Orchids to Die For (Jim Morgan Adventure Series) by Catherine Burr, James Halon Page B

nasty statement that it was seven forty-two, P.M., and Wednesday was almost over. The pair of nouveau love junkies showered and dressed and took a taxi to Catherine’s south side hotel.
    Catherine’s life was undergoing a tremendous upheaval. She had fallen in love. Jim Morgan’s life was undergoing a tremendous upheaval, too. He had also fallen in love. And they both held a sense of, how can this be happening so fast? And they both held another beautiful but unshared sentiment, whatever it is that’s happening dear lord...please, don’t ever let it stop.
    Catherine called her roommate from the taxi. She was at an open bar buffet hosted by Tolstoy Press as part of the publisher’s row writer’s seminar. “Mary Lynn, here.”
    “Hello, Mary Lynn. How’s the seminar going?”
    “Cathy? I’ve worried myself sick over you! Where are you?”
    “I’m in a cab on my way to our room. I hope you’re not mad at me? I couldn’t call, until now. My cell is...was on the blink,” she lied. “How’s the dinner? Is it crowded? Are you staying sober, Lynn?”
    “There’s a lot of food, Cath. A lot of no-shows, but maybe they’re still coming. I’m on my fifth Gin and Tonic, but who’s counting? I met an editor from Baltimore and he’s using some really smooth lines on me. I think I’m falling for the lug. Where have you been? I saw that sports car in the parking lot. What happened with the limo?”
    “A long story, Lynn. You can read about it in my next book.” She looked at Morgan as she spoke, “I think I’m in love with this handsome writer I’m with.” And as she waited for Lynn to reply, she smiled and gave Morgan a delighted wink, knowing that he had heard her statement.
    “That’s awfully fast, Cath. Maybe you should sleep on it a while? There are some real hunks walking around here tonight. Are you coming over?  Want me to come and get you?”
    “No. I’m going to leave the seminar, Lynn. I’ve been offered a job as Jim Morgan’s private secretary. I’ve agreed to go with him down to Brazil for a couple of weeks. All expenses paid. He’s going to put me on his payroll as his private secretary.” 
    “Get out! You’re joking, right? How much is he going to pay you, Cath?”
    “Nope. I’m not kidding. We’re leaving on Saturday for Sao Paulo. He wants to pay me twenty-five dollars an hour. Can you believe it?”
    “Well, you can still make Thursday’s and Friday’s classes, then. And the big bash on Friday night, right?”
    “No. We’re leaving from Washington, D.C. We fly there in the morning...to D.C., then leave for Brazil on Saturday.”
    “Well, will I see you before you leave? Damn girl, this is really a bombshell you’re dropping on me. I’m in shock, except I’ve had a lot of gin. Will you still pay for half the car?”
    “Yes, Lynn. I’ll leave a check on your bed. Okay?”
    “Ah, no. Put it on top of my make-up bag. I have to run, Cath. Call me when you get back. Oh! And have fun. Okay?”
     
    Catherine kept her cell in her hand, “I have to call my dad and let him know what I’m doing. I don’t want him to worry. I live with him, sometimes. I’m using his winter house in Miami. He summers on Rhode Island. He’s in New York this week. My dad and mom are divorced. I love them both dearly.”
    “Then you should call your mom, too. We don’t want her to worry either.”
    Catherine hit the number one on her speed dial, and put the phone to her ear, she glanced at Jim while waiting for her father to answer. She spoke to Morgan as her father’s phone rang in New York, “Mom’s abroad for the summer...”
    “Hi daddy.”
    “Hello precious. How’s the seminar? Are you back in Dade County? How was your flight?”
    “Everything’s fine, dad. I just wanted to let you know I’m going down to Brazil on vacation. I’ll be back in two weeks.”
    “Okay, thanks for letting me know. You be careful down there, precious. Our political relations are a bit strained with