The Twain Maxim Read Online Free Page B

while they could.
    She opened the door to a smartly dressed guy and two of the shiniest Ferraris she had ever seen.
    “Jane Brown?” said the guy, smiling.
    “Yes,” she said, a little surprised.
    “Brad Wilson. I’ve brought you your Ferrari Enzo.” He jerked a thumb over his shoulder at the shiny red shark.
    “Sorry, you’ve got the wrong Jane Brown.”
    “Pardon me, ma’am, but I don’t think so. You are Ms Jane Brown and this is your address, right?” He showed her the paper on his clipboard.
    “That’s me,” she said.
    “It’s a gift, I believe, from a Mr James Evans.” He beckoned her to follow him. “Come and take a look.”
    It was an amazing-looking car. She walked towards it,taking in its fabulous lines – and stopped in her tracks. “No,” she said.
    Brad paused mid-pace and turned. “Ma’am?”
    “I don’t want it.”
    Brad flashed white teeth. “Well, I can’t say I’ve ever had that reaction before.”
    “I prefer bikes,” she said. “Tell him I don’t want it and give him his money back.”
    “We can’t do that, ma’am.”
    “How much?”
    “Five hundred and fifty thousand dollars.”
    “Five …” Her voice died.
    “Why don’t you take it for a spin, then make up your mind?”
    “I couldn’t afford the gas,” she barked.
    Brad’s partner, in the other Ferrari, was looking at her from behind dark sunglasses as Brad gently threw her the keys. She let them fall to the ground.
    “Look, lady, take the car for a drive and if you don’t want it then I’ll buy it off you for three hundred grand tomorrow.” He took out a pen and offered it to her with the clipboard. “Care to sign this?”
    “No.”
    He scribbled in the signature box. “If you don’t want it I can just take it away?” he offered, with a grin.
    She bent down and picked up the keys.
    “You’ll love it. You won’t be sorry.” With that, he turned away and climbed into his partner’s car.
     
    Jim snatched up his phone. “Jane –”
    “What were you thinking?” she snapped.
    His heart plummeted. “What’s wrong?”
    “How could you buy me that car?”
    He wanted to say, “What car?” but that would be ridiculous. “What car?”
    “Don’t be ridiculous.”
    “What’s wrong with it?”
    “Everything.”
    “Everything?”
    “Everything.”
    “Everything?”
    “Stop repeating me.”
    “Repeating you?”
    There was an extended silence, which, eventually, Jane broke. “I’m a special agent in the employ of the American Government. I can’t afford a Ferrari.”
    “Oh,” said Jim, crestfallen.
    “Five hundred and fifty thousand dollars, Jim! That’s a hell of a lot of money.”
    “Not for me,” he said indignantly.
    “But it is for me,” she said, exasperated
    Jim sighed. “I guess.” Within seconds he had gone from elated to miserable. “Stupid of me,” he said. “I just wanted to buy you something nice, something to make you happy.”
    “That’s sweet,” she said, “but I can’t accept it.”
    “What do you want to do?”
    “I’ll sell it and give you your money back.”
    “Don’t let it worry you.”
    “It will. I’ll get my mom on to it.”
    Jim’s side was aching. “You still coming Saturday?”
    “You bet. I’m about to get a last-minute deal on a flight.”
    “I’ll send the jet.”
    “No, Jim.”
    “For pity’s sake,” he heard himself shout, “it’s my plane! I can pick up who I want in it.”
    She backed off. “OK,” she said, “that’s really kind.”
    “That’s settled, then. Sorry about the car. I got carried away.”
    “I’m sorry too, Jim,” she said, “I really appreciate the gesture.” She hated lying. “Got to go,” she said. “Love you.”
    What had she just said? “Oh, crap,” she muttered.
    What had she just said? A big smile spread over Jim’s face.
    She had said, “Love you.” He squeezed the phone. “Yes.” He felt his whole body inflate. He wanted to call straight back, but he knew she’d burst his