Shattered Dreams by Sandy Loyd Read Free Book Online

phone numbers, most with names like Tiffany and Angel. And here’s another interesting detail. Charge records on one account are also very telling. Again, nothing points to Carl unless you connect the dots and add his name. Changes the picture. Definitely not one of a guy who has a wife at home.”
    Jason stared at his drink, thinking. “Not much of an upstanding pillar of the community is he, if the picture’s accurate?” he asked softly. The news only increased his interest.
    “Not from my vantage point.” Jimbo paused as the waitress reappeared with a tray full of food and quickly placed plates on the table before hurrying off. “He likes the track. Spends big bucks at Gulfstream Park and calls a bookie regularly. Also frequents trendy bars in South Beach and Fort Lauderdale.” He reached for his sandwich and took a bite. After he chewed and swallowed, he added, “Could be for business, since he’s listed as VP of Sales. But I doubt it. All of them are regular singles’ hangouts. I should know. I’ve been to most of them.”
    Jason polished off his potato salad and washed it down with his drink. “Anything on the wife?” he asked before he started on his sandwich.
    “She’s as clean as he is dirty. Into her company. Gives to charities and volunteers , basically a real Pollyanna. Though the company credit card is billed to her name, it’s used frequently to charge hotel rooms, jewelry, and bar tabs.” He stopped talking long enough to eat a few more bites. “My money says she isn’t the one making said purchases. An odd pair. Maybe she did kill him. Just looking at what I uncovered makes me want to start stabbing, especially if I was involved with someone like that.”
    “You jumping to conclusions already, Jimbo?”
    “Sorry. That’s opinion. Despite being related to one Crystal Grayson, she seems like a saint, and the man’s anything but.”
    “And now you’re defending the lady? So, which is it? Saint or killer?”
    “Merely giving you the details.” Jimbo shook his head and took another bite before he caught Jason’s eye, and an indolent grin settled over his face. “The Carters’ catalog company’s sales have been doubling yearly. Did ten million last year, and netted over three. From what I’ve unearthed after talking to those in the know, she earns it and hubby spends it. You do the math. Isn’t that what you hired me for? Details?”
    “But you’re glossing over the most important one. I would’ve thought the detail that she’s Crystal’s sister would speak the loudest.”
    “No, Roberts. What speaks is the information I gathered. And if certain assumptions are accurate, she’s a saint on paper if I ever saw one.”
    “I didn’t know you were into saints.” Jason bit into his sandwich and chewed, eyeing his friend. For some reason, the reverent way he spoke about Claire annoyed him. When he swallowed, he added, “But I can understand it. Only a saint would put up with you.”
    “Don’t give me your psycho-babble bullshit, and don’t give me any saints. I prefer women who have sinned a little. You know that.”
    Jason’s only response was to shake his head and offer a ready grin.
    “What?” Jim asked, his eyebrows slanted.
    “Take it from me. You don’t want a sinner long term,” he replied. “It can be painful when they can’t stop sinning.”
    “Now you see why I stay single. Saints like Claire Carter don’t interest me.”
    “Just as well.”
    Jason couldn’t stop the quick burst of a chuckle erupting straight from his chest, unwilling to admit to how relieved he was at Jimbo’s answer. He pushed from his mind the thought that part of why he was so amused had nothing to do with humor.
    “Now, finish telling me what you found out.”
    “Thought that was enough to give you a clear picture. Looks as if there’s recent activity on the charge, but it’ll take a bit more time to get that info. Not much more to tell right now. I’ll keep on it. Finances