The Sholes Key (An Evans & Blackwell Mystery #1) Read Online Free PDF

the back of a darkened, nondescript car, her fingers tight round her clutch bag while Liam Foxton pushed a soft rubber object into her ear canal. He snapped his fingers and the words “test, test,” boomed in her ear.
    “It works,” she said. “Are you sure he won’t see or hear it?”
    “Not with your hair covering your ears.” Laim fluffed her hair forward and smiled. “All right, a microphone in your earring and in your bag. You’re set. Do not speak to your handbag. If you have an important question, excuse yourself and ask in the toilets or something.”
    She took a deep breath and nodded.
    “Make sure he notices you’re interested but don’t appear too eager. It has to seem natural. We know he’s not gay; we’ve made that mistake before. He’s not in a relationship, not in a serious one anyway. This may be our best chance. Don’t try too hard.”
    “I get it. I get it. Can I go now? Sitting here is making me nervy.”
    He nodded and she got out of the car. In the banquet hall, she spotted Marcus straightaway. Standing in the corner, he smiled and looked round as he half-listened to an obese man jabber on.
    She wanted to approach him, ask him out, and escape. However, her feet had different ideas; they stayed planted under her quivering knees.
    “You see him, right?” Liam whispered into her ear.
    She nodded.
    “Don’t nod.”
    How did he know?
    That’s when she caught sight of three men that worked with Liam dressed in tuxedos a few feet off. This was no longer a practice run-through; she had one chance to make it work. No pressure.
    “Sophia?”
    “Dad.” She turned to face him and pulled her hair forward, making sure it covered her earpiece. “You look very dapper in your tuxedo.”
    “What are you doing here?”
    “You invited me.”
    “Yes, dear, I always invite you, and you never come. Why did you change your mind?”
    “I’m feeling a bit charitable tonight.” She grabbed his warm hands and kissed him on the cheek. For some reason, she felt safer knowing he was there.
    “Why are your hands shaking? Are you eating all right? You’re so thin.”
    “Your hair is whiter, and I think I see another wrinkle.”
    He did not seem amused.
    “I’m fine, Dad. It’s a bit nippy out, that’s all. Oh, and I’m vegan.”
    “When did that happen?”
    “About a year ago.” It disgusted her how easy it was lying to him. A voice came over the microphone on stage and directed people to their seats. “Where do I sit?”
    “Where would you like to sit, dear?”
    She looked around for Marcus and prayed a seat was available at his table. There was. “I could sit there, in the front near the stage. Near you.”
    “Wonderful idea.” He put his arm around her waist and led her to the empty seat. Sophia smiled at the others sitting round her, including Marcus two seats to her right.
    Three years ago, she’d been to a charity dinner and knew she’d have no time to make her move until the speeches and the meal were complete. So she relaxed and enjoyed one of the two vegan meals at her table. Marc smiled at her when their plates were placed in front of them. She could suffer boiled vegetables and starvation in order to prevent him from blowing someone’s head off.
    Finally the speeches were over. The milling about had begun; she knew it was time to make her move. She had practiced a hundred different opening lines, but then Marcus approached her father. The men spoke in whispered tones, and she slowly approached, hoping her father would invite her over. It worked.
    “Oh, Marcus, I’d like to introduce you to my daughter.” He grabbed her shoulders. “Marcus Masters, Sophia Evans.”
    “Nice to meet you,” he said, holding out his hand.
    Stop shaking, stop shaking.
    “Pleasure.” She smiled warmly and stepped closer to her father. As if planned, the agent in the tuxedo stepped forward, introduced himself and asked if he could introduce the doctor to some of his friends. Always eager, away