Ruby’s voice cracked, and she swallowed.
But then, she always was.
Folding the letter, she slid it back into its envelope and looked at the floor. For several seconds, neither spoke.
Hari broke the silence.
“That was a dirty trick.”
Ruby raised her eyes to meet his.
“Look, even if I were inclined to agree—”
She jumped to her feet.
“Wait,” he said, holding up his hand. “I didn’t say I was inclined to agree. But even if I were, how would we finance it? The money’s gone and the authorities have seized everything else. The houses, the cars, even the art. We don’t even have enough money to buy business cards.” He narrowed his eyes. “Why are you grinning?”
“Because that’s not exactly true.”
“Which part?”
Ruby reached for the chain around her neck and pulled it out from under her sweater. Even in the dim light, the yellow diamond sparkled and flared. “I may have forgotten to tell the SEC about this,” she said, twirling the gem on its chain. “Was that wrong?”
Hari shook his head and tried to stifle a grin.
“So. We can buy business cards. Maybe even a filing cabinet or two.” His smile faded. “But Ruby, you’re a ‘relief dependent’ in Antony’s case. That means the SEC can go after any assets purchased with the proceeds of his crimes,” he pointed to the diamond, “including that. You might not even have a place to live before long.”
Ruby tucked the diamond back under her sweater and grinned again.
“That’s not exactly true, either.”
“Meaning?”
“It turns out I have more than enough money for a down payment on my own apartment. It’s in a trust fund.”
“How’s that?” He cocked his head.
“Family Album? Syndicated in twenty-two countries? Every time a rerun airs, I get a residual check. Felicity negotiated the contract when the show went off the air. At the time I was,” she winced, “indisposed.”
“In rehab, you mean.”
She blew out a breath.
“Any other objections?”
He scratched his neck, frowning slightly.
“I guess … we’re partners.”
Ruby twirled and held out an arm.
“Ta-da. You will not be sorry.”
“Oh no,” Hari said. “I definitely will.”
THE END
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About the Author
Rickie Blair dangled her first participle at the age of six. For over two decades she's been a financial journalist, writing and editing for major financial newspapers and magazines. She lives in Ontario with several ornery pets and an overactive Netflix account.
Dangerous Allies is the first volume in the Ruby Danger series. You can get a copy of this ebook for free by signing up for my newsletter at www.rickieblair.com. Please tell your friends!
Acknowledgments
My thanks to early readers Paul Solyn, Lin White, and Sonia Verma, whose comments and input were invaluable.
My thanks also to editor Alex McGilvery, whose thoughtful and generous guidance on structure and style helped me improve Dangerous Allies in particular and my writing skills in general.
I’d also like to extend my gratitude to copy editor extraordinaire Martha Hayes, whose advice, encouragement, and breadth of knowledge have been indispensable to this beginner.
And finally, I’d like to thank alpha reader Grace-ann McIntyre for her unflagging support, keen insights, and detailed critiques. I couldn’t have done this without you.
Also by Rickie Blair
DANGEROUS BENEFITS
Even fame and fortune can turn deadly …
Ruby Delaney has finally landed a Broadway role, but her excitement is short-lived when she confronts a disgruntled stage manager who’s convinced she can’t be trusted. Ruby is determined to put her notorious past behind her and focus on the play. Until she discovers a con man has targeted her mentor’s life savings.
Ruby teams up with fraud investigator Hari Bhatt to find the swindler. Their investigation leads them to a murder instead. The partners track the victim’s missing money to Paris and uncover a link to one of Wall Street’s biggest names, a man seemingly above reproach. Ruby and Hari race to prove their case, unaware they're being watched by someone who will go to desperate lengths to hide a lethal secret.
Dangerous Benefits is the second book in the Ruby Danger series. Sign up for my newsletter at rickieblair.com to receive a free e-copy.
DANGEROUS COMFORTS
She wanted fun in Sin City. Not death beneath the streets.
After the tragic consequences of their last case, fraud investigators Ruby Delaney and Hari Bhatt have lost the desire to expose cheats and con artists—or to risk their own hearts. But Ruby can’t look away when she stumbles upon a mortgage scam that’s torn an elderly woman from her home. And a reluctant Hari agrees to go undercover to probe an identity theft ring at a Las Vegas casino-hotel.
When a body is found in the home of a missing casino employee, the estranged partners join forces to find the victim’s terrified killer. Hari and Ruby embark on a desperate race through the city’s pitch-black underground tunnels, pursued by a deadly adversary who’s hunting for the same man.
Dangerous Comforts is the third book in the Ruby Danger series.
Contents
Copyright
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Epilogue
About the Author
Acknowledgments
Also by Rickie Blair