Elizabeth Basque - Medium Mysteries 02 - Silver Lake by Elizabeth Basque Read Free Book Online

hundred times before.
    “ Come on,” I told Julie.
    We grabbed our purses and exited my car. I didn’t want to lose sight of the beautiful Lana, but we had to wait for passing traffic before we could cross.
    Lana walked like the international model that she was. She carried herself like a queen, as if she owned the world. She wore a light sundress that accented her slim but curvy, sexy figure. Her long, tanned legs seemed to go right up to her neck. Men did a double take as she strolled down the busy sidewalk, but she paid them no heed. Still, her lips curved ever so slightly as she moved with grace, as if all was as it should be in her glamorous universe.
    We stayed a slight distance behind her, pretending to window shop as we strolled down the block. Suddenly, she ducked through an opening, disappearing from our sight.
    I hurried Julie along to where Lana had turned. You could miss the spot if you weren’t careful. The walkway was all but camouflaged with luscious trees.
    We stepped off the sidewalk onto the walkway and found ourselves in an open patio with umbrella-covered tables, many of which were occupied by patrons. It was a restaurant.
    Lana wasn’t at any of these tables, so we continued to the main doors leading inside.
    “ Two, please,” I told the receptionist, and Julie and I were led to a table. It was a fairly small place, but Lana was seated across the room from us.
    “ I guess we’re having lunch,” Julie said as we settled ourselves at the table.
    “ Yeah. When in Rome,” I said as I perused the menu. But I couldn’t help glancing at Lana. She was cool as a cucumber. The waitress automatically brought her a cup of coffee, and she sat, shades still on, gazing out the window. She glanced at her cell phone, looking at the time, I presumed. Or at texts from her nasty boyfriend-on-the-side.
    I rarely ate pasta, but the menu boasted of homemade ravioli, so I ordered it, the special of the day. I hadn’t had Chianti in a while, and I thought it was a good occasion for a glass of that as well. Julie ordered a turkey and avocado sandwich. Across from us, Lana was given a simple salad.
    The restaurant door opened again and Lana glanced up. She took off her sunglasses and smiled at the handsome young man who had just entered.
    It was Garrett. He spotted Lana immediately, and I got the feeling the couple had dined at that same table before. He moved smoothly to her side and bent down to kiss her tenderly. She returned his kiss, and then wiped lipstick from his lips with her finger.
    “That witch,” Julie hissed. “She just kissed one lover goodbye, and look at her. He doesn’t suspect a thing.”
    Indeed, Garrett was all smiles. He seated himself across from Lana and took her hand. I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but the conversation appeared casual.
    The waitress brought our meals, and we ate while we watched the pair.
    “ Look at that ring,” Julie observed. “It’s got to be over three karats.”
    I nodded agreement. Lana also wore a beautiful diamond bracelet, the likes of which I’d never before seen. It was made of white gold, or possibly platinum, with interlocking Celtic knots. Each knot was inlaid with diamonds and sapphires. It was absolutely gorgeous.
    Lana conducted herself with undeniable grace. Her demure composure was enticing, and she had a mystique that seemed to belie innocence. When she smiled, her lips spoke of mischief. The young woman was altogether enchanting, and she knew it.
    And my gut told me not to trust it, not to trust her. “I have to talk to him,” I said suddenly. “Now.”
    “What?” Julie asked. “You’re just going to go over there?”
    “ No. What we need is a distraction.”
    “ Ah, the old distraction maneuver.” Julie faked some Eastern European accent.
    “ We’re going to make like we’re leaving,” I said, downing my wine, “and you’re going to spill something all over Lana’s pretty dress. Then go with her to the restroom to help