Checkered Past (A Laurel London Mystery Book 2) by tonya kappes

all of that was going to be thrown out the window.
    The Cracked Egg was buzzing with the news of Sally Bent’s death and Willie’s break from jail.
    “It’s been the talk of the town.” Gia was still behind the counter serving up piping hot coffee. “I mean it has been the best thing for business. In fact, they cancelled the Chamber meeting tonight. Shame too.” The more her eyes widened, the harder she chewed her gum. “They were going to talk about the new casino going in down on the river.”
    “Hopefully it will boost the economy.” I was a little glad they cancelled. I had better things to do with my time, which was getting to the bottom of what really happened that day in the bank safety deposit box room.
    “We have to get out of here.” I pointed to the clock on the wall, noting it was quitting time for her.
    “Can’t tonight.” She shrugged and refilled someone’s glass of tea. “Pepper can’t pick up her shift tonight because she’s a nervous wreck.”
    Pepper worked at The Cracked Egg part time to pick up extra income. It was great because she worked on bowling league night so Gia could be part of our bowling team.
    “But tonight is a big night.” I reminded her of the semi-finals against the Holy Rollers. “And we need you.”
    “Not tonight.” She dropped the ice off on the far side of the counter and came back. She leaned on her elbows and whispered, “Anything new with you-know-who?”
    “A lot.” I let out a deep sigh. “I’m not letting his sorry ass off the hook, but I’m starting to think he really didn’t do the crime.”
    “Oh no you don’t.” Gia snapped back, her big brown eyes popped. She chomped, “I’ve seen that look on your face a million times and it means you are up to no good.”
    “No good for Jax Jackson and his little FBI friend.” I felt feisty as hell. “I’m going to show him just how smart this little criminal can be.”
    “I’m confused.”
    “Let’s just say Jax and Eric are watching me like a dog and I’m the cat in the little game.” A smile crossed my face. “I’m going to be doing a little acting tonight, so if you hear anything, ignore it.”
    I bolted out of the diner and into the Old Girl. I needed to make a phone call and fast.

 
     
    Chapter Eleven
     
    “Well, well.” Antonio stepped out of his Pinto station wagon and pulled his pants up over his large belly. “Laurel London is back for more.” He grinned, causing his face to squint in a mushy mess. “You couldn’t stand letting this go.” He rubbed his belly and back-kicked the door of his car shut.
    “Listen up,” I warned. “I’m not looking for a date anymore. My life has gotten a little complicated.”
    A few months ago, Gia and Carmine had gotten the big idea to set me up with Carmine’s friend, Antonio. Antonio was from Cincinnati, but recently had moved to Louisville. Needless to say, Antonio and I weren’t a perfect match in any way. Nothing in common. But I needed him tonight.
    “I told you this is a paid gig, so don’t be getting any big ideas,” I warned. “Got it?”
    “Yeah, baby.” He nodded. “But I warn you, even play pretend can’t stop the love train.” He humped the air.
    “Ugh.” I shook my head and motioned for him to get in the car. I had him meet me on Fifth Street in the K-Mart parking lot. He could leave his car there and show up at the bowling alley with me. “Get in.”
    I gave him the all the particulars about what I needed from him tonight. It was to make Eric and Jax believe I was falling in love with him and wanting to spend more time with him in Louisville. I needed to get out of Walnut Grove without the FBI watching my every move and make it to the FBI office in Louisville to try to get my hands on the tape of the bank robbery Willie was sent to prison for.
    My conversation with Curly Dean had put enough doubt in my head that I needed to check it out for myself.
    We pulled into the parking lot of Lucky Strikes. The big