Impossibly Tongue-Tied Read Online Free PDF Page B

whether his statement was a denial or a cover-up. After what was an uncomfortably long silence, she must have decided that he was telling her the truth because she put her hand over his for just a moment before pulling it away.
    â€œHow did you find out?”
    His question brought a sardonic smile to her lips. “Our accountants.” Seeing his puzzled look, she added: “Seems he’s been making the calls on the company charge card—”
    Jeez, that was stupid, thought Sam.
    â€œâ€”and according to this recording, I guess he used my own personal card, too.”
    â€œCalls, huh? Long distance? So, she’s based somewhere other than here in L.A.?”
    â€œShe’s everywhere. She’s a phone sex operator. ”
    Just when I thought Hugo couldn’t be any stupider, he proves me wrong.
    Sam put on his game face and said, “So, that’s it? That’s the punch line? Come on, Lucinda, phone sex isn’t real sex. It’s—it’s a naughty little boy’s temporary infatuation, that’s all. Why, I’ll bet he’s never even met this woman.”
    â€œThat doesn’t matter,” she retorted. “Sam, I’m telling you, Hugo is obsessed with her.”
    â€œHow do you know this?”
    â€œBecause…because he’s not using her simply to—to stimulate our sex life. Believe me, that wouldn’t be so bad. I’ve gone down that path before with him, so I know that. And I know him. ”
    Her eyes were getting damp again. Fumbling to put her sunglasses back on, she choked, “If you must know, for over a month now, he’s been abstaining . Which means that he’d rather be with her . And it’s only a matter of time before he is.”
    Just then the waiter came with their coffees and fruit plates. After he departed, Sam asked, “So, do your people have any idea who this woman might be?”
    She shook her head. “I had a PI bug the phones, but her line is untraceable. On the recording, though, he calls her O.”
    â€œHmmm.” Sam wanted to laugh but then thought better of it. “Not too original, is it?”
    â€œOh, I don’t know about that. I mean, if the bulk of your clientele is film industry types, they might get off on the classic cinematic reference.”
    â€œHow do you know that’s the case?”
    â€œThe PI told me that O’s got a rep around the town, and specifically among you boys.”
    â€œHey, don’t look at me. Verbal masturbation isn’t my cup of tea.” He put his hand on hers and looked her straight in the eye. “Listen, Lucinda, you and Hugo are my closest, dearest friends. Hell, I introduced you two, remember? And I was the best man at your wedding. I think I can say that, next to you, I know Hugo better than anyone. And I’m betting that, for the long run anyway, this O person doesn’t really mean anything to Hugo, either.”
    Lucinda shrugged sadly. “Before you put a C-note on that one, listen to it yourself. Then tell me what you think.” She stood up to leave. “Believe me, Sam, I’d much rather it be you who takes care of this, as opposed to Daddy. Because his way to make the problem go away would mean the end of Hugo and me.”
    Don’t I know it , thought Sam as he watched Lucinda walk away, her head held high.
    Not only that, it would be the end of Hugo’s career in Hollywood, period, because no studio would dare cross Archie by distributing Hugo’s films. They couldn’t afford that . Most certainly not for an art house auteur whose films’ net income barely covered the catering costs for the parties thrown to fete any Academy Award nominations thrown his way. Hell, even the DVD rights didn’t make it worthwhile.
    Sam grabbed the check from the waiter and headed out the door.
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