Tonight I Said Goodbye (St. Martin's Minotaur Mystery) by Michael Koryta Read Free Book Online Page A

rapists. I write stories about them, I push their personal affairs into the public eye, and I upset them. And I've never really worried about it. But with these guys, it wasn't the same. They were totally indifferent, you know? The one who talked to me, he looked just . . . I don't know . . . empty. He looked like he could have raped me, killed me, or given me roses and felt exactly the same about all of it." She took a deep breath. "Who are these guys, Lincoln?" she asked again.
    I was saved from reaffirming my ignorance by a white Lexus coupe that squealed to a stop beside my truck. Amy and I both turned, and she put her hands to her head.
    "Jacob," she said. "I completely forgot he was coming over."
    Jacob Terry stepped out of the Lexus and looked at us with a wide smile. He was a tall, good-looking guy, with perfect teeth, eyebrows, and nails, and a haircut that said "beauty salon" where mine said "barber shop." He's supposedly the most popular news anchor in the city, but I remember a time when Pee Wee Herman and Geraldo Rivera were successful television personalities, so that's not saying much.
    "Hey, babe," he said to Amy. "And you're Lincoln Perry, correct?"
    "Uh-huh."
    He beamed at me and offered his hand, apparently thrilled with the pleasant surprise of my company. "Good to see you again, Mr. Perry."
    "Likewise, Mr. Terry," I said, realizing for the first sickening time that our names rhymed. Maybe he could join me when Joe retired. Perry and Terry Investigations. Yikes.
    Terry was still smiling, completely oblivious to the wreck that was Amy's car. "What brings you here?" he said.
    "The smashed-up vehicle two feet in front of you," I answered, releasing his hand. "Geez, for a professional journalist, you're not the most observant guy in the world, are you, Jake?"
    Amy fought to hide a smile while Terry fought to keep his in place.
    "I guess not," he said, looking past me and seeing the car for the first time. "Amy, what in the hell happened? Were you in an accident?"
    I glanced back at the car myself, studying the damage and trying to comprehend how anyone could think it came from an accident. Maybe he thought she had rear-ended a semi that spilled a load of Louisville Sluggers onto her car.
    "No, not an accident," she said. "My car was vandalized."
    "What? That's awful. Do you know who did it?"
    She glanced at me and shook her head. "Nope. Probably just some kids, drunk and high and looking for a good time."
    "I'm sorry, baby," he said, crossing over to her and kissing her, rubbing her back with his hands. I returned my attention to the dented Acura.
    "It's fine," she said. "I'm fine."
    "Are you still up for dinner?" he asked.
    "Sure," she said. "Lincoln, would you like to join us?"
    I looked at her and Terry, sorting through all the responses that came to mind and trying to select an option that wasn't a wise-ass remark. It took a while, but I finally came up with one: "No, thanks."
    "Okay. Well, thanks for coming over. And, um, let me know what you find out, will you?"
    "Sure thing." I nodded at Terry. "Nice seeing you again, Jake."
    "Jacob," Amy said. "He hates being called Jake."
    Terry seemed to blush, but he didn't deny it. I bowed in apology. "My mistake, Jacob. It won't happen again."
    I climbed into my truck and drove away, glancing at the rearview mirror and noting that Terry's arms were still around Amy. It didn'tbother me, though. Did it? No. Why should it? No reason. I turned the music up louder.
    Back at the apartment, I called Joe and filled him in.
    "Is Amy okay?" he asked when I was through.
    "I think so. She was a little shaken up, but she's tough. Jacob Terry is there now to comfort her."
    "Don't say it with such bitterness."
    "I didn't."
    "Sure. Well, I have some news of my own, LP. I checked out the real estate agencies, the construction companies, and the law firm. The law firm refused to talk to me, saying they could have an associate attorney call me back on Friday if I'd like. Helpful