Death by Seduction by Jaden Skye Page B

here,” Cindy continued.
    Eric’s
eyebrows lifted a little. “What else did you hear about me?”
    “Charma
said you’re her number one customer,” Cindy forced herself to stay on track.
“She said you’ll do all you can to help her get out.”
    Eric
flushed as Cindy spoke.  “Yes, I will,” he answered promptly.
    “I
realize that no one can know about your involvement with Charma,” Cindy’s voice
dropped as the waiter approached them.
    Eric
waved the waiter away. “That’s exactly right,” his low tone matched hers. “I will
help Charma through you,” he said.
    “Through
my finding the killer?” asked Cindy.
    “Exactly,”
Eric replied. “And no one will know I’m involved at all. If people think
anything, they’ll think I’m involved with you. Some kind of brief encounter.
Tons of things like that go on down here.”
    Cindy
nodded. She was glad that they weren’t mincing words, but laying out things
directly. Above all Eric had to be frank with her and had to trust her, as
well.
    “I
understand you were with Charma the night Pete was killed,” Cindy went on.
    “Yes,
I was,” Eric responded, with only a moment’s hesitation.
    “And
that you brought her home after the time of Pete’s death,” Cindy added.
    “That’s
correct,” Eric replied.
    “So
Charma has a clear alibi,” Cindy continued, struck by that point.
    “Not
so clear because I can’t testify to it,” Eric quickly added. “If anyone knew I
was involved with her  my company would go down the tubes.”
    “I
understand,” said Cindy looking away.
    “No,
you don’t understand,” Eric suddenly put his hand over Cindy’s suddenly.
“You’ll never understand, it’s beyond you to understand. I see that written all
over your face.”
    Cindy
wanted to pull her hand away, but didn’t want to offend Eric in anyway. They
needed each other to solve this case.
    “I
can understand enough to do my job,” Cindy replied. “And I certainly understand
your need for confidentiality.”
    “Please
don’t get upset with me,” Eric took his hand away. “I have no intention of
insulting you, just putting things where they belong. You’ll never understand
why I see Charma, or care so much about her.”
    There
was no reason for Cindy to dispute that.  She had to agree that she might never
understand why a man of this caliber would be so involved with a prostitute, who
had other customers as well.
    “It’s
confusing, of course,” Cindy admitted.
    “That’s
fine,” Eric’s voice rose. “I appreciate your honesty, Cindy.”
    “But
I don’t have to understand you to find Pete’s killer do I?” Cindy continued.
    “Well
put,” Eric seemed pleased. “You don’t understand me and you never will. We come
from the same life style, both bright and successful, but that’s where our
roads part ways.”
    Cindy
nodded. “I suppose so,” she murmured.
    “No
supposing about it,” Eric insisted. “So I’ll do everything I can to help you
find Pete’s killer, as long as you don’t try to understand me. Don’t try to
figure out why I’m with Charma.”
    Cindy
smiled despite herself. “Alright, I won’t, that’s fair enough,” she agreed
though she couldn’t help feel what a strange request Eric had made.
    “Okay
then, we’ve got a deal?” he said.
    “We
have a deal,” said Cindy  as the waiter came over once again so they could
order a delicious dinner for two.

Chapter 11
     
     
    After
the waiter left Eric poured a glass of sangria for Cindy from the pitcher on
the table. “Go ahead, ask me anything you want,” he smiled
    “Did
you know Pete personally?” asked Cindy. “Tell me about him.”
    “I
saw him in passing once or twice,” Eric replied, “but I didn’t know him at all.”
     “You
saw him where? At the brothel?” asked Cindy.
    “I
saw him taking Charma out once or twice,” Eric continued. “Why? Is that a
problem?”
    “No,
not really,” said Cindy, “it’s just that his wife doesn’t