Shattered Dreams by Sandy Loyd Read Free Book Online Page A

look good. Everything’s held in joint accounts, which surprises me given his penchant for gambling. Company’s a partnership lasting several years. All I can say ishubby must be good in bed for the saint to stay with the sinner for so long.” Jimbo gulped half his drink and then smiled. “You’re not interested in this saint, are you?”
    “No.” The sharp retort hung in the air as Jason briefly wondered why it sounded so forced. He added smoothly, “I’m only doing Crystal a favor. You know. For her going all out and getting Elise off my back.”
    “Didn’t she bill you for that?” His eyebrows quirked, adding more amusement to his smirk.
    “No. She was evasive about the information she unearthed, information even you didn’t find, I might add. She and Elise met for drinks, and the next thing I knew, the papers were signed without a peep. So I owe her.”
    “Okay,” Jimbo said, still grinning. “I’ll swallow. But a word of caution, old buddy.” His grin faded. “Don’t get involved with Crystal’s twin.”
    “I don’t need a warning.” Jason snorted. “I’ve got my hands full dealing with Elise’s shit to even think of getting involved with a woman , especially a married one like Claire Carter.”
    “She’s trouble. If she’s put up with him and his ways for this long, he’s either got something on her or she’s in love with him. And saints tend to love the wrong men.”
    Jason swore under his breath and took a long drink of Coke, noting Jimbo’s skeptical expression. The feeble denials hadn’t fooled his friend. But he simply ignored both the look and the warning, refusing to believe he actually needed either. The lady was definitely not a viable candidate for any relationship he’d consider, even if she weren’t married.
    “Just keep digging,” he said before returning to his lunch.
    • • •
    Once back in his office, he punched in the office number Claire had given him. “Claire? Jason Roberts here.”
    “Any news?” From both the speed she picked up and the anxious tone of her voice, she had to have been sitting by the phone waiting for his call.
    “Some. Got a call from Deputy Snyder.” He didn’t disclose any of the information he’d learned from O’Malley, nor did he say anything about the drugged champagne or the blood bag. News like that should be offered in person. “He’d like to meet with you. To be on the safe side, I’ll go with you.”
    “I’m quite capable of driving down and talking with the deputy on my own.”
    “You’re my client, remember?”
    He smiled at the audible sigh hitting his ears.
    “I haven’t paid you a dime,” she said. “Remember?”
    “I told you, I’m doing this as a favor to your sister.”
    “Mr. Roberts — ”
    “Jason,” he said, cutting her off.
    “Jason.” She paused and added in a curt tone, “I’m not stupid. Let me guess. Your office is in a high-rise in Boca. I’m betting on a top floor with an ocean view, and that doesn’t come cheap. I’ve decided I’d rather not be in my sister’s debt.”
    “Then I’ll bill you what I was planning on billing her.”
    “I’m not sure I want you as my lawyer.”
    “You want me as your lawyer. Trust me.” Jason swiveled around to look out the floor-to-ceiling window at the panoramic ocean view. His grin spread. “Besides, Jimbo only works for me. He’s found out a few interesting details. We can use the drive to update you. I told him to keep working, but like I said, he only works for me.”
    “Sounds like a bribe, or even a threat.”
    “Take your pick. I use what works.”
    She sighed and remained silent. He held his breath, not completely sure of the outcome.
    “I guess I can keep you on for another day or so.”
    His smile returned. “Good. I’ll drive. How’s three o’clock sound? I know we’ll hit traffic, but that’ll give me time to tie up a few loose ends.” When she neither agreed nor disagreed, he went for broke. “I’ll pick you up.