With Private Eyes. Eileen Wilks

I imagine.”

      Nicholas’s smile was a masterpiece of cool skepticism. “No doubt.” He leaned forward to punch in a number on his speakerphone and asked someone to pull the file on Ed Norblusky. “My cousin Claudia will be down in a few minutes with a man named Ethan Mallory. They may look at the file, but it’s not to leave your office.” He disconnected. “Satisfied?”

      Ethan nodded. “Thanks again.” He stood. “You recognized Norblusky’s name. Mind telling me why?”

      “You’ll find out soon enough. Norblusky drove the truck that transported the gelato that was tampered with.”

      “Nicholas!” Claudia bounced to her feet. “Why didn’t you say so earlier?”

      “I wanted to know Mr. Mallory’s reasons for looking for the man.” He stood. “Good to meet you, Mr. Mallory.” This time, he offered his hand.

      Claudia wondered what mysterious male test Ethan had passed to rate the handshake. “I’ll see you soon, I’m sure. Tell Gail hello, and give Molly a big, sloppy kiss for me.”

      “Will do. I’d like a word with you before you leave.” He glanced at Ethan. “Family matters. If you wouldn’t mind waiting outside—?”

      “No problem.” Ethan’s smile was wide, almost sleepy.

      He didn’t look like a shark, but Claudia’s antennae were quivering. “You can talk to Mrs. Peabody. Nicholas’s assistant? She’s very nice.” And she really needed a home for those puppies.

      He gave her a wry look. “Think I’ll read the report instead. I don’t need a puppy.” With a last nod at Nicholas, he headed for the door.

      Claudia frowned at him. He’d seen right through her. How annoying.

      As soon as the door closed behind Ethan, Nicholas turned those laser eyes on her, trying to slice through to the back of her head. “I don’t like the look in his eyes when he’s watching you.”

      “Really?” Surprised pleasure hummed in her middle. She ignored that. Involuntary responses didn’t count. “I hadn’t noticed that kind of look on his face.”

      “He doesn’t do it when you can see. Claudia.” He shook his head. “Mallory intends to trick you.”

      “Oh, I know that.” She waved it aside. “He doesn’t know me very well.”

      Nicholas’s lips twitched once before he smoothed them out. “Are you sure you know what you’re doing?”

      She smiled brightly, easily, at him and tried to make her eyes crinkle. “Of course. Don’t I always?”