He wrapped an arm around her and kissed the top of her head. “That seems a bit crazy to wish for, doesn’t it?”
She laughed. “Yeah, it does.”
A new email landed in his inbox. This one was from Brent. The subject line was Check out this post . . .
He clicked open the email, scanning it quickly. Brent had sent a news story from a local Vegas blog tracking the goings-on in the city.
Allegro Hotel Nabs Pickpocket, Thanks to Intrepid Guests
The newest hotel on the Strip had a very busy weekend. Seems the security team busted the pickpocket ring that had been nicking chips left and right from tables all over town. The culprit? The city’s very own Tad Herman was caught on camera and has fessed up. Herman is a former marketing executive at Farrell Spirits, who has a rap sheet for shoplifting back in the day. Seems he never lost his taste for stealing things he doesn’t own, and the liquor company let him go. But that’s not all, folks! Details are still sketchy, but we’re hearing that the hotel also booted a pit boss who was on the take with a certain cowboy in this town. In addition, the Allegro cleaned house, getting rid of a few dealers and some other staffers who were in cahoots. We’re told a pair of husband-and-wife amateur detectives played a part in busting both the pickpocket ring and in putting a bully behind bars. Way to go, Mr. And Mrs. Whoever You Are, for helping to clean up Vegas.
They both arched their eyebrows at the same time, and grinned.
“Amateur husband-and-wife detectives, are we now?”
“Not such a bad idea, is it?”
She shook her head. “Not at all. I can just see us jetting all over the world, busting art thieves, solving jewel heists, uncovering all sorts of mysteries.”
“Mr. And Mrs. Whoever You Are,” he said, trying the title on again for size. “I suppose that could be our next grand adventure. Especially since it seems you might not have to sign that morality clause now that Herman is history.”
“So that means I can consort with all sorts of criminal types?” she said as the plane soared through the dark skies.
“Maybe. Or just consort with me,” he said, closing the laptop and tucking it under the seat. “Like right now.”
“I believe consorting in the friendly skies is a perfect place for our . . . what is this? Fifth time already as husband and wife?”
“We’ve had a busy, busy afternoon. And let’s stay busy this evening. Besides, I have something else in mind for those pearls.”
Her eyes sparkled with interest. “What would that be?”
“Let’s find out,” he said, and silenced any more words with a kiss that felt like magic and movies and so much more.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Tuesday, 6:53 p.m., San Francisco
The crack of the bat, the smell of peanuts and popcorn, the whiz of a fastball cutting over home plate—those were Charlie’s special pleasures in life. Add in the chance to meet his favorite ballplayer, Buster Posey, and he was a satisfied man.
Clay Nichols impressed him. No one had ever said sorry quite so elegantly or appropriately, finding the perfect gift for him. A special tour of the ballpark before a game. He was really going to have to find a way to convince that man to work for him someday.
For now, he’d kick back and enjoy a baseball game, and tomorrow he’d figure out how to win Mr. Nichols.
* * *
from: [email protected]
date: August 20, 2:23 PM
subject: The Big Easy . . .
Imagine the crimes we could bust in New Orleans, with all those dark corners, grand old mansions, and voodoo magic.
from: [email protected]
date: August 20, 2:38 PM
subject: London . . .
I wouldn’t mind a trip across the pond for our honeymoon. We could catch thieves trying to steal the Crown Jewels.
from: [email protected]
date: August 20, 2:51 PM
subject: Paris . . .
Or nab that most-wanted art theft ring in Paris . . . that is, after we kiss, and then some, on a cobblestoned street in Montmartre.
from: [email protected]
date: August 20, 3:03 PM
subject: Tell me more about this ‘then some’
I hear public displays of affection are encouraged in the city of love. That gets my vote.
from: [email protected]
date: August 20, 3:11 PM
subject: Booking the tickets now.
How about I just show you the ‘then some’ on our honeymoon?
from: [email protected]
date: August 20, 3:14 PM
subject: Paris is next for Mr. And Mrs. Whoever You Are . . .
I. Can’t. Wait.
THE END