16 Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich Read Free Book Online

drove to Ernies house. I didnt think Dirk was living with Ernie, but I thought Ernie might be talking to him.

    What time is it? Lula asked. I might need a doughnut. Is it doughnut time?

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    Whats that about?

    I dont know. It just came over me.

    Its a bad idea. What do I look like, Mr. Green Jeans? How would it sound if I said its vegetable time? People would think I was a nut. Nobody gets a craving for a vegetable. And Im on the one diet. What am I gonna do with one carrot or one asparagus? Theyre not mood enhancers, if you see what Im saying.

    I see what youre saying, but there arent any doughnuts between here and Ernies house.

    I guess I could wait. And maybe youre right about the healthy eating. Im gonna get a carrot cake doughnut.

    I drove a block, pulled over, and called Ernie. I had a feeling hed be more helpful if I got him away from his wife. My guess was his wife wouldnt be happy to learn he was still palling around with Dirk the bigamist.

    Ernie answered and I introduced myself.

    Is your wife home? I asked him.

    Yes, he said.

    Would she be upset if she knew you were still friends with Dirk McCurdle?

    Whats this about?

    I can knock on your door and talk to you in front of your wife, or we can meet somewhere for just a couple minutes. I need to find Dirk.

    Okay.

    Just go out in your car or go for a walk, and Ill follow you.

    Okay.

    And he hung up.

    Five minutes later, a car pulled out of the Wilkeses driveway and headed for Olden. The car pulled to the curb after three blocks and Ernie Wilkes got out.

    I dont know anything about Dirk McCurdle, Ernie said to Lula and me. We used to be friends, but I dont see him anymore.

    When was the last time you talked to him? I asked.

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    Try again, I told him.

    Ernie blew out a sigh. A couple days ago. Hes got a new wife. At least, he says shes a wife.

    Do you know her name? Do you know where she lives?

    Her names Dolly. I dont know her last name. He said they met at the Senior Center on Greenwood. And he said she has a house close by there.

    Does Dirk have his own place?

    Ernie shook his head. Not that I know about. Hes always lived in his wives houses. I tell you, hes a real character.

    I thanked Ernie, gave him my card, and Lula and I took Olden to Greenwood.

    Hold up here, Lula said. Theres a bakery on the right, and I bet theyve got healthy doughnuts. Like maybe they got a whole wheat and green bean cruller.

    SIX

    I PULLED INTO the small lot and waited while Lula ran in. I had my window down, and I was in a zone, staring into the bakery, not thinking. My skin prickled at the nape of my neck and a rush of heat fluttered through my stomach. I caught a hint of Bulgari Green shower gel and knew the reason for the heat. Ranger.

    He bent to talk to me through the open window. Theres a problem in the Atlanta office, he said. Im on my way to the airport. I should be back sometime tomorrow. In the meantime, call Tank if you need help. Ive asked Chet to report Gritchs travels directly to you.

    Tank was Rangers next in command. He was the guy who watched Rangers back. His name said it all.

    Thanks, I said. Be careful.

    Ranger smiled at that. Hard to tell if he was smiling because someone cared enough to say be careful, or if he thought the idea was funny.

    Minutes after Ranger left, Lula hauled herself up into the Jeep. The best I could do was blueberry, Lula said. They didnt have no vegetable doughnuts. And I got a strawberry jelly-filled, and a pumpkin spice, and a banana scone. Wait a minute. Is pumpkin a vegetable? Does that count?

    You must have eight hundred calories in that bag.

    Yeah, but the diet says I can have one of anything.

    One doughnut! Not one of each kind.

    You dont know that for sure, Lula said.

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    No. I gained a couple, but I think its water retention.

    THE SENIOR CENTER is in a big old house that was remodeled to accommodate bingo. It runs night and