Cover Story by Rachel Bailey Read Free Book Online Page A

he’d probably had to apologize for my behavior. After a lifetime with my mother, I was embarrassed I’d dumped someone else in the position she’d always put me in. “Simon, I’m sorry if I’ve caused problems for you with your neighbors.”
    He eyed me then grinned. “It was worth it to see Martin’s face. I don’t think anyone’s stood up to him like that in a long time.”
    I winced. “I wouldn’t call it standing up to him. It was more my temper getting away from me.”
    He grinned. “Whatever, it was entertaining.”
    Nodding absently, I glanced at the Sinclairs’ house. “I agree with most of what he said, though.”
    The streetlamp threw a subtle light across Simon’s features, turning his dark blue eyes almost black. “I know you do,” he said. “But you’re still doing your best to be objective about the gnomes and I respect that.”
    “Thanks.” Go figure. After my lifelong struggle to gain respect, Simon Hanson goes ahead and gives it to me when I least expected it. It felt strange, but rather nice. I smiled at him. “Hey, that didn’t take long. Could we visit someone else?”
    “Sure. Any preferences?”
    I cast a quick look up and down the quiet street. “The boys on the corner would be good. I’ll be back in the morning, but, from the sounds of them, they might not be up then.”
    He released a low rumble of laughter. “That’s a strong possibility. Come on.”
    They were on the same side of the street as the Sinclairs, so we only had to walk past one house, but we could hear their music long before we reached their door. The garden accent lights in the yard on the other corner flickered in order, as if someone had moved quickly past them.
    Simon stopped. “Did you see that?”
    I peered over and made out the shape of a teenager in a hooded jacket giving me a thumbs up before falling over the hedge. “It’s just Davo.”
    Simon frowned, obviously bewildered. “What’s he doing?”
    Good question. I was wondering that myself—and praying he didn’t do anything too stupid. “Long story.”
    We knocked on the door to number two and were greeted by one of the longhaired hoods. “Hi Simon and,” he paused to give me a once-over and a wink. “Hi, Simon’s friend.” This was obviously my day for arrogant and flirtatious men.
    Simon smiled easily. “Hi, Laurie.”
    I stuck out my hand. “I’m Tobi Fletcher from the Santa Fe Daily . Have you got a minute for some questions about the gnome incident?”
    “Gnome incident?” Laurie scratched his head. With his tall, skinny build, the gesture reminded me of Laurel from Laurel and Hardy. When I realized even his name was similar I almost laughed out loud, but I didn’t think he’d appreciate the comparison.
    “Maybe if we came in?” I indicated past the door.
    “Yeah, sure.” He stood back and let us through to a living room littered with pizza boxes, soda bottles, and cigarette packets. I was comforted by the knowledge that I wouldn’t be offered a cup of tea.
    “Are you the only one home?”
    “Nah, Pedro’s around somewhere. I’ll go find him.”
    He walked into the kitchen and we heard him talking to someone else as he came back: “She’s hot, dude. Says she’s here about the gnome incident.” I had my fingers crossed for a short, chubby, dark-haired hood to complete the Laurel and Hardy set.
    They appeared through the archway and the new arrival stuck out his hand. He was short, dark haired and reasonably cute, but alas, not chubby. I was a little disappointed but I took it well.
    “I’m Pedro. What’s happened to the gnomes?”
    I shook his hand. “You don’t know three were smashed?”
    “Shit. Really?” Laurie dropped into a chair, his face a comic representation of shock, complete with gaping mouth and raised brows.
    A cover act? I couldn’t eliminate them as suspects until I was sure. “So you don’t know anything about it?”
    “Nup. Shit.” Laurie scratched his head again in his unwitting