And you have no idea how tough she could be if she thought I was avoiding my obligation. Ask Jessie.”
“I will.” He smiled. “I definitely want to hear that tale. I suppose I can do without your company, but it does leave me wondering who’s in charge of whom where Harley is concerned.”
“Don’t go there. We’re trying to work it out.” She changed the subject. “I suppose you want me to take you to my place to pick up your Lamborghini before you go to the stadium?”
“By all means. I’m already suffering withdrawal symptoms from riding around in this Toyota. Maybe I was wrong about needing a less showy vehicle.”
“Color me surprised,” she said dryly. “But Herb will be devastated that you’re taking it away from his loving care. You’ll call me about what you found out later tonight?”
“I’ll report in person.”
She looked away from him. “That won’t be necessary.”
“I always believe the personal touch is best. Besides, I promised to go over hand signals with Harley. Olivia seemed excited about it.”
Yes, she had, Kendra thought resignedly. It seemed she was going to get the personal touch whether she wanted it or not…
* * *
“Where’s Lynch?” Olivia asked the minute Kendra entered her condo. “I told you I need him to—”
“I know what you told me,” Kendra interrupted as she knelt to pet Harley. “But he wasn’t finished for the day. He said he’d come by later to work with him.”
“And me,” Olivia added. “Hand signals are important and might keep Harley’s barking to a minimum. I’ve noticed lately that he seems to get upset whenever anyone flinches away from him. He doesn’t understand it.” She was frowning. “We have to do everything we can for him.”
“And we are,” Kendra said. “Lynch promised he’d drop by. He keeps his promises.”
“I know he does.” Olivia went to the desk and signed out of her computer. “How did it go today? Did you find out anything?”
“Well, I found how close you can get to extermination in a Tesla,” she said dryly. “And no, it wasn’t me. It was Lynch’s way of interrogating one of the bad guys from his shady past. I’ll tell you all about it over dinner.”
“I can hardly wait.” She went toward the kitchen. “Lynch stories are always entertaining. I told you his contacts would be—”
“Excuse me.” Kendra was getting an email and she glanced at the signature in case it was Lynch. It was not Lynch. Praxidike. “What the hell?”
Olivia stopped. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s an email on my business account and it’s weird. It’s signed Praxidike and it’s only two lines.” She read it to her.
“It’s important you meet me at the grove near where Mr. Kim was killed this evening at 6 PM. Please do not notify either the FBI or any school officials of this email. Sincerely, Praxidike.”
“Very weird,” Olivia said. “What the hell?”
“I believe that’s what I said,” Kendra glanced at her watch. “And he didn’t give me much time to make up my mind what I was going to do about it. It’s ten after five right now.”
“You’re not thinking about going?” Olivia asked. “May I remind you that you came close to getting yourself killed a few days ago? Now you’re supposed to go along with this message that says you’re not to tell anyone who might possibly protect you what you’re going to do? Not smart, Kendra.”
“But it’s the school, Olivia. That meeting place he chose is out in the open. It will still be daylight at six and no one will be hovering, ready to pounce. This sounds more like someone who wants to give information and is afraid to do it. Look, he even said please.”
“So he’s a polite murderer.”
“No, I mean it’s just not something anyone with bad intentions would naturally say.” She was nibbling at her lower lip. “I think I’d regret it if I didn’t go.”
“Then call Lynch.”
“He’s busy. Besides, he can be…intimidating. He might scare Praxidike away.” She made a face as she repeated the name. “Whatever that means. No, it’s better if I go alone.” She went to Olivia’s desk and pressed the combo to release the lock on her security drawer. “But if it makes you feel better, I’ll borrow your gun and take it with me. That’s what I was planning anyway. I just don’t want to have to run upstairs and get mine.” She tucked the Smith in her handbag. “Now I’m great. No problem with going alone.”
“Absolutely not,” Olivia said flatly. “If