Risky Business

even know today’s schedule.”
    “Liz.” Jonas took her by the arms and firmly turned her around. He studied her, gauging her mood before he spoke. “You know, back in Philadelphia I’m considered a workaholic. I’ve had friends express concern over the workload I take on and the hours I put in. Compared to you, I’m retired.”
    Her brows drew together as they did when she was concentrating. Or annoyed. “We each do what we have to do.”
    “True enough. It appears what I have to do is harass you until you relax.”
    She had to smile. He said it so reasonably and his eyes were laughing. “I’m sure you have a reputation for being an expert on harassment.”
    “I majored in it at college.”
    “Good for you. But I’m an expert at budgeting my own time. And there’s my toast.” He let her pluck it out, waited until she’d buttered it, then took a piece for himself.
    “You mentioned diving lessons.”
    She was still frowning at him when she heard the coffee begin to simmer. She reached for one cup, then relented and took two. “What about them?”
    “I’ll take one. Today.”
    “Today?” She handed him his coffee, drinking her own standing by the stove. “I’ll have to see what’s scheduled. The way things have been going, both dive boats should already be out.”
    “Not a group lesson, a private one. You can take me out on the Expatriate. ”
    “Luis usually takes care of the private lessons.”
    He smiled at her. “I prefer dealing with the management.”
    Liz dusted crumbs from her fingers. “All right then. It’ll cost you.”
    He lifted his cup in salute. “I never doubted it.”
     
    Liz was laughing when Jonas pulled into a narrow parking space at the hotel. “If he’d picked your pocket, why did you defend him?”
    “Everyone’s entitled to representation,” Jonas reminded her. “Besides, I figured if I took him on as a client, he’d leave my wallet alone.”
    “And did he?”
    “Yeah.” Jonas took her hand as they crossed the sidewalk to the sand. “He stole my watch instead.”
    She giggled, a foolish, girlish sound he’d never heard from her. “And did you get him off?”
    “Two years probation. There, it looks like business is good.”
    Liz shielded her eyes from the sun and looked toward the shop. Luis was busily fitting two couples with snorkel gear. A glance to the left showed her only the Expatriate remained in dock. “Cozumel’s becoming very popular,” she murmured.
    “Isn’t that the idea?”
    “For business?” She moved her shoulders. “I’d be a fool to complain.”
    “But?”
    “But sometimes I think it would be nice if I could block out the changes. I don’t want to see the water choked with suntan oil. Hola, Luis.”
    “Liz!” His gaze passed over Jonas briefly before he grinned at her. “We thought maybe you deserted us. How did you like Acapulco?”
    “It was…different,” she decided, and was already scooting behind the counter to find the daily schedule. “Any problems?”
    “Jose took care of a couple repairs. I brought Miguel back to fill in, but I keep an eye on him. Got this—what do you callit—brochure on the aqua bikes.” He pulled out a colorful pamphlet, but Liz only nodded.
    “The Brinkman party’s out diving. Did we take them to Palancar?”
    “Two days in a row. Miguel likes them. They tip good.”
    “Hmm. You’re handling the shop alone.”
    “No problem. Hey, there was a guy.” He screwed up his face as he tried to remember the name. “Skinny guy, American. You know the one you took out on the beginners’ trip?”
    She flipped through the receipts and was satisfied. “Trydent?”
    “ Sí, that was it. He came by a coupla times.”
    “Rent anything?”
    “No.” Luis wiggled his eyebrows at her. “He was looking for you.”
    Liz shrugged it off. If he hadn’t rented anything, he didn’t interest her. “If everything’s under control here, I’m going to take Mr. Sharpe out for a diving lesson.”
    Luis looked quickly at Jonas, then away. The man made him uneasy, but Liz looked happier than she had in weeks. “Want me to get the gear?”
    “No, I’ll take care of it.” She looked up and smiled at Jonas. “Write Mr. Sharpe up a rental form and give him a receipt for the gear, the lesson and the boat trip. Since it’s…” She trailed off as she checked her watch. “Nearly eleven, give him the half-day rate.”
    “You’re all heart,” Jonas murmured as she went to the shelves to