Deadly Alliance Read Online Free PDF Page A

all too familiar with his dad’s scheme to move Sweet Pea’s leavings from his yard to Dolly’s front steps. The operation required finesse— moving it without disturbing its shape. “Papa, it was dark last time.”
    “Yup, and that night a star was born,” Papa said. “You sneaked out and made the perfect transfer.” Mick really wanted him to do it.
    “Where’s Dolly?” Finn asked.
    “Riding the senior van to the store.” Papa crinkled his nose. “Well then?”
    Finn nodded. “It’s an honor to be chosen for this task.”
    “You’re about to win another medal.” Papa looked at him with genuine pride.
    How often did Finn do something simple, but greatly rewarding? The only negative consequence would end up on the neighbor’s shoe. His dad beamed, and Finn relished the rush it gave him.
    Papa said, “I like kidding Dolly. She’s way too full of herself.”
    Finn pictured the fashionable elderly woman with a mane of white cotton who rocked hot pink lipstick. “Sweet Pea sure as hell won’t tell. Dolly doesn’t know it’s us, right?”
    Papa chuckled. “She wouldn’t make brownies for me if she did.”
    “One of these days she’ll shove them up your ass,” Finn said. His dad’s system for having fun occasionally backfired.
    “I’m one lucky papa.” His laughter filled the room. “Until next time, son.”
    Heading out, Finn waved with the magazine cover. In spite of their tight bond, he didn’t always agree with Papa. His father saw good qualities in women while Finn prided himself on channeling his sixth sense. He let suspicion be his guide.
    Dog that he was, chasing after Les’ bone, Amy might be sniffing along the same trail.
     

Chapter Three
     
    Amy reacted to the soft swish of Finn’s closing door by plastering a smile on her face and standing tall. She marched her forms to Brooke’s desk.
    “Good timing, he’s back.” Brooke reached for her paperwork. “I’ll drop these on the head of all things accounting.”
    “Great.” Amy admired easy-going Brad Rosenberg. “I appreciate your work with the interview process, Brooke.”
    “You’re welcome. Hardly anyone notices. Go ahead and give his door a rap.”
    Amy rapped just once before twisting the knob. “You’re in your skivvies.” Seeing him in his boxers was a gut-punch. She inhaled a breath and nudged the door shut with her back.
    He slipped behind his desk and narrowed his eyes at her. A sexy smile showed on one side of his mouth. “You knocked. Did I say, ‘open?’ ” He looked darn incredible.
    With the scorch of embarrassment, Amy realized she was just standing there.
    “Relax. I’ve got one up on you. Remember New Years, five years ago, in the closet with Les? There you were, commando.” Finn chortled with a slap to his knee.
    A shallow gasp escaped her lips. “Guess we weren’t as discreet as I’d thought.” She sighed.
    He threw out both arms. “Relax. We both knew Les. He cracked the door at some point.”
    “Jeez, let me die.”
    He dropped his arms to his sides. Palms forward, he lifted them. “Look, I’m okay. You’re okay. Awkwardness is now diffused.” He dropped his shoulders to pull up black slacks and then buttoned up a gray, oxford shirt. Fiddling with the sleeve, he wore power inside and out. He watched her as if he knew he gave her soft tingles.
    “Fine,” she said, and he was right. Her bodily reaction didn’t make sense, and she stiffened against it.
    “You’re a bit on the defensive.”
    “I suppose I am.”
    He gestured for her to sit in the chair opposite him, and she fell onto the seat, almost missing it.
    As a clothing designer, she noticed apparel. He had impeccable taste. “Hugo Boss? I admire understated elegance.” Finn’s appearance mirrored his clients’ taste. During vacations at their second homes in Lake Arrowhead, they golfed, sailed, skied, and invested.
    An eternity passed before he said, “Except for basic hellos and goodbyes, you and I rarely conversed.