa. “Uh-huh, let me tell you something first.”

“Jazz, don’t,” Willa muttered through tight
lips though she kept a strained smile.

“I’m Mrs. Crown’s sister, and a friend of
Ms. Landry. I happen to know running around with someone, and his
name isn’t Netterville. Between you and me,” Jazz said. She dropped
her voice low enough that Mrs. Netterville craned her neck to
listen. “Well, she’s my friend true enough. But MiMi has a problem
sticking to one man longer than a minute. Know what I mean?”

Mrs. Netterville blinked at the sharp turn
of the conversation. “Well I...”

“You’ve been on your feet and stressed out.
Have a seat, ma’am. You want a glass of water? Kay can get you a
bottle.” Jazz pointed to one of the deep red leather chairs facing
Willa’s desk.

“What?” Willa whispered, but broke off when
Jazz shot her a warning look.

To both Willa and Kay’s surprise, Mrs.
Netterville sat down. “You must think I’m horrible, acting
so...”

“Ghetto? Nah, men can push you.” Jazz nodded
with a sympathetic expression.

“I’m just so upset at the way John has been
acting.”

“Look, ma’am. I’ll save you some time and
say it straight out. MiMi moved on to a guy with more money than
Mr. Netterville.” Jazz flipped a hand in the air. “Girl, MiMi can
flirt with ten men, and then take off with number eleven. Let me
ask you something. Has he been gone on weekends or overnight trips
lately?”

“No, but...” Mrs. Netterville’s eyebrows
pulled together in concentration.

“MiMi has been seeing this other guy for
long weekends. Now he’s single, but since he’s engaged to another
woman I won’t stir up mess by dropping his name. Anyway, she tells
me all this stuff. So I can promise you she’s just flirting with
your hubby. If I was you, I’d put the fear of God and a divorce
lawyer into him. Know what I mean?”

“Yes, I do,” Mrs. Netterville said softly
and nodded.

“Where did he meet MiMi anyway, girl?” Jazz
glanced at Kay. “You mind getting me a cup of coffee?”

“If you don’t mind, I’d like a cup, too,”
Mrs. Netterville asked, much of the steam gone from her mood.

“Uh, I have a fresh pot right over here,”
Willa broke in. She headed to the long table on the wall near an
alcove and seating area of her office.

“I’ll do it. Danesha has everything under
control out front,” Kay said.

Kay’s gaze was glued to the scene playing
out. Before Willa could react she got busy with cups and filling
them. Willa pulled a third chair from the small conference table
nearby and sat down. She seemed on alert for another meltdown from
the volatile matron.

“So you were about to tell us where they
met,” Jazz prompted.

“There was a business mixer sponsored by the
Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce. You know a chance for business
owners to network. Those things are dry and boring, or so I thought
before now. Apparently MiMi Landry made quite an impression. Oh I
know the whole story, and she did more than flirt,” Mrs.
Netterville said with a huff. “They’ve met for lunch at least twice
that I know about. So don’t try to tell me it was nothing. I’m no
fool.”

“Obviously we don’t take you for stupid,
ma’am. You’ve been with him long enough to know his tricks, I mean,
how he behaves,” Jazz added.

“Not recently. I suppose turning fifty has
him wanting to prove he’s still got it,” Mrs. Netterville replied
and bit her lower lip. Her society manners kicked in when Kay
offered her a cup. “Thank you, dear.”

“Appreciate you, girl.” Jazz took a cup,
sipped, and winked at Kay.

Willa waved away an offer of coffee from Kay
and faced the older woman. “Mrs. Netterville, I understand you’re
upset, but Jazz is right. You may be jumping the gun. Even two
lunches might just be business. MiMi has done consulting on the
side. She’s had experience with managing cash flow and property
control.”

Jazz coughed hard. She cleared her throat
loudly. “Goodness, I drank too fast and it went down the wrong
way.”

“Are you okay?” Mrs. Netterville handed Jazz
a napkin.

“Um-hum.” Jazz avoided Willa’s pointed
glance.

“Anyway, I’m sure you’d do better discussing
this with Mr. Netterville,” Willa finished.

Mrs. Netterville took a dainty sip from her
cup, put it down and then stood. “I apologize for making a scene.
But f Ms. Landry thinks she can take my husband, she’s in for a hot
mess of trouble. She doesn’t deserve such loyal friends. You girls
should consider if she’s worth your time.”

“Oh I have, trust me,” Willa mumbled low as
she stood. “By the way, why did you think MiMi would be here?”

“I Googled her and read news stories, you
know when her fiancé was murdered over a year ago. They mentioned
you and her, how you helped solve the case. The stories made it
sound like you were sisters almost, and that she helped in other
investigations at Crown Protection.”

