Gunning For Angels (Fallen Angels Book 1) by C. Mack Lewis Read Free Book Online Page A

here.”
    “But…”
    “You babysit?” Jeni asked.
    “Are you kidding? I was born babysitting!” Enid exclaimed, happily. 
    “What ages?”
    “Thirty-four,” Enid said, thinking about her mother.
    Jeni raised her eyebrows in surprise.

CHAPTER ELEVEN
     
    To think of shadows is a serious thing.
     
    –Victor Hugo
     
     
     
    Jack didn’t know who he was more disgusted with – Petunia or himself. He strode into the reception room where Rachel met his eyes. 
    “ Playing deaf, huh?” Jack said.
    “Part of my job description,” Rachel said cheerfully, holding out a sheaf of paper. “I already did some preliminary research on your new client, Jeni Hargrove.”
    “What about the part of your job description that includes keeping my private office private ?” Jack jerked his thumb toward his office.
    “If you can’t keep her out of your office, how am I supposed to?” Rachel shot back.
    “You’re fired,” Jack called over his shoulder as he headed out the door.  
    Rachel smiled and went back to her laptop.
    After a moment, Jack stuck his head back in the door. “Get rid of her.”
    “Oh!” Startled, Rachel jumped up to perform the thankless job of hustling Petunia out of Jack’s office. 
    Jack walked quickly down the stairs and pushed open the door leading to the street. Jack luxuriated in the face full of heat, which never failed to surprise him with its intensity. Cutting through traffic, his eyes caught on a dark sedan. The driver’s face was hidden behind a newspaper.
    Jack rubbed his chin thoughtfully, frowning.
    He entered the diner and took a seat at the Formica counter next to Sam Waterstone. In his early forties, Sam sported a boyish face that was strangely counteracted by a cynical glint in his bright blue eyes. He nodded to Jack, munching on an overstuffed sandwich. On his belt hung his City of Phoenix detective’s badge.
    Jack said, “I need a favor.”
    Sam swallowed, rou ghly wiped his mouth and said, “Kids swore me on a stack of Harry-F-ing-Potters to make sure Uncle Jack comes over. Saturday. Four o’clock. There! Now maybe the little punks will get off my ass.”
    Mona sauntered up with a warm smile. “Hey Jack, the usual?”
    “Sure thing. Plus a cheeseburger, well done.” Jack eyed her appreciatively. “Lookin’ good, Mona.”
    Eyes sparkling, Mona let out a ‘Humph!’ and headed toward the kitchen.
    “For God’s sake, I’m a married man,” Sam said as he gripped his stomach and burped. “The last thing I need is to be caught in the crossfire of whatever it is that you two have going on. Go out with her already. You’re giving me indigestion.”
    “You worked the Daniel Hargrove case, right?” 
    “That case is colder than my ex-wife’s….” Sam took another bite of his sandwich, his words lost in his munching.
    Mona placed a to-go coffee in front of Jack. She frowned at Sam. “P.G. it, Sam. This is a family establishment.”
    “How did you hear that?” Sam said, mouth full.
    “I know what you said.” Mona gave him a warning look as she walked away.
    Jack said, “I need a copy of the case file. Anything you got.”
    “You working it?”
    “Wallpaper. Working a fast-and-easy for the daughter.”
    “Which one? Legs, Brains or The Ghost?”
    Jack shot him an incredulous look, “If the one I met ain’t Legs – I’m in love with the one who is.”
    “Then you ain’t seen Brains yet,” Sam whistled softly. “Brick F-ing shithouse.”
    “Sam!” Mona threw him a warning look from the other end of the counter.
    Sam blew her a kiss, “Love you too, Mona. If I wasn’t already taken – you’d be in trouble.”
    Mona frowned, spun on her heels and disappeared into the kitchen.
    Sam turned to Jack, “She wants me. She’s sharpening her teeth on you to get to me .”
    Mona returned, carrying a take-out bag that she plunked on the counter in front of Jack.
    “Ears burnin’?” Sam smiled lasciviously at Mona.
    “Sam, you seem to forget that I