You Don't Know Jack by Adrianne Lee Page B

change your name to Stone-waller."
    He chuckled.
    I wasn't laughing. As he verbalized all the reasons why he wouldn't and couldn't tell me anything about the case, I contemplated how to get him to open up. Of course seduction popped to mind — along with images of every sweet spot on that gloriously sexy body of his, as well as just the persuasion that might loosen his tongue.
    I know, I know. I've sworn off men, especially this man, but to save Apollo from going to prison for a crime he didn't commit I might have to make the ultimate sacrifice. More images flashed and heat flushed through me as my sex-starved body sensed an end to the drought, knowing Stone would soothe its ragged nerves as no vibrator ever could.
    My wrist twinged as if some invisible spirit had pinched the half-heart tattoo. I gave myself a mental whack upside the head. What would I really gain if I seduced Stone and Apollo was still in trouble? More hurt. More anger. What was I thinking? I'd almost suggested the un-suggestible. Damn Stone and his alluring voice and his irresistible... talents, and his stupid, stubborn cop attitude.
    I crossed another street. One block left. I had to come up with an alternate way to help Apollo. Stone finally stopped talking and I jumped in. "Are you looking at other suspects?"
    His voice went all soft and whispery, full of sensuous suggestion, "I really can't talk about my case, but if there's anything else you need from me, Jack... anything... just say the word."
    My nipples stood up, responding like happy little soldiers to a subtle command from their superior officer. My resolve faltered. Again. I grappled for composure and choked out, "Not at the moment."
    "Okay, but remember, I'm only a phone call away... whenever you're ready."
    My mouth, and a couple unmentionable areas, watered. I was ready with a capital R. I hung up. Damn. I was so close to falling into bed with Stone my nerves, and everything else, tingled. I needed my BFF to talk me down.
    But first I had to get him to talk to me.
    The noise level grew exponentially as I neared the shop. Going through the front door was not an option. I couldn't risk being spotted by reporters and becoming a sound bite myself and worsening things between Apollo and me. I veered into the alleyway that ran between the salon and the house I grew up in, surprised to find the access free of media and lookie loos and more surprised to find the ground wet. It hadn't been raining.
    "Stop right there, missy!" a cranky voice called.
    I halted. The Crain sisters' neighbor, Oscar Orkan stepped from behind his garage, hose in hand, nozzle poised for firing. Double 0-70 with a Super Soaker assault weapon. This explained why the ground was wet and the alley free of media and lookie loos. I pulled off the shades and hat. "Wait, Mr. Orkan, don't shoot. It's me, Jack B."
    "You!" Oscar was as squat as a fire hydrant with a face like a Pug and a penchant for polyester leisure suits. He made a disgusted grunt. "You're as bad as the rest of them dames. You tell that ma of yours and her sisters, too, that if any of those vultures out front steps foot on my property again I'll shoot 'em with more'n this hose. Same goes for that homicidal hairdresser. We don't want no maniac killers around here. Murder us all in our beds, he will. Won't be safe 'til he's locked up for good."
    "Apollo is innocent, Mr. Orkan."
    "That's what they all say." He pointed the nozzle at my mid-section. "You tell 'em what I said, or else."
    I hurried past him, a new reality hitting home. Oscar was part of the jury pool. What chance did Apollo have with this kind of prejudice already running rampant?
    I reached the back entrance to the Clip and Flip and found the door locked. It was never locked. I used my key and slipped inside. The decor hadn't changed, it was still as pink and black and turquoise as a fifties malt shop. But something was off kilter.
    Different.
    And then I knew. No chit-chat above the rock and roll backdrop.