Private Dick Casefile 01 - Lily White Rose Red

agreed.
    “What’s your middle name?”
    He looked surprised at the sudden change of subject, but he answered. “Andrew. Why?”
    I let out a grateful sigh. “No reason. Okay, that’ll do for now,” I said, checking my watch. “Right now I gotta go see a dame.”
    “So I’m dismissed? Thanks, Mr. Private Dick. In return, I’ll let you off the hook for now,” he said with a feral smile. “But don’t go too far.”
    “Or you got ways to find me, I know,” I said in a bored tone, even though he was making me a little nervous.
    “I don’t usually let a man shake me off, Mr. Randall. It’s not good for business—or my image. But it was kind of hot watching you work.” Lily White, Rose Red: Grey Randall, Private Dick Casefile #1
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    With that, he turned and walked away. I guess he knew the truth of that old adage “always leave them wanting more.” I wondered what I’d said or done that made him just let me walk out of there, but whatever it was, I was glad for it.

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    CATT FORD

    Chapter 8: Setting a Trap

    IT WAS getting harder to stand up straight as the night wore on, but I was hot on the scent now. I hoped Lily would be at home, and alone.
    Somehow I didn’t think I’d be real popular with Mr. X if I interrupted them in the middle of the horizontal tango.
    I was in luck. It was late, but Lily was used to night hours from her old job, so she was just getting in herself when I turned onto her street. I recognized the taillights of her Lincoln as it turned into her circular drive.
    I gave her a few minutes and then followed, parking behind her limo. It sure was a nice ride. I stroked the glossy enamel and then put a hand to my side, hoping I’d make it up the shallow steps and inside without keeling over.
    When I knocked on the door, Celestine answered and glared at me disapprovingly. “It is too late. Madame is not receiving—”
    “She’ll see me,” I said, pushing past her rudely. I walked into the living room and was treated to a sight of Lily spinning in the middle of the floor, her arms held out gracefully and the chiffon of her skirt swirling around her like a dark cloud.
    “Mr. Dick! What are you doing here?” she exclaimed, and she stopped on a dime.
    I admired her ability to do that, both the way she put me at a disadvantage and the spin. She didn’t even look dizzy as the fabric of her dress swayed around her and fell into place. “Lily, we need to talk.” Her colored driver had a piece out and had it aimed at me. “I’ll take him out, Miss Lily.”

    Lily White, Rose Red: Grey Randall, Private Dick Casefile #1
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    I really hoped he wouldn’t try. I had no doubt I could handle him; after all, he had at least twenty-five years on me, but at this point in the day, I was sure it would have hurt me more than it would hurt him.
    “No thank you, George. This is the private dick I hired. He must be here to report on his progress,” Lily said, holding a hand out toward him. I nearly had to squint to keep from being blinded by the sparkles shooting out from the huge rock on her hand. Not to mention the choker clasped around her slim throat and the diamond bracelet on her wrist.
    “Put it away, Georgie,” I growled, “if you don’t want to eat it for breakfast.”
    “I recognize him, Miss Lily.” To my surprise, he chuckled and lowered the gun. “Skinny boy like you gonna try to feed me? I was putting fellas like you down when you were in diapers.”
    “Wiry!” I burst out, surprising even me. Sometimes even I wonder about what comes out of my mouth. I’m sure he didn’t give a damn that I hated it when people called me skinny, and he wouldn’t if we ever had to tangle, because I would win, but I still had to set him straight. “And I’ve been out of diapers for quite some time.”
    “Had a chance to learn some tricks, eh, boy? Want to show off your muscles for the lady?” he taunted.
    Lily came to me and laid her hand on my arm. “Although ordinarily I adore it when men fight over me, I would very much like to hear your report before the first round, Mr. Dick.”
    “Mr. Randall,” I corrected her automatically, keeping one eye peeled on George.
    Celestine came in to back him up, and at the sight of her ugly kisser I almost gave up right then. Two against one, they could have had me. Especially if they thumped me in the wrong spot.
    But Lily was by my side, facing them down for me with a smile.
    “He’s finding out about Marguerite for us. Make some