The Retrieval by Lucius Parhelion Read Free Book Online

you?”
    Laura’s smile was dangerously close to a smirk. “What, you mean my current paramour? The press would have a field day. He’s supposed to be desperate to pop the question to Elaine Gray.”
    “As long as you’re happy.”
    “I’m having fun. Although I’m surprised you’re asking. After you identified the claws on the birds and the stings on the bees for me back when I was a green kid, I thought you gave up on guiding my love life.”
    “When it comes to gritty specifics, feel free to spare my nerves.”
    “Wise choice. You know I’m not in the running for the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. I have a career to think about. And if I want to spend my leftover time worrying about some man, there’s always Jake. Since I promised maman to take care of him, he’s the obvious target.” Her tone was earnest when she added, “I’m awfully happy you’re finally moving out here.”
    It wasn’t exactly a dodge to say, “You’re well aware Jake made a promise to your mother about taking care of you, too.”
    “Oh, sure. Did she manage to con one out of you about both of us? Lingering deathbeds are dramatic, and maman certainly knew how to use drama to get whatever she wanted.”
    Charlie frowned at her, glad he’d never been a guilty blusher. “A family trait.”
    “You bet. From what little I remember, even papa could play the desert prince to his advantage. It was hilarious since grand-père was actually some rich merchant in Tunis. Although Jake has both the charm and the earnestness of Valentino or Novarro, so maybe that part of being a sheik is in the blood.”
    Now Laura’s expression was as earnest as her tone. “Share lodgings with someone for nine months, and then keep that up for twenty-two years longer, and you understand a few things about him. For one, I’ve learned he’s terrible at sneaking around to get what he wants, unlike the rest of us Mors.”
    After a moment, Charlie said, “Please tell me you didn’t arrange for my recent offer from Cosmic.”
    “I didn’t have to. Don’t think I won’t be first standing on line to play Phoebe if you manage a good adaptation of The White Way , though.”
    “But it’s still hopeless, demanding that you keep that slightly retroussé nose out of my business, isn’t it?”
    “When do I get to see this house of all houses you’re buying with my brother?”
    The door to the parlor opened and Jake stuck his head through the gap. “I’m off to pick up Fran. Are you two leaving, or are you going to sit around and gossip for the rest of the evening?”
    “When I do it, it’s gossip. When he does it, it’s important information.” Laura rolled her eyes even as she uncoiled from the couch. “I’ll get my wrap.”
    “I’ll get Ducky.” Charlie reached for the lead on a side table.
    Ducky promptly rose to his feet, but the look he gave Charlie was reproachful.
    Charlie shook his head. “It seems we are all slaves to duty around here, my friend.”
    ***
    “You drive,” Charlie told Laura after a dubious look at her coupe.
    “I’m glad you realize we don’t have the time for an accidental side-trip to Santa Monica.”
    Sometimes the best offense was a good defense. “No, we don’t. Especially since we’ll need to go slow because of Ducky. And checking on him will mean keeping the top down.”
    “So, also slow for the sake of my hair. Fine. I know good arguments when I hear them.”
    At least they didn’t have far to drive as the Lowerys lived higher up one of Beverly Hills’s canyons. Even Charlie couldn’t have gotten lost.
    The gate to the Lowery house was decorated with iron scrollwork, its large courtyard was covered with patterned stonework, and the house itself was a huge, two-storied gray building that looked like a truncated French Chateau with a small side wing added to throw it completely out of balance. The result, if impressive, was annoying. Charlie had to admit to himself, he’d finally seen a house out here