“Hell, Drake, you gave the order to let her off the property. I’m going to make sure Jake knows that when he pulls off our fingernails.” He brightened as he settled against the seat. “We could murder the guy while she’s in the ladies’ room.”
They followed her right to the theater, Drake keeping a few cars between them at all times. “The movie better not be some sloppy love story,” Joshua hissed as they crept through the parking lot, hiding behind cars, keeping pace with her.
“Uh-oh,” Drake said. “I think lover boy is waiting. There he is, he’s taking both her hands in his, gazing into her eyes. You recognize him?”
“I think he’s the telephone guy. I’ve seen him around. Jake isn’t going to like this,” Joshua pointed out with a little groan.
“Neither is Emma if she catches us. I wish we could just get rid of this guy somehow. Got any ideas?” Drake asked hopefully.
“Maybe we should call Jake right now and just let him handle it,” Joshua suggested.
“Are you crazy?” Drake pushed money at the woman at the ticket counter. “Whatever movie they’re going into,” he added, nodding toward Emma and her date as they went inside.
“Hey, we’re in luck,” Joshua exclaimed gleefully. “It’s a comedy. I hope we get good seats.”
“Joshua!” Drake smacked the younger man with his hat. “We’re here to keep an eye on lover boy. How the hell did he slip by us that we haven’t checked him out?”
“I hope you’ve got more money. I don’t have a cent. This is great. I really did want to see this movie.” Joshua was patting his pockets. “I need popcorn.”
Drake shoved him, scowling darkly. “Will you keep your mind on the job? You keep it up and I’ll leave you out here.”
“Quick! They’re going in,” Joshua pointed out hastily. “We’ll lose them. Get in line, will you?”
“Shh,” Drake admonished, allowing several couples to go in front of them. “And I’m not getting you popcorn. We’re working.”
“Don’t be such a cheapskate. I’d like popcorn. You just can’t watch a good movie without popcorn. If he doesn’t stop at the snack bar, you follow them and I’ll catch up after I get us some popcorn. I’ll need money though.”
“Forget the damned popcorn,” Drake ordered.
“You just don’t know how to have a good time,” Joshua sulked.
“Just keep your eye on her. What got into her anyway? Is she mad at the boss? They have a fight?”
“She said he told her to go out,” Joshua said. “And if I know anything at all about Emma, it’s that she doesn’t lie.”
“The man’s a damned idiot.”
“Either that or he was a misunderstood idiot.” Joshua ducked behind a pillar. “They’re getting popcorn. It smells so good. Come on, Drake, buy some popcorn.”
“Will it shut you up?” Drake demanded furiously.
“I promise.” Joshua folded his arms complacently over his chest.
They hung back, waiting for Emma and her date to be seated in the darkened theater, before finding a space two rows behind her.
Joshua was enthralled with the comedy, laughing so heartily the girls seated next to him kept giggling together.
Drake dug elbows into Joshua’s ribs. “He’s making his move.”
“Who is?” Joshua’s eyes were glued to the screen.
“The guy, her date. He put his arm around the back of her seat.”
Joshua sat up, glaring daggers. “Wanna break his arm? We could make it look like an accident.”
“Oh, shut up. You’re no help. Just watch the damn movie.” Drake sounded totally exasperated.
“Fine.” Joshua managed to look hurt for all of five minutes, until the movie had him doubling over with shoulder-shaking chuckles.