Paradise Wild Read Online Free PDF Page A

red-haired man, he began having second thoughts about being there. Whatever he had expected to find, it certainly wasn’t this.
    Ned’s appraising look took in Jared’s expensive suit, his aura of strength, and he noted a bit of ruthlessness in the sharp blue-gray eyes. This was a man who got what he wanted, and Ned anticipated profiting from whatever he wanted.
    “I can honestly say, Mr. Burkett, that I didn’t think I would hear from you again. And I certainly didn’t expect to meet you. Your business must be pretty important to bring you here all the way from Hawaii.”
    Jared decided to be frank. If this man could accomplish what he wanted, then he didn’t mind paying an outlandish fee for it.
    “What I plan to do in Boston is very important to me,” Jared said as he glanced about the office. “But I’m not quite sure you’re up to it, Mr. Dougherty.”
    “Don’t let the size and location of my office fool you,” Ned replied defensively. “The larger investigating firms have bigger expenses and charge their clients more. I get more clients.”
    “Do you work alone?”
    “I get help when I need it.” Ned leaned back and smiled. “I can see by that wary look that you have doubts about me. Let me assure you that I have never disappointed a client. Whether I am investigating a firm, finding a missing person, or trailing a wayward wife, I do get results. I’ve even helped solve a few murders.”
    Jared was not impressed. “I need not only information, Mr. Dougherty, but publicity as well.”
    “I have a cousin and a few friends who work for the newspapers.”
    “I will need to be well-known in this city within a very short time—in about a month.”
    “No problem, Mr. Burkett.”
    “Very well, then, I will take a chance on you, Mr. Dougherty. But I wouldn’t like to be disappointed.”
    The threat was obvious and Ned felt a slight chill race down his back. He shrugged it off.
    “I’m curious to know how you found me, Mr. Burkett. Have you been to Boston before?”
    Jared began to relax. “No. I got your name from a college friend in the States. He told an amusing story around school about his grandfather hiring you to follow his grandmother, suspecting her, at seventy-two, of having an affair.”
    Ned laughed, relieving the tension. “I remember that old man quite well. It was the most ridiculous case I ever worked on.”
    “I imagine so. But I never forgot your name,” Jared admitted. “I knew even then that I would have need of you one day.”
    “Well then, Mr. Burkett, I’m sure we will accomplish what you want done, if you’ll just tell me what it is.”
    Jared’s eyes held a cold gray glint. “I want information on Samuel Barrows, especially about his business interests, the extent of his wealth, and how much reserve he has. I want to know everything about the man, his associates, and his family. I want to know his future plans, how he works, his weaknesses, and his habits.”
    Ned nodded. “It will probably take about two weeks to get what you want. Since gathering information is pretty routine, I don’t foresee any problems.”
    “Fine. Now, about the publicity. You will start on that immediately. As I said before, I want to be well-known about town. I want to be talked about in the highest financial circles, especially in Samuel Barrows’ circle.”
    The little detective picked up a notebook and pen and leaned over his desk. “I’ll need facts about you, then.”
    Jared grinned. “Jared Burk, millionaire from the West Coast, here to invest money. That’s all you need to know.”
    “I don’t understand.”
    Jared rose from his chair. “You don’t have to understand. The name and facts I just gave you are false. I don’t want my real identity known. But I do intend to invest some money if the circumstances are right. You might recommend a good lawyer.”
    Ned’s curiosity was aroused. “You want to be a man of mystery, then?”
    “Exactly.”
    “Very well.” Ned