No Test for the Wicked: A Lexi Carmichael Mystery, Book Five by Julie Moffett Read Free Book Online Page A

continued field research—the kind we are currently engaging in—is important to broaden our knowledge on this subject. We should do it again and soon.”
    He chuckled. “I’ve created a vixen. Let’s go eat. I’m starving.”
    “What? The appetizer wasn’t filling enough?”
    He growled, pulling me to my feet. “Don’t tempt me. When it comes to you, I’m discovering I have less willpower than I thought.”
    I laughed, pleased by my witty comeback.
    Slash drove to an Indian restaurant called Royal Tandoor Indian Cuisine, located in Laurel, Maryland, not too far from my apartment. Despite our late arrival and the fact that the place was packed, the maître d’ led us to a small table in the corner of the restaurant near the window. The restaurant was lovely with Indian décor and what looked like gorgeous handcrafted furniture. Our table was set away from the main area and in a semi-private alcove. Slash, as always, claimed the seat facing the entrance. He held out my chair as I sat and the maître d’ handed us menus. As we read the offerings by candlelight, Slash asked if I’d like to try a glass of Indian wine.
    “Sure.”
    A few minutes later a waiter appeared with two glasses and a bottle. He poured a bit in Slash’s glass. Slash swirled it and took a taste, then nodded. The waiter poured more in our glasses, then asked us if we were ready to order. I ordered tandoori chicken while Slash asked for the vegetable biryani.
    I glanced around the restaurant. “So, where is the FBI tonight?”
    It was kind of a running joke between us. Slash apparently knew so much sensitive information he had an FBI detail around the clock. I knew it wasn’t an easy thing for him to be constantly followed by government agents, but I thought he’d done a good job living with it the best he could.
    “I told them to blend.”
    I looked around the room, but didn’t notice anyone out of place. That was the idea, I guess.
    Slash followed my gaze and smiled. “They’re outside in a vehicle. We’re alone in here.”
    I was glad for at least a little privacy.
    Slash lifted his glass. “To our first official date.”
    I raised mine and clinked it against his. “May it be as memorable as the appetizer.”
    “Indeed.” He smiled and took a sip. “So, what’s new?”
    “With what?”
    “With whatever you want to talk about. Work, friends, whatever.”
    “Oh, this is the part where I have to talk. Okay, let me think. Well, X-Corp caught a case at a D.C. high school for gifted kids today. I’ll be the lead on it.”
    “Interesting. What’s up?”
    “Kids keep hacking in to the computer system and changing grades and schedules, among other things.”
    “Sounds like fun.”
    “Yeah, for the kids. Not so much for the adults. The kids have created a clandestine group called the WOMBATs and they’re causing havoc.”
    I didn’t have to explain WOMBAT to Slash. He chuckled. “Creative.”
    “I know, right? My mission is to keep the students out permanently. Given the fact that everyone is so plugged in to the system, including these kids, I won’t be able to rely on a simple tech solution.”
    He nodded, lifting the glass to his lips and sipping. “The adults are the weak link.”
    “Exactly.”
    “So, what’s your approach?”
    “I’m thinking to go undercover as a student at the school to see if I can figure out who, why, and how they are breaking in.”
    He choked, nearly spewing his wine.
    I looked at him with concern. “Slash? Are you okay?”
    He coughed and pressed his napkin to his mouth. “I’m okay,
cara
. Come again. You’re going undercover at a high school?”
    “That’s the plan. Slash, do you think I look eighteen?”
    He stared at me for a long moment. “I
think
that’s a trick question.”
    “Well, the reason I ask is because I wasn’t prepared for the enthusiasm with which Ben Steinhouser agreed I could pull this off. He said all I had to do was to wear the school uniform, dye my hair