Black Jasmine (2012) by Toby Neal Read Free Book Online Page B

one rolls like that around here.”
    “You just never find the bodies.” He looked down, shook his head, his voice a whisper of defeat. “I don’t know anything worth anything. He’s called the House. That’s all I know.”
    “Oh. Didn’t realize that was his handle.” She gave a nod to Bunuelos, who unclipped the handcuffs from the ring. “Thanks, Mr. Silva. We appreciate your cooperation. Now, was that so hard?”
    “You sure my wife won’t find out? She’ll just leave me in here if she knows. . .”
    “You gave us a name, so we’re square. Couple of names, in fact. But we know where you live.” Lei did the grin again.
    He nearly ran out of the room, followed by Bunuelos. Lei collected the recorder and notepad and followed him out. Stevens was waiting in the hall. Her heart gave a familiar thump at the sight of him.
    “Michael!”
    Lei knew Stevens was ever aware of setting a good example in front of the men, so while not keeping their relationship a secret, they weren’t advertising it either. The echoing linoleum hall was empty, so he leaned over and gave her a kiss, a hard stamp on her mouth that left her wanting more.
    “Why didn’t you tell me you were here? I caught about half your performance from the gallery.” The back wall of the interview room was two-way glass.
    “Sorry. I was in a hurry, wanted to get to the interview before Silva got released.” They walked side by side toward the main work area. Lei slid her hands into her pockets, familiar guilt irritating her. She seldom remembered to do the right girlfriend shit, like calling him. She turned to him with a bright smile. “Well, it’s time to head home. Want to go get something to eat on our way?”
    “We can hit Ichiban. I have to shut down the workstation first.”
    “I’ll meet you there; just want to wrap things up with Bunuelos. He was a big help.”
    Stevens peeled off to the left, and Lei went onto the main floor, a typical government maze of soundproofed cubicles in industrial gray with the occasional “inspirational” print to liven things up. Bunuelos met her at his cubicle after releasing Silva. He gave her a high-five.
    “You have a gift. Silva is totally paranoid now. He was practically peeing himself.”
    “Good. Maybe he’ll keep it in his pants now. What a scumbag, so worried about his wife finding out.”
    Bunuelos’s partner, Abe Torufu, came in. Lei had noticed the contrast between the two of them from day one—Bunuelos was a wiry Filipino with the build and energy of a rat terrier, while his partner loomed, a slow-moving Tongan mountain. Torufu sat down on his chair. The overwhelmed equipage squealed and moaned, but held.
    “Well, I’m off for the night, but I just wanted to thank you for helping me out. We got some names to follow up on, and that’s huge. I’m crazy to know this girl’s name.” Lei tapped the folder with the photos.
    “A pleasure. Interesting case. Keep me posted on it, and if you need any help, let me know.”
    “You and Stevens a thing?” Torufu asked, spinning his chair in her direction, a toothpick protruding from between Chiclets-sized teeth.
    “Uh. Yeah.” Lei felt a blush prickle her hairline. “Is there a problem?”
    “No. Just explains it; that’s all.”
    “Explains what?” Lei put her hands on her hips.
    “Nothing.” Both of them turned to their computers.
    “C’mon, guys. Really. He a bad boss or something?”
    “No, fine; it’s all good.” They’d become very intent all of a sudden, eyes on their monitors.
    “Okay, then. Bye.” Lei shook her head as she left.
    “Lemme know if you need me,” Bunuelos called after her again.
    “Will do.” Lei hurried down the hall. She didn’t have time for male mind games. Japanese food sounded delicious, and the sooner the better.
    Stevens was already seated at the little hole-in-the-wall restaurant minutes away from the station. He’d ordered a Kirin for her, which she sipped while perusing the menu. They