Page 32 of Romancing the Rumrunner
Tony just nodded, not sure what else he could say.
Jameson snapped his notebook shut and shoved it back in his pocket. Tony fought to keep the smug and slightly disgusted look off his face. Jameson wouldn’t haul them in for reckless driving. He still needed Tony to romance whatever information he could out of Jessie. And her little tale had at least helped make it look like that was exactly what Tony had been doing, though she couldn’t have known it.
“Since no one else and no other property was damaged in this accident—”
“But the pole,” Jessie supplied helpfully.
“But the pole,” Jameson amended, glaring at her, “I see no reason to drag this out. We’ll contact someone to come and tow your car.”
“I’d appreciate that, thanks,” Tony said, though he knew his tone was anything but thankful. Truthfully, he just wanted Jameson and his men gone.
For once, Jameson obliged. He cleared out a few minutes later. He’d offered them a ride, which they’d both turned down, so as soon as the tow truck had arrived for the car, Tony offered his arm to Jessie.
“Shall we find ourselves a cab?”
Jessie hesitated, but finally nodded and looped her arm through his. She didn’t argue when he led her off down the lane. Tony kept her firmly tucked into his side and after a moment, she seemed content to stay there.
Tony was almost disappointed when they reached the main thoroughfare so he could hail a cab. He’d enjoyed their stroll, short though it had been. They hadn’t spoken a word, but the silence hadn’t been awkward. Tony couldn’t remember a time he’d been alone with a dame who hadn’t chattered his ear off. He liked just being with her. In every way.
And that thought was dangerous. He’d do well to remember who this particular woman was and what he was supposed to be doing with her.
A cab pulled up and Tony opened the door for Jessie, sliding in after her. He gave the driver the address to Jessie’s shop and settled back against the seat. Jessie held herself stiffly on her side, her back barely touching the leather. Tony ran a finger down her arm and her gaze shot to him in surprise.
“That was quick thinking back there.”
Her eyes narrowed for a moment and then relaxed in understanding. “I saw the other officer talking to the truck driver. He probably saw me behind the wheel. If you’d said you were driving, they would have known you were lying.”
“I’m impressed. I didn’t even notice the other officer.”
Jessie shrugged. “I’ve found it useful to be observant.”
“Why is that?”
Jessie looked out the window, not answering him. Tony didn’t want to push but he needed her to start opening up about the Phoenix. The sooner he found out who the man was, the sooner the Feds could get him out of Jessie’s life. And then she’d be free.
“Has your singing in my club caused any problems for you?”
Jessie turned to him, her brow creased. “What do you mean?”
Surely she wouldn’t make him spell it out.
Jessie continued to wait in silence for his answer and he held back an exasperated sigh.
“I mean is there anyone who disapproves of you working for me? I wouldn’t want to cause you any trouble.”
She shrugged and looked back out her window. “I’m my own woman. I can do as I like, regardless of who it upsets.”
He’d take that as a yes. The Phoenix must not like his woman working for the competition. Not surprising. But Tony didn’t want to place Jessie in danger. “It must upset your man to have you in my club.”
A faint smile creased Jessie’s lips. “I am exactly where the Phoenix wants me.”
Tony’s eyebrows rose at that. She’d never referred to the Phoenix directly before.
She saw his expression and laughed. “I’ll never understand why men always underestimate women. I’m fully aware of why you want me singing in your club, Tony. You want information on the Phoenix. Well, the Phoenix wants information on you, too. What better way to scope out the competition than to have someone on the inside?”
Tony sat back against the seat, trying to keep his face from showing his inner turmoil. She was playing both sides. Clever little minx. But why was she telling him? He leaned away from her a bit so he could better watch her. “And what exactly have you told him?”
“All the Phoenix knows is that you serve watered down whiskey and have a phenomenal singer for entertainment.”
