Lust and Lies 04 - Pretty Maids in a Row

and no public transportation was available for the trip. That eliminates all the obvious methods, but not the more, shall we say, inventive modes of travel. You'll be in a much better position if we can find your book-rescuing cleaning lady. Which reminds me, I'll need to see the book before you unpack your bag."
    Holly nodded but the reminder that she was still very much under suspicion countered Diane's earlier attempt to put her at ease.
    Diane was content to stretch out on the couch with a pillow and a light blanket. She seemed to fall asleep instantly, but Holly had the distinct impression that the slightest unusual sound would bring her to her feet with her gun cocked.
    The nap Holly had taken in her office ruined her own chances of sleeping any more that night but she remained in her room, trying to read until she thought it would be reasonable to get up and move around.
    Shortly after sunrise, she and Diane gravitated to the kitchen table for a light breakfast and coffee.
    "It would be best if you remained here for the next few days," Diane told her.
    Holly hated the idea of being confined and yet she also understood the reasoning behind the advice. She figured a cooperative attitude would aid her questionable status of being somewhere between a witness and a suspect. "All right, but could I have someone bring me some work from the office?"
    "Certainly. We want to make this as comfortable for you as possible."
    After they cleared the dishes, Holly called Philip and asked him to come by with a few files. In spite of her insistence that there was nothing to worry about, she could feel his tension vibrating right through the phone.
    "I'll explain everything when you get here," she promised.
    As she waited for Philip's arrival, Holly told Diane a little about him and their long-term relationship. Diane wouldn't leave the apartment, but when Philip got there, she did go into the spare room that Holly had set up like an office. Since she left the door ajar Holly knew she'd easily be able to hear anything that was said in the outer room but it was nice of her to make a pretense of giving them some privacy.
    Philip's reaction was as bad as she had expected. Pacing back and forth, he was too upset to keep his voice hushed. "How could you stick your neck out like this? We discussed the risks involved. I thought you agreed with me to let the professionals handle it."
    "I did, but when Rachel threatened to make me look like the guilty party, I figured it was riskier to remain quiet."
    His face was flushed as he stopped pacing and hovered over her. "But what in god's name possessed you to go to Florida like that? If you had stayed at your friend's like you said you were going to, no one would have been able to accuse you of anything."
    Tipping back her head to face him, she tried to keep her voice level in hopes of calming him. "I told you, I felt responsible for David being shot. I couldn't stand not knowing if he would live or die because of what I'd done."
    Philip sat down beside her and grasped her hands. "Is that the real reason, Holly?"
    She had to fight the urge to squirm away from his intent gaze. Though she intended to put an end to his illusions about their relationship, now was hardly the best time. "Yes. I felt guilty that I hadn't warned him about what he might be walking in on. As it turned out, Frampton was next on the killer's list."
    "The hell with that reporter and Frampton. It's you I'm worried about. My god, Holly, there's an FBI agent camped in your apartment!"
    "Agent Varden is here for my protection. I have every confidence my innocence will be proven and the real killer will be found." She hoped he believed that more than she did. His distressed features slowly smoothed and he eased the tight hold he had on her hands.
    "I'm sorry, honey. You don't need me adding to the weight already on your shoulders. What can I do to help?"
    He sounded like the old Philip again and she was able to relax. "Nothing, really. Just cover for me in the office for a few days, and I'll work on the project you brought me while I'm here."
    Suddenly Philip moved his hands to her face and held her in place for a hard kiss. Holly was even more stunned by what he said next.
    "Marry me, darling. Let me protect you and care for you like I've always wanted to. I just know everything would work out if you were truly mine in every sense." He glanced toward the office and suddenly his eyes glowed with an idea. In a conspiratorial