License to Thrill

McKray is very nice."
    "So do I," James agreed, his thoughts turning back to their morning romp.
    "And I'm sorry she got dragged into this mess."
    "So am I." Then he wouldn't have lost his heart to her, and wouldn't have to miss her when he left.
    "Why do you think someone tried to set her up?"
    James pursed his lips. "To detract attention from themselves."
    Tenner drummed his finger on the armrest. "Do you think it's worth our time to conduct these employee interviews?"
    "You don't have a choice," James said. Tenner would be on his own soon. "Did you discover anything interesting in the background checks?"
    "Guy Trent was married several years back to a woman from Chinatown. They have a child together."
    "So he has possible connections to unload stolen goods on the Chinatown black market."
    "Yep."
    "What about Andy Wharton?"
    "A bit of a geek, but according to his resume and letters of reference, his work is well thought of. He doesn't strike me as being very bright, though."
    Considering the source, James bit back a smile. "What about the security guards?"
    "Carl Jays is the only one with a pimple—he was fired from an art gallery across town for 'improper procedures.' I called a former coworker of his who told me Carl used to show up for work, sign in, leave and go to another night watch job. Then he'd come back in time to sign out."
    So the man was either extremely industrious or just plain stupid, James thought, smiling wryly. "Has he always worked for art galleries?"
    Tenner twisted and reached in the backseat for the files, his breathing so labored after the effort that James regretted his question. Wheezing, the detective scanned the files, then said, "Yeah. Started right out of high school and hopped from one gallery to another for the last fifteen years."
    James looked at Tenner. "Could the attraction be supplemental income from stolen art? What does he drive?"
    After flipping another page or two, Tenner grunted. "A late model Lexus. Pretty nice car for a man who makes around thirty thousand a year." He expelled a noisy breath, whistling through his chewing gum. "I wish you would stick around, Donovan. I could sure use your help."
    Feeling a tiny burst of affection for the clumsy man, James said, "Detective, I have every confidence that you will apprehend the criminal. And when you do, give him a punch for me over the trouble he caused Ms. McKray."
    The detective smiled wide, snapping his gum. "You got it bad for her, don't you?"
    "I'm not familiar with the term, but if you mean am I attracted—"
    "Nah, son, it's more than that, ain't it?" Snap, snap. "Ever been married?"
    "Er, no."
    "Never been in love before, huh?"
    James sighed, unwilling to discuss his private life with the man. "That's not the sort of thing I'd do."
    Tenner cackled. "Son, you're in big trouble if you think it's something you can control. You can wear a bulletproof vest to protect your heart from guns and knives and such, but there ain't nothing in this world that'll keep a woman from getting in."
    As Kat's face appeared in his mind, James's chest tightened and he felt the beginning of a headache in his temple. He shifted, feeling tired and itchy. If being in love felt this bad, it couldn't be good.
    Tenner rubbed his chest, dislodging a belch. "Yep, ain't nothing to do but lie down and take it like a man."

Chapter Thirteen

    "KAT!" ANDY WHARTON’S face lit up and he clasped her in a rocking bear hug. "Thank God you're back. I told you we couldn't do the open house without you."
    Guy snorted. "Andy's just glad his load will be lightened."
    Andy lowered his voice as Guy walked out of hearing distance. "Napoleon is so worried about the open house, he made everyone come in over the weekend. Guy says you're going to be here through Friday?"
    "Right. Just to tie up loose ends."
    "You're leaving at a good time," he said. "I hear we're being audited again and you'll be safely out of range."
    Kat frowned slightly. "Out of range?"
    "Well, you know how it was last time—answering questions, interruptions all the time. Besides, I'm sure it would bring back sad memories for you."
    She nodded, touched by his concern. Her dad had liked working with Andy, and she was grateful for his friendship.
    "Listen, Kat… I know you always said you wouldn't date a coworker, and now that you're leaving, well..." His smile was shy. "I'm in L.A, occasionally—can I call you sometime?"
    She suddenly realized that Andy was a cute guy, with a fresh face and