The guy, taking a good look at Chase, now stopped screaming. “Hey!” he shouted, suddenly looking disgruntled. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“I…” Chase began, but didn’t get the chance to continue.
“Were you with Johnny just now? Don’t you know the rules, man?”
“What rules?” Chase asked with a frown. “What are you talking about?”
“The rules, man! The one selected by Johnny stays.” He then slapped his sculpted chest. “I was selected, buddy. I get to stay. Not you. Me! I’m the one who gets paid the big bucks. So why don’t you get the hell out of here?!”
“Wowowow,” said Chase, finally grasping the man’s meaning.
“He thinks you’re an escort, Chase,” said Odelia helpfully.
“Hey!” cried Chase. “I’m not… No way can you even think that I’m…”
“You’re a pretty boy,” said the escort. “But I’m prettier. Now beat it.”
“Yes, pretty boy Chase,” Odelia said. “You weren’t chosen, so beat it.”
“You, too, lady,” said the escort. “Johnny’s not into bony bitches, or any bitches, for that matter, so get the hell out of here or I’ll tell the agency.”
Now it was Odelia’s turn to glare at the guy. “I’m not bony!”
“You’re practically a stick figure,” said the escort. He was right about one thing, though, and so was the cockatoo. He really was a very pretty boy.
“Look, I’m not an escort, all right?” said Chase. “I’m a cop.”
“That’s great. Who cares? Cops, firemen, construction workers. Johnny’s tastes run the gamut. But this time he chose a college professor. Me!”
“You’re a college professor?” asked Odelia.
The guy planted his hands on his narrow hips. “Don’t I look like a college professor to you?”
“Not like any college professors I’ve ever seen,” she said, remembering her own college days. The professors had all been woolly-headed hobbits. Maybe if they’d looked more like this guy she’d have paid attention.
“I don’t care! I was chosen! Johnny chose me! Me! Me! Me!”
At this point, Chase must have had enough, for he suddenly pulled his gun, and pointed it at the self-declared college professor. “Hands up!”
“Oh, now you’re talking,” said the guy, still pretty hyped-up. “Are you gonna shoot me, cop? Are you going to take a shot at me?! Catch me if you can!”
And with these words, he hopped from the bed and before either Odelia or Chase could stop him, jumped out the window!
They both hurried over and stared down. The naked college professor lay sprawled on what had been JPG’s terrace table, which had collapsed when he’d taken a running leap at it. Two uniformed officers leaned over him.
“Is he dead?” yelled Chase.
One of them looked up. “Nope.”
“Too bad,” grunted Chase, holstering his weapon.
And as both he and Odelia headed down, she said, “You could be an escort, you know, pretty boy.”
He gave her a grin, which was the first time today. “Good to know I’ve got a backup career plan in case my days as a cop are over.” Then he gave her a quick once-over. “And for your information, you’re not bony at all.”
“Thanks,” she said, and felt a blush creep up her cheeks.
Just then, the cockatoo decided to join them. Shouting, “Come here, pretty boy!” he swung down and landed on Chase’s shoulder. “Come to Papa!”
“Christ,” growled Chase. “I hate this case already.”
Start Reading Purrfectly Deadly Now
Also by Nic Saint
The Mysteries of Bell & Whitehouse
The Mysteries of Max
Ghosts of London
Between a Ghost and a Spooky Place
Witchy Fingers
Ghosts vs. Spies
The Ghost Who Came in from the Cold
Tate-à-Tate
Standalone Novels
About Nic
Nic Saint is the pen name for writing couple Nick and Nicole Saint. They’ve penned 50+ novels in the romance, cat sleuth, middle grade, suspense, comedy and cozy mystery genres. Nicole has a background in accounting and Nick in political science and before being struck by the writing bug the Saints worked odd jobs around the world (including massage therapist in Mexico, gardener in Italy, restaurant manager in India, and Berlitz teacher in Belgium).
When they’re not writing they enjoy Christmas-themed Hallmark movies (whether it’s Christmas or not), all manner of pastry, comic books, a daily dose of yoga (to limber up those limbs), and spoiling their big red tomcat Tommy.
Copyright © 2017 by Nic Saint. All rights reserved.
Published by Puss in Print Publications.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without permission in writing from the author or publisher.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.