Dancing with Detective Danger Read Online Free PDF Page A

was easily thrown back through the past.
    “Tall. Black,” Lacey announced, setting the cup on Sterling’s desk. “Sorry to take so long. I got behind the cinnamon dolce latte and white chocolate mocha crowd.”
    “What did you get?” Sterling eyed her sister mischievously. She knew her sister enjoyed the drinks with some bells and whistles, too.
    Lacey sat back in her desk chair and sipped slowly from her cup before slanting a look at Sterling. “Espresso macchiato, double shot.”
    Sterling nodded appreciatively, but her thoughts refocused to the case. There would be an explanation for why Pamela Witt had written the Aegar Investigations phone number on her business card and maybe given it to Jerry, and she couldn’t wait to discover it. Meanwhile, she’d had enough of ruminating and pacing. Time to get to work.
    “I’m going to the bank to see what Jerry’s secretary has to say.” Sterling grabbed her coat and coffee and headed toward the door.
    “Do you want me to come with?” Lacey tilted her head in question but seemed pretty content where she sat.
    “No. We don’t want to seem like we’re storming the castle and put the woman on the defense, but thanks. You man the fort and enjoy your coffee.”

Chapter Three
    Sterling stepped out into the spring day and breathed out a deep sigh. The bank where Jerry worked was only a few blocks away from her office. A brisk walk with the promise of a productive destination would put her thoughts where they belonged — on the case.
    Reaching the bank’s heavy glass doors, Sterling swung them open, marched through, and glanced around for a directory. With the office number in her head, she strode to the elevator, the sound of her heels striking the stone floor in the large lobby. She entered the elevator, pushed the button for the eighth floor, and focused her thoughts. Moments later, as she stepped out of the elevator, her breath caught. Ben.
    “Sterling. You following me?” He gave her a lopsided grin.
    “Of course not.” A little unnerved, she shot him a dismissive glance as she attempted to brush past him, but his eyes pinned her gaze and slowed her steps.
    “Good luck with the secretary. There’s not much information there, though.” His eyes gleamed disarmingly as he entered the elevator.
    “Just doing my job,” she tossed over her shoulder and retrained her sight on Jerry’s office. When she heard the elevator door swoosh closed she dared a backward glance. Geez, stars were aligned or planets were colliding, she thought, her shoulders tightening. Ben’s inexplicable persistent appearance in her life troubled her. She didn’t need the added distraction.
    The young, attractive woman at the desk in Jerry’s outer office flashed a composed, glossy smile at Sterling. “Can I help you?”
    “I’m looking for Jerry Rutherford. Is he in?” It didn’t hurt to start with the most obvious question.
    The woman’s smile wilted a bit. “No, I’m sorry, Mr. Rutherford is out of town. Did you have an appointment? I’m sorry it wasn’t rescheduled.”
    “When do you expect him back?”
    “Umm, well, I’m not sure,” she stammered. “He left unexpectedly. What did you say your name is?”
    “Sterling Aegar. What’s yours?” Sterling had noted the absence of a nameplate when she’d approached the secretary’s desk.
    “Janice Martin. I’m Mr. Rutherford’s secretary, and as I said, he’s not here. Is there anything else I can do for you?”
    The smile was still there, so Sterling pressed on. “I’m sorry to bother you but I have a few questions. I’m working on behalf of Mr. Rutherford’s wife.”
    The young woman’s eyes widened and the smile dropped. “What does that mean, you’re working on behalf of Mrs. Rutherford?”
    “I’m a private detective. As you can understand, Mrs. Rutherford is concerned and it’s her understanding that Mr. Rutherford is missing. That’s all she’s been told, can you believe it?”
    “Poor