Xs, An Allie Armington Mystery Read Online Free Page B

name names?”
    “No. And I never asked.”
    ————
    Detective Greene pulls out the tape, scribbles
something on the label and throws it into a large carton on the
floor next to his file cabinet. “That’s even wilder than your last
tale.”
    Angela sniffs. “And every word is true.” “And guess
what? I believe you.”
    I let out the breath I’ve been holding for what
seems like an eon. “Then, she isn’t a suspect?”
    “I didn’t exactly say that.” He turns to Angela.
“Who’s Cliff?” She shakes her head. “No. I won’t—I can’t involve
him.”
    “You may have to.”
    Greene grabs his notebook. “This is what we’ve
learned so far. About two years ago a couple of high-profile,
well-heeled chums decided to expand their sexual opportunities.
Each recruited a friend who introduced a new woman at each party.
Sort of like a pyramid scheme.
    “Sounds like Boys’ Night Out, but we know for a fact
they’re dealing in prostitution and drugs. The DEA has corroborated
this info. There’s an undercover agent planted pretty high up in
the ranks.”
    I jump in. “Pardon me, but why are you even involved
with this? Seems like that’s a job for the cops in Jersey.”
    He eyes me a few seconds then says. “Under ordinary
circumstances we wouldn’t be. Except that the three murdered
prostitutes who frequented the parties in Jersey all resided in the
nineteenth. And now Miss Montoya makes four.
    “The DA has just authorized me to form a small unit
to see if we can establish what the connection might be between the
estate out in Jersey, these women and their pimp. That is, if you
call a woman a pimp.”
    My sister’s icy hand tugs at my arm. “Is that all?
Can we go?” Greene shakes his head. “Not quite yet.”
    “But I’ve cooperated. What more do you want?” “We
want you to go to the next party.”
    Angela’s voice hits the top note. “You’ve got to be
kidding.” “No way in hell,” I cry. “She’s been through enough.”
    Greene holds up his free hand. “I understand your
reluctance to return to The Castle after what happened to your
roommate, Miss Armington, but you’re the first real break we’ve
gotten in this case. You’ve actually been to the place. And this
guy Cliff is a member. How about it?”
    Angela jumps up. “Read my lips. I’m leaving as soon
as I can book a flight.”
    “Sit. Please.” Greene waits until she’s down, then
leans forward. “At least help us with Danes. We need him to make
this work. I can’t arrest him, but he just might come by your hotel
room for a drink if you asked him.”

Chapter 6
    CLIFF MUST HAVE A PORTRAIT HIDDEN in his closet like
the one owned by Dorian Gray. There isn’t a line in his face. He’s
the image of suave elegance that comes from generations of being to
the manor-born.
    He’s dressed in various shades of charcoal from a
pale silk long-sleeved shirt, darker gabardine pants, down to shiny
black Gucci loafers with matching belt.
    Drink in hand, he lounges with one leg slung over
the arm of the only comfortable chair in our tiny hotel room while
Angela and I perch on the ends of the twin beds.
    “I’m sorry you have to be involved in this mess,
Allie. It’s bad enough that Angela—” he takes a sip of his Scotch.
“Of course, I take full responsibility.”
    He raises his eyes toward the ceiling and then looks
my way. “Truthfully, I didn’t know what the drill was until we
arrived at the party.”
    What a liar. I’m about to say so when Angela’s eyes
beseech. “So after each party you’re supposed to leave with a
different woman and your date with a different man?”
    Cliff turns to face my sister. His tone is measured
but hardly casual. “Yes, but this time there was no trade. Angela
returned home with me.”
    He drains his glass. “Well, if that’s all, I guess
I’ll be on my way. Thanks for the drink.”
    I stand to block his way. “In case you’re
interested, the police know pretty much everything