“Yeah,” Willa said dryly. “MiMi gave some
colorful interviews.”

“Goodness, I’m hosting the alumni chapter of
my sorority for lunch. I should get going. I apologize for causing
a commotion at your place of business.” Mrs. Netterville walked to
the door.

Willa and Kay followed her. They kept up a
steady stream of niceties as they guided Mrs. Netterville on her
way. Both were eager to get her out before her mood swung back to
Mrs. Screaming Jealous Wife Threatening Legal Action. When they
returned, Jazz sat calmly finishing off the smooth expensive blend
Willa preferred. When her sister came back and shut the door, Jazz
put down her empty cup.

“You need to cut expenses and stop paying
fifteen dollars for a bag of Colombia Supremo. MiMi says this place
is bleeding cash.” Jazz leaned back in the chair.

“That was a gift from a client, and I seldom
give a crap about what MiMi says. We’re not bleeding cash if it’s
any of your business, or hers; which it isn’t.” Willa gazed at Jazz
with one eyebrow lifted. “You dragged yourself out of bed and got
all made up this early for nothing.”

“I had errands to run, and I just happened
to be...” Jazz’s voiced trailed off at the look on Willa’s face.
“Oh hell, why even try. Look, MiMi isn’t a complete idiot when it
comes to money. She’s right. Some of that money is mine, hers, and
yours. We earned it.”

“I’m not chasing after laundered drug
money,” Willa broke in before Jazz could go on. “I’m not following
any advice from MiMi. Did you just see what kind of trouble she
causes? She shows up and shit hits the fan..”

“Just listen a minute.”

“Okay.” Willa moved the tray of cups back to
the side table. Then she poured a fresh serving of the gourmet brew
and sat down in her leather executive chair. “I need a good
laugh.”

“That’s the spirit, sis. Keep an open mind,”
Jazz drawled. She heaved a sigh. “Okay, so MiMi has, let’s call
them challenges.”

Willa snorted. “Yeah, let’s.”

“But in this case she’s on the target. My
place is doing okay. I break even and pay myself a small amount
every month. Lucky I don’t pay a mortgage or rent.” Jazz slumped
back in her chair. “Owning a business is a butt whipping every damn
day.”

“Who you tellin’?” Willa retorted. “Have a
donut. One of my employees brought them in fresh this morning.”

Jazz looked at the open box of glazed fried
temptation. “No, thanks. I better keep my figure in case I end up
dancing at somebody else’s club soon.”

“Wait, are you holding back?” Willa frowned
at Jazz and put down her cup. “I’ve got savings, so if you’re about
to have serious money problems--”

“You know I don’t roll like that. I’ve been
taking care of me one way or the other for a long time. Besides,
you’ve got kids.” Jazz looked away from the sadness that flittered
across Willa’s face. “Anyway, I’m not saying I’m about to be on the
street”

“Are you sure?” Willa went into mother hen
mode as she left her chair and sat next to Jazz.

“Yeah, it’s just... I need the cash. Maybe
I’ll ditch the dancers, and just have the restaurant. Or I could
buy in a nicer part of town. I don’t know. Do something different
like open a coffee shop.” Jazz brushed a hand over her eyes.
Silence stretched between them.

“Nice try.”

“What you mean?” Jazz replied.

“You love the craziness, the wild night life
of a club. You were doing good until you dropped that ‘open a
coffee shop’ bit at the end.” “Hey, I love coffee. It could work,”
Jazz wisecracked with a crooked grin.

“I’m not getting caught up in another MiMi
scheme. Between the kids and Crown Protection, my hands are full.
If you’ve got any sense, you’ll ignore her attempts to suck you in
as well.” Willa got up, walked around her desk and got back to
being the boss again. She opened a folder.

“Didn’t you say that about $250,000 was
unaccounted for after Jack died? I’ll bet there’s more and...” Jazz
stopped when Willa looked up sharply.

“I’m close to sealing the deal on two major
contracts. A huge company with three warehouses at the Baton Rouge
Port is looking over our proposal. We’ve bid on another contract
with the port itself. Who would do business with Crown Protection
if I’m connected to drug trafficking and money laundering? No.”
Willa’s expression and tone said the discussion was closed. She
went back to signing papers and flipping pages.

Jazz savored the last drops of the delicious
coffee and put the cup down. “You’re right. Damn it.”

Willa sighed and looked at Jazz again.
“Honestly, I’m sympathetic to MiMi’s logic. Hitting that lottery
would do wonders for our cash flow and our ability to expand, but
the stakes are too high.”

“I hate it when you make me agree with you,”
Jazz retorted. She brushed her long weave over one shoulder.