The Wages of Cin (Cin Fin-Lathen Mysteries Book 4) Read Online Free PDF

count.”
    “Too bad that Michael’s a priest, I think you’d make a good couple,” Harry said.
    “Don’t.”
    “I mean, he’s handsome and wealthy. You could do worse.”
    “He’s a priest, and that’s that.”
    “Guess so.”
    Harry walked away and left me with Father Michael on my mind.  One of the last private conversations I had with Michael actually involved Harry.  It wasn’t long after Michael confessed, high on painkillers, that he loved me. He said, "You and I could be a spectacular team. I could give up the collar, and we could kick some serious butt out there in the world.  But it would mean leaving Harry."
    “Oh, Harry,” I said softly.  “You’re killing me.”  I shut the door and leaned against it.  It wouldn’t do any good to let Harry know that he had inadvertently majorly cock-blocked me while saving my soul at the same time.

Chapter Four
     
    I backed the BMW Z3 Roadster into a space in the guest lot behind the auditorium.  I checked my makeup twice before leaving the car.  I had chosen an outfit more for ease and comfort than for rock-concert chic.  I wore a flowing sundress over a pair of footless tights.  The green print made the most of my hair.  If it was my hair that attracted Sidney in the first place, I might as well take advantage.  I dismissed any thought of dressing youthful, picking up on his comment about Elijah’s ex dressing like her daughter.  The south Florida wind blew the dress about my legs, and I was glad I went with the tights, just in case it picked the hem up and over my hips.  The guard at the gate had a VIP badge waiting for me.  He asked that I wear it so it could be seen, so I pulled the lanyard over my head and let the large plasticized card dangle below my bust.
    I stepped around a puddle, careful not to get my sandal-encased feet wet.  The vibrant toenail polish had been an afterthought.  I wanted to be subtle, but the call of the concert pulled me into the nail salon and left me at the mercy of some rather energetic technicians.  Harry and Alex had already left by the time I arrived home, so I didn’t have to face the scrutiny of my son and the ever-critical Harry.
    I was directed to the stage by a security guard.  I decided to climb the stairs so I could see if Sidney was still in the sound booth.
    “Santa Maria, if it isn’t a vision,” Manuel Rodriguez said, approaching me.
    I fought down my band crush and smiled.  “I’m looking for…”
    “Me obviously,” he said.
    “Um, no.”
    “Elijah’s in the band suite.”
    “Actually, I’m looking for Sidney.”
    “Son of a bitch, Stoneridge?” he asked, confused.
    “Quit flirting with my mother,” Alex said, coming to my rescue.  He walked up, pulling his sweat-soaked tee up over his stomach.  “Mom, Sidney’s changing. He said for you to wait for him here.”
    Manuel looked at Alex and then at me and back again.  “You had him as a teenager, didn’t you?”
    “Cut it out. You’re embarrassing my mother, dude.”
    “Life isn’t fair.  How the hell did Stonebridge manage to score…”  He looked at Alex’s outraged face and edited, “How did he meet you first?”
    “Yesterday,” I managed, not sure if I was supposed to answer him or not.  “I met him when Harry and I were checking out the scene of Simon’s accident.”
    “You’re the lady detective?  I wouldn’t have cast you in that role.”
    “She’s not only a detective but a musician,” Alex said proudly.  “Also, a terror with a knife, so I’d watch yourself.”
    “Damn.”
    Sidney’s arrival stopped any further conversation.  The thin man had chosen a pair of light green cargo shorts with a brown tee covered by a green-and-brown-patterned, open, short-sleeved shirt.  His hair was wet.  I suspected he had hastily washed it in the sink.  He looked at me and smiled.  He nodded to Manuel and shook hands with Alex.
    “I’m watching you, dude,” Alex teased.
    “Shall we go?” he