In Death 12 - Betrayal in Death

"Happens I get it from Carnegy Enhancement Supplies on Second Avenue when I've got a client who can pay the fee."
    She paused, sipped. "And it happens I took the trouble to call my pal there and ask her, on the quiet, about her customers for the products your guy had, or I figured were missing from the drawer. She said it was funny I should ask, 'cause she just got in an order for those exact products from one of her regulars. A big bald guy who comes in once or twice a year and picks up a supply. Pays in cash. Says he's got a salon in south Jersey."
    Eve got slowly to her feet. "Did he pick up the order?"
    "Nope. Coming in for it tomorrow, before noon. Told her to have it all put together as he was pressed for time. Ordered twice his usual, too."
    "Roarke, get this woman some more wine."
    "We did good?" Mavis asked, bouncing.
    "You did fantastic. Trina, I need the name of your pal. I need her cooperation."
    "Fine by me. But I got a question. How come you insult me?"
    "Insult you? I was about to kiss you."
    "How come you don't take care of my work? Look at you." Trina aimed a finger, tipped by a one-inch sapphire nail. "You look like something dragged under a maxibus. Skin's all tired, circles under your eyes."
    "I've been working."
    "What's that got to do with it? You can't take five minutes twice a day to show some respect for my work? When's the last time you used that exfoliant I gave you, or the pump lotion, or the stress repair?"
    "Ah..."
    "Bet you haven't had time to rub on the breast cream either." She turned on Roarke. "Some reason you can't slap some on your hands before you feel her up?"
    "I do try," he said, throwing Eve to the wolves without a qualm. "She's a difficult woman."
    "Let me see your feet," Trina demanded, rounding the desk.
    Eve Dallas, who had faced death and spit in its eye, went into full retreat. "No. My feet are fine."
    "Haven't used the pedia-care kit, have you?" Then Trina's eyes, with their rainbow lids and gold lashes, widened in shock. "Did you cut your hair?"
    "No." Eve grabbed it with a protective hand, nearly stumbled over the chair.
    "Don't you lie to me, girlfriend. You took the scissors to it, didn't you?"
    "No. Not exactly. Hardly at all. I had to do it. It was getting in my eyes. I barely touched it. Damn it." She decided it was time to plant her feet. "It's my hair."
    "It is not your hair, not once I've had my hands in it. Do I come down to your police station and strut around with a badge on my tit, or go out on the streets and hunt up bad guys so I can kick their ass? No! And this is what you do not do. You do not, ever in this lifetime or the next, mess with my work."
    Trina heaved a breath. "Now, I'm going down and getting my kit so I can deal with the mess you've made of yourself."
    "That's nice, really, but I don't have time for -- " Eve winced as Trina fisted her hands on her hips. "That would be great. Thanks."
    When Trina strode out, Eve stepped up to Mavis, gave her a hard look, and took her wine. She downed it, then scowled at her friend and her husband. "The first one who smirks eats this glass."

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
    She was up by six, and dove into the shower. She intended to round up her troops by eight, report to Whitney, then contact Karen Stowe.
    She intended for Yost to hear the cage door clang behind him by noon.
    "You're looking pleased with yourself, Lieutenant," Roarke said as he stepped under the spray behind her.
    "I will be in a few hours."
    "Perhaps we can make it sooner." He moved in, slid his hands up her body, over her breasts.
    "Wanna play water games, hot shot?"
    "I'll spot you ten points to the goal," he offered and nipped her shoulder.
    "Keep your handicap." She reached around to run a hand down his flank, then felt a hard pull in her belly as his fingers slid over and tugged her nipples. "You got that gunk on your hands?"
    "Trina assures me hot water only enhances the benefits. God knows you've got it hot enough."
    "And I was here first, so don't even think about changing the temp." She breathed deep, let her system relax. "I have to admit, it feels better when you put that stuff on than when she does."
    "It's flavored." He turned her around, dipped his head, sucked her in. "Apricot."
    "Yeah." Eve let her head fall back. "You definitely have the superior technique. Keep going."
    Her blood hummed, and her mind, which had been razor-sharp on wakening, clouded. Steam billowed around them, thickening the air until her lungs clogged with