Page 34 of Cold Hard Cash

“Can’t rush perfection” Worley rolled his eyes as he helped Jimmy get into the suit.

The fabric felt wonderful against Jimmy’s skin. It was a rich, deep scarlet, and he loved it immediately. Worley had selected a black button-up shirt and a white bowtie, and Jimmy was left gawking at himself in the reflection of the mirror when it was all on.

The suit fit very well, the pants showing off his long legs, and the jacket was tailored perfectly at his waist to flatter his slender build. He wasn’t a particularly vain person, but he couldn’t stop from twisting and turning in front of the mirror.

Jimmy had never felt so handsome, and he smiled dopily to himself. He hoped Cold liked it, surprised at himself by how much he valued Cold’s approval. He also realized there was no price tag on the outfit and cringed. He did not want to know how much this cost.

Worley whistled, calling out to Rowena, “Behold! Perfection.”

Rowena dropped her hands and then squealed excitedly. “Yes! Oh my God. Worley, where has this little gem been hiding?”

“It’s an Oswald Original,” Worley said proudly. “Rumor has it he made it personally for his hubby, but hubby hated it. But he and your little friend are practically the same size. It’s meant to be.”

“We’re getting it,” Rowena insisted. “Do whatever you have to do. We have to leave with this in two hours.”

Worley snapped his fingers at Jimmy to stand up on a small footstool, having him turn away from the mirror. He produced a measuring tape and moved Jimmy around a few times, casually cutting his eyes at Rowena as he said, “Terrible to hear about Dickie.”

“Yup, I’m all broken up about it,” Rowena replied in a voice that indicated she was anything but. Her whole body tensed, her eyes narrowing at Worley with a ferocious anger.

Worley’s happy demeanor fell at that, and he hurriedly said, “Well. Good news. I only have to let out the hem on the pants, like, half an inch. Shouldn’t take more than an hour.”

Jimmy swayed, trying to hold as still as possible while the tailor made one last measurement. He frowned, curious, but cautious enough to wait before he inquired about Rowena’s odd reaction. He stripped off the suit so he could put his own clothes back on and once Worley was gone, he asked, “Who’s Dickie?”

“Dickie White,” Rowena said, a faint snarl curling her lip. “My ex-boyfriend.”

Jimmy scratched his head, asking out loud, “Why does that name sound so damn familiar?”

“Oh? Hadn’t you heard? It’s all over the news.” Rowena chuckled sourly. “That’s the guy whose murder they’re trying to pin on Roddy.”

Jimmy’s heart stopped.

The case Augustus was investigating.

“Are you all right?” Rowena sounded concerned. “Drink too much?”

“Yeah, just a little woozy,” Jimmy said lamely.

“Hey! Worley?” Rowena cooed.

Worley poked his head in obediently, asking, “Yes, Miss Legrand?”

“Would you please be a dear and send someone over to Wendy’s for us?” She batted her eyes. “We need some grub to soak up some of this booze.”

“Of course, Miss Legrand,” Worley said, the two of them sharing a small smile as they glanced at Jimmy.

He felt positively green.

He probably looked it too.

Jimmy sat down quickly in one of the plush chairs and swiped a hand through his hair. Crap, he was sweating. The murder case Augustus was looking into was Rowena’s ex-boyfriend. This couldn’t be good.

He stared nervously at Rowena, trying to smile. She had said something about the relationship not ending well.

Well, crap, of course it hadn’t ended well if Cold killed the guy.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Rowena asked, frowning. Even drunk, she could tell something was amiss.

“Just too much to drink.” Jimmy smiled weakly, and he wished for once he was a better liar.