Surely, they didn’t suspect about Ronin…
Portia waited until the girls were down for the night at nine o’clock and then waited another half hour before having Joanna arrive. She lived in an apartment over the garage. Close enough to help out, without them being too much in each other’s space.
“Off to work again?” Joanna chided.
“Actually, I’m going to meet a man.”
That widened Joanna’s eyes. “No way.”
“I am.” No need to mention this wasn’t a date.
“Who? Do I know him?”
“The new martial arts instructor.”
“The one teaching in that cruddy strip mall?” Joanna frowned. “Are you meeting him there?”
“Yes.”
Joanna pursed her lips. “That’s a rough place at night.”
“I’ll be careful.”
“You’d better. You taking a gun?”
“You know I don’t like firearms.”
Joanna glared.
It would do no good to fight. Portia sighed and held out her hand. “Will you feel better if I borrow yours?”
“Yes.” Joanna handed over the small pistol she kept tucked in her ankle holster. Portia checked to make sure the safety was engaged before sliding it into the back of her pants. She tugged her sweater over it. The addition of a jacket made it impossible to spot.
“Happy now?”
“Not really. Couldn’t you meet him somewhere a little less sketchy?”
“I shouldn’t be too long,” was all she said, rather than curse. Why did people underestimate her?
Only once she’d gotten into her car did she call Ted. He picked up on the second ring. “Flamingo Martial Arts, Ted speaking, how can I help you?”
“Oh, thank goodness you’re still there,” she gushed.
“Macey? Sorry, I mean, Portia?” Flattering that he recognized her voice.
“Yes. Sorry to ring you so late. I’m sure you’re eager to finish up and go home, but it wasn’t until a few minutes ago as I went through my purse that I realized I couldn’t find my notebook. I am hoping I dropped it in your studio. Probably in your office when I was changing?”
“Is it black with a rubber band around it?”
“Yes! You found it.” She exaggerated her relief. “I need it.”
“I can swing it by to you in about half an hour or so, after I’m done cleaning up here.”
“That’s too long. I need it to finish up some work I’m doing. I’ll just run over and grab it.”
“No, you shouldn’t. My dojo is not in a good section of town, especially at night. I’ll do my cleanup tomorrow and bring it now if it’s urgent.”
Just like Joanna, he thought her too weak to handle herself. “No, you will most certainly not. I’m a big girl, and you shouldn’t be going out of your way. I’ll be by in about ten minutes to grab it. I’ll park right out front if that makes you feel better.”
“Not really.”
“I’ll keep my doors locked until the very last second.”
The remark brought a snort. “As if that would stop anyone. You’re too pretty to be roaming my area at night.”
The compliment brought unexpected pleasure. But rather than accept it, she tossed it back to him. “I could say the same of you.”
He sighed. “No one is interested in selling me on the black market.”
“I wouldn’t be so certain. I’m sure a few of your organs are harvestable.” A tart reply, to which he laughed.
“Anyone ever tell you you’re stubborn?”
“All the time. Usually before they agree to what I want.” Because Portia wasn’t a pushover anymore.
“Let me bring it to you. Please. It would make me feel better.”
“Too late. I’m already halfway there. See you soon.” Before he could argue, she hung up and simmered over his remark. As if she was too dainty to handle going out on her own.
Why couldn’t she be smart and dangerous? And why did she care what he thought? Soon, he’d realize just how much he underestimated her, but by then, it would be too late for him.
She raced down the road and parked across from the strip of stores, noting it was pretty quiet this time of night, with only a handful of vehicles scattered up and down the street. The light shining from the window of his studio meant she could see inside where Ted moved back and forth, wiping down the mats with a long-handled mop.
He turned as she stepped out of the car, set his mop aside, and headed for the door, pulling her notebook off the counter as he approached. He truly wasn’t keen on having her stick around. So much for the girls’ theory that he crushed on her.
Portia opened the door and stepped in. “Hi, thank goodness you found my book.”
He held