Swift Justice: A Mystery (Thomas Dunne Books)

  “Zio’s sounds good,” Albertine agreed.

  “Can’t,” I said airily, sliding off the bar stool. I bent to fuss with the strap of my high-heeled sandal, letting that account for my heightened color when I straightened up. “I have plans.”

  “Plans?” Gigi echoed.

  “A date?” Albertine asked, the corners of her eyes crinkling.

  “Maybe.”

  “Ooh, is it that hunky priest who took you to the fund-raiser?” Gigi asked.

  Was Dan Allgood hunky? I tabled that thought for another time.

  “I’ll bet you made up with that fine man you pissed off in here last week,” Albertine guessed.

  “Let’s just call him Bachelor Number Three.” I waved to them over my shoulder as I strolled toward the door. I didn’t need Montgomery tracking me down here and fueling their speculations. Especially since it was just a payback dinner he said he owed me for helping him file the Sprouse case under CLOSED. It wasn’t a real date. I’d’ve dressed in my black silk pants and the clingy green peasant top even if I’d been going to Zio’s with the girls. Really.

  “See you tomorrow, bright and early,” Gigi called. “Remember, we’ve got five appointments with new clients.”

  Nothing like a little free TV advertising. “See you tomorrow, partner.”

  I didn’t even wince when I said it